bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Primary Tumor Resection Did Not Bring Survival Benefits in Colon Cancer Patients With Asymptomatic Primary Lesion and Synchronous Unresectable Metastases
Authors: Huang Mingzhu , Yang Ya’nan , Li Qingguo , Wang Chenchen , Liang Lei , Zhu Xiaodong , Zhang Wen , Chen Zhiyu , Huang Dan , Li Wenhua , Zhang Xiaowei , Zhao Xiaoying , Qiu Lixin , Geng Qirong , Yu Nuoya , Du Wenfang , Sun Sijie , Sheng Xuedan , Li Xinxiang , Guo Weijian
Published: January 2022

Background

It is still controversial whether primary tumor resection (PTR) improves survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with unresectable metastases.

Methods

Colon cancer patients were enrolled and randomly allocated to with or without PTR after induction chemotherapy with XELOX or mFOLFOX6, and those with chemotherapy failure were excluded. The primary endpoint was TTF (time to strategy failure) on an intent-to-treat basis. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02291744.

Results

Between April 2015 and July 2020, 140 patients were enrolled, and 54 patients were excluded due to colon obstruction (16), perforation (1), disease progression (22), death (1), radical resection (3), or other reasons (11). After induction chemotherapy, 86 patients were randomized into group A (the resection group, n = 42) or group B (chemotherapy-alone group, n = 44). The median TTF was 143 days (95% CI: 104.9–181.1) in group A and 196 days (95% CI: 96.5–295.5) in group B (HR: 0.930 95% CI: 0.589–1.468, p = 0.755), and there was no significant difference in PFS, OS, and incidence of chemotherapy-related adverse events between two groups. The primary lesion-related events after PTR in group A were significantly fewer than those in group B. Patients with a tumor regression grade (TRG) score of 2 had longer TTF and PFS than those with score of 3.

Conclusion

PTR after induction chemotherapy could not bring survival benefits for colon cancer patients with unresectable metastases, and it is not recommended routinely. However, it also requires individualized treatment as colon obstruction or perforation occurred in some patients and PTR could reduce primary tumor-related events, and the TRG score might help for selection of beneficial patients.
Lirilumab and Avelumab Enhance Anti-HPV+ Cervical Cancer Activity of Natural Killer Cells via Vav1-Dependent NF-κB Disinhibition
Authors: Liu Hongli , Zhou Sihui , Liu Jing , Chen Fuliang , Zhang Yuan , Liu Mengjun , Min Shengping , Wang Hongtao , Wang Xiaojing , Wu Nan
Published: January 2022

Background

We investigated the efficacy and mechanism of the anti-KIR immunotherapy lirilumab and anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy avelumab on natural killer (NK) cell activity against HPV+ cervical cancer.

Methods

NK cell-mediated lysis of autologous biopsy-derived malignant cervical squamous cells and normal cervical squamous cells were measured by europium-release cytotoxicity assays. Cytokine and granzyme B release were measured by ELISPOT effector-cell-based assays and ELISA. Murine cervical cancer tumor models were constructed to assess implanted tumor volumes over time and intratumoral immune cell infiltration. Receptor-crosslinking and plate-immobilized antibody stimulation studies, with or without p65 and Vav1 silencing, were used to investigate NF-κB pathway disinhibition in NK cells.

Results

Lirilumab and avelumab each enhanced NK cell disinhibition and NK cell-mediated lysis of autologous cervical cancer cells in vitro while reducing HPV+ tumor volumes and increasing intratumoral NK cell infiltration and cytolysis in vivo. Moreover, lirilumab and avelumab each promoted NK cell NF-κB disinhibition as well as stimulated cytokine and granzyme B expression in a NF-κB-dependent manner. Lirilumab+avelumab enhanced all aforementioned effects compared to either monotherapy. Vav1 silencing eliminated disinhibition of NF-κB signaling by lirilumab and avelumab, indicating their disinhibiting effects are Vav1-dependent.

Conclusions

This study supports a novel approach to enhancing NK cell lysis against HPV+ cervical cancer cells through combining lirilumab and avelumab.
The Survival Effect of Radiotherapy on Stage IIB/III Pancreatic Cancer Undergone Surgery in Different Age and Tumor Site Groups: A Propensity Scores Matching Analysis Based on SEER Database
Authors: Wang Dan , Ge Heming , Tian Mengxiang , Li Chenglong , Zhao Lilan , Pei Qian , Tan Fengbo , Li Yuqiang , Ling Chen , Güngör Cenap
Published: January 2022

Background

It remains controversial whether radiotherapy (RT) improves survival in patients with stage IIB/III PDAC. A growing number of studies have found that patients’ age at diagnosis and tumor site not only affect prognosis, but also may lead to different treatment responses. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to verify whether the survival effect of radiotherapy in patients with stage IIB/III PDAC varies across age and tumor site groups.

Methods

The target population was selected from PDAC patients undergone surgery in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2004 and 2016. This study performed the Pearson’s chi-square test, Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier (K-M) method, and focused on propensity frequency matching analysis.

Results

Neither neoadjuvant radiotherapy (nRT) nor adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT) patient group had probably improved survival among early-onset patients. For middle-aged patients, nRT seemed to fail to extend overall survival (OS), while aRT might improve the OS. Plus, both nRT and aRT were associated with improved survival in elderly patients. The aRT might be related with survival benefits in patients with pancreatic head cancer, while nRT was not. And RT in patients with PDAC at other sites did not appear to provide a survival benefit.

Conclusion

Carefully selected data from the SEER database suggested that age and tumor location may be the reference factors to guide the selection of RT for patients with stage IIB/III PDAC. These findings are likely to contribute to the development of personalized treatment for patients with stage IIB/III PDAC.
The Prognostic and Predictive Role of Xeroderma Pigmentosum Gene Expression in Melanoma
Authors: Fischer Sarah , Hamed Mohamed , Emmert Steffen , Wolkenhauer Olaf , Fuellen Georg , Thiem Alexander
Published: January 2022

Background

Assessment of immune-specific markers is a well-established approach for predicting the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Promising candidates as ICI predictive biomarkers are the DNA damage response pathway genes. One of those pathways, which are mainly responsible for the repair of DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, is the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a hereditary disease caused by mutations of eight different genes of the NER pathway, or POLH, here together named the nine XP genes. Anecdotal evidence indicated that XP patients with melanoma or other skin tumors responded impressively well to anti-PD-1 ICIs. Hence, we analyzed the expression of the nine XP genes as prognostic and anti-PD-1 ICI predictive biomarkers in melanoma.

Methods

We assessed mRNA gene expression in the TCGA-SKCM dataset (n = 445) and two pooled clinical melanoma cohorts of anti-PD-1 ICI (n = 75). In TCGA-SKCM, we applied hierarchical clustering on XP genes to reveal clusters, further utilized as XP cluster scores. In addition, out of 18 predefined genes representative of a T cell inflamed tumor microenvironment, the TIS score was calculated. Besides these scores, the XP genes, immune-specific single genes (CD8A, CXCL9, CD274, and CXCL13) and tumor mutational burden (TMB) were cross-correlated. Survival analysis in TCGA-SKCM was conducted for the selected parameters. Lastly, the XP response prediction value was calculated for the two pooled anti-PD-1 cohorts by classification models.

Results

In TCGA-SKCM, expression of the XP genes was divided into two clusters, inversely correlated with immune-specific markers. A higher ERCC3 expression was associated with improved survival, particularly in younger patients. The constructed models utilizing XP genes, and the XP cluster scores outperformed the immune-specific gene-based models in predicting response to anti-PD-1 ICI in the pooled clinical cohorts. However, the best prediction was achieved by combining the immune-specific gene CD274 with three XP genes from both clusters.

Conclusion

Our results suggest pre-therapeutic XP gene expression as a potential marker to improve the prediction of anti-PD-1 response in melanoma.
Case Report: Pediatric Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection With Giant Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysms and Aorta and Its Branch Dilations
Authors: Li Qirui , Li Guyu , Shao Daming , Yarrabolu Tharak , Yue Yuan
Published: January 2022

Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV), which often manifests as persistent infectious mononucleosis-like symptoms and can involve multiple organs, is a prolonged or reactivated status of primary EBV infection. Cardiovascular damage is one of the rare but severe complications correlated with poor prognosis among all CAEBV patients. Few published articles have demonstrated systemic arterial lesions involving branches of the aorta as cardiovascular complications. Herein, we report a rare pediatric case of CAEBV associated with giant sinus of Valsalva aneurysms and aorta and its branch dilations.
Metabolic Variation Dictates Cardiac Pathogenesis in Patients With Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Liu Jianyang , Kong Shuxin , Song Shubo , Dong Haoju , Zhang Zhidong , Fan Taibing
Published: January 2022

Background

Herein, we aimed to analyze cardiac metabolic reprogramming in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF).

Methods

Cardiac metabolic reprogramming was analyzed through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, which included gene set enrichment, gene set variation, and consensus clustering analyses, so as to assess changes in metabolic pathways. In addition, full-spectrum metabolomics analysis was performed using right atrial biopsy samples obtained from patients with ToF and atrial septal defect (ASD) before cardiopulmonary bypass; ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) was used to construct a metabolic map of cardiac metabolic reprogramming in cyanotic congenital heart disease.

Results

The metabolic maps of carbohydrate metabolic process and heme metabolism were significantly activated, while bile acid metabolism, lipid droplet, and lipid binding were primarily restrained in ToF samples as compared with that in ASD samples. The reprogramming of butanoate metabolism was identified basing on the UPLC–MS/MS detection and analysis in myocardial hypoxia damage in cyanotic heart disease. Finally, the butanoate metabolism–related hub regulators ALDH5A1 and EHHADH were identified and they were significantly downregulated in ToF samples.

Conclusions

The metabolic network of butanoate metabolism involved ALDH5A1 and EHHADH, which could contribute to myocardial tissue damage in cyanotic congenital heart of ToF. Our results provide further insights into the mechanisms underlying metabolic reprogramming in cyanotic congenital heart disease and could lead to the identification of potential therapeutic targets.
A Novel Model for Predicting the Clearance of Jaundice in Patients With Biliary Atresia After Kasai Procedure
Authors: Zhang Yimao , Wang Qi , Pu Siyu , Wang Junxiang , Xiang Bo , Liu Juxian , Jin Shuguang
Published: January 2022

Background

The failed clearance of jaundice (CJ) in patients with biliary atresia (BA) after the Kasai procedure (KP) often leads to a shorter native liver survival (NLS) time and earlier liver transplantation. We aimed to investigate risk factors of failed CJ and establish a novel nomogram model to predict the status of CJ.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed institutional medical records from January 2015 to April 2020 and enrolled BA patients post-KP, randomly divided into training and testing cohorts at a ratio of 7:3, and further subdivided into cleared and uncleared jaundice groups. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to select risk factors to establish the nomogram in the training cohort. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by calculating the areas under the receiver operating curve (AUC) in both cohorts.

Results

This study included 175 BA patients post-KP. After univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses, Cytomegalovirus IgM +ve associated BA (OR = 3.38; 95% CI 1.01–11.32; P = 0.04), ln γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (OR = 0.41; 95% CI 0.22–0.80; P = 0.009), thickness of the fibrous portal plate (OR = 0.45; 95% CI 0.27–0.76; P = 0.003), liver stiffness measurement (LSM) (OR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.06–1.34; P = 0.002), and multiple episodes of cholangitis (OR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.13–2.41; P = 0.01) were identified as independent risk factors of unsuccessful CJ to construct the nomogram. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis suggested good nomogram performance in both the training (AUC = 0.96) and testing cohorts (AUC = 0.91).

Conclusion

Our nomogram model including several risk factors effectively predicts CJ in patients post-KP, which could aid in clinical decision-making.
Botanical Drug Extracts Combined With Biomaterial Carriers for Osteoarthritis Cartilage Degeneration Treatment: A Review of 10 Years of Research
Authors: Mu Panyun , Feng Jie , Hu Yimei , Xiong Feng , Ma Xu , Tian Linling
Published: January 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a long-term chronic arthrosis disease which is usually characterized by pain, swelling, joint stiffness, reduced range of motion, and other clinical manifestations and even results in disability in severe cases. The main pathological manifestation of OA is the degeneration of cartilage. However, due to the special physiological structure of the cartilage, once damaged, it is unable to repair itself, which is one of the challenges of treating OA clinically. Abundant studies have reported the application of cartilage tissue engineering in OA cartilage repair. Among them, cell combined with biological carrier implantation has unique advantages. However, cell senescence, death and dedifferentiation are some problems when cultured in vitro. Botanical drug remedies for OA have a long history in many countries in Asia. In fact, botanical drug extracts (BDEs) have great potential in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiaging, and other properties, and many studies have confirmed their effects. BDEs combined with cartilage tissue engineering has attracted increasing attention in recent years. In this review, we will explain in detail how cartilage tissue engineering materials and BDEs play a role in cartilage repair, as well as the current research status.
LncRNA LINC01134 Contributes to Radioresistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating DNA Damage Response via MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Zhiyi , Wang Xinxing , Rong Zhonghou , Dai Longfei , Qin Chengkun , Wang Shikang , Geng Wenmao
Published: January 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly mortal cancer that could be treated by radiotherapy. DNA damage response (DDR) is a vital factor affecting cancer development after radiotherapy. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been revealed to regulate DNA damage response and repair in cancer cells. Nevertheless, the function of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1134 (LINC01134) has not been explored in DDR. In this study, we targeted digging into the function of LINC01134 in DDR and exploring the underlying mechanism in HCC cells. RT-qPCR was employed to measure LINC01134 expression, and we found LINC01134 was significantly upregulated in HCC cells. Functional analysis suggested that LINC01134 depletion attenuated radioresistance of HCC cells by facilitating DNA damage. In vivo assays demonstrated LINC01134 depletion hindered HCC tumor growth. Mechanism assays unveiled LINC01134 sequestered microRNA-342-3p (miR-342-3p) and recruited insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) protein to modulate mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) expression, consequently activating MAPK signaling pathway. Rescue assays validated the LINC01134/miR-342-3p/MAPK1 axis in the radio-resistant HCC cells. In conclusion, LINC01134 might be identified to be a useful biomarker for the therapy of HCC.
Challenges for Clinical Drug Development in Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: White Eric S. , Thomas Matthew , Stowasser Susanne , Tetzlaff Kay
Published: January 2022

Pulmonary fibrosis is a pathologic process associated with scarring of the lung interstitium. Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) encompass a large and heterogenous group of disorders, a number of which are characterized by progressive pulmonary fibrosis that leads to respiratory failure and death. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has been described as an archetype of progressive fibrosing ILD, and the development of pirfenidone and nintedanib has been a major breakthrough in the treatment of patients with this deadly disease. Both drugs principally target scar-forming fibroblasts and have been shown to significantly slow down the accelerated decline of lung function by approximately 50%. In addition, nintedanib has been approved for patients with other progressive fibrosing ILDs and systemic sclerosis-associated ILD. However, there is still no cure for pulmonary fibrosis and no meaningful improvement of symptoms or quality of life has been shown. Advancement in research, such as the advent of single cell sequencing technology, has identified additional pathologic cell populations beyond the fibroblast which could be targeted for therapeutic purposes. The preclinical and clinical development of novel drug candidates is hampered by profound challenges such as a lack of sensitive clinical outcomes or suitable biomarkers that would provide an early indication of patient benefit. With the availability of these anti-fibrotic treatments, it has become even more difficult to demonstrate added efficacy, in particular in short-term clinical studies. Patient heterogeneity and the paucity of biomarkers of disease activity further complicate clinical development. It is conceivable that future treatment of pulmonary fibrosis will need to embrace more precision in treating the right patient at the right time, explore novel measures of efficacy, and likely combine treatment options.
Total Glucosides of Paeonia lactiflora for Safely Reducing Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Yifan , Wang Liuding , Cao Yu , Li Nannan
Published: January 2022

Background: Total glucosides of paeony (TGP), extracted from the dried roots of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., are proven to regulate immune function in various rheumatic diseases. We aim to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of TGP in reducing disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: We searched trials in seven electronic databases and two clinical trail registries. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating efficacy and safety of TGP for SLE were identified. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 was used for quality assessment of the included trials, and RevMan 5.4 software was used for meta-analysis.

Results: A total of 14 RCTs were included, including 978 participants, 492 in the intervention group and 486 in the control group. Regarding the efficacy of TGP for SLE, results showed that TGP plus conventional treatments (CTs) was superior to CTs alone in reducing disease activity (MDSLEDAI-1m = −3.54, 95% CI = −4.08 to −3.00, p < 0.00001; MDSLEDAI-2m = −3.80, 95% CI = −4.51 to −3.09, p < 0.00001; MDSLEDAI-3m = −1.62, 95% CI = −2.60 to −0.64, p < 0.0001; MDSLEDAI-6m = −1.97, 95% CI = −3.18 to −0.76, p = 0.001). The results also showed that TGP contributed to a betterment in improving other outcomes related to lupus activity, such as ESR, CRP, complement proteins (C3, C4), and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM). In addition, TGP significantly decreased average daily glucocorticoid dosage and cumulative cyclophosamide dosage, as well as disease recurrence rate. In terms of safety, TGP may reduce the incidence of adverse reactions (RR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.88, p = 0.01). The certainty of the evidence were assessed as moderate to low.

Conclusion: TGP appears potentially effective and generally safe in reducing disease activity in SLE. However, in view of high risk of bias, the findings need to be confirmed in high-quality trials.

Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42021274850
The Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Markers of Oxidative Stress and the Immune Response in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: de Wolde Silke D. , Hulskes Rick H. , de Jonge Stijn W. , Hollmann Markus W. , van Hulst Robert A. , Weenink Robert P. , Kox Matthijs
Published: January 2022

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) consists of breathing 100% oxygen under increased ambient pressure. There are indications that HBOT induces oxidative stress and activates immune pathways. However, previous research on immunological effects of HBOT has mainly been established in in vitro experiments and selected patient populations, limiting generalizability and increasing the chances of confounding by comorbidities and specific patient-related factors. More insight into the immunological effects of HBOT would aid investigation and comprehension of potentially novel treatment applications. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of three 110-min HBOT-sessions with 24-h intervals on immunological parameters in healthy, young, male volunteers. Blood samples were obtained before and after the first and third HBOT sessions. We assessed neutrophilic reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, systemic oxidative stress [plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations] as well as neutrophil phagocytic activity, plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-10, and production of TNF, IL-6, and IL-10 by leukocytes ex vivo stimulated with the Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands lipopolysaccharide (TLR4) and Pam3Cys (TLR2). We observed decreased neutrophilic ROS production and phagocytosis following the second HBOT session, which persisted after the third session, but no alterations in MDA concentrations. Furthermore, plasma concentrations of the investigated cytokines were unaltered at all-time points, and ex vivo cytokine production was largely unaltered over time as well. These results indicate no induction of systemic oxidative stress or a systemic inflammatory response after repeated HBOT in healthy volunteers but may suggest exhaustion of ROS generation capacity and phagocytosis.
Photocontrol of Axillary Bud Outgrowth by MicroRNAs: Current State-of-the-Art and Novel Perspectives Gained From the Rosebush Model
Authors: Mallet Julie , Laufs Patrick , Leduc Nathalie , Le Gourrierec José
Published: January 2022

Shoot branching is highly dependent on environmental factors. While many species show some light dependence for branching, the rosebush shows a strict requirement for light to allow branching, making this species an excellent model to further understand how light impinges on branching. Here, in the first part, we provide a review of the current understanding of how light may modulate the complex regulatory network of endogenous factors like hormones (SL, IAA, CK, GA, and ABA), nutrients (sugar and nitrogen), and ROS to control branching. We review the regulatory contribution of microRNAs (miRNAs) to branching in different species, highlighting the action of such evolutionarily conserved factors. We underline some possible pathways by which light may modulate miRNA-dependent regulation of branching. In the second part, we exploit the strict light dependence of rosebush for branching to identify putative miRNAs that could contribute to the photocontrol of branching. For this, we first performed a profiling of the miRNAs expressed in early light-induced rosebush buds and next tested whether they were predicted to target recognized regulators of branching. Thus, we identified seven miRNAs (miR156, miR159, miR164, miR166, miR399, miR477, and miR8175) that could target nine genes (CKX1/6,EXPA3,MAX4,CYCD3;1,SUSY,6PFK,APX1, andRBOHB1). Because these genes are affecting branching through different hormonal or metabolic pathways and because expression of some of these genes is photoregulated, our bioinformatic analysis suggests that miRNAs may trigger a rearrangement of the regulatory network to modulate branching in response to light environment.
Analysis of Alternative Splicing During the Combinatorial Response to Simultaneous Copper and Iron Deficiency in Arabidopsis Reveals Differential Events in Genes Involved in Amino Acid Metabolism
Authors: Mancini Estefania , Garcia-Molina Antoni
Published: January 2022

Copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) constitute fundamental nutrients for plant biology but are often limited due to low bioavailability. Unlike responses to single Cu or Fe deprivation, the consequences of simultaneous Cu and Fe deficiency have not yet been fully deciphered. Previously, it was demonstrated that Cu and Fe deficiency applied in combination imposes transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome changes different from those triggered under each deficiency individually. Here, we evaluated the effect of alternative splicing (AS) on the transcriptome of rosette leaves under single and simultaneous Cu and Fe deficiency. Differentially spliced genes (DSGs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) coincided in number (2,600 approx.) although the overlapping fraction was minimal (15%). Functional annotation of changes exclusively detected under simultaneous Cu and Fe deficiency revealed that DEGs participated in general stress responses and translation, while DSGs were involved in metabolic reactions, especially amino acid biosynthesis. Interestingly, transcripts encoding central features for tryptophan (Trp) and asparagine (Asn) synthesis – two significantly altered metabolites under simultaneous Cu and Fe deficiency – underwent exclusive intron retention events under the double deficiency. However, transcript and protein amounts for these enzymes did not correlate with Trp and Asn concentration. In consequence, we propose that AS might act as a regulatory mechanism to modify the stability and/or functionality of the enzymes and therefore fine-tune amino acid production during the combinatorial response to simultaneous Cu and Fe deficiency.
Do Visionary-Feedback Seeking CEOs Enhance Firm Sustainability Through Eco-Innovation? A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Yuanyuan Cheng , Yahya Farzan , Waqas Muhammad , Hongbo Li
Published: January 2022

Based on upper echelons, paradox, and social capital theory, this study extends the association of CEO vision articulation and feedback-seeking behavior with firm sustainability by identifying the mediating role of eco-innovation and top management team (TMT) boundary-spanning behavior as a moderator. By analyzing the data of mid-sized to large Chinese firms using hierarchical regression and bootstrapping-based moderated path analysis, we found that product and process eco-innovation mediates the link between CEO vision articulation and firm sustainability while CEO feedback-seeking behavior enhances firm’s sustainability through product eco-innovation only. Finally, conditional indirect effects show the vital role of TMT boundary-spanning behavior in facilitating CEOs to improve the firm’s long-term sustainability through eco-innovation.
Social Communication of Transportation: A Bridge Model Connecting Tourism Destination and Psychological Perception
Authors: Zhang Ligang , Wang Xingrong , Li Yi , Zhu Yan , Wei Feng , Zhao Shaoqiong
Published: January 2022

As it is essential to explore the influence of social communications on transportation routes in tourism, this article aims to examine the impacts of social communications on transportation routes in the field of tourism and to further explore the relationship between tourism destinations and their psychological perceptions. In terms of links between different tourism destinations in space and time dimensions, our empirical analysis draws the following conclusions: (1) the behavior of tourist flow is a mediating variable on the links between tourist psychological perceptions and tour routes; (2) three modes of point-line interaction are presented in the space and time of tourism destinations; and (3) the scenic city’s location, name, and features are important to tourists’ psychological perceptions.
Factors Associated With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Among Nurses During COVID-19
Authors: Jiang Hu , Huang Nanqu , Tian Weiyan , Shi Shangpeng , Yang Guanghui , Pu Hengping
Published: January 2022

Objective

To investigate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), perceived professional benefits and post-traumatic growth (PTG) status among Chinese nurses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare the differences between nurses working inside and outside Hubei.

Methods

From February 18 to February 25, 2020, the authors constructed the questionnaire using the Questionnaire Star platform, and convenience sampling was used to distribute the questionnaire via WeChat. Nurses who worked at the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic were the research subjects.

Results

A total of 3,419 questionnaires were received, of which 2,860 nurses were working outside Hubei Province and 559 nurses were working inside Hubei Province. Both groups were exposed to COVID-19. The results indicated that gender, job title, department, average monthly income, the number of night shifts per month, hospital classification, specialization, and previous experience with assisting during disasters were statistically significant. The t-test results showed that the difference in perceived professional benefits scores between the two groups was not statistically significant, and the differences in PTG scores and PTSD scores between the two groups were statistically significant. The chi-square test indicated that the difference in PTSD prevalence between nurses working outside and inside Hubei Province was statistically significant and that the PTSD prevalence of nurses working outside Hubei Province was higher than that of nurses working inside Hubei Province. One-way ANOVA and independent sample t-test results showed that age, job title, job assignment, length of service, average monthly income, number of night shifts per month, number of children, and the Nurses’ Perceived Professional Benefits Scale (NPPBS) and post-traumatic growth inventory (PTGI) scores influenced the prevalence of PTSD. Logistic regression showed that the occurrence of PTSD was associated with average monthly income, length of service, number of children, and the PTGI and NPPBS scores.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses working outside Hubei Province reported greater PTSD than those working inside Hubei Province. The occurrence of PTSD was related to average monthly income, length of service, number of children, and the PTGI and NPPBS scores.
The Intolerance of Uncertainty and “Untact” Buying Behavior: The Mediating Role of the Perceived Risk of COVID-19 Variants and Protection Motivation
Authors: Zhao Shunying , Ye Baojuan , Wang Weisha , Zeng Yadi
Published: January 2022

Draw on the protection motivation theory, this study investigated the impacts of intolerance of uncertainty on “untact” buying behavior, and examined the sequential mediating role of the perceived risk of COVID-19 variants and protection motivation. A total of 1,564 (Mage= 20.75,SD= 1.92) young individuals participated in the survey. The serial mediation analysis results reveal that intolerance of uncertainty influences one’s “untact” buying behavior through “perceived risk of COVID-19 variants - protection motivation.” Both internal (intolerance of uncertainty, protection motivation) and external (risk of COVID-19) factors worked together to accelerate the transition of individuals’ consumption behavior during COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, our findings generate important implications for public mental health and economic recovery in the post-COVID-19 era.
Effect of Brisk Walking on Health-Related Physical Fitness Balance and Life Satisfaction Among the Elderly: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bai Xiaorong , Soh Kim Geok , Omar Dev Roxana Dev , Talib Othman , Xiao Wensheng , Cai Haogang
Published: January 2022

Background

Although the elderly frequently engages in brisk walking as a form of exercise, little has been reported in the literature about the effect of brisk walking on health-related physical fitness, balance, and overall life satisfaction.

Objectives

The purpose of this systematic review is to determine the effect of brisk walking on the elderly's health-related physical fitness, balance, and life satisfaction.

Design

We conducted a comprehensive search from the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus databases from January to September 2021. We selected studies through PICOS and conducted a systematic literature review according to the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Thirteen studies met all criteria; 11 were classed as low risk of bias, while two were classified as high risk of bias. Generally, brisk walking has been shown to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and body composition. Limited evidence was presented on flexibility, muscular endurance and development and life satisfaction, and there was conflicting evidence on balance. Moreover, evidence of restriction proves that high-intensity (80–85%) brisk walking is more effective than moderate-intensity (60–75%) brisk walking on the aerobic capacity of the elderly. Furthermore, there was less research conducted on males.

Conclusion

Brisk walking has been shown to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and body composition. Other outcomes (balance, flexibility, muscular endurance, and life satisfaction) and the impact of the intensity of brisk walking on the elderly should be confirmed. Therefore, there remains insufficient research on brisk walking, while single brisk walking cannot meet requirements of elderly in terms of their health-related physical fitness, balance, and life satisfaction. Future research should aim to examine the effectiveness of combining several types of exercises to promote general health in the elderly, as the World Health Organization recommends. Unintelligible FITT (frequency, intensity, time, type) principles of brisk walking training should be trenched for the results of scientific and effective physical exercise.
Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Quality of Life in Pregnant Women
Authors: Ma Jingjie , Wang Ating , Zhou Hang
Published: January 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with significant impacts on mental health and well-being of populations worldwide. However, little is known about its significant impact on psychological aspects of vulnerable population groups such as pregnant women. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant women in mainland China.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was performed between July and August 2020 using a modified validated 40-item questionnaire which consisted of sociodemographics, attitude, lifestyle changes and the Impact of Event Scale (IES) toward COVID-19 using snowball and convenience samplings.

Results

A total of 1,078 participants were included in the study. The mean age of participants was 29.4 ± 4.0 years. Overall, the mean IES of participants was 30.6 ± 12.8 (i.e., moderate-to-severe stressful impact) amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, with 63.9% of participants had an IES score ≥26. Despite increased family and social support, more than half of participants also reported increased feeling of being horrified, apprehensive and helpless.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has several psychological impacts on pregnant women. Therefore, based on these valuable data of pregnant women collected, we recommend that a thoughtful planning and time preparation by the government would definitely help to reduce the negative impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and restore the quality of life among pregnant women. Further research is needed to identify vulnerable groups including pregnant women to better adapt and inform mental health interventions and policies by health authorities.
Steeper or Faster? Tactical Dispositions to Minimize Oxygen Cost in Ski Mountaineering
Authors: Sunde Arnstein , Christoffersen Fredrik , Johansen Jan-Michael , Støren Øyvind
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Investigate the effect of speed, inclination, and use of heel elevator on the oxygen cost of vertical climbing (Cvert) in ski mountaineering.

Methods

In this study, 19 participants who were (3 women and 16 men) moderate- to well-trained recreational Norwegian ski mountaineers were involved. All participants were tested for VO2max in running, and in a ski mountaineering test on a treadmill, to assess Cvert. The test protocol consisted of 12 4 min work periods at different inclinations from 13 to 23°, with continuous VO2 measurements. After every second work period, the inclination increased by 2°, and speed was decreased accordingly. The speed reduction was based on the equation Vvert = speed · sin(α), where α represents the angle of inclination. Vvert was thus held constant for each work period (854 m·h−1). All work periods were completed twice, with and without a heel elevator. Half of the subjects started with the smallest inclination, and the other half started with the steepest inclination.

Results

The results showed that Cvert was unchanged at all inclinations except 13°, where there was a significantly higher Cvert, at the same Vvert. Only at 13°, Cvert was higher with the use of heel elevator. There was also a significant trend indicating lower Cvert with use of heel elevator with steeper inclination.

Conclusions

There seemed to be nothing to gain by choosing detours if the inclination was 13° or less. The use of heel elevator was more advantageous, the steeper the inclination, but at 13° there was a negative effect of using heel elevator.
Positive Selection Drives the Adaptive Evolution of Mitochondrial Antiviral Signaling (MAVS) Proteins-Mediating Innate Immunity in Mammals
Authors: Ahmad Hafiz Ishfaq , Afzal Gulnaz , Iqbal Muhammad Nouman , Iqbal Muhammad Arslan , Shokrollahi Borhan , Mansoor Muhammad Khalid , Chen Jinping
Published: January 2022

The regulated production of filamentous protein complexes is essential in many biological processes and provides a new paradigm in signal transmission. The mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) is a critical signaling hub in innate immunity that is activated when a receptor induces a shift in the globular caspase activation and recruitment domain of MAVS into helical superstructures (filaments). It is of interest whether adaptive evolution affects the proteins involved in innate immunity. Here, we explore and confer the role of selection and diversification on mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein in mammalian species. We obtined the MAVS proteins of mammalian species and examined their differences in evolutionary patterns. We discovered evidence for these proteins being subjected to substantial positive selection. We demonstrate that immune system proteins, particularly those encoding recognition proteins, develop under positive selection using codon-based probability methods. Positively chosen regions within recognition proteins cluster in domains involved in microorganism recognition, implying that molecular interactions between hosts and pathogens may promote adaptive evolution in the mammalian immune systems. These significant variations in MAVS development in mammalian species highlights the involvement of MAVS in innate immunity. Our findings highlight the significance of accounting for how non-synonymous alterations affect structure and function when employing sequence-level studies to determine and quantify positive selection.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Animals in 2021
Authors:   Animals Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, Chemical Characterization, and Impact on Cell Viability of Food Wastes Derived from Southern Italy Autochthonous Citrus Fruits
Authors: Carullo Gabriele , Ramunno Anna , Sommella Eduardo Maria , De Luca Michele , Belsito Emilia Lucia , Frattaruolo Luca , Brindisi Matteo , Campiglia Pietro , Cappello Anna Rita , Aiello Francesca
Published: January 2022

Citrus fruits are one of the principal fruits used to produce juices. Over the years, these fruits have been recognized as new health-promoting agents. In this work, food wastes derived from autochthonous citrus fruits of Southern Italy, named Limone di Rocca Imperiale, Arancia Rossa Moro, and Arancia Bionda Tardivo from Trebisacce, were analyzed. After fresh-squeezing juice, peel and pomace were employed to obtain six different extracts using an ultrasound-assisted method in a hydroalcoholic solvent. The extracts were analyzed in terms of qualitative composition, antioxidant properties, and antiproliferative activity on MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and BJ-hTERT cell lines. GC-MS and LC-ESI-MS analyses showed different compounds: of note, limonin-hexoside, neodiosmin, obacunone glucoside, and diacetyl nomilinic acid glucoside have been identified as limonoid structures present in all the samples, in addition to different polyphenols including naringenin-glucoside, hesperetin-O-hexoside-O-rhamnoside-O-glucoside, diferuloyl-glucaric acid ester, chlorogenic acid, and the presence of fatty acids such as palmitic, myristic, and linoleic acids. These extracts were able to exert antioxidant activity as demonstrated by DPPH and ABTS assays and, although at higher doses, to reduce the cell viability of different solid tumor cell lines, as shown in MTT assays.
Na+/K+-ATPase Alpha 2 Isoform Elicits Rac1-Dependent Oxidative Stress and TLR4-Induced Inflammation in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus in High Salt-Induced Hypertension
Authors: Su Qing , Yu Xiao-Jing , Wang Xiao-Min , Peng Bo , Bai Juan , Li Hong-Bao , Li Ying , Xia Wen-Jie , Fu Li-Yan , Liu Kai-Li , Liu Jin-Jun , Kang Yu-Ming
Published: January 2022

Background: Numerous studies have indicated that a high salt diet inhibits brain Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activity, and affects oxidative stress and inflammation in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Furthermore, Na+/K+-ATPase alpha 2-isoform (NKA α2) may be a target in the brain, taking part in the development of salt-dependent hypertension. Therefore, we hypothesized that NKA α2 regulates oxidative stress and inflammation in the PVN in the context of salt-induced hypertension. Methods: Part I: We assessed NKA subunits (NKA α1, NKA α2, and NKA α3), Na+/K+-ATPase activity, oxidative stress, and inflammation in a high salt group (8% NaCl) and normal salt group (0.3% NaCl). Part II: NKA α2 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was bilaterally microinjected into the PVN of salt-induced hypertensive rats to knockdown NKA α2, and we explored whether NKA α2 regulates downstream signaling pathways related to protein kinase C γ (PKC γ)-dependent oxidative stress and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-induced inflammation in the PVN to promote the development of hypertension. Results: High salt diet increased NKA α1 and NKA α2 protein expression in the PVN but had no effect on NKA α3 compared to the normal salt diet. Na+/K+-ATPase activity and ADP/ATP ratio was lower, but NAD(P)H activity and NF-κB activity in the PVN were higher after a high salt diet. Bilateral PVN microinjection of NKA α2 shRNA not only improved Na+/K+-ATPase activity and ADP/ATP ratio but also suppressed PKC γ-dependent oxidative stress and TLR4-dependent inflammation in the PVN, thus decreasing sympathetic activity in rats with salt-induced hypertension. Conclusions: NKA α2 in the PVN elicits PKC γ/Rac1/NAD (P)H-dependent oxidative stress and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB-induced inflammation in the PVN, thus increasing MAP and sympathetic activity during the development of salt-induced hypertension.
Ultrasonic Properties of a Stone Architectural Heritage and Weathering Evaluations Based on Provenance Site
Authors: Jo Young Hoon , Lee Chan Hee
Published: January 2022

In this study, we performed customized ultrasonic measurements of the stone block foundation of the Sungnyemun Gate, which is representative of the stone architectural heritage in the Republic of Korea. Furthermore, the weathering evaluation standards, which are extensively used in stone heritage, were improved considering the type of rock and its provenance site. In particular, the absolute weathering grade used the ultrasonic velocity (P-wave) of a universal hard rock, whereas the relative weathering grade used the differences between the ultrasonic velocities of the materials in the stone block foundation of the Sungnyemun Gate (weathered stone) and the fresh rocks in the provenance. Among these, the absolute weathering grade was observed to be constant regardless of the type of rock; however, the relative weathering grade varied depending on the type dof rock. Because the average ultrasonic velocity of the original blocks of the stone block foundation of the Sungnyemun Gate was 2665 m/s, it was estimated that their ultrasonic velocity reduced by approximately 2.1 m/s per year as compared to that observed in case of fresh rocks (average 3932 m/s) in the provenance site. Furthermore, the weathering evaluation exhibited that there were approximately two stages of difference between the original blocks and the new blocks. As compared to the relative weathering grade, the absolute weathering grade was observed to underestimate the overall ultrasonic velocity of the stone block foundation of the Sungnyemun Gate. This study presents a customized method for performing ultrasonic measurements and for evaluating weathering. It is assumed that the results of this study will be extensively used in diagnosing and monitoring the stone architectural heritage.
Interested Keyframe Extraction of Commodity Video Based on Adaptive Clustering Annotation
Authors: Man Guangyi , Sun Xiaoyan
Published: January 2022

Keyframe recognition in video is very important for extracting pivotal information from videos. Numerous studies have been successfully carried out on identifying frames with motion objectives as keyframes. The definition of “keyframe” can be quite different for different requirements. In the field of E-commerce, the keyframes of the products videos should be those interested by a customer and help the customer make correct and quick decisions, which is greatly different from the existing studies. Accordingly, here, we first define the key interested frame of commodity video from the viewpoint of user demand. As there are no annotations on the interested frames, we develop a fast and adaptive clustering strategy to cluster the preprocessed videos into several clusters according to the definition and make an annotation. These annotated samples are utilized to train a deep neural network to obtain the features of key interested frames and achieve the goal of recognition. The performance of the proposed algorithm in effectively recognizing the key interested frames is demonstrated by applying it to some commodity videos fetched from the E-commerce platform.