bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term changes in the spatio-temporal distribution of snailfish Liparis tanakae in the Yellow Sea under fishing and environmental changes
Authors: Chen Yunlong , Shan Xiujuan , Han Qingpeng , Gorfine Harry , Dai Fangqun , Jin Xianshi
Published: October 2022

Tanaka’s snailfish (Liparis tanakae) is a low-economic but ecologically important fish in the Yellow Sea, which is one of the most threatened marine ecosystems in the world due to environmental changes and human activities. Although it serves as both a dominant species and an apex predator, our knowledge about the long-term changes in the spatio-temporal distribution of this snailfish remains limited in the threatened ecosystem. In this study, by developing eight alternative vector autoregressive spatio-temporal (VAST) models including various combinations of sea surface temperature (SST), fishing pressure (FP) and the density of the prey (DP), we investigated the spatio-temporal distribution patterns of snailfish based on fishery-independent surveys conducted between 2003 and 2019 and examined the relative importance of different covariates. We found that SST was the most important factor in explaining variation in encounter probability and DP was the most important factor in explaining temporal variation in biomass density of snailfish. Surprisingly, incorporation of FP in the spatio-temporal models neither improved explanation of the variance in encounter probability nor biomass density. Based on Akaike’s information criterion, we selected a spatio-temporal model with SST in preference to seven alternative models. The inter-annual distribution range of snailfish was relatively stable whereas the spatial patterns varied over time. In 2003–2006 and 2011, the hotspots of snailfish were widely distributed throughout almost the entire Yellow Sea area. In contrast, in other survey years, especially in 2007–2009, 2015–2016 and 2019, the distribution was more concentrated within the central Yellow Sea. No significant shift in centers of gravity (COGs) was detected for the population. The estimated effective area occupied correlated significantly with biomass density of snailfish (r = -0.71, P< 0.05). Outputs from this study enhanced our understanding of how and the extent to which multiple pressures influence the observed long-term changes in spatio-temporal distribution of snailfish in the Yellow Sea.
Starvation and refeeding influence the growth, biochemical index, intestinal microbiota, and transcriptomic profiles of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus (Linnaeus 1758)
Authors: Liu Bo , Guo Hua-Yang , Liu Bao-Suo , Zhang Nan , Yang Jing-Wen , Guo Liang , Jiang Shi-Gui , Zhang Dian-Chang
Published: October 2022

Starvation is a common stress in fish that is caused by environmental changes, and refeeding after starvation is believed to cause compensatory growth. Here, we evaluated the impacts of starvation for 7 d, followed by refeeding for 7 d on growth, gut microbiome, biochemical indices, liver transcriptome, and immune response in golden pompanos (Trachinotus ovatus). Starvation induced hypoglycemia, reduced triglyceride concentration, and considerably affected the activities of glycolysis related enzymes, including glucokinase (GK), pyruvate kinase (PK), and fructokinase 6-phosphate (PFK). Additionally, starvation for 7 d increased the concentrations of oxidative stress indicators, including cortisol (COR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT) and non-specific immunity parameters, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), and lysozyme (LYZ). parameters to normal levels. Moreover, starvation affected the diversity and composition of the intestinal microbiota of T. ovatus. At the phylum level, the dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Spirochaetes, and Tenericutes, while the dominant genera were Brevinema, Haematospirillum, and Mycoplasma. Transcriptome analysis of liver tissues showed that the mRNA expression of GK, PK, and PFK, were altered by starvation, and the trends were consistent with the activity levels of the enzymes. A total of 2,287 DEGs were identified among the control, starvation, and refeeding groups. DEGs in starvation (ST7) vs. control (CK) groups were mainly involved in cell cycle, DNA replication, and mitosis, whereas those in the refeeding (RT7) vs. ST7 groups were associated with stimulus responses and carbohydrate metabolism. Overall, most starvation-induced changes in enzyme activity, intestinal microbiome, immune response, and liver transcriptome were gradually restored to normal after refeeding for 7 d. These data provide a theoretical reference for the farming of T. ovatus during periods of feed scarcity.
Meeting future NOX emission regulations by adding an electrically heated mixer
Authors: Meruva P. , Matheaus A. , Sharp C. A. , McCarthy J. E. , Masoudi M. , Poliakov N. , Noorfeshan S.
Published: October 2022

New regulations by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) demand a stringent 0.02 g/hp-hr tailpipe NOx limit by the year 2027, requiring Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalysts to provide high NOx conversions even at low (below 200°C) exhaust temperatures. This work describes utilizing an Electrically Heated Mixer System (EHM system) upstream of a Light-Off Selective Catalytic Reduction (LO-SCR) catalyst followed by a conventional aftertreatment (AT) system containing DOC, DPF, and SCR, enabling high NOx conversions meeting CARB’s NOx emission target. The AT catalysts were hydrothermally aged to Full Useful Life. Conventional unheated Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) was injected upstream of both the LO-SCR and primary downstream SCR. The EHM system allowed for DEF to be injected as low as 130°C upstream of the LO-SCR, whereas, in previous studies, unheated DEF was injected at 180°C or dosed at 130°C with heated DEF. The combination of unheated DEF, EHM system, LO-SCR, and downstream SCR enabled the needed increase in NOx efficiency in low exhaust temperatures, which was observed in drive cycles such as in cold-FTP, LLC, and World Harmonized Transient Cycle (WHTC). There were several-fold reductions in tailpipe NOx using this configuration compared to its baseline: 3.3-fold reduction in FTP, 22-fold in Low Load Cycle (LLC), 38-fold in Beverage Cycle, 8-fold in “Stay Hot” Cycle, and 10-fold in WHTC. Finally, it is shown that the EHM system can heat the exhaust gas, such as during a cold start, without needing additional heating hardware integrated into the system. These results were observed without performing changes in the engine base calibration.
A new small molecule DHODH-inhibitor [KIO-100 (PP-001)] targeting activated T cells for intraocular treatment of uveitis — A phase I clinical trial
Authors: Thurau Stephan , Deuter Christoph M. E. , Heiligenhaus Arnd , Pleyer Uwe , Van Calster Joachim , Barisani-Asenbauer Talin , Obermayr Franz , Sperl Stefan , Seda-Zehetner Romana , Wildner Gerhild
Published: October 2022

Uveitis is a T cell-mediated, intraocular inflammatory disease and one of the main causes of blindness in industrialized countries. There is a high unmet need for new immunomodulatory, steroid-sparing therapies, since only ciclosporin A and a single TNF-α-blocker are approved for non-infectious uveitis. A new small molecule inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), an enzyme pivotal forde novosynthesis of pyrimidines, has a high potency for suppressing T and B cells and has already proven highly effective for treating uveitis in experimental rat models. Systemic and intraocular application of KIO-100 (PP-001) (previously called PP-001, now KIO-100) could efficiently suppress rat uveitis in a preventive as well as therapeutic mode. Here we describe the outcome of the first clinical phase 1 trial comparing three different doses of a single intraocular injection of KIO-100 (PP-001) in patients with non-infectious posterior segment uveitis. No toxic side effects on intraocular tissues or other adverse events were observed, while intraocular inflammation decreased, and visual acuity significantly improved. Macular edema, a sight-threatening complication in uveitis, showed regression 2 weeks after intraocular KIO-100 (PP-001) injection in some patients, indicating that this novel small molecule has a high potential as a new intraocular therapy for uveitis.

Clinical trial registration

[https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03634475], identifier [NCT03634475].
Case report: Visual acuity loss as a warning sign of ocular syphilis: A retrospective analysis of 17 cases
Authors: Xu Yating , Li Jingjing , Xu Yuxuan , Xia Wei , Mo Xingfan , Feng Mingzhi , He Fanghua , Li Shanshan , Du Fangzhi , Wang Qianqiu , Wu Minzhi
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To define the clinical features of ocular syphilis and analyze the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of ocular syphilis patients to determine the co-occurrence of neurosyphilis.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 17 patients (23 eyes) with ocular syphilis admitted to the Fifth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China from September 2017 to December 2021. Clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, treatment, and clinical outcomes were analyzed, and a review was conducted.

Results

Eight males (12 eyes) and nine females (11 eyes) were enrolled. Mean patient age was 49.06 ± 3.47 years. The total manifestation time for ocular symptoms ranged from 10 days to 6 years. The cohort was comprised of three cases of early syphilis, four cases of late syphilis, and ten cases of unknown stage. The primary complaints were decreased visual acuity in 15 cases (21 eyes), ptosis in 1 case (1 eye), and loss of light perception in 1 case (1 eye). Cases were diagnosed as chorioretinitis in 7 cases (8 eyes), optic nerve retinitis in 4 cases (6 eyes), optic neuritis in 4 cases (7 eyes), and oculomotor nerve palsy in 1 case (1 eye), syphilitic stromal keratitis in 1 case (1 eye). Serum HIV antibody was positive in one case(Nos.2). All patients had reactive serum Treponema Pallidum Particle Agglutination (TPPA) and Toluidine Red Unheated Serum Test (TRUST). All patients underwent CSF examination. CSF white blood cell count was ≥5 × 106/L in 13 cases, CSF protein was >500 mg/L in 6 cases, TPPA was reactive in 15 cases, and TRUST was reactive in 5 cases. Eleven cases were also diagnosed with neurosyphilis. Patients were treated with either penicillin G sodium or ceftriaxone sodium. At time of discharge, 12 patients reported improved visual acuity. Abnormal serum or CSF examination improved in ten patients during the 6–12 month follow-up.

Conclusion

Visual acuity loss is a warning indicator of ocular syphilis. Ocular syphilis primarily manifests as posterior uveitis, involving the choroid, retina, and optic nerve, and often co-occurs with neurosyphilis. Effective treatment should be administered immediately to avoid irreversible visual impairment and other serious adverse outcomes.
A resource allocation method of the product−service process based on process mining
Authors: Zhou Xuequan , Liu Yuqi , Zacharewicz Gregory , Zhang Hua , Chen David
Published: October 2022

With the evolution of product service systems, as well as the proposal and wide application of cloud computing and big services, more and more manufacturing enterprises are turning from being product oriented to service oriented. A difficult aspect is that with the growth of customer scale and the personalization of customer service needs, service providers cannot rely on their own resources to fulfill services. Moreover, meeting the needs of customers often requires a complete and complex service. Therefore, the service provider has to provide cross-enterprise collaborative services and coordinate the resources of all participants in the product service system to complete the services together. This research proposes a novel resource allocation method for product service systems that adopt the bilateral resource integration service mode and considers the service process life cycle. Based on the process mining techniques, this method extracts knowledge from the execution event log of the service process stored in the enterprise information system, constructs the resource allocation problem model, and gives the process mining-based resource allocation algorithm (PMRA). We use an air conditioner repair service as a case to verify the method proposed in this study. The contribution of this study is to propose a new method of resource allocation for cross-enterprise product−service processes based on process mining techniques, which takes into account empirical knowledge from historical data and can provide a new idea for service optimization of product service systems.
Analysis of influencing factors of early neurological improvement after intravenous rt-PA thrombolysis in acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke
Authors: Xiufu Zhang , Ruipeng Liang , Jun Zhou , Yonglong Li , Yulin Wang , Jian Zeng , Xianglin Chen , Lan Shen , Zuowen Zhang
Published: October 2022

Background and objective

It has been widely reported that Early neurological improvement (ENI) after rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis contributes to a good long-term prognosis in patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, which clinical factors influence after intravenous administration of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (IV-rt PA) in AIS patients ENI is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of influencing factors on the benefit of ENI after intravenous thrombolysis neurological improvement after IV-rt PA.

Methods

The data of 73 patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke who received intravenous thrombolysis with rt-PA in Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital from January 2021 to July 2022 were retrospectively studied. According to the change rate of 24 h NISHH score, the research subjects were divided into the recovery group, the significant curative effect group, the curative effect group and the no curative effect group, the ENI after intravenous thrombolysis with rt-PA was defined as the improvement rate of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)score >46% at 24 h after IV-rt PA, and univariate factor analysis was used Clinical factors associated with ENI after intravenous thrombolysis.

Results

According to the 24-h NIHSS improvement rate of rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke, 35 cases (47.95%) of the study population had ENI. There was no statistical difference between the improvement and non-improvement group in general demographic data, stroke TOAST classification, stroke risk factors (history of stroke, heart disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension), and laboratory test data. There was a statistically significant difference in the random blood glucose levels between the two groups (p < 0.001, t = 3.511).

Conclusion

The effect of rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis within the time window of patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke is significant, but the ENI after thrombolysis is easily affected by the level of blood glucose; diabetes is the most important factor affecting the acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke patients Clinical factors of ENI after intravenous thrombolysis with rt-PA.
The emerging double-edged sword role of Sirtuins in the gastric inflammation-carcinoma sequence revealed by bulk and single-cell transcriptomes
Authors: Wang Mengyang , Bi Chenxiao , Li Hong , Lu Lizhen , Gao Tao , Huang Panpan , Liu Chengxia , Wang Bin
Published: October 2022

Histone modification and the inflammation-carcinoma sequence (ICS) have been acknowledgedly implicated in gastric carcinogenesis. However, the extremum expression of some histone modification genes (HMGs) in intestinal metaplasia (IM) rather than GC obscures the roles of HMGs in ICS. In this study, we assumed an explanation that the roles of HMGs in ICS were stage specific. Bulk RNA-seq on endoscopy biopsy samples from a total of 50 patients was accompanied by reanalysis of a set of published single-cell transcriptomes, which cross-sectionally profiled the transcriptomic features of chronic superficial gastritis (SG), atrophy gastritis (AG), IM, and early gastric cancer (GC). Differential analysis observed significantly peaked expression of SIRT6 and SIRT7 at IM. Weighted correlation network analysis on bulk transcriptome recognized significant correlations between SIRT1/6 and IM. The single-cell atlas identified one subgroup of B cells expressing high level of TFF1 (TFF1hi naive B cell) that theoretically played important roles in defending microbial infection, while SIRT6 displayed a positive correlation with TFF1low naive B cells. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis at different lesions (SG-AG, AG-IM, and IM-GC) highlighted that gene sets contributing to IM, e.g., Brush Border, were largely enriched from co-expressing genes of Sirtuins (SIRTs) in AG-IM. Surveys of the genes negatively correlated with SIRT6 in public databases considered SIRT6 as tumor suppressors, which was confirmed by the cell proliferation and migration assays after transient transfection of SIRT6 overexpression vector into AGS cells. All the above observations were then confirmed by serial section-based immunohistochemistry against Ki-67, MUC2, MUC5AC, p53, and SIRT6 on the endoscopic submucosal dissection tissue. By contrast, the expression of the other HMGs varied even opposite within same family. Taken together, this study preliminarily demonstrated the two-edged sword role of SIRTs in ICS and, by extension, showed that the roles of HMGs in ICS were probably stage specific. Our study may provide new insights into and attract attention on gastric prevention and therapy targeting HMGs.
A prognostic signature of cuproptosis and TCA-related genes for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Qi , Ma Longping , Zhou Hongyuan , Zhou Yanzhao , Liu Shuaijing , Li Qiang
Published: October 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the liver. Cuproptosis is a newly defined form of cell death. Copper ion induces cell death by binding to the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA). The effect of cuproptosis-related and TCA-related genes on the clinical prognosis of HCC is still unclear. In this study, we explores the genetic changes of cuproptosis-related genes that affect the TCA process and their potential therapeutic value in HCC patients.

Methods

The cuproptosis and TCA-related genes were obtained from cuproptosis-related articles and the molecular signatures database. The prognosis signatures of eight related genes were constructed using the last absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the signature. In addition, we analyzed downstream functional enrichment and immune infiltration to explore cuproptosis-inducing drugs and immunotherapeutic responses. All these analyses were validated using multiple datasets of the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC).

Results

TCA and copper malnutrition-related genes (CDKN2A, IDH1, OGDHL, IDH3G, IDH3B, GLS, DLAT, LIPT1) were finally included. According to the risk score, they were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups. Survival analysis showed that the overall survival (OS) of the high-risk group was significantly lower than that of the low-risk group. We established a risk prognostic feature to predict the OS of patients with HCC. Based on this feature and the clinical stage, we constructed a nomogram. Functional enrichment analysis revealed pathways related to organelle division and the cell cycle. Different risk scores had different immune abundances in immune cells (including macrophages and regulatory T-cells) and immune pathways (including antigen-presenting cells co-stimulation). Moreover, the drug sensitivity of eleschomol and PD-L1 in the high-risk group was better than that in the low-risk group. The status of TP53 somatic mutation was also closely related to the risk score.

Conclusion

In this study, we established a new prediction signature of eight genes related to cuproptosis and the TCA process, which can effectively predict the prognosis of HCC patients.
Specific imaging features indicate the clinical features of patients with hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor by comparative analysis of CT and ultrasound imaging
Authors: Gao Xudong , Tang Hewen , Wang Jianying , Yao Qian , Wang Hong , Wang Yan , Ma Mingming , Yang Wei , Yan Kun , Wu Wei
Published: October 2022

Objective

The objective of the study was to explore the CT and ultrasound features and clinical significance of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) of the liver.

Methods

Eleven hepatic PEComa patients treated in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed based on the characteristics of the imaging results of the patients, including conventional ultrasound, CDFI, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and contrast-enhanced CT (CECT).

Results

CT scans showed that all lesions were hypodense. Ultrasonography showed that lesions were either hyperechoic (4/11, 36.36%), hypoechoic (4/11, 36.36%), isoechoic (1/11, 9.09%), or heterogeneously echoic (2/11, 18.18%). CDFI showed that most of the lesions had an abundant blood supply (9/11, 81.82%). Whether on CT scan or ultrasonography, the margins of the lesions were dominated by clear margins. Ultrasonography revealed more features: hyperechoic patterns around lesions (3/11, 27.27%) and lateral shadow (5/11, 45.45%). The CDFI showed that large blood vessels were observed around the lesions (9/11, 81.82%). CECT shows two enhancement patterns: “fast in and fast out (FIFO)” (8/11, 72.72%) and “fast in and slow out (FISO)” (3/11, 27.27%). CEUS shows that all lesions had the enhancement pattern of “FISO,” which was different from CECT. All lesions displayed rapid enhancement during HAP in CEUS during 7–20 s. Four patients (36.36%) washed out at 60–180 s, another four (36.36%) washed out at 180–300 s, and the remaining three patients (27.27%) showed no signs of washout even at 360 s.

Conclusion

Some imaging features, such as clear margins, peripheral hyperechoic around the lesion, lateral shadow, the large blood vessels around lesions, and the “FISO” enhancement pattern, may indicate expansive growth of the tumor and be helpful in the diagnosis of PEComa. Ultrasound images may provide more details for clinical reference.
The therapeutic effect of glucocorticoids on type II respiratory failure, heart failure, and massive pericardial effusion caused by hypothyroidism: A case report
Authors: Wang Jingyue , Li Xiangjun , Shen Botao , Wang Shipeng , He Jiahuan , Wang Yushi
Published: October 2022

Background: Hypothyroidism is a disease commonly observed in outpatient clinics but can occasionally cause severe cardiovascular and respiratory diseases requiring hospitalization.

Case report: The patient reported herein suffered from heart failure, massive pericardial effusion, type II respiratory failure, and hypothyroidism. There was no related basic diseases of respiratory and cardiovascular system in the past. She failed to be weaned from invasive ventilation multiple times after routine treatment and was finally successfully weaned on day five of receiving the combination therapy of a high-dose methylprednisolone intravenous drip and levothyroxine oral administration.

Conclusion: This case report indicates that hypothyroidism may be a cause of type II respiratory failure, heart failure, and massive pericardial effusion without cardiac tamponade and that a combination of levothyroxine and corticosteroids could effectively treat the disease. Clinical workers should consider the role of thyroid function in diagnosis, and the admission team should include this aspect in the monitoring scope. Moreover, the role of hormones in the treatment of patients with severe hypothyroidism should not be ignored, and timely treatment should be provided.
The application of gargle containing honeysuckle and semen oroxyli to reduce the pain and complications after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
Authors: Ren Lihua , Li Jun , Miao Zhongyi , Yan Ru , Li Qunzhen , Zhang Rong , Rong Ting , Dong Xuena
Published: October 2022

Purpose: The main purpose of this pilot study was to detect the positive effects of our self-made gargle containing honeysuckle and semen oroxyli on post-operative pain and complications after Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP).

Methods: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who had underwent elective UPPP during the period of April 2019 to January 2022 were randomly divided into treatment group and control group. The patients in the treatment group were instructed to gargle the solution containing honeysuckle and semen oroxyli (25 ml) four times a day for 2 weeks. The patients in the control group were instructed to gargle normal saline (25 ml) at the same schedule. The post-operative resting throat pain, swallowing throat pain and patient comfort level were evaluated at 12 h, 1 week and 2 weeks after UPPP. The post-operative complications were collected and analyzed.

Results: During the study period, 218 patients completed all the post-operative assessments. For resting throat pain, the treatment group had much lower VAS scores at 1 week and 2 weeks after UPPP. For swallowing throat pain, treatment group had much lower VAS scores than control group at 2 weeks after surgery. And patients in the treatment group felt more comfortable comparing to those in control group at 1 week and 2 weeks after UPPP. Although the treatment group had less numbers of patients with post-operative wound infection or bleeding, the difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The gargle containing honeysuckle and semen oroxyli could relieve both resting and swallowing throat pain and increase patient comfort after UPPP.
Pharmacological OGG1 inhibition decreases murine allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Tanner Lloyd , Bergwik Jesper , Bhongir Ravi K. V. , Pan Lang , Dong Caijuan , Wallner Olov , Kalderén Christina , Helleday Thomas , Boldogh Istvan , Adner Mikael , Egesten Arne
Published: October 2022

Background and aim: Allergic asthma is a complex inflammatory disease involving type 2 innate lymphoid cells, type 2 T helper cells, macrophages, and eosinophils. The disease is characterized by wheezing, dyspnea, coughing, chest tightness and variable airflow limitation for which there is no cure and is symptomatically treated with inhaled corticosteroids and β2-agonists. Molecular mechanisms underlying its complex pathogenesis are not fully understood. However, 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 (OGG1), a DNA repair protein may play a central role, as OGG1 deficiency decreases both innate and allergic inflammation.

Methods: Using a murine ovalbumin (OVA) model of allergic airway inflammation we assessed the utility of an inhibitor of OGG1 (TH5487) in this disease context. Cytokines and chemokines, promoting immune cell recruitment were measured using a 23-multiplex assay and Western blotting. Additionally, immune cell recruitment to bronchi was measured using flow cytometry. Histological analyses and immunofluorescent staining were used to confirm immune cell influx and goblet cell hyperplasia of the airways. A PCR array was used to assess asthma-related genes in murine lung tissue following TH5487 treatment. Finally, airway hyperresponsiveness was determined using in vivo lung function measurement.

Results: In this study, administration of TH5487 to mice with OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation significantly decreased goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus production. TH5487 treatment also decreased levels of activated NF-κB and expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines resulting in significantly lower recruitment of eosinophils and other immune cells to the lungs. Gene expression profiling of asthma and allergy-related proteins after TH5487 treatment revealed differences in several important regulators, including down regulation of Tnfrsf4, Arg1, Ccl12 and Ccl11, and upregulation of the negative regulator of type 2 inflammation, Bcl6. Furthermore, the gene Clca1 was upregulated following TH5487 treatment, which should be explored further due to its ambiguous role in allergic asthma. In addition, the OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness was significantly reduced by TH5487 treatment.

Conclusion: Taken together, the data presented in this study suggest OGG1 as a clinically relevant pharmacological target for the treatment of allergic inflammation.
Gain time to adapt: How sorghum acquires tolerance to salinity
Authors: Abuslima Eman , Kanbar Adnan , Raorane Manish L. , Eiche Elisabeth , Junker Björn H. , Hause Bettina , Riemann Michael , Nick Peter
Published: October 2022

Salinity is a global environmental threat to agricultural production and food security around the world. To delineate salt-induced damage from adaption events we analysed a pair of sorghum genotypes which are contrasting in their response to salt stress with respect to physiological, cellular, metabolomic, and transcriptional responses. We find that the salt-tolerant genotype Della can delay the transfer of sodium from the root to the shoot, more swiftly deploy accumulation of proline and antioxidants in the leaves and transfer more sucrose to the root as compared to its susceptible counterpart Razinieh. Instead Razinieh shows metabolic indicators for a higher extent photorespiration under salt stress. Following sodium accumulation by a fluorescent dye in the different regions of the root, we find that Della can sequester sodium in the vacuoles of the distal elongation zone. The timing of the adaptive responses in Della leaves indicates a rapid systemic signal from the roots that is travelling faster than sodium itself. We arrive at a model where resistance and susceptibility are mainly a matter of temporal patterns in signalling.
Exogenous salicylic acid regulates organic acids metabolism in postharvest blueberry fruit
Authors: Jiang Bo , Fang Xiangjun , Fu Daqi , Wu Weijie , Han Yanchao , Chen Hangjun , Liu Ruiling , Gao Haiyan
Published: October 2022

Fruit acidity is an essential factor affecting blueberry organoleptic quality. The organic acid content in blueberry fruit mainly contributes to fruit acidity. This study aims to evaluate the effect of exogenous salicylic acid (SA), the principal metabolite of aspirin, on the organoleptic quality and organic acid metabolism in rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum Ait, ‘Powderblue’) during cold storage (4 °C). Results showed that SA-treated fruit reduced fruit decay and weight loss delayed fruit softening, and decline of total soluble solids (TSS). TA and total organic acid amounts stayed the same during the late storage period in SA-treated fruit. Four kinds of organic acid components, malic acid, quinic acid, citric acid, and succinic acid, were at higher levels in fruit treated by SA as compared to control. SA enhanced the activities of PEPC, NAD-MDH, and CS to promote the synthesis of malic acid and citric acid. Meanwhile, the activities of NADP-ME, ACL, and ACO, which participated in the degradation of malic acid and citric acid, were inhibited by SA. qPCR results also showed that the expression of VcPEPC, VcNAD-MDH, and VcCS genes were upregulated. In contrast, SA downregulated the expression of VcNADP-ME, VcACL, and VcACO genes. In conclusion, SA could regulate the key genes and enzymes that participated in organic acids metabolism to maintain the freshness of blueberry during cold storage, therefore minimizing the economic loss.
Exogenous aspartic acid alleviates salt stress-induced decline in growth by enhancing antioxidants and compatible solutes while reducing reactive oxygen species in wheat
Authors: Sadak Mervat Sh , Sekara Agnieszka , Al-ashkar Ibrahim , Habib-ur-Rahman Muhammad , Skalicky Milan , Brestic Marian , Kumar Ashwani , Sabagh Ayman El , Abdelhamid Magdi T.
Published: October 2022

Salinity is the primary environmental stress that adversely affects plants’ growth and productivity in many areas of the world. Published research validated the role of aspartic acid in improving plant tolerance against salinity stress. Therefore, in the present work, factorial pot trials in a completely randomized design were conducted to examine the potential role of exogenous application of aspartic acid (Asp) in increasing the tolerance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants against salt stress. Wheat plants were sown with different levels of salinity (0, 30, or 60 mM NaCl) and treated with three levels of exogenous application of foliar spray of aspartic acid (Asp) (0, 0.4, 0.6, or 0.8 mM). Results of the study indicated that salinity stress decreased growth attributes like shoot length, leaf area, and shoot biomass along with photosynthesis pigments and endogenous indole acetic acid. NaCl stress reduced the total content of carbohydrates, flavonoid, beta carotene, lycopene, and free radical scavenging activity (DPPH%). However, Asp application enhanced photosynthetic pigments and endogenous indole acetic acid, consequently improving plant leaf area, leading to higher biomass dry weight either under salt-stressed or non-stressed plants. Exogenous application of Asp, up-regulate the antioxidant system viz. antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and nitrate reductase), and non-enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbate, glutathione, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, beta carotene, lycopene) contents resulted in declined in reactive oxygen species (ROS). The decreased ROS in Asp-treated plants resulted in reduced hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and aldehyde under salt or non-salt stress conditions. Furthermore, Asp foliar application increased compatible solute accumulation (amino acids, proline, total soluble sugar, and total carbohydrates) and increased radical scavenging activity of DPPH and enzymatic ABTS. Results revealed that the quadratic regression model explained 100% of the shoot dry weight (SDW) yield variation. With an increase in Asp application level by 1.0 mM, the SDW was projected to upsurge through 956 mg/plant. In the quadratic curve model, if Asp is applied at a level of 0.95 mM, the SDW is probably 2.13 g plant-1. This study concluded that the exogenous application of aspartic acid mitigated the adverse effect of salt stress damage on wheat plants and provided economic benefits.
Proactive personality and critical thinking in Chinese medical students: The moderating effects of psychological safety and academic self-efficacy
Authors: Wang Yan-ping , Zhao Chen-xi , Zhang Shu-e , Li Qing-lin , Tian Jing , Yang Mao-ling , Guo Hai-chen , Yuan Jia , Zhou Sheng-yan , Wang Min , Cao De-pin
Published: October 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to identify the relationship among proactive personality, psychological safety, academic self-efficacy and critical thinking, and to further explore whether psychological safety and academic self-efficacy could be a moderator in the association between proactive personality and critical thinking among Chinese medical students.

Materials and methods

The cross-sectional study was carried out from October to December 2020 in China. Totally, 5,920 valid responses were collected at four Chinese medical universities. Critical thinking, proactive personality, psychological safety, academic self-efficacy and demographic factors were assessed through questionnaires. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to identify interrelationship clusters among variables. Simple slope analyses were performed to explore the moderating effects of psychological safety and academic self-efficacy.

Results

The mean score of critical thinking among medical students was 3.85 ± 0.61. Proactive personality, psychological safety, and academic self-efficacy were shown to be important factors for critical thinking. Psychological safety and academic self-efficacy moderated the association between proactive personality and critical thinking. A simple slope analysis showed that high psychological safety and academic self-efficacy weakened the impact of proactive personality on critical thinking.

Conclusion

Most medical students surveyed in China might have relatively high levels of critical thinking. Psychological safety and academic self-efficacy moderated the association between proactive personality and critical thinking. More interventions related to psychological safety and academic self-efficacy will be helpful to improve critical thinking among Chinese medical students.
What my body looks like and what my body can do: A self-perception explanation of excessive exercise in young adults with anorexia and/or bulimia
Authors: Ouellet Marilou , Monthuy-Blanc Johana , Pauzé Robert , Rousseau Michel , Bouchard Stéphane
Published: October 2022

The present study examined the relationships between quantitative and qualitative dimensions of excessive exercise (EE) with the physical self-perception’s dimensions and perceptual perspectives of body image (i.e., allocentric/3rd person and egocentric/1st person perspectives). The eLoriCorps Immersive Body Rating Scale 1.1, the very short form version of the Physical Self-Inventory and the Exercise and Eating Disorder test were used. The study includes 36 people with anorexia and/or bulimia seeking an external and specialized transdisciplinary program for eating disorders. Results show a different correlational profile of physical self-perceptions depending on the dimension (qualitative or quantitative) used to define EE. Differences in the perspectives used to assess body dissatisfaction (allocentric or egocentric) were also found. Perceived physical appearance was the key predictor of the qualitative dimension of excessive exercise. Findings suggest that EE in patients with an eating disorder could be explained by the feeling of competence not only related to physical appearance but also to physical abilities.
The risk of falls among the aging population: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Qingmei , Ou Xuemei , Li Jinfeng
Published: October 2022

Aim

This study aims to clarify the risk factors for falls to prevent severe consequences in older adults.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar databases using the terms “risk factors” OR “predicting factors” OR “predictor” AND “fall” OR “drop” to identify all relevant studies and compare their results. The study participants were divided into two groups, the “fall group” and the “control group”, and differences in demographic characteristics, lifestyles, and comorbidities were compared.

Results

We included 34 articles in the analysis and analyzed 22 factors. Older age, lower education level, polypharmacy, malnutrition, living alone, living in an urban area, smoking, and alcohol consumption increased the risk of falls in the aging population. Additionally, comorbidities such as cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, frailty, previous history of falls, depression, Parkinson's disease, and pain increased the risk of falls.

Conclusion

Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and lifestyle factors can influence the risk of falls and should be taken into consideration.
Psychological research of the children with chronic kidney disease and their guardians during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Xiong Hua-Ying , Zhang Gaofu , Wang Li , Li Zhijuan , Shen Qian , Li Yuhong , Zhu Hongtao , Du Yue , Sun Liangzhong , Zhao Bo , Zhao Lijun , Fu Haidong , Li Xiaoyan , Gao Xiaojie , Hao Sheng , Ding Juanjuan , Chen Zongwen , Xu Zhiquan , Liu Xiaorong , Tao Yuhong , Zhang Aihua , Li Qiu , Wang Mo
Published: October 2022

Background

There is great mental stress due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, there are no detailed psychological studies of the children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their guardians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

This study explores the psychological pressure on children with CKD and their guardians.

Methods

An online survey was conducted at 20 of the largest pediatric nephropathy departments in China, including the Rutter Parent Questionnaire, Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS). Overall, 885 children (589 children with CKD associated with 296 children of the control group) completed the survey together with their guardians.

Results

There was no statistical difference between CKD children and control children regarding their Rutter behavior scores and abnormal behaviors. Nevertheless, the abnormal behavior of children might aggravate the anxiety and depression of guardians in both CKD and control groups (p < 0.05). We confirmed that the anxiety and depression of guardians in the CKD group were both significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The guardians in the CKD group with lower annual income were more likely to experience anxiety (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the guardians whose children were older than 11 years old might be more anxious than those who were 6–11 years old. Besides, the guardians in the CKD group who watched the news for 30–60 min daily were less likely to have depression than those who watched < 10 min (p < 0.05). The subgroup results showed that the gender, the time of watching the news, the annual income of guardians, and children's age might be the most critical factors influencing guardians' psychological burden.

Conclusion

The guardians in the CKD group have more severe anxiety and depression during the pandemic. The children's abnormal behavior, adolescents' pressure, low household income, and the panic about the pandemic may be the main reasons for the anxiety and depression of guardians.
A bibliometric analysis of global trends in the research field of pharmaceutical care over the past 20 years
Authors: Wang Yu , Rao Yifei , Yin Yuling , Li Yaolei , Lin Zhijian , Zhang Bing
Published: October 2022

Pharmaceutical care is essential in building up the basics of public health and clinical care. A comprehensive understanding of global status in the field of pharmaceutical care is necessary for directing its research frontiers and future trends. Therefore, this study aims to make a bibliometric analysis to track the development of pharmaceutical care research worldwide during the past two decades. The publications regarding pharmaceutical care were culled from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Countries, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords in this field were visually analyzed by using VOSviewer (version 1.6.17) and CiteSpace (Version 5.8.R3). As a result, 3,597 publications (3,177 articles and 420 reviews) were obtained. The annual yields grew more than three times in the past two decades, from 54 records in 2002 to 379 papers in 2021. The United States played the leading role in this research from multiple aspects, including publication (n= 1,208), citations (n= 28,759), funding agencies, and collaboration worldwide. The University of Sydney in Australia was the most contributed institution with the greatest number of publications (n= 112) in pharmaceutical care research. Hersberger KE from the University of Basel was the most productive author (n= 40). Chen TF from the University of Sydney was the author who owed the highest H-index of 19 and most citations (n= 1,501). They both significantly impacted this field. American Journal of Health System Pharmacy produced the most publications, while Pharmacotherapy had the highest IF (IF2020= 4.705) in this field. Clusters networks of co-cited references and keywords suggested that clinical pharmacy is an essential theme in pharmaceutical care. Terms of medication safety and critical care recognized by burst analysis of keywords also hint at the recent attention on clinical pharmacy. The present bibliometrics analysis may provide a comprehensive overview and valuable reference for future researchers and practitioners in the research field of pharmaceutical care.
Organizational commitment of health professionals and associated factors in primary healthcare facilities of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A multi-center cross-sectional study
Authors: Arage Sulyeman Mohammed , Daba Derese Bekele , Dessalegn Abere Yekoye
Published: October 2022

Background

Organizational commitment has a positive impact on an organization's ability to provide professional services. Committed human power pushes an organization to achieve its goals, but non-commitment can lead to increased medical errors, prolonged inpatient admissions, and repeated hospitalizations leading to low quality of healthcare provision. However, to the best knowledge of researchers, there are no studies examining organizational commitment in the healthcare setting of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the level of organizational commitment and associated factors among health professionals working in the primary health facility of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 459 healthcare professionals selected by simple random sampling from 12 health centers. Data were collected by three data collectors and one supervisor using a pretested questionnaire. Data were checked for completeness, cleaned, and entered into Epi-Data version 3.1.and exported into SPSS version 25 for analysis. In binary logistic regression statistical analysis, variables with p < 0.2 were entered in multivariate binary logistic regression analyses; then, the regression result was presented using COR, AOR with 95% CI, and a p-value < 0.05 as a level of significance.

Result

The respondent's percent mean score of organizational commitment was 48.4%. Age group above 30 years (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI, 1.01, 2.30), those who were satisfied with their job (AOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.30, 3.13), and those who perceive good transformational leadership behavior (AOR: 1.85, 95% C.I, 1.18, 2.90) were significant factors of organizational commitment among health professionals.

Conclusion and recommendation

Organizational commitment was lower in magnitude in the study setting. Age, job satisfaction, and transformational leadership behavior were significant predictors of organizational commitment.
Hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae causing highly fatal meningitis in southeastern China
Authors: Huang Na , Jia Huaiyu , Zhou Beibei , Zhou Cui , Cao Jianming , Liao Wenli , Liu Shixing , Wang Lingbo , Chen Liqiong , Chen Lijiang , Zhou Tieli , Ye Jianzhong
Published: October 2022

Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is one of the most common causes of bacterial meningitis worldwide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and microbiological characteristics of K. pneumoniae meningitis, as well as the association of antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and patient prognosis. The clinical data of patients with K. pneumoniae meningitis from 2014 to 2020 in a tertiary teaching hospital were retrospectively evaluated. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were performed by the agar dilution method and broth microdilution method. The isolates were detected for virulence-related genes, resistance genes, capsular serotypes, and molecular subtypes. A total of 36 individuals with K. pneumoniae meningitis were included in the study, accounting for 11.3% (36/318) of all cases of bacterial meningitis. Of the 36 available isolates, K1, K47, and K64 were tied for the most frequent serotype (7/36, 19.4%). MLST analysis classified the isolates into 14 distinct STs, with ST11 being the most common (14/36, 38.9%). Carbapenem resistance was found in 44.4% (16/36) of the isolates, while hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (HvKP) was found in 66.7% (24/36) of the isolates. The isolates of hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (Hv-CRKP) were then confirmed to be 36.1% (13/36). Importantly, individuals with meningitis caused by Hv-CRKP had a statistically significant higher mortality than the other patients (92.3%, 12/13 vs. 56.5%, 13/23; P < 0.05). The high percentage and fatality of K. pneumoniae-caused meningitis, particularly in Hv-CRKP strains, should be of significant concern. More effective surveillance and treatment solutions will be required in future to avoid the spread of these life-threatening infections over the world.