bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of Olfactory Network Based on Brain Structural Connectivity and Its Association With Olfactory Test Scores
Authors: Fjaeldstad Alexander Wieck , Stiller-Stut Franz , Gleesborg Carsten , Kringelbach Morten L. , Hummel Thomas , Fernandes Henrique M.
Published: April 2021

Olfactory perception is a complicated process involving multiple cortical and subcortical regions, of which the underlying brain dynamics are still not adequately mapped. Even in the definition of the olfactory primary cortex, there is a large degree of variation in parcellation templates used for investigating olfaction in neuroimaging studies. This complicates comparison between human olfactory neuroimaging studies. The present study aims to validate an olfactory parcellation template derived from both functional and anatomical data that applies structural connectivity (SC) to ensure robust connectivity to key secondary olfactory regions. Furthermore, exploratory analyses investigate if different olfactory parameters are associated with differences in the strength of connectivity of this structural olfactory fingerprint. By combining diffusion data with an anatomical atlas and advanced probabilistic tractography, we found that the olfactory parcellation had a robust SC network to key secondary olfactory regions. Furthermore, the study indicates that higher ratings of olfactory significance were associated with increased intra- and inter-hemispheric SC of the primary olfactory cortex. Taken together, these results suggest that the patterns of SC between the primary olfactory cortex and key secondary olfactory regions has potential to be used for investigating the nature of olfactory significance, hence strengthening the theory that individual differences in olfactory behaviour are encoded in the structural network fingerprint of the olfactory cortex.
Nutritional and Gastroenterological Monitoring of Patients With Celiac Disease During COVID-19 Pandemic: The Emerging Role of Telemedicine and Point-of-Care Gluten Detection Tests
Authors: Costantino Andrea , Roncoroni Leda , Noviello Daniele , Nandi Nicoletta , Lombardo Vincenza , Scricciolo Alice , Scaramella Lucia , Vecchi Maurizio , Elli Luca
Published: April 2021

Background and Aims: Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, telemedicine has been supporting many patients with chronic diseases worldwide. However, data on celiac disease (CeD) nutritional and gastroenterological remote monitoring are scanty. The aims of our study were to verify patients' trust in telemedicine and to evaluate the feasibility of telemedicine in nutritional monitoring.

Material and Methods: We used telemedicine in place of the scheduled but not provided follow-up visits during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients received a phone call, and televisits were conducted for CeD patients with mild or moderate symptoms and/or with blood alterations. The patient's adherence to the gluten-free diet (GFD) was evaluated according to the Celiac Dietary Adherence Test (CDAT). When gluten contamination was suspected, a point-of-care gluten detection test was prescribed. The patient's trust in telemedicine was assessed, through an adapted version of the Patient Trust Assessment Tool (PATAT) questionnaire, as the percentage of patients giving a score of at least 4 out of 5 on a Likert scale for three selected key statements: “I can trust televisit,” “I can trust that possible problems with the telemedicine service will be solved properly,” and “I feel at ease when working with this website.”

Results: One hundred and twelve CeD patients were phone called; among symptomatic patients, 39 out of the 42 scheduled (92.9%) televisits were performed. Among the 39 visits, 34 (87.2%) questionnaires were compiled. The patients included in the study obtained a CDAT score from 7 to 13 (11 ± 2). Gluten detection tests were prescribed to 11 patients, resulting positive in 2. Trust in the telemedicine service was achieved in 94.1, 88.2, and 97.1% for the three selected key statements of the PATAT questionnaire.

Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine showed to be feasible and the majority of patients trusted the combined gastroenterological and nutritional televisits. Gluten detection tests demonstrated to be useful tools for the patient and for the caregiver to confirm adherence to the GFD remotely.
Conventional Treatments Cannot Improve Outcomes of Early-Stage Primary Breast Marginal Zone Lymphoma
Authors: Liu Hailing , Zhang Jing , Quan Lin , Cao Lei , Miao Yi , Zhao Xiaoli , Shen Haorui , Wang Li , Xu Wei , Li Jianyong , Fan Lei
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Primary breast marginal zone lymphoma (PBMZL) is a rare occurrence and less is known about its characteristics, treatments, and outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 370 cases of early-stage PBMZL from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Statistical analyses were performed to describe clinical features, determine prognostic factors, and compare different therapeutic strategies.

Results

At a median follow-up of 68.5 months, the 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) rate were 81.2 and 95.4%, respectively. We divided the cohort into four treatment groups and compared their characteristics and survival: radiotherapy (RT) ± surgery (Sx) (n = 142, 38.4%), Sx alone (n = 71, 19.2%), any chemotherapy (CT) (n = 63, 17.0%), and none of the above (n = 94, 25.4%). Age of onset and laterality of lesions tended to relate to the choice of different treatments. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that advanced age (>60 years), concomitant tumor, and any CT (vs RT ± Sx) predicted poorer OS, while for DSS, there was no meaningful indicator (P > 0.05). Patients aged >60 years or treated with any CT seemed to have shorter DSS, but the difference only approached statistical significance. Then we applied a propensity score-matched analysis to demonstrate that neither RT- nor Sx-containing therapy could bring a better OS or DSS. The competing risk model suggested that CT was the only contributor to higher PBMZL-specific mortality.

Conclusion

Our results show an indolent behavior of early-stage PBMZL with long-term survival. Conventional oncological treatments fail to bring survival benefits; especially CT is detrimental to survival, suggesting that observation may be advisable in the management of early-stage PBMZL, and further research on novel targeted agents is warranted for patients in need.
Pelvic Reconstruction With a Novel Three-Dimensional-Printed, Multimodality Imaging Based Endoprosthesis Following Enneking Type I + IV Resection
Authors: Yu Zeping , Zhang Wenli , Fang Xiang , Tu Chongqi , Duan Hong
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose

Pelvic tumor involving Type I + IV resections are technically challenging, along with various reconstructions methods presenting unsatisfactory outcomes and high complication rates. Since predominating studies preferred adopting pedicle screw-rod system (PRSS) to address this issue, we designed a novel three-dimensional-printed, multimodality imaging (3DMMI) based endoprosthesis with patient-specific instrument (PSI) assistance to facilitate the surgical reconstruction of pelvic tumor involving Enneking Type I + IV resection. We aimed to investigate the clinical effectiveness of this novel endoprosthesis and compare it with PRSS in Type I + IV reconstruction.

Methods

We retrospective studied 28 patients for a median follow-up of 47 months (range, 10 to 128 months) in this study with either 3D-printed endoprosthesis reconstruction (n = 10) or PRSS reconstruction (n = 18) between January 2000 and December 2017. Preoperative 3DMMI technique was used for tumor evaluation, PSI design, virtual surgery, and endoprosthesis fabrication. Clinical, oncological outcomes, functional assessments, and complications were analyzed between the two groups.

Results

Minor surgical trauma with mean operative duration of 251 ± 52.16 minutes (p = 0.034) and median intraoperative hemorrhage of 2000ml (range, 1600, 4000ml) (p = 0.032) was observed in endoprosthesis group. Wide margins were achieved in 9 patients of the endoprosthesis group compared with 10 in the PRSS group (p = 0.09). The 1993 version of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (MSTS-93) was 23.9 ± 3.76 in endoprosthesis group, which was higher than PRSS group (p = 0.012). No statistical significance was found in relapse between two groups (p = 0.36). Complications were observed in two patients in endoprosthesis group compared with 12 patients in PRSS group (p = 0.046).

Conclusion

The novel design of this 3D-printed endoprosthesis, together with 3DMMI and PSI assisted, is technically accessible with favorable clinical outcomes compared with PRSS. Further study is essential to identify its long-term outcomes.
Characterization of the Prognostic m6A-Related lncRNA Signature in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Haixu , Meng Qingkai , Ma Bin
Published: April 2021

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a common form of mRNA modification regulated by m6A RNA methylation regulators and play an important role in the progression of gastric cancer (GC). However, the prognostic role of m6A-related lncRNA in gastric cancer has not been fully explored. This study aims at exploring the biological function and prognostic roles of the m6A-related lncRNA signature in gastric cancer. A total of 800 m6A-related lncRNAs were identified through Pearson correlation analysis between m6A regulators and all lncRNAs. Eleven m6A-related lncRNA signatures were identified through a survival analysis and the Kaplan-Meier (KM) curve analysis results suggest that patients in the low-risk group have a better overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) outcome than the high-risk group. Also, the lncRNA signature can serve as an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS. The gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) result suggests that patients in the high-risk group were mainly enriched in the ECM receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway, while the low-risk group was characterized by the base excision repair pathway. We further constructed an individualized prognostic prediction model via the nomogram based on the independent prognostic factor for the OS and DFS, respectively. In addition, some candidate drugs aimed at GC risk group differentiation were identified using the Connective Map (CMAP) database. Lastly, four subgroups (C1, C2, C3, and C4) were identified based on the m6A-related lncRNA expression, through a consensus clustering algorithm. Among them, C1 and C2 have a greater likelihood to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy, suggesting that the C1 and C2 subgroup might benefit from immunotherapy. In conclusion, the m6A-related lncRNA signature can independently predict the OS and DFS of GC and may aid in development of personalized immunotherapy strategies.
High Expression of microRNA-223 Indicates a Good Prognosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Chen Li , Zhu Xiuzhi , Han Boyue , Ji Lei , Yao Ling , Wang Zhonghua
Published: April 2021

Purpose

MicroRNAs can influence many biological processes and have shown promise as cancer biomarkers. Few studies have focused on the expression of microRNA-223 (miR-223) and its precise role in breast cancer (BC). We aimed to examine the expression level of miR-223 and its prognostic value in BC.

Methods

Tissue microarray (TMA)-based miRNA detection in situ hybridization (ISH) with a locked nucleic acid (LNA) probe was used to detect miR-223 expression in 450 BC tissue samples. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between two groups using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model.

Results

OS and DFS were prolonged in the high miR-223 expression group compared to the low miR-223 expression group (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.017, respectively), especially in patients with the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype (p = 0.046 and p < 0.001, respectively). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that TNM stage (p = 0.008), the molecular subtype (p = 0.049), and miR-223 (p < 0.001) were independently associated with OS and DFS. External validation was performed with the METABRIC and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases via online webtools and was consistent with the data described above.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that high miR-223 expression at diagnosis is associated with improved DFS and OS for BC patients, especially those with the TNBC subtype. miR-223 is a valid and independent prognostic biomarker in BC.
Cytoskeleton Dynamics in Peripheral T Cell Lymphomas: An Intricate Network Sustaining Lymphomagenesis
Authors: Fragliasso Valentina , Tameni Annalisa , Inghirami Giorgio , Mularoni Valentina , Ciarrocchi Alessia
Published: April 2021

Defects in cytoskeleton functions support tumorigenesis fostering an aberrant proliferation and promoting inappropriate migratory and invasive features. The link between cytoskeleton and tumor features has been extensively investigated in solid tumors. However, the emerging genetic and molecular landscape of peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCL) has unveiled several alterations targeting structure and function of the cytoskeleton, highlighting its role in cell shape changes and the aberrant cell division of malignant T cells. In this review, we summarize the most recent evidence about the role of cytoskeleton in PTCLs development and progression. We also discuss how aberrant signaling pathways, like JAK/STAT3, NPM-ALK, RhoGTPase, and Aurora Kinase, can contribute to lymphomagenesis by modifying the structure and the signaling properties of cytoskeleton.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Its Regulation Mechanisms in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Luu Tuan
Published: April 2021

As one of the malignancies with high mortality and high insensitivity to existing therapies, pancreatic cancer and mechanisms underlying its progression have received growing scholarly attention. The role of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pancreatic cancer genesis and metastasis has been reported albeit controversy has remained. Recent insights into further EMT-regulating mechanisms underlying pancreatic cancer contribute to the nexus between EMT and this cancer type. This review will elucidate the role of EMT as a hallmark for pancreatic cancer as well as summarize EMT-regulating factors recently detected as a key advance in the research stream on EMT in pancreatic cancer.
Association Between Obesity and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Among Children and Adolescents: A Community-Based Study
Authors: Wang Shih-Gang , Yang Stephen Shei-Dei , Chang Shang-Jen
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Obesity is associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) and dysfunction in adults while its impact on children and adolescents remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the impact of obesity on LUTSs among children and adolescents through a large-scale community-based study.

Methods: From July 2004 to April 2017, children and adolescents aged 5–15 years-old in Xin-Dian District, New Taipei City were invited to participate in our study. The exclusion criteria were a history of congenital genitourinary tract anomalies, neurological anomalies, or a presence of urinary tract infection. After providing informed consent the participant completed a questionnaire, which included their baseline characteristics and dysfunctional voiding symptom score (DVSS); a parent completed the questionnaire with the younger children. Urgency and daytime incontinence were defined as having positive statement for DVSS questions 7 and 1, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictors of urgency, daytime incontinence and enuresis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 2,371 participants were enrolled in the study, and 1,599 were ultimately eligible for analysis. The prevalence of urgency, daytime incontinence, constipation, and enuresis were 37.6, 6.4, 26.1, and 7.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age (p = 0.01) and obesity (p = 0.04) were independent predictors for urgency. Younger age (p < 0.01) and constipation (p = 0.04) were independent predictors for daytime incontinence but obesity was not. Younger children were more likely to have nocturnal enuresis (95% CI = 0.77–0.88) and obesity did not have a significant impact on enuresis.

Conclusion: Obesity was significantly associated with urgency but it was not significantly associated with daytime incontinence and enuresis in community dwelling children and adolescents.
Pediatric Subspecialty Adoption of Telemedicine Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Early Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Xie James , Prahalad Priya , Lee Tzielan C. , Stevens Lindsay A. , Meister Kara D.
Published: April 2021

Telemedicine has rapidly expanded in many aspects of pediatric care as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about what factors may make pediatric subspeciality care more apt to long-term adoption of telemedicine. To better delineate the potential patient, provider, and subspecialty factors which may influence subspecialty adoption of telemedicine, we reviewed our institutional experience. The top 36 pediatric subspecialties at Stanford Children's Health were classified into high telemedicine adopters, low telemedicine adopters, and telemedicine reverters. Distance from the patient's home, primary language, insurance type, institutional factors such as wait times, and subspecialty-specific clinical differences correlated with differing patterns of telemedicine adoption. With greater awareness of these factors, institutions and providers can better guide patients in determining which care may be best suited for telemedicine and develop sustainable long-term telemedicine programming.
Development and Technical Validation of a Smartphone-Based Cry Detection Algorithm
Authors: ZhuParris Ahnjili , Kruizinga Matthijs D. , Gent Max van , Dessing Eva , Exadaktylos Vasileios , Doll Robert Jan , Stuurman Frederik E. , Driessen Gertjan A. , Cohen Adam F.
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The duration and frequency of crying of an infant can be indicative of its health. Manual tracking and labeling of crying is laborious, subjective, and sometimes inaccurate. The aim of this study was to develop and technically validate a smartphone-based algorithm able to automatically detect crying.

Methods: For the development of the algorithm a training dataset containing 897 5-s clips of crying infants and 1,263 clips of non-crying infants and common domestic sounds was assembled from various online sources. OpenSMILE software was used to extract 1,591 audio features per audio clip. A random forest classifying algorithm was fitted to identify crying from non-crying in each audio clip. For the validation of the algorithm, an independent dataset consisting of real-life recordings of 15 infants was used. A 29-min audio clip was analyzed repeatedly and under differing circumstances to determine the intra- and inter- device repeatability and robustness of the algorithm.

Results: The algorithm obtained an accuracy of 94% in the training dataset and 99% in the validation dataset. The sensitivity in the validation dataset was 83%, with a specificity of 99% and a positive- and negative predictive value of 75 and 100%, respectively. Reliability of the algorithm appeared to be robust within- and across devices, and the performance was robust to distance from the sound source and barriers between the sound source and the microphone.

Conclusion: The algorithm was accurate in detecting cry duration and was robust to various changes in ambient settings.
Carvedilol Exerts Neuroprotective Effect on Rat Model of Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Magadmi Rania M. , Alsulaimani Mujahid A. , Al-Rafiah Aziza R. , Ahmad Muhammad Saeed , Esmat Ahmed
Published: April 2021

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) commonly occurs in diabetics, affecting approximately 50% of both type 1 and 2 diabetic patients. It is a leading cause of non-traumatic amputations. Oxidative stress could play a key role in the pathophysiology of DN. This study aimed to investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of carvedilol on STZ-induced DN in rats. Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats (weighing 200–250 g) were randomly divided into five groups (six/group), where group 1 (negative control) received only the vehicle (0.5% of carboxymethyl cellulose orally 1 ml/kg). DN was induced by a single injection of remaining rats with streptozotocin (STZ; 50 mg/kg, i.p.). After diabetes induction, group 2 served as the diabetic untreated animals; while groups 3 and 4 were treated with carvedilol (1 and 10 mg/kg/d, orally, respectively). Group 5 received a-lipoic acid as a reference neuroprotective (100 mg/kg/d, orally). All treatments were continued for 45 days after diabetes induction, followed by behavioural tests. After sacrificing the animals, dorsal root ganglia, and sciatic nerves were collected for histopathological examination and biochemical assessments. Briefly, STZ administration caused cold allodynia, induced oxidative stress, and increased nerve growth factor (NGF) concentration. Nevertheless, carvedilol improved the behavioural tests, ameliorated the oxidative imbalance as manifested by reducing malondialdehyde, restoring glutathione content, and superoxide dismutase activity. Carvedilol also decreased NGF concentration in DRG homogenate. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the neuroprotective effect of carvedilol in an experimentally induced DN rat model through–at least partly–its antioxidant effect and reduced NGF concentration in DRG.
Effect of Hydrolyzed Bird’s Nest on β-Cell Function and Insulin Signaling in Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Choy Ker Woon , Zain Zuhaida Md , Murugan Dharmani Devi , Giribabu Nelli , Zamakshshari Nor Hisam , Lim Yang Mooi , Mustafa Mohd Rais
Published: April 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by both resistance to the action of insulin and defects in insulin secretion. Bird’s nest, which is derived from the saliva of swiftlets are well known to possess multiple health benefits dating back to Imperial China. However, it’s effect on diabetes mellitus and influence on the actions of insulin action remains to be investigated. In the present study, the effect of standardized aqueous extract of hydrolyzed edible bird nest (HBN) on metabolic characteristics and insulin signaling pathway in pancreas, liver and skeletal muscle of db/db, a type 2 diabetic mice model was investigated. Male db/db diabetic and its euglycemic control, C57BL/6J mice were administered HBN (75 and 150 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (1 mg/kg) orally for 28 days. Metabolic parameters were evaluated by measuring fasting blood glucose, serum insulin and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Insulin signaling and activation of inflammatory pathways in liver, adipose, pancreas and muscle tissue were evaluated by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured in the serum at the end of the treatment. The results showed that db/db mice treated with HBN significantly reversed the elevated fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, serum pro-inflammatory cytokines levels and the impaired OGTT without affecting the body weight of the mice in all groups. Furthermore, HBN treatment significantly ameliorated pathological changes and increased the protein expression of insulin, and glucose transporters in the pancreatic islets (GLUT-2), liver and skeletal muscle (GLUT-4). Likewise, the Western blots analysis denotes improved insulin signaling and antioxidant enzyme, decreased reactive oxygen species producing enzymes and inflammatory molecules in the liver and adipose tissues of HBN treated diabetic mice. These results suggest that HBN improves β-cell function and insulin signaling by attenuation of oxidative stress mediated chronic inflammation in the type 2 diabetic mice.
Efficacy of Spironolactone Treatment in Murine Models of Cutaneous and Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Andrade-Neto Valter Viana , da Silva Pacheco Juliana , Inácio Job Domingos , Almeida-Amaral Elmo Eduardo , Torres-Santos Eduardo Caio , Cunha-Junior Edezio Ferreira
Published: April 2021

Translational studies involving the reuse and association of drugs are approaches that can result in higher success rates in the discovery and development of drugs for serious public health problems, including leishmaniasis. If we consider the number of pathogenic species in relation to therapeutic options, this arsenal is still small, and each drug possesses a disadvantage in terms of toxicity, efficacy, price, or treatment regimen. In the search for new drugs, we performed a drug screening of L. amazonensis promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of fifty available drugs belonging to several classes according to their pharmacophoric group. Spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic, proved to be the most promising drug candidate. After demonstrating the in vitro antileishmanial activity, we evaluated the efficacy on a murine experimental model with L. amazonensis and L. infantum. The treatment controlled the cutaneous lesion and reduced the parasite burden of L. amazonensis significantly, as effectively as meglumine antimoniate. The treatment of experimental visceral leishmaniasis was effective in reducing the parasite load on the main affected organs (spleen and liver) via high doses of spironolactone. The association between spironolactone and meglumine antimoniate promoted better control of the parasite load in the spleen and liver compared to the group treated with meglumine antimoniate alone. These results reveal a possible benefit of the concomitant use of spironolactone and meglumine antimoniate that should be studied more in depth for the future possibility of repositioning for leishmaniasis co-therapy.
Neuroprotective Effects of Oxymatrine on PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway After Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Damage in Neonatal Rats
Authors: Wei Wei , Lu Min , Lan Xiao-bing , Liu Ning , Su Wei-ke , Dushkin Alexandr V. , Yu Jian-qiang
Published: April 2021

Oxymatrine (OMT), a quinolizidine alkaloid extracted from traditional Chinese herb Sophora flavescens Ait, has drawn attention because of its beneficial bioactivities against hypoxic–ischemic brain damage (HIBD). However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we determined the in vivo and in vitro effects of OMT on seven-day old Sprague–Dawley rats with HIBD and in a rat model of primary hippocampal neuron oxygen glucose deprivation reoxygenation (OGD/R). This study was aimed to evaluate whether OMT exerted neuroprotective effects mediated by the (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin) PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway after HIBD. Experimental results showed that the alkaloid significantly improved the early neurofunctional development, brain water content, abnormal pathological changes, and necrosis of neurons after HIBD. Moreover, OMT enhanced the cell viability and stabilized the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in the primary hippocampal neurons after OGD/R. OMT significantly decreased the autophagosome generation, elevated the expression of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR, and simultaneously reversed the mRNA expression of microtubule-associated protein 1-light chain 3 (LC3), Beclin-1, and sequestosomel (P62) induced by hypoxia and ischemia. However, these protective effects against HIBD could be suppressed when rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of mTOR, was included. Hence, the OMT exerted neuroprotective effects against HIBD by attenuating excessive autophagy by mediating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.
Precision Medicine in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Marafini Irene , Monteleone Giovanni
Published: April 2021

During the last decades, a better understanding of the mechanisms sustaining the pathogenic process in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has contributed to expand the therapeutic armamentarium for patients with these disorders. Alongside with traditional therapies, monoclonal antibodies against tumor necrosis factor-α, the interleukin (IL)-12/IL-23 p40 subunit and the α4β7 integrin, and tofacitinib, a small molecule inhibiting intracellular pathways downstream to cytokine receptors, have entered into the clinic. However, these drugs are not effective in all patients and some responders can lose response over time. Such a therapeutic failure is, at least in part, dependent on the fact that, in IBD, the tissue damage is driven by simultaneous activation of multiple and distinct immune-inflammatory signals and the detrimental mucosal immune response changes over time even in the same patient. Therefore, personalized approaches aimed at identifying which patient should be treated with a specific drug at a precise time point are worth pursuing. A such approach has the advantage to improve efficacy of the drug and limit adverse reactions, thereby improving quality of the life of the patients and reducing costs. In this review, we summarize all the available evidence about the possible role of precision medicine in IBD.
Retrospective Cohort Study of Intraoperative Administration of Sustained-Release 5-Fluorouracil Implants in Advanced Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Ge Jie , Liu Ting , Lei Tianxiang , Li Xuan , Song Kun , Azizi Samim , Liu Heli , Tang Mimi
Published: April 2021

Background: 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is basically used in the field of postoperative chemotherapy of gastric cancer (GC), the goal of this study was to evaluate improvement of long-term survival rate among GC patients after the 5-FU implants treatment.

Methods: The study included 145 patients with gastric cancer who received postoperative chemotherapy with 5-FU implants and had complete follow-up information. According to the sex, age and clinical stage of 5-FU implants group, 74 patients were matched as the control group at the same time. In the study, we compared the 5-year overall survival rate with progression-free survival rate in the two groups, and the drug safety for both groups during the treatment was also compared.

Results: The median follow-up time was 85 months (range 60–116 months). 31 patients (21.38%) died of tumor recurrence in 5-FU implants group and 21 (28.38%) in control group. In the control group, metastatic lesions were found in the small intestine, left adrenal gland and peritoneum in three patients. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 79.71% in 5-FU group and 67.12% in control (p = 0.0045). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 77.68% in 5-FU implants group and 64.87% in control (p = 0.0159). Both the 5-years OS and PFS rates in 5-FU group were better than control group without significant side effect.

Conclusions: 5-FU implants may improve 5-years OS and PFS rates after surgery in gastric cancer patients, while good safety profile suggests it could be reliable.
An Overview of Spintronic True Random Number Generator
Authors: Fu Zhenxiao , Tang Yi , Zhao Xi , Lu Kai , Dong Yemin , Shukla Amit , Zhu Zhifeng , Yang Yumeng
Published: April 2021

A True Random Number Generator is an essential component in data encryption, hardware security, physical unclonable functions, and statistical analyses. Conventional CMOS devices usually exploit the thermal noise or jitter to generate randomness, which suffers from high energy consumption, slow bit generating rate, large area, and over-complicated circuit. In this mini review, we introduce the novel physical randomness generating mechanism based on the stochastic switching behavior of magnetic tunnel junctions. As compared to CMOS technologies, the random number generator based on spintronic devices can have many inherent advantages, such as simpler structure, compact area, higher throughput, and better energy-efficiency. Here, we review and compare various existing schemes at the device and circuit levels to achieve high performance magnetic tunnel junctions based on a True Random Number Generator. Future research trends and challenges are also discussed to stimulate more works in this area.
Size Distribution of Emitted Energies in Local Load Sharing Fiber Bundles
Authors: Roy Subhadeep , Biswas Soumyajyoti
Published: April 2021

We study the local load sharing fiber bundle model and its energy burst statistics. While it is known that the avalanche size distribution of the model is exponential, we numerically show here that the avalanche size (s) and the corresponding average energy burst (〈E〉) in this version of the model have a non-linear relation (〈E〉 ~sγ). Numerical results indicate thatγ≈ 2.5 universally for different failure threshold distributions. With this numerical observation, it is then possible to show that the energy burst distribution is a power law, with a universal exponent value of −(γ+ 1).
Study on the Relationship Between Symmetric Property of Optical Orbital Angular Momentum Spectrum and Critical Points of Phase in an Inhomogeneous Non-Random Media
Authors: Xu Lingfei , Hong Jun , Zhou Zhichao , Ren Tianrong
Published: April 2021

In the aero-optic turbulent boundary layer (TBL), there exist very rich air flow structures that fall into a wide range of scales, with the smallest being roughly of the order of the optical wavelength. However, these fine spatial variations cannot be neglected when one is dealing with light propagation through such structures, since both the amplitude and phase of a light wave undergo modulations. In this study, we studied the influence of TBL on the angular momentum spectrum of light and found that there exists critical point of the azimuthal distribution of the disturbance phase that determines the symmetric properties of the expansion spectrum.
Pulmonary Congestion Due to Right and Left Heart Output Mismatching: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yuan Jing , Li Yongjun , Sun Jie
Published: April 2021

We report a new pulmonary circulation model during cardiopulmonary bypass that is able to cause pulmonary congestion but without left heart failure. This kind of congestion is characterized by right and left heart output mismatching. The pathophysiological mechanism, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of this pulmonary congestion are reviewed and discussed in the following article.
Global Identification of ANTH Genes Involved in Rice Pollen Germination and Functional Characterization of a Key Member, OsANTH3
Authors: Lee Su Kyoung , Hong Woo-Jong , Silva Jeniffer , Kim Eui-Jung , Park Soon Ki , Jung Ki-Hong , Kim Yu-Jin
Published: April 2021

Pollen in angiosperms plays a critical role in double fertilization by germinating and elongating pollen tubes rapidly in one direction to deliver sperm. In this process, the secretory vesicles deliver cell wall and plasma membrane materials, and excessive materials are sequestered via endocytosis. However, endocytosis in plants is poorly understood. AP180 N-terminal homology (ANTH) domain-containing proteins function as adaptive regulators for clathrin-mediated endocytosis in eukaryotic systems. Here, we identified 17 ANTH domain-containing proteins from rice based on a genome-wide investigation. Motif and phylogenomic analyses revealed seven asparagine-proline-phenylalanine (NPF)-rich and 10 NPF-less subgroups of these proteins, as well as various clathrin-mediated endocytosis-related motifs in their C-terminals. To investigate their roles in pollen germination, we performed meta-expression analysis of all genes encoding ANTH domain-containing proteins in Oryza sativa (OsANTH genes) in anatomical samples, including pollen, and identified five mature pollen-preferred OsANTH genes. The subcellular localization of four OsANTH proteins that were preferentially expressed in mature pollen can be consistent with their role in endocytosis in the plasma membrane. Of them, OsANTH3 represented the highest expression in mature pollen. Functional characterization of OsANTH3 using T-DNA insertional knockout and gene-edited mutants revealed that a mutation in OsANTH3 decreased seed fertility by reducing the pollen germination percentage in rice. Thus, our study suggests OsANTH3-mediated endocytosis is important for rice pollen germination.
Bioprospecting of Beneficial Bacteria Traits Associated With Tomato Root in Greenhouse Environment Reveals That Sampling Sites Impact More Than the Root Compartment
Authors: Anzalone Alice , Di Guardo Mario , Bella Patrizia , Ghadamgahi Farideh , Dimaria Giulio , Zago Rosario , Cirvilleri Gabriella , Catara Vittoria
Published: April 2021

Tomato is subject to several diseases that affect both field- and greenhouse-grown crops. To select cost-effective potential biocontrol agents, we used laboratory throughput screening to identify bacterial strains with versatile characteristics suitable for multipurpose uses. The natural diversity of tomato root–associated bacterial communities was bioprospected under a real-world environment represented by an intensive tomato cultivation area characterized by extraseasonal productions in the greenhouse. Approximately 400 tomato root–associated bacterial isolates, in majority Gram-negative bacteria, were isolated from three compartments: the soil close to the root surface (rhizosphere, R), the root surface (rhizoplane, RP), and the root interior (endorhizosphere, E). A total of 33% of the isolates produced siderophores and were able to solubilize phosphates and grow on NA with 8% NaCl. A total of 30% of the root-associated bacteria showed antagonistic activity against all the tomato pathogens tested, i.e., Clavibacter michiganesis pv. michiganensis, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, Pseudomonas corrugata and Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans, and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. We found that the sampling site rather than the root compartment of isolation influenced bacterial composition in terms of analyzed phenotype. This was demonstrated through a diversity analysis including general characteristics and PGPR traits, as well as biocontrol activity in vitro. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene (rDNA) sequencing of 77 culturable endophytic bacteria that shared multiple beneficial activity revealed a predominance of bacteria in Bacillales, Enterobacteriales, and Pseudomonadales. Their in vitro antagonistic activity showed that Bacillus species were significantly more active than the isolates in the other taxonomic group. In planta activity against phytopathogenic bacteria of a subset of Bacillus and Pseudomonas isolates was also assessed.
Personal Metaphors as Motivational Resources: Boosting Anticipated Incentives and Feelings of Vitality Through a Personal Motto-Goal
Authors: Dyllick Thomas H. , Dickhäuser Oliver , Stahlberg Dagmar
Published: April 2021

Motto-goals describe a desired mind-set and provide a person with a guiding principle of how to approach a personal goal or obligation (e.g., with the inner strength of a bear I am forging ahead). We propose that motto-goals can be conceptionalized as individually created metaphors and that the figurative, metaphorical language and the characteristics of the formation process make them effective in changing the perception of unpleasant personal obligations as more inherently enjoyable and raise vitality levels. To test whether a newly devised minimalistic motto-goal intervention can make goal striving more attractive (stronger anticipation of activity related incentives) and energize goal-oriented action (increase vitality) in relation to an unpleasant obligation, two experimental studies were conducted. In Study 1 the motto-goal condition led to stronger anticipation of activity related incentives and vitality compared to a distraction task. The effect on vitality was partially mediated by a change in feelings of autonomy. Study 2 replicated the effects compared to a placebo intervention and further found motto-goals to be specifically effective in increasing the anticipation of activity related incentives as opposed to outcome related incentives. The results support that applying motto-goals built with a newly developed minimalist motto-goal intervention can influence the subjective experience of individuals faced with a previously unpleasant obligation.
Stressful Experiences in University Predict Non-suicidal Self-Injury Through Emotional Reactivity
Authors: Hamza Chloe A. , Goldstein Abby L. , Heath Nancy L. , Ewing Lexi
Published: April 2021

Theoretical perspectives on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI; direct and deliberate self-injury without lethal intent such as self-cutting or hitting) have long underscored the affective regulating properties of NSSI. Less attention has been given to the processes through which individuals choose to engage in NSSI, specifically, to regulate their distress. In the present study, we tested one theoretical model in which recent stressful experiences facilitates NSSI through emotional reactivity. Further, we tested whether the indirect link between stressful experiences and NSSI was moderated by several NSSI specific risk factors (e.g., having friends who engage in NSSI). Given the widespread prevalence of NSSI among community-based samples of adolescents and emerging adults, we surveyed 1,125 emerging adults in first-year university at a large academic institution (72% female, Mage = 17.96, 25% with a recent history of NSSI at Time 1). Participants completed an online survey three times (assessments were 4 months apart), reporting on their recent stressful experiences in university, emotional reactivity, NSSI, as well as three NSSI specific risk factors (i.e., close friend engagement in NSSI, high self-disgust, and low fear of pain). As expected, path analysis revealed that there was a significant indirect effect of recent stressful experiences on NSSI engagement, through emotional reactivity. However, this effect was maintained across moderator analyses. These novel findings underscore the salient role of proximally occurring stressors in the prediction of NSSI among emerging adults in university, and can inform developing theoretical perspectives on NSSI.
Cultural Differences in Face Recognition and Potential Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Blais Caroline , Linnell Karina J. , Caparos Serge , Estéphan Amanda
Published: April 2021

The ability to recognize a face is crucial for the success of social interactions. Understanding the visual processes underlying this ability has been the focus of a long tradition of research. Recent advances in the field have revealed that individuals having different cultural backgrounds differ in the type of visual information they use for face processing. However, the mechanisms that underpin these differences remain unknown. Here, we revisit recent findings highlighting group differences in face processing. Then, we integrate these results in a model of visual categorization developed in the field of psychophysics: the RAP framework. On the basis of this framework, we discuss potential mechanisms, whether face-specific or not, that may underlie cross-cultural differences in face perception.
Assessing the External Load Associated With High-Intensity Activities Recorded During Official Basketball Games
Authors: Pernigoni Marco , Ferioli Davide , Butautas Ramūnas , La Torre Antonio , Conte Daniele
Published: April 2021

Load monitoring in basketball is fundamental to develop training programs, maximizing performance while reducing injury risk. However, information regarding the load associated with specific activity patterns during competition is limited. This study aimed at assessing the external load associated with high-intensity activities recorded during official basketball games, with respect to different (1) activity patterns, (2) playing positions, and (3) activities performed with or without ball. Eleven male basketball players (six backcourt, five frontcourt, age: 20.5 ± 1.1 years, stature: 191.5 ± 8.7 cm, body mass: 86.5 ± 11.3 kg; experience: 8.5 ± 2.4 years) competing in the Lithuanian third division were recruited for this study. Three in-season games were assessed via time-motion analysis and microsensors. Specifically, the high-intensity activities including sprints, high-intensity specific movements (HSM) and jumps were identified and subsequently the external load [PlayerLoad™ (PL) and PlayerLoad™/min (PL/min)] of each activity was determined. Linear mixed models were used to examine differences in PL, PL/min and mean duration between activity pattern, playing positions and activities performed with or without ball. Results revealed PL was lower in jumps compared to sprints [p < 0.001, effect size (ES) = 0.68] and HSMs (p < 0.001, ES = 0.58), while PL/min was greater in sprints compared to jumps (p = 0.023, ES = 0.22). Jumps displayed shorter duration compared to sprints (p < 0.001, ES = 1.10) and HSMs (p < 0.001, ES = 0.81), with HSMs lasting longer than sprints (p = 0.002, ES = 0.17). Jumps duration was longer in backcourt than frontcourt players (p < 0.001, ES = 0.33). When considering activity patterns combined, PL (p < 0.001, ES = 0.28) and duration (p < 0.001, ES = 0.43) were greater without ball. Regarding HSMs, PL/min was higher with ball (p = 0.036, ES = 0.14), while duration was longer without ball (p < 0.001, ES = 0.34). The current findings suggest that external load differences in high-intensity activities exist among activity patterns and between activities performed with and without ball, while no differences were found between playing positions. Practitioners should consider these differences when designing training sessions.
Earthquake Exposure and PTSD Symptoms Among Disaster-Exposed Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Model of Sleep Problems and Resilience
Authors: Wang Shuo , Shi Xuliang , Chen Xiaoyan , Zhu Ya , Chen Huilin , Fan Fang
Published: April 2021

Considerable studies have explored the potential mechanisms between trauma exposure and PTSD, but little is known about the role of sleep problems and resilience in this relationship. To address this research gap, the present study examined whether sleep problems mediated the relationship between earthquake exposure and PTSD symptoms, and whether this mediating process was moderated by resilience. A sample of 1,342 adolescents (Mage = 15.54 years, SD = 1.26) completed questionnaires regarding earthquake exposure, sleep problems, resilience, and PTSD symptoms 12 months after a devastating earthquake in China. After controlling for demographic variables, earthquake exposure was significantly, and positively associated with PTSD symptoms, and sleep problems partially mediated this relationship. Tests of moderated mediation further revealed that resilience moderated the relationship between earthquake exposure and PTSD symptoms as well as sleep problems and PTSD symptoms. Specifically, the relationship between earthquake exposure and PTSD symptoms was only significant for adolescents with a lower level of resilience; meanwhile, the positive relationship between sleep problems and PTSD symptoms was stronger among low-resilient adolescents. Therefore, sleep-targeted and resilience-based interventions may be effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms resulted from the earthquake.