bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FKBP5 genetic variants are associated with respiratory- and sleep-related parameters in Chinese patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Wang Anzhao , Wei Zhicheng , Yuan Haolin , Zhu Yaxin , Peng Yu , Gao Zhenfei , Liu Yuenan , Shen Jinhong , Xu Huajun , Guan Jian , Yin Shankai , Liu Feng , Li Xinyi
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with psychiatric disorders, especially depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). FKBP5 genetic variants have been previously reported to confer the risk of depression and PTSD. This study aimed to investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FKBP5 gene with OSA and OSA-related quantitative traits.

Methods

Four SNPs within the FKBP5 gene (rs1360780, rs3800373, rs9296158, rs9470080) were genotyped in 5773 participants with anthropometric and polysomnography data. Linear regression and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between FKBP5 SNPs and OSA-related traits. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the effect of SNPs on OSA susceptibility. Interacting genes of SNPs were assessed based on the 3DSNP database, and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis for SNPs was adopted to examine the correlation of SNPs with gene expression. Gene expression analyses in human brains were performed with the aid of Brain Atlas.

Results

In moderate-to-severe OSA patients, all four SNPs were positively associated with AHIREM, and rs9296158 showed the strongest association (ß = 1.724, p = 0.001). Further stratified analyses showed that in men with moderate OSA, rs1360780, rs3800373 and rs9470080 were positively associated with wake time (p = 0.0267, p = 0.0254 and p = 0.0043, respectively). Rs1360780 and rs3800373 were 28 and 29.4%more likely to rate a higher ordered MAI category (OR (95% CI) = 1.280 (1.042 – 1.575), p = 0.019; OR (95% CI) = 1.294 (1.052 – 1.592), p = 0.015, respectively). Rs9296158 and rs9470080 increased the risk of low sleep efficiency by 25.7 and 28.1% (OR (95% CI) = 1.257 (1.003 – 1.575), p = 0.047; OR (95% CI) = 1.281 (1.026–1.6), p = 0.029, respectively). Integrated analysis of eQTL and gene expression patterns revealed that four SNPs may exert their effects by regulating FKBP5, TULP1, and ARMC12.

Conclusion

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the FKBP5 gene were associated with sleep respiratory events in moderate-to-severe OSA patients during REM sleep and associated with sleep architecture variables in men with moderate OSA. FKBP5 variants may be a potential predisposing factor for sleep disorders, especially in REM sleep.
Protecting RNA quality for spatial transcriptomics while improving immunofluorescent staining quality
Authors: Hahn Nina , Bens Martin , Kempfer Marin , Reißig Christin , Schmidl Lars , Geis Christian
Published: May 2023

In comparison to bulk sequencing or single cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics preserves the spatial information in tissue slices and can even be mapped to immunofluorescent stainings, allowing translation of gene expression information into their spatial context. This enables to unravel complex interactions of neighboring cells or to link cell morphology to transcriptome data. The 10× Genomics Visium platform offers to combine spatial transcriptomics with immunofluorescent staining of cryo-sectioned tissue slices. We applied this technique to fresh frozen mouse brain slices and developed a protocol that still protects RNA quality while improving buffers for immunofluorescent staining. We investigated the impact of various parameters, including fixation time and buffer composition, on RNA quality and antibody binding. Here, we propose an improved version of the manufacturer protocol, which does not alter RNA quality and facilitates the use of multiple additional antibodies that were not compatible with the manufacturer protocol before. Finally, we discuss the influence of various staining parameters, which contribute to the development of application specific staining protocols.
New flavors from old wheats: exploring the aroma profiles and sensory attributes of local Mediterranean wheat landraces
Authors: Frankin Sivan , Cna'ani Alon , Bonfil David J. , Tzin Vered , Nashef Kamal , Degen Doron , Simhon Yasmin , Baizerman Marina , Ibba Maria Itria , González Santoyo Héctor Ignacio , Luna Cyntia Velazquez , Cervantes Lopez Jose Fausto , Ogen Anomarel , Goldberg B. Z. , Abbo Shahal , Ben-David Roi
Published: May 2023

Introduction

During the 20th century, the worldwide genetic diversity of wheat was sharply eroded by continual selection for high yields and industry demands for particular standardized qualities. A collection of Israeli and Palestinian landraces (IPLR) was established to represent genetic diversity, accumulated for ten millennia under diverse environments, which was mostly lost in this transition. As our long-term goal is to study this pre- Green Revolution genetic reservoir, herein we focus on its flour and bread quality and sensorial attributes.

Methods

Initially, a database was built for the entire IPLR collection (n=901) holding both Triticum durum (durum wheat) and T. aestivum (bread wheat) which included genetic and phenotypic characterization of agronomic traits, grain and flour quality. Then, a representative subset of the IPLR was selected and compared to modern varieties for dough quality, rheology, aroma and taste using both whole and refined flours and breads. The sensory panel used 40 subjects who evaluated common protocol or sourdough breads made by four artisan bakers.

Results

Results show modern durum cultivar C-9 had superior rheological properties (gluten index, elasticity, dough development time) as compared with landraces, while bread landrace 'Diar Alla' was markedly preferable for baking in relation to the modern cultivar Gadish. Baking tests and subsequent sensory evaluation clearly demonstrated a preference toward refined breads, apart from whole breads prepared using sourdough starters. In bread wheat, loaves baked using landrace flour were scored higher in several quality parameters, whereas in durum lines, the opposite trend was evident. Loaves baked from landraces 'Diar Alla' and to a lesser extent 'Hittia Soada' presented a markedly different aroma from the control loaves prepared from modern flours, both in terms of overall compositions and individual compounds, including classes such as pyranones, pyrazines, furans and pyrroles (maltol). Modern lines, on the other hand, were consistently richer in terpenes and phenylpropanoids. Further analysis demonstrated a significant association between specific aroma classes and sensory attributes scored by panelists.

Discussion

The findings of the study may help advance new niches in the local wheat market aimed at health and nutrition including adapting durum varieties to the bread market and developing flavor-enhanced wholemeal breads.
Five blueberry anthocyanins and their antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects in vitro
Authors: Zhu Chao-wei , Lü Han , Du Lan-lan , Li Jing , Chen Han , Zhao Hui-fang , Wu Wen-long , Chen Jian , Li Wei-lin
Published: May 2023

The dual epidemic of obesity and diabetes mellitus is becoming an important worldwide public health issue. “Diabesity” is the term used to describe the combined detrimental health effects of both diabetes mellitus and obesity/overweight. Currently, food-derived bioactive compounds are suggested to alleviate diabesity. Blueberries are rich in bioactive anthocyanins, which are associated with contributing to preventing obesity and diabetes mellitus. However, the accurate active compounds and the underlying mechanism are still unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of blueberry anthocyanin on diabesity. In total, five anthocyanins (delphinidin-3-O-galactoside, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, petunidin-3-O-galactoside, petunidin-3-O-glucoside, and malvidin-3-O-galactoside) were isolated from rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) cultivar “Garden blue.” All these anthocyanins exhibited oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), scavenging power of ABTS+, and DPPH-free radical and inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase in vitro. Moreover, some compounds improved glucose uptake and attenuated lipid accumulation in high glucose and oleic acid-treated HepG2 cells. All these results suggest that blueberry anthocyanins have potential antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects, which may benefit the treatment of diabesity.
Alternate-day modified fasting diet improves weight loss, subjective sleep quality and daytime dysfunction in women with obesity or overweight: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Hooshiar Saeedeh Hosseini , Yazdani Akram , Jafarnejad Sadegh
Published: May 2023

Background

Both sleep time and quality can be associated with overweight or obesity. In obese people, visceral fat tissue develops, which results in an increment in the production of cytokines. The increased production of inflammatory cytokines can disturb the sleep/wake cycle. Therefore, weight loss by reducing fat tissue can improve sleep disorders. Intermittent fasting diets are popular and effective diets that can decrease body weight and improve anthropometric data and body composition. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Alternate-day Modified Fasting (ADMF) on sleep quality, body weight, and daytime sleepiness.

Methods

Classification of 56 obese or overweight women, based on age and body mass index (BMI), was done using stratified randomization. Then individuals were assigned to the ADMF group (intervention) or Daily Calorie Restriction (CR) group (control) using the random numbers table for 8 weeks. We measured the Pittsburgh sleep quality Index (PSQI), weight, BMI, and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) as primary outcomes and assessed subjective sleep quality (SSQ), sleep latency, sleep disturbances, habitual sleep efficiency, daytime dysfunction, and sleep duration as secondary outcomes at baseline and after the study.

Results

Following an ADMF diet resulted in a greater decrease in weight (kg) [−5.23 (1.73) vs. −3.15 (0.88); P < 0.001] and BMI (kg/m2) [−2.05 (0.66) vs. −1.17 (0.34); P < 0.001] compared to CR. No significant differences were found in the changes of PSQI [−0.39 (1.43) vs. −0.45 (1.88); P = 0.73] and ESS [−0.22 (1.24) vs. −0.54 (1.67); P = 0.43] between two groups. Also, following the ADMF diet led to significant changes in SSQ [−0.69 (0.47) vs. −0.08 (0.40); P = <0.001], and daytime dysfunction [−0.65 (0.57) vs. 0.04 (0.75); P: 0.001] in compare with CR diet.

Conclusion

These results suggested that an ADMF could be a beneficial diet for controlling body weight and BMI. The ADMF diet didn’t affect PSQI and ESS in women with overweight or obesity but significantly improved SSQ and daytime dysfunction.

Clinical Trial Registration

The Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20220522054958N3), https://www.irct.ir/trial/64510.
Evaluating the baseline hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score in the United States adult population and comorbidities: an analysis of the NHANES
Authors: Antar Ryan , Farag Christian , Xu Vincent , Drouaud Arthur , Gordon Olivia , Whalen Michael J.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

As a composite immunonutritional biomarker, the Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, Platelet (HALP) score has shown promise in assessing a patient's overall health status by integrating several routinely collected laboratory indicators. This biomarker has been examined in many different populations of patients and disease states (i.e., cancer), but an integrated, universal rubric using standardized thresholds has not thus far been developed. Pre-existing large population-based databases represent an ideal source to examine the distribution of HALP and the influence of diverse health statuses on this score.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2017–2020, evaluating 8,245 participants across numerous demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related variables. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses assessed the associations between HALP scores and these factors.

Results

Our findings revealed significant associations between HALP scores and various demographic, socioeconomic, and health conditions. The median HALP score among the representative population was 49.0, with varying median scores across different groups and normal reference ranges for males and females. Multivariate regression analysis showed that anemia treatment, age over 65 years, weak/failing kidneys, and cancer were independent risk factors associated with lower HALP scores. Male participants demonstrated higher HALP scores than female participants, and age was inversely related to HALP. Moreover, HALP scores were negatively associated with the number of comorbidities.

Conclusion/discussion

This study set out to explore the HALP score from a population-based perspective, uncovering notable associations that offer vital insights into the score's clinical relevance and future applications. By determining a median HALP score of 49.0 and normal reference ranges within our diverse, representative sample, we establish a robust foundation for researchers to refine optimal HALP applications and thresholds. Considering the growing focus on personalized medicine, HALP holds promise as a prognostic tool, enabling clinicians to comprehend their patients' immunonutritional status better and deliver customized care.
Understanding CAR T cell therapy and its role in ovarian cancer and peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian cancer
Authors: Domínguez-Prieto Víctor , Qian Siyuan , Villarejo-Campos Pedro , Meliga Cecilia , González-Soares Sara , Guijo Castellano Ismael , Jiménez-Galanes Santos , García-Arranz Mariano , Guadalajara Héctor , García-Olmo Damián
Published: May 2023

Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer worldwide in women and the most lethal gynecologic malignancy due to the lack of accurate screening tools for early detection and late symptom onset. The absence of early-onset symptoms often delays diagnosis until the disease has progressed to advanced stages, frequently when there is peritoneal involvement. Although ovarian cancer is a heterogeneous malignancy with different histopathologic types, treatment for advanced tumors is usually based on chemotherapy and cytoreduction surgery. CAR T cells have shown promise for the treatment of hematological malignancies, though their role in treating solid tumors remains unclear. Outcomes are less favorable owing to the low capacity of CAR T cells to migrate to the tumor site, the influence of the protective tumor microenvironment, and the heterogeneity of surface antigens on tumor cells. Despite these results, CAR T cells have been proposed as a treatment approach for peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal and gastric origin. Local intraperitoneal administration of CAR T cells has been found to be superior to systemic administration, as this route is associated with increased tumor reduction, a more durable effect, protection against local relapse and distant metastases, and fewer systemic adverse effects. In this article we review the application of CAR T cells for the treatment of ovarian cancer and peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian cancer.
The association between CTSZ methylation in peripheral blood and breast cancer in Chinese women
Authors: Li Jinyu , Zhou Xiajie , Li Lixi , Ji Longtao , Li Jiaqi , Qu Yunhui , Wang Zhi , Zhao Yutong , Zhang Jie , Liang Feifei , Liu Jingjing , Gu Wanjian , Yang Rongxi , Ma Fei , Dai Liping
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Previous studies have shown that DNA methylation in peripheral blood may be associated with breast cancer (BC). To explore the association between the methylation level of the Cathepsin Z (CTSZ) gene in peripheral blood and BC, we conducted a case–control study in the Chinese population.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples were collected from 567 BC cases, 635 healthy controls, and 303 benign breast disease (BBD) cases. DNA extraction and bisulfite-specific PCR amplification were performed for all samples. The methylation levels of seven sites of the CTSZ gene were quantitatively determined by Mass spectrometry. The odds ratios (ORs) of CpG sites were evaluated for BC risk using per 10% reduction and quartiles analyses by logistic regression.

Results

Our analysis showed that five out of the seven CpG sites exhibited significant associations with hypomethylation of CTSZ and BC, compared to healthy controls. The highest OR was for Q2 of CTSZ_CpG_1 (OR: 1.62, P=0.006), particularly for early-stage breast cancer in the case of per 10% reduction of CTSZ_CpG_1 (OR: 1.20, P=0.003). We also found that per 10% reduction of CTSZ_CpG_5 (OR: 1.39, P=0.004) and CTSZ_CpG_7,8 (OR: 1.35, P=0.005) were associated with increased BC risk. Our study also revealed that four out of seven CpG sites were linked to increased BC risk in women under 50 years of age, compared to healthy controls. The highest OR was for per 10% reduction of CTSZ_CpG_1 (OR: 1.47, P<0.001). Additionally, we found that BC exhibited lower methylation levels than BBD at CTSZ_CpG_4 (OR for Q1: 2.18, P<0.001) and CTSZ_CpG_7,8 (OR for Q1: 2.01, P=0.001). Furthermore, we observed a correlation between methylation levels and tumor stage, ER, and HER2 status in BC patients.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings suggest that altered CTSZ methylation levels in peripheral blood may be associated with breast cancer, particularly in young women, and may serve as a potential biomarker for early-stage BC.
Efficacy and survival of anti-PD-1 antibody in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy versus trastuzumab and chemotherapy as first-line treatment of HER2-positive metastasis gastric adenocarcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Deng Ting , Li Danyang , Yang Yuchong , Wang Feixue , Bai Ming , Liu Rui , Li Hongli , Ba Yi
Published: May 2023

Background

The KEYNOTE-811 study exhibited promising preliminary results for HER2-positive metastasis gastric adenocarcinoma; however, long-term survival benefit remains to be determined.

Methods

In this single-center, controlled, retrospective study, patients with histologically confirmed HER2-positive unresectable or metastatic gastric/gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma received either anti-PD-1 antibody combined with trastuzumab and chemotherapy (cohort A) or trastuzumab and chemotherapy treatment (cohort B). The primary end points were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The secondary end points were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and duration of response (DoR).

Results

A total of 56 patients were eligible to join the study, with 30 patients in cohort A and 26 patients in cohort B. The median PFS (mPFS) was 16.2 months (95% CI, 15.093–17.307) in cohort A versus 14.5 months (95% CI, 9.491–19.509) in cohort B (p = 0.58). The median OS in cohort A was 28.1 months (95% CI, 17.625–38.575) versus 31.6 months (95% CI, 13.757–49.443) in cohort B (p = 0.534). ORRs were 66.7% and 50% in the two groups, respectively. DCRs were 90% and 84.6% in the two groups. Median DoR was not reached in cohort A and it was 16.3 (95% CI, 8.453–24.207) months in cohort B (p = 0.141). The most common irAEs were grade 1 hypothyroidism (33.3%) in cohort A. No treatment-related deaths occurred in this study.

Conclusions

This retrospective cohort study provided a preliminary picture on the long-term follow-up of combining anti-PD-1 antibody with trastuzumab and chemotherapy in HER2-positive GC, and a trend with longer DoR and ORR was identified. Further studies with larger sample sizes and more in-depth molecular investigation are needed.
Efficacy and safety of ripretinib in Chinese patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a real-world, multicenter, observational study
Authors: Yang Weili , Qian Haoran , Yang Litao , Wang Pengfei , Qian Hailong , Chu Binbin , Liu Zhuo , Sun Jingyu , Wu Dan , Sun Lifeng , Zhou Wenqiang , Hu Jingwei , Chen Xiaolei , Shou Chunhui , Ruan Lingxiang , Zhang Yunyun , Yu Jiren
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Mutations in KIT proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRA) render the available tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) ineffective in treating advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Ripretinib, a broad-spectrum switch-control kinase inhibitor, has shown increased efficacy and manageable safety, but real-world evidence remains scarce. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of ripretinib among Chinese patients in a real-world setting.

Methods

Advanced GIST patients (N=23) receiving ripretinib following progression on previous lines of TKI treatment were enrolled to determine the efficacy [progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)]. Safety was assessed by the incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs). All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0 and a p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The median PFS (mPFS) of efficacy analysis set (EAS) (N=21) was 7.1 months. mPFS of patients receiving ripretinib following ≤2 lines of previous TKI treatment and ≥3 prior lines of therapy were 7.1 and 9.2 months, respectively. The median OS (mOS) was 12.0 months and shorter interval between the end of the latest TKI and ripretinib therapy was correlated with longer median PFS and OS (p=0.054 and p=0.046), respectively. Alopecia and asthenia were the most common AEs observed.

Conclusion

Compared to previous lines of TKI in advanced GIST patients, ripretinib showed superior efficacy with clinically manageable AEs. Real-world results are comparable to that of phase III INVICTUS study and its Chinese bridging study. Hence, ripretinib can be used for the clinical management of advanced GIST patients.
Levels of oxidative stress in patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer: correlation with treatment response
Authors: Lu Jiatong , Guan Shaoyu , Luo Jiajun , Yuan Jingwen , Yan Junfeng , Yang Chen , Tong Qiang
Published: May 2023

Objective

The intent of this study was to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress and treatment response in gastric cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

Blood samples from 108 patients and 108 healthy subjects were collected, and all patients were enrolled in SOX chemotherapy. The patients received four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Blood samples were collected to determine oxidative stress levels at baseline prior to beginning chemotherapy, and at the end of cycles 2 and 4. The patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy were followed up for several months to years. A survival curve was created according to the follow-up information from the patients. In addition, the correlation between oxidative stress level and treatment effect was evaluated and ROC curves were plotted according to the final collected data.

Results

Compared with the normal group, the levels of the antioxidant index decreased while the peroxide index increased in the patients. Conversely, when patients were compared before and after chemotherapy, the antioxidant index increased but the peroxide index decreased. Furthermore, the antioxidant index increased in the response group while the peroxide index decreased in the non-response group.

Conclusion

Patients with an increased antioxidant index after chemotherapy have good treatment responsiveness. These indicators can also be used as predictors to judge the patients’ response to chemotherapy.
Metastasis in neuroblastoma: the MYCN question
Authors: Bhavsar Swapnil Parashram
Published: May 2023

Oncogenic drivers like MYCN in neuroblastoma subsets continues to present a significant challenge owing to its strong correlation with high-risk metastatic disease and poor prognosis. However, only a limited number of MYCN-regulatory proteins associated with tumor initiation and progression have been elucidated. In this minireview, I summarize the recent progress in understanding the functional role of MYCN and its regulatory partners in neuroblastoma metastasis.
Impact of IPSS-M implementation in real-life clinical practice
Authors: Zamanillo Irene , Poza Maria , Ayala Rosa , Rapado Inmaculada , Martinez-Lopez Joaquín , Cedena Maria Teresa
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The IPSS-M is a recently published score for risk stratification in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), based on clinical and molecular data. We aimed to evaluate its relevance on treatment choice in a real-life setting.

Methods

We retrospectively collected clinical, cytogenetic and molecular data from 166 MDS patients. We calculated IPSS-R and IPSS-M scores and compared Overall Survival (OS) and Leukemia Free Survival (LFS). We also analyzed which patients would have been affected by the re-stratification in terms of clinical management.

Results

We found that 86.1% of the patients had at least one genetic alteration. The most frequent mutated genes were SF3B1 (25.9%), DNMT3A (16.8%) and ASXL1 (14.4%). IPSS-M re-stratified 48.2% of the patients, of which 16.9% were downgraded and 31.3% were upgraded. IPSS-M improved outcome prediction, with a Harrell’s c-index of 0.680 vs 0.626 for OS and 0.801 vs 0.757 for LFS. In 22.2% of the cohort, the reclassification of the IPSS-M could potentially affect clinical management; 17.4% of the patients would be eligible for treatment intensification and 4.8% for treatment reduction.

Conclusions

IPSS-M implementation in clinical practice could imply different treatment approaches in a significant number of patients. Our work validates IPSS-M in an external cohort and confirms its applicability in a real-life setting.
Cryotherapy for low rectal and anal cancer: recommendation and indications
Authors: Jiang Xuejun , Ji Zujin , Lei Xinyi , He Yingmei , Yuan Fangjun
Published: May 2023

Low rectal cancer is a common gastrointestinal malignancy. Organ preservation in the treatment of low rectal cancer is a challenge. By combining surgical resection with freezing—a complementary treatment for low rectal cancer—the anus can be preserved in some patients. However, we lack unified standards for colorectal cancer cryotherapy. Our hospital has been treating patients with cryotherapy since 1976. In our department, the indications for and contraindications to low rectal and anal cancer treatment are well established. In this paper, we summarize the indications for and contraindications to cryotherapy for colorectal cancer by reviewing the literature, drawing on our experience, and considering current imaging and histological techniques. Our aim is to facilitate clinical discussion and promote appropriate treatment.
Home-based virtual reality-enhanced upper limb training system in children with brain injury: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Choi Ja Young , Yi Sook-hee , Shim Dain , Yoo Beomki , Park Eun Sook , Rha Dong-wook
Published: May 2023

Background

Rehabilitation of upper limb function can be challenging in children with brain lesion. Recent virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation may be an additional treatment option in pediatric rehabilitation.

Objectives

To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a home-based VR-enhanced rehabilitation program with wearable multi-inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors on upper limb functions in children with brain injury.

Methods

This multicenter single blind randomized controlled trial included 40 children with cerebral palsy (CP) or static brain injury. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to experimental and control group. Both the groups maintained the same therapeutic content and dose of occupational therapy during the intervention period. The experimental group performed additional training at home using the VR-enhanced program for at least 30 min/day, 5 days/week, for 6 weeks. VR training consisted of daily activities or games promoting wrist and forearm articular movements using wearable IMU sensors. The Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function-version 2 (MA2), Upper Limb Physician's Rating Scale (ULPRS), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-computer adaptive test (PEDI-CAT), computerized 3D motion analysis, and user satisfaction survey were performed. Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare treatment effects between groups, and Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare pre and post intervention.

Results

Overall 35 children (15 in VR group and 20 in control group) completed the protocol. In the experimental group, an average VR training time was 855 min. The accuracy of motion measured by MA2, segmental movements by ULPRS, daily living capability and social cognitive function by PEDI-CAT, movement time and shoulder movement pattern by motion analysis showed significant improvements. However, there were no significant differences in any of the functional outcome measures compared to the control group. All the children and parents reported positive experiences.

Conclusions

Home-based VR training though it had limited impact on improving upper limb function, it could help improve social cognitive function, movement pattern, and efficiency in children with brain injury and could be an effective means of extending clinical therapy to the home.

Clinical Trial Registration

CRIS.nih.go.kr: identifier KCT0003172.
Combining body mass index and waist height ratio to assess the relationship between obesity and serum uric acid levels in adolescents
Authors: Liu Shan , Wei Wei , Cheng Yuan , Chen Jing-Yi , Liu Yang , Wu Zhi-Ping , Hu Meng-Die , Zhao Heng , Li Xiao-Feng , Chen Xin
Published: May 2023

Background

The study aims to explore the relationship between obesity and serum uric acid in adolescents by combining body mass index and waist height ratio.

Methods

475 adolescents in our study were classified as normal weight without central obesity (NW), normal weight but central obesity (NWCO), overweight or obesity without central obesity (OB) and overweight or obesity with central obesity (OBCO). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for hyperuricemia were calculated using a logistic regression model. The dose-response association between obesity indicators and serum uric acid were explored by restricted cubic spline model.

Results

The highest serum uric acid level and the OR for hyperuricemia were found in the OBCO group, regardless of sex. After controlling for waist height ratio, the risk of hyperuricemia increased with increasing body mass index in boys and girls. The restricted cubic spline model showed that boys had higher ORs for hyperuricemia at the 25th and 75th percentiles of body mass index than for waist height ratio and girls had a higher OR for hyperuricemia than waist height ratio at the 25th percentile of body mass index.

Conclusions

Hyperuricemia in adolescence was not only associated with the overweight or obesity in BMI, but with the combination of overweight or obesity in BMI and central obesity in WHtR. However, in boys and girls, the increased risk of hyperuricemia associated with elevated body mass index was significantly better than that of waist height ratio.
ANO1-downregulation induced by schisandrathera D: a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of prostate and oral cancers
Authors: Park SeonJu , Das Raju , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Jeong Sung Baek , Kim Minuk , Kim Dongguk , Oh Hye In , Cho Su-Hyeon , Kwon Oh-Bin , Choi Jae-Hyeog , Park Chul Soon , Kim Song-Rae , Moon Uk Yeol , Cha Boksik , Choi Dong Kyu , Lee Sungwoo , Namkung Wan , Woo Joohan , Seo Yohan
Published: May 2023

Anoctamin 1 (ANO1), a drug target for various cancers, including prostate and oral cancers, is an intracellular calcium-activated chloride ion channel that plays various physiopathological roles, especially in the induction of cancer growth and metastasis. In this study, we tested a novel compound isolated from Schisandra sphenanthera, known as schisandrathera D, for its inhibitory effect on ANO1. Schisandrathera D dose-dependently suppressed the ANO1 activation-mediated decrease in fluorescence of yellow fluorescent protein; however, it did not affect the adenosine triphosphate-induced increase in the intracellular calcium concentration or forskolin-induced cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator activity. Specifically, schisandrathera D gradually decreased the levels of ANO1 protein and significantly reduced the cell viability in ANO1-expressing cells when compared to those in ANO1-knockout cells. These effects could be attributed to the fact that schisandrathera D displayed better binding capacity to ANO1 protein than the previously known ANO1 inhibitor, Ani9. Finally, schisandrathera D increased the levels of caspase-3 and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1, thereby indicating that its anticancer effect is mediated through apoptosis. Thus, this study highlights that schisandrathera D, which reduces ANO1 protein levels, has apoptosis-mediated anticancer effects in prostate and oral cancers, and thus, can be further developed into an anticancer agent.
Ageing and non-liver comorbidities in population with chronic hepatitis B infection in the western pacific region from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Xie Jinzhao , Wang Xu , Pan Deng , Liu Jiaye , Li Jinghua , Gu Jing
Published: May 2023

Objectives: This study examined the age structure and burden of non-liver noncommunicable diseases in population with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the Western Pacific Region (WPR) from 1990 to 2019.

Methods: We estimated ageing trends and the prevalence of non-liver NCDs among the HBV-infected population and the general population in 31 countries/areas in the Western Pacific Region from 1990 to 2019 based on the Global Burden of Disease 2019 dataset.

Results: The proportion of individuals aged 60 or older among the HBV-infected population has increased at a faster rate compared to the general population, whereas the proportion of individuals younger than 19 years has decreased rapidly over the past three decades. Among the HBV-infected population, the prevalence of most (29/31) NCDs increased from 1990 to 2019, with the top three most significant increases found for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (789.94% increase), prostate cancer (512.40% increase), and kidney cancer (411.34% increase). The prevalence of NCDs among the HBV-infected population increased faster than in the general population over the past three decades, especially in countries with rapid population ageing.

Conclusion: This study highlights the increasing burden of non-liver comorbidities among the HBV-infected population. The integrated management of non-liver NCDs among this population should be implemented.
Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals a cellular immune response in freshwater dark sleeper (Odontobutis potamophila) after infection with Aeromonas veronii
Authors: Liu Guoxing , Zhu Chenxi , Gao Xiaojian , Zheng You , Zhu Xinhai , Jiang Hucheng , Wei Wanhong , Jiang Qichen , Zhang Xiaojun
Published: May 2023

The bacterium Aeromonas veronii is a co-pathogenic species that can negatively impact the health of both humans and aquatic animals. In this study, we used single-cell transcriptome analysis (scRNA-seq) to investigate the effects of infection with A. veronii on head kidney cells and the regulation of gene expression in the dark sleeper (Odontobutis potamophila). scRNA-seq was used to assess the effects of infection with A. veronii in O. potamophila B cells, endothelial cells, macrophages, and granulocytes, and differential enrichment analysis of gene expression in B cells and granulocytes was performed. The analyses revealed a significant increase in neutrophils and decrease in eosinophils in granulocytes infected with A. veronii. Activation of neutrophils enhanced ribosome biogenesis by up-regulating the expression of RPS12 and RPL12 to fight against invading pathogens. Crucial pro-inflammatory mediators IL1B, IGHV1-4, and the major histocompatibility class II genes MHC2A and MHC2DAB, which are involved in virulence processes, were upregulated, suggesting that A. veronii activates an immune response that presents antigens and activates immunoglobulin receptors in B cells. These cellular immune responses triggered by infection with A. veronii enriched the available scRNA-seq data for teleosts, and these results are important for understanding the evolution of cellular immune defense and functional differentiation of head kidney cells.
Adjustment challenges and coping strategies of Arab female international university students
Authors: Nazir Thseen , Özçiçek Ayşe
Published: May 2023

Background

Over the past decade, Türkiye has experienced an increasing influx of international students, particularly from various Arab countries. The significant number of Arab international university students has prompted researchers to pay more attention to the experiences of this population in the country. This study examined the adjustment problems experienced by Arab female international university students in Türkiye.

Method

The research has a mixed methods design and includes both quantitative and qualitative studies. In the quantitative study, the International Students Adjustment Scale (ISAS) was used with 373 participants to examine the challenges in which dimensions of adjustment (academic, sociocultural, or personal) were more challenging for the study group. In the qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 Arab female international university students to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences in the domain that is found the issues are more profound.

Results

Data from the quantitative study revealed that these students experienced similar challenges in each dimension of adjustment; however, problems in the sociocultural domain were much more profound. In line with the quantitative study, the interview questions of the qualitative study were prepared to explore the sociocultural domain and included the pre-arrival expectations, the post-arrival adjustment challenges, and the coping strategies of the study group. The Results of the qualitative study showed that although their prearrival expectations were almost met, they encountered various problems, ranging from cultural differences in daily activities to discrimination. It was also found that many of them were reluctant to ask for help, and to cope with adjustment problems, they usually used maladaptive or dysfunctional coping strategies such as avoidance and isolation.

Discussion

The findings of the quantitative study are in line with the previous studies that the overall adjustment of international students is influenced by different domains that are broadly academic, sociocultural, and personal. Among them, the sociocultural domain is found as the one in the study population that encounters more challenges. The results of the qualitative study support the findings of previous studies related to prearrival expectancies, provide more understanding of adjustment challenges and bring more information about adopted coping strategies.
The prevalence of suicide attempt and suicidal ideation and its relationship with aggression and bullying in Chilean adolescents
Authors: Veloso-Besio Constanza , Cuadra-Peralta Alejandro , Gallardo-Peralta Lorena , Cuadra-Fernandez Pascal , Quiroz Pedro Trujillo , Troncoso Nicole Vega
Published: May 2023

Background

Suicide constitutes one of the main mental health problems worldwide, requiring detection, and prevention efforts, especially in the adolescent population.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation and their relationship with aggressiveness and bullying in Chilean adolescents.

Materials and methods

The sample was composed of 728 adolescents schooled from Arica city: 56.6% were males and 43.4% were females. The students attended from de 1st to the 4th year of secondary. The average age of the sample was 15,6 years. The following instruments were used: Okasha’s Suicidality Scale, Buss and Perry’s Aggressiveness Survey, and the Social Acceptance (School Bullying) sub-test of the Kidscreen-52 Survey. A cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational design was applied. The sampling was non-probabilistic for convenience.

Results

18.4% of the students reported that they had attempted suicide and 65.6% reported that they had suicidal ideation. The prevalence of suicide attempts was higher than in male adolescents (29,1% vs. 10,2%), and the same prevalence was for suicidal ideation (76,6% vs. 57,3%). Suicide attempts and suicidal ideation were positively and significantly correlated with aggressiveness (r = 0.32, r = 0.48) and bullying (r = 0.37, r = 0.50).

Conclusion

The prevalence of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation is both higher in girls than boys. In this sense, girls constitute a risk group. In addition, this study provides evidence that supports the relationship between suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. The results highlight the role that educational institutions should have in terms of prevention and effective approaches.
The long wave of COVID-19: a case report using Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for COVID-19-related nightmares after admission to intensive care unit
Authors: Rapelli Giada , Varallo Giorgia , Scarpelli Serena , Pietrabissa Giada , Musetti Alessandro , Plazzi Giuseppe , Franceschini Christian , Castelnuovo Gianluca
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic caused several psychological consequences for the general population. In particular, long-term and persistent psychopathological detriments were observed in those who were infected by acute forms of the virus and need specialistic care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) has shown promising results in managing nightmares of patients with different traumas, but it has never been used with patients admitted to ICUs for severe COVID-19 despite this experience being considered traumatic in the literature.

Methods

The purpose of this case study is to describe the application of a four-session IRT for the treatment of COVID-related nightmares in a female patient after admission to the ICU. A 42-year-old Caucasian woman who recovered from a pulmonary rehabilitation program reported shortness of breath, dyspnea, and everyday life difficulties triggered by the long-COVID syndrome. She showed COVID-related nightmares and signs of post-traumatic symptoms (i.e., hyperarousal, nightmares, and avoidance of triggers associated with the traumatic situation). Psychological changes in the aftermath of a trauma, presence, and intensity of daytime sleepiness, dream activity, sleep disturbances, aspects of sleep and dreams, and symptoms of common mental health status are assessed as outcomes at the baseline (during the admission to pneumology rehabilitation) at 1-month (T1) and 3-month follow-up (T2). Follow-up data were collected through an online survey.

Results

By using IRT principles and techniques, the patient reported a decrease in the intensity and frequency of bad nightmares, an increase in the quality of sleep, and post-traumatic growth, developing a positive post-discharge.

Conclusion

Imagery rehearsal therapy may be effective for COVID-19-related nightmares and in increasing the quality of sleep among patients admitted to the ICU for the treatment of COVID-19. Furthermore, IRT could be useful for its brevity in hospital settings.
High-frequency rTMS over the left DLPFC improves the response inhibition control of young healthy participants: an ERP combined 1H-MRS study
Authors: Li Yanmin , Pang Jianmin , Wang Jing , Wang Wei , Bo Qianlan , Lei Licun , Wang Xiayue , Wang Mingwei
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Unlike the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating neuropsychiatric diseases, little is known about how personal factors might account for the disparity of results from studies of cognition and rTMS. In this study, we investigated the effects of high-frequency rTMS on response inhibition control and explored the time course changes in cognitive processing and brain metabolic mechanisms after rTMS using event-related potentials (ERPs) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS).

Methods

Participants were all right-handed and were naive to rTMS and the Go/NoGo task. Twenty-five healthy young participants underwent one 10 Hz rTMS session per day in which stimulation was applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and a homogeneous participant group of 25 individuals received a sham rTMS treatment for 1  week. A Go/NoGo task was performed, an electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded, and 1H-MRS was performed.

Results

The results revealed that there was a strong trend of decreasing commission errors of NoGo stimuli by high frequency rTMS over the left DLPFC, whereas there was no significant difference between before and after rTMS treatment with respect to these parameters in the sham rTMS group. High-frequency rTMS significantly increased the amplitude of NoGo-N2 but not Go-N2, Go-P3, or NoGo-P3. The myo-inositol /creatine complex (MI/Cr) ratio, indexing cerebral metabolism, in the left DLPFC was decreased in the rTMS treated group.

Discussion

This observation supports the view that high-frequency rTMS over the left DLPFC has the strong tendency of reducing commission errors behaviorally, increase the amplitude of NoGo-N2 and improve the response inhibition control of healthy young participants. The results are consistent with the excitatory properties of high frequency rTMS. We suggest that the increase in the NoGo-N2 amplitude may be related to the increased excitability of the DLPFC-anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) neural loop. Metabolic changes in the DLPFC may be a possible mechanism for the improvement of the response inhibition control of rTMS.
The role of self-efficacy beliefs in dealing with misinformation among adolescents
Authors: Paciello Marinella , Corbelli Giuseppe , D’Errico Francesca
Published: May 2023

The present study aims to understand the processes involved in misinformation among adolescents by examining the role of self-efficacy beliefs in dealing with misleading news. Specifically, we argue that the perceived capability to analyze and reflect critically on the reliability of online information sources should be stayed with the perceived self-regulatory capability to resist online social pressures to share unverifiable news. Moreover, we posited that specific online self-efficacies beliefs can be promoted by the capabilities related to regulating emotions and reflecting on new problems. In a sample of 273, we tested a path analysis model. The results attest that self-efficacy beliefs in dealing with online misinformation refer to specific capabilities: an active one, related to checking the sources of the news in order to validate their content, and an inhibitory one, related to the capability to refrain from sharing the news that seems unreliable. Moreover, self-efficacy beliefs in self-control during online interaction spreading misleading news are supported by cognitive reflective capability and self-efficacy in regulating negative emotion. The relationship between active self-efficacy related to fact-checking and sharing misleading news is not significant. The role of regulation in sharing misinformation during activated online dynamics is discussed.