bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Molecular Mechanism of Coagulopathy in Severe and Critical Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Elieh Ali Komi Daniel , Rahimi Yaghoub , Asghari Rahim , Jafari Reza , Rasouli Javad , Mohebalizadeh Mehdi , Abbasi Ata , Nejadrahim Rahim , Rezazadeh Farzin , Shafiei-Irannejad Vahid
Published: December 2021

Coagulopathy is a frequently reported finding in the pathology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, the molecular mechanism, the involved coagulation factors, and the role of regulatory proteins in homeostasis are not fully investigated. We explored the dynamic changes of nine coagulation tests in patients and controls to propose a molecular mechanism for COVID-19-associated coagulopathy. Coagulation tests including prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), fibrinogen (FIB), lupus anticoagulant (LAC), proteins C and S, antithrombin III (ATIII), D-dimer, and fibrin degradation products (FDPs) were performed on plasma collected from 105 individuals (35 critical patients, 35 severe patients, and 35 healthy controls). There was a statically significant difference when the results of the critical (CRT) and/or severe (SVR) group for the following tests were compared to the control (CRL) group: PTCRT (15.014) and PTSVR (13.846) (PTCRL = 13.383, p < 0.001), PTTCRT (42.923) and PTTSVR (37.8) (PTTCRL = 36.494, p < 0.001), LACCRT (49.414) and LACSVR (47.046) (LACCRL = 40.763, p < 0.001), FIBCRT (537.66) and FIBSVR (480.29) (FIBCRL = 283.57, p < 0.001), ProCCRT (85.57%) and ProCSVR (99.34%) (ProCCRL = 94.31%, p = 0.04), ProSCRT (62.91%) and ProSSVR (65.06%) (ProSCRL = 75.03%, p < 0.001), D-dimer (p < 0.0001, χ2 = 34.812), and FDP (p < 0.002, χ2 = 15.205). No significant association was found in the ATIII results in groups (ATIIICRT = 95.71% and ATIIISVR = 99.63%; ATIIICRL = 98.74%, p = 0.321). D-dimer, FIB, PT, PTT, LAC, protein S, FDP, and protein C (ordered according to p-values) have significance in the prognosis of patients. Disruptions in homeostasis in protein C (and S), VIII/VIIIa and V/Va axes, probably play a role in COVID-19-associated coagulopathy.
Gut Immune System and the Implications of Oral-Administered Immunoprophylaxis in Finfish Aquaculture
Authors: Lee Po-Tsang , Yamamoto Fernando Y. , Low Chen-Fei , Loh Jiun-Yan , Chong Chou-Min
Published: December 2021

The gastrointestinal immune system plays an important role in immune homeostasis regulation. It regulates the symbiotic host-microbiome interactions by training and developing the host’s innate and adaptive immunity. This interaction plays a vital role in host defence mechanisms and at the same time, balancing the endogenous perturbations of the host immune homeostasis. The fish gastrointestinal immune system is armed with intricate diffused gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALTs) that establish tolerance toward the enormous commensal gut microbiome while preserving immune responses against the intrusion of enteric pathogens. A comprehensive understanding of the intestinal immune system is a prerequisite for developing an oral vaccine and immunostimulants in aquaculture, particularly in cultured fish species. In this review, we outline the remarkable features of gut immunity and the essential components of gut-associated lymphoid tissue. The mechanistic principles underlying the antigen absorption and uptake through the intestinal epithelial, and the subsequent immune activation through a series of molecular events are reviewed. The emphasis is on the significance of gut immunity in oral administration of immunoprophylactics, and the different potential adjuvants that circumvent intestinal immune tolerance. Comprehension of the intestinal immune system is pivotal for developing effective fish vaccines that can be delivered orally, which is less labour-intensive and could improve fish health and facilitate disease management in the aquaculture industry.
Changes in NK Cell Subsets and Receptor Expressions in HIV-1 Infected Chronic Patients and HIV Controllers
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Zhou Ying , Lu Jing , Chen Yuan-Fang , Hu Hai-Yang , Xu Xiao-Qin , Fu Geng-Feng
Published: December 2021

Natural killer (NK) cells are major effectors of the innate immune response and purported to play an influential role in the spontaneous control of HIV infection. In the present study, we compared the phenotypes of NK cells in the peripheral blood of three groups of subjects with chronic HIV-1 infection, HIV controllers, and healthy donors. The results showed that CD56+/CD16- NK cell subsets decreased in chronic patients and remained unchanged in controllers. Notably, we found that people living with chronic HIV-1 infection had suppressed NKp80, NKp46, and NKG2D expressions on NK cells compared to healthy donors, while HIV controllers remained unchanged. In contrast, NKG2D expression was substantially higher in controllers than in chronic patients (M=97.67, p<0.001). There were no significant differences in inhibitory receptors KIR3DL1 and KIR2DL1 expressions. In addition, plasma cytokine IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-12showed higher levels in HIV controllers compared to chronic patients. Overall, our study revealed that, as compared to chronic patients, HIV controllers show an increased activating receptors expression and higher number ofCD56+/CD16-NK cell subset, with increased expression levels of plasma cytokines, suggesting that higher immune activation in controllers may have a key role in killing and suppressing HIV.
Local Sea-Level Rise Caused by Climate Change in the Northwest Pacific Marginal Seas Using Dynamical Downscaling
Authors: Kim Yong-Yub , Kim Bong-Gwan , Jeong Kwang Young , Lee Eunil , Byun Do-Seong , Cho Yang-Ki
Published: December 2021

Global climate models (GCMs) have limited capacity in simulating spatially non-uniform sea-level rise owing to their coarse resolutions and absence of tides in the marginal seas. Here, regional ocean climate models (RCMs) that consider tides were used to address these limitations in the Northwest Pacific marginal seas through dynamical downscaling. Four GCMs that drive the RCMs were selected based on a performance evaluation along the RCM boundaries, and the latter were validated by comparing historical results with observations. High-resolution (1/20°) RCMs were used to project non-uniform changes in the sea-level under intermediate (RCP 4.5) and high-end emissions (RCP 8.5) scenarios from 2006 to 2100. The predicted local sea-level rise was higher in the East/Japan Sea (EJS), where the currents and eddy motions were active. The tidal amplitude changes in response to sea-level rise were significant in the shallow areas of the Yellow Sea (YS). Dynamically downscaled simulations enabled the determination of practical sea-level rise (PSLR), including changes in tidal amplitude and natural variability. Under RCP 8.5 scenario, the maximum PSLR was ∼85 cm in the YS and East China Sea (ECS), and ∼78 cm in the EJS. The contribution of natural sea-level variability changes in the EJS was greater than that in the YS and ECS, whereas changes in the tidal contribution were higher in the YS and ECS. Accordingly, high-resolution RCMs provided spatially different PSLR estimates, indicating the importance of improving model resolution for local sea-level projections in marginal seas.
Response of a Small River Plume on Wind Forcing
Authors: Osadchiev Alexander , Sedakov Roman , Barymova Alexandra
Published: December 2021

Wind forcing is the main driver of river plume dynamics. Direction and magnitude of wind determine position, shape, and size of a river plume. The response of river plumes on wind forcing was simulated in many numerical modeling studies; however, in situ measurements of this process are still very scarce. In this study, we report the first direct measurements of frontal movement of a small river plume under variable wind forcing conditions. Using quadcopters, we performed nearly continuous daytime aerial observations of the Bzyb river plume located in the non-tidal Black Sea. The aerial remote sensing was accompanied by synchronous in situ measurements of wind forcing. We assessed spreading patterns of the plume and evaluated movement velocity of its outer border with unprecedentedly high spatial (∼10 m) and temporal (∼1 min) resolution, which was not available in previous studies based on in situ measurements and satellite observations. Based on the collected data, we evaluated the time of response of plume spreading dynamics on changes in wind forcing conditions. The advection velocity of the outer plume border shows linear relation to wind speed with very small response time (10–20 min). The reversal between upstream/downstream plume spreading occurs during several hours under moderate wind forcing conditions. These reversals involve only near-field part of the plume, which cause detachment of the far-field part of the plume. The obtained results are crucial for understanding and simulating spreading dynamics of small river plumes worldwide.
Auxetic-Inspired Honeycomb Macrostructures With Anomalous Tailormade Thermal Expansion Properties Including “Negative” Heat-Shrinking Characteristics
Authors: Grima-Cornish James N. , Attard Daphne , Evans Kenneth E. , Grima Joseph N.
Published: December 2021

Negative thermal expansion (NTE) materials and structures exhibit the anomalous property of shrinking rather than expanding when heated. This work examines the potential of multi-material planar re-entrant and non-re-entrant honeycombs to exhibit anomalous thermal expansion properties. Expressions for the coefficient of thermal expansion as a function of the geometric parameters and intrinsic thermal expansion properties were derived for any in-plane direction. It was shown that re-entrant honeycombs, a metamaterial which is well known for its auxetic characteristics, can be made to exhibit NTE in specific directions when constructed from conventional positive thermal expansion (PTE) materials, provided that the slanting ligaments expand more than the vertical ligaments when heated and that the geometry is amenable. Conversely, it was shown that the construction of such honeycombs from NTE components will not necessarily result in a system which exhibits NTE in all directions. Furthermore, conditions which result in honeycombs demonstrating zero thermal expansion (ZTE) coefficients in specific directions were also explored.
Coupled Assessment of Fire Behavior and Firebrand Dynamics
Authors: Thomas Jan C. , Mueller Eric V. , Gallagher Michael R. , Clark Kenneth L. , Skowronski Nicholas , Simeoni Albert , Hadden Rory M.
Published: December 2021

The hazards associated with firebrands have been well documented. However, there exist few studies that allow for the hazard from a given fire to be quantified. To develop predictive tools to evaluate this hazard, it is necessary to understand the conditions that govern firebrand generation and those that affect firebrand deposition. A method is presented that allows for time-resolved measurements of fire behavior to be related to the dynamics of firebrand deposition. Firebrand dynamics were recorded in three fires undertaken in two different ecosystems. Fire intensity is shown to drive firebrand generation and firebrand deposition—higher global fire intensities resulting in the deposition of more, larger firebrands at a given distance from the fire front. Local firebrand dynamics are also shown to dominate the temporal firebrand deposition with periods of high fire intensity within a fire resulting in firebrand shower at deposition sites at times commensurate with firebrand transport. For the range of conditions studied, firebrand deposition can be expected up to 200 m ahead of the fire line based on extrapolation from the measurements.
Monitoring and Predicting Treatment Response of Extraocular Muscles in Grave's Orbitopathy by 99mTc-DTPA SPECT/CT
Authors: Jiang Chengzhi , Deng Zilong , Huang Jin , Deng Haoyu , Tan Jia , Li Xinhui , Zhao Min
Published: December 2021

Objective: To investigate single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for assessing inflammation in the extraocular muscles (EOMs) and predicting the therapeutic efficacy of periocular glucocorticoid therapy (PGT) for Grave's ophthalmopathy (GO).

Materials and Methods: A total of 412 eyes from 206 patients with GO referred for 99mTc-DTPA orbital SPECT/CT were enrolled. Fourteen age- and gender-matched healthy controls (28 eyes) were included. The thickness and uptake ratio (UR) of four EOMs were derived from SPECT/CT. Eighty-six eyes from patients with GO patients received PGT. Changes in SPECT/CT parameters were evaluated between the pre- and post-treatment.

Results: 195 eyes and 217 eyes were classified as active and inactive stages by clinical activity score (CAS). Values of the thickness and UR of each EOM, Tmax, and Umax were all significantly higher in the active GO than in the inactive GO and controls (p < 0.01). Among the 86 eyes (48 GO patients) included in the efficacy analysis, 56 eyes and 30 eyes were classified as responders and non-responders. Values of thicknesses and UR of each EOM, the maximum thickness (Tmax), and the maximum UR (Umax) all dropped following PGT in the responders (p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis identified the Umax as an independent predictor for the responders (p < 0.01). Moreover, the Umax demonstrated incremental predictive value over clinical characters and CAS, as evidenced by the improved area under the curve (0.85 vs. 0.78) and global chi-square (34.12 vs. 18.1).

Conclusion:99mTc-DTPA SPECT/CT has the potential to assess inflammatory activity by detecting the involvement of EOMs in GO. Pre-treatment UR provides independent and incremental values for the prediction of PGT treatment response.
High-Resolution Image Analysis Reveals a Decrease in Lens Thickness and Cone Density in a Cohort of Young Myopic Patients
Authors: Xin Xiaoyu , Guo Qingge , Ming Shuai , Liu Changgeng , Wang Zhongfeng , Lei Bo
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To study the association between axial length (AL) and the thickness of the lens, retina, choroid, and cone density with swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and an adaptive optics (AO) fundus camera.

Design: A prospective cross-sectional study.

Methods: This study included 136 eyes in 68 subjects. SS-OCT was used to quantify the thickness of the lens, ganglion cell complex (GCC) layer, inner nuclear layer (INL), outer retinal layer (ORL), and choroid layer. Adaptive optics was used to quantify spatial features of the cone photoreceptors, including density, spacing, regularity, and dispersion. The associations among the AL and the thickness of lens, retina, choroid, and cone features were evaluated with linear regression.

Results: With the severity of myopia, the increased AL was associated with thinning of the lens (P < 0.001, 95% CI: −100.42 to −49.76). The thickness of the ORL and choroid decreased significantly (all P < 0.001), whereas the thickness of the GCC and INL decreased only in the outer ring (both P < 0.01). There was a significant correlation between the cone density/spacing and AL (both P < 0.001). Although cone density was reduced from 25,160/mm2 to 19,134/mm2 in the inner region and from 17,458/mm2 to 13,896/mm2 in the outer region, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 or greater.

Conclusions: We found that the lens thickness (LT), ORL, and cone density decreased in myopia. While decreasing cone density and ORL thickness should be related to axial elongation, decreasing of LT might imply intrinsic physical accommodation. These results provide further morphological changes of myopia.
Interaction Between Halotolerant Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria (Providencia rettgeri Strain TPM23) and Rock Phosphate Improves Soil Biochemical Properties and Peanut Growth in Saline Soil
Authors: Jiang Huanhuan , Li Sainan , Wang Tong , Chi Xiaoyuan , Qi Peishi , Chen Gang
Published: December 2021

Soil salinity has adverse effects on soil microbial activity and nutrient cycles and therefore limits crop growth and yield. Amendments with halotolerant phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and rock phosphate (RP) may improve properties of saline soil. In this study, we investigated the effects of RP either alone or in combination with PSB (Providencia rettgeri strain TPM23) on peanut growth and soil quality in a saline soil. With the combined application of RP and PSB, plant length and biomass (roots and shoots) and uptake of phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and potassium (K) increased significantly. Soil Na+ and Cl– contents decreased in the PR alone or PR combined with PSB treatment groups. There were strongly synergistic effects of RP and PSB on soil quality, including a decrease in pH. The soil available N, P, and K contents were significantly affected by the PSB treatments. In addition, the alkaline phosphomonoesterases, urease, and dehydrogenase activities increased significantly compared with the untreated group; highest alkaline phosphomonoesterases activity was observed in the RP and PSB treatment groups. The composition of rhizosphere soil bacterial communities was determined using 454-pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. In the PR alone or PR combined with PSB treatment groups, the structure of the soil bacterial community improved with increasing richness and diversity. With PSB inoculation, the relative abundance of Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Planctomycetes increased. The three phyla were also positively correlated with soil available N and root dry weight. These results suggested microbiological mechanisms by which the combined use of RP and PSB improved saline soil and promoted plant growth. Overall, the study indicates the combined use of RP and PSB can be an economical and sustainable strategy to increase plant growth in P-deficient and salt-affected soils.
LcpB Is a Pyrophosphatase Responsible for Wall Teichoic Acid Synthesis and Virulence in Staphylococcus aureus Clinical Isolate ST59
Authors: Pan Ting , Guan Jing , Li Yujie , Sun Baolin
Published: December 2021

The community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) causes severe pandemics primarily consisting of skin and soft tissue infections. However, the underlying pathomechanisms of the bacterium are yet to fully understood. The present study identifies LcpB protein, which belongs to the LytR-A-Psr (LCP) family, is crucial for cell wall synthesis and virulence in S. aureus. The findings revealed that LcpB is a pyrophosphatase responsible for wall teichoic acid synthesis. The results also showed that LcpB regulates enzyme activity through specific key arginine sites in its LCP domain. Furthermore, knockout of lcpB in the CA-MRSA isolate ST59 resulted in enhanced hemolytic activity, enlarged of abscesses, and increased leukocyte infiltration. Meanwhile, we also found that LcpB regulates virulence in agr-independent manner and the key sites for pyrophosphatase of LcpB play critical roles in regulating the virulence. In addition, the results showed that the role of LcpB was different between methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). This study therefore highlights the dual role of LcpB in cell wall synthesis and regulation of virulence. These insights on the underlying molecular mechanisms can thus guide the development of novel anti-infective strategies.
Metabolic Signature of Leukocyte Telomere Length in Elite Male Soccer Players
Authors: Al-Muraikhy Shamma , Sellami Maha , Domling Alexander S , Rizwana Najeha , Agouni Abdelali , Al-Khelaifi Fatima , Donati Francesco , Botre Francesco , Diboun Ilhame , Elrayess Mohamed A
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Biological aging is associated with changes in the metabolic pathways. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is a predictive marker of biological aging; however, the underlying metabolic pathways remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolic alterations and identify the metabolic predictors of LTL in elite male soccer players.

Methods: Levels of 837 blood metabolites and LTL were measured in 126 young elite male soccer players who tested negative for doping abuse at anti-doping laboratory in Italy. Multivariate analysis using orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS), univariate linear models and enrichment analyses were conducted to identify metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with LTL. Generalized linear model followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were conducted to identify top metabolites predictive of LTL.

Results: Sixty-seven metabolites and seven metabolic pathways showed significant associations with LTL. Among enriched pathways, lysophospholipids, benzoate metabolites, and glycine/serine/threonine metabolites were elevated with longer LTL. Conversely, monoacylglycerols, sphingolipid metabolites, long chain fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids were enriched with shorter telomeres. ROC analysis revealed eight metabolites that best predict LTL, including glutamine, N-acetylglutamine, xanthine, beta-sitosterol, N2-acetyllysine, stearoyl-arachidonoyl-glycerol (18:0/20:4), N-acetylserine and 3-7-dimethylurate with AUC of 0.75 (0.64–0.87, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: This study characterized the metabolic activity in relation to telomere length in elite soccer players. Investigating the functional relevance of these associations could provide a better understanding of exercise physiology and pathophysiology of elite athletes.
Characterization of Two Ferroptosis Subtypes With Distinct Immune Infiltration and Gender Difference in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ma Junfu , Hu Xin , Yao Yanxin , Wu Liuxing , Sheng Chao , Chen Kexin , Liu Ben
Published: December 2021

Background: Iron is an essential nutrient involved in the redox cycle and the formation of free radicals. The reprogramming of iron metabolism is the main link to tumor cell survival. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death associated with cancer; the characteristics of ferroptosis in cancers are still uncertain. This study aimed to explore the application value and gender difference of ferroptosis in prognosis and immune prediction to provide clues for targeted therapy of gastric cancer.

Methods: We comprehensively evaluated the ferroptosis levels of 1,404 gastric cancer samples from six independent GC cohorts based on ferroptosis-related specific genes and systematically correlated ferroptosis with immune cell infiltrating and gender characteristics. The ferroptosis score was constructed to quantify the ferroptosis levels of individual tumors using principal component analysis (PCA) algorithms.

Results: We identified two distinct ferroptosis subtypes in gastric cancer, namely Subtype-A and Subtype-B. We found that male patients in Subtype-B had the worst prognosis in contrast with the other groups. Three sex hormone receptors (AR, ER, and PR) in Subtype-B tumor patients were higher than in Subtype-A tumor patients in GC, while the HER2 displayed an opposite trend. We developed a risk model termed ferroptosis score to evaluate ferroptosis levels within individual tumors. The low-ferroptosis score group was characterized by activation of immune cells and increased mutation burden, which is also linked to increased neoantigen load and enhanced response to anti-PD-1/L1 immunotherapy. The patients with a low-ferroptosis score showed a high microsatellite instability status (MSI-H) and had a higher response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, the patients with low-ferroptosis scores have a lower estimated IC50 in the several chemotherapy drugs, including paclitaxel, gemcitabine, and methotrexate.

Conclusions: We revealed that sex hormone receptors and immune cell infiltration were markedly different between ferroptosis subtypes in GC patients. The results suggested that gender difference may be critical when the ferroptosis-related strategy is applied in GC treatment. Further, ferroptosis levels were identified with an extreme variety of prognosis and tumor immune characteristics, which might benefit GC individualized treatment.
Dietary Intake and Adherence to the Recommendations for Healthy Eating in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes: A Narrative Review
Authors: Pancheva Rouzha , Zhelyazkova Desislava , Ahmed Fatme , Gillon-Keren Michal , Usheva Nataliya , Bocheva Yana , Boyadzhieva Mila , Valchev Georgi , Yotov Yoto , Iotova Violeta
Published: December 2021

Background: Medical nutrition therapy is essential for all people with diabetes, of any type or severity. Compliance with the recommended nutrition is an integral part of the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D). It remains unclear to what extent the dietary intake of patients with type 1 diabetes adheres to the recommendations for healthy eating.

Objective: The primary aim of our study is to collect and analyze published articles on the nutrition of T1D patients in comparison with the general population and recommendations.

Research Strategy and Methods: A literature search for articles, published between January 2006 and July 2021 was conducted, using electronic databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) for all available publications in English and Bulgarian. The process of study selection, identification, screening, eligibility and inclusion followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) recommendations for a flowchart. Based on the keywords search, 425 titles were retrieved, of which 27 were selected based on title and abstract. All papers were crosschecked and reviewed for selection by 3 independent reviewers. As a result, 19 titles were eligible and met inclusion criteria for a full review.

Results: Energy intake tends to be lower in T1D patients or comparable to controls and in most cases within the general recommendations. The percentage of calories from protein is within the recommendations for children, adolescents and adults. Only two studies showed that T1D patients consume significantly less than the recommendation for total fat intake (<35E%). The median intake of carbohydrates is in the lower end of the recommended 45 to 60E%. The median intake of dietary fiber adjusted for total energy is too low for T1D patients and the general population.

Conclusion: Study findings suggested a lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of diabetes dietary management. Patients with T1D, who are being consulted with a dietician as a part of their treatment plan may have better compliance to their recommended diet and as a result, are likely to have better health outcomes. Nutritional therapy should focus not only on glycemic control and pure carbohydrate counting but also on healthy eating and complication prevention.
Saccharina japonica Ethanol Extract Ameliorates Depression/Anxiety-Like Behavior by Inhibiting Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis in Dextran Sodium Sulfate Induced Ulcerative Colitis Mice
Authors: Dong Xiufang , Lu Kuan , Lin Pengcheng , Che Hongxia , Li Hongyan , Song Lin , Yang Xihong , Xie Wancui
Published: December 2021

Saccharina japonica is a common marine vegetable in East Asian markets and has a variety of health benefits. This study was focused on the anti-depressant/anxiety effects of Saccharina japonica ethanol extract (SJE) on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mice and its potential mechanism in their brain. Male C57BL/6 mice were treated with mesalazine and various doses of SJE (1, 2, and 4 g/kg body weight) for 2 weeks, followed by DSS treatment at the second week. The DSS-induced mice showed depression/anxiety-like behavior, which included shorter path length in the open field test and longer immobility time in the tail suspension test. L-SJE alleviated the depression-like behaviors. In the DSS-induced mice, reduced synaptic plasticity activated microglia, increased proinflammatory cytokines, decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine, and increased expression levels of Toll-like receptors-4, nuclear factor kappa-B, NOD-like receptors 3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, and Caspase-1 were observed, most of which were alleviated by SJE treatment. Furthermore, all the SJE groups could significantly enhance superoxide dismutase activity, while the L-SJE treatment decreased the contents of malondialdehyde, and the H-SJE treatment inhibited apoptosis. All these results showed that the SJE might serve as a nutritional agent for protecting the brain in ulcerative colitis mice.
Clonal Evolution of High-Risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Contemporary Perspective
Authors: Kwok Marwan , Wu Catherine J.
Published: December 2021

Clonal evolution represents the natural process through which cancer cells continuously search for phenotypic advantages that enable them to develop and expand within microenvironmental constraints. In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), clonal evolution underpins leukemic progression and therapeutic resistance, with differences in clonal evolutionary dynamics accounting for its characteristically diverse clinical course. The past few years have witnessed profound changes in our understanding of CLL clonal evolution, facilitated by a maturing definition of high-risk CLL and an increasing sophistication of next-generation sequencing technology. In this review, we offer a modern perspective on clonal evolution of high-risk CLL, highlighting recent discoveries, paradigm shifts and unresolved questions. We appraise recent advances in our understanding of the molecular basis of CLL clonal evolution, focusing on the genetic and non-genetic sources of intratumoral heterogeneity, as well as tumor-immune dynamics. We review the technological innovations, particularly in single-cell technology, which have fostered these advances and represent essential tools for future discoveries. In addition, we discuss clonal evolution within several contexts of particular relevance to contemporary clinical practice, including the settings of therapeutic resistance to CLL targeted therapy and immunotherapy, as well as Richter transformation of CLL to high-grade lymphoma.
Stratified Prognostic Value of Pathological Response to Preoperative Treatment in yp II/III Rectal Cancer
Authors: Yang Yanpeng , Xu Hao , Chen Guowei , Pan Yisheng
Published: December 2021

Aim

Accumulated studies have verified that tumor regression is associated with the prognosis of rectal cancer. However, stratified analysis within a certain stage is still unknown. The purpose of our study was to assess the impact of pathologic response on the survival of stageII and III rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).

Methods

Clinicopathologic characteristics and tumor regression scores (TRS) were assessed in 236 rectal cancer patients who treated with nCRT followed by surgery. Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Among these patients, the stage of 88 patients was ypII, and 91 patients were with the stage of ypIII. The median follow-up time was 59.8 months. TRS was not an independent prognostic factor in ypII patients while it was significantly associated with the prognosis of ypIII patients (5-year survival rate 67.2% vs. 42.5%, P < 0.001). Furthermore, ypIII patients with the response to nCRT had similar survival to that of ypII patients (5-year survival rate 67.2% vs. 70.5%, P = 0.56). For ypIII patients, multivariable analysis showed that well differentiation, negative surgical margin, and the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with better survival. The surgical margin and differentiation were prognostic factors for ypII patients.

Conclusions

ypIII rectal cancer patients with poor response to preoperative treatment are at high risk of worse oncological outcomes.
Impact of Dietary Restriction Regimens on Mitochondria, Heart, and Endothelial Function: A Brief Overview
Authors: Savencu Cristina Elena , Linţa Adina , Farcaş Gianina , Bînă Anca Mihaela , Creţu Octavian Marius , Maliţa Daniel Claudiu , Muntean Danina Mirela , Sturza Adrian
Published: December 2021

Caloric restriction (CR) and intermittent fasting (IF) are strategies aimed to promote health beneficial effects by interfering with several mechanisms responsible for cardiovascular diseases. Both dietary approaches decrease body weight, insulin resistance, blood pressure, lipids, and inflammatory status. All these favorable effects are the result of several metabolic adjustments, which have been addressed in this review, i.e., the improvement of mitochondrial biogenesis, the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the improvement of cardiac and vascular function. CR and IF are able to modulate mitochondrial function via interference with dynamics (i.e., fusion and fission), respiration, and related oxidative stress. In the cardiovascular system, both dietary interventions are able to improve endothelium-dependent relaxation, reduce cardiac hypertrophy, and activate antiapoptotic signaling cascades. Further clinical studies are required to assess the long-term safety in the clinical setting.
Coated Diammonium Phosphate Combined With Humic Acid Improves Soil Phosphorus Availability and Photosynthesis and the Yield of Maize
Authors: Chen Qi , Qu Zhaoming , Li Zeli , Zhang Zixin , Ma Guohua , Liu Zhiguang , Wang Yanfeng , Wu Liang , Fang Fuli , Wei Zhanbo , Zhang Min
Published: December 2021

Controlled release phosphorus (P) fertilizers and humic acid (HA) applications are two effective and significant techniques or measures for preventing P loss and enhancing maize development. However, the underlying physiological mechanism of how the controlled release P fertilizers combined with HA affect the maize production and P-use efficiency (PUE) remains unknown. The effects of applying coated diammonium phosphate (CDAP) and HA together on soil nutrient supply intensity, soil phosphatase activity, photosynthesis, endogenous hormone contents, and yield of maize, as well as PUE, were examined in this study. In a pot experiment, two types of P fertilizers—CDAP and diammonium phosphate (DAP)– as well as two HA application rates (0 and 45 kg ha–1) and two P levels (60 and 75 kg P2O5 ha–1) were utilized. Results showed that the key elements that influence the growth and yield of the maize were the availability of P content in soil, plant photosynthesis, and hormone levels. The combination of CDAP and HA had a greater impact on yield and PUE over the course of 2 years than either DAP alone or DAP combined with HA. Besides, using CDAP in combination with HA increased the yield and PUE by 4.2 and 8.4%, respectively, as compared to the application of CDAP alone at 75 kg P2O5 ha–1. From the twelve-leaf to milk stages, the available P content in the soil was increased by an average of 38.6% with the combination of CDAP and HA compared to the application of CDAP alone at 75 kg P2O5 ha–1. In addition, the application of CDAP combined with HA boosted the activities of ATP synthase, as well as the content of cytokinin (CTK), and hence improved the maize photosynthetic rate (Pn). When compared to the application of CDAP alone or DAP combined with HA, the Pn of CDAP + HA treatments was enhanced by 17.9–35.1% at the same P rate. In conclusion, as an environmentally friendly fertilizer, the combined application of CDAP and HA improved the intensity of the soil nutrient supply, regulated photosynthetic capabilities, and increased the yield and PUE, which is important for agricultural production, P resource conservation, and environmental protection.
Utility of Psychometric and Dynamic Assessments for Identifying Cognitive Characteristics of Twice-Exceptional Students
Authors: Al-Hroub Anies
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this research was to examine the utility of psychometric and dynamic assessment for the identification of a twice-exceptional (2E) group of students who showed both mathematical high abilities and specific learning disabilities. Of a population of 800 students, 30 (14 boys and 16 girls) ages 10 to 12 years were selected and identified as twice-exceptional at three public elementary schools in Amman, the capital of Jordan. A combination of three psychometric tests and one dynamic math assessment tool was used to recognize the cognitive and perceptual characteristics strengths and difficulties among students. Both psychometric and dynamic assessment models were found important and complementary to one another for the identification of cognitive and perceptual characteristics of twice-exceptional children. The findings were reported and discussed.
The Effect of Digital Game-Based Learning on Learning Motivation and Performance Under Social Cognitive Theory and Entrepreneurial Thinking
Authors: Chen Chia-Chen , Tu Hsing-Ying
Published: December 2021

This study aims to investigate the effects of students’ learning motivation and learning performance in a digital game-based learning setting and the structure of competition. This study uses Social Cognitive Theory, which emphasizes the bidirectional effects between personal factors, environmental factors, and behavior. We use the emotional state as the personal factor, social support as the environmental factor, learning performance as behavior. We also use self-efficacy and learning motivation as the mediating factors in the model. Data samples were collected from approximately 600 students in junior high schools in Taiwan. The students learned via either application or conventional lectures in three groups. The Control Group (CG) learned the course through a conventional learning approach. The Experimental group 1 (EG1) learned by a digital game, while Experimental Group 2 (EG2) learned through the digital game in combination with a structure that involved competing and entrepreneurship with classmates. The result of this research shows that the emotional state negatively affects learning motivation and self-efficacy, that self-efficacy will positively affect learning motivation, social support will positively affect self-efficacy, and self-efficacy and learning motivation will both positively affect learning performance. In addition, this research certifies previous works that entrepreneurs prefer to be more aggressive in competitions, have a high demand for accomplishment motivation, and are more likely to facilitate competitive over non-competitive environments.
Modeling Teacher Supports Toward Self-Directed Language Learning Beyond the Classroom: Technology Acceptance and Technological Self-Efficacy as Mediators
Authors: Pan Xiaoquan , Chen Wei
Published: December 2021

This study explored the contributions of teacher supports toward students’ self-directed language learning beyond the classroom and investigated whether technology acceptance and technological self-efficacy could be the mediators between teacher supports and students’ self-directed language learning in a sample of Chinese undergraduate students. A total of 197 freshmen students in one university in Eastern China participated in the questionnaires concerning teacher supports, technology acceptance, technological self-efficacy and self-directed language learning. The study highlighted the results: (1) perceived usefulness mediated the relationship between teacher affective supports and students’ self-directed language learning as well as the relationship between teacher capacity supports and students’ self-directed language learning; (2) technological self-efficacy mediated the relationship between teacher affective supports and students’ self-directed language learning as well as the relationship between teacher behavior supports and students’ self-directed language learning; and (3) perceived easy of use had no noticeable mediating functions, but exerted an indirect influence on students’ self-directed language learning. These findings extended previous researches by considering both the external factors (i.e., teacher supports) and the internal factors (i.e., technology acceptance and technological self-efficacy) of influencing students’ self-directed language learning, thereby contributing to enhancing our understanding of the joint drive of the inherent and extrinsic power mechanisms. This study indicated the significance of elevating teachers’ awareness of the substantial supports in enhancing students’ self-directed language learning beyond the classroom and would inform that the future research on teachers’ compliance in relation to technology use be converted from institutional mandates into teachers’ conscientious behaviors.
Regret and Other Emotions Related to Decision-Making: Antecedents, Appraisals, and Phenomenological Aspects
Authors: Matarazzo Olimpia , Abbamonte Lucia , Greco Claudia , Pizzini Barbara , Nigro Giovanna
Published: December 2021

Objectives:The mainstream position on regret in psychological literature is that its necessary conditions are agency and responsibility, that is, to choose freely but badly. Without free choice, other emotions, such as disappointment, are deemed to be elicited when the outcome is worse than expected. In two experiments, we tested the opposite hypothesis that being forced by external circumstances to choose an option inconsistent with one’s own intentions is an important source of regret and a core component of its phenomenology, regardless of the positivity/negativity of the post-decision outcome. Along with regret, four post-decision emotions – anger toward oneself, disappointment, anger toward circumstances, and satisfaction – were investigated to examine their analogies and differences to regret with regard to antecedents, appraisals, and phenomenological aspects.

Methods:Through the scenario methodology, we manipulated three variables: choice (free/forced), outcome (positive/negative), and time (short/long time after decision-making). Moreover, we investigated whether responsibility, decision justifiability, and some phenomenological aspects (self-attribution, other attribution, and contentment) mediated the effect exerted by choice, singularly or in interaction with outcome and time, on the five emotions. Each study was conducted with 336 participants, aged 18–60.

Results:The results of both studies were similar and supported our hypothesis. In particular, regret elicited by forced choice was always high, regardless of the valence of outcome, whereas free choice elicited regret was high only with a negative outcome. Moreover, regret was unaffected by responsibility and decision justifiability, whereas it was affected by the three phenomenological dimensions.

Conclusion:Our results suggest that(1)the prevailing theory of regret is too binding, since it posits as necessary some requirements which are not;(2)the antecedents and phenomenology of regret are broader than it is generally believed;(3)decision-making produces a complex emotional constellation, where the different emotions, singularly and/or in combination, constitute the affective responses to the different aspects of decision-making.
Cognitive Frailty: An Update
Authors: Facal David , Burgo Clara , Spuch Carlos , Gaspar Pedro , Campos-Magdaleno María
Published: December 2021

This review article provides an update of the empirical research on cognitive fragility conducted in the last four years. The studies retrieved were classified in four different categories. The first category includes articles relating cognitive frailty to cognitive reserve and which continue to highlight the importance of educational level. The second category includes recent research on cognitive fragility biomarkers, involving neuroimaging, metabolism and, in a novel way, microbiota. The third category includes research on how cognitive frailty is related to motor development and physical functioning, exploring e.g. the use of technology to study motor markers of cognitive frailty. Finally, in the fourth category, research clarifying the difference between reversible frailty and potentially reversible cognitive frailty has led to new interventions aimed at reducing cognitive frailty and preventing negative health outcomes. Interventions based on physical activity and multicomponent interventions are particularly emphasized. In addition, recent research explores the long-term effects of dual interventions in older adults living in nursing homes. In summary, research on cognitive frailty has increased in recent years, and applied aspects have gained importance.
Evaluation of Psychosocial Pathways to Family Adaptation of Chinese Patients With Liver Cancer Using the McCubbin's Family Resilience Model
Authors: Mao Shirou , Lu Huijuan , Zhang Yuxia , Yu Jingxian , Li Xiaorong , Peng Jian , Liang Yan
Published: December 2021

Background and Aim: With the prolonged survival time of patients with liver cancer, these families may face tremendous pressure and development dilemmas that can easily lead to family adaptation crises. Correspondingly, family adaptation crises adversely affect the quality of life of patients and family members. Basing on McCubbin's resilience model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation, and considering the key factors affecting family resilience based on a review of literature, this study involved a construction of a family adaptation influencing factors model in Chinese liver cancer patients, which was then verified and revised.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between August and December 2020. Using convenience sampling, we selected 265 liver cancer families from the liver tumor center of a teaching hospital affiliated with a university in Shanghai, China. Data from 252 patients with liver cancer and their caregivers were used to identify the factors and pathways associated with family adaptation. The relationships were modeled using structural equations.

Results: A total of 265 liver cancer families participated in the survey, and 252 valid questionnaires were returned, with a response rate of 95.09%. The pathway regression coefficients of six factors (family burden, individual resilience, family problem-solving and coping, inner family support, outer family social support, and family function) in the model were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05), indicating that all of them were significantly associated with family adaptation. Among them, inner family support, outer family social support, and family function were direct influencing factors, while the others were indirect. The path coefficients of the total effect of the determinants on family adaptation were as follows (from largest to smallest): individual resilience (0.562), family function (0.483), outer family social support (0.345), family burden (−0.300), inner family support (0.293), family problem-solving and coping (0.127).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that clinical nurses should not only pay particular attention to direct influencing factors, develop strategies to strengthen the overall family function, encourage patients and caregivers to utilize inner family and outer family social support, but should also consider indirect influence factors, focus on the vital role of the individual, and promote patients' and caregivers' personal and family coping ability.