bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding information behavior of South Korean Twitter users who express suicidality on Twitter
Authors: Kim Donghun , Jung Woojin , Nam Seojin , Jeon Hongjin , Baek Jihyun , Zhu Yongjun
Published: March 2022

Objective

Although there were few studies on how suicidal users behave on Twitter, they only investigated partial aspects such as tweeting frequency and tweet length. Therefore, we aim to understand the various information behavior of suicidal users in South Korea.

Methods

To achieve this goal, we annotated 20,000 tweets and identified 1097 tweets with the expression of suicidality (i.e. suicidal tweets) and 229 suicidal users (i.e. experimental group). Using the data, a user profile analysis, comparative analysis with control group, and tweets/hashtags analysis were performed.

Results

Our results show that many suicidal users used suicide-related keywords in their user IDs, usernames, descriptions, and pinned tweets. We also found that, compared to the control group, the experimental group show different patterns of information behavior. The experimental group did not frequently use Twitter and, on average, wrote longer texts than the control group. A clear seasonal pattern was also identified in the experimental group's tweeting behavior. Frequently used keywords/hashtags were extracted from tweets written by the experimental group for the purpose of understanding their concerns and detecting more suicidal tweets.

Conclusions

We believe that our study will help in the understanding of suicidal users’ information behavior on social media and lay the basis for more accurate actions for suicide prevention and early intervention on social media.
A Qualitative Analysis of How Individuals Utilized the Twitter Hashtags #NotOkay and #MeToo to Comment on the Perpetration of Interpersonal Violence
Authors: Bogen Katherine W. , Bhuptani Prachi H. , Haikalis Michelle , Orchowski Lindsay M.
Published: March 2022

The present study examined how individuals describe the nature of interpersonal violence perpetrated against them using the Twitter hashtags #NotOkay and #MeToo. Iterative qualitative coding of 437 tweets resulted in four major themes (i.e., the nature of violence and tactics utilized, the identity of the perpetrator, the location of the assault, and whether the perpetrator was held accountable). Subthemes nested beneath perpetrator identity included whether the perpetrator was known, as well as perpetrator gender identity. Subthemes nested beneath perpetrator tactic included the presence of multiple perpetrators, whether the assault was a crime of opportunity, engagement in physical aggression, utilization of psychological abuse, perpetration of sexual abuse, substance use at the time of the assault (victim and/or perpetrator), whether the abuse persisted, and whether the perpetrator used a weapon. Findings contradict stereotypes that frame interpersonal violence as a single occurrence committed by a stranger who planned an attack using a weapon.
A Simple Mathematics Motivation Scale and Study of Validation in Mexican Adolescents
Authors: Arellano-García Yuridia , Vargas-De-León Cruz , Guzmán-Martínez María , Reyes-Carreto Ramón
Published: March 2022

The goal of the study was to evaluate and adjust the model that associates mathematical motivation and learning strategies as quantitative instruments. The items related to the task value, cost, and self-efficacy were validated with Mexican students of rural areas in south-west region of Mexico between 12 and 16 years old, using 14 items that measure self-reported motivation levels. The construct validity of the mathematics motivation scale was checked using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), by analyzing first- and second-order CFA models. The factor reliability was investigated by means of Dillon-Goldstein’s rho and Cronbach’s alpha. The model had adequate goodness of fit of in the confirmatory analysis. The instrument proved that it is convenient and reliable for application in mathematics motivation in Mexican adolescents. An advantage of the use of this instrument to be applied by teachers of mathematics is its simplicity, ease of application, and interpretation.
Discourse-Rhetorical Strategies of Pauline Epistles: Rhetorical Situation Theory Approach to the Book of First Thessalonians
Authors: Chidume Simeon Ndubuisi , Agbo Isaiah I.
Published: March 2022

This work on Pauline Discourse-Rhetorical Strategies for Community Building in the Book of First Thessalonians is carried out to examine how Apostle Paul deployed language in communicating his thoughts to the Thessalonian church in order to encourage them in their faith in Christ while establishing them as a strong community within the Thessalonian society. Previous research works on the book of First Thessalonians have either centered on theme, structure, and arguments on date and authorship in analysing the book. Discourse-rhetorical strategies for community building have not been investigated. This study uses the following discourse-rhetorical theories in its analysis: elements of Aristotelian Rhetoric, particularly Logos, and Bitzer’s Rhetorical Situation Theory. The data is composed of 14 utterances, purposively selected through careful reading and observation. The study finds that the rhetor responded politely to the exigence of the tendency to fall away from faith because of persecution by deploying identification strategy. He presented his exhortations, command, and instructions by deploying logos and use of persuasive strategies. The study concludes that rhetorical analysis is a very useful tool for discovering potent strategies political or religious leaders employ in communicating their thoughts and ideas to their audiences.
Differential Item Functioning: An Examination of the NEO-FFI by Sex in Older Adults
Authors: Gogniat Marissa A. , Rodriguez Violeta J. , Granros Maria , Jean Kharine R. , Robinson Talia L. , Miller L. Stephen
Published: March 2022

Understanding sex differences when assessing personality in older adults is important for researchers and clinicians. The current study utilized differential item functioning (DIF) to compare male and female older adults’ responses on the NEO-FFI to detect potential sources of measurement bias. Participants included 244 older adults (98 males, 146 females, mean age = 73). DIF by sex was determined using ordinal logistic regression and item response theory.Non-uniform DIF was present in item 31, and uniform DIF was present in item 26 in the Neuroticism scale. In the Extraversion scale, non-uniform DIF was present in items 32 and 37. In the Openness scale, non-uniform DIF was present in items 23 and 48; uniform DIF was present in items 53 and 58. Following Monte Carlo simulations to prevent overidentification, non-uniform DIF was present in item 31 in the Neuroticism scale and item 32 in the Extraversion scale. Results suggest that the NEO-FFI is a minimally biased measurement tool based on sex.
Evaluating the Influence of Social Advertising, Individual Factors, and Brand Image on the Buying Behavior toward Fashion Clothing Brands
Authors: Rehman Fazal ur , Al-Ghazali Basheer M.
Published: March 2022

This study intends to evaluate the influence of social advertising, individual factors, and brand image on the buying behavior of Malaysian consumers toward the fashion clothing brands along with mediation of brand image. Using the convenience sampling technique, data was collected from 288 respondents. Questionnaires were self-administered and data was analyzed via Smart PLS-SEM. Social advertising, individual factors, and brand image are significantly related to the buying behavior of Malaysian consumers toward fashion clothing brands. Social advertising and individual factors have also a positive significant relationship with the brand image. Moreover, brand image mediates the relationship between social advertising, individual factors, and buying behavior. This study provides interesting insights about Malaysian consumers by evaluating the influence of social advertising, individual factors, and brand image on their buying behavior toward the fashion clothing brands along with the mediating role of brand image. These useful insights would enable marketers to develop more influential advertising strategies. By assimilating social advertising, individual factors, and brand image literature, the main contribution of this study is the analysis of social advertising, individual factors, and brand image among Malaysian consumers in enhancing the buying behavior toward the fashion clothing brands and building brand image among communities. Precisely, this study has evaluated the influence of some unique characteristics of social advertising (such as informative, entertainment, credibility, ease of use, privacy, and contents), individual factors (such as market maven, stability, open-minded, agreeable, and materialism), and brand image on the buying behavior of Malaysian consumers.
Spine Treatment Appraisal Report (STAR): Decompression in Single-Level Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Do We Need to Fuse?
Authors: Dettori Joseph R.
Published: March 2022

Austevoll IM, Hermansen E, Fagerland MW, Storheim K, Brox JI, Solberg T, Rekeland F, Franssen E, Weber C, Brisby H, Grundnes O, Algaard KRH, Böker T, Banitalebi H, Indrekvam K, Hellum C; NORDSTEN-DS Investigators. Decompression with or without Fusion in Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis. N Engl J Med. 2021 Aug 5;385(6):526-538.
Pulmonary Tumor Embolism and Pulmonary Tumor Thrombotic Microangiopathy Causing Rapidly Progressive Respiratory Failure: A Case Series
Authors: Rajdev Kartikeya , Madan Ujjwal , McMillan Sean , Wilson Kyle , Fisher Kurt , Hein Ashley , Patil Amol , Bista Sabin , Hershberger Daniel , Boer Brian
Published: March 2022

Pulmonary tumor embolism (PTE) and pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM) are rare etiologies for rapidly progressive dyspnea in the setting of undiagnosed metastatic cancer. They occur most frequently in association with adenocarcinomas, with PTE being most frequently associated with hepatocellular carcinoma and PTTM being most commonly reported with gastric adenocarcinoma. Pulmonary tumor embolism and PTTM appear to be a disease spectrum where PTTM represents an advanced form of PTE. Pulmonary tumor embolism and PTTM are mostly identified postmortem during autopsy as the antemortem diagnosis remains a clinical challenge due to the rapidly progressive nature of these rare diseases. We report 2 cases of rapidly progressive respiratory failure leading to death, due to tumoral pulmonary hypertension resulting from PTE and PTTM, diagnosed postmortem. Both of the patients were middle-aged females, nonsmokers, and had a gastrointestinal source of their primary malignancy.
The Patient Acceptable Symptom State as a Predictor of the Sports Activity Available State After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Kim Dong Min , Jeon In-Ho , Kim Ho Yeon , Park Jeong Hee , Kim Hyojune , Koh Kyoung Hwan
Published: March 2022

Background:

The patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) has emerged as a metric for evaluating patient satisfaction after treatment. There is little research on the relationship between sports activity and PASS values after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR).

Purpose:

To (1) introduce the sports activity available state (SAAS) as an indicator of whether sports activities are possible based on patient symptoms after ARCR, (2) investigate the correlation between the SAAS and PASS, (3) predict the SAAS using derived PASS values, and (4) identify factors for achieving the PASS and SAAS.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Included were 201 patients who underwent ARCR between January 2015 and December 2016. At a mean follow-up of 38.7 ± 7.0 months, anchor questions were used to classify patients as SAAS+ (sports group) or SAAS– (nonsports group) and derive the PASS values for the pain visual analog scale (pVAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE). The authors analyzed the correlation and difference between PASS and SAAS acquisition, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors for PASS and SAAS achievement.

Results:

The final PASS values for the pVAS, ASES, and SANE were 0.5, 93.5, and 82.5, respectively. A significant correlation existed between PASS and SAAS acquisition (phi correlation coefficient, 0.647; P < .001). Sensitivity and specificity were >0.7 for all outcome scores when predicting SAAS using PASS values. A higher preoperative ASES score was significantly associated with achieving both the SAAS (OR, 1.032 [95% CI, 1.005-1.059]; P = .018) and PASS (OR, 2.556 [95% CI, 1.753-3.726]; P < .001). Diabetes (OR, 0.348 [95% CI, 0.130-0.931], P = .036) and a large to massive tear (OR, 0.378 [95% CI, 0.162-0.884]; P = .025) were significantly negatively associated with achieving the SAAS.

Conclusion:

The authors found the SAAS to be significantly correlated with the PASS. Also, SAAS was able to be predicted using the PASS value. Patients with higher preoperative ASES scores had higher odds of achieving both the PASS and SAAS, and patients with diabetes and those with large to massive tears had lower odds of achieving the SAAS.
Concurrent CDX2 cis-deregulation and UBTF::ATXN7L3 fusion define a novel high-risk subtype of B-cell ALL
Authors: Passet Marie , Kim Rathana , Gachet Stéphanie , Sigaux François , Chaumeil Julie , Galland Ava , Sexton Thomas , Quentin Samuel , Hernandez Lucie , Larcher Lise , Bergugnat Hugo , Ye Tao , Karasu Nezih , Caye Aurélie , Heizmann Beate , Duluc Isabelle , Chevallier Patrice , Rousselot Philippe , Huguet Françoise , Leguay Thibaut , Hunault Mathilde , Pflumio Françoise , Freund Jean-Noël , Lobry Camille , Lhéritier Véronique , Dombret Hervé , Domon-Dell Claire , Soulier Jean , Boissel Nicolas , Clappier Emmanuelle
Published: March 2022

Oncogenic alterations underlying B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in adults remain incompletely elucidated. To uncover novel oncogenic drivers, we performed RNA sequencing and whole-genome analyses in a large cohort of unresolved B-ALL. We identified a novel subtype characterized by a distinct gene expression signature and the unique association of 2 genomic microdeletions. The 17q21.31 microdeletion resulted in a UBTF::ATXN7L3 fusion transcript encoding a chimeric protein. The 13q12.2 deletion resulted in monoallelic ectopic expression of the homeobox transcription factor CDX2, located 138 kb in cis from the deletion. Using 4C-sequencing and CRISPR interference experiments, we elucidated the mechanism of CDX2 cis-deregulation, involving PAN3 enhancer hijacking. CDX2/UBTF ALL (n = 26) harbored a distinct pattern of additional alterations including 1q gain and CXCR4 activating mutations. Within adult patients with Ph− B-ALL enrolled in GRAALL trials, patients with CDX2/UBTF ALL (n = 17/723, 2.4%) were young (median age, 31 years) and dramatically enriched in females (male/female ratio, 0.2, P = .002). They commonly presented with a pro-B phenotype ALL and moderate blast cell infiltration. They had poor response to treatment including a higher risk of failure to first induction course (19% vs 3%, P = .017) and higher post-induction minimal residual disease (MRD) levels (MRD ≥ 10−4, 93% vs 46%, P < .001). This early resistance to treatment translated into a significantly higher cumulative incidence of relapse (75.0% vs 32.4%, P = .004) in univariate and multivariate analyses. In conclusion, we discovered a novel B-ALL entity defined by the unique combination of CDX2 cis-deregulation and UBTF::ATXN7L3 fusion, representing a high-risk disease in young adults.
GLA/DRST real-world outcome analysis of CAR-T cell therapies for large B-cell lymphoma in Germany
Authors: Bethge Wolfgang Andreas , Martus Peter , Schmitt Michael , Holtick Udo , Subklewe Marion , von Tresckow Bastian , Ayuk Francis , Wagner-Drouet Eva Maria , Wulf Gerald G , Marks Reinhard , Penack Olaf , Schnetzke Ulf , Koenecke Christian , von Bonin Malte , Stelljes Matthias , Glass Bertram , Baldus Claudia D , Vucinic Vladan , Mougiakakos Dimitrios , Topp Max S , Fante Matthias Alexander , Schroers Roland , Bayir Lale May , Borchmann Peter , Buecklein Veit , Hanoun Christine , Thomas Simone , Beelen Dietrich W. , Lengerke Claudia , Kroeger Nicolaus , Dreger Peter
Published: March 2022

CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have evolved as new standard-of-care (SOC) treatment in patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). Here, we report the first German real-world data on SOC CAR-T cell therapies with the aim to explore risk factors associated with outcome. Patients who received SOC axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) or tisagenlecleucel (tisa-cel) for LBCL and were registered with the German Registry for Stem Cell Transplantation (DRST) were eligible. Main outcomes analyzed were toxicities, response, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). We report 356 patients who received axi-cel (n=173) or tisa-cel (n=183) between November 2018 and April 2021 at 21 German centers. Whereas the axi-cel and tisa-cel cohorts were comparable for age, sex, LDH, IPI, and pretreatment, the tisa-cel group comprised significantly more patients with poor performance status, ineligibility for ZUMA-1, and need for bridging, respectively. With a median follow-up alive of 11 months, Kaplan-Meier estimates of OS, PFS, and non-relapse mortality (NRM) 12 months after dosing were 52%, 30%, and 6%, respectively. While NRM was largely driven by infections subsequent to prolonged neutropenia and/or severe neurotoxicity and significantly higher with axi-cel, significant risk factors for PFS on multivariate analysis included bridging failure, elevated LDH, age, and tisa-cel use. In conclusion, this study suggests that important outcome determinants of CD19-directed CAR-T cell treatment of LBCL in the real-world setting are bridging success, CAR-T product selection, LDH, and the absence of prolonged neutropenia and/or severe neurotoxicity. These findings may have implications for designing risk-adapted CAR-T cell therapy strategies.
Antibody-drug conjugates targeting CD248 inhibits liver fibrosis through specific killing on myofibroblasts
Authors: Liu Shaojie , Han Donghui , Xu Chao , Yang Fa , Li Yu , Zhang Keying , Zhao Xiaolong , Zhang Jiayu , Lu Tong , Lu Shiqi , Shi Changhong , Zhang Rui , Yang An-Gang , Zhao Aizhi , Qin Weijun , Yang Bo , Wen Weihong
Published: March 2022

Background

Chronic liver injury induces pathological repair, resulting in fibrosis, during which hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are activated and transform into myofibroblasts. CD248 is mainly expressed on myofibroblasts and was considered as a promising target to treat fibrosis. The primary aim of this study was to generate a CD248 specific antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) and evaluate its therapeutic efficacy for liver fibrosis and its safety in vivo.

Methods

CD248 expression was examined in patients with liver cirrhosis and in mice with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. The ADC IgG78-DM1, which targets CD248, was prepared and its bioactivity on activated primary HSCs was studied. The anti-fibrotic effects of IgG78-DM1 on liver fibrosis were evaluated in CCl4-induced mice. The reproductive safety and biosafety of IgG78-DM1 were also evaluated in vivo.

Results

CD248 expression was upregulated in patients with liver cirrhosis and in CCl4-induced mice, and was mainly expressed on alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)+ myofibroblasts. IgG78-DM1 was successfully generated, which could effectively bind with and kill CD248+ activated HSCs in vitro and inhibit liver fibrosis in vivo. In addition, IgG78-DM1 was demonstrated to have qualified biosafety and reproductive safety in vivo.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that CD248 could be an ideal target for myofibroblasts in liver fibrosis, and CD248-targeting IgG78-DM1 had excellent anti-fibrotic effects in mice with liver fibrosis. Our study provided a novel strategy to treat liver fibrosis and expanded the application of ADCs beyond tumors.

Graphic Abstract
Pre-operative templating in THA using a short stem system: precision and accuracy of 2D versus 3D planning method
Authors: Reinbacher Patrick , Smolle Maria Anna , Friesenbichler Joerg , Draschl Alexander , Leithner Andreas , Maurer-Ertl Werner
Published: March 2022

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the most successful orthopaedic surgery of the past century. The current study aimed to compare the accuracy of digital planning using 2D versus 3D templating.

Materials and methods

Ninety-five THAs in 90 patients were included in the current study. Pre- and post-operative X-rays (in two planes) and low-dose rotation computed tomography scans from hip to foot were performed. Paired t-test and regression analyses were conducted to compare 2D and 3D templating accuracy of the definitive implant.

Results

Cup size planned both with 2D (p < 0.0001) and 3D (p = 0.012) templating was significantly different from the definitively used cup size. The difference between the 2D-planned and implanted stem size (p < 0.0001) was statistically significant. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the 3D-planned and implanted stem size (p = 0.181). Three-dimensional templating showed significantly higher accuracy than 2D templating in terms of cup size (1.1 ± 1.4 versus 1.7 ± 1.8; p = 0.007) and stem size (0.3 ± 0.6 versus 0.7 ± 0.7; p < 0.0001).

With increasing body mass index (BMI), 2D templating of the stem became more inaccurate (p = 0.041). Remarkably, 3D templating remained accurate for all components (stem, p = 0.533; cup, p = 0.479) despite increasing BMI.

Conclusion

Despite extended planning time and increased exposure to radiation, 3D-based planning showed higher accuracy than 2D templating, especially in obese patients. On the basis of our results, we believe that 3D-based pre-operative planning in THA is justifiable and beneficial in patients with increased BMI.

Level of Evidence

III.
Data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry in severe rheumatic heart disease (RHD) identifies a proteomic signature showing ongoing inflammation and effectively classifying RHD cases
Authors: Salie M. Taariq , Yang Jing , Ramírez Medina Carlos R. , Zühlke Liesl J. , Chishala Chishala , Ntsekhe Mpiko , Gitura Bernard , Ogendo Stephen , Okello Emmy , Lwabi Peter , Musuku John , Mtaja Agnes , Hugo-Hamman Christopher , El-Sayed Ahmed , Damasceno Albertino , Mocumbi Ana , Bode-Thomas Fidelia , Yilgwan Christopher , Amusa Ganiyu A. , Nkereuwem Esin , Shaboodien Gasnat , Da Silva Rachael , Lee Dave Chi Hoo , Frain Simon , Geifman Nophar , Whetton Anthony D. , Keavney Bernard , Engel Mark E. ,   the RHDGen Network Consortium
Published: March 2022

Background

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. A deeper insight into the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying RHD could provide opportunities for drug repurposing, guide recommendations for secondary penicillin prophylaxis, and/or inform development of near-patient diagnostics.

Methods

We performed quantitative proteomics using Sequential Windowed Acquisition of All Theoretical Fragment Ion Mass Spectrometry (SWATH-MS) to screen protein expression in 215 African patients with severe RHD, and 230 controls. We applied a machine learning (ML) approach to feature selection among the 366 proteins quantifiable in at least 40% of samples, using the Boruta wrapper algorithm. The case–control differences and contribution to Area Under the Receiver Operating Curve (AUC) for each of the 56 proteins identified by the Boruta algorithm were calculated by Logistic Regression adjusted for age, sex and BMI. Biological pathways and functions enriched for proteins were identified using ClueGo pathway analyses.

Results

Adiponectin, complement component C7 and fibulin-1, a component of heart valve matrix, were significantly higher in cases when compared with controls. Ficolin-3, a protein with calcium-independent lectin activity that activates the complement pathway, was lower in cases than controls. The top six biomarkers from the Boruta analyses conferred an AUC of 0.90 indicating excellent discriminatory capacity between RHD cases and controls.

Conclusions

These results support the presence of an ongoing inflammatory response in RHD, at a time when severe valve disease has developed, and distant from previous episodes of acute rheumatic fever. This biomarker signature could have potential utility in recognizing different degrees of ongoing inflammation in RHD patients, which may, in turn, be related to prognostic severity.
A learning-based method to predict LncRNA-disease associations by combining CNN and ELM
Authors: Guo Zhen-Hao , Chen Zhan-Heng , You Zhu-Hong , Wang Yan-Bin , Yi Hai-Cheng , Wang Mei-Neng
Published: March 2022

Background

lncRNAs play a critical role in numerous biological processes and life activities, especially diseases. Considering that traditional wet experiments for identifying uncovered lncRNA-disease associations is limited in terms of time consumption and labor cost. It is imperative to construct reliable and efficient computational models as addition for practice. Deep learning technologies have been proved to make impressive contributions in many areas, but the feasibility of it in bioinformatics has not been adequately verified.

Results

In this paper, a machine learning-based model called LDACE was proposed to predict potential lncRNA-disease associations by combining Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Specifically, the representation vectors are constructed by integrating multiple types of biology information including functional similarity and semantic similarity. Then, CNN is applied to mine both local and global features. Finally, ELM is chosen to carry out the prediction task to detect the potential lncRNA-disease associations. The proposed method achieved remarkable Area Under Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve of 0.9086 in Leave-one-out cross-validation and 0.8994 in fivefold cross-validation, respectively. In addition, 2 kinds of case studies based on lung cancer and endometrial cancer indicate the robustness and efficiency of LDACE even in a real environment.

Conclusions

Substantial results demonstrated that the proposed model is expected to be an auxiliary tool to guide and assist biomedical research, and the close integration of deep learning and biology big data will provide life sciences with novel insights.
Starvation causes changes in the intestinal transcriptome and microbiome that are reversed upon refeeding
Authors: Jawahar Jayanth , McCumber Alexander W. , Lickwar Colin R. , Amoroso Caroline R. , de la Torre Canny Sol Gomez , Wong Sandi , Morash Margaret , Thierer James H. , Farber Steven A. , Bohannan Brendan J. M. , Guillemin Karen , Rawls John F.
Published: March 2022

Background

The ability of animals and their microbiomes to adapt to starvation and then restore homeostasis after refeeding is fundamental to their continued survival and symbiosis. The intestine is the primary site of nutrient absorption and microbiome interaction, however our understanding of intestinal adaptations to starvation and refeeding remains limited. Here we used RNA sequencing and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to uncover changes in the intestinal transcriptome and microbiome of zebrafish subjected to long-term starvation and refeeding compared to continuously fed controls.

Results

Starvation over 21 days led to increased diversity and altered composition in the intestinal microbiome compared to fed controls, including relative increases in Vibrio and reductions in Plesiomonas bacteria. Starvation also led to significant alterations in host gene expression in the intestine, with distinct pathways affected at early and late stages of starvation. This included increases in the expression of ribosome biogenesis genes early in starvation, followed by decreased expression of genes involved in antiviral immunity and lipid transport at later stages. These effects of starvation on the host transcriptome and microbiome were almost completely restored within 3 days after refeeding. Comparison with published datasets identified host genes responsive to starvation as well as high-fat feeding or microbiome colonization, and predicted host transcription factors that may be involved in starvation response.

Conclusions

Long-term starvation induces progressive changes in microbiome composition and host gene expression in the zebrafish intestine, and these changes are rapidly reversed after refeeding. Our identification of bacterial taxa, host genes and host pathways involved in this response provides a framework for future investigation of the physiological and ecological mechanisms underlying intestinal adaptations to food restriction.
Comparative study of vestibular projection pathway connectivity in cerebellar injury patients and healthy adults
Authors: Gam Byeong Uk , Cho In Hee , Yeo Sang Seok , Kwon Jung Won , Jang Sung Ho , Oh Seunghue
Published: March 2022

Objective

Cerebellar injury can not only cause gait and postural instability, nystagmus, and vertigo but also affect the vestibular system. However, changes in connectivity regarding the vestibular projection pathway after cerebellar injury have not yet been reported. Therefore, in the current study, we investigated differences in the connectivity of the vestibular projection pathway after cerebellar injury using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography.

Methods

We recruited four stroke patients with cerebellar injury. Neural connectivity in the vestibular nucleus (VN) of the pons and medulla oblongata in patients with cerebellar injury was measured using DTI. Connectivity was defined as the incidence of connection between the VN on the pons and medulla oblongata and target brain regions such as the cerebellum, thalamus, parieto-insular vestibular cortex (PIVC), and parietal lobe.

Results

At thresholds of 10 and 30, there was lower connectivity in the ipsilateral hemisphere between the VN at the medullar level and thalamus in the patients than in healthy adults. At a threshold of 1 and 10, the patient group showed lower VN connectivity with the PIVC than healthy adults. At a threshold of 1, VN connectivity with the parietal lobe in the contralateral hemisphere was lower in the patients than in healthy adults. Additionally, at a threshold of 30, VN connectivity at the pons level with the cerebellum was lower in healthy adults than in the patients.

Conclusion

Cerebellar injury seems to be associated with decreased vestibular projection pathway connectivity, especially in the ipsilateral thalamus, PIVC, and contralateral parietal lobe.
Wound-induced signals regulate root organogenesis in Arabidopsis explants
Authors: Shin Seung Yong , Park Su-Jin , Kim Hyun-Soon , Jeon Jae-Heung , Lee Hyo-Jun
Published: March 2022

Background

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium ions (Ca2+) are representative signals of plant wound responses. Wounding triggers cell fate transition in detached plant tissues and induces de novo root organogenesis. While the hormonal regulation of root organogenesis has been widely studied, the role of early wound signals including ROS and Ca2+ remains largely unknown.

Results

We identified that ROS and Ca2+ are required for de novo root organogenesis, but have different functions in Arabidopsis explants. The inhibition of the ROS and Ca2+ signals delayed root development in detached leaves. Examination of the auxin signaling pathways indicated that ROS and Ca2+ did not affect auxin biosynthesis and transport in explants. Additionally, the expression of key genes related to auxin signals during root organogenesis was not significantly affected by the inhibition of ROS and Ca2+ signals. The addition of auxin partially restored the suppression of root development by the ROS inhibitor; however, auxin supplementation did not affect root organogenesis in Ca2+-depleted explants.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that, while both ROS and Ca2+ are key molecules, at least in part of the auxin signals acts downstream of ROS signaling, and Ca2+ acts downstream of auxin during de novo root organogenesis in leaf explants.
Metabolome and transcriptome analyses identify the plant immunity systems that facilitate sesquiterpene and lignan biosynthesis in Syringa pinnatifolia Hemsl.
Authors: Gao Jiaqi , Li Tianxiao , Jiao Lichao , Jiang Chao , Chen Suyile , Huang Luqi , Liu Juan
Published: March 2022

Background

Syringa pinnatifolia Hemsl. is a shrub belonging to the Oleaceae family. The peeled woody stems and roots of S. pinnatifolia are used in Chinese traditional medicine. This plant has been used for centuries, and modern pharmacological research has revealed its medicinal value. However, the wild populations of S. pinnatifolia have been decreasing, and it has been listed as an endangered plant in China. To elucidate the molecular mechanism leading to the synthesis of the major components of S. pinnatifolia for its further development and sustainable use, this study compared peeled stems and twigs at the metabolic and molecular levels.

Results

Peeled stems with the purple substance visible (SSP) and peeled twigs without the purple substance (TSP) were compared at different levels. Microscopic observation showed resin-like fillers in SSP and wood fiber cell walls approximately 1.0 μm thicker than those in TSP (wood fiber cell thickness approximately 2.7 μm). In addition, 104 volatile organic compounds and 870 non-volatile metabolites were detected in the non-targeted and widely-targeted metabolome analyses, respectively. Among the 76 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) detected, 62 were up-accumulated in SSP. Most of these DAMs were terpenes, of which 90% were identified as sesquiterpenes in the volatile organic compound analysis. In the analysis of the non-volatile metabolites, 21 differentially accumulated lignans were identified, of which 18, including five subtypes, were accumulated in SSP. RNA sequencing revealed 4,421 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 5,522 downregulated DEGs in SSP compared with TSP, as well as 33,452 genes that were not differentially expressed. Analysis of the DEGs suggested that sesquiterpenes and lignans were mostly biosynthesized via the mevalonate and phenylpropanoid pathways, respectively. Additionally, in SSP, the enriched Gene Ontology terms included response to biotic stimulus and defense response, while the enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways included plant–pathogen interaction and many other pathways related to plant immunity.

Conclusions

This study provides metabolome and transcriptome information for S. pinnatifolia, suggesting that biotic stimuli, including pathogens, are potential and valuable approaches to promoting the biosynthesis of the metabolites linked to the medicinal properties of this plant.
Effectiveness of action observation therapy based on virtual reality technology in the motor rehabilitation of paretic stroke patients: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Errante Antonino , Saviola Donatella , Cantoni Matteo , Iannuzzelli Katia , Ziccarelli Settimio , Togni Fabrizio , Simonini Marcello , Malchiodi Carolina , Bertoni Debora , Inzaghi Maria Grazia , Bozzetti Francesca , Menozzi Roberto , Quarenghi Annamaria , Quarenghi Paola , Bosone Daniele , Fogassi Leonardo , Salvi Gian Piero , De Tanti Antonio
Published: March 2022

Background

The rehabilitation of paretic stroke patients uses a wide range of intervention programs to improve the function of impaired upper limb. A new rehabilitative approach, called action observation therapy (AOT) is based on the discovery of mirror neurons and has been used to improve the motor functions of adult stroke patients and children with cerebral palsy. Recently, virtual reality (VR) has provided the potential to increase the frequency and effectiveness of rehabilitation treatment by offering challenging and motivating tasks. 

Methods

The purpose of the present project is to design a randomized controlled six-month follow-up trial (RCT) to evaluate whether action observation (AO) added to standard VR (AO + VR) is effective in improving upper limb function in patients with stroke, compared with a control treatment consisting of observation of naturalistic scenes (CO) without any action content, followed by VR training (CO + VR).

Discussion

AO + VR treatment may provide an addition to the rehabilitative interventions currently available for recovery after stroke and could be utilized within standard sensorimotor training or in individualized tele-rehabilitation.

Trial registration

The trial has been prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT05163210. 17 December 2021.
Association of surfactant protein D gene polymorphism with susceptibility to gestational diabetes mellitus: a case–control study
Authors: Xu Jingwei , Chen Yi , Tang Liangfang , Teng Xinyuan , Feng Lin , Jin Ligui , Wang Guirong , Wang Liquan
Published: March 2022

Background

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a critical component of the innate immune system intrinsically linked to energy metabolism. However, the relationship of SP-D gene polymorphisms and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed SP-D gene polymorphisms in GDM patients and nondiabetic controls and then determined the association of SP-D gene polymorphisms with GDM.

Methods

We examined a common genetic polymorphism located in the SP-D coding region (rs721917, Met31Thr) in GDM patients (n = 147) and healthy pregnant controls (n = 97) by using a cleaved amplification polymorphism sequence-tagged sites (PCR–RFLP) technique. The level of SP-D protein in the serum of GDM patients and nondiabetic controls was determined by ELISA. The gene and allele frequencies of SP-D and their association with GDM as well as SP-D protein levels were analyzed and expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

We found that there was a significant association of the SP-D polymorphism (rs721917) with GDM. The SP-D (T/T) genotype was found in 11.6% and 21.6% of GDM patients and matched healthy controls, respectively (odds ratio, 0.473; 95% confidence interval, 0.235–0.952; P = 0.033), indicating that women with the (T/T) genotype had a lower prevalence of GDM (OR = 0.473). Women with the T/C genotype showed an increased risk of GDM (odds ratio, 2.440; 95% confidence interval, 1.162–5.123; P = 0.017). We did not observe corrections between glucose homeostasis markers and SP-D genotypes in women with GDM. Furthermore, serum SP-D levels were higher in GDM patients than in matched healthy controls.

Conclusions

This study found the first evidence that an SP-D gene polymorphism (rs721917) was associated with GDM, which may provide the basis for further study on how SP-D plays a regulatory role in GDM.
The role of maternal age on the risk of preterm birth among singletons and multiples: a retrospective cohort study in Lombardy, Northern Italy
Authors: Esposito Giovanna , Mauri Paola Agnese , Cipriani Sonia , Franchi Matteo , Corrao Giovanni , Parazzini Fabio
Published: March 2022

Background

All over the world, especially in the developed countries, maternal age at birth is rising. This study aimed to assess the role of maternal age on the occurrence of preterm birth (PTB) in a large birth cohort of Lombardy Region, Northern Italy.

Methods

This population-based study used data from regional healthcare utilization databases of Lombardy to identify women who delivered between 2007 and 2017. PTBs were defined as births before 37 completed weeks of gestation and considered according to the gestational age (two categories: < 32 weeks and 32 to 36 weeks). Six maternal age groups were defined (< 20, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, ≥40 years). Logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for PTB among different maternal age groups. Analyses were separately performed according to type of pregnancy (singletons and multiples). Reference group was the age group with the lowest frequency of PTB.

Results

Overall, 49,759 (6.6%) PTBs were observed, of which 41,807 were singletons and 7952 were multiples. Rates of PTB were lowest in the women aged 25–29 years among singletons and in the 30–34 years old group among multiples. Our results described a U-shaped association between maternal age and risk of PTB. In particular, the risk of a singleton PTB between 32 and 36 weeks was significantly higher for women aged less than 20 years (aOR = 1.16, CI 95%: 1.04–1.30) and more than 40 years (aOR = 1.62 CI 95%: 1.54–1.70). The highest risk of a multiple delivery between 32 and 36 weeks was observed among women aged less than 25 years and more than 40 years (aOR = 1.79, CI 95%: 1.01–3.17, aOR = 1.47, CI 95%: 1.16–1.85 and aOR = 1.36, CI 95%: 1.19–1.55 respectively for < 20, 20–24 and > 40 age categories). PTB before 32 completed weeks occurred more frequently in the same age categories, except that among multiples no association with advanced maternal age emerged.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that, after adjustment for potential confounders, both advance and young maternal age were associated with an increased risk of PTB.
Disparities in healthcare expenditures according to economic status in cancer patients undergoing end-of-life care
Authors: Han Kyu-Tae , Kim Woorim , Kim Seungju
Published: March 2022

Backgrounds

A desire for better outcome influences cancer patients’ willingness to pay. Whilst cancer-related costs are known to have a u-shaped distribution, the actual level of healthcare utilized by patients may vary depending on income and ability to pay. This study examined patterns of healthcare expenditures in the last year of life in patients with gastric, colorectal, lung, and liver cancer and analyzed whether differences exist in the level of end-of-life costs for cancer care according to economic status.

Methods

This study is a retrospective cohort study which used data from the Korean National Elderly Sampled Cohort, 2002 to 2015. End-of-life was defined as 1 year before death. Economic status was classified into three categorical variables according to the level of insurance premium (quantiles). The relationship between the dependent and independent variables were analyzed using multiple gamma regression based on the generalized estimated equation (GEE) model.

Results

This study included 3083 cancer patients, in which total healthcare expenditure was highest in the high-income group. End-of-life costs increased the most in the last 3 months of life. Compared to individuals in the ‘middle’ economic status group, those in the ‘high’ economic status group (RR 1.095, 95% CI 1.044–1.149) were likely to spend higher amounts. The percentage of individuals visiting a general hospital was highest in the ‘high’ economic status group, followed by the ‘middle’ and ‘low’ economic status groups.

Conclusion

Healthcare costs for cancer care increased at end-of-life in Korea. Patients of higher economic status tended to spender higher amounts of end-of-life costs for cancer care. Further in-depth studies are needed considering that end-of-life medical costs constitute a large proportion of overall expenditures. This study offers insight by showing that expenditures for cancer care tend to increase noticeably in the last 3 months of life and that differences exist in the amount spent according economic status.
Severe bradycardia in a teenager as the initial manifestation for Guillain Barré syndrome: a case report
Authors: Bonilla C. , Alvarez-Olmos M. I. , Uribe C. , Fernández-Sarmiento J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Guillain-Barré syndrome is the most common cause of flaccid paralysis, with multiple known clinical variants. Autonomic dysfunction, although frequently reported in the clinical course, is often overlooked in the pediatric population and is usually not the initial presenting symptom in this age group

Case presentation

We present the case of a previously healthy 17-year-old who arrived at the Emergency Department complaining of gastrointestinal symptoms associated with lipothymia. An initial electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sustained sinus bradycardia subsequently associated with arterial hypertension. Structural and inflammatory cardiac pathology were ruled out, as well as auriculoventricular conduction block and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. On the ninth day after initial symptoms, the patient presented sensory and motor nerve disturbances with the cerebrospinal fluid analysis showing a clear albumin-cytologic dissociation, consistent with an atypical presentation of GBS with autonomic dysfunction. Immunoglobulin therapy was administered, developing subsequent aseptic meningitis, that required discontinuation of previous therapy and treatment with plasmapheresis. Clinical improvement was achieved with full motor function recovery.

Conclusion

This case illustrates a Guillain-Barré syndrome variant in which autonomic dysfunction preceded neurologic deficit, a finding uncommon in children, emphasizing this as an important differential diagnosis for severe bradycardia in pediatric patients.
Inter- and intra-observer reliability of the “Assessment of Motor Repertoire- 3 to 5 Months” based on video recordings of infants with Prader-Willi syndrome
Authors: Wang Jun , Shen Xiushu , Yang Hong , Shi Wei , Zhu Xiaoyun , Gao Herong , Yin Huanhuan , Meng Fanzhe , Wu Yun
Published: March 2022

Background

The “Assessment of Motor Repertoire—3 to 5 Months”, which is a part of Prechtl's General Movements Assessment (GMA), has been gradually applied to infants with genetic metabolic disorders. However, there have been no studies on the application of the GMA for infants with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).

Aims

The purpose of this study was to determine the inter- and intra-observer reliability of the assessment tool in a population of infants with PWS.

Study design

This was a reliability and agreement study.

Subjects

This was a cross-sectional study with15 infants with PWS born at an average gestational age of 38 weeks.

Outcome measures

Standardized video recordings of 15 infants with PWS (corrected ages of 3 to 5 months) were independently assessed by three observers. Kappa and ICC statistics were applied in inter- and intra- observer reliability analyses.

Results

The overall reliability ICC values of the “Motor Optimality Score” (MOS) ranged from 0.84 to 0.98, and the pairwise agreement ranged between 0.86 and 0.95 for inter- observe reliability. In addition, ICC values for the MOS ranged between 0.95 and 0.98 for tester agreement in intra-observer reliability.

Complete agreement reliability (100%) was achieved in the subcategories of “Fidgety Movements” and “Movement Character” for the inter- and intra-observer reliability. Moderate to high inter- and intra-observer reliability were found in the subcategories of “Repertoire of Co-Existent Other Movements”, “Quality of Other Movements” and “Posture”, with kappa values ranging between 0.63 and 1.00.

Conclusion

There were high levels of inter-and intra-observer agreement in the “Assessment of Motor Repertoire—3 to 5 Months” for infants with PWS. It is possible to carry out standardized quantitative assessments of the motor performance of infants with PWS.