bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Fossil Energy to Renewable Energy: Why is Circular Economy Needed in the Energy Transition?
Authors: Ishaq Maryam , Ghouse Ghulam , Fernández-González Raquel , Puime-Guillén Félix , Tandir Natasa , Santos de Oliveira Helena Maria
Published: July 2022

For decades, renewable energy consumption has been presented as the ultimate solution to reduce pollutant gas emissions. However, their production, marketing, and, above all, consumption are not entirely climate neutral, so society needs new practices, such as circular energy, to achieve a more efficient energy transition (Khan et al., 2021a; Khan et al., 2021d). This study aims at exploring the effects of energy intensity, renewable energy consumption and forestation on CO2 emissions for developed and developing countries. Owing to cross-country income disparity, the data were categorized into four distinct groups: lower, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income over the period of 1980–2018. The Pedroni and Fisher-Johnson estimators of pooled data are employed for determining the plausible presence of a long-run co-integrating relationship between model variables. For all four country groups, Pedroni cointegration testing results reveal a significant long-run association between CO2 emission and its determinants. However, the Fisher-Johansen estimator yield mixed results, with low- and lower-middle income country groups outperforming the other two groups. However, the magnitude of this long-run association is less substantial, particularly in case of renewable energy consumption and forestation. For all country groups, energy intensity turns out to be the most influential long-run determinant of CO2 emissions, holding a positive coefficient value ranging from 0.30 to 1.31. Renewable energy consumption is the second most important long-run determinant of CO2 emissions. In case of forestation, the series imparts (statistically) significant long-run effects only for lower-middle-income countries. The overall results back the idea of curtailing the existing levels of energy intensity and encouraging the exploration and the use of renewable energy sources as a policy tool against controlling the prevalent situation of carbon-based emissions in our subject group of countries.
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus strain FJzz1 infection induces type I/III IFNs production through RLRs and TLRs-mediated signaling
Authors: Chen Pengfei , Zhu Junrui , Yu Jiarong , Liu Ruilin , Lao Mengqin , Yu Lingxue , Gao Fei , Jiang Yifeng , Liu Changlong , Tong Wu , Liu Huili , Tong Guangzhi , Zhou Yanjun
Published: July 2022

Interferons (IFNs) including type I/III IFNs are the major components of the host innate immune response against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection, and several viral proteins have been identified to antagonize type I/III IFNs productions through diverse strategies. However, the modulation of PEDV infection upon the activation of the host’s innate immune response has not been fully characterized. In this study, we observed that various IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) were upregulated significantly in a time- and dose-dependent manner in LLC-PK1 cells infected with the PEDV G2 strain FJzz1. The transcriptions of IRF9 and STAT1 were increased markedly in the late stage of FJzz1 infection and the promotion of the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT1, implicating the activation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway during FJzz1 infection. In addition, abundant type I/III IFNs were produced after FJzz1 infection. However, type I/III IFNs and ISGs decreased greatly in FJzz1-infected LLC-PK1 cells following the silencing of the RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), including RIG-I and MDA5, and the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) adaptors, MyD88 and TRIF. Altogether, FJzz1 infection induces the production of type-I/III IFNs in LLC-PK1 cells, in which RLRs and TLRs signaling pathways are involved, followed by the activation of the JAK-STAT signaling cascade, triggering the production of numerous ISGs to exert antiviral effects of innate immunity.
The Multifarious Endophytic Actinobacterial Isolate, Streptomyces tubercidicus UAE1, Combined With the Seaweed Biostimulant Further Promotes Growth of Avicennia marina
Authors: Alkaabi Ameera K. , Ramadan Gaber A. , Elddin Afraa M. Taj , El-Tarabily Khaled A. , AbuQamar Synan F.
Published: July 2022

Mangrove (Avicennia marina) is a “green lung” tree growing along the Arabian Gulf coastline in the United Arab Emirates. Here, we aimed to determine the impact of the application of a commercial seaweed extract (SWE) biostimulant and endophytic actinobacterial isolates on growth performance and endogenous hormonal levels of mangroves. Therefore, we isolated endophytic plant growth-promoting (PGP) actinobacteria (PGPA) from mangrove roots and evaluated their potential as biological inoculants on mangrove seedlings under greenhouse and open-field nursery conditions. Seven salt-tolerant isolates had the ability to produce different levels ofin vitroplant growth regulators (PGRs) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase (ACCD) and to solubilize phosphorus. Accordingly, only one isolate,Streptomyces tubercidicusUAE1 (St), was selected based on its relative superiority in displaying multiple modes of action and in successfully colonizing mangrove tissues for 15 weeks. In the greenhouse experiments, plants treated withStand SWE significantly (p< 0.05) improved dry biomass by 40.2% and 55.1% in roots and 42.2% and 55.4% in shoots, respectively, compared to seawater-irrigated non-treated mangrove plants (control). However,St+SWE caused a greater significant (p< 0.05) increase in dry weight of roots (67.6%) and shoots (65.7%) than did control plants. Following the combined treatment ofSt+SWE,in plantaPGR levels were found to be greatly enhanced over the non-treated control plants grown in non-SWE supplemented sediments, or plants inoculated with onlySt without the supplementation with SWE,or with non-inoculated plants grown in sediments supplied with SWE only. This was evident from the significant (p< 0.05) increases in the photosynthetic pigments and production of PGRs, as well as the reduction in the endogenous ACC levels of plant tissues compared to those in other treatments. Tissue nutrient contents of seedlings also increased by at least two-fold inSt+SWE treatment as compared to control. Similar effects were observed on all growth parameters under natural open-field nursery conditions. CombiningStwith SWE not only stimulates plant growth but also potentially has additive effects on mangrove ecosystem productivity in nutrient-impoverished soils in the Arabian coastal areas. This report is the first in the field of marine agriculture that uses SWE as a nutrient base for actinobacteria capable of producing PGRs and ACCD.
Influence of magnetic fluid evaporation on pressure resistance of magnetic fluid seal
Authors: Yu Wenjuan , Li Decai , Zang Guobao , Wang Deyi , Zhang Zhili
Published: July 2022

Magnetic fluid seals have the advantages of zero leakage, long life, simple structure and high reliability, and have become one of the most widely used applications of magnetic fluids. In this paper, the effect of magnetic fluid evaporation on the pressure resistance of magnetic fluid seals is studied. In terms of theory, through theoretical calculation and simulation analysis, a calculation method for the pressure resistance of magnetic fluid seals is established. In terms of experiments, firstly, five groups of control groups were set up to conduct evaporation experiments under the same conditions, and magnetic fluids with different evaporation rates were obtained; Secondly, the performance of magnetic fluids with different evaporation rates was tested, and the flow curves, viscosity-temperature curves, and magnetic-viscosity curves of magnetic fluids were obtained respectively, and the effect of evaporation on the performance of magnetic fluids was analyzed; Finally, magnetic fluid sealing experiments with different evaporation rates were carried out. It is found that evaporation increases the pressure resistance of static seal to a certain extent, which is of great significance.
Frontal fibrosing alopecia: A review of disease pathogenesis
Authors: Miao Yu-Jie , Jing Jing , Du Xu-Feng , Mao Mei-Qi , Yang Xiao-Shuang , Lv Zhong-Fa
Published: July 2022

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a primary patterned cicatricial alopecia that mostly affects postmenopausal women and causes frontotemporal hairline regression and eyebrow loss. Although the incidence of FFA has increased worldwide over the last decade, its etiology and pathology are still unclear. We cover the latest findings on its pathophysiology, including immunomodulation, neurogenic inflammation, and genetic regulation, to provide more alternatives for current clinical treatment. A persistent inflammatory response and immune privilege (IP) collapse develop and lead to epithelial hair follicle stem cells (eHFSCs) destruction and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the bulge area, which is the key process in FFA pathogenesis. Eventually, fibrous tissue replaces normal epithelial tissue and fills the entire hair follicle (HF). In addition, some familial reports and genome-wide association studies suggest a genetic susceptibility or epigenetic mechanism for the onset of FFA. The incidence of FFA increases sharply in postmenopausal women, and many FFA patients also suffer from female pattern hair loss in clinical observation, which suggests a potential association between FFA and steroid hormones. Sun exposure and topical allergens may also be triggers of FFA, but this conjecture has not been proven. More evidence and cohort studies are needed to help us understand the pathogenesis of this disease.
Phylogenomic analysis of the genus Leuconostoc
Authors: Raimondi Stefano , Candeliere Francesco , Amaretti Alberto , Costa Stefania , Vertuani Silvia , Spampinato Gloria , Rossi Maddalena
Published: July 2022

Leuconostocis a genus of saccharolytic heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria that inhabit plant-derived matrices and a variety of fermented foods (dairy products, dough, milk, vegetables, and meats), contributing to desired fermentation processes or playing a role in food spoilage. At present, the genus encompasses 17 recognized species. In total, 216 deposited genome sequences ofLeuconostocwere analyzed, to check the delineation of species and to infer their evolutive genealogy utilizing a minimum evolution tree of Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) and the core genome alignment. Phylogenomic relationships were compared to those obtained from the analysis of 16S rRNA,pheS, andrpoAgenes. All the phylograms were subjected to split decomposition analysis and their topologies were compared to check the ambiguities in the inferred phylogenesis. The minimum evolution ANI tree exhibited the most similar topology with the core genome tree, while single gene trees were less adherent and provided a weaker phylogenetic signal. In particular, the 16S rRNA gene failed to resolve several bifurcations andLeuconostocspecies. Based on an ANI threshold of 95%, the organization of the genusLeuconostoccould be amended, redefining the boundaries of the speciesL. inhae, L. falkenbergense, L. gelidum, L. lactis, L. mesenteroides, andL. pseudomesenteroides. Two strains currently recognized asL. mesenteroideswere split into a separate lineage representing a putative species (G16), phylogenetically related to bothL. mesenteroides(G18) andL. suionicum(G17). Differences among the four subspecies ofL. mesenteroideswere not pinpointed by ANI or by the conserved genes. The strains ofL. pseudomesenteroideswere ascribed to two putative species, G13 and G14, the former including also all the strains presently belonging toL. falkenbergense. L. lactiswas split into two phylogenetically related lineages, G9 and G10, putatively corresponding to separate species and both including subgroups that may correspond to subspecies. The speciesL. gelidumandL. gasicomitatumwere closely related but separated into different species, the latter including alsoL. inhaestrains. These results, integrating information of ANI, core genome, and housekeeping genes, complemented the taxonomic delineation with solid information on the phylogenetic lineages evolved within the genusLeuconostoc.
Bacterial biofilm colonization and succession in tropical marine waters are similar across different types of stone materials used in seawall construction
Authors: Summers Stephen , Pek Y. Shona , Vinod Deepthi P. , McDougald Diane , Todd Peter A. , Birch William R. , Rice Scott A.
Published: July 2022

Seawalls are important in protecting coastlines from currents, erosion, sea-level rise, and flooding. They are, however, associated with reduced biodiversity, due to their steep orientation, lack of microhabitats, and the materials used in their construction. Hence, there is considerable interest in modifying seawalls to enhance the settlement and diversity of marine organisms, as microbial biofilms play a critical role facilitating algal and invertebrate colonization. We assessed how different stone materials, ranging from aluminosilicates to limestone and concrete, affect biofilm formation. Metagenomic assessment of marine microbial communities indicated no significant impact of material on microbial diversity, irrespective of the diverse surface chemistry and topography. Based on KEGG pathway analysis, surface properties appeared to influence the community composition and function during the initial stages of biofilm development, but this effect disappeared by Day 31. We conclude that marine biofilms converged over time to a generic marine biofilm, rather than the underlying stone substrata type playing a significant role in driving community composition.
Incremental peritoneal dialysis after unplanned start initiation
Authors: Calice-Silva Viviane , Nerbass Fabiana Baggio
Published: July 2022

Incremental peritoneal dialysis (PD) is characterized as less than a “standard dose” PD prescription. Compared to standard treatment, it has many potential advantages, including better preservation of residual renal function, a lower risk of peritonitis, and a decreased care delivery burden while reducing the environmental impact and economic cost. Unplanned PD can be defined when treatment starts up to 14 days after catheter insertion and is recognized as a safe and feasible clinical approach. In this perspective paper, we briefly discuss both strategies and share our experience and clinical routine in managing incremental PD after unplanned initiation.
Two-step clustering-based pipeline for big dynamic functional network connectivity data
Authors: Sendi Mohammad S. E. , Salat David H. , Miller Robyn L. , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: July 2022

Background

Dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) estimated from resting-state functional magnetic imaging (rs-fMRI) studies the temporally varying functional integration between brain networks. In a conventional dFNC pipeline, a clustering stage to summarize the connectivity patterns that are transiently but reliably realized over the course of a scanning session. However, identifying the right number of clusters (or states) through a conventional clustering criterion computed by running the algorithm repeatedly over a large range of cluster numbers is time-consuming and requires substantial computational power even for typical dFNC datasets, and the computational demands become prohibitive as datasets become larger and scans longer. Here we developed a new dFNC pipeline based on a two-step clustering approach to analyze large dFNC data without having access to huge computational power.

Methods

In the proposed dFNC pipeline, we implement two-step clustering. In the first step, we randomly use a sub-sample dFNC data and identify several sets of states at different model orders. In the second step, we aggregate all dFNC states estimated from all iterations in the first step and use this to identify the optimum number of clusters using the elbow criteria. Additionally, we use this new reduced dataset and estimate a final set of states by performing a second kmeans clustering on the aggregated dFNC states from the first k-means clustering. To validate the reproducibility of results in the new pipeline, we analyzed four dFNC datasets from the human connectome project (HCP).

Results

We found that both conventional and proposed dFNC pipelines generate similar brain dFNC states across all four sessions with more than 99% similarity. We found that the conventional dFNC pipeline evaluates the clustering order and finds the final dFNC state in 275 min, while this process takes only 11 min for the proposed dFNC pipeline. In other words, the new pipeline is 25 times faster than the traditional method in finding the optimum number of clusters and finding the final dFNC states. We also found that the new method results in better clustering quality than the conventional approach (p < 0.001). We show that the results are replicated across four different datasets from HCP.

Conclusion

We developed a new analytic pipeline that facilitates the analysis of large dFNC datasets without having access to a huge computational power source. We validated the reproducibility of the result across multiple datasets.
Effect of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) Phytochemicals on Aβ1−40 Amyloid Formation: An in-silico Analysis
Authors: Zia Qamar , Rehman Md Tabish , Hashmi Md Amiruddin , Siddiqui Sahabjada , Bin Dukhyil Abdulaziz , Ahmed Mohammad Z. , Jamal Azfar , Banawas Saeed , Almalki Sami G. , Owais Mohammad , Aldhafeeri Hamad Qasem , Ibrahim Ibrahim M. , Alturaiki Wael , AlAjmi Mohamed F. , Alsieni Mohammed , Alqurashi Yaser E.
Published: July 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease and the most prevalent form of dementia. The generation of oxygen free radicals and oxidative damage is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of AD. It has been suggested that date palm, a plant rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, can provide an alternative treatment to fight memory loss and cognitive dysfunction due to its potent antioxidant activity. Thus, we studied the effect of flavonoids present in date palm on Aβ1−40 amyloid formation using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. AutoDock. Myricetin was used as a positive control drug. The flavonoids Diosmetin, Luteolin, and Rutin were found to be potent inhibitors of aggregation (docking energies ≤ −8.05 kcal mol−1) targeting Aβ1−40 fibrils (both 2LMO and 6TI5), simultaneously. Further screening by physicochemical properties and drug-likeness analysis suggested that all flavonoids except Rutin followed Lipinski's rule of five. Rutin was, thus, taken as a negative control (due to its violation of Lipinski's rule) to compare its dynamics with Diosmetin. Diosmetin exhibited the highest positive scores for drug likeness. Since Luteolin exhibited moderate drug-likeness and better absorption properties, it was also included in molecular dynamics simulation. Molecular dynamics of shortlisted compounds (Rutin, Diosmetin, and Luteolin) were performed for 200 ns, and the results were analyzed by monitoring root mean square deviations (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) analysis, the radius of gyration (Rg), and solvent accessible surface area (SASA). The results proved the formation of a stable protein-compound complex. Based on binding energies and non-bonded interactions, Rutin and Luteolin emerged as better lead molecules than Diosmetin. However, high MW (610.5), lowest absorption rate (16.04%), and more than one violation of Lipinski's rule make Rutin a less likely candidate as an anti-amyloidogenic agent. Moreover, among non-violators of Lipinski's rule, Diosmetin exhibited a greater absorption rate than Luteolin as well as the highest positive scores for drug-likeness. Thus, we can conclude that Diosmetin and Luteolin may serve as a scaffold for the design of better inhibitors with higher affinities toward the target proteins. However, these results warrant in-vitro and in-vivo validation before practical use.
Abnormal network homogeneity of default-mode network and its relationships with clinical symptoms in antipsychotic-naïve first-diagnosis schizophrenia
Authors: Kong Mingjun , Chen Tian , Gao Shuzhan , Ni Sulin , Ming Yidan , Chai Xintong , Ling Chenxi , Xu Xijia
Published: July 2022

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder affecting around 0.5–1% of the global population. A few studies have shown the functional disconnection in the default-mode network (DMN) of schizophrenia patients. However, the findings remain discrepant. In the current study, we compared the intrinsic network organization of DMN of 57 first-diagnosis drug-naïve schizophrenia patients with 50 healthy controls (HCs) using a homogeneity network (NH) and explored the relationships of DMN with clinical characteristics of schizophrenia patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis and support vector machine (SVM) analysis were applied to calculate the accuracy of distinguishing schizophrenia patients from HCs. Our results showed that the NH values of patients were significantly higher in the left superior medial frontal gyrus (SMFG) and right cerebellum Crus I/Crus II and significantly lower in the right inferior temporal gyrus (ITG) and bilateral posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) compared to those of HCs. Additionally, negative correlations were shown between aberrant NH values in the right cerebellum Crus I/Crus II and general psychopathology scores, between NH values in the left SMFG and negative symptom scores, and between the NH values in the right ITG and speed of processing. Also, patients’ age and the NH values in the right cerebellum Crus I/Crus II and the right ITG were the predictors of performance in the social cognition test. ROC curves analysis and SVM analysis showed that a combination of NH values in the left SMFG, right ITG, and right cerebellum Crus I/Crus II could distinguish schizophrenia patients from HCs with high accuracy. The results emphasized the vital role of DMN in the neuropathological mechanisms underlying schizophrenia.
Effects of Xinjiang wild cherry plum (Prunus divaricata Ledeb) anthocyanin-rich extract on the plasma metabolome of atherosclerotic apoE-deficient mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Shen Jing , Li Xing , Zhang Xin , Li Zhen , Abulaiti Gulisitan , Liu Yang , Yao Jun , Zhang Pei
Published: July 2022

It is well-known that many vegetables and fruits have abundant polyphenols, such as anthocyanins, which benefit many cardiovascular diseases due to their anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. To explore the protective effect of anthocyanin on atherosclerosis from a metabolic perspective, alterations in plasma metabolic profiling of apoE-deficient (apoE–/–) mice in response to treatment with anthocyanin extracts derived from Xinjiang wild cherry plum (Prunus divaricata Ledeb) peel was investigated through UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS. The mice were fed with a normal diet or high-fat diet supplementation with or without anthocyanin extracts (ACNE, 75, 150, 250 mg/kg body weight) for 18 weeks, corresponding to control (Con), model (Mod), and treatment group (LD, low dose; MD, medium dose; HD, high dose), respectively, along with a positive control group (posCon, treatment with Atorvastatin, 0.003 mg/kg body weight). The results showed that ACNE could significantly enhance the antioxidant capacity and lower the plasma lipid, but have no evident influence on the body weight of apoE–/– mice. A series of differential metabolites, predominantly related to lipid metabolism, were identified, including docosahexaenoic acid, palmitoyl ethanolamide, stearoylcarnitine, L-palmitoylcarnitine, indoxyl sulfate (IS), 1-palmitoyl-lysophosphatidylcholine, phenylacetylglycine (PAGly), and so on. Among these, both IS and PAGly were host-microbial metabolites. These differential metabolites were mainly enriched in the pathway of glycerophospholipid metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism. Several important enzymes related to glycerophospholipid metabolisms such as LCAT, LPCAT, GPCPD1, PLA2G1B, PPARG, LIPE, PNPLA2, AGPAT1, and ENPP2 were recognized as underlying targets for anti-atherogenic effects of ACNE. These findings suggest that ACNE derived from Xinjiang wild cherry plum exhibits protective effects against atherosclerosis via modulating glycerophospholipid metabolism.
Prognosis and Risk Factors of Recurrence in HBV-Related Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
Authors: Han Yifan , Liu Jianxiang , Pan Jiali , Chen Hongyu , Tan Ning , Kang Qian , Yang Yuqing , Xu Xiaoyuan , Li Wengang
Published: July 2022

Objective

The role of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for treating small hepatocellular carcinoma (sHCC) has gained increasing recognition. However, the prognosis and risk factors for recurrence in patients with sHCC remain unclear. This study investigated the risk factors for the recurrence of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related sHCC after SBRT.

Methods

A total of 240 HBV-related sHCC patients treated with SBRT between March 2011 and March 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The cumulative probability of recurrence was calculated according to the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma developed in 134 (55.8%) patients at a median time of 27 months after SBRT. The one- and two-year rates of recurrence were 20.9 and 45.0%, respectively. The median follow-up time was 30 months. The Cox multivariate analysis indicated that age (P = 0.029, HR [1.019, 1.002–1.037]), tumor size (P = 0.012, HR [1.227, 1.045–1.440]), and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) (P = 0.005, HR [1.911, 1.221–2.989]) were independent risk factors for recurrence.

Conclusion

Patients receiving SBRT for HBV-related sHCC may be at greater risk of recurrence if they have a high APRI score combined with advanced age and large tumor size.
Disease Burden, Risk Factors, and Trends of Leukaemia: A Global Analysis
Authors: Huang Junjie , Chan Sze Chai , Ngai Chun Ho , Lok Veeleah , Zhang Lin , Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo , Xu Wanghong , Zheng Zhi-Jie , Elcarte Edmar , Withers Mellissa , Wong Martin C. S.
Published: July 2022

Leukaemia accounted for approximately 2.5% of all new cancer incidence and 3.1% of cancer-related mortality. The investigation of its risk factors and epidemiologic trends could help describe the geographical distribution and identify high-risk population groups. This study aimed to evaluate the global incidence, mortality, associated risk factors, and temporal trends of leukaemia by sex, age, and country. We extracted incidence and mortality of leukaemia from GLOBOCAN, CI5, WHO mortality database, NORDCAN, and SEER. We searched the WHO Global Health Observatory data repository for the age-standardised prevalence of lifestyle and metabolic risk factors. We tested the trends by calculating Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC) from Joinpoint regression. The age-standardized rate of incidence and mortality were 5.4 and 3.3 per 100,000 globally. The incidence and mortality of leukaemia were associated with Human Development Index, Gross Domestics Products per capita, prevalence of smoking, physical activity, overweight, obesity, and hypercholesterolaemia at the country level. Overall, more countries were showing decreasing trends than increasing trends in incidence and mortality. However, an increasing trend of leukaemia incidence was found in Germany, Korea, Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom (AAPC, 2.32-0.98) while its mortality increased in the Philippines, Ecuador, Belarus, and Thailand (AAPC, 2.49-1.23). There was a decreasing trend of leukaemia for the past decade while an increase in incidence and mortality was observed in some populations. More intensive lifestyle modifications should be implemented to control the increasing trends of leukaemia in regions with these trends. Future studies may explore the reasons behind these epidemiological transitions.
Case report: Zanubrutinib-induced dermatological toxicities: A single-center experience and review
Authors: Wang Lingling , Tang Jiao , Feng Jun , Huang Yongfen , Cheng Yuexin , Xu Hao , Miao Yuqing
Published: July 2022

Zanubrutinib, a next-generation non-covalent Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, shows great efficacy in the treatment of B cell malignancies. Some patients may experience a series of side effects after the treatment of zanubrutinib. Grade 4 dermatological toxicities are rare, which present as severe rash and skin infection. Herein, we retrospectively reported the grade 4 dermatological toxicities of zanubrutinib in three consecutive patients. They were treated with zanubrutinib 160 mg twice daily orally. One patient was diagnosed with Primary Breast Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma(PB-DLBCL) and two patients were diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia(CLL). Within one month after zanubrutinib treatment, all three patients developed grade 4 dermatological toxicities, including bruising, maculopapular rash, petechiae, ecchymosis, hemorrhagic blister, acne-Like rash, papulopustular rash, and skin infections. Zanubrutinib was discontinued in two patients due to unacceptable dermatological toxicities. Safety data from pre-licensing clinical trials showed that zanubrutinib-related side effects were frequent but well tolerated. To date, no severe dermatological toxicities were reported. The majority of patients can be relieved with symptomatic treatment, but a very small percentage of patients may face discontinuation of the drug.
Oral lesions of viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases in children: A decision tree
Authors: Guillouet Charlotte , Riou Margot C. , Duong Lucas T. , de La Dure-Molla Muriel , Fournier Benjamin P. J.
Published: July 2022

Oral mucosal lesions are common in the pediatric population and, apart from traumatic and tumoral etiologies, they can be symptoms of viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic diseases. Yet, pediatricians and pediatric dentists find it challenging to reach a diagnosis and provide appropriate care when facing lesions of the masticatory or lining mucosa, of the hard or soft palate, of the tongue or salivary glands. Here, we propose a decision tree for the diagnosis of the most frequent viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases starting from their oral lesions in children. By first focusing on describing the elementary lesion itself before its localization and characteristics, it aims to guide the practitioner toward the diagnosis and any necessary complementary exams. To generate this tool, we conducted a literature review of the childhood viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic diseases with oral mucosal symptoms. For each of the 42 reported diagnoses−20 viral, 9 bacterial, 5 fungal, and 8 parasitic—we collected the infection mechanism and agent(s), the oral lesions and their description, the associated systemic signs and the incidence/prevalence. In fine, our decision tree indexes the 28 diseases for which epidemiological data was available, mainly in Europe and the United States.
Porphyran From Porphyra haitanensis Alleviates Obesity by Reducing Lipid Accumulation and Modulating gut Microbiota Homeostasis
Authors: Wang Xueliang , Dong Juqin , Liang Wei , Fang Yi , Liang Meinong , Xu Lixia , Sun Wuyang , Li Xiaoxing
Published: July 2022

Porphyran possesses various activities, while the effects of the porphyran from Porphyra haitanensis (PPH) on obesity are rarely reported. In this study, C57BL/6J male mice were fed with HFD combined with PPH gavage (50 mg/kg/d) for 16 weeks, and body weight was measured once a week. After that, serum, adipose, and liver tissues were collected for physiological and biochemical analyses. Our research indicated that PPH treatment alleviated obesity in HFD-fed mice. PPH alleviated fat accumulation in serum, liver, and adipose tissues. In addition, PPH activated the AMPK-HSL/ACC pathway in epididymal adipose tissue to reduce lipid accumulation. Moreover, PPH turned white adipose into brown and activated the PGC 1α-UCP 1-mitochondrial pathway in scapular adipose tissue to generate more heat. Interestingly, PPH regulated colonic microbiota homeostasis in obese mice, including significant elevation of Roseburia and Eubacterium and marked reduction of Helicobacter. Moreover, Spearman’s correlation analysis demonstrated that regulation of gut microbiota can decrease lipid accumulation. In summary, our study illustrated that PPH possesses the potential to be developed as an anti-obesity agent.
Investigations of nitazoxanide molecular targets and pathways for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma using network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Khan Shakeel Ahmad , Lee Terence Kin Wah
Published: July 2022

Nitazoxanide has been investigated for colorectal cancer and breast cancer. However, its molecular targets and pathways have not yet been explored for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. Utilizing a network pharmacology approach, nitazoxanide’s potential targets and molecular pathways for HCC treatment were investigated. HCC targets were extracted from the GeneCards database. Potential targets of nitazoxanide were predicted using Swiss Target Prediction and Super Pred. Intersecting targets were analyzed with VENNY online tool. Using Cytoscape, a protein-protein interaction (PPI), cluster, and core targets-pathways networks were constructed. Using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), gene ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. The nitazoxanide was molecularly docked with anti-HCC core targets by employing Auto Dock Vina. A total of 168 potential targets of nitazoxanide, 13,415 HCC-related targets, and 153 intersecting targets were identified. The top eight anti-HCC core targets were identified: SRC, EGFR, CASP3, MMP9, mTOR, HIF1A, ERBB2, and PPARG. GO enrichment analysis showed that nitazoxanide might have anti-HCC effects by affecting gene targets involved in multiple biological processes (BP) (protein phosphorylation, transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase (RTKs) signaling pathway, positive regulation of MAP kinase activity, etc.). KEGG pathways and core targets-pathways network analysis indicated that pathways in cancer and proteoglycans in cancer are two key pathways that significantly contribute to the anti-HCC effects of nitazoxanide. Results of molecular docking demonstrated the potential for active interaction between the top eight anti-HCC core targets and nitazoxanide. Our research offers a theoretical basis for the notion that nitazoxanide may have distinct therapeutic effects in HCC, and the identified pharmacological targets and pathways might function as biomarkers for HCC therapy.
Assessing Skin Healing and Angiogenesis of Deep Burns in Vivo Using Two-Photon Microscopy in Mice
Authors: He Gaiying , Cao Yu , Tang Jinghui , Ma Shuhua , Sun Yanan , Yang Weifeng , Tong Qian , Li Dongying , Wang Yi
Published: July 2022

Prevalent methods for monitoring burn injuries and testing drug efficacies rely on fixed tissue sections. However, this may leave out cellular details in the living state. In vivo assessments of burn healing has been long sought after and are of scientific and clinical interest. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P)H), collagen, and melanin are endogenous fluorescent molecules and their signals can be captured by two-photon microscopy (TPM), therefore providing information on epidermal histological features and collagen growth in real-time. In addition, TMP imaging on exogenous fluorescent substances provides a basis for detecting blood vessels. In this work, two-photon microscopy was used to capture the exogenous fluorescent substances and endogenous fluorescent molecules at different times to assess and track burn healing in vivo. Combining TPM imaging and morphological characteristics, proliferation and differentiation of the keratinocytes in different layers of skin, collagen contents, and angiogenesis were identified and quantified. The TPM monitoring method provides an effective tool to systemically evaluate skin healing of deep burns in vivo.
Climatic niche pre-adaptation facilitated island colonization followed by budding speciation in the Madeiran ivy (Hedera maderensis, Araliaceae)
Authors: Alonso Alejandro , Gallego-Narbón Angélica , Coca-de-la-Iglesia Marina , Monjas David , Medina Nagore G. , Fernández-Mazuecos Mario , Valcárcel Virginia
Published: July 2022

The path followed by species in the colonization of remote oceanic islands ultimately depends on their phylogenetic constraints and ecological responses. In this study, we aim to evaluate the relative role of geographical and ecological forces in the origin and evolution of the Madeiran ivy (Hedera maderensis), a single-species endemic belonging to the western polyploid clade of Hedera. To determine the phylogenetic placement of H. maderensis within the western polyploid clade, we analyzed 40 populations (92 individuals) using genotyping-by-sequencing and including Hedera helix as outgroup. Climatic niche differences among the study species were evaluated using a database with 867 records representing the entire species ranges. To test species responses to climate, 13 vegetative and reproductive functional traits were examined for 70 populations (335 individuals). Phylogenomic results revealed a nested pattern with H. maderensis embedded within the south-western Iberian H. iberica. Gradual niche differentiation from the coldest and most continental populations of H. iberica to the warm and stable coastal population sister to H. maderensis parallels the geographical pattern observed in the phylogeny. Similarity in functional traits is observed for H. maderensis and H. iberica. The two species show leaves with higher specific leaf area (SLA), lower leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and thickness and fruits with lower pulp fraction than the other western polyploid species H. hibernica. Acquisition of a Macaronesian climatic niche and the associated functional syndrome in mainland European ivies (leaves with high SLA, and low LDMC and thickness, and fruits with less pulp content) was a key step in the colonization of Madeira by the H. iberica/H. maderensis lineage, which points to climatic pre-adaptation as key in the success of island colonization (dispersal and establishment). Once in Madeira, budding speciation was driven by geographical isolation, while ecological processes are regarded as secondary forces with a putative impact in the lack of further in situ diversification.
Building Self-Efficacy in Parenting Adult Children With Autistic Spectrum Disorder: An Initial Investigation of a Two-Pronged Approach in Role Competence
Authors: Leung Cecilia Nga Wing , Tsang Brenda , Huang Doris Haiqi , Chan Raymond Won Shing
Published: July 2022

Previous studies on parenting adult children with ASD were scarce, and their intervention protocols mainly were derived from established work with children. Development of an applicable adult-oriented protocol and demonstration of its effectiveness is warranted. The present study outlined the development and evaluation of Core Autism Parenting Skills (CAPS), which targets to enhance parenting self-efficacy (PSE) intervention for adult children with ASD by addressing two intervention goals in parallel: acquisition of parenting skills and cultivating positive attributes. In CAPS, PSE is operationalised into four parent roles: to observe, reinforce, empathise, and accompany, each with requisite attributes, skills, and prescribed training. Twenty-seven parents with adult children with ASD (aged 16–37) were recruited. They completed measures assessing their PSE, competence in the four parent roles, and emotional well-being at pre-training, post-training and 2-month follow-up. The intervention was well-received by the participants and reported significant improvements in PSE, parent role competence at post-training and 2-month follow-up. The applicability of PSE and parent role competence in constructing effective parenting intervention for adult children with ASD was supported.
Usability Study of the iACTwithPain Platform: An Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion-Based Intervention for Chronic Pain
Authors: Guiomar Raquel , Trindade Inês A. , Carvalho Sérgio A. , Menezes Paulo , Patrão Bruno , Nogueira Maria Rita , Lapa Teresa , Duarte Joana , Pinto-Gouveia José , Castilho Paula
Published: July 2022

Background

This pilot study aims to test the usability of the iACTwithPain platform, an online ACT-based intervention for people with chronic pain, to obtain information on which intervention and usability aspects need improvement and on expected retention rates.

Methods

Seventy-three Portuguese women with chronic pain were invited to complete the first three sessions of the iACTwithPain intervention assess their quality, usefulness and the platform’s usability. Twenty-one accepted the invitation. Additionally, eight healthcare professionals working with chronic medical conditions assessed the platform and the intervention from a practitioner’s point of view.

Results

This study presented a considerable attrition rate (71.43%) among chronic pain participants, with six completers. There were no significant differences in demographic or clinical variables between dropouts and completers except for completed education (participants who dropped out presented less education than completers). Reasons for dropout were related to difficult personal events occurring during the time of the intervention, lack of time, or having forgotten. There seemed to be an overall satisfaction with both the intervention, its contents and form of presentation of information, and the platform, concerning its design, appearance, and usability. Real image videos were preferred over animations or audio by chronic pain participants. Healthcare professionals emphasized the appealing and dynamic aspects of the animation format.

Conclusion

This study informs the ongoing improvement of the iACTwithPain platform and provides valuable information on aspects researchers should consider while developing online psychological interventions for chronic pain. Further implications are discussed.
Dignity Therapy Training for the Healthcare Professionals: Lessons Learned From an Italian Experience
Authors: Buonaccorso Loredana , Alquati Sara , Ghirotto Luca , Annini Alice , Tanzi Silvia
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Dignity therapy (DT) is brief psychotherapy targeting psychological and existential suffering among patients with a life-limiting illness. Studies have been conducted on the use of DT by healthcare professionals. In Italy, the current legislation defines that any form of psychotherapy may be performed exclusively by psychotherapists. Consequently, this intervention is unlikely to be used by other healthcare professionals. Herein, we will describe a training on DT not as a psychotherapy intervention but as a narrative intervention for non-psychotherapists health care professionals. Finally, we will explore the potential enablers/barriers as experienced by palliative care physicians and nurses.

Methods

The study was conducted in the Psycho-Oncology Unit within the Cancer Research Hospital of Reggio Emilia (Italy). It consisted of an exploratory qualitative case study. Data were collected employing observations and interview data and thematically analyzed.

Results

The training was attended by six physicians and ten nurses and took place during two-afternoon sessions for 10 h. Two participants put their training into practice and administered DT under the supervision of a psychotherapist. Data analysis highlighted five overarching themes relating to the training experience and direct use of DT, namely, (i) time required, (ii) psychological skills, (iii) patient’s disease awareness, (iv) patient’s life history, and (v) distinguishing DT from Advance Care Planning.

Conclusion

Palliative care professionals found DT to be a valuable non-pharmacological hospital-based intervention to address the person beyond the patient and his clinical conditions. In our experience, considering that in Italy, psychotherapy is an intervention that psychotherapists can only perform, it can help organize different training on DT for psychotherapists and other healthcare professionals.
Mental health impacts of nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in Peru: Fear of contagion, generalized anxiety, and physical-cognitive fatigue
Authors: Becerra-Medina Lucy Tani , Meneses-La-Riva Monica Elisa , Ruíz-Ruíz María Teresa , Marcilla-Félix Aquilina , Suyo-Vega Josefina Amanda , Fernández-Bedoya Víctor Hugo
Published: July 2022

The health crisis caused by COVID-19 has resulted in the physical and emotional deterioration of health personnel, especially nurses, whose emotional state is affected by the high risk of contagion, the high demands of health services, and the exhausting working hours. The objective of this research was to determine the relationship between fear, anxiety, and fatigue of nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in a second level public hospital in Peru. This study presents a quantitative approach and correlational level, cross-sectional, and non-experimental design. The sample consisted of 145 nurses who attended patients with COVID-19 in health care areas. The results show a significant relationship between fear of contagion and physical-cognitive fatigue (p < 0.001; r = 317) and a significant relationship between generalized anxiety and physical-cognitive fatigue (p < 0.001; r = 480). It is concluded that in this context, both fear of contagion and generalized anxiety are related to physical-cognitive fatigue.
“When I Think of Black Girls, I Think of Opportunities”: Black Girls' Identity Development and the Protective Role of Parental Socialization in Educational Settings
Authors: Burnett Marketa , McBride Margarett , Green McKenzie N. , Cooper Shauna M.
Published: July 2022

While educational settings may be envisioned as safe spaces that facilitate learning, foster creativity, and promote healthy development for youth, research has found that this is not always true for Black girls. Their negative experiences within educational settings are both gendered and racialized, often communicating broader societal perceptions of Black girls that ultimately shape their identity development. Utilizing semi-structured interviews with adolescent Black girls (n = 12), the current investigation explored Black girls' educational experiences, their meaning making of Black girlhood, and the role of parents in their positive development. By centering Black girls' voices, this study illuminated how Black girls negotiate their multiple marginalized identities and how their identities are shaped by their home and school environments. Findings revealed that Black girls are aware of the difficulties in navigating educational settings for Black girls, but this awareness was coupled with parental support that promoted positive gendered racial identities for Black girls in middle school and high school. This investigation advanced current knowledge of Black girls' identity development and highlighted the protective role of parental socialization. Future research directions and implications are also discussed.
Research on Risk Evaluation of Internet Strategic Transformation of Manufacturing Enterprises Based on the BP Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Honglei Huang , Zaigham Ghulam Hussain Khan
Published: July 2022

For manufacturing enterprises to successfully enter the “Industry 4.0” era and establish advantages in the new wave of the Industrial Revolution, they must use Internet thinking to transform manufacturing enterprises and promote the in-depth integration of informatization and industrialization under the premise of managing and controlling risks, to achieve transformation and upgrading. Research on and management of the risks of manufacturing enterprises’ Internet strategic transformation directly affects the success or failure of enterprises’ transformation. This study constructed a risk evaluation model for a manufacturing enterprise’s Internet strategic transformation based on the back propagation (BP) artificial neural network and conducted a case study on one enterprise.