bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal Novel Insights of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis on Color Formation in Cassava Tuberous Roots
Authors: Fu Lili , Ding Zehong , Tie Weiwei , Yang Jinghao , Yan Yan , Hu Wei
Published: April 2022

Yellow roots are of higher nutritional quality and better appearance than white roots in cassava, a crucial tropical and subtropical root crop. In this work, two varieties with yellow and white cassava roots were selected to explore the mechanisms of color formation by using comparative metabolome and transcriptome analyses during seven developmental stages. Compared with the white-rooted cassava, anthocyanins, catechin derivatives, coumarin derivatives, and phenolic acids accumulated at higher levels in yellow-rooted cassava. Anthocyanins were particularly enriched and displayed different accumulation patterns during tuberous root development. This was confirmed by metabolic comparisons between five yellow-rooted and five white-rooted cassava accessions. The integrative metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis further revealed a coordinate regulation of 16 metabolites and 11 co-expression genes participating in anthocyanin biosynthesis, suggesting a vital role of anthocyanin biosynthesis in yellow pigmentation in cassava tuberous roots. In addition, two transcriptional factors, i.e., MeMYB5 and MeMYB42, were also identified to co-express with these anthocyanin biosynthesis genes. These findings expand our knowledge on the role of anthocyanin biosynthesis in cassava root color formation, and offer useful information for the genetic breeding of yellow-rooted cassava in the future.
Gene-Edited Meat: Disentangling Consumers' Attitudes and Potential Purchase Behavior
Authors: Martin-Collado Daniel , Byrne Tim J. , Crowley Jonh J. , Kirk Tom , Ripoll Guillermo , Whitelaw C. B. A.
Published: April 2022

Novel gene-editing (GE) technologies provide promising opportunities to increase livestock productivity and to tackle several global livestock production sustainability and food security challenges. However, these technologies, as with previous genetic modification technologies in food production, are very likely to generate social controversy and opposition toward their use in the meat industry. Here, we explored public attitudes and consumption predisposition toward gene-edited meat products and their potential added benefits to livestock farming. Our results show that societal perception currently comes as a package, where the use of gene-editing technology acts as an extrinsic cue of meat products quality, and is used to make a range of inferences about all quality facets at once. Although consumers with anti-GE attitudinal positions generally were not sensitive to price discounts or added benefits, added benefits increased the consumption predisposition of most moderate and pro-GE consumers, where benefits related to animal welfare had larger effects than those relating to the environment or human health issues.
Evaluating Proton Dose and Associated Range Uncertainty Using Daily Cone-Beam CT
Authors: Li Heng , Hrinivich William T. , Chen Hao , Sheikh Khadija , Ho Meng Wei , Ger Rachel , Liu Dezhi , Hales Russell Kenneth , Voong Khinh Ranh , Halthore Aditya , Deville Curtiland
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the range uncertainties that arise from daily cone-beam CT (CBCT) images for proton dose calculation compared to CT using a measurement-based technique.

Methods

For head and thorax phantoms, wedge-shaped intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) treatment plans were created such that the gradient of the wedge intersected and was measured with a 2D ion chamber array. The measured 2D dose distributions were compared with 2D dose planes extracted from the dose distributions using the IMPT plan calculated on CT and CBCT. Treatment plans of a thymoma cancer patient treated with breath-hold (BH) IMPT were recalculated on 28 CBCTs and 9 CTs, and the resulting dose distributions were compared.

Results

The range uncertainties for the head phantom were determined to be 1.2% with CBCT, compared to 0.5% for CT, whereas the range uncertainties for the thorax phantom were 2.1% with CBCT, compared to 0.8% for CT. The doses calculated on CBCT and CT were similar with similar anatomy changes. For the thymoma patient, the primary source of anatomy change was the BH uncertainty, which could be up to 8 mm in the superior–inferior (SI) direction.

Conclusion

We developed a measurement-based range uncertainty evaluation method with high sensitivity and used it to validate the accuracy of CBCT-based range and dose calculation. Our study demonstrated that the CBCT-based dose calculation could be used for daily dose validation in selected proton patients.
CRISPR Gene Editing of Human Primary NK and T Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Elmas Ezgi , Saljoughian Noushin , de Souza Fernandes Pereira Marcelo , Tullius Brian P. , Sorathia Kinnari , Nakkula Robin J. , Lee Dean A. , Naeimi Kararoudi Meisam
Published: April 2022

Antitumor activity of immune cells such as T cells and NK cells has made them auspicious therapeutic regimens for adaptive cancer immunotherapy. Enhancing their cytotoxic effects against malignancies and overcoming their suppression in tumor microenvironment (TME) may improve their efficacy to treat cancers. Clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) genome editing has become one of the most popular tools to enhance immune cell antitumor activity. In this review we highlight applications and practicability of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and engineering strategies for cancer immunotherapy. In addition, we have reviewed several approaches to study CRISPR off-target effects.
The Comparison of Short- and Long-Term Outcomes for Laparoscopic Versus Open Gastrectomy for Patients With Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Jiang Jinyan , Ye Guanxiong , Wang Jun , Xu Xiaoya , Zhang Kai , Wang Shi
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The effect of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) is still controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to contrast the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus conventional open gastrectomy (OG) for patients with AGC.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched until December 2021 for randomized controlled trial-enrolled patients undergoing LG or OG for the treatment of AGC. Short-term outcomes were overall postoperative complications, anastomotic leakage, number of retrieved lymph node, surgical time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and short-term mortality. Long-term outcomes were survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years.

Results

A total of 12 trials involving 4,101 patients (2,059 in LG group, 2,042 in OG group) were included. No effect on overall postoperative complications (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.05, p = 0.12, I2 = 34%) and anastomotic leakage (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.95, p = 0.30, I2 = 0%) was found. Compared with the open approach, patients receiving LG had fewer blood loss (MD -54.38, 95% CI -78.09 to -30.67, p < 0.00001, I2 = 90%) and shorter length of hospital stay (MD -1.25, 95% CI -2.08 to -0.42, p = 0.003, I2 = 86%). However, the LG was associated with a lower number of retrieved lymph nodes (MD -1.02, 95% CI -1.77 to -0.27, p = 0.008, I2 = 0%) and longer surgical time (MD 40.87, 95% CI 20.37 to 54.44, p < 0.00001, I2 = 94%). Furthermore, there were no differences between LG and OG groups in short-term mortality and survival rate at 1, 3, and 5 years.

Conclusions

LG offers improved short-term outcomes including shorter hospital stays and fewer blood loss, with comparable postoperative complications, short-term mortality, and survival rate at 1, 3, and 5 years when compared to the open approach. Our results support the implementation of LG in patients with AGC.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO (CRD 42021297141).
Laparoscopic Complete Excision of the Posterior Muscular Cuff: Technique Refinements and Comparison With Stepwise Gradient Muscular Cuff Cutting for Hirschsprung Disease
Authors: Zheng Zebing , Jin Zhu , Gao Mingjuan , Tang Chengyan , Huang Lu , Gong Yuan , Liu Yuanmei
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Our institution had modified the Soave pull-through procedure using laparoscopic stepwise gradient muscular cuff cutting (LSGC) for Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). However, we found that a few children still suffered from obstructive symptoms and enterocolitis during the follow-up. Previous studies suggested that these symptoms might be caused by the retained muscular cuff. The purpose of this study was to employ a modified procedure of laparoscopic complete excision of the posterior muscular cuff (LCEPC) for HSCR and compare it with the laparoscopic stepwise gradient cutting muscular cuff (LSGC) procedure.

Methods

Our institution records of 83 patients with classic form HSCR who underwent LSGC or LCEPC between August 2014 and July 2018 at the Pediatric Surgery Department of Zunyi Medical University (Zunyi, China) were carefully reviewed (LSGC, n = 52; LCEPC, n = 31). In the present study, we compared the postoperative complications and defecation functions of the two groups. All patients were followed-up (1–5 years, with an average of 2 years).

Results

There were no differences regarding the operation time and the length of hospitalization between groups, while the anal dissection time in the LCEPC group (22.4 ± 4.8 min) was shorter than that of the LSGC group (45.5 ± 7.5 min) (p < 0.001). The postoperative complication of soiling was significantly increased in six patients (19.4%) in the LCEPC group compared with two patients (3.8%) in the LSGC group (p = 0.021). However, the total incidence of enterocolitis (two patients, 6.5%) was significantly decreased in the LCEPC group compared with the LSGC group (12 patients, 23.1 %) (p = 0.050). For anastomotic stricture, muscular cuff infection, and constipation, there were no significant differences between the two groups. No patients experienced bladder paralysis and incontinence postoperatively in this study. Anorectal manometries presented that the anorectal resting pressure was significantly lower in the LCEPC group (14.8 ± 2.7 mmHg) than the LSGC group (22.0 ± 3.8 mmHg), (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The laparoscopic complete excision of the posterior muscular cuff method was demonstrated as safe and efficient, with a decrease in the incidence of enterocolitis, although it may increase the number of soiling incidents in the short period post-surgery owing to a dissected partial internal anal sphincter.
Association of Prenatal Acetaminophen Exposure Measured in Meconium With Adverse Birth Outcomes in a Canadian Birth Cohort
Authors: Baker Brennan H. , Burris Heather H. , Bloomquist Tessa R. , Boivin Amélie , Gillet Virginie , Larouche Annie , Takser Larissa , Bellenger Jean-Philippe , Pasquier Jean-Charles , Baccarelli Andrea A.
Published: April 2022

Background

The small number of studies examining the association of prenatal acetaminophen with birth outcomes have all relied on maternal self-report. It remains unknown whether prenatal acetaminophen exposure measured in a biological specimen is associated with birth outcomes.

Objectives

To investigate the association of acetaminophen measured in meconium with birthweight, gestational age, preterm birth, size for gestational age, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and high blood pressure.

Methods

This birth cohort from Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, included 773 live births. Mothers with no thyroid disease enrolled at their first prenatal care visit or delivery. Acetaminophen was measured in meconium for 393 children at delivery. We tested associations of prenatal acetaminophen with birthweight, preterm birth, gestational age, small and large for gestational age, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and high blood pressure. We imputed missing data via multiple imputation and used inverse probability weighting to account for confounding and selection bias.

Results

Acetaminophen was detected in 222 meconium samples (56.5%). Prenatal acetaminophen exposure was associated with decreased birthweight by 136 g (β = −136; 95% CI [−229, −43]), 20% increased weekly hazard of delivery (hazard ratio = 1.20; 95% CI [1.00, 1.43]), and over 60% decreased odds of being born large for gestational age (odds ratio = 0.38; 95% CI [0.20, 0.75]). Prenatal acetaminophen was not associated with small for gestational age, preterm birth, or any pregnancy complications.

Conclusion

Prenatal acetaminophen was associated with adverse birth outcomes. Although unobserved confounding and confounding by indication are possible, these results warrant further investigation into adverse perinatal effects of prenatal acetaminophen exposure.
Therapeutic Applications of Physalins: Powerful Natural Weapons
Authors: Meira Cássio Santana , Soares José Waldson Capinan , dos Reis Bruna Padilha Zurita Claro , Pacheco Luciano Vasconcellos , Santos Ivanilson Pimenta , Silva Dahara Keyse Carvalho , de Lacerda Julia Costa , Daltro Sérgio Ricardo Teixeira , Guimarães Elisalva Teixeira , Soares Milena Botelho Pereira
Published: April 2022

Physalins, or 16,24-cyclo-13,14-seco steroids, are compounds belonging to the class of withanolides that can be found in plants of Solanaceae family, mainly in species belonging to the genus Physalis spp., which are annual herbaceous plants widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Physalins are versatile molecules that act in several cell signaling pathways and activate different mechanisms of cell death or immunomodulation. A number of studies have shown a variety of actions of these compounds, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, and antiviral activities. Here we reviewed the main findings related to the anticancer, immunomodulatory, and antiparasitic activities of physalins and its mechanisms of action, highlighting the \challenges and future directions in the pharmacological application of physalins.
Evolution of HLA-B Pharmacogenomics and the Importance of PGx Data Integration in Health Care System: A 10 Years Retrospective Study in Thailand
Authors: Koomdee Napatrupron , Kloypan Chiraphat , Jinda Pimonpan , Rachanakul Jiratha , Jantararoungtong Thawinee , Sukprasong Rattanaporn , Prommas Santirhat , Nuntharadthanaphong Nutthan , Puangpetch Apichaya , Ershadian Maliheh , John Shobana , Biswas Mohitosh , Sukasem Chonlaphat
Published: April 2022

Background: The HLA-B is the most polymorphic gene, play a crucial role in drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions. There is a lot of evidence associating several risk alleles to life-threatening adverse drug reactions, and a few of them have been approved as valid biomarkers for predicting life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions.

Objectives: The objective of this present study is to present the progression of HLA-B pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing in the Thai population during a 10‐year period, from 2011 to 2020.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational cohort study conducted at the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital. Overall, 13,985 eligible patients who were tested for HLA-B risk alleles between periods of 2011–2020 at the study site were included in this study.

Results: The HLA PGx testing has been increasing year by year tremendously, 94 HLA-B testing was done in 2011; this has been raised to 2,880 in 2020. Carbamazepine (n = 4,069, 33%), allopurinol (n = 4,675, 38%), and abacavir (n = 3,246, 26%) were the most common drugs for which the HLA-B genotyping was performed. HLA-B*13:01, HLA-B*15:02 and HLA-B*58:01 are highly frequent, HLA-B*51:01 and HLA-B*57:01 are moderately frequent alleles that are being associated with drug induced hypersensitivity. HLA-B*59:01 and HLA-B*38:01 theses alleles are rare but has been reported with drug induced toxicity. Most of the samples were from state hospital (50%), 36% from private clinical laboratories and 14% from private hospitals.

Conclusion: According to this study, HLA-B PGx testing is increasing substantially in Thailand year after year. The advancement of research in this field, increased physician awareness of PGx, and government and insurance scheme reimbursement assistance could all be factors. Incorporating PGx data, along with other clinical and non-clinical data, into clinical decision support systems (CDS) and national formularies, on the other hand, would assist prescribers in prioritizing therapy for their patients. This will also aid in the prediction and prevention of serious adverse drug reactions.
Effects of Exercise Frequency and Intensity on Reducing Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults With Insomnia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chin Edwin C. , Yu Angus P. , Leung Chit K. , Bernal Joshua D. , Au Whitney W. , Fong Daniel Y. , Cheng Calvin P. , Siu Parco M.
Published: April 2022

Background

The effects of exercise frequency and intensity on alleviating depressive symptoms in older adults with insomnia are unclear.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different exercise frequencies and intensities on prescribed aerobic-type physical activity (i.e., 75 min of vigorous-intensity exercise or 150 min of moderate-intensity exercise weekly) for reducing depressive symptoms in older adults living with insomnia, as recommended by the WHO.

Design

This study is a randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded trial.

Setting

This study is conducted at a single research site in Hong Kong.

Participants

This study includes older adults aged 50 years or above with depressive symptoms and insomnia.

Intervention

Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1:1:1 ratio to the following groups: attention control (CON), moderate walking once weekly (MOD × 1/week), moderate walking thrice weekly (MOD × 3/week), vigorous walking once weekly (VIG × 1/week), and vigorous walking thrice weekly (VIG × 3/week). The total weekly exercise volumes among the walking groups were matched to the minimum recommended physical activity volume.

Measurements

Depression, anxiety, self-perceived sleep quality, insomnia severity, actigraphy-assessed 7-day sleep data, 7-day sleep diary, cardiorespiratory fitness, adherence, and habitual physical activity were examined at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention.

Results

Both MOD × 3/week and VIG × 3/week groups demonstrated reduced depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] – Depression: MOD × 3/wk: −68.6%; VIG × 3/week: −67.4%) and anxiety levels (HADS – Anxiety: MOD × 3/week: −54.3%; VIG × 3/week: −59.8%) compared with CON (both p < 0.01). Self-perceived sleep quality was improved in MOD × 3/week (−31.4% of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), VIG × 1/week (−34.1% of PSQI), and VIG × 3/week (−38.3% of PSQI), but not in MOD × 1/week, when compared with CON (p < 0.05). No serious adverse events were observed in this study.

Conclusion

The effects of walking training on reducing depressive symptoms appeared to be dependent on exercise frequency. Our findings suggest that three sessions of walking per week at either moderate or vigorous-intensity effectively alleviate depressive symptoms in older adults with insomnia. Additional research is needed to further verify the effects of exercise frequency on depression.

Clinical Trial Registration

[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04354922].
Contemplation: Its Cultivation and Culmination Through the Buddhist Glasses
Authors: Chattopadhyay Madhumita
Published: April 2022

Buddhist account of consciousness provides a new way of looking into contemplation, where absorption into meditation does not only bring in changes in the neural level but in the very personality of the individual, turning him into a good human being. The Buddhists recommend the practice ofvipassanā, literally meaning insight but actually standing for the realization of the supreme enlightenment breaking off all the internal fetters through the practice of seven different types of purity, such as purity of morals, mind, views, and insight, etc. In early and later Buddhist literature, it has been categorically emphasized that one should not practice solitary mindfulness but should practice enriching the higher qualities of the mind such as compassion, friendliness, etc. The point is that the contemplated individual, the Bodhisattva, should possess the perfection of wisdom (prajñā-pāramitā) and be equipped with the skill ofupāyas. The practice of theseupāyas, however, will not create any new bondage for the contemplative mind. When the individual is able to attain this broad outlook, he will be said to achieve the highest contemplation – this is the ultimate objective of Buddhist meditation. Meditation is needed for this change of outlook – transition from “I” to “we”. This is the only way to bring peace of mind and peace to the whole world.
The Burden of the Pain: Adverse Mental Health Outcomes of COVID-19 in Women With and Without Cancer
Authors: Lanzoni Lucilla , Brivio Eleonora , Oliveri Serena , Guiddi Paolo , Chichua Mariam , Mazzocco Ketti , Pravettoni Gabriella
Published: April 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a negative psychological impact on the population at scale, yet it is possible that vulnerable patient populations may experience a heavier burden with increased feelings of anxiety and distress. Cancer patients have to trade-off between the fear of exposing themselves to the virus and the need to continue life-saving medical procedures. The present study investigated the prevalence of generalized anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in a population of Italian cancer patients and healthy participants in the months following the COVID-19 outbreak. Using standardized measures of PTSS (impact of event scale revised; IES-R) and generalized anxiety (generalized anxiety scale; GAD-7), we found that patients experienced higher levels of adverse mental health outcomes. Several variables were found to negatively affect PTSS and anxiety in this population, including the younger age of respondents, having children, and the impossibility to attend regular medical check-ups. These findings stress the importance of maintaining a clear and regular communication with patients throughout future waves of the pandemic and ensure continuity of care in this vulnerable population. Furthermore, this study indicates the need to establish psychological interventions aimed at patients with cancer, targeting especially younger generations who are more likely to experience adverse psychological outcomes.
Exploration of Students’ Perception of Academic Misconduct: Do Individual Factors, Moral Philosophy, Behavioral Intention, and Judgment Matter?
Authors: Huang Chiao Ling , Yang Shu-Ching , Yang Chun-An
Published: April 2022

Using Reidenbach and Robin’s Multidimensional Ethics Scale, this study designs three scenarios related to academic dishonesty (AD) dilemmas to explore students’ moral philosophies, behavioral intentions, and ethical judgments and further examines whether students with different individual factors (i.e., culture of place, gender, and educational level) have differences in the above variables. A total of 605 students from two areas, Taiwan and Mainland China, participated in this study. The results indicated that Taiwanese students had stricter moral equity, relativism, and contractualism philosophies in the duplicate submission scenario than Mainland China students. They also had stricter moral equity and relativism philosophies in the incomplete citation scenario. Similarly, relatively harsh relativism and contractualism philosophies accompanied by a low level of willingness to be a perpetrator in the failure to cite research published in other countries scenario were found. In addition, females applied relatively harsh moral equity and utilitarianism to all scenarios, reporting that they and their peers were less likely to engage in all AD activities. Graduates had a stricter egoism attitude toward duplicate submission and had stricter moral equity, relativism, and contractualism philosophies toward the behavior of incomplete citation. Graduate students also had strict moral equity, relativism, egoism, and contractualism beliefs in the failure to cite the foreign research scenario. Finally, regression analysis showed that moral equity, contractualism, and self-behavioral intention are significant predictors of students’ ethical evaluations in the three scenarios.
The Prevalence and Psychosocial Factors of Problematic Smartphone Use Among Chinese College Students: A Three-Wave Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wang Anqi , Wang Zhen , Zhu Ya , Shi Xuliang
Published: April 2022

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) in college students has been a major public health concern in modern society, which may also lead to adverse health outcomes. Using a three-wave longitudinal study design, the current study aimed to examine the prevalence and psychosocial factors of PSU in a large sample of Chinese college students. The data used in this study was obtained from an ongoing longitudinal study in Guangdong, China. In the current study, a total of 7,434 freshmen and sophomores who completed the first three surveys were included. Self-administered questionnaires were used to assess PSU, possible social anxiety disorders, depressive symptoms, loneliness, family conflicts, academic stress, and some demographic characteristics. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were performed to determine the risk factors associated with PSU. The results showed that 65.8, 58.1, and 52.8% of college students reported PSU at three waves, with an apparent downward trend. Female students reported higher prevalence rates of PSU than males. Depressive symptoms, possible social anxiety disorders, loneliness, family conflicts, and high academic pressure were important risk factors for PSU. Early intervention and identification of those who show signs of PSU may prevent the development of maladaptive coping responses and addictive behaviors, so as to prevent future negative psychosocial consequences.
Construction and Validation of a Scale to Measure Loneliness and Isolation During Social Distancing and Its Effect on Mental Health
Authors: Gründahl Marthe , Weiß Martin , Maier Lisa , Hewig Johannes , Deckert Jürgen , Hein Grit
Published: April 2022

A variety of factors contribute to the degree to which a person feels lonely and socially isolated. These factors may be particularly relevant in contexts requiring social distancing, e.g., during the COVID-19 pandemic or in states of immunodeficiency. We present the Loneliness and Isolation during Social Distancing (LISD) Scale. Extending existing measures, the LISD scale measures both state and trait aspects of loneliness and isolation, including indicators of social connectedness and support. In addition, it reliably predicts individual differences in anxiety and depression. Data were collected online from two independent samples in a social distancing context (the COVID-19 pandemic). Factorial validation was based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA; Sample 1, N = 244) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; Sample 2, N = 304). Multiple regression analyses were used to assess how the LISD scale predicts state anxiety and depression. The LISD scale showed satisfactory fit in both samples. Its two state factors indicate being lonely and isolated as well as connected and supported, while its three trait factors reflect general loneliness and isolation, sociability and sense of belonging, and social closeness and support. Our results imply strong predictive power of the LISD scale for state anxiety and depression, explaining 33 and 51% of variance, respectively. Anxiety and depression scores were particularly predicted by low dispositional sociability and sense of belonging and by currently being more lonely and isolated. In turn, being lonely and isolated was related to being less connected and supported (state) as well as having lower social closeness and support in general (trait). We provide a novel scale which distinguishes between acute and general dimensions of loneliness and social isolation while also predicting mental health. The LISD scale could be a valuable and economic addition to the assessment of mental health factors impacted by social distancing.
Association of Parental Famine Exposure With Offspring Depression and Cognition Function
Authors: Liu Ye , Liu Yu , Lu Yuzhu , Li Jiangping , He Shulan
Published: April 2022

Background

The effect of early exposure to famine on depression and cognition in adulthood has been shown, but the intergenerational association of famine remain to be explored. This study focused on exploring the association of parental famine exposure with depression and cognition in the offspring.

Methods

Based on the Chinese Family Panel Studies database, which is a longitudinal survey, we included 5,150 individuals born between 1959 and 1961 and divided them into fetal-exposed, infancy-exposed (birth year = 1957–1958), school-age-exposed (birth year = 1949–1956), adolescent-exposed (birth year = 1946–1948), and unexposed groups. We used one-way analysis of variance, multiple linear regression, and one follow-up measurement to analyze the association between parental famine exposure and offspring depression and cognitive function.

Results

Compared with the unexposed group, the correlations between parental famine exposure during fetal period and their cognitive function (mother: β = –1.614, 95% CI: –2.535, –0.693; p = 0.001; father: β = –2.153, 95% CI: –3.104, –1.202, p < 0.001) were significant. For the offspring, there was a negative correlation between famine exposure of fathers during the fetal period and depression in their offspring (β = –0.477, 95% CI: –0.907, –0.047; p = 0.030). There was a negative correlation between maternal famine exposure during the infant and adolescent period and cognitive function in the offspring (math test: β = –0.730, 95% CI: –1.307, –0.153; p = 0.013; word test: β = –2.346, 95% CI: –4.067, –0.625; p = 0.008).

Limitations

Not all variables related to depression and cognition function were included in the CFPS database, and the other unknown or unmeasured confounders may explain our results.
Cognitive Training to Enhance Aphasia Therapy (Co-TrEAT): A Feasibility Study
Authors: Simic Tijana , Laird Laura , Brisson Nadia , Moretti Kathy , Théorêt Jean-Luc , Black Sandra E. , Eskes Gail A. , Leonard Carol , Rochon Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

Persons with aphasia (PWA) often have deficits in cognitive domains such as working memory (WM), which are negatively correlated with recovery, and studies have targeted WM deficits in aphasia therapy. To our knowledge, however, no study has examined the efficacy of multi-modal training which includes both WM training and targeted language therapy. This pilot project examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of combining WM training and naming therapy to treat post-stroke PWA. Chronic PWA were randomly assigned to either the a) Phonological Components Analysis (PCA) and WM intervention (WMI) condition (i.e., a computerized adaptive dual n-back task), or b) PCA and active control condition (WMC). Participants received face-to-face PCA therapy 3 times/week for 5 weeks, and simultaneously engaged in WM training or the active control condition five times/week, independently at home. Six PWA were enrolled, 3 in each condition. Feasibility metrics were excellent for protocol compliance, retention rate and lack of adverse events. Recruitment was less successful, with insufficient participants for group analyses. Participants in the WMI (but not the WMC) condition demonstrated a clinically significant (i.e., > 5 points) improvement on the Western Aphasia Battery- Aphasia Quotient (WAB-R AQ) and Boston Naming Test after therapy. Given the small sample size, the performance of two individuals, matched on age, education, naming accuracy pre-treatment, WAB-R AQ and WM abilities was compared. Participant WMI-3 demonstrated a notable increase in WM training performance over the course of therapy; WMC-2 was the matched control. After therapy, WMI-3's naming accuracy for the treated words improved from 30 to 90% (compared to 30–50% for WMC-2) with a 7-point WAB-R AQ increase (compared to 3 for WMC-2). Improvements were also found for WMI-3 but not for WMC-2 on ratings of communicative effectiveness, confidence and some conversation parameters in discourse. This feasibility study demonstrated excellent results for most aspects of Co-TrEAT. Recruitment rate, hampered by limited resources, must be addressed in future trials; remotely delivered aphasia therapy may be a possible solution. Although no firm conclusions can be drawn, the case studies suggest that WM training has the potential to improve language and communication outcomes when combined with aphasia therapy.
Exceptional Performance in Competitive Ski Mountaineering: An Inertial Sensor Case Study
Authors: Kayser Bengt , Mariani Benoit
Published: April 2022

Organized biannually in the Swiss Alps since 1984, the “Patrouille des Glaciers” (PDG) is one of the most challenging long-distance ski mountaineering (skimo) team competitions in the world. The race begins in Zermatt (1,616 m) and ends in Verbier (1,520 m), covering a total distance of 53 km with a cumulated 4,386 m of ascent and 4,482 m of descent. About 4,800 athletes take part in this competition, in teams of three. We hereby present the performance analysis of the uphill parts of this race of a member (#1) of the winning team in 2018, setting a new race record at 5 h and 35 min, in comparison with two amateur athletes. The athletes were equipped with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) antenna, a heart rate monitor, and a dedicated multisensor inertial measurement unit (IMU) attached to a ski, which recorded spatial-temporal gait parameters and transition events. The athletes' GNSS and heart rate data were synchronized with the IMU data. Athlete #1 had a baseline VO2 max of 80 ml/min/kg, a maximum heart rate of 205 bpm, weighed 69 kg, and had a body mass index (BMI) of 21.3 kg/m2. During the race, he carried 6 kg of gear and kept his heart rate constant around 85% of max. Spatiotemporal parameters analysis highlighted his ability to sustain higher power, higher pace, and, thus, higher vertical velocity than the other athletes. He made longer steps by gliding longer at each step and performed less kick turns in a shorter time. He spent only a cumulative 5 min and 30 s during skins on and off transitions. Skimo performance, thus, requires a high aerobic power of which a high fraction can be maintained for a prolonged time. Our results further confirm earlier observations that speed of ascent during endurance skimo competitions is a function of body weight and race gear and vertical energy cost of locomotion, with the latter function of climbing gradient. It is also the first study to provide some reference benchmarks for spatiotemporal parameters of elite and amateur skimo athletes during climbing using real-world data.
Economic Implications of a Protein Transition: Evidence From Walloon Beef and Dairy Farms
Authors: Duluins Océane , Riera Anton , Schuster Monica , Baret Philippe V. , Van den Broeck Goedele
Published: April 2022

In Europe, cattle production is confronted with major challenges across all dimensions of sustainability, urging the need to promote environmentally friendly but also economically viable livestock systems. In addition, animal protein consumption greatly exceeds the dietary guidelines in most European countries. The protein transition, defined as the rebalancing between animal and alternative proteins in diets, is presented as a solution to mitigate the harmful effects of cattle production on the environment, but also as an opportunity to induce healthier diets. Yet, the implications of such a transition on current livestock farmers are still unclear. In this article, we investigate different factors associated with a protein transition (e.g., reduction of herd size, increased concentrate autonomy and increased share of pastures) and assess their implications for the economic performance of dairy and beef farmers in Wallonia, Belgium. In the dairy sector, we find that a reduction in herd size, a higher share of pastures and an increased concentrate autonomy are correlated with lower operating costs, resulting in higher margins. Therefore, a switch to more extensive grazing systems that rely on on-farm fodder production can entail economic benefits for farmers. In the beef sector, on the other hand, farm characteristics are uncorrelated with most economic indicators, but highly associated with subsidies. This suggests that changes in this sector will rather be induced by policy choices than by economic parameters.
Exploring Potential Regulatory Anesthetic Drugs Based on RNA Binding Protein and Constructing CESC Prognosis Model: A Study Based on TCGA Database
Authors: Zheng Ying , Meng Xiao Wen , Yang Jian Ping
Published: April 2022

Objective

To investigate the differential expression of RBPs in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC), analyze the regulatory effect of narcotic drugs on RBPs, and establish the prognostic risk model of CESC patients.

Methods

RNA-SEQ data and clinical case data of cancer and normal samples from CESC patients were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database. Differentially expressed RBPs were screened by R language and enriched. The CMAP database is used to predict the anesthetic drugs that regulate the differential expression of RBPs. The prognostic risk score model was constructed by COX regression analysis. Risk score of each CESC patient was calculated and divided into high-risk group and low-risk group according to the median risk score. The prediction efficiency of prognostic risk model was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the correlation between prognostic risk model and clinical characteristics was analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of RNASEH2A and HENMT1 in tissues.

Results

There were 65 differentially expressed RBPs in CESC. Five anesthetics, including benzocaine, procaine, pentoxyverine, and tetracaine were obtained to regulate RBPs. Survival analysis showed that seven genes were related to the prognosis of patients, and the CESC risk score model was constructed by COX regression. The risk score can be used as an independent prognostic factor. RNASEH2A and HENMT1 are up-regulated in tumors, which can effectively distinguish normal tissues from tumor tissues.

Conclusion

It is found that different anesthetic drugs have different regulatory effects on the differential expression of RBPs. Based on the differentially expressed RBPs, the prognostic risk score model of CESC patients was constructed. To provide ideas for the formulation of individualized precise anesthesia scheme and cancer pain analgesia scheme, which is helpful to improve the perioperative survival rate of cancer patients.
Isolated Tubal Torsion in a Term Pregnancy: Case Report and Systematic Review of Literature of the Last 10 Years
Authors: Gulino Ferdinando Antonio , Ettore Carla , Morreale Gianfranco , Siringo Stefano , Russo Emanuele , D'Asta Marco , Cannone Francesco , Ettore Giuseppe
Published: April 2022

Objective

Isolated torsion of a fallopian tube is a rare event and it is extremely difficult to be diagnosed in pregnancy. The aim of this study is to present a clinical case report that occurred in our department and to summarize the latest evidence about tubal torsion in pregnancy.

Methods

We reported data, ultrasonographic features and an intra-operative image of a case report of tubal torsion in a term pregnancy. Then a review of the literature was performed following the PRISMA statement: we searched all the articles related to tubal torsion in pregnancy in the last 10 years from the international electronic bibliographic database PUBMED. We collected data regarding population characteristics, clinical features, treatment, and feto-maternal outcomes.

Results

According to our search strategy, 10 articles were included. The main clinical symptoms were abdominal pelvic pain (100%), nausea, and vomiting (30%). The mean gestational age at the diagnosis was 36 weeks after the last menstrual period in 50% of cases. Ultrasound images showed a cystic lesion in the adnexal area in 70% of cases. In most of the cases, a cesarean section with a contextual salpingectomy was performed. No cases of maternal and fetal death were respectively reported.

Conclusion

Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube is a rare obstetric condition but it should be considered in case of acute lower abdominal pain presentation during pregnancy. Depending on gestational age, surgical treatment as soon as possible could prevent a salpingectomy.
Crayfish–Fish Aquaculture Ponds Exert Reduced Climatic Impacts and Higher Economic Benefits than Traditional Wheat–Rice Paddy Cultivation
Authors: Hu Zhiqiang , Gu Caiyun , Maucieri Carmelo , Shi Fei , Zhao Yufei , Feng Chenlong , Cao Yan , Zhang Yaojun
Published: April 2022

In pursuit of higher economic profits, an increasing number of conventional rice paddies are being converted into aquaculture ponds in Southeast China. Due to the lack of field observations, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by this change are not clear. A parallel field experiment in Southeast China was performed to compare CH4 and N2O emissions from rice paddies and rice-paddy-converted freshwater crayfish–fish aquaculture ponds that had previously been rice paddies. The annual fluxes of CH4 and N2O fluxes from inland crayfish–fish aquaculture averaged 0.36 mg m−2 h−1 and 45.55 μg m−2 h−1, which amounted to 31.50 kg CH4 ha−1 and 3.99 kg N2O ha−1, respectively. Compared with traditional rice paddies, such conversions significantly reduced the emissions of CH4 and N2O emissions by 46.4% and 67.5%, respectively, but greatly increased the net ecosystem economic budget (NEEB) by 485%. The fluxes of both CH4 and N2O fluxes from aquaculture ponds were positively correlated with water/sediment temperature and dissolved organic carbon in the sediment, but were negatively correlated with the concentration of oxygen that is dissolved in the water. In addition, the emissions of CH4 and N2O were closely associated with the chemical oxygen demand of water and the content of N in the sediment, respectively. The results of this study suggest that converting rice paddies to freshwater crayfish–fish aquaculture ponds could cause a reduction in the impacts on the climate and result in greater economic benefits. There is an urgent need worldwide for more field studies on the emissions of CH4 and N2O emissions from aquaculture ponds, including more types of fish species and management practices. These results will help researchers to comprehensively evaluate whether such conversions of agricultural land use are ecologically and economically feasible.
Foliar and Soil Treatments of Brassica napus That Elicit Antibiosis in Brevicoryne brassicae
Authors: Javed Muhammad Wajid , Hasan Mansoor ul , Sagheer Muhammad , Sahi Shahbaz Talib , Mankin Richard W.
Published: April 2022

In screenhouses, foliar and soil applications of induced resistance (IR), nutrient deterrence (ND), and soil amendment (SAM) treatments to canola, Brassica napus L., reduced fitness in an aphid pest, Brevicoryne brassicae L. Effects of different combinations and doses of IR, ND, and SAM on aphids were compared with those of labeled doses of Carbosulfan and a control. Dose differences between treatments and the control were found for several measures of B. brassicae fitness, including Kaplan–Meier functions, reproduction time, effective fecundity (Md), intrinsic rates of natural increase (rm), relative growth rate (RGR), and generation time. Progeny, development/pre-reproductive period, and percent progeny nymph survival were also significantly different from the control. Carbosulfan was the most rapidly acting treatment; however, 1 mM salicylic acid (SA) produced statistically significant reductions in aphid fitness compared to the control, followed by 1 mM citric acid (CA), 0.5 mM SA, and 0.5 mM CA. Silicon (Si) at 50 kg/ha was the most effective ND approach. Ammonium sulfate (AS) only decreased fitness at 25 kg/ha. The SAM combinations of both elemental sulfur (ES) and bio-sulfur (BS) treatments with compost (Cp) also yielded statistically significant aphid fitness reductions. These results provide context for future exploration of IR, ND, and SAM approaches to improve canola yield and reduce aphid damage.
The Regulatory Approach for Faecal Microbiota Transplantation as Treatment for Clostridioides difficile Infection in Italy
Authors: de Stefano Maria Chiara , Mazzanti Benedetta , Vespasiano Francesca , Lombardini Letizia , Cardillo Massimo
Published: April 2022

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is regarded as an efficacious treatment for recurrent C. difficile infection. Unfortunately, widespread patient access is hindered by regulatory hurdles, which are the primary barriers to incorporating FMT into clinical practice. At the European and International level, there is no uniform perspective on FMT classification, and a coordinated effort is desirable to solve this regulatory puzzle. In this communication, we report the regulatory principles and the implementation approach for FMT application in Italy. Our experience suggests that the EU Tissue and Cell Directives are suited to ensure safe and efficient FMT for C. difficile management, especially through extensive high-quality donor selection and full traceability maintenance.
Detection and Prevalence of Macrolide and Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium in Badalona, Spain
Authors: Rivaya Belén , Le Roy Chloé , Jordana-Lluch Elena , Fernández-Rivas Gema , Casañ Cristina , González Victoria , Wang-Wang Jun Hao , Bébéar Cécile , Matas Lurdes , Pereyre Sabine
Published: April 2022

Macrolide and fluoroquinolone resistance (MLr/FQr) in Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) infections is concerning worldwide. Current guidelines recommend performing MLr detection in MG-positive cases to adjust antimicrobial therapy. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of PCR followed by pyrosequencing for MLr detection in comparison with a one-step commercial assay and to assess the prevalence of MLr and FQr in Badalona, Spain. A total of 415 MG-positive samples by Allplex STI-7 (Seegene) were analyzed for MLr detection by pyrosequencing. From those, 179 samples were further analyzed for MG and MLr by ResistancePlus® MG kit (SpeeDx) and 100 of them also for fluoroquinolone resistance (FQr) by sequencing the parC gene. Regarding MG detection, Allplex and Resistance Plus® showed an overall agreement of 87%, but this value rose to 95.4% if we compare them for MLr detection. Prevalence of MLr was 23.1% in Badalona, but this rate increased to 73.7% in the HIV-positive patients cohort. FQr detection showed 3% of resistant strains. Pyrosequencing is a convenient and cheap technique for MLr detection, but one-step tools should be considered in high-throughput laboratories. Despite the fact that MLr remained moderate and FQr was low in our study, simultaneous MG and MLr detection would improve patient’s management applying resistance-guided treatment strategies.