bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between perioperative parecoxib use and postoperative acute kidney injury in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Tang Yong-Zhong , Zeng Pingping , Liao Yan , Qin Zheng , Zhang Hao , Li Bo , Ouyang Wen , Li Dan
Published: August 2021

Objective

The association of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is controversial. However, there are few studies focusing on the association between parecoxib and postoperative AKI. Our study aimed at the possible correlation between the intraoperative administration of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors parecoxib and perioperative AKI.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in Hunan Province, China.

Participants

The electronic medical records and laboratory results were obtained from 9246 adult patients (18–60 years) undergoing non-cardiac surgery performed between 1 January 2012 and 31 August 2017. Study groups were treated with or without parecoxib.

Interventions

Univariable analysis identified demographic, preoperative laboratory and intraoperative factors associated with AKI. Logistic stepwise regression was used to calculate the adjusted OR of parecoxib and AKI association.

Results

The incidence of AKI was lower in the parecoxib-administered group (4%) than that in the group without parecoxib (6.3%, p=0.005). In the multivariable regression analysis, postoperative AKI risk reduced by 39% (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.87) in the parecoxib-administered group after adjusting for interference factors. Sensitivity analysis showed that postoperative AKI risk reduced in four subgroups: eGRF <90 mL/min·1.73/m2(OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.82), non-smoker (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.83), blood loss <1000 mL (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.83) and non-hypotension (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.84).

Conclusions

Thus, parecoxib is associated with a modest reduction of postoperative AKI risk among adult patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
Exploring dementia family carers’ self-initiated strategies in managing behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia: a qualitative study
Authors: Leung Dara K Y , Wong Kayla K Y , Spector Aimee , Wong Gloria H Y
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Carer’s self-initiated management strategies of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) can inform intervention development. These strategies are affected by cultural values. Little is known about non-Western dementia carers’ BPSD management strategies. This study aimed to explore self-initiated strategies in managing BPSD adopted by Chinese carers.

Design

Qualitative study using thematic framework method.

Setting

Community setting in Hong Kong.

Participants

16 dementia carers with purposive sampling to include carers of different relationships to the people living with dementia (PLwD), education level and living arrangement.

Results

Six overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) maintaining personhood in PLwD, (2) responding positively to BPSD, (3) explanation and bargaining, (4) responding negatively to BPSD, (5) controlling upsetting thoughts, and (6) getting respite care. Chinese carers treasured warm and supportive family relationships. They identified and minimised triggers to alleviate BPSD. Some carers struggled with care tasks and reacted with confrontation and avoidance. Changing attitudes and getting social and emotional support were described to manage carers’ distress. Few self-care strategies including getting respite care were reported.

Conclusions

Carers’ self-initiated strategies largely aligned with existing theoretical frameworks in BPSD management, such as person-centred approach, and echoed Asian culture, which advocates filial piety and supportive family relationships. While these cultural values encourage the engagement of people living with dementia in the normal process of family life, they may also prevent carers from taking time away from care. Interventions could support carers by enhancing their knowledge and skills in managing BPSD, providing social and emotional support, and providing guidance in self-care. Future cross-cultural research could explore factors contributing to how carers manage BPSD and how interventions could be culturally adapted to facilitate carers to apply learnt skills in daily practice and hence benefit the people living with dementia and carer population.
Mixed methods evaluation of a self-management group programme for patients with neuromuscular disease and chronic fatigue
Authors: Veenhuizen Yvonne , Satink Ton , Graff Maud JL , Geurts Alexander CH , Groothuis Jan T , van Engelen Baziel GM , Nijhuis-van der Sanden Maria WG , Cup Edith HC
Published: August 2021

Objective

To obtain insight into experiences of patients with a neuromuscular disease and chronic fatigue and their healthcare professionals regarding content and delivery of a multidisciplinary outpatient self-management group programme to improve social participation. This will inform future implementation.

Design

A mixed method study alongside a randomised controlled trial.

Setting

University hospital, rehabilitation centre and community health centre.

Participants

29 patients with a neuromuscular disease and chronic fatigue and 13 healthcare professionals participated in this mixed methods study.

Intervention

Multidisciplinary group programme, called Energetic, consisted of a 4 months intervention with weekly meetings and covered four modules: (1) individually tailored aerobic exercise training; (2) education about aerobic exercise; (3) self-management training in applying energy conservation strategies and (4) implementation and relapse prevention in daily life.

Main measures

Quantitative data were collected by a questionnaire measuring patients’ (n=25, all completed the programme) satisfaction with the perceived results, content and delivery of the programme. Qualitative data were collected by individual and focus group interviews to gain insight in the experiences of patients (n=18), next of kin (n=2) and healthcare professionals (n=13) with facilitators and barriers to programme implementation.

Results

Patients were satisfied with the number and length of the sessions, the different modules and the therapists. Analysis of the interviews led to five themes: (1) the combination of modules makes a complete picture, (2) the programme is physically and mentally intensive, (3) the group setting is valuable, (4) small variations in delivery occur in different settings, (5) therapists are coaches. Suggestions for programme improvement include a combination of face to face and e-health, enhancement of therapists’ skills in guiding group interventions and inclusion of more booster sessions to evaluate and maintain self-management competencies.

Conclusions

The Energetic programme could be implemented in different healthcare settings and group settings, and a combination of modules proved to be a facilitator for improving self-management.

Trial registration number

NCT02208687.
Effects of moxibustion on reproduction and metabolism of polycystic ovary syndrome: a protocol for meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Xu Kou , Wang Jiajie , Hu Feng , Lv Siying , Zhang Yanji , Yang Qiqi , Huang Wei , Zhou Zhongyu
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age. Recently, moxibustion, as a complementary and alternative therapy, has been commonly used in assisted reproduction and improvement of metabolic abnormalities in patients with PCOS. Currently, intervention efficacy of the use of moxibustion in PCOS treatment still remains controversial due to lack of high-quality evidence. Consequently, this study protocol was designed to objectively review and evaluate the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion treatment for PCOS.

Methods and analysis

Electronic searches will be carried out from inception to May 2021 in the online databases of The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese Biomedical Literature, Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Center and Clinical Trials will be used for searching ongoing trials. Randomised controlled trials and the first period in randomised cross-over trials involving any type of moxibustion for patients with PCOS will be included. Primary outcomes will be the ovulation rate, pregnancy rate and sex hormone levels, and secondary outcomes will be changes in clinical symptoms and metabolic indicators, total effective rate and the incidences of side effects and adverse events. Briefly, two reviewers will independently conduct study selection and data extraction, and the risk of bias will be assessed. Prior to the formal meta-analysis, the heterogeneity of included studies will be assessed. Review Manager Statistical Software (RevMan) V.5.3 will be used for data processing. Finally, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation method will be applied to evaluate the quality of evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not necessary since this study is designed as a systematic review. This study will be disseminated by a peer-review journal or conference presentation.
Does knowledge of the primary tumour affect survival after surgery for spinal metastatic disease? A retrospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Carrwik Christian , Olerud Claes , Robinson Yohan
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To compare survival after surgery for patients with spinal metastatic disease with known primary tumour (KPT) versus patients with unknown primary tumour (UPT).

Participants

393 patients 18 years or older (270 men and 123 women, mean age 67.3 years) undergoing surgery at Uppsala University Hospital in Swedenbetween 2006 and 2016due to spinal metastatic disease . 271 patients (69%) had a KPT at the time of surgery and 122 (31%) had an UPT.

Interventions

Decompressive and/or stabilising spine surgery due to spinal metastatic disease.

Primary outcome

Survival (median and mean) after surgery.

Results

The estimated median survival time after surgery for patients with KPT was 7.4 months (95% CI 6.0 to 8.7) and mean survival time was 21.6 months (95% CI 17.2 to 26.0). For patients with UPT, the median estimated survival time after surgery was 15.6 months (95% CI 7.5 to 23.7) and the mean survival time was 48.1 months (95% CI 37.3 to 59.0) (Breslow, p=0.001). Unknown primary cancer was a positive predictor of survival after surgery (Cox regression, HR=0.58, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.73).

Conclusion

In this study, patients with spinal metastasis and UPT had a longer expected survival after surgery compared with patients with KPT. This suggests that patients with UPT and spinal metastasis should not be withheld from surgery only based on the fact that the primary tumour is unknown.
Impact of surgeon and anaesthesiologist sex on patient outcomes after cardiac surgery: a population-based study
Authors: Sun Louise Y. , Boet Sylvain , Chan Vincent , Lee Douglas S. , Mesana Thierry G. , Bader Eddeen Anan , Etherington Cole
Published: August 2021

Background

Effective teamwork between anaesthesiologists and surgeons is essential for optimising patient safety in the cardiac operating room. While many factors may influence the relationship between these two physicians, the role of sex and gender have yet to be investigated.

Objectives

We sought to determine the association between cardiac physician team sex discordance and patient outcomes.

Design

We performed a population-based, retrospective cohort study.

Participants and setting

Adult patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and/or aortic, mitral or tricuspid valve surgery between 2008 and 2018 in Ontario, Canada.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was all-cause 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events at 30 days and hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay (LOS). Mixed effects logistic regression was used for categorical outcomes and Poisson regression for continuous outcomes.

Results

79 862 patients underwent cardiac surgery by 98 surgeons (11.2% female) and 279 anaesthesiologists (23.3% female); 19 893 (24.9%) were treated by sex-discordant physician teams. Physician sex discordance was not associated with overall patient mortality or LOS; however, patients who underwent isolated CABG experienced longer hospital LOS when treated by an all-male physician team as compared with an all-female team (adjusted OR=1.07; p=0.049). When examining the impact of individual physician sex, the length of hospital stay was longer when isolated CABG procedures were attended by a male surgeon (OR=1.10; p=0.004) or anaesthesiologist (OR=1.02; p=0.01).

Conclusions

Patient mortality and length of stay after cardiac surgery may vary by sex concordance of the attending surgeon–anaesthesiologist team. Further research is needed to examine the underlying mechanisms of these observed relationships.
Heart rate variability improves in 3–5-year-old children following a 6-month physical activity-based intervention: the Active Early Learning (AEL) cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Speer Kathryn E. , McKune Andrew J. , Telford Rohan M. , Semple Stuart , Naumovski Nenad , Olive Lisa S. , Telford Richard D.
Published: August 2021

Heart rate variability (HRV) measurement provides non-invasive assessment of autonomic stability and cardiometabolic disease risk. Insufficient physical activity in early childhood may contribute to negative cardiometabolic health. The Active Early Learning (AEL) study was a 6-month randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of a physical activity-based program incorporating movement within the daily curriculum of preschool children. The current study assessed the effects of the AEL intervention on HRV as a measure of cardiac vagal control. Children aged between 3–5 years and enrolled in a preschool with an attendance of ≥15 children were eligible. Physical activity was recorded using an Actigraph wGT3x accelerometer worn at the waist of participants over 3 consecutive days. A Polar H10 chest strap measured HRV with the HF-band and RMSSD representing cardiac vagal control. After 6 months of the AEL trial, linear mixed model analyses revealed a significant intervention effect for increased HF (p = 0.044). The control group did not demonstrate changes in cardiac vagal control after the intervention ceased. Independent of age, sex, physical activity and BMI, the AEL study elicited significant improvements in the cardiac vagal control of participants who received the intervention. Findings highlight the importance of investigating HRV for assessing the cardiometabolic health in young children. ANZCTR trial registration number: ACTRN12619000638134.

Novelty: The AEL curriculum improved child HRV independent of age, sex, physical activity and BMI. Heart rate and RR intervals did not demonstrate changes for the intervention and control groups. Multivariate programs for developing physical competence, confidence, knowledge and motivation may improve child health.
Genistein and Momordica charantia L. prevent oxidative stress and upregulate proglucagon and insulin receptor mRNA in diabetic rats
Authors: Makena Wusa , Iliya Abdullahi Ibrahim , Hambolu Joseph Olajide , Timbuak James Abrak , Umana Uduak Emmanuel , Dibal Nathan Isaac
Published: August 2021

Type 2 diabetes occurs as a result of insulin resistance and dysfunction in insulin signaling. Controlling hyperglycemia and activation of insulin signaling are important in the management of type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of genistein and Momordica charantia L. fruit (MCF) on oxidative stress, markers of inflammation, and their role in proglucagon and insulin receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by real-time PCR in diabetic rats. Thirty-five albino rats were divided into 7 groups (n = 5). Group I (non-diabetic) and group II (diabetic control) were treated with distilled water, and groups III and IV received 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg lyophilized MCF, respectively. Groups V and VI received 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg genistein, respectively, while group VII received 500 mg/kg metformin. The administration lasted for 28 days. MCF and genistein significantly reduced interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels, which were elevated in the serum of diabetic rats. Treatment with MCF and genistein significantly increased the expression of proglucagon mRNA in the small intestine and insulin receptor mRNA in the liver of diabetic rats. In conclusion, MCF and genistein ameliorate type 2 diabetes complications by preventing the loss of insulin-positive cells, inhibiting IL-1β and TNF-α, and upregulating proglucagon and insulin receptor mRNA expression.

Novelty: MCF and genistein have an inhibitory effect on diabetic induced IL-1β and TNF-α production. MCF and genistein upregulate proglucagon and insulin receptor mRNA expression.
Qualitative aspects of Rastall gravity with barotropic fluid
Authors: Singh Ashutosh , Raushan Rakesh , Chaubey R.
Published: August 2021

We investigate the dynamical evolution of a homogeneous and isotropic flat universe filled with a barotropic fluid satisfying the linear equation of state in Rastall gravity. Using the dynamical system approach, we determined the fixed points of the system and studied their stability. We further explore the thermodynamic aspects at the apparent horizon by investigating the validity of the generalised second law of thermodynamics with an equilibrium description.
Anisotropic Bianchi type-II modified holographic Ricci dark energy model in scale-covariant theory of gravitation
Authors: Shri Ram  , Chandel S. , Verma M.K.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we obtain an anisotropic Bianchi type-II space–time with dark matter and modified holographic Ricci dark energy in the scale-covariant theory of gravitation. Exact solutions of the field equations are obtained by assuming (i) a negative constant value of the deceleration parameter, (ii) the component [Formula: see text] of the shear tensor [Formula: see text] is proportional to the mean Hubble parameter, and (iii) the gauge function [Formula: see text] is proportional to a power function of the average scale factor. We have also discussed some important physical aspects of the model, which is in agreement with the modern cosmological observations.
Commutativity in 3-prime nearrings through permutation identities
Authors: Aishwarya S. , Srinivas Kedukodi Babushri , Prasad Kuncham Syam
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we investigate permutation identities satisfied by semigroup left ideals and weak semigroup left ideals in prime nearrings. We obtain results on commutativity of multiplication and addition using these identities. We provide examples to show the necessity of certain conditions in some of the results obtained. Finally, we give a characterization of Galois field in terms of permutation identities.
An Emerging Role for Chloroplasts in Disease and Defense
Authors: Kachroo Pradeep , Burch-Smith Tessa M. , Grant Murray
Published: August 2021

Chloroplasts are key players in plant immune signaling, contributing to not only de novo synthesis of defensive phytohormones but also the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species following activation of pattern recognition receptors or resistance (R) proteins. The local hypersensitive response (HR) elicited by R proteins is underpinned by chloroplast-generated reactive oxygen species. HR-induced lipid peroxidation generates important chloroplast-derived signaling lipids essential to the establishment of systemic immunity. As a consequence of this pivotal role in immunity, pathogens deploy effector complements that directly or indirectly target chloroplasts to attenuate chloroplast immunity (CI). Our review summarizes the current knowledge of CI signaling and highlights common pathogen chloroplast targets and virulence strategies. We address emerging insights into chloroplast retrograde signaling in immune responses and gaps in our knowledge, including the importance of understanding chloroplast heterogeneity and chloroplast involvement in intraorganellular interactions in host immunity.
N-3-oxododecanoyl homoserine lactone exacerbates endothelial cell death by inducing receptor-interacting protein kinase 1-dependent apoptosis
Authors: Shin Jungho , Ahn Sun Hee , Kim Su Hyun , Oh Dong-Jin
Published: August 2021

Endothelial dysfunction is associated with the initiation of sepsis-associated organ failure. Bacterial quorum-sensing molecules act as pathogen-associated molecular patterns; however, the effects of quorum-sensing molecules on endothelial cells remain less understood. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of quorum-sensing molecule-induced cell death and their interaction with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Endothelial cells were treated with N-3-oxododecanoyl homoserine lactone (3OC12-HSL) and LPS derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Treatment with 3OC12-HSL reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, and cotreatment with 3OC12-HSL and LPS enhanced cell death. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling assay revealed an increase in apoptotic cell death following 3OC12-HSL treatment; furthermore, cotreatment with 3OC12-HSL and LPS enhanced apoptosis. Western blotting revealed that treatment with 3OC12-HSL activated the receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) pathway, leading to an increase in the levels of cleaved caspase 8 and 3. In addition, we found that treatment with necrostatin-1, an RIPK1 inhibitor, reduced cell death and ameliorated the activation of the RIPK1-dependent apoptotic pathway in 3OC12-HSL-treated cells. In conclusion, 3OC12-HSL induced endothelial cell apoptosis via the activation of the RIPK1 pathway, independent of LPS toxicity. Inhibition of RIPK1 may act as a therapeutic option for preserving endothelial cell integrity in patients with sepsis by disrupting the mechanism by which quorum-sensing molecules mediate their toxicity.
Cellular origins and lineage relationships of the intestinal epithelium
Authors: Capdevila Claudia , Trifas Maria , Miller Jonathan , Anderson Troy , Sims Peter A. , Yan Kelley S.
Published: August 2021

Knowledge of the development and hierarchical organization of tissues is key to understanding how they are perturbed in injury and disease, as well as how they may be therapeutically manipulated to restore homeostasis. The rapidly regenerating intestinal epithelium harbors diverse cell types and their lineage relationships have been studied using numerous approaches, from classical label-retaining and genetic lineage tracing methods to novel transcriptome-based annotations. Here, we describe the developmental trajectories that dictate differentiation and lineage specification in the intestinal epithelium. We focus on the most recent single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq)-based strategies for understanding intestinal epithelial cell lineage relationships, underscoring how they have refined our view of the development of this tissue and highlighting their advantages and limitations. We emphasize how these technologies have been applied to understand the dynamics of intestinal epithelial cells in homeostatic and injury-induced regeneration models.
Circadian clock core component Bmal1 dictates cell cycle rhythm of proliferating hepatocytes during liver regeneration
Authors: Jiang Huaizhou , Garcia Veronica , Yanum Jennifer Abla , Lee Joonyong , Dai Guoli
Published: August 2021

We demonstrated that Bmal1 centrally controls the synchronicity and rhythmicity of the cell cycle and lipid accumulation in replicating hepatocytes during liver regeneration. Bmal1 plays these roles, at least in part, by ensuring formation of the expression peaks of cell cycle components and regulators, as well as the timing and levels of activation of mitogenic signaling molecules.
Dissociation between exercise intensity thresholds: mechanistic insights from supine exercise
Authors: Goulding Richie P. , Marwood Simon , Lei Tze-Huan , Okushima Dai , Poole David C. , Barstow Thomas J. , Kondo Narihiko , Koga Shunsaku
Published: August 2021

This study tested the hypothesis that the respiratory compensation point (RCP) and breakpoint in deoxygenated [heme] [deoxy[heme]BP, assessed via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)] during ramp incremental exercise would occur at the same metabolic rate in the upright (U) and supine (S) body positions. Eleven healthy men completed ramp incremental exercise tests in U and S. Gas exchange was measured breath-by-breath and time-resolved-NIRS was used to measure deoxy[heme] in the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF). RCP (S: 2.56 ± 0.39, U: 2.86 ± 0.40 L·min−1, P = 0.02) differed from deoxy[heme]BP in the VL in U (3.10 ± 0.44 L·min−1, P = 0.002), but was not different in S in the VL (2.70 ± 0.50 L·min−1, P = 0.15). RCP was not different from the deoxy[heme]BP in the RF for either position (S: 2.34 ± 0.48 L·min−1, U: 2.76 ± 0.53 L·min−1, P > 0.05). However, the deoxy[heme]BP differed between muscles in both positions ( P < 0.05), and changes in deoxy[heme]BP did not relate to ΔRCP between positions (VL: r =  0.55, P = 0.080, RF: r =  0.26, P = 0.44). The deoxy[heme]BP was consistently preceded by a breakpoint in total[heme], and was, in turn, itself preceded by a breakpoint in muscle surface electromyography (EMG). RCP and the deoxy[heme]BP can be dissociated across muscles and different body positions and, therefore, do not represent the same underlying physiological phenomenon. The deoxy[heme]BP may, however, be mechanistically related to breakpoints in total[heme] and muscle activity.
Proteomic basis of modulation of postischemic fibrosis by MSC exosomes
Authors: Kore Rajshekhar A. , Wang Xianwei , Henson Jeffrey Curran , Ding Zufeng , Jamshidi-Parsian Azemat , Mehta Jawahar L.
Published: August 2021

After an ischemic event, there is activation of fibroblasts leading to scar formation. It is critical to limit the profibrotic remodeling and activate the reparative remodeling phase to limit cardiac diastolic dysfunction. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) exosomes offer significant protection against ischemia-related systolic dysfunction. Here, we studied if MSC exosomes would offer protection against profibrotic events in mouse hearts subjected to acute ischemia [1 h left coronary artery (LCA) occlusion] or chronic ischemia (7 days LCA occlusion). After acute ischemia, there was activation of inflammatory signals, more in the peri-infarct than in the infarct area, in the saline (vehicle)-treated mice. At the same time, there was expression of cardiac remodeling signals (vimentin, collagens-1 and -3, and fibronectin), more in the infarct area. Treatment with MSC exosomes before LCA ligation suppressed inflammatory signals during acute and chronic ischemia. Furthermore, exosome treatment promoted pro-reparative cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in both infarct and peri-infarct areas by suppressing fibronectin secretion and by modulating collagen secretion to reduce fibrotic scar formation through altered cellular signaling pathways. Proteomics study revealed intense expression of IL-1β and activation of profibrotic signals in the saline-treated hearts and their suppression in MSC exosome-treated hearts. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the infarct and peri-infarct area proteomics of ischemic mice hearts to explain MSC exosome-mediated suppression of scar formation in the ischemic mouse hearts.
Liver proteome response to torpor in a basoendothermic mammal, Tenrec ecaudatus, provides insights into the evolution of homeothermy
Authors: Khudyakov Jane I. , Treat Michael D. , Shanafelt Mikayla C. , Deyarmin Jared S. , Neely Benjamin A. , van Breukelen Frank
Published: August 2021

Many mammals use adaptive heterothermy (e.g., torpor, hibernation) to reduce metabolic demands of maintaining high body temperature ( Tb). Torpor is typically characterized by coordinated declines in Tb and metabolic rate (MR) followed by active rewarming. Most hibernators experience periods of euthermy between bouts of torpor during which homeostatic processes are restored. In contrast, the common tenrec, a basoendothermic Afrotherian mammal, hibernates without interbout arousals and displays extreme flexibility in Tb and MR. We investigated the molecular basis of this plasticity in tenrecs by profiling the liver proteome of animals that were active or torpid with high and more stable Tb (∼32°C) or lower Tb (∼14°C). We identified 768 tenrec liver proteins, of which 50.9% were differentially abundant between torpid and active animals. Protein abundance was significantly more variable in active cold and torpid compared with active warm animals, suggesting poor control of proteostasis. Our data suggest that torpor in tenrecs may lead to mismatches in protein pools due to poor coordination of anabolic and catabolic processes. We propose that the evolution of endothermy leading to a more realized homeothermy of boreoeutherians likely led to greater coordination of homeostatic processes and reduced mismatches in thermal sensitivities of metabolic pathways.
Distinct purinergic receptor-mediated currents of rat oculomotor integrator neurons characterized by different firing patterns
Authors: Saito Yasuhiko , Sugimura Taketoshi
Published: August 2021

The roles of purinergic signaling on vertical (mediated by the interstitial nucleus of Cajal; INC) and horizontal (prepositus hypoglossal nucleus; PHN) gaze control are not understood. Here, we report three current types induced by ATP in INC neurons; the distribution of these current types across different types of INC neurons is different from that in PHN neurons. These results suggest distinct modes of purinergic modulation in horizontal and vertical gaze control centers.
Genetic Algorithm-Based Computed Tomography Image Analysis for the Diagnosis and Mental Health of COVID-19 Patients in Early Low-Incidence Areas
Authors: Niu Yuan , He Xuejie , Hao Guijuan , Wang Liang
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnosis of patients in the early low-incidence area of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the mental health of staff based on genetic algorithm- (GA-) based computed tomography (CT) images. In this study, 136 COVID-19 patients admitted to our hospital were divided into a critical group (94 cases) and a general group (42 cases). In addition, a questionnaire was used to investigate the mental health of COVID-19 patients in early low-incidence areas, including 147 medical staff members and 213 nonmedical staff members. The effects were compared between the optimized GA template matching (OGATM) algorithm proposed in this study and traditional GATM, which were applied in CT images of COVID-19 patients. The results showed that the proposed algorithm could improve the accuracy of pneumonia detection and reduce the false-positive rate. The average age of patients in the severe group was markedly higher than that of the general group (

P
<
0.05

). The number of cases with diabetes mellitus (49.6%) from the severe group was more than that from the general group (12.4%) (

P
<
0.05

). Lymphocyte count in patients from the severe group (0.68 ± 0.26 × 109/L) was sharply lower than that of the general group (1.12 ± 0.34 × 109/L) (

P
<
0.05

). The total T lymphocyte count in patients from the severe group reduced steeply in contrast to that of the general group (

P
<
0.05

). The anxiety and depression scores of medical patients (39.45 ± 9.45 points and 47.58 ± 10.47 points) were obviously lower than the scores of nonmedical patients (43.57 ± 9.54 points and 52.48 ± 10.25 points) (

P
<
0.05

). In conclusion, the elderly and staffs with diabetes mellitus were more likely to develop severe COVID-19. Moreover, the total T lymphocytes of COVID-19 patients were lower than their normal levels, and nonmedical staffs had more psychological stress than medical staffs.
ANGPTL3 Overexpression Suppresses the Development of Oncogenic Properties in Renal Cell Carcinoma via the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway and Predicts Good Prognosis
Authors: Zhang Yu-jian , Zhang Lin , Feng Fei , Cao Qi-feng
Published: August 2021

Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3), which is involved in new blood vessel growth, has been reported to exhibit an abnroaml expression in many different cancers. However, the expressing pattern and functions of ANGPTL3 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were rarely reported. In this study, we observed that ANGPTL3 expression was distinctly downregulated in both RCC specimens from TCGA datasets and cell lines. Survival assays also revealed that patients with low ANGPTL3 expression exhibited a shorter overall survival and disease-free survival than those with high ANGPTL3 expression. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, Colony formation assay, and flow cytometry showed that overexpression of ANGPTL3 distinctly suppressed the proliferation of RCC cells, and promoted apoptosis. Transwell assays and Wound healing assays revealed that ANGPTL3 upregulation suppressed the migration and invasion of RCC cells. Then, we explored whether ANGPTL3 dysregulation influenced the alteration of Wnt/β-catenin signaling using TOP/FOP flash reporter assays and western blot. The results showed that overexpression of ANGPTL3 distinctly suppressed the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Overall, our results confirmed that overexpression of ANGPTL3 was related to the malignancy and good prognosis of RCC patients, and ANGPTL3 upregulation inhibited the tumor proliferation and metastasis via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. ANGPTL3 may be a novel therapeutic target and a prognostic biomarker for RCC patients.
Efficacy and Safety of Resveratrol Supplements on Blood Lipid and Blood Glucose Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhang Tianqing , He Qi , Liu Yao , Chen Zhenrong , Hu Hengjing
Published: August 2021

Background. Diabetes is a major public health concern. Resveratrol has shown great beneficial effects on hyperglycemia and insulin resistance and as an antioxidant. Methods. We searched the Chinese and English databases (such as CNKI, PubMed, and Embase) and extracted data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Then, RevMan 5.3 was used for bias risk assessment and meta-analysis. The primary outcome indicators include insulin-resistance-related indicators and blood-lipid-related indicators. This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018089521). Results. Fifteen RCTs involving 896 patients were included. For insulin-resistance-related indicators, the summary results showed that, compared with the control group, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in the resveratrol group is lower (WMD: −0.99; 95% CI −1.61, −0.38;

P
=
0.002

). For blood-lipid-related indicators, the total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in the resveratrol group is of no statistical significance (for TC, WMD: −7.11; 95% CI −16.28, 2.06;

P
=
0.13

; for TG, WMD: −2.15; 95% CI −5.52, 1.22;

P
=
0.21

). For adverse events, the summary results showed that there was no statistical difference in the incidence of adverse events between the resveratrol and control groups (WMD: 2; 95% CI 0.44, 9.03;

P
=
0.37

). Conclusion. Based on the current evidence, resveratrol may improve insulin resistance, lower fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, and improve oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Enterprise Production and Emission Reduction Strategy under Carbon Emission Constraint
Authors: Zhang Simin , Li Qi
Published: August 2021

According to China’s 14th Five-Year Development Plan, China aims to peak its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutral by 2060, which will be a major strategy for China to implement in the coming period of time. All kinds of industries need to take the industry characteristics into account and gradually form relative carbon reduction targets according to the National Carbon Summit Action Program. Under the constraints of carbon emission reduction, enterprises face trade-off when making emission reduction decisions. How to systematically optimize the profitable and environmentally friendly decisions, under the consideration of carbon emission production, is gradually becoming a main concern of regulated enterprises. In this paper, a Cournot game model is constructed to explore optimal production carbon abatement decisions for two oligopolistic firms, under the governance of a cap-and-trade mechanism. Real case data collected from China’s airlines is an example to test the validity of our model. The qualitative analysis shows that, through a reasonable output and emission reduction investment, companies are capable of efficiently minimizing the negative impact brought about by the carbon trading system. A numerical experiment indicates that the companies on one side can reach a decision equilibrium in some circumstances, but on the other side, there exists a lack of incentive to reduce their emissions. Additional government incentives or increased investment in technological improvements will be needed to encourage companies to further reduce carbon emissions. In this paper, while analyzing the choice of emission reduction strategy for enterprises under the carbon trading system, it also provides effective emission reduction approaches for the government and industry managers, hoping to provide some references for the establishment of emission reduction system and policy formulation.
METTL3 Intensifies the Progress of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Modulating the m6A Amount of PRMT5 and PD-L1
Authors: Ai Yilong , Liu Shiwei , Luo Hailing , Wu Siyuan , Wei Haigang , Tang Zhe , Li Xia , Lv Xiaozhi , Zou Chen
Published: August 2021

N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) modification is one of the commonest chemical modifications in eukaryotic mRNAs, which has essential effects on mRNA translation, splicing, and stability. Currently, there is a rising concern on the regulatory role of m6A in tumorigenesis. As a known component in the m6A methyltransferase complex, METTL3 (methyltransferase-like 3) plays an essential role in m6A methylation. Till now, the functions of METTL3 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its relative mechanism remain to be explored. In this research, through the GEPIA database, we found that high METTL3 expression has a correlation with poor prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck. qRT-PCR displayed that METTL3 was highly expressed in OSCC cells. Functionally, METTL3 knockdown reduced the invasion, migration, and proliferation competence of OSCC cells and attenuated the activation of CD8+ T cells. In contrast, METTL3 overexpression resulted in opposite results. GEPIA, UALCAN, and SRAMP databases, PCR, western blot, and m6A RNA methylation assay confirmed the m6A modification of PRMT5 and PD-L1 mediated by METTL3. In conclusion, our results displayed that METTL3 intensified the metastasis and proliferation of OSCC by modulating the m6A amounts of PRMT5 and PD-L1, suggesting that METTL3 may be a therapeutic target for OSCC patients.
Successful Photorefractive Keratectomy in a Case of Wilson’s Disease
Authors: Shokoohi-Rad Saeed , Heidarzadeh Hamid-Reza
Published: August 2021

Purpose. To report a female with a history of Wilson’s disease who underwent a successful photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopic correction. Case Presentation. A twenty-year-old female with a history of Wilson’s disease and D-penicillamine use was referred to our clinic for myopic refractive surgery. Her best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 for both eyes with a refraction of

‐
1.25
‐
0.5
∗

75

°

and

‐
1.25
‐
0.25
∗

55

°

for the right and left eyes. The slit examination showed a prominent Kayser-Fleischer ring (K-F ring) in both eyes. She underwent a successful myopic PRK surgery, and her BCVA became 20/20 with no significant refraction. Conclusions. In this report, we report a successful PRK surgery for myopic correction in a case of Wilson’s disease with prominent K-F rings in both eyes.
Synthetic Evaluation of MicroRNA‐1‐3p Expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Microarray Chips and MicroRNA Sequencing
Authors: Chen Yubing , Liu Mingjiang , Jin Hu , Peng Bo , Dai Luo , Wang Sifan , Xing Hao , Wang Baoju , Wu Zhan
Published: August 2021

Background. MicroRNA‐1‐3p (miR‐1‐3p) exerts significant regulation in various tumor cells, but its molecular mechanisms in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are still ill defined. This study is aimed at detecting the expression of miR‐1‐3p in HNSCC and at determining its significant regulatory pathways. Methods. Data were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Oncomine, ArrayExpress, Sequence Read Archive (SRA) databases, and additional literature. Expression values of miR‐1‐3p in HNSCC were analyzed comprehensively. The R language software was employed to screen differentially expressed genes, and bioinformatics assessment was performed. One sequence dataset (HNSCC: n = 484; noncancer: n = 44) and 18 chip datasets (HNSCC: n = 656; noncancer: n = 199) were obtained. Results. The expression of miR‐1‐3p in HNSCC was visibly decreased in compare with noncancerous tissues. There were distinct differences in tumor state (P = 0.0417), pathological stage (P = 0.0058), and T stage (P = 0.0044). Comprehensive analysis of sequence and chip data also indicated that miR‐1‐3p was lowly expressed in HNSCC. The diagnostic performance of miR‐1‐3p in HNSCC is reflected in the sensitivity and specificity of the collection, etc. Bioinformatics analysis showed the possible biological process, cellular component, molecular function, and KEGG pathways of miR‐1‐3p in HNSCC. And ITGB4 was a possible target of miR‐1‐3p.Conclusions. miR‐1‐3p’s low expression may facilitate tumorigenesis and evolution in HNSCC through signaling pathways. ITGB4 may be a key gene in targeting pathways but still needs verification through in vitro experiments.
Effects of Continuous Yoga on Body Composition in Obese Adolescents
Authors: Na Nongkhai Marisa Poomiphak , Yamprasert Rodsarin , Punsawad Chuchard
Published: August 2021

Overweight/obesity is a pressing international health concern, and conventional treatments demonstrate poor long-term efficacy. Several studies have shown that yoga can control risk factors for cardiovascular disease, obesity, and psychosocial stress. The present study aimed to assess the effect of continuous yoga (asanas, pranayama, and Surya Namaskar yoga) on body composition in overweight participants. Forty adolescents with obesity were enrolled in this study. The study was conceived as a prospective, single-center, single-blinded randomized controlled trial. The participants were divided into 2 groups: the intervention group (n = 20), which undertook a continuous yoga practice, and the control group (n = 20). Body composition, including body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (BFM), and muscle mass, was evaluated using tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance (BIA). Our results showed that the mean BMI and BFM of the yoga intervention group were significantly decreased at week 8 and week 12. The muscle mass of the yoga group continued to improve at a rate of 0.515 per week, which was statistically significant. In conclusion, a continuous yoga practice had a tendency to decrease BMI and BFM and increase muscle mass. These findings demonstrate intervention effectiveness similar to that observed in other clinical research and indicate that continuous yoga practice may be used as an alternative therapy for obesity prevention and health promotion in adolescents with obesity.
Expression and Possible Significance of ACE2 in the Human Liver, Esophagus, Stomach, and Colon
Authors: Liu Yiwen , Wu Qing , Wan Dongmei , He Huiqin , Lin Hailian , Wang Kelang , Que Genxiang , Wang Yuanyuan , Chen Yongjun , Tang Xiaoqing , Wu Lingbo , Yang Xuefeng
Published: August 2021

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been identified as the key receptor of SARS coronavirus that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of SARS. It is known that ACE2 mRNA can be expressed in most organs. However, the protein expression of ACE2 is not clear yet. To explore the role of ACE2 as a precipitating factor in digestive organ damage in COVID-19, this study investigated the expression of ACE2 protein in the human liver, esophagus, stomach, and colon. The result showed that ACE2 can be expressed in the liver, esophagus, stomach, and colon, which suggests SARS-CoV-2 may enter the digestive system through ACE2 and cause liver damage and gastrointestinal damage. It is hoped that the result of the study will provide a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of digestive organ damage under COVID-19.
Screening Evaporative Dry Eyes Severity Using an Infrared Image
Authors: Zhang Qing , Wu Yi , Song Yilin , Qin Guanghao , Yang Lanting , Talwar Sumeet Singh , Lin Tiezhu , Talwar Gagan Deep Singh , Zhang Hongda , Xu Ling , Moore Jonathan E , Pazo Emmanuel Eric , He Wei
Published: August 2021

Background. Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial and one of the most common problems treated in an ophthalmic outpatient clinic. Due to the variability in presentation, diagnosis of DED consists of a combination of subjective and objective clinical tests. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a handheld smartphone-based infrared thermal (IRT) camera for screening symptomatic evaporative DED. Methods. This observational sex-matched control study assessed IRT images of 184 right eyes (46 normal and 138 DED) of 184 participants. Evaporative DED was assessed using noninvasive tear breakup time, fluorescein staining, and the Chinese version of the ocular surface disease index (C-OSDI) questionnaire and categorized into their respective dry eye symptomology group (none, mild, moderate, or severe). The ocular surface temperature (OST) at 8 anatomical regions of interest (ROI) (nasal conjunctiva, nasal limbus, nasal cornea, central cornea, inferior cornea, temporal limbus, temporal cornea, and temporal conjunctiva) were measured and compared using a handheld smartphone-based IRT camera. The effectiveness of these 8 ROIs OST in detecting varying severity of DED was evaluated in terms of correlations with severity of DED and their area under the curve (AUC). Results. OST at the 8 anatomical ROI was significantly higher in DED participants than in the non-DED group (

p
<
0.05

) except for inferior cornea, temporal limbus, and temporal conjunctival regions (>0.05). Analyzing 8 anatomical ROIs revealed that the nasal limbus had the highest Pearson correlation with the severity of DED (0.64,

p
<
0.001

). Additionally, the nasal limbus ROI achieved the highest AUC of 0.79 (CI: 0.73–0.85;

p
<
0.05

), sensitivity, and specificity (0.96 and 0.91) when comparing its ability to discriminated DED vs. non-DED eyes. Conclusions. Rather than a diagnostic tool, handheld smartphone-based IRT images can be considered as a rapid, noninvasive, and hygienic screening tool in discriminating DED and non-DED and potentially alleviating inconvenience experienced during conventional tests.