bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical Creativity in Elementary School Children: General Patterns and Effects of an Incubation Break
Authors: Shaw Stacy T. , Luna Michelle L. , Rodriguez Briana , Yeh Jan , Villalta Nancy , Ramirez Gerardo
Published: March 2022

Research from the general field of creativity demonstrates that in the realm of problem-solving, breaks from the task at hand, known as incubation breaks, can improve idea generation and creative thinking. This study investigated whether a brief incubation break during a mathematical strategy generation task could improve elementary students’ ability to generate strategies and think more creatively. Over 200 elementary school students (grades 1–5) were asked to continuously generate mathematical strategies to solve the problem 36 – 18 for 10 min, with half randomly assigned to receive a 1-min incubation break after 5 min. Results showed that children assigned to the incubation break showed a statistically significantly higher number of strategies generated in the second block of the working period compared to students who received no break, but there were no differences in rated creativity of their strategies. Further exploratory analyses found that across grades, the number of strategies students could produce on average increased with each grade. However, when it came to the creativity of strategies, a linear trend emerged only from first through fourth grade, but fifth-grade students showed a drop in creativity.
Associations Between Abdominal Obesity Indices and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Chinese Visceral Adiposity Index
Authors: Chen Xueyu , Shi Fengxue , Xiao Juan , Huang Fengyan , Cheng Fang , Wang Lihua , Ju Yanli , Zhou Yong , Jia Hongying
Published: March 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver metabolic disease worldwide. Up to 70%–80% of patients with NAFLD were obese, especially abdominal obesity. Many indicators of abdominal obesity have been reported, including waist circumference (WC), visceral obesity index (VAI), lipid accumulation (LAP), and Chinese VAI (CVAI). However, few studies investigated the associations between these indices with NAFLD. This present study aims to explore the associations between abdominal obesity indices with NAFLD. A total of 7,238 participants were involved in the cross-sectional study, and 1,584 participants were included in the longitudinal study from Jidong communities. NAFLD was assessed by abdominal ultrasonography. The trajectory of WC, VAI, LAP, and CVAI during 2013–2016 was identified by a group-based trajectory model. The logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models analyzed the correlations and causality between abdominal obesity indices with NAFLD. In this study, the prevalence and incidence of NAFLD are approximately 44% and 26%, respectively. In the cross-sectional study, WC, VAI, LAP, and CVAI are associated with NAFLD. After adjustment for potential confounders, the moderate-rising and high-rising groups of CVAI had the highest risk of NAFLD in longitudinal analysis (hazard ratio (HR): 3.903, 95%CI: 2.434–6.259; HR: 5.694 95%CI: 3.098–10.464, respectively). Receiving operating characteristic curves show that CVAI has the best diagnostic value for NAFLD (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.868). CVAI is independently associated with the risk of NAFLD and may also have an important value to the diagnosis of NAFLD.
An Approach to Quickly Establish Regional Carbon Management System
Authors: Zhu Chaoyong , Gao Peidao , Zhang Yang , Chen Bo
Published: March 2022

Local governments are the main actors in achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. The existing carbon management system is mainly for the country, industry or enterprise, and there is no carbon management design method for local governments. Therefore, from the perspective of local governments, a regional carbon management approach based on carbon-electricity intensity and carbon efficiency is proposed. First, based on electricity consumption data, combined with regional industry energy statistics, a carbon-electricity intensity indicator is established to estimate the carbon emissions of enterprises, and then different carbon emission reduction strategies are constructed using carbon efficiency indicator. This study proposes two types of emission reduction strategies, marginal opt-out and collective action, and conducts scenario simulation analysis using a case study from a city in southeastern China. The baseline scenario shows that although the marginal opt-out strategy has the lowest economic cost, the emission reduction rate is also lower, while the collective action strategy can achieve the emission reduction target faster, but only at a higher economic cost. This approach is suitable for the construction of the initial carbon management system in areas dominated by electricity consumption, taking into account the two dimensions of economy and environment, and can be applied to various decision-making scenarios, which is beneficial for local governments to quickly start the carbon management system.
Parental Sex and Not Kinship Determines Egg Cannibalism in Arma custos Fallou (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Asopinae)
Authors: Wu Shaolong , Zeng Weiai , Deng Wan , Li Jiaying , Li Mi , Tan Lin , Cai Hailin , Li Xiaohong , Li Youzhi , Zhou Zhicheng
Published: March 2022

Background

Arma custosFallou (Hemiptera: Asopinae) is an important predatory insect native to China, South Korea, and Mongolia. It is important to understand the evolution of egg cannibalism inA. custosto evaluate the biocontrol potential of this species. However, few reports have suggested egg cannibalism inA. custos, and whether hungry adultA. custosmales and females prey on their eggs remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of the parental sex ofA. custosadults on egg cannibalism of parental and non-parental eggs (kinship) under no-choice and free-choice conditions, along with the effects of predator and egg density on egg cannibalism under starvation conditions.

Results

Females frequently visited and cannibalized a higher proportion of eggs, whereas males almost did not participate in egg cannibalism (less than 17% males showed egg cannibalism behavior). Moreover, regardless of their relationship with the egg, neither male nor female adults consumed all available eggs even in the absence of an alternative food source, and >70% of eggs remained unconsumed. In contrast, cannibalistic males and females did not discriminate between parental and non-parental egg types. Meanwhile, cannibalism rates were similar when adults were offered 30 eggs or more. However, when offered fewer than 30 eggs, cannibalism rates declined disproportionally, suggesting that limited egg availability reduced cannibalism. Additionally, the lifespan ofA. custosadult females increased significantly with increasing number of consumed eggs (p< 0.05).

Conclusion

Arma custosfemales exhibit a higher tendency for egg cannibalism than males. Neither male or femaleA. custosdiscriminated between parental and non-parental egg types. Cannibalism enhances survival in that a starved individual who predates on eggs survives similarly to a well-fed individual. These findings provide a model to study the evolution and biological significance of egg cannibalism inA. custosand also contribute to the efficient mass rearing and realization ofA. custosfor biological control.
Habitat Restoration Restores Underwater Soundscapes and Larval Recruitment
Authors: Butler Jack , Anderson Emily R. , Butler Mark J.
Published: March 2022

Habitat degradation alters many ecosystem processes, and the potential for the reestablishment of ecosystem function through restoration is an area of active research. Among marine systems, coastal habitats are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic degradation and, in response, are the focus of marine ecological restoration. One of the crucial functions of structurally complex coastal habitats (e.g., saltmarshes, seagrass meadows, kelp forests, coral reefs) are as nurseries to coastal and offshore species, many of whose larvae utilize sound to locate suitable nursery habitat. However, the effect of habitat degradation and subsequent restoration on underwater soundscapes and their function as navigational cues for larvae is unexplored. We investigated these phenomena in sponge-dominated hardbottom habitat in the waters surrounding the middle Florida Keys (Florida, United States) that have been degraded in recent decades by massive sponge die-offs caused by harmful algal blooms. One of the consequences of sponge die-offs are dramatic changes in underwater sounds normally produced by sponge-associated animals. We tested whether soundscapes from healthy hardbottom habitat influenced larval recruitment, and then examined how hardbottom degradation and restoration with transplanted sponges affected underwater soundscapes and the recruitment of larval fishes and invertebrates. Larval assemblages recruiting to healthy areas were significantly different than those assemblages recruiting to either degraded or restored hardbottom areas. Fewer larvae recruited to degraded and restored areas compared to healthy hardbottom, particularly during the full moon. Experimental playback of healthy hardbottom soundscapes on degraded sites did not promote larval community differences although some individual species responded to the playback of healthy habitat soundscapes. These results indicate that habitat-associated soundscapes have idiosyncratic effects on larval settlement, which is diminished by the degradation of nursery habitat but can be reestablished with appropriate habitat restoration.
The mTORC1 Signaling Support Cellular Metabolism to Dictate Decidual NK Cells Function in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Yan Song , Dong Jie , Qian Chenxi , Chen Shuqiang , Xu Qian , Lei Hui , Wang Xiaohong
Published: March 2022

Cellular metabolism plays an important role in regulating both human and murine NK cell functions. However, it remains unclear whether cellular metabolic process impacts on the function of decidual NK cells (dNK), essential tissue-resident immune cells maintaining the homeostasis of maternal-fetal interface. Remarkably, we found that glycolysis blockage enhances dNK VEGF-A production but restrains its proliferation. Furthermore, levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α secreted by dNK get decreased when glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is inhibited. Additionally, glycolysis, OXPHOS, and fatty acid oxidation disruption has little effects on the secretion and the CD107a-dependent degranulation of dNK. Mechanistically, we discovered that the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling inhibition leads to decreased glycolysis and OXPHOS in dNK. These limited metabolic processes are associated with attenuated dNK functions, which include restricted production of cytokines including IFN-γ and TNF-α, diminished CD107a-dependent degranulation, and restrained dNK proliferation. Finally, we reported that the protein levels of several glycolysis-associated enzymes are altered and the mTORC1 activity is significantly lower in the decidua of women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) compared with normal pregnancy, which might give new insights about the pathogenesis of RPL. Collectively, our data demonstrate that glucose metabolism and mTORC1 signaling support dNK functions in early pregnancy.
Spatial Variability of the Feeding Conditions for the Norwegian Spring Spawning Herring in May
Authors: Kristiansen Inga , Hátún Hjálmar , Jacobsen Jan Arge , Eliasen Sólvá K. , Petursdottir Hildur , Gaard Eilif
Published: March 2022

The abundant and ecologically important copepods Calanus finmarchicus and Calanus hyperboreus within the Norwegian and Iceland Seas are key prey species of Norwegian spring spawning herring. The volume flux of East Icelandic Water, which carries the mentioned zooplankton species into the southern Norwegian Sea, is highly variable. The years 1996–2002 have previously been characterized as high influx years, 2003–2016 as low influx years and since 2017 a reversal to higher influx has been apparent. Hydrographic and zooplankton data, as well as fish data on herring (size and diet content), from the International Ecosystem Surveys in the Nordic Seas in May have been used in this study. Focus is on the south-western Norwegian Sea, where herring has regularly been observed in May since 2005 and where changes in plankton availability and in the hydrographic environment have also been observed. Diet biomass from 2017–2020 (higher influx period) showed higher stomach fullness compared to 2007–2011 (lower influx period). Furthermore, the highest stomach fullness is observed in the westernmost feeding region—referred to as the Feeding Spot. The scrutinized diet content showed a notably higher biomass of ingested C. hyperboreus in 2020 compared to 2007–2011, indicating a preference for the larger and more nutritious copepod. Zooplankton analysis from May 2020 revealed that the core of the western feeding region, i.e., the area with highest zooplankton biomass, was located within the subarctic waters immediately north/west of the junction between the Iceland-Faroe Front and the Jan Mayen Front. The core area was mainly represented by overwintering stages and the derived adult stages of C. finmarchicus and C. hyperboreus. Interplay between food availability and accessibility, in terms of temperature, to the Feeding Spot, is discussed.
Air-Sea Latent Heat Flux Anomalies Induced by Oceanic Submesoscale Processes: An Observational Case Study
Authors: Song Xiangzhou , Xie Xuehan , Qiu Bo , Cao Haijin , Xie Shang-Ping , Chen Zhiqiang , Yu Weidong
Published: March 2022

The classical theory predicts that a geostrophically balanced mesoscale eddy can cause a sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly related to Ekman pumping. Previous studies show that an eddy-induced SST anomaly can result in a sea surface latent heat flux (LH) anomaly at a maximum magnitude of ∼O(10) Wm–2, decaying radially outward from the center to the margin. In this study, we investigate the LH anomalies associated with submesoscale processes within a cyclonic eddy for the first time using recent satellite-ship-coordinated air-sea observations in the South China Sea. Unbalanced submesoscale features can be identified as submesoscale SST fronts. Along the ship track, the SST strikingly decreases by 0.5°C within a horizontal distance of ∼1.5 km and increases quickly by 0.9°C with a spatial interval of ∼3.6 km. The along-track SST is decomposed into three parts: large-scale south-north fronts and anomalies induced by mesoscale and submesoscale motions. Our analysis shows that the amplitude of the LH anomaly induced by the mesoscale SST anomaly is 12.3 Wm–2, while it is 14.3 Wm–2 by unbalanced submesoscale motions. The mean (maximum) spatial gradient of the submesoscale LH anomalies is 1.7 (75.7) Wm–2km–1, which is approximately 1.5 times those (1.2 and 59.9 Wm–2km–1) in association with mesoscale eddies. The spectra of LH and SST anomalies show similar peaks at ∼15 km before sloping down with a power law between k–2 and k–3, indicating the underlying relationship between the LH variance and submesoscale processes.
Influences of Tidal Flat and Thermal Discharge on Heat Dynamics in Xiangshan Bay
Authors: Kong Gaoqiang , Li Li , Guan Weibing
Published: March 2022

Water temperature in estuaries is sensitive to thermal discharges and expansive tidal flats; as such, this parameter is essential in maintaining estuarine ecosystem. Semi-enclosed water bodies with poor water exchange easily accumulate heat. This is especially true for Xiangshan Bay, which contains two power plants and a large area of tidal flats. This bay was used as an example to study water temperature and heat dynamics, considering the thermal discharge and tidal flats. This study developed and validated a three-dimensional hydro-heat flux numerical model using field data on tidal elevation, currents, water temperature, and tidal flat temperature. The Finite Volume Community Ocean Model combines an accurate thermal discharge model with the air-water-tidal flat heat flux model. The findings showed that thermal discharge provides heat to the bay in summer and winter, and increases the water temperature of the entire bay by 0.7°C in summer, while maintaining water temperature at 0.52°C in winter. The atmosphere and open seas had greater impacts on heat in the bay in winter and summer. The atmosphere and tidal flats provided heat to the bay in summer and absorbed heat from the bay during winter; the opposite was true for the open sea. The effect of tidal flats in summer is less than that in winter, and provides 1.31 × 1013 J of heat to the bay in summer, while taking 8.63 × 1013 J of heat from the bay in winter. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the effects of tidal flats and thermal discharge on water temperature and heat in macro-tidal bays and estuaries; its results are applicable to similar bays around the world.
Decline in Respiratory Functions in Hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 Infected Cancer Patients Following Cytotoxic Chemotherapy—An Additional Risk for Post-chemotherapy Complications
Authors: Al-Mozaini Maha Ahmed , Islam Mihyar , Noman Abu Shadat M. , Karim ATM Rezaul , Farhat Walid A. , Yeger Herman , Islam Syed S.
Published: March 2022

Background

Patients recovering from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection demonstrate impaired lung function and those requiring chemotherapy after recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection have yet to be explored. In this study, we sought to investigate the possible pulmonary functional changes during and after administering chemotherapy in patients with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

In this study, a total of 37 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients with cancer who were discharged from hospital and received subsequent cytotoxic chemotherapy were enrolled and prospectively followed-up. The following parameters were prospectively measured before (P1), after first chemotherapy cycle (P2), and 10 weeks after the end of chemotherapy (P3), to assess their impact on respiratory complications in terms of diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), forced expiratory volume in 1-s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), 6-min walking distance (6MWD) test and levels of key inflammatory markers.

Results

All patients completed at least 2 cycles of chemotherapy without showing overt respiratory complications. Six patients (16%) complained about dyspnea during chemotherapy or at follow-up period. DLCO was significantly impaired during follow-up period [from P1 78 to P3 60% of predicted values; interquartile range (IQR) 55–89] and in 32 of 37 (86% of patients) from P1 to P2 (65% of predictive value; IQR 58–70; p < 0.001). Several patients experienced post-chemotherapy respiratory complications. As expected, all patients from control groups showed persistent improved pulmonary functions.

Conclusion

The risk of pulmonary impairments due to cytotoxic chemotherapy in prior SARS-CoV-2 infected patients is linked to the loss of DLCO. Accordingly, we recommend that for patients with cancer requiring chemotherapy after recovering from prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, pulmonary tests to be performed routinely before and during chemotherapy treatment to monitor the pulmonary performance.
Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Severe Dengue Fever in Xishuangbanna, During the Dengue Outbreak in 2019
Authors: Wang Xiaodan , Li Tingting , Shu Yun , Zhang Juan , Shan Xiyun , Li Daiying , Ma Dehong , Long Shuying , Pan Yue , Chen Junying , Liu Pinghua , Sun Qiangming
Published: March 2022

Background

Dengue poses a large burden on the public health systems worldwide. severe dengue (SD) could lead to more serious clinical symptoms and even death. This study aimed to identify the cause of SD in a clinical trial during the dengue outbreak in Xishuangbanna in 2019, and could provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of SD.

Methods

Mosquito-borne viral (DENV, JEV, and CHIKV) infections were identified. The epidemiological factors and clinical symptoms of inpatients in Xishuangbanna were recorded. The IgG and IgM levels in the serum of dengue inpatients were evaluated, and secondary infections were identified. Then, the structural proteins (C/PrM/E) were sequenced and compared with those of the same type of DENV in the same area as before, and their structures were predicted by the SWISS-MODEL (expasy.org). The full-length viral genomes were sequenced and aligned with representative strains by BioEidt or MEGA 5.0.

Results

In this outbreak, the clinical symptoms were more serious in SD. The proportion of SD inpatients of male and Han nationality was larger than that of dengue fever (DF) inpatients (p < 0.05). DENV-2 infection was the majority in DF, with 45 inpatients. However, DENV-1 infection was the most common SD, with 54 inpatients. There were 3 DENV-3-positive inpatients in the DF group and 6 ZIKV-positive inpatients in the SD group. A secondary infection accounted for 76.47% (78 cases) of SD inpatients, but secondary infections were only in 20% (17 cases) of DF inpatients. In the three-dimensional structure of protein analysis, the C/PrM/E of DENV-1 and DENV-2 showed more stability than previous epidemic strains, while DENV-3 in 2019 showed a looser spatial structure. After a complete genome sequencing and analysis, all six DENV-2 strains belonged to cosmopolitan, five of which clustered into one branch. The GC/AT of the five strains decreased from 2014 to 2018. Compared with DF strains, SD strains had no mutations of commonness.

Conclusions

SD may related to secondary heteromorphic dengue in Xishuangbanna in 2019. The coinfection of ZIKV could be another related factor for SD. The currently datas were very limited and only suggestive.
A Novel Endophytic Trichoderma longibrachiatum WKA55 With Biologically Active Metabolites for Promoting Germination and Reducing Mycotoxinogenic Fungi of Peanut
Authors: Al-Askar Abdulaziz A. , Rashad Ehsan M. , Moussa Zeiad , Ghoneem Khalid M. , Mostafa Ashraf A. , Al-Otibi Fatimah O. , Arishi Amr Abker , Saber WesamEldin I. A.
Published: March 2022

Plant residuals comprise the natural habitat of the plant pathogen; therefore, attention is currently focusing on biological-based bioprocessing of biomass residuals into benefit substances. The current study focused on the biodegradation of peanut plant residual (PNR) into citric acid (CA) through a mathematical modeling strategy. Novel endophyticTrichoderma longibrachiatumWKA55 (GenBank accession number: MZ014020.1), having lytic (cellulase, protease, and polygalacturonase) activity, and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) solubilization ability were isolated from peanut seeds and used during the fermentation process. As reported by HPLC, the maximum CA (5505.1 μg/g PNR) was obtained after 9 days in the presence of 15.49 mg TCP, and 15.68 mg glucose. GC–MS analysis showed other bioactive metabolites in the filtrate of the fermented PNR. Practically, the crude product (40%) fully inhibited (100%) the growth and spore germination of three mycotoxinogenic fungi. On peanuts, it improved the seed germination (91%), seedling features, and vigor index (70.45%) with a reduction of abnormal seedlings (9.33%). The current study presents the fundamentals for large-scale production in the industry for the sustainable development of PNR biomass as a natural source of bioactive metabolites, and safe consumption of lignocellulosic-proteinaceous biomass, as well.T. longibrachiatumWKA55 was also introduced as a novel CA producer specified on PNR. Application of the resulting metabolite is encouraged on a large scale.
Construction and Characterization of an Intergeneric Fusant That Degrades the Fungicides Chlorothalonil and Carbendazim
Authors: Xue Chen , Zheng Jiaxin , Wang Guangli , Feng Liang , Li Feng
Published: March 2022

Bordetella sp. CTN-16 (GenBank FJ598326) can degrade chlorothalonil (CTN) but not carbendazim (MBC), and Microbacterium sp. MBC-3 (GenBank OK667229) can degrade MBC but not CTN. A functional strain BD2 was obtained by protoplast fusion of CTN-16 and MBC-3 to generate a fusant with improved degradation efficiency of CTN and MBC. Fusant-BD2 with eighth transfer on a medium containing CTN and two antibiotics was obtained. To identify and confirm the genetic relationship between parental strains and fusion strain BD2, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences analysis were carried out. SEM analysis illustrated BD2 and its parents had some slight differences in the cell morphology. Fusant-BD2 not only possessed the same bands as parental strains but also had its specific bands analyzed through RAPD. The genetic similarity indices for BD2 and its parental strains CTN-16 and MBC-3 are 0.571 and 0.428, respectively. The degradation rates of CTN and MBC were 79.8% and 65.2% in the inorganic salt solution containing 50 mg·L−1 CTN and 50 mg·L−1 MBC, respectively, and the degradation efficiencies were better than the parental strains CTN-16 and MBC-3. This study provides a prospect for the application of fusion strain BD2 in bioremediation of CTN and MBC contaminated sites.
A Nanobody-Based Toolset to Monitor and Modify the Mitochondrial GTPase Miro1
Authors: Fagbadebo Funmilayo O. , Kaiser Philipp D. , Zittlau Katharina , Bartlick Natascha , Wagner Teresa R. , Froehlich Theresa , Jarjour Grace , Nueske Stefan , Scholz Armin , Traenkle Bjoern , Macek Boris , Rothbauer Ulrich
Published: March 2022

The mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM)-anchored GTPase Miro1, is a central player in mitochondrial transport and homeostasis. The dysregulation of Miro1 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) suggests that Miro1 may be a potential biomarker or drug target in neuronal disorders. However, the molecular functionality of Miro1 under (patho-) physiological conditions is poorly known. For a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular functions of Miro1, we have developed Miro1-specific nanobodies (Nbs) as novel research tools. We identified seven Nbs that bind either the N- or C-terminal GTPase domain of Miro1 and demonstrate their application as research tools for proteomic and imaging approaches. To visualize the dynamics of Miro1 in real time, we selected intracellularly functional Nbs, which we reformatted into chromobodies (Cbs) for time-lapse imaging of Miro1. By genetic fusion to an Fbox domain, these Nbs were further converted into Miro1-specific degrons and applied for targeted degradation of Miro1 in live cells. In summary, this study presents a collection of novel Nbs that serve as a toolkit for advanced biochemical and intracellular studies and modulations of Miro1, thereby contributing to the understanding of the functional role of Miro1 in disease-derived model systems.
Knowledge Gaps in Biophysical Changes After Powered Robotic Exoskeleton Walking by Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury—A Scoping Review
Authors: Yip Christopher C. H. , Lam Chor-Yin , Cheung Kenneth M. C. , Wong Yat Wa , Koljonen Paul A.
Published: March 2022

In addition to helping individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) regain the ability to ambulate, the rapidly evolving capabilities of robotic exoskeletons provide an array of secondary biophysical benefits which can reduce the complications resulting from prolonged immobilization. The proposed benefits of increased life-long over-ground walking capacity include improved upper body muscular fitness, improved circulatory response, improved bowel movement regularity, and reduced pain and spasticity. Beyond the positive changes related to physical and biological function, exoskeletons have been suggested to improve SCI individuals' quality of life (QOL) by allowing increased participation in day-to-day activities. Most of the currently available studies that have reported on the impact of exoskeletons on the QOL and prevention of secondary health complications on individuals with SCI, are of small scale and are heterogeneous in nature. Moreover, few meta-analyses and reviews have attempted to consolidate the dispersed data to reach more definitive conclusions of the effects of exoskeleton use. This scoping review seeks to provide an overview on the known effects of overground exoskeleton use, on the prevention of secondary health complications, changes to the QOL, and their effect on the independence of SCI individuals in the community settings. Moreover, the intent of the review is to identify gaps in the literature currently available, and to make recommendations on focus study areas and methods for future investigations.
Assessing the Relationship of Patient Reported Outcome Measures With Functional Status in Dysferlinopathy: A Rasch Analysis Approach
Authors: Mayhew Anna G. , James Meredith K. , Moore Ursula , Sutherland Helen , Jacobs Marni , Feng Jia , Lowes Linda Pax , Alfano Lindsay N. , Muni Lofra Robert , Rufibach Laura E. , Rose Kristy , Duong Tina , Bello Luca , Pedrosa-Hernández Irene , Holsten Scott , Sakamoto Chikako , Canal Aurélie , Sánchez-Aguilera Práxedes Nieves , Thiele Simone , Siener Catherine , Vandevelde Bruno , DeWolf Brittney , Maron Elke , Gordish-Dressman Heather , Hilsden Heather , Guglieri Michela , Hogrel Jean-Yves , Blamire Andrew M. , Carlier Pierre G. , Spuler Simone , Day John W. , Jones Kristi J. , Bharucha-Goebel Diana X. , Salort-Campana Emmanuelle , Pestronk Alan , Walter Maggie C. , Paradas Carmen , Stojkovic Tanya , Mori-Yoshimura Madoka , Bravver Elena , Díaz-Manera Jordi , Pegoraro Elena , Mendell Jerry R. , Straub Volker
Published: March 2022

Dysferlinopathy is a muscular dystrophy with a highly variable functional disease progression in which the relationship of function to some patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) has not been previously reported. This analysis aims to identify the suitability of PROMs and their association with motor performance.Two-hundred and four patients with dysferlinopathy were identified in the Jain Foundation's Clinical Outcome Study in Dysferlinopathy from 14 sites in 8 countries. All patients completed the following PROMs: Individualized Neuromuscular Quality of Life Questionnaire (INQoL), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and activity limitations for patients with upper and/or lower limb impairments (ACTIVLIMs). In addition, nonambulant patients completed the Egen Klassifikation Scale (EK). Assessments were conducted annually at baseline, years 1, 2, 3, and 4. Data were also collected on the North Star Assessment for Limb Girdle Type Muscular Dystrophies (NSAD) and Performance of Upper Limb (PUL) at these time points from year 2. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Rasch analysis was conducted on ACTIVLIM, EK, INQoL. For associations, graphs (NSAD with ACTIVLIM, IPAQ and INQoL and EK with PUL) were generated from generalized estimating equations (GEE). The ACTIVLIM appeared robust psychometrically and was strongly associated with the NSAD total score (Pseudo R2 0.68). The INQoL performed less well and was poorly associated with the NSAD total score (Pseudo R2 0.18). EK scores were strongly associated with PUL (Pseudo R2 0.69). IPAQ was poorly associated with NSAD scores (Pseudo R2 0.09). This study showed that several of the chosen PROMs demonstrated change over time and a good association with functional outcomes. An alternative quality of life measure and method of collecting data on physical activity may need to be selected for assessing dysferlinopathy.
Dietary Fat and Prostate Cancer Relationship Using Trimmed Regression Under Uncertainty
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , AL-Marshadi Ali Hussein
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a new trimmed regression model under the neutrosophic environment is introduced. The mathematical model of the new regression model along with its neutrosophic form is given. The methods to find the error sum of square and trended values are also given. The trimmed neutrosophic correlation is also introduced in the paper. The proposed trimmed regression is applied to prostate cancer. From the analysis, it is concluded that the proposed model provides the minimum error sum of square as compared to the existing regression model under neutrosophic statistics. It is found that the proposed model is quite effective to forecast prostate cancer patients under an indeterminacy setting.
Higher Dietary Inflammatory Index Scores Are Associated With Stress and Anxiety in Dormitory-Residing Female University Students in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Attlee Amita , Saravanan Coumaravelou , Shivappa Nitin , Wirth Michael D. , Aljaberi Mashael , Alkaabi Reem , Bataineh Mo'ath F. , Hebert James R.
Published: March 2022

Dormitory-residing university students are at-risk of mental health problems related to unhealthy diets. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between dietary inflammatory potential and mental health of dormitory-residing female university students. This cross-sectional study was comprised of 260 undergraduate females residing in dormitories of the largest university in United Arab Emirates during Spring 2019. The Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DIITM) scores calculated from 37 food parameters were derived from two 24-h dietary recalls. The logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for the E-DII score in relation to depression, anxiety, and stress. The E-DII scores (mean = 2.98 ± 1.17) were categorized into: tertile 1 (−1.96–2.62), tertile 2 (2.63–3.52), and tertile 3 (3.53–5.60), representing less to more proinflammatory diets. Students in the E-DII tertile 3 had significantly higher depression, anxiety, and stress scores. The logistic regression analysis showed that each point increase in the E-DII score was associated with symptoms of stress (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.12–1.77; p = 0.003) and anxiety (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.07–1.69; p = 0.01). Relative to students in the E-DII tertile 1, those students in the E-DII tertile 3 were more likely to be at higher risk of stress and anxiety ORE−DIItertile3vs1 = 2.89 (1.44–5.79) and 2.88 (1.49–5.56), respectively. Overall, stress and anxiety were associated with proinflammatory diets in dormitory-residing female university students, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to increase the anti-inflammatory capacity of diet and improve mental wellbeing in students on university campuses.
Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Chinese Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Characteristics and Particularity
Authors: Wu Yaoqiang , Lin Han , You Xia , Guo Taiyan , Sun Tingting , Xu Hao , Fu Xibo
Published: March 2022

More than half of new cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and associated deaths occurring annually worldwide are recorded in China. Chinese patients with HCC exhibit special characteristics in terms of etiology, leading to differences in prognosis versus Western patients. In recent years, several angiogenesis inhibitors were approved, and immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) were recommended as second-line therapy for advanced HCC. In addition, the recent success of a combination of atezolizumab with bevacizumab signals resulted in an essential change in the first-line treatment of HCC. We investigated the characteristics of patients with HCC in China and summarized the rapidly emerging relevant clinical data, which relate to the prospects and challenges associated with the use of ICBs in this setting. We further evaluated the efficacy of ICBs in Chinese patients with HCC based on data obtained from global trials, and discussed possible factors influencing the effectiveness of ICBs in patients with HCC in China. Immunotherapy offers new options for the treatment of advanced HCC, though responses varied between patients. Currently, there is a need to discover specific biomarkers for the accurate identification of patients who would more likely benefit from immunotherapy. Furthermore, investigation of patient characteristics in different countries is necessary to provide a clinical practice basis and reference value for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Solid Tumor Opioid Receptor Expression and Oncologic Outcomes: Analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype Tissue Expression Project
Authors: Belltall Amparo , Zúñiga-Trejos Sheila , Garrido-Cano Iris , Eroles Pilar , Argente-Navarro Maria Pilar , Buggy Donal J. , Díaz-Cambronero Oscar , Mazzinari Guido
Published: March 2022

Background

Opioid receptors are expressed not only by neural cells in the central nervous system, but also by many solid tumor cancer cells. Whether perioperative opioids given for analgesia after tumor resection surgery might inadvertently activate tumor cells, promoting recurrence or metastasis, remains controversial. We analysed large public gene repositories of solid tumors to investigate differences in opioid receptor expression between normal and tumor tissues and their association with long–term oncologic outcomes.

Methods

We investigated the normalized gene expression of µ, κ, δ opioid receptors (MOR, KOR, DOR), Opioid Growth Factor (OGFR), and Toll-Like 4 (TLR4) receptors in normal and tumor samples from twelve solid tumor types. We carried out mixed multivariable logistic and Cox regression analysis on whether there was an association between these receptors’ gene expression and the tissue where found, i.e., tumor or normal tissue. We also evaluated the association between tumor opioid receptor gene expression and patient disease–free interval (DFI) and overall survival (OS).

Results

We retrieved 8,780 tissue samples, 5,852 from tumor and 2,928 from normal tissue, of which 2,252 were from the Genotype Tissue Expression Project (GTEx) and 672 from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) repository. The Odds Ratio (OR) [95%CI] for gene expression of the specific opioid receptors in the examined tumors varied: MOR: 0.74 [0.63–0.87], KOR: 1.27 [1.17–1.37], DOR: 1.66 [1.48–1.87], TLR4: 0.29 [0.26–0.32], OGFR: 2.39 [2.05–2.78]. After controlling all confounding variables, including age and cancer stage, there was no association between tumor opioid receptor expression and long–term oncologic outcomes.

Conclusion

Opioid receptor gene expression varies between different solid tumor types. There was no association between tumor opioid receptor expression and recurrence. Understanding the significance of opioid receptor expression on tumor cells remains elusive.
Methylation of SPRED1: A New Target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Su Nan , Wang Yujiao , Lu Xianglan , Xu Weihong , Wang He , Mo Wenbin , Pang Hui , Tang Rurong , Li Shibo , Yan Xiaojing , Li Yan , Zhang Rui
Published: March 2022

Sprouty-related, EVH1 domain-containing protein 1 (SPRED1) has been identified as a novel tumor suppressor gene in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Previous studies showed that SPRED1 methylation levels were significantly increased in AML patients, making it an interesting candidate for further investigations. To confirm the association of SPRED1 methylation, clinical parameters, and known molecular prognosticators and to identify the impact of methylation level on treatment outcome, we conducted this study in a larger cohort of 75 AML patients. Significantly increased methylation levels of SPRED1 were detected at four of ten CpG units by quantitative high-resolution mass spectrometry-based approach (MassARRAY) in AML patients. Whereas overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) showed no statistical difference between hypermethylation and hypomethylation subgroups, the relationship between methylation level and treatment response was indicated in paired samples from pre- and post-induction. To determine the possible mechanism of SPRED1 methylation in AML, we performed in vitro experiments using THP-1 cells, as the latter showed the highest methylation level (determined by utilizing bisulfite modification) among the three AML cell lines we tested. When treated with 5-AZA and lentivirus transfection, upregulated SPRED1 expression, decreased cell proliferation, increased cell differentiation and apoptosis, and inactivated phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) were detected in THP-1 cells. These results show that demethylation of SPRED1 can inhibit the proliferation of AML cells and promote their differentiation and apoptosis, possibly by the ERK pathway. The hypermethylation of SPRED1 is a potential therapeutic target for AML.
Outcomes of Patients With Active Cancer and COVID-19 in the Intensive-Care Unit: A Multicenter Ambispective Study
Authors: Plais Henri , Labruyère Marie , Creutin Thibault , Nay Paula , Plantefeve Gaëtan , Tapponnier Romain , Jonas Maud , Ngapmen Nadege Tchikangoua , Le Guennec Loïc , De Roquetaillade Charles , Argaud Laurent , Jamme Matthieu , Goulenok Cyril , Merouani Karim , Leclerc Maxime , Sauneuf Bertrand , Shidasp Sami , Stoclin Annabelle , Bardet Aurélie , Mir Olivier , Ibrahimi Nusaibah , Llitjos Jean-François
Published: March 2022

Background

Several studies report an increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients. However, data in the intensive care unit (ICU) are scarce.

Research Question

We aimed to investigate the association between active cancer and mortality among patients requiring organ support in the ICU.

Study Design and Methods

In this ambispective study encompassing 17 hospitals in France, we included all adult active cancer patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection requiring organ support and admitted in ICU. For each cancer patient, we included 3 non cancer patients as controls. Patients were matched at the same ratio using the inverse probability weighting approach based on a propensity score assessing the probability of cancer at admission. Mortality at day 60 after ICU admission was compared between cancer patients and non-cancer patients using primary logistic regression analysis and secondary multivariable analyses.

Results

Between March 12, 2020 and March 8, 2021, 2608 patients were admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infection in our study, accounting for 2.8% of the total population of patients with SARS-CoV-2 admitted in all French ICUs within the same period. Among them, 105 (n=4%) presented with cancer (51 patients had hematological malignancy and 54 patients had solid tumors). 409 of 420 patients were included in the propensity score matching process, of whom 307 patients in the non-cancer group and 102 patients in the cancer group. 145 patients (35%) died in the ICU at day 60, 59 (56%) with cancer and 86 (27%) without cancer. In the primary logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for death associated to cancer was 2.3 (95%CI 1.24 – 4.28, p=0.0082) higher for cancer patients than for a non-cancer patient at ICU admission. Exploratory multivariable analyses showed that solid tumor (OR: 2.344 (0.87-6.31), p=0.062) and hematological malignancies (OR: 4.144 (1.24-13.83), p=0.062) were independently associated with mortality.

Interpretation

Patients with cancer and requiring ICU admission for SARS-CoV-2 infection had an increased mortality, hematological malignancy harboring the higher risk in comparison to solid tumors.
Exosomal CD44 Transmits Lymph Node Metastatic Capacity Between Gastric Cancer Cells via YAP-CPT1A-Mediated FAO Reprogramming
Authors: Wang Mei , Yu Wanjun , Cao Xiaoli , Gu Hongbing , Huang Jiaying , Wu Chen , Wang Lin , Sha Xin , Shen Bo , Wang Ting , Yao Yongliang , Zhu Wei , Huang Feng
Published: March 2022

Background

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) commonly occurs in gastric cancer (GC) and is tightly associated with poor prognosis. Exosome-mediated lymphangiogenesis has been considered an important driver of LNM. Whether exosomes directly transmit the LNM phenotype between GC cells and its mechanisms remain elusive.

Methods

A highly lymphatic metastatic GC cell line (HGC-27-L) was established by serial passage of parental HGC-27 cells in BALB/c nude mice. The capacities of migration, invasion and LNM; fatty acid oxidation (FAO) levels; and the role of exosome-transferred LNM phenotype were compared among HGC-27-L, HGC-27 and primary GC cell line AGS. Exosomes derived from GC cells and sera were separately isolated using ultracentrifugation and ExoQuick exosome precipitation solution, and were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Nanosight and western blotting. Transwell assay and LNM models were conducted to evaluate the capacities of migration, invasion and LNM of GC cells in vitro and in vivo. β-oxidation rate and CPT1 activity were measured to assess FAO. CPT1A inhibitor etomoxir was used to determine the role of FAO. Label-free LC-MS/MS proteome analysis screened the differential protein profiling between HGC-27-exosomes and AGS-exosomes. Small interference RNAs and YAP inhibitor verteporfin were used to elucidate the role and mechanism of exosomal CD44. TCGA data analysis, immunochemistry staining and ELISA were performed to analyze the expression correlation and clinical significance of CD44/YAP/CPT1A.

Results

FAO was increased in lymphatic metastatic GC cells and indispensable for sustaining LNM capacity. Lymphatic metastatic GC cell-exosomes conferred LNM capacity on primary GC cells in an FAO-dependent way. Mechanistically, CD44 was identified to be enriched in HGC-27-exosomes and was a critical cargo protein regulating exosome-mediated transmission, possibly by modulating the RhoA/YAP/Prox1/CPT1A signaling axis. Abnormal expression of CD44/YAP/CPT1A in GC tissues was correlated with each other and associated with LNM status, stages, invasion and poor survival. Serum exosomal CD44 concentration was positively correlated with tumor burden in lymph nodes.

Conclusions

We uncovered a novel mechanism: exosomal CD44 transmits LNM capacity between GC cells via YAP-CPT1A-mediated FAO reprogramming from the perspective of exosomes-transferred LNM phenotype. This provides potential therapeutic targets and a non-invasive biomarker for GC patients with LNM.
Case Report: A Novel Compound Heterozygote Mutation of the SCNN1B Gene Identified in a Chinese Familial Pseudohypoaldosteronism Disease Type I With Persistent Hyperkalemia
Authors: Liu Zongzhi , Wang Xiaojiao , Zhang Zilong , Yang Zixin , Wang Junyun , Wang Yajuan
Published: March 2022

Background

Pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA) diseases are difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often non-specific and an in-depth pathogenesis study is still lacking.

Case Presentation

We present the case of a 19-day-old neonate who presented with unexplained recurrent hyperkalaemia, hypovolemia and metabolic acidosis, whose parents did not have significant clinical disease characteristics. Whole-exome sequencing was performed to confirm the disease and genetic pattern of the neonate. Sanger sequencing was performed to identify the mutation sites. Secondary structure comparisons and 3D model construction were used to predict changes in protein structure. Two novel frameshift mutations in the SCNN1B gene were identified (c.1290delA and c.1348_1361del), which resulted in amino acid synthesis termination (p.Gln431ArgfsTer2 and p.Thr451AspfsTer6). Considering the clinical phenotype and genetic analysis, this case was finally identified as a PHA type I disease. Genetic analysis showed that the neonate suffered complex heterozygosity in the SCNN1B gene inherited from the parents, which is passed on in an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. These two deleterious mutations resulted in an incomplete protein 3D structure.

Conclusions

Our results have confirmed the associations of mutations in the SCNN1B gene with recurrent hyperkalaemia, which can cause severe PHA type I disease, meanwhile suggested clinical attention should be paid when persistent recurrent hyperkalemia is accompanied by these types of mutations.