bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gelatin From Cartilage of Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii): Preparation, Characterization, and Protective Function on Ultraviolet-A-Injured Human Skin Fibroblasts
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Wang Yu-Mei , Qiu Yi-Ting , Chi Chang-Feng , Luo Hong-Yu , Wang Bin
Published: June 2022

For full use of the by-products during Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) processing, gelatin was extracted from the cartilages using the hot water method, and its physico-chemical properties and protective function on ultraviolet-A injured human skin fibroblasts (HFSBs) were measured. Using single-factor and orthogonal experiments, the conditions for extracting gelatin from Siberian sturgeon cartilage were optimized as extraction time of 7 h, pH 9, material-to-liquid ratio (g/ml) of 1:5, and temperature of 45°C. The prepared gelatin (TCG) with a yield of 28.8 ± 1.53% had Gly (307 residues/1,000 residues) as the major amino acid and contained a lower amount (214 residues/1,000 residues) of imino acids than that (227 residues/1,000 residues) of pigskin gelatin (PSG). Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), ultraviolet spectrum, and infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that TCG had the main spectral characteristics of fish gelatin and contained α chains (α1 and α2 chains) and β chain of type I collagen, but its structural stability was lower than that of PSG due to its low content of imino acids, which induced the smaller molecular bands observed in the SDS-PAGE pattern. TCG exhibited lower water content, gel strength, emulsion stability index, foam capacity, foam stability, and water-holding capacity but higher ash content, transmittance, emulsion activity index, and fat-binding capacity (P < 0.05). Moreover, TCG could significantly protect HFSBs against ultraviolet-A injury by enhancing the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase to scavenge excess reactive oxygen species and decrease the content of malondialdehyde. Therefore, gelatin from Siberian sturgeon cartilages could act as promising candidates when applied in health-promoting products against ultraviolet-A injury.
Predictive Biomarkers of Severe Immune-Related Adverse Events With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Prevention, Underlying Causes, Intensity, and Consequences
Authors: Cardeña-Gutiérrez Ana , López Barahona Mónica
Published: June 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have dramatically transformed oncology by prolonging overall survival and yielding better patient tolerance compared to other chemotherapeutic agents. However, numerous questions remain unanswered about the toxicity profile of ICIs, its relationship with the treatment response, and causes underlying the excellent treatment response in some patients, while recalcitrance in others. Research groups have continued to seek biomarkers that may permit the identification of treatment responders and predict toxicity to facilitate cessation of immunotherapy before the development of severe toxicity. However, some studies have found associations between serious adverse events and longer survivorship. The research question entailed determining whether a biomarker is needed to predict severe immune-related adverse events prior to their development or whether providing early treatment for toxicity would inhibit the immune system from attaining a long-lasting anti-tumor effect. Therefore, this review conducted an in-depth analysis into the molecular basis of these observations.
Computational Modeling of Deep Tissue Heating by an Automatic Thermal Massage Bed: Predicting the Effects on Circulation
Authors: Dmochowski Jacek P. , Khadka Niranjan , Cardoso Luis , Meneses Edson , Lee Kiwon , Kim Sungjin , Jin Youngsoo , Bikson Marom
Published: June 2022

Automatic thermal and mechanical massage beds support self-managed treatment, including reduction of pain and stress, enhanced circulation, and improved mobility. As the devices become more sophisticated (increasing the degrees of freedom), it is essential to identify the settings that best target the desired tissue. To that end, we developed an MRI-derived model of the lower back and simulated the physiological effects of a commercial thermal-mechanical massage bed. Here we specifically estimated the tissue temperature and increased circulation under steady-state conditions for typical thermal actuator settings (i.e., 45–65°C). Energy transfer across nine tissues was simulated with finite element modeling (FEM) and the resulting heating was coupled to blood flow with an empirically-guided model of temperature-dependent circulation. Our findings indicate that thermal massage increases tissue temperature by 3–8°C and 1–3°C at depths of 2 and 3 cm, respectively. Importantly, due to the rapid (non-linear) increase of circulation with local temperature, this is expected to increase blood flow four-fold (4x) at depths occupied by deep tissue and muscle. These predictions are consistent with prior clinical observations of therapeutic benefits derived from spinal thermal massage.
Evaluation of Probiotic and Antidiabetic Attributes of Lactobacillus Strains Isolated From Fermented Beetroot
Authors: Kumari V. B. Chandana , Huligere Sujay S. , Ramu Ramith , Naik Bajpe Shrisha , Sreenivasa M. Y. , Silina Ekaterina , Stupin Victor , Achar Raghu Ram
Published: June 2022

Fermented foods are sources of functionally salient microbes. These microbes when ingested can regulate biomolecule metabolism which has a plethora of health benefits. Lactic acid bacteria species (LABs) isolated from fermented beetroot were biochemically characterized and validated using 16s rRNA sequence. Also, an in vitro assay was conducted to confirm the probiotic activity of the isolates. The cell-free supernatant (CS), cell-free extract (CE), and intact cell (IC) were evaluated for α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition. The six isolates RAMULAB01–06 were categorized to be Lactobacillus spp. by observing phenotypic and biochemical characters. Molecular validation using 16S rDNA sequencing, followed by homology search in NCBI database, suggested that the isolates are >95% similar to L. paracasei and L. casei. Also, isolates exhibited probiotic potential with a high survival rate (>96%) in the gastrointestinal condition, and adherence capability (>53%), colonization (>86%), antibacterial, and antibiotic activity. The safety assessments expressed that the isolates are safe. The α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition by CS, CE, and IC ranged from 3.97 ± 1.42% to 53.91 ± 3.11% and 5.1 ± 0.08% to 57.15 ± 0.56%, respectively. Hence, these species have exceptional antidiabetic potential which could be explicated to its use as a functional food and health-related food products.
The Species Identification and Genomic Analysis of Haemobacillus shengwangii: A Novel Pathogenic Bacterium Isolated From a Critically Ill Patient With Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Du Yingying , Li Xuming , Liu Yuhao , Mu Shikui , Shen Dandan , Fan Shu , Lou Zheng , Zhang Shouqin , Xia Han , Yuan Yinghua , Wang Sheng
Published: June 2022

Since the first strain related to Thermicanaceae was reported in 1999, almost no literature on Thermicanaceae is available, particularly its genomics. We recently isolated a novel pathogenic bacterium, the △ strain DYY3, from the blood sample of a critically ill patient. The morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of △ strain DYY3 were presented in this study, and the virulence factor genes and antibiotic resistance of DYY3 were also determined. Interestingly, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) and core-genes average amino acid identity (cAAI) analysis indicated that △ strain DYY3 was genus novel and species novel. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis based on both 16S rRNA gene and whole genomic core gene sequences suggested that △ strain DYY3 belonged to the family Thermicanaceae, and this novel taxon was thus named Haemobacillus shengwangii gen. nov., sp. nov. Besides, both the whole genome-based phylogenetic tree and amino acid identity analysis indicated that Thermicanus aegyptius, Hydrogenibacillus schlegelii, Brockia lithotrophica, and the newly discovered species H. shengwangii should belong to Thermicanaceae at the family level, and T. aegyptius was the closest species to H. shengwangii. We also constructed the first high-quality genome in the family Thermicanaceae using the next-generation sequencing (NGS) and single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing technologies, which certainly contributed to further genomics studies and metagenomic-based pathogenic detection in the future.
In vivo Protein Interference: Oral Administration of Recombinant Yeast-Mediated Partial Leptin Reduction for Obesity Control
Authors: Yue Feng , Du Lihong , Wang Ruyu , Han Baoquan , Zhang Xiaojun , Yao Zhangzhang , Zhang Wenqiang , Cai Chang , Zhang Zhiying , Xu Kun
Published: June 2022

Obesity-related diseases are always the major health problems that concern the whole world. Serial studies have reported that obesity development is closely related to the out-of-control leptin encoded by the obesity gene (ob). The latest report declaimed “Less Is More,” a model explaining that partial leptin reduction triggers leptin sensitization and contributes to obesity control. Here, we came up with a novel concept, in vivo protein interference (iPRTi), an interesting protein knock-down strategy for in vivo partial leptin reduction. First, the specific immune response against leptin induced by the oral administration of ob recombinant yeast was confirmed. Subsequentally, leptin resistance was observed in diet-induced obese mice, and oral administration with ob recombinant yeast declined the circulating leptin and reduced significantly the body weight gain. To further investigate whether the iPRTi strategy is capable of obesity management, the diet-induced obese mice were administrated with ob recombinant yeast. All the indexes examined including the circulating leptin, triglyceride, and total cholesterol, as well as food intake and weight gain, demonstrated a positive effect of the iPRTi strategy on obesity control. In short, this study provides a novel strategy for the potential application of recombinant yeast for the therapy of obese individuals with leptin resistance.
Exosomes: Potential Biomarkers and Functions in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Ting , Li Juan , Wang Haitao , Zhao Jiayu , Yan Mingze , He Hongjiang , Yu Shan
Published: June 2022

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), originating from the mucosal epithelial cells of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, is a lethal malignancy of the head and neck. Patients with advanced and recurrent HNSCC have poor outcomes due to limited therapeutic options. Exosomes have active roles in the pathophysiology of tumors and are suggested as a potential therapeutic target of HNSCC. Exosomes in HNSCC have been intensively studied for disease activity, tumor staging, immunosuppression, and therapeutic monitoring. In this review, the biological mechanisms and the recent clinical application of exosomes are highlighted to reveal the potential of exosomes as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HNSCC.
Recent Advances in Stereoselective Chemical O-Glycosylation Reactions
Authors: Mukherjee Mana Mohan , Ghosh Rina , Hanover John A.
Published: June 2022

Carbohydrates involving glycoconjugates play a pivotal role in many life processes. Better understanding toward glycobiological events including the structure–function relationship of these biomolecules and for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes including tailor-made vaccine development and synthesis of structurally well-defined oligosaccharides (OS) become important. Efficient chemical glycosylation in high yield and stereoselectivity is however challenging and depends on the fine tuning of a protection profile to get matching glycosyl donor–acceptor reactivity along with proper use of other important external factors like catalyst, solvent, temperature, activator, and additive. So far, many glycosylation methods have been reported including several reviews also. In the present review, we will concentrate our discussion on the recent trend on α- and β-selective glycosylation reactions reported during the past decade.
Mitochondria-Associated Membrane Scaffolding with Endoplasmic Reticulum: A Dynamic Pathway of Developmental Disease
Authors: Saneto Russell P. , Perez Francisco A.
Published: June 2022

Communication between intracellular organelles is essential for overall cellular function. How this communication occurs and under what circumstances alterations transpire are only the beginning to be elucidated. The pathways of calcium homeostasis, lipid transfer, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitophagy/apoptosis have been linked to the endoplasmic reticulum and tethering sites on the outer and/or inner mitochondrial membrane called mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAM). Sensitive visualization by high-powered microscopy coupled with the advent of massive parallel sequencing has elaborated the structure, while patient’s diseases have uncovered the physiological function of these networks. Using specific patient examples from our pediatric mitochondrial center, we expand how specific genetic pathological variants in certain MAM structures induce disease. Genetic variants inMICU1,PASC-2,CYP2U1,SERAC1, andTANGO2can induce early development abnormalities in the areas of cognition, motor, and central nervous system structures across multiple MAM pathways and implicate mitochondrial dysregulation.
The Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Subacromial-Subdeltoid Bursa Combined With Long Head of the Biceps Tendon Sheath Corticosteroid Injection for Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hou Yajing , Zhang Tong , Liu Wei , Lu Minjie , Wang Yong
Published: June 2022

Background

Subacromial-subdeltoid (SASD) bursa and long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) sheath corticosteroid injection are commonly used to treat shoulder pain associated with arthritic shoulder conditions, but effectiveness in the stroke population is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the clinical effectiveness of ultrasound-guided SASD bursa combined with LHBT sheath corticosteroid injection for hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) compared with SASD bursa injection alone.

Methods

60 patients with HSP were randomly allocated to the dual-target group (n = 30) and single-target group (n = 30). The single-target group received SASD bursa corticosteroid injection alone, and the dual-target group received SASD bursa and LHBT sheath corticosteroid injection. The primary endpoint was pain intensity measured on a visual analog scale (VAS). The secondary endpoint was passive range of motion (PROM) of the shoulder, Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer assessment (UEFMA) score, and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) score. PROM and pain intensity VAS were assessed at baseline and weeks 1, 4, and 12 post-treatment. UEFMA and MBI were recorded at baseline and weeks 4 and 12 post-treatment.

Results

A total of 141 patients with HSP were screened, and 60 patients were included. Significant differences in the VAS, PROM, UEFMA and MBI were observed at all follow-ups in both groups. The dual-target group showed a significant difference in VAS score compared with the single-target group (3.3 vs. 3.7, p = 0.01) at week 4 and week 12 (2.5 vs. 3.2, p < 0.001). Moreover, the dual-target group showed statistically significant differences in flexion (p < 0.001) at week 12, extension rotation (p < 0.001) at week 12, and abduction at week 1 (p = 0.003) and weeks 4 and 12 (p < 0.001) compared with the single-target group. There were significant differences in FMA and MBI scores in the two groups before and after treatment (p < 0.001), with a more significant increase in the dual-target group compared with the single-target group (p < 0.001) at week 12.

Conclusion

The combination of SASD bursa and LHBT sheath corticosteroid injection is superior to SASD bursa injection alone in reducing shoulder pain and improving functional activities in patients with HSP.

Clinical Trial Registration

www.chictr.org.cn, Unique identifier: ChiCTR2100047125.
Assessment of Biodiversity in Food Consumption Studies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Medeiros Maria Fernanda Araújo de , Silva Stephanie Gomes Bezerra , Teixeira Carla Djaine , Lima Severina Carla Vieira Cunha , Marchioni Dirce Maria , Jacob Michelle Cristine Medeiros
Published: June 2022

The assessment of food biodiversity has gained importance in nutrition due to the positive association between the diversity of foods consumed and the quality of diets. To date, however, we do not know systematically how food consumption studies address food biodiversity. Our objective with this paper was to characterize how food consumption studies address biodiverse foods, both in terms of (i) new methods capable of overcoming the limitations of existing methods, and (ii) indicators capable of measuring the contribution of biodiversity to nutrition. We conducted a systematic review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), using four databases: Web of Science, Medline/PubMed (via National Library of Medicine), Scopus, and Google Scholar. We selected papers focused on the consumption of biodiverse foods without time constraints. In addition, we assessed the methodological quality of the studies we selected. We reviewed a total of 22 studies, and summarized the methods and indicators most used. We found that some researchers used biodiversity mapping strategies based on ethnographic approaches before the dietary assessment. Regarding dietary assessment tools, retrospective direct methods were the most used by researchers. We list 23 indicators used by the authors, among them the Dietary Species Richness (DSR), used in 18% of the studies. Studies that used biodiversity mapping strategies based on ethnographic approaches before the dietary assessment portrayed the local availability of biodiverse foods more consistently, i.e., presented lists with local edible species satisfactorily identified. We believe researchers in the future can avoid many of the limitations of current methods by ensuring that teams are interprofessional. We emphasize that most of the indicators we summarized are not sensitive enough to biodiversity since they do not measure edible resources at the species level. In this sense, the DSR is promising, because it fills information gaps, especially in the case of wild or neglected species.
A Newly Developed Indicator of Overeating Saturated Fat Based on Serum Fatty Acids and Amino Acids and Its Association With Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence From Two Randomized Controlled Feeding Trials and a Prospective Study
Authors: Wei Wei , Zi Tianqi , Yang Ruiming , Xu Jiaxu , Chen Yunyan , Jiang XiTao , Chu Xia , Yang Xue , Jiang Wenbo
Published: June 2022

Objective

Hyper-caloric intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) is common in modern societies, probably contributing to the epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study conducted two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for developing a new indicator that can assess the nutritional status and examined its association with incidence of T2DM.

Methods

In RCT 1, healthy participants were randomly assigned into three groups, namely, control group (n = 40), overfeeding group 1 (100 g butter per day, n = 37), and overfeeding group 2 (120 g butter per day, n = 37). In RCT 2, healthy subjects were randomly assigned into two groups, namely, control group (n = 52) and high-fat group (300-extra kcal/day from diet that was designed by high-fat diet, n = 58). In the prospective cohort, 4,057 participants aged 20–74 years were enrolled and followed up over 5.3 years. Serum profiles of fatty acids and amino acids were measured.

Results

In RCT 1, serum fatty acids, including C14:0 and C18:0, increased, whereas C18:2, C20:4, C22:5, and C22:6 decreased; serum amino acids, including tyrosine, alanine, and aminobutyric acid, increased, whereas histidine and glycine decreased (p < 0.05). Among these serum fatty acids and amino acids, changes in C14:0, C20:4, tyrosine, histidine, and glycine were also observed in RCT 2. An indicator was developed based on the five fatty acids and amino acids, namely, C14:0 × tyrosine × 1,000/[C20:4 × (glycine + histidine)], and it significantly identified participants in the intervention group with area under the curve (AUC) (95% CI) being 0.85 (0.77–0.92). The indicator was significantly associated with incidence of T2DM in the prospective cohort with HRs (95% CIs) from bottom quartile to top quartile being 1,1.21 (0.82–1.77), 1.60 (1.12–2.30), 2.04 (1.42–2.94).

Conclusion

The newly developed indicator in RCTs can be used in assessing the nutritional status of hypercaloric intake of SFA and predicting the development of T2DM.
Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Determinants of Adherence to Current Dietary Recommendations and Diet Quality in Middle-Aged Spanish Premenopausal Women
Authors: Alonso-Cabezas Marina , Pollán Marina , Alonso-Ledesma Isabel , Fernández de Larrea-Baz Nerea , Lucas Pilar , Sierra Ángeles , Castelló Adela , Pino Marina Nieves , Pérez-Gómez Beatriz , Martínez-Cortés Mercedes , Lope Virginia , Ruiz-Moreno Emma
Published: June 2022

Background

A healthy diet when approaching menopause could prevent some of the symptoms associated with the climacteric. Few studies examine adherence to current healthy dietary recommendations in middle-aged premenopausal women. Our objective was to analyze the diet quality and the adherence to the Spanish Society of Community Nutrition (SENC) dietary recommendations in middle-aged Spanish premenopausal women, and to identify the associated sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study based on 1251 premenopausal women, aged 39–50, who attended to Madrid City Council Medical Diagnostic Center. Women completed an epidemiological and a food frequency questionnaire. Degree of adherence to the SENC recommendations was estimated with a score that evaluated null (0 points) and full (1 point) adherence of each specific recommendation. Associations were explored using an ordinal logistic multivariable regression model.

Results

Regarding food groups, the worst adherence was found for sweets, red/processed meat, olive oil and eggs. Most of the participants exceeded the recommended caloric intake from proteins and fats, and practically all of them showed vitamin D intake deficiency. The overall score ranged from 2 to 12 (out of 15), with a median of 6.0 (interquartile range: 5.0–7.0). Former smokers (OR: 1.38; 95%CI: 1.08–1.78), as well as those with higher educational level (ORSSecondary:1.68; 95%CI: 0.97–2.93, ORUniversity:1.82; 95%IC: 1.05–3.14), with two or more children (OR: 1.31; 95%IC: 1.00-1.72), with higher caloric intake (OR>2188.2kcal/day: 8.22; 95%CI: 6.19–10.92) and with greater physical activity (OR≥21METS−h/week: 1.29; 95%CI: 0.95-1.76) showed greater adherence.

Conclusions

Almost two-thirds of middle-aged premenopausal participants showed low or moderate compliance with SENC recommendations. Education, smoking, parity, and physical activity were associated with the degree of adherence to these recommendations.
Association Between Length of Only-Child Period During Early Childhood and Overweight at Age 8—A Population-Based Longitudinal Study in Japan
Authors: Katagiri Aomi , Nawa Nobutoshi , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Prior studies have shown that children who are the only child are more likely to be overweight compared to their peers with siblings, regardless of whether they are the oldest, in the middle, or youngest. The study objective was to clarify whether there is an association between the length of the only-child period and the risk of overweight in firstborns who experienced an only-child period during early childhood before their siblings were born.

Methods

A total of 7,576 first-born boys and 7,229 first-born girls were examined from a nationwide longitudinal survey in Japan. The length of the only-child period was determined by “birth interval”; i.e., the interval between the birth of the index child and the birth of the second child. It was categorized as short (<1.5 years), moderate (between 1.5 and 4 years), long (between 4 and 8 years), and only-child (the second baby was not born for 8 years). Overweight was defined as body mass index (BMI) z-score 1 standard deviation or more at age 8. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between length of only-child period and childhood overweight, adjusting for covariates.

Results

Moderate birth interval was inversely associated with being overweight in comparison with only-child in both boys (odds ratio (OR): 0.83, 95% CI, 0.72–0.96) and girls (OR: 0.75, 95% CI, 0.63–0.88). Long birth interval also showed inverse association in boys (OR: 0.78, 95% CI, 0.62–0.97), and marginal inverse association in girls (OR: 0.80, 95% CI, 0.62–1.04).

Conclusion

First-born children who experienced short birth intervals did not show a different overweight risk from only-child. First-born children who experienced 1.5–8 years of the birth interval had a lower risk of childhood overweight compared with only-child.
The Growing Spectrum of DADA2 Manifestations—Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges Revisited
Authors: Escherich Carolin , Bötticher Benedikt , Harmsen Stefani , Hömberg Marc , Schaper Jörg , Lorenz Myriam Ricarda , Schwarz Klaus , Borkhardt Arndt , Oommen Prasad Thomas
Published: June 2022

Deficiency of Adenosine Deaminase Type 2 (DADA2) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder with a variable phenotype including generalized or cerebral vasculitis and bone marrow failure. It is caused by variations in the adenosine deaminase 2 gene (ADA2), which leads to decreased adenosine deaminase 2 enzyme activity. Here we present three instructive scenarios that demonstrate DADA2 spectrum characteristics and provide a clear and thorough diagnostic and therapeutic workflow for effective patient care. Patient 1 illustrates cerebral vasculitis in DADA2. Genetic analysis reveals a compound heterozygosity including the novel ADA2 variant, p.V325Tfs*7. In patient 2, different vasculitis phenotypes of the DADA2 spectrum are presented, all resulting from the homozygous ADA2 mutation p.Y453C. In this family, the potential risk for siblings is particularly evident. Patient 3 represents pure red cell aplasia with bone marrow failure in DADA2. Here, ultimately, stem cell transplantation is considered the curative treatment option. The diversity of the DADA2 spectrum often delays diagnosis and treatment of this vulnerable patient cohort. We therefore recommend early ADA2 enzyme activity measurement as a screening tool for patients and siblings at risk, and we expect early steroid-based remission induction will help avoid fatal outcomes.
Combining Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation to Study the Action and Mechanism of Water extract of Asparagus Against Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Liang Huiling , Li Yanju , Wang Feiqing , Zhao Jianing , Yang Xu , Wu Dan , Zhang Chike , Liu Yanqing , Huang Jie , Su Min , He Zhixu , Liu Yang , Wang Jishi , Tang Dongxin
Published: June 2022

Asparagus (ASP) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine with nourishing, moistening, fire-clearing, cough-suppressing, and intestinal effects. In addition, it exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, immunity-enhancing, and anti-tumor pharmacological effect. The anti-tumor effect of ASP has been studied in hepatocellular carcinoma. However, its action and pharmacological mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC) are unclear. The present study aimed to identify the potential targets of ASP for CRC treatment using network pharmacology and explore its possible therapeutic mechanisms using in vitro and in vivo experiments. The active compounds and potential targets of ASP were obtained from the TCMSP database, followed by CRC-related target genes identification using GeneCards and OMIM databases, which were matched with the potential targets of ASP. Based on the matching results, potential targets and signaling pathways were identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI), gene ontology (GO) functions, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Finally, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to further validate the anti-cancer effects of ASP on CRC. Network pharmacology analysis identified nine active components from ASP from the database based on oral bioavailability and drug similarity index, and 157 potential targets related to ASP were predicted. The PPI network identified tumor protein 53 (TP53), Fos proto-oncogene, AP-1 transcription factor subunit (FOS), and AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1) as key targets. GO analysis showed that ASP might act through response to wounding, membrane raft, and transcription factor binding. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that ASP may affect CRC through the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase PI3K/AKT/mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR) signaling pathway. In vitro, ASP inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCT116 and LOVO cells, and caused G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in CRC cells. In vivo, ASP significantly inhibited the growth of CRC transplanted tumors in nude mice. Furthermore, pathway analysis confirmed that ASP could exert its therapeutic effects on CRC by regulating cell proliferation and survival through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. This study is the first to report the potential role of ASP in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Transcriptome of Endophyte-Positive and Endophyte-Free Tall Fescue Under Field Stresses
Authors: Islam Md. Shofiqul , Krom Nick , Kwon Taegun , Li Guifen , Saha Malay C.
Published: June 2022

Tall fescue is one of the primary sources of forage for livestock. It grows well in the marginal soils of the temperate zones. It hosts a fungal endophyte (Epichloë coenophiala), which helps the plants to tolerate abiotic and biotic stresses. The genomic and transcriptomic resources of tall fescue are very limited, due to a complex genetic background and outbreeding modes of pollination. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in two tissues (pseudostem and leaf blade) between novel endophyte positive (E+) and endophyte-free (E−) Texoma MaxQ II tall fescue genotypes. Samples were collected at three diurnal time points: morning (7:40–9:00 am), afternoon (1:15–2:15 pm), and evening (4:45–5:45 pm) in the field environment. By exploring the transcriptional landscape via RNA-seq, for the first time, we generated 226,054 and 224,376 transcripts from E+ and E− tall fescue, respectively through de novo assembly. The upregulated transcripts were detected fewer than the downregulated ones in both tissues (S: 803 up and 878 down; L: 783 up and 846 down) under the freezing temperatures (−3.0–0.5°C) in the morning. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis identified 3 out of top 10 significant GO terms only in the morning samples. Metabolic pathway and biosynthesis of secondary metabolite genes showed lowest number of DEGs under morning freezing stress and highest number in evening cold condition. The 1,085 DEGs were only expressed under morning stress condition and, more importantly, the eight candidate orthologous genes of rice identified under morning freezing temperatures, including orthologs of rice phytochrome A, phytochrome C, and ethylene receptor genes, might be the possible route underlying cold tolerance in tall fescue.
Assessing Workplace Bullying and Its Outcomes: The Paradoxical Role of Perceived Power Imbalance Between Target and Perpetrator
Authors: Nielsen Morten Birkeland , Finne Live Bakke , Parveen Sana , Einarsen Ståle Valvatne
Published: June 2022

This study investigates the role of perceived power relation between target and perpetrator regarding victimization and turnover intent following exposure to bullying behavior at the workplace. We hypothesized that (1) targets of bullying behavior who self-label as victims experiences a larger power imbalance with the perpetrator compared to targets who do not self-label as victims, and (2) that the association between exposure to bullying behavior and intent to leave the job is stronger when there is power balance between target and perpetrator than when there is a power imbalance. The hypotheses were tested in a probability sample of employees working in the child welfare service in Oslo municipality, Norway, and that had been exposed to at least one instance of mistreatment from a colleague at their workplace (N = 374). Targets of bullying behavior whom self-labeled as victims reported a larger power imbalance with the perpetrator. Supporting the study hypothesis, and representing a reverse buffering effect, exposure to bullying behavior was most strongly associated with intent to leave among targets in power balance with the perpetrator. For targets in a perceived power imbalance, both low and high exposure to bullying behavior were associated with higher levels of intent to leave. These findings highlight the importance of implementing measures directed at preventing bullying and other forms of mistreatment, irrespective of the power relation between the two parties.
Entrepreneurial Intention and Delayed Job Satisfaction From the Perspective of Emotional Interaction: The Mediating of Psychological Capital
Authors: Na Boxiang , Ahmad Noor Hazlina , Zhang Chenxiao , Han Yan
Published: June 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated the labour shortage, and promoting entrepreneurship to spur job creation is one of the most effective strategies to address this problem. Entrepreneurs must lengthen their employment or start-up cycles due to COVID-19 normalisation. Consequently, the impact of career willingness to delay satisfaction on entrepreneurial ambition is investigated in this research via an online survey in Jiangsu Province, China. The findings show that students with a high level of career delayed contentment has a higher level of entrepreneurial intention (EI), implying that career delayed contentment intention influences EI positively. Psychological capital (PC) modifies this process, increasing the influence of job delayed satisfaction on EI by strengthening PC. PC’s significant components are self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and flexibility. This study combines the willingness to wait for satisfaction with the willingness to start a business, providing a valuable reference for reducing the work condition caused by the COVID-19 epidemic.
Experiences of Patient-Centered Care Among Older Community-Dwelling Australians
Authors: Hobden Breanne , Mansfield Elise , Freund Megan , Clapham Matthew , Sanson-Fisher Rob
Published: June 2022

Background

Older adults represent the largest consumers of health care. It is, therefore, important that they receive adequate patient-centered care to empower them to be proactive in managing their health.

Aims

This study examined the proportion of older community-dwelling individuals who report receiving patient-centered care during healthcare consultations.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 117 clients of an Australian aged care provider. Clients completed a survey examining their perceptions of whether they received patient-centered care (11-items) from healthcare professionals.

Results

The mean number of patient-centered care items reported was 8.7 (±3.1). Speaking to the patient with respect was the item most often reported to be patient-centered (94%). Asking patients about treatment goals or expectations (62%) and how involved they would like to be in treatment (67%) were the items least reported to be patient-centered.

Conclusion

Older adults perceived some important aspects of care were not provided with a patient-centered approach. There is a need to improve healthcare providers' elicitation of older patients' care preferences, enabling patients to determine their level of involvement in their health management.
Practice of Traditional Medicine and Associated Factors Among Residents in Eastern Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nigussie Shambel , Godana Abduro , Birhanu Abdi , Abdeta Tilahun , Demeke Fekade , Lami Magarsa , Gemechu Kabtamu , Eyeberu Addis , Bogale Kasahun , Dechasa Deribe Bekele , Getachew Tamirat , Negash Abraham , Aliyi Siraj , Meseret Fentahun , Kibret Haregeweyn , Nigatu Bekelu Berhanu , Dirirsa Gebisa , Gebremariam Tilahun Bete , Bayu Kefelegn , Abinew Yideg , Ali Dawud Wedaje , Wondimneh Fenta , Alemu Ayichew , Dilebo Jemal Husen , Alemu Addisu , Dessie Yadeta
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Although the Practice of traditional medicine is accorded great importance worldwide, it seems to face a notable challenge. A notable challenge is the lack of a reference standard for determining the appropriate utilization of traditional medicine for patients. There is little evidence about the usual utilized traditional medicine in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess practice of traditional medicine and associated factors among residents in Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 20, 2022 to February 20, 2022. About 818 study participants were recruited using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 computer software. The association between an outcome variable and independent variables was assessed using binary logistic regression and the strength of association was presented using Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) with its 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Result

A total of 803 participants were included in the final analysis with a 98.2 % response rate. From the total study participants, 563 (70.1%) [95%CI: 66.8–73.3] had used traditional medicine in the past 6 months. Factors such as being farmer [AOR = 1.06; 95%CI: (1.03–3.7)], having a diploma degree or higher [AOR = 3.2, 95% CI (1.4–7.3)] and having no history of chronic disease [AOR = 0.21; 95% CI: (0.1–0.5)] were significantly associated traditional medicine practice.

Conclusion

The proportion of traditional medicine practice was high. The most commonly utilized traditional medicines were Damakase, Tenadam, Zingibil and Erate. A national health policy should give a great emphasize on rational utilization of traditional medicine.
A Beginner's Guide to Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) Image Processing
Authors: Clement Patricia , Petr Jan , Dijsselhof Mathijs B. J. , Padrela Beatriz , Pasternak Maurice , Dolui Sudipto , Jarutyte Lina , Pinter Nandor , Hernandez-Garcia Luis , Jahn Andrew , Kuijer Joost P. A. , Barkhof Frederik , Mutsaerts Henk J. M. M. , Keil Vera C.
Published: June 2022

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a non-invasive and cost-effective MRI technique for brain perfusion measurements. While it has developed into a robust technique for scientific and clinical use, its image processing can still be daunting. The 2019 Ann Arbor ISMRM ASL working group established that education is one of the main areas that can accelerate the use of ASL in research and clinical practice. Specifically, the post-acquisition processing of ASL images and their preparation for region-of-interest or voxel-wise statistical analyses is a topic that has not yet received much educational attention. This educational review is aimed at those with an interest in ASL image processing and analysis. We provide summaries of all typical ASL processing steps on both single-subject and group levels. The readers are assumed to have a basic understanding of cerebral perfusion (patho) physiology; a basic level of programming or image analysis is not required. Starting with an introduction of the physiology and MRI technique behind ASL, and how they interact with the image processing, we present an overview of processing pipelines and explain the specific ASL processing steps. Example video and image illustrations of ASL studies of different cases, as well as model calculations, help the reader develop an understanding of which processing steps to check for their own analyses. Some of the educational content can be extrapolated to the processing of other MRI data. We anticipate that this educational review will help accelerate the application of ASL MRI for clinical brain research.
Rural Market Food Diversity and Farm Production Diversity: Do They Complement or Substitute Each Other in Contributing to a Farm Household's Dietary Diversity?
Authors: Nandi Ravi , Nedumaran Swamikannu
Published: June 2022

Majority of undernourished people live in rural Asia and Africa, and many of them are smallholder farmers and consume a significant amount of what they produce. This is specifically true in India. However, in the context of increasing commercial production systems, it is not well-known how much food is consumed from a particular food group that was purchased, what proportion of food is from the production of farm households, and how their diets change seasonally. Furthermore, whether the rural market food diversity complements or substitutes farm production diversity in household's diets is unknown. We employed a mixed-methods research design to answer these questions. The research was conducted in three villages in Telengana State. The results reveal that crop diversity has significantly declined from a highly-diverse production system to a less diverse one. The Food Consumption Score results show that on average own-farm production contributes 23% of food (mainly starchy staples), while market purchases contribute 77% of calories consumed (from more diverse and nutritious foods). Therefore, in the study, villages' market food diversity is more important, and it is complementary to own-farm production. However, our study shows that mere market access (the most widely used proxy indicator in the literature) does not guarantee the availability of diverse nutritious foods to households who use that specific market. This is because market food diversity varies from market to market and across seasons. Therefore, we proposed that in commercial production systems improving crop diversity, and strengthening rural markets, are needed. Moreover, incentivizing retail business and subsidizing nutritious and/or biofortified food in rural areas must be part of strategies to improve nutrition in rural India.
High-Dose Tranexamic Acid in Patients Underwent Surgical Repair of Aortic Dissection Might Reduce Postoperative Blood Loss: A Cohort Analysis
Authors: Guo Jingfei , Cao Liang , Wang Hongbai , Liu Guangyu , Zhou Yong , Yang Lijing , Jia Yuan , Yuan Su
Published: June 2022

Introduction

While tranexamic acid (TXA) is widely used in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) who undergo surgical repair to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirement, the optimal dosage of TXA is unknown in these patients.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study that compared high-dose (>50 mg/kg) and low-dose TXA (≤50 mg/kg) in patients with ATAAD who underwent surgical repair. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed between the two groups and results were analyzed in matched cases. The primary outcome was postoperative blood loss within 3 days after surgery. The secondary outcomes were total blood loss after surgery and perioperative blood transfusion, and safety outcomes were also assessed.

Results

Through medical record screening, 529 patients were identified. After PSM, 196 patients in the high-dose group and 196 patients in the low-dose group were matched and included in the final analysis. Postoperative blood loss in 3 days after surgery was 940 mL (710–1,010 mL) in the low-dose group and 695 mL (620–860 mL) in the high-dose group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Total postoperative blood loss was also statistically less in the high-dose group compared to the low-dose group (1,890 mL (1,410–2,100 mL) vs. 2,040 mL (1,460–2,320 mL), P = 0.032). No difference was found between the two groups in transfusion and safety outcomes.

Conclusion

In ATAAD patients who underwent surgical repair, high-dose TXA significantly reduced postoperative blood loss compared to low-dose TXA, while no difference in transfusion or adverse events was found.
Single-Cell Transcriptional Analysis Deciphers the Inflammatory Response of Skin-Resident Stromal Cells
Authors: Liu Baoyi , Li Ang , Xu Jingkai , Cui Yong
Published: June 2022

The skin is the outermost barrier of the body. It has developed a sophisticated system against the ever-changing environment. The application of single-cell technologies has revolutionized dermatology research and unraveled the changes and interactions across skin resident cells in the healthy and inflamed skin. Single-cell technologies have revealed the critical roles of stromal cells in an inflammatory response and explained a series of plausible previous findings concerning skin immunity. Here, we summarized the functional diversity of skin stromal cells defined by single-cell analyses and how these cells orchestrated events leading to inflammatory diseases, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Identification of Genes Related to Hair Follicle Cycle Development in Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goat by WGCNA
Authors: Gong Gao , Fan Yixing , Yan Xiaochun , Li Wenze , Yan Xiaomin , Liu Hongfu , Zhang Ludan , Su Yixing , Zhang Jiaxin , Jiang Wei , Liu Zhihong , Wang Zhiying , Wang Ruijun , Zhang Yanjun , Lv Qi , Li Jinquan , Su Rui
Published: June 2022

Cashmere goat from Inner Mongolia is an excellent local breed in China, and the related cashmere product is a kind of precious textile raw material with high price. Cashmere is generated from secondary hair follicles, which has obvious annual periodicity and includes three different stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Therefore, we investigated skin transcriptome data for 12 months using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to explore essential modules, pathways, and genes responsible for the periodic growth and development of secondary hair follicles. A total of 17 co-expression modules were discovered by WGCNA, and there is a strong correlation between steelblue module and month (0.65, p = 3E−09), anagen (0.52, p = 1E−05), telogen (−0.6, p = 8E−08). Gene expression was generally high during late anagen to catagen (June to December), while expression was downregulated from telogen to early anagen (January–May), which is similar to the growth rule of hair follicle cycle. KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of the genes of steelblue module indicated that genes are mainly enriched in Cell cycle, Wnt signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway and other important signal pathways. These genes were also significantly enriched in GO functional annotation of the cell cycle, microtubule movement, microtubule binding, tubulin binding, and so on. Ten genes (WIF1, WNT11, BAMBI, FZD10, NKD1, LEF1, CCND3, E2F3, CDC6, and CDC25A) were selected from these modules, and further identified as candidate biomarkers to regulate periodic development of hair follicles using qRT-PCR. The Wnt signaling pathway and Cell cycle play an important role in the periodic development of hair follicles. Ten genes were identified as essential functional molecules related to periodic development of hair follicle. These findings laid a foundation for understanding molecular mechanisms in biological functions such as hair follicle development and hair growth in cashmere goats.
Correction: Karakus et al. Development of Triiodothyronine Polymeric Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery in the Cardioprotection against Ischemic Insult. Biomedicines 2021, 9, 1713
Authors: Karakus Ozlem , Darwish Noureldien , Sudha Thangirala , Salaheldin Taher , Fujioka Kazutoshi , Dickinson Peter , Weil Brian , Mousa Shaker
Published: June 2022

In the published manuscript [...]