bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Biomarkers for Response and Toxicity of Induction Chemotherapy in Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Boguszewicz Łukasz
Published: July 2022

This review focuses on the molecular biology of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and presents current and emerging biomarkers of the response of patients to induction chemotherapy. The usefulness of genes, proteins, and parameters from diagnostic clinical imaging as well as other clinicopathological parameters is thoroughly discussed. The role of induction chemotherapy before radiotherapy or before chemo-radiotherapy is still debated, as the data on its efficacy are somehow confusing. Despite the constant improvement of treatment protocols and the introduction of new cytostatics, there is still no consensus regarding the use of induction chemotherapy in the treatment of head and neck cancer, with the possible exception of larynx preservation. Such difficulties indicate that potential future treatment strategies should be personalized. Personalized medicine, in which individual tumor genetics drive the selection of targeted therapies and treatment plans for each patient, has recently emerged as the next generation of cancer therapy. Early prediction of treatment outcome or its toxicity may be highly beneficial for those who are at risk of the development of severe toxicities or treatment failure—a different treatment strategy may be applied to these patients, sparing them unnecessary pain. The literature search was carried out in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases as well as in the selected conference proceedings repositories. Of the 265 articles and abstracts found, only 30 met the following inclusion criteria: human studies, analyzing prediction of induction chemotherapy outcome or toxicity based on the pretreatment (or after the first cycle, if more cycles of induction were administered) data, published after the year 2015. The studies regarding metastatic and recurrent cancers as well as the prognosis of overall survival or the outcome of consecutive treatment were not taken into consideration. As revealed from the systematic inspection of the papers, there are over 100 independent parameters analyzed for their suitability as prognostic markers in HNSCC patients undergoing induction chemotherapy. Some of them are promising, but usually they lack important features such as high specificity and sensitivity, low cost, high positive predictive value, clinical relevance, short turnaround time, etc. Subsequent studies are necessary to confirm the usability of the biomarkers for personal medicine.
Development of a Mixed Hypnosis and Music Intervention Program for the Management of Pain, Anxiety, and Wellbeing in End-of-Life Palliative Care
Authors: Bissonnette Josiane , Pierre Stephica , Duong Anh Thu Julia , Pinard Anne-Marie , Rainville Pierre , Ogez David
Published: July 2022

Background

The palliative care people present needs that can be partially met by complementary intervention. Approaches based on the use of hypnosis and music are increasingly being studied and have shown potential benefits on pain, anxiety, and wellbeing for many populations including those in palliative care.

Objective

This study aims to present the initial process of creating and refining a hypnosis and music intervention program intended for persons in palliative care, with a panel of experts of diverse relevant backgrounds. It also aims to evaluate its feasibility, preliminary acceptability, and content.

Methods

To achieve the objectives, we followed ORBIT recommendations for the development and redesign of behavioral interventions (phase I a-b). Based on a meta-analysis, reference interventions were identified and then adapted to the target population. Twenty-two experts from different backgrounds were consulted to obtain their evaluation on the acceptability, feasibility, and content of the interventions.

Result

The various components of the program were deemed appropriate or very appropriate by over 80% of the experts. However, possible risks were raised related to some uncertainty about the reactions of individuals to the intervention. Several experts (32%) indicated potential adverse effects consisting of negative emotional experiences during the sessions. Modifications were proposed specifically to reduce or mitigate this risk. Over 90% of the experts considered that the revised program provides a safer and more appropriate intervention for palliative care persons.

Conclusion

A mixed intervention program with hypnosis and music has been developed and attained a high level of consensus by the experts. The proposed intervention is ready to be assessed for clinical efficacy in a pilot study (ORBIT Phase II).
Congenital Toxoplasmosis: The State of the Art
Authors: Bollani Lina , Auriti Cinzia , Achille Cristian , Garofoli Francesca , De Rose Domenico Umberto , Meroni Valeria , Salvatori Guglielmo , Tzialla Chryssoula
Published: July 2022

Infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii occurs worldwide and usually causes no symptoms. However, a primary infection of pregnant women, may infect the fetus by transplacental transmission. The risk of mother-to-child transmission depends on week of pregnancy at the time of maternal infection: it is low in the first trimester, may reach 90% in the last days of pregnancy. Inversely, however, fetal disease is more severe when infection occurs early in pregnancy than later. Systematic serologic testing in pregnant women who have no antibodies at the beginning of pregnancy, can accurately reveal active maternal infection. Therefore, the risk of fetal infection should be assessed and preventive treatment with spiramycin must be introduced as soon as possible to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission, and the severity of fetal infection. When maternal infection is confirmed, prenatal diagnosis with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) on amniotic fluid is recommended. If fetal infection is certain, the maternal treatment is changed to a combination of pyrimethamine-sulfonamide and folinic acid. Congenitally infected newborns are usually asymptomatic at birth, but at risk for tardive sequelae, such as blindness. When congenital infection is evident, disease include retinochoroiditis, cerebral calcifications, hydrocephalus, neurocognitive impairment. The diagnosis of congenital infection must be confirmed at birth and management, specific therapy, and follow-up with multidisciplinary counseling, must be guaranteed.
A Study Protocol for the Management of Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Based on ePROs
Authors: Shen Biyu , Shi Songsong , Cui Hengmei , Li Yunyun , Chen Haoyang , Jin Huan , Xu Jia , Liu Zuojia , Jin Yanliang
Published: July 2022

Background

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common chronic rheumatic disease with no known cures, affecting children with the age of onset under 16 years. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures are an important basis for evaluating the impact of JIA and associated therapies, however, which is particular challenge in the pediatric setting. At present, no randomized controlled studies have investigated the effect and usability of ePROs symptom management for children with JIA.

Methods

This longitudinal, randomized, controlled trial will be carried out at outpatient and pediatric wards of the Shanghai Children's Medical Center affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. A total of one hundred children with JIA diagnosed according to the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) patients are randomized to receive individualized symptom management based on ePROs or routine management. The primary outcome is the mean C-Ped-PROMIS T-scores of patients in the ePROs-based group and the control group. The secondary outcomes are the trajectories of C-Ped-PROMIS T-scores and HRQOL scores, and changing relationship between them. Data were collected at 5 time points: at enrollment (“baseline”) and at the time of follow-up visits scheduled at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Discussion

The findings are expected to conclude that the symptom management based on ePROs for children with JIA can improve the symptom of JIA, and it is a feasible and effective way to monitor and intervene children with JIA.

Clinical Trial

http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=132769; (ChiCTR2100050503)
Therapeutic vs. Suprapharmacological Metformin Concentrations: Different Effects on Energy Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function in Skeletal Muscle Cells in vitro
Authors: Pavlovic Kasja , Krako Jakovljevic Nina , Isakovic Andjelka M. , Ivanovic Tijana , Markovic Ivanka , Lalic Nebojsa M.
Published: July 2022

Metformin is an oral antidiabetic agent that has been widely used in clinical practice for over 60 years, and is currently the most prescribed antidiabetic drug worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms of metformin action in different tissues are still not completely understood. Although metformin-induced inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain Complex I and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase have been observed in many studies, published data is inconsistent. Furthermore, metformin concentrations used for in vitro studies and their pharmacological relevance are a common point of debate. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of different metformin concentrations on energy metabolism and activity of relevant signaling pathways in C2C12 muscle cells in vitro. In order to determine if therapeutic metformin concentrations have an effect on skeletal muscle cells, we used micromolar metformin concentrations (50 µM), and compared the effects with those of higher, millimolar concentrations (5 mM), that have already been established to affect mitochondrial function and AMPK activity. We conducted all experiments in conditions of high (25 mM) and low glucose (5.5 mM) concentration, in order to discern the role of glucose availability on metformin action. According to our results, micromolar metformin treatment did not cause Complex I inhibition nor AMPK activation. Also, cells cultured in low glucose medium were more sensitive to Complex I inhibition, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and AMPK activation by millimolar metformin, but cells cultured in high glucose medium were more prone to induction of ROS production. In conclusion, even though suprapharmacological metformin concentrations cause Complex I inhibition and AMPK activation in skeletal muscle cells in vitro, therapeutic concentrations cause no such effect. This raises the question if these mechanisms are relevant for therapeutic effects of metformin in skeletal muscle.
Super-Resolution Quantification of T2DM-Induced Mitochondrial Morphology Changes and Their Implications in Pharmacodynamics of Metformin and Sorafenib
Authors: Du Yang , Zhu Ya-Juan , Zeng Bo , Mu Xiao-Li , Liu Ji-Yan
Published: July 2022

Mitochondria, as the powerhouse of cells, are involved in various processes of cellular homeostasis, especially energy metabolism. The morphology of mitochondria is a critical indicator for their functions, referring to mitochondrial fusion and fission. Here, we performed structured illumination microscopy (SIM) to measure the mitochondrial morphology in living cells. Benefitting from its nano-scale resolution, this SIM-based strategy can quantify the fusion and fission of mitochondria with high sensitivity. Furthermore, as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is caused by a disorder of energy substrate utilization, this strategy has the potential to study T2DM by analyzing the mitochondrial morphology of insulin-resistant (IR) cells. With SIM, we found that mitochondrial fission was increased in IR MRC-5, LO2, FHs 74 Int, and HepG2 cells but not in IR Huh7 cells with high-invasiveness ability. Furthermore, we found that metformin could inhibit mitochondrial fission in IR cells, and sorafenib could promote mitochondrial fusion in HepG2 cancer cells, especially in those IR cells. To conclude, mitochondrial fission is involved in T2DM, and cancer cells with high-invasiveness ability may be equipped with stronger resistance to energy metabolism disorder. In addition, the pharmacodynamics of metformin and sorafenib in cancer may be related to the inhibition of mitochondrial fission, especially for patients with T2DM.
Numerical Computations of Entropy Generation and MHD Ferrofluid Filled in a Closed Wavy Configuration: Finite Element Based Study
Authors: Mahmood Rashid , Khan Y. , Rahman Nusrat , Majeed Afraz Hussain , Alameer A. , Faraz N.
Published: July 2022

In this article, the thermal flow effects of inclined magnetohydrodynamics ferrofluid filled in a wavy cavity are studied by adopting the finite element method (FEM). The non-dimensional governing equations and model for different parameters are evaluated. The system of non-linear algebraic equations is computed by adopting the Newton method. A space involving quadratic polynomials (ℙ2) has been selected to compute for the velocity profile, while the pressure and temperature profiles are approximated by linear (ℙ1) finite element space of functions. The discrete systems of non-linear algebraic equations are computed by utilizing the Newton method. The vertical walls are considered cold, whereas the bottom wavy surface is considered hot and the top wavy surface is insulated. The effect of the pertinent parameters, like  Ra=105, volume fraction (0.00≤ϕ≤0.06),  inclination angle (0∘≤γ≤90∘), and amplitude of the wavy surface (0.02≤AR≤0.08) is investigated. Computational results are addressed as streamlines out, isotherms, and proper graphs for substantial amounts of interest. Increasing Hartmann number (Ha) leads to an increase in Bejan number (Be), while opposite behavior can be observed in the case of viscous, magnetic, and thermal irreversibility, that is, curves are decreased by increasing Ha. Under the influence of an inclined magnetic field, the mathematical structuring of the problem is manifested by continuity, momentum, and energy equations. These equations are solved by using the finite element method computation. The graphs of velocity and isotherm are compared to the relevant parameters. To predict the flow characteristics at different locations, cross-sectional lines representing the velocity field in the horizontal and vertical directions are also drawn. Magnetization’s impact on flow control, heat transfer, and various irreversibilities are also discussed. The Nuavg progressively declined with the enhancement in the amplitude of the wavy surface AR.
Uniformity Control of Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures
Authors: Huang Ji , Liu Yang , Jin Sunjun , Wang Zhipeng , Qi Yaping , Zhang Jian , Wang Kun , Qiu Rui
Published: July 2022

Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSSs) are a universal phenomenon that can be observed on a variety of materials, including metals, semiconductors, and dielectrics, upon irradiation with ultrafast laser pulses. It has found various potential applications in the fields of optics, biologics, and mechatronics due to its efficient and flexible fabrication process and subwavelength quasi-periodic property. However, LIPSSs face the challenge of uniformity control because the formation of micro-/nanostructures induced by ultrafast laser is a complex process involving multiple interacting factors, including laser energy deposition, phase change, light scattering, and instantaneous local changes of material properties and their feedback mechanisms. Recently, there has been some significant progress regarding the control of LIPSS uniformity. In this work, we review recent experimental and methodological advances on this topic from three aspects: 1) laser-induced modified-LIPSS, 2) feedback mechanism of LIPSS formation, and 3) ultrafast laser pulse shaping. This review can stimulate further investigations into the uniformity control of LIPSSs to support and accelerate the industrial applications of uniform LIPSSs.
Design of a High-Speed OFDM-SAC-OCDMA-Based FSO System Using EDW Codes for Supporting 5G Data Services and Smart City Applications
Authors: Singh Mehtab , Kříž Jan , Kamruzzaman M. M. , Dhasarathan Vigneswaran , Sharma Abhishek , Abd El-Mottaleb Somia A.
Published: July 2022

A novel free space optics (FSO) system is introduced in this article by combining orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with spectral amplitude coding optical code division multiple access (SAC-OCDMA) to be implemented in 5G technology and smart cities. Enhanced double-weight (EDW) codes are used as signature codes, while for the detection technique, single photodiode detection (SPD) is applied for the SAC-OCDMA system. OFDM with a four-quadrature amplitude modulation (4-QAM) scheme is assigned to the three users in the SAC-OCDMA system, each carrying 15 Gbps. Adverse weather conditions, such as clear, fog, haze, rain, and dust storm, that affect the FSO channel are considered. The performance of the proposed system is evaluated in terms of log of bit error rate and received power at different propagation distances. The simulation results show successful transmission of 3 × 15 Gbps with a propagation range of 3.45 km under clear air and 1.316, 1.045, and 0.7 km under rain conditions (light, medium, and heavy rain) with a received power of −12.6 dBm. As for haze conditions, the range and received power are 2.391 km with −13 dBm for low haze, 1.591 km with −12.7 dBm for medium haze, and 1.025 km with −12.6 dBm for heavy haze. The range is reduced and becomes 1.085, 0.784, and 0.645 km under fog conditions (light, medium, and heavy fog) with −12.6 dBm received power. Furthermore, the system achieved a range of 0.681, 0.232, and 0.102 km under dust conditions (light, medium, and heavy dust) with a received power of −16 dBm.
Identification of MEDAG and SERPINE1 Related to Hypoxia in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Based on Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis
Authors: Teng Biyun , Xie Chaozheng , Zhao Yu , Zeng Qiu , Zhan Fangbiao , Feng Yangyang , Wang Zhe
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe cardiovascular disease that often results in high mortality due to sudden rupture. This paper aims to explore potential molecular mechanisms and effective targeted therapies to prevent and delay AAA rupture.

Methods: We downloaded two microarray datasets (GSE98278 and GSE17901) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differential analysis and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) of hypoxia scores were performed on 48 AAA patients in GSE98278. We identified hypoxia- and ruptured AAA-related gene modules using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed using the R package clusterProfiler. For candidate genes, validation was conducted on the mouse dataset GSE17901. Finally, we predicted drug candidates associated with the hub genes using the HERB Chinese medicine database.

Results: Eighty-two differentially expressed genes were screened in the ruptured and stable groups; 103 differentially expressed genes were identified between the high- and low-hypoxia groups; and WGCNA identified 58 differentially expressed genes. Finally, nine candidate genes were screened, including two hub genes (MEDAG and SERPINE1). We identified pathways such as cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction and T-helper 1-type immune response involved in AAA hypoxia and rupture. We predicted 93 traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) associated with MEDAG and SERPINE1.

Conclusion: We identified the hypoxic molecules MEDAG and SERPINE1 associated with AAA rupture. Our study provides an additional direction for the association between hypoxia and AAA rupture.
Development of High Fat Diet-Induced Hyperinsulinemia in Mice Is Enhanced by Co-treatment With a TLR7 Agonist
Authors: Kakalij Rahul M. , Dsouza Del L. , Boesen Erika I.
Published: July 2022

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is common in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients and is associated with increased cardio-renal risk. Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) stimulation promotes the development of SLE through mechanisms including activating type I Interferon (IFN) and autoreactive B cells. The current study tested whether combined TLR7 agonist treatment and exposure to a high fat, high sucrose “Western diet” intervention affects the early-stage development of SLE or MetS features. Female C57BL/6 mice were untreated or treated with the TLR7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ) and fed a high-fat diet (HFD; fat 42% kcal, sucrose 34% kcal) or control diet (fat 12.6% kcal, sucrose 34% kcal) for 6 weeks. Supporting early-stage induction of autoimmunity, spleen weights were significantly increased and anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) positivity was detected in IMQ-treated mice. Increased body weight, gonadal fat pad mass, and plasma leptin levels were observed between HFD and control animals for both IMQ and untreated mice. However, the increase in these parameters with HFD was slightly but significantly diminished in IMQ-treated mice. Both the HFD and IMQ treatments significantly increased fasting blood glucose levels. Notably, IMQ treatment affected fasting insulin concentrations in a diet-dependent manner, with hyperinsulinemia observed in IMQ-HFD treated mice. Together, this indicates that the IMQ model of SLE is associated with metabolic alterations, impaired glycemic control, and hyperinsulinemia under HFD conditions. This model may be helpful in further investigating the relationship between MetS and SLE, and supports a role of TLR7 signaling in promoting or accelerating the development of dysglycemia and hyperinsulinemia.
Genome-Wide QTL Mapping for Stripe Rust Resistance in Winter Wheat Pindong 34 Using a 90K SNP Array
Authors: Zhou Xinli , Li Xin , Han Dejun , Yang Suizhuang , Kang Zhensheng , Ren Runsheng
Published: July 2022

Winter wheat cultivar Pindong 34 has both adult-plant resistance (APR) and all-stage resistance (ASR) to stripe rust, which is caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst). To map the quantitative trait loci (QTL) for stripe rust resistance, an F6−10 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population from a cross of Mingxian 169 × Pingdong 34 was phenotyped for stripe rust response over multiple years in fields under natural infection conditions and with selected Pst races under controlled greenhouse conditions, and genotyping was performed with a 90K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array chip. Inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) identified 12 APR resistance QTLs and 3 ASR resistance QTLs. Among the 12 APR resistance QTLs, QYrpd.swust-1BL (explaining 9.24–13.33% of the phenotypic variation), QYrpd.swust-3AL.1 (11.41–14.80%), QYrpd.swust-3AL.2 (11.55–16.10%), QYrpd.swust-6BL (9.39–12.78%), QYrpd.swust-6DL (9.52–16.36%), QYrpd.swust-7AL (9.09–17.0%), and QYrpd.swust-7DL (8.87–11.38%) were more abundant than in the five tested environments and QYrpd.swust-1AS (11.05–12.72%), QYrpd.swust-1DL (9.81–13.05%), QYrpd.swust-2BL.1 (9.69–10.57%), QYrpd.swust-2BL.2 (10.36–12.97%), and QYrpd.swust-2BL.3 (9.54–13.15%) were significant in some of the tests. The three ASR resistance QTLs QYrpd.swust-2AS (9.69–13.58%), QYrpd.swust-2BL.4 (9.49–12.07%), and QYrpd.swust-7AS (16.16%) were detected based on the reactions in the seedlings tested with the CYR34 Pst race. Among the 15 QTLs detected in Pindong 34, the ASR resistance gene QYrpd.swust-7AS mapped on the short arm of chromosome 7A was likely similar to the previously reported QTL Yr61 in the region. The QTLs identified in the present study and their closely linked molecular markers could be useful for developing wheat cultivars with durable resistance to stripe rust.
Genetic and Biochemical Investigation of Seed Fatty Acid Accumulation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Nwafor Chinedu Charles , Li Delin , Qin Ping , Li Long , Zhang Wei , Zhou Yuanwei , Xu Jingjing , Yin Yongtai , Cao Jianbo , He Limin , Xiang Fu , Liu Chao , Guo Liang , Zhou Yongming , Cahoon Edgar B. , Zhang Chunyu
Published: July 2022

As a vegetable oil, consisting principally of triacylglycerols, is the major storage form of photosynthetically-fixed carbon in oilseeds which are of significant agricultural and industrial value. Photosynthesis in chlorophyll-containing green seeds, along with photosynthesis in leaves and other green organs, generates ATP and reductant (NADPH and NADH) needed for seed fatty acid production. However, contribution of seed photosynthesis to fatty acid accumulation in seeds have not been well-defined. Here, we report the contribution of seed-photosynthesis to fatty acid production by probing segregating green (photosynthetically-competent) and non-green or yellow (photosynthetically-non-competent) seeds in siliques of an Arabidopsis chlorophyll synthase mutant. Using this mutant, we found that yellow seeds lacking photosynthetic capacity reached 80% of amounts of oil in green seeds at maturity. Combining this with studies using shaded siliques, we determined that seed-photosynthesis accounts for 20% and silique and leaf/stem photosynthesis each account for ~40% of the ATP and reductant for seed oil production. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and pyridine nucleotides and ATP analyses revealed that seed photosynthesis provides ATP and reductant for oil production mostly during early development, as evidenced by delayed oil accumulation in non-green seeds. Transcriptomic analyses suggests that the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway could be the source of carbon, energy and reductants required for fatty acid synthesis beyond the early stages of seed development.
Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus Stoichiometry and Plant Growth Strategy as Related to Land-Use in Hangzhou Bay Coastal Wetland, China
Authors: Xiong Jing , Shao Xuexin , Yuan Haijing , Liu Enjun , Wu Ming
Published: July 2022

Ecological stoichiometry can not only instruct soil nutrient stocks and availability, but also indicated plant growth strategy and adaptability to environmental changes or stress. This study was carried out to examine the plant–soil Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), and Phosphorus (P) stoichiometry distributions and patterns in three tidal wetlands [mudflat (MF), native Phragmites australis-dominated community wetland (NW), invasive Spartina alterniflora-dominated community wetland (IW)], and one reclaimed P. australis-dominated community wetland (RW) in Hangzhou Bay coastal wetland. The results showed that land-uses have more effect on C and N contents, and C:N and N:P ratios in plant than in soil, P content and C:P ratios more affected by plant organ and soil depth. Compared to land-use, both plant organ and soil depth have stronger effects on C, N, and P stoichiometry. Among tidal wetlands, plant N content and C:P, N:P ratios were significantly higher in NW than in IW. In contrast, plant C, N, and P contents and C:P and N:P ratios were significantly lower in RW, and plant C:N was higher. Soil C, N, and P stocks were similar between tidal wetlands, and were significant higher than those of RW, indicating that reclamation were not beneficial to soil nutrient storage. In the NW, soil N availability was relatively high, and P availability was relatively low; and leaf N:P was 15.33, which means vegetation was co-limited by N and P nutrients. In addition, plants in the NW mainly adopted a conservative growth strategy, with a significantly low aboveground biomass of 1469.35 g·m2. In the RW, soil N availability was relatively low, P availability was relatively high, and leaf N:P was 3, which means vegetation was limited by N nutrient. In addition, plants in the RW mainly adopted a rapid growth strategy, with a significantly high aboveground biomass of 3261.70 g·m2. In the IW, soil N availability was relatively low, soil P availability was relatively high, and leaf N:P was 5.13, which means vegetation was limited by N nutrient. The growth strategy and aboveground biomass (2293.67 g·m2) of the IW were between those of the NW and RW. Our results provide a reference for nutrient management and evaluating the impacts of land-use types on coastal wetland ecosystems.
Orbitofrontal Cortex Functional Connectivity-Based Classification for Chronic Insomnia Disorder Patients With Depression Symptoms
Authors: Gong Liang , Xu Ronghua , Yang Dan , Wang Jian , Ding Xin , Zhang Bei , Zhang Xingping , Hu Zhengjun , Xi Chunhua
Published: July 2022

Depression is a common comorbid symptom in patients with chronic insomnia disorder (CID). Previous neuroimaging studies found that the orbital frontal cortex (OFC) might be the core brain region linking insomnia and depression. Here, we used a machine learning approach to differentiate CID patients with depressive symptoms from CID patients without depressive symptoms based on OFC functional connectivity. Seventy patients with CID were recruited and subdivided into CID with high depressive symptom (CID-HD) and low depressive symptom (CID-LD) groups. The OFC functional connectivity (FC) network was constructed using the altered structure of the OFC region as a seed. A linear kernel SVM-based machine learning approach was carried out to classify the CID-HD and CID-LD groups based on OFC FC features. The predict model was further verified in a new cohort of CID group (n = 68). The classification model based on the OFC FC pattern showed a total accuracy of 76.92% (p = 0.0009). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the classification model was 0.84. The OFC functional connectivity with reward network, salience network and default mode network contributed the highest weights to the prediction model. These results were further validated in an independent CID group with high and low depressive symptom (accuracy = 67.9%). These findings provide a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and intervention in CID patients comorbid with depression based on an OFC FC-based machine learning approach.
The Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Nuclei and Their Relevance to Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Authors: Eickhoff Sofia , Franzen Leon , Korda Alexandra , Rogg Helena , Trulley Valerie-Noelle , Borgwardt Stefan , Avram Mihai
Published: July 2022

The basal forebrain cholinergic nuclei (BFCN) provide the main cholinergic input to prefrontal cortices, the hippocampi, and amygdala. These structures are highly relevant for the regulation and maintenance of many cognitive functions, such as attention and memory. In vivo neuroimaging studies reported alterations of the cholinergic system in psychotic disorders. Particularly, a downregulation of nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors has been found. Crucially, such alterations in neurotransmission have been associated with cognitive impairments and positive and negative symptoms. Recent pharmacological studies support these findings, as they demonstrated an association between the manipulation of cholinergic transmission and an attenuation in symptom severity. Targeting acetylcholine receptors has therefore become a focus for the development of novel psychopharmacological drugs. However, many open questions remain. For instance, it remains elusive what causes such alterations in neurotransmission. While evidence supports the idea that BFCN structural integrity is altered in schizophrenia, it remains to be determined whether this is also present in other psychotic disorders. Furthermore, it is unclear when throughout the course of the disorder these alterations make their appearance and whether they reflect changes in the BFCN alone or rather aberrant interactions between the BFCN and other brain areas. In this review, the specific role of the BFCN and their projections are discussed from a neuroimaging perspective and with a focus on psychotic disorders alongside future directions. These directions set the stage for the development of new treatment targets for psychotic disorders.
Help-Seeking Behaviors and Related Factors in Chinese Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Cui Xiaojuan , Li Minghui , Li Peijun , Li Jinhao , Hou Xiaofei , Yan Guoli , Li Peiyao , Su Xuyang , Qin Danni , Zhang Yijiao , Gu Yan , Yin Huifang , Xu Guangming
Published: July 2022

Background

Although evidence-based and effective treatments are available for people with major depressive disorder (MDD), a substantial number do not seek or receive help. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) investigate the total help-seeking rate and first-time help-seeking choices; (2) explore the perceived helpfulness of 23 potential sources; and (3) evaluate the factors related to help-seeking behaviors among patients with MDD.

Materials and Methods

Data came from the Tianjin Mental Health Survey (TJMHS), which included a representative sample of adult community residents (n = 11,748) in the Chinese municipality of Tianjin. Of these, 439 individuals were diagnosed with lifetime MDD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-fourth edition (DSM-IV) and administered a help-seeking questionnaire.

Results

In a survey, 28.2% of patients with MDD living community reported that they had ever sought any help during their entire lifetime before the interview, with 8.2% seeking help in mental healthcare settings, 8.0% only in other healthcare settings, and 12.0% only in non-healthcare sources (e.g., family, friends, and spiritual advisor). Among help-seekers, the first help mainly was sought in non-healthcare sources (61.3%), followed by healthcare settings (25.8%) and mental healthcare settings (12.9%). The majority of MDD individuals thought the non-healthcare sources were not helpful and mental healthcare settings were helpful or possibly helpful to solve mental problems. Female, having 10–12 or higher education years, comorbid anxiety disorders were associated with increased help-seeking.

Conclusion

A small percentage of individuals with MDD living in community of Tianjin sought help. They preferred non-healthcare sources to healthcare settings. Demographic and clinical features were associated with help-seeking behaviors.
Poor Physical Capacity Combined With High Body Fat Percentage as an Independent Risk Factor for Incident Hypertension in Chinese Suburb-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Han Peipei , Zhang Yuanyuan , Chen Xiaoyu , Liang Zhenwen , Yu Xing , Liu Yuewen , Sang Sijia , Mao Jiayin , Liu Jingxuan , Chen Wuxiong , Li Junxue , Cheng Yazhou , Zheng Yaqing , Zhang Ziwei , Li Ming , Guo Qi
Published: July 2022

Background

This study examined the effects of poor physical capacity and high body fat percentage (BF%) on the incidence of hypertension in Chinese suburb-dwelling older adults.

Methods

This study was conducted on 368 Chinese suburb-dwelling participants aged ≥ 60 years without hypertension (mean age: 66.74 ± 5.59 years, 48.9% men). Poor physical capacity is defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria as grip strength < 26 kg for men and < 18 kg for women or walking speed <0.8 m/s. High BF% was defined as values that are greater than the upper tertile for BF% as stratified by sex. The outcome was the incidence of hypertension.

Results

Overall, 5.7% of subjects had both poor physical capacity and high BF%. After the average follow-up duration of 2 years, the incidence of hypertension was 39.7%, and those experiencing both poor physical capacity and high BF% had the highest incidence (81.0%). After multivariate adjustments, the incidence of hypertension was associated with the combination of poor physical capacity and high BF% [odds ratio (OR) = 6.43, 95% CI = 1.91–21.64] but not solely with poor physical capacity (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.55–2.25) or only high BF% (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 0.80–2.34).

Conclusion

The combination of poor physical capacity and high BF% can significantly increase the incidence of hypertension in Chinese suburb-dwelling older adults. For hypertension prevention, ideally, we should strive toward decreasing body fat mass while simultaneously improving physical capacity.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Lives of People With Gender Dysphoria
Authors: Guadagnin Fernanda , da Silva Dhiordan Cardoso , Schwarz Karine , Villas Bôas Anna Paula , Lobato Maria Inês Rodrigues
Published: July 2022

Objective

To analyze the impact on the psychological and social aspects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria (GD).

Methods

Google Forms inventory was sent via WhatsApp, including qualitative and quantitative questions evaluating three life dimensions denominated as Sociodemographic, Economic, and COVID-19 pandemic. It was applied in two periods: At the beginning of the pandemic (June-2020) (P1) and one year later (June-2021) (P2). The inventory also included questions about economic dimensions before the pandemic for individual comparison purposes (P0). 48 individuals (28 transsexual women, 20 transsexual men) participated in both periods.

Results

77.1% (n = 37) lived in Rio Grande do Sul, 50.0% (n = 24) refereed incomplete high school; Monthly Income increased significantly between the periods (P0) and (P1). Emergence aid approval was significantly higher in (P2), 56.3% (n = 27), compared to (P1), 39.6% (n = 19). A statistically significant difference was detected in the feeling of depression in the (P2) among the cases that requested Emergency Aid.

Conclusion

The studied population presented deterioration regarding their condition of social vulnerability in relation to formal employment, access to health services, and mental health.
Telemedicine Is Becoming an Increasingly Popular Way to Resolve the Unequal Distribution of Healthcare Resources: Evidence From China
Authors: Gao Jinghong , Fan Chaolin , Chen Baozhan , Fan Zhaohan , Li Lifeng , Wang Linlin , Ma Qianqian , He Xianying , Zhai Yunkai , Zhao Jie
Published: July 2022

Background

Few studies focused on the general situation of telemedicine in China.

Objectives

The purpose of this review is to investigate telemedicine in China, from the aspects of necessity, history, scale, and operation procedure, to improve the further development and implementation of telemedicine service.

Methods

A literature search for peer-reviewed studies was conducted using the primary electronic databases. Additional documents from the official websites of Chinese government departments involved telemedicine was also collected. We extracted telemedicine related information focused on China from the final retrieved materials, and the general situation of telemedicine was drawn.

Results

In China, telemedicine offers a feasible solution to the unequal allocation of healthcare resources, which makes telemedicine increasingly become an important alternative to close the gap between rural and urban in the capability and quality of medical services. China initiated telemedicine in the late 1980s. In 2018, China's telemedicine network has covered more than 3,000 hospitals across the country. As of 2019, almost all of the 31 provinces and municipalities in mainland have established regional telemedicine centers, and the market size of telemedicine reached about USD 2.68 billion. Based on the telemedicine network, remote rural patients can apply for healthcare services of top-tier urban hospitals through local county-level medical institutions.

Conclusions

Through improving the capacity, quality, and efficiency of healthcare in underserved areas, and reducing the unequal distribution of medical resources, telemedicine can help solve the problems of the difficulty and high cost to access to medical services in China.
Using Machine Learning Methods to Predict Bone Metastases in Breast Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Liu Wen-Cai , Li Ming-Xuan , Wu Shi-Nan , Tong Wei-Lai , Li An-An , Sun Bo-Lin , Liu Zhi-Li , Liu Jia-Ming
Published: July 2022

Breast cancer (BC) was the most common malignant tumor in women, and breast infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) accounted for about 80% of all BC cases. BC patients who had bone metastases (BM) were more likely to have poor prognosis and bad quality of life, and earlier attention to patients at a high risk of BM was important. This study aimed to develop a predictive model based on machine learning to predict risk of BM in patients with IDC. Six different machine learning algorithms, including Logistic regression (LR), Naive Bayes classifiers (NBC), Decision tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), and Extreme gradient boosting (XGB), were used to build prediction models. The XGB model offered the best predictive performance among these 6 models in internal and external validation sets (AUC: 0.888, accuracy: 0.803, sensitivity: 0.801, and specificity: 0.837). Finally, an XGB model-based web predictor was developed to predict risk of BM in IDC patients, which may help physicians make personalized clinical decisions and treatment plans for IDC patients.
Practicing COVID-19 Public Health Measures Is Associated With Anxiety and Depression in Undergraduate University Students
Authors: Holladay Kelley , Lardier David , Amorim Fabiano T. , Zuhl Micah , Coakley Kathryn E.
Published: July 2022

Background

COVID-19 has affected mental health globally, increasing depression and anxiety. This study examined relationships between practicing COVID-19-related public health measures and depression and anxiety in young adult students.

Methods

A sample of 755 undergraduate students 18–25 years of age at a large public university completed a cross-sectional survey in fall 2020 during the pandemic (response rate = 18.9%). The survey included demographic questions, anxiety and depression screeners (GAD-7 and PHQ-9), and questions on practicing public health measures (stay-at-home orders, quarantining, social distancing, etc.) since March 2020. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to calculated adjusted odds between practicing public health measures and anxiety and depression.

Results

The majority of respondents reported practicing public health measures; however, 53% experienced anxiety (GAD-7 score >10) and 57% experienced depression (PHQ-9 score >10) in the 2 weeks prior to completing the survey. Participants who quarantined had significantly higher odds of anxiety (AOR = 1.44; 95% CL 1.07, 1.96) and depression (AOR = 1.77; 95% CL 1.30, 2.41) than those who did not. Participants who self-isolated also had significantly higher odds of anxiety (AOR = 1.53; 95% CL 1.13, 2.08) and depression (AOR = 1.87; 95% CL 1.37, 2.56) compared to those who did not. Moving/changing living situations in response to the pandemic also increased odds of depression (AOR = 1.86; 95% CL 1.33, 2.60).

Conclusion

Young adult undergraduate students experienced a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. Quarantining, self-isolating, and moving/changing living situations increased odds of anxiety and/or depression. The public health measures necessary for COVID-19 control and prevention may adversely affect mental health.
A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis of Intermittent Fasting
Authors: Chen Shiying , Han Rui , Liu Haitao
Published: July 2022

CiteSpace software was utilized to visually analyze the literature on intermittent fasting from Web of Science from 2000 to 2020 in order to reveal the current status, research hotspots and emerging trends of intermittent fasting. The results show that: (1) intermittent fasting research results are increasing year by year; (2) the United States is at the core of this field and has a high influence; (3) intermittent fasting research is mainly concentrated in the fields of nutrition, cell biology and kinesiology, which embodies interdisciplinary characteristics; (4) the literature of Sutton, Mattson and Trepanowski that were published in the same period have the highest co-citation frequencies, however, their research perspectives are quite different, reflecting that the research in this field is still in a state of continuous development; (5) from the perspective of citation bursts, the evolution of research hotspots in this field in the last 20 years can be divided into 3 stages; (6) the keyword timeline mapping shows that time restricted feeding is at the forefront of this research field. This study can help researchers explore the field for the first time to quickly grasp the frontiers and obtain more valuable data, thereby providing facilitation for the follow-up research.
Quaternionic Transform: A new Light on the Solar Power Spectrum
Authors: Garrido Rafael , Ayala Adrián , Pascual-Granado Javier , Gómez-Torrecillas José , Rodón José Ramón
Published: July 2022

Asteroseismology, that is, the use of the frequency content of a time series caused by variations in brightness or radial velocity of a stellar object, is based on the hypothesis that such a series is harmonic and therefore can be described by a sum of sines and cosines. If this were not the case (e.g., the oscillations of an ellipsoid of revolution) it cannot be guaranteed that the Discrete Fourier transform is the least squares approximation to the time series. This report studies the effect of extending the Fourier kernel to a particular quaternion and exploring the impact when it is applied to the best time series that we have (GOLF/SoHO) from the closest star, our Sun. The results are consistent with a notable improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio in the low frequency range. This opens the possibility of detecting the elusive g modes of the Sun in future works.
Publiczne zarządzanie partycypacyjne. O narzędziach włączania obywateli w procesy decyzyjne
Authors: Ziętek Agnieszka
Published: July 2022

This article aim is to address the question of whether the assumptions of participatory public management can be implemented through the use of available methods and tools of citizen participation, and in relation to specific stages of the decision-making process. It is hypothesized that despite the attractive aspects of strengthening public involvement in decision-making processes, the practical implementation of participatory governance in decision-making processes is limited due to a lack of sufficient resources and tools. Participatory budgets, which are quite popular, and citizen panels, which are just starting, can be considered examples of successful projects to some extent. Decision making can be carried out through both tools, such as entry (situation assessment) and conversion (decision making). On the other hand, there is concern about the possibility that the techniques and tools discussed for civic participation can be used to carry out the third and final phase of the decision-making process, i.e., implementing the decision made.
Refined Beam Theory for Geometrically Nonlinear Pre-Twisted Structures
Authors: Hu Yi , Zhao Yong , Liang Haopeng
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a novel fully nonlinear refined beam element for pre-twisted structures undergoing large deformation and finite untwisting. The present model is constructed in the twisted basis to account for the effects of geometrical nonlinearity and initial twist. Cross-sectional deformation is allowed by introducing Lagrange polynomials in the framework of a Carrera unified formulation. The principle of virtual work is applied to obtain the Green–Lagrange strain tensor and second Piola–Kirchhoff stress tensor. In the nonlinear governing formulation, expressions are given for secant and tangent matrices with linear, nonlinear, and geometrically stiffening contributions. The developed beam model could detect the coupled axial, torsional, and flexure deformations, as well as the local deformations around the point of application of the force. The maximum difference between the present deformation results and those of shell/solid finite element simulations is 6%. Compared to traditional beam theories and finite element models, the proposed method significantly reduces the computational complexity and cost by implementing constant beam elements in the twisted basis.