bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The clinical impact of serum 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol levels on coronary artery calcification and adverse outcomes assessed by coronary optical coherence tomography in diabetic patients
Authors: Teng Hsin-I , Chen Hsiang-Yao , Tsai Chuan-Tsai , Huang Wei-Chieh , Chen Ying-Ying , Hsueh Chien-Hung , Hau William K. , Lu Tse-Min
Published: August 2022

Background

Serum 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol (1,5-AG) is a novel biomarker for short-term glycemic status and postprandial hyperglycemia. The association between serum 1,5-AG levels and coronary artery calcification (CAC) through a quantitative assessment using optical coherence tomography (OCT) is unclear. We aimed to evaluate this association using OCT in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

From June 2016 to December 2019, we prospectively enrolled 256 patients who underwent OCT-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Half of the patients had diabetes. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 1.8 ± 0.8 years (median: 2.2 years). The relative calcium index and relative lipid core index measured by quantitative OCT analysis were used to evaluate the intra-plaque calcium and lipid levels of culprit plaques. We also analyzed the correlation between serum 1,5-AG levels and long-term major adverse cardiovascular events.

Results

Serum 1,5-AG levels were significantly lower in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic patients (DM vs. non-DM: 55.6 ± 27.9 μg/mL vs. 63.7 ± 26.1 μg/mL, p = 0.016), and lower in fibrocalcified lesions than in fibrotic or fibrolipidic lesions (fibrocalcified vs. fibrotic or fibrolipidic: 42.8 ± 19.1 vs. 72.9 ± 25.2 or 66.4 ± 27.5 μg/mL, p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, we found a significant inverse correlation between serum 1,5-AG levels and relative calcium index (r = −0.729, p < 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, low serum 1,5-AG level was identified as an independent predictor for major adverse cardiovascular events in diabetic patients (p = 0.043), but not in non-diabetic patients (p = 0.748) after adjusting for age and sex.

Conclusion

This study revealed that low serum 1,5-AG levels were associated with an increased risk of CAC as assessed by OCT, especially in diabetic patients. Low serum 1,5-AG levels may predict future major adverse cardiovascular events in diabetic patients undergoing OCT-guided PCI.
Mindful practice for teachers: Relieving stress and enhancing positive mindsets
Authors: Carroll Annemaree , Hepburn Stevie-Jae , Bower Julie
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The present study aimed to determine the degree of stress relief and increase in mindfulness attributes experienced by 18 participants in an 8-week Mindful Practice for Teachers (MPT) program.

Methods

The mixed-methods study design included participant reflections collected throughout the study and self-report measures: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Positive Mindset Index (PMI), and Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ).

Data analysis

Pre- and post-program paired-samples t-tests were completed for the self-report measures. Inductive coding was completed for the participant reflections.

Results

The participants (N = 18) reported a significant decrease in perceived stress pre-program and post-program. The significant changes in the sub-scales of the FFMQ were reported for observing, non-reaction, and non-judgment pre-program and post-program. A statistically significant change was reported for the PMI sub-scale stability which increased post-program. According to participant reflections, there was an increased awareness of the physiological response during positive and challenging events/incidents. The participants reported positive satisfaction pertaining to program materials, exercises, and activities.

Conclusion

Findings indicated that the participants experienced a decrease in their perceived level of stress and an increase in their mindfulness attributes consequently highlighting the benefits of mindfulness-based programs for teacher stress management. The MPT program may prove to be a positive intervention for managing work-related stress and providing teachers with simple, stress management resources.
Infrared and visible image fusion based on particle swarm optimization and dense block
Authors: Zhang Jing , Tang Bingjin , Hu Shuai
Published: August 2022

Infrared and visible image fusion aims to preserve essential thermal information and crucial visible details from two types of input images to generate an informative fusion image for better visual perception. In recent years, several hybrid methods have been applied in the field of infrared and visible image fusion. In this paper, we proposed a novel image fusion method based on particle swarm optimization and dense block for visible and infrared images. Particle swarm optimization is utilized to optimize the weighting factors of the coefficients obtained by discrete wavelet transform, then the coefficients are fused with the optimum weight to obtain the initial fusion image. The final fusion image is created by integrating the first fused image with the input visible image using a deep learning model, in which dense block is utilized for better feature extraction ability. The results of comparison experiments demonstrate that our method produces fusion images with richer details and texture features, and the fused image reduces the artifacts and noise.
A rapid warning method for wildfire occurrences along the transmission corridor driven by power system monitoring data
Authors: Duan Xiangxi , Huang Qi , Chen Zhe , Li Jian , Ren Xibi
Published: August 2022

This paper focuses on the problems of frequent wildfire occurrences along the transmission corridor and the lack of accurate and timely monitoring means for early warnings. Furthermore, this paper evaluates the rapid warning method for wildfire occurrences along the transmission corridor driven by power system monitoring data. First, we established the relationship between the historical data of wildfires along the transmission corridor and the operating state information of a power grid based on the Apriori association rule algorithm; the characteristic signals of the transmission line when wildfires occur were mined. Second, based on the characteristics of the time distribution of wildfire occurrences along the transmission corridor, a nonlinear regression model was created to further improve the prediction accuracy. Finally, by combining the characteristic signals and time distribution characteristics, we developed an early warning method. This method not only addresses the challenges faced by meteorological satellite remote sensors caused by the weather, the long transit time interval, and the high cost of adding sensors, but it also realizes the remote and rapid early warning of wildfires along the transmission corridor. Finally, a case study of practical data of a certain area in southwest China is used to verify the proposed method. The results show the high accuracy and timeliness of the proposed method.
Review on inorganic pollutants in stormwater runoff of non-metal roofs
Authors: Degenhart Julia , Helmreich Brigitte
Published: August 2022

Metal roofs have always been in the focus of stormwater runoff contamination. However, other roofing materials are also suspected of releasing metals and other inorganic substances with stormwater runoff. Hence, this review focuses on the impact of commonly used non-metal roofs - vegetated and non-vegetated - on stormwater runoff quality. Results from 42 studies were compiled and assessed to gain an overview of substances in runoff from nine roofing types with a special focus on green roofs. Concentrations of 27 substances including nutrients, heavy metals, and other inorganic substances were compared. Results show that the nine roof types that were assessed can be a potential source for inorganic substances in the runoff. Threshold values for groundwater protection are exceeded especially for PO43-, Cu, Pb, and Zn for some roofing materials. As the concentrations vary strongly for different parameters, no roofing material can be identified as clearly superior or inferior to the others. Gravel roofs act as a sink for NH4+ and can retain some heavy metals. Elevated heavy metal concentrations were found in runoff from wood shingle roofs treated with preservative chemicals and in runoff from most roofing types usually due to the used gutter materials. Green roof runoff shows increased concentrations of Ptot, PO43-, Na, K, Ca, and Mg. The concentrations depend strongly on the green roof age, the growth substrate, and applied fertilizers. In addition to the roofing materials, external factors dependent on the location (rural or urban site) influence the runoff quality. Runoff from the analyzed roofs must be seen as a diffuse source of environmental pollution and requires appropriate treatment before it is released into the environment or used for further applications. Overall, there are only a few studies on the topic so it is not possible to make statistically significant statements. More serious in-depth studies are urgently needed.
Urban digital economy development, enterprise innovation, and ESG performance in China
Authors: Chen Guifu , Han Jing , Yuan Hongwei
Published: August 2022

This study analyzes the influence of urban digital economy development on enterprise ESG performance in China and its enterprise innovation channels. Based on matching micro-level data of enterprises and macro-level data of prefecture-level cities from 2012 to 2020, this study uses OLS to conduct empirical estimation and uses a multiple mediation effect model to test the influencing mechanism. Our findings demonstrate that the development of an urban digital economy significantly improves enterprise ESG performance in China. Additionally, the development of the digital economy can boost enterprise ESG performance by enhancing innovation input intensity, improving innovation output capacity, and enhancing innovation input intensity to improve innovation output capacity. Furthermore, we find that the development of the digital economy in eastern and northeastern China significantly improves enterprise ESG performance, urban agglomerations play a central role in the process of digital economy development improving enterprise ESG performance, and the development of the digital economy significantly enhances enterprise ESG performance in younger enterprises. Overall, our findings improve and enrich the research on the digital economy and enterprise development from the perspective of micro-enterprises and macro development. Moreover, they provide theoretical support and empirical evidence for the development of the digital economy and the realization of enterprises’ sustainable development.
Explore the theoretical basis and implementation strategy of low-carbon Urban Community Planning
Authors: Yu Yan
Published: August 2022

Cities carry out various human production and living activities, consume a lot of carbon energy, become the main source of greenhouse gas emissions, and have an increasing impact on the climate. Therefore, as the main battlefield of carbon emission management, cities have become the focus of low-carbon research. The concept of a “low-carbon city” appears in dealing with global climate change. In order to further study the application of low carbon cities, this research discusses how to achieve the goal of low carbon cities from low carbon communities by introducing the concept of low carbon cities and the planning views of experts and scholars on low carbon cities, and based on the theoretical research and practical experience of low carbon cities. In the course of the study, Qianhai Cooperation Zone and Bao’an Central District in Shenzhen are introduced as case studies to analyze the practical application of low-carbon city construction. Through this study, we found that the purpose of low-carbon cities is to provide physical space for resource savings, low waste emissions, high operating efficiency, green and sustainable urban activities. For the completely dispersed urban structure in some regions of China, the polycentric network structure is a favorable urban structure for these regions to achieve low carbon and efficient development. The polycentric network cities have high urban density and activity intensity, so corresponding low-carbon strategies can be effectively implemented according to different functional positioning, density and activity density. On the other hand, in order to achieve efficient and low-carbon urban development, the community should be the basic unit. Only when low carbon is realized in the community can the basic low carbon of urban life be guaranteed and the low carbon of the whole city be realized.
Depression in systemic lupus erythematosus: Modifiable or inheritable? a two-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Jinyun , Xu Ting , Wu Min
Published: August 2022

Observational studies have found increased incidence of depression, the leading cause of disability worldwide, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, it is not clear whether the association was genetically inheritable or caused by modifiable risk factors, such as socioeconomic factors. We investigated the causal relationship between genetically predicted SLE and depression by two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with SLE were selected as instrumental variables (IVs) from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 14,267 European-ancestry participants. A large GWAS of depression (180,866 European-ancestry participants) and another GWAS of major depressive disorder (MDD) (173,005 European-ancestry participants) were selected as outcomes. Then we estimated the effects of IVs on the odds of depression or MDD by using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) meta-analysis method (random-effects), which had a power of 90% to detect 4% increase of depression in SLE. Interestingly, genetically predicted SLE decreased the odds of depression [odds ratio (OR): 0.995; 95% CI: 0.990–0.999; p = 0.025] and MDD [odds ratio (OR): 0.985; 95% CI: 0.975–0.996; p = 0.009], indicating increased depression in SLE was not due to inheritable risk factors.
Systematic identification of aberrant non-coding RNAs and their mediated modules in rotator cuff tears
Authors: Zhang Yichong , Chen Jianhai , He Shengyuan , Xiao Yun , Liu Aiyu , Zhang Dianying , Li Xia
Published: August 2022

Background: Rotator cuff tears (RCT) is the most common cause of shoulder dysfunction, however, its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Non-coding RNAs(ncRNAs), such as long ncRNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA) and circular RNA (circRNA), are involved in a variety of diseases, but little is known about their roles in RCT. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify dysregulated ncRNAs and understand how they influence RCT.

Methods: We performed RNA sequencing and miRNA sequencing on five pairs of torn supraspinatus muscles and matched unharmed subscapularis muscles to identify RNAs dysregulated in RCT patients. To better comprehend the fundamental biological processes, we carried out enrichment analysis of these dysregulated mRNAs or the co-expressed genes of dysregulated ncRNAs. According to the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) theory, we finally established ceRNA networks to explore the relationship among dysregulated RNAs in RCT.

Results: A total of 151 mRNAs, 38 miRNAs, 20 lncRNAs and 90 circRNAs were differentially expressed between torn supraspinatus muscles and matched unharmed subscapularis muscles, respectively. We found that these dysregulated mRNAs, the target mRNAs of these dysregulated miRNAs or the co-expressed mRNAs of these dysregulated ncRNAs were enriched in muscle structure development, actin-mediated cell contraction and actin binding. Then we constructed and analyzed the ceRNA network and found that the largest module in the ceRNA network was associated with vasculature development. Based on the topological properties of the largest module, we identified several important ncRNAs including hsa_circ_0000722, hsa-miR-129-5p and hsa-miR-30c-5p, whose interacting mRNAs related to muscle diseases, fat and inflammation.

Conclusion: This study presented a systematic dissection of the expression profile of mRNAs and ncRNAs in RCT patients and revealed some important ncRNAs which may contribute to the development of RCT. Such results could provide new insights for further research on RCT.
A novel method to purify small RNAs from human tissues for methylation analysis by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Yang Rong , Li Jianfeng , Wu Yifan , Jiang Xinli , Qu Shuang , Wang Qiang , Liang Hongwei , Zen Ke
Published: August 2022

Methylation modification of small RNAs, including miRNA, piRNA, and tsRNA, is critical for small RNA biogenesis and biological function. Methylation of individual small RNA can be defined by liquid chromatography-coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). However, LC-MS/MS analysis requires a high purity of individual small RNA. Due to the difficulty of purifying specific small RNA from tissues or cells, the progress in characterizing small RNA methylation by LC-MS/MS is limited. Here, we report a novel method that can efficiently purify small RNA from human tissues for LC-MS/MS analysis. This method includes two steps: 1) pull down the target small RNA by incubating total small RNAs (18–24 nt) extracted from human tissues with a biotinylated antisense oligonucleotide of the target small RNA, followed by capturing the binding duplex of biotinylated antisense and small RNA via streptavidin magnetic beads, and 2) protect the target small RNA by pairing it with a single-strand DNA, which sequence is complementary to the target small RNA, to form a DNA/RNA hybrid double-strand, followed by sequential digestion with exonuclease I, nuclease S1, and DNase I, respectively. Furthermore, employing a mixture of four pairs of synthetic methylated and non-methylated small RNAs, we further refined this two-step method by optimizing the nuclease S1 treatment condition. With this method, we successfully purified miR-21-5p, miR-26-5p, piR-020485, and tsRNA from human lung and sperm tissue samples and analyzed their 2′-O-methylation modification at the 3′-end by LC-MS/MS.
Iron metabolism mediates microglia susceptibility in ferroptosis
Authors: Jiao Lingling , Li Xiaolan , Luo Yuxiang , Wei Junfen , Ding Xulong , Xiong Huan , Liu Xuesong , Lei Peng
Published: August 2022

Ferroptosis is implicated in a range of brain disorders, but it is unknown whether neurons or glia in the brain are particularly effected. Here, we report that primary cortical astrocytes (PA), microglia (PM), and neurons (PN) varied in their sensitivities to ferroptosis. Specifically, PM were the most sensitive to ferroptosis, while PN were relatively insensitive. In contrast, PN and PM were equally susceptible to apoptosis, with PA being less affected, whereas all three cell types were similarly susceptible to autophagic cell death. In the tri-culture system containing PA, PM, and PN, the cells were more resistant to ferroptosis than that in the monoculture. These results demonstrated that brain cells exhibit different sensitivities under ferroptosis stress and the difference may be explained by the differentially regulated iron metabolism and the ability to handle iron. Continued elucidation of the cell death patterns of neurons and glia will provide a theoretical basis for related strategies to inhibit the death of brain cells.
U-shaped association between serum albumin and pediatric intensive care unit mortality in critically ill children
Authors: Zhang Xuepeng , Zhang Lifan , Wei Canzheng , Feng Liwei , Yang Juqin , Zhang Geng , Lu Guoyan , Gui Xiying , Zhou Yue , Yang Kaiying , Zhou Jiangyuan , Zhou Xinle , Wang Ruoran , Chen Siyuan , Ji Yi
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The detailed association between albumin levels and mortality has not been studied in critically ill children. The aim of this study was to reveal an association between albumin levels in detail and mortality in critically ill children.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively collected data from children admitted to four pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in China between January 2015 and October 2020. Restricted cubic spline curves based on logistic regression models were generated to evaluate the detailed associations between serum albumin levels and PICU mortality. Threshold effect analysis was performed using two piecewise regression models.

Results

The study included 9,123 children. The overall mortality was 5.3%. The detailed association between serum albumin levels and the risk of mortality followed a U-shape. The risk of mortality decreased with increasing serum albumin levels (OR = 0.919; 95% CI: 0.886, 0.954) in children with serum albumin levels < 43.2 g/L and increased with increasing serum albumin levels (OR = 1.174; 95% CI: 1.044, 1.316) in children with serum albumin levels ≥ 43.2 g/L.

Conclusion

There was a U-shaped association between serum albumin levels and mortality in critically ill children in the PICU.
Effects of antioxidants on physicochemical properties and odorants in heat processed beef flavor and their antioxidant activity under different storage conditions
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Meng Fanyu , Wang Bei , Cao Yanping
Published: August 2022

Heat processed beef flavor (HPBF) is a common thermal process flavoring, whose flavor properties can be affected by lipid oxidation during storage. Addition of antioxidants is an option to avoid the changes of HPBF induced by lipid oxidation. In this study, the effects of three antioxidants, tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), tea polyphenol (TP), and L-ascorbyl palmitate (L-AP), on volatile components, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant activities of HPBF were studied over 168 days at different temperatures (4, 20, and 50°C). Although all three antioxidants had little effect on browning, acidity, water activity, and secondary lipid oxidation products, L-AP and TBHQ showed greater capabilities to prevent the formation of primary lipid oxidation products than TP. According to the results of oxidation reduction potential and DPPH radical scavenging experiments, TBHQ had better antioxidant ability compared to L-AP and TP during the storage. Of note, TBHQ affected the flavor profiles of HPBF, mainly on volatile odorants produced by lipid degradation. TBHQ could mitigate the development of unfavorable odorants. This study indicated TBHQ would enhance lipid oxidation stability and maintain physicochemical properties and flavor profiles of HPBF during storage. It suggested that TBHQ could be applied as an alternative additive to improve the quality of HPBF related thermal process flavorings.
Olive oil consumption and all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality in an adult mediterranean population in Spain
Authors: Torres-Collado Laura , García-de la Hera Manuela , Lopes Carla , Compañ-Gabucio Laura María , Oncina-Cánovas Alejandro , Notario-Barandiaran Leyre , González-Palacios Sandra , Vioque Jesús
Published: August 2022

Objective

We assessed the association between usual olive oil consumption (OOC) and all-cause, cardiovascular (CVD) and cancer mortality in an adult population in Spain.

Materials and methods

OOC was evaluated at baseline in 1,567 participants aged 20 years and older from the Valencia Nutrition Study in Spain using validated food frequency questionnaires. During an 18-year follow-up period, 317 died, 115 due to CVD and 82 due to cancer. Cox regression models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

Results

After adjusting for demographic and lifestyle factors, the OOC was associated with a lower risk of all-cause, CVD and cancer mortality. Compared to the less than once per month consumption, the consumption of up to one tablespoon per day was associated with a 9% lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.91; 95%CI: 0.68-1.22) and the consumption of 2 or more tablespoons with a 31% lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.69; 95%CI: 0.50–0.93; p-trend = 0.011). The consumption of 2 or more tablespoons per day was also associated with lower risk of mortality for CVD (HR: 0.54; 95%CI: 0.32–0.91; p-trend = 0.018) and cancer (HR: 0.49, 95%CI: 0.26–0.94; p-trend = 0.019).

Conclusion

Higher olive oil consumption was associated with lower long-term risk of all-cause, CVD and cancer mortality in an adult Mediterranean population. The maximum benefit was observed for the consumption of two or more tablespoons per day.
Combined treatment of marizomib and cisplatin modulates cervical cancer growth and invasion and enhances antitumor potential in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhang Ziruizhuo , Zhang Songcheng , Lin Bingjie , Wang Qixin , Nie Xiaojing , Shi Yonghua
Published: August 2022

Proteasome inhibition is an attractive approach for anticancer therapy. Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum, CDDP) is widely used as a standard chemotherapy drug in the treatment of solid malignant tumors, such as cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. However, the development of CDDP resistance largely limits its clinical application. Proteasome inhibitors may enhance traditional chemotherapy agent-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Marizomib (NPI-0052, salinosporamide A, Mzb), a second-generation proteasome inhibitor, shows synergistic anticancer activity with some drugs. Currently, the effect of Mzb on cervical cancer cell proliferation remains unclear. In this study, we explored the role of Mzb in three cervical cancer cell lines, HeLa, CaSki, and C33A, representing major molecular subtypes of cervical cancer and xenografts. We found that Mzb alone showed noteworthy cytotoxic effects, and its combination with CDDP resulted in more obvious cytotoxicity and apoptosis in cervical cancer cell lines and xenografts. In order to investigate the mechanism of this effect, we probed whether Mzb alone or in combination with CDDP had a better antitumor response by enhancing CDDP-induced angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1) expression and inhibiting the expression of TEK receptor tyrosine kinase (Tie-2) in the Ang-1/Tie-2 pathway, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt-3L) and stem cell factor (SCF) as identified by a cytokine antibody chip test. The results suggest that Mzb has better antitumor effects on cervical cancer cells and can sensitize cervical cancer cells to CDDP treatment both in vitro and in vivo. Accordingly, we conclude that the combination of CDDP with Mzb produces synergistic anticancer activity and that Mzb may be a potential effective drug in combination therapy for cervical cancer patients.
Case report: Significant liver atrophy due to giant cystic pheochromocytoma
Authors: Feng Qingbo , Li Hancong , Qiu Guoteng , Cai Zhaolun , Li Jiaxin , Zeng Yong , Huang Jiwei
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor originating from chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla. Giant pheochromocytomas with a maximum diameter of over 20 cm are particularly rare.

Case presentation

We present a case of giant cystic pheochromocytoma in a 64-year-old woman who was found to have a right abdominal mass during an ultrasound examination, which is the largest pheochromocytoma ever documented in China. Meanwhile, obvious atrophy of the right lobe of the liver was found in preoperative CT and during the operation. Our literature review identified 20 cases with a diameter of over 20 cm. The average age at diagnosis was 51.7 (range 17–85), and 35% of cases did not exhibit classic symptoms.

Conclusion

Giant pheochromocytoma is an uncommon neoplasm. It can be discovered late due to a lack of clinical manifestations. Diagnosis is dependent on imaging recognition together with catecholamine secretion. Surgical resection is the only curative treatment for such tumors.
Improved quality of physiotherapy care in patients with Whiplash-Associated Disorders: Results based on 16 years of routinely collected data
Authors: Oostendorp Rob A. B. , Elvers Hans , van Trijffel Emiel , Rutten Geert M. , Scholten-Peeters Gwendolyne G. M. , De Kooning Margot , Laekeman Marjan , Nijs Jo , Roussel Nathalie , Samwel Han
Published: August 2022

Quality improvement is now a central tenet in physiotherapy care, and quality indicators (QIs), as measurable elements of care, have been applied to analyze and evaluate the quality of physiotherapy care over the past two decades. QIs, based on Donabedian's model of quality of care, provide a foundation for measuring (improvements in) quality of physiotherapy care, providing insight into the many remaining evidentiary gaps concerning diagnostics, prognostics and treatment, as well as patient-related outcome measures. In this overview we provide a synthesis of four recently published articles from our project group on the topic of quantitative measures of quality improvement in physiotherapy care, in this context specifically focused on patients with WAD in primary care physiotherapy. A set of process and outcome QIs (n = 28) was developed for patients with WAD and linked to a database consisting of routinely collected data (RCD) on patients with WAD collected over a 16-year period. The QIs were then embedded per step of the clinical reasoning process: (a) administration (n = 2); (b) history taking (n = 7); (c) objectives of examination (n = 1); (d) clinical examination (n = 5); (e) analysis and conclusion (n = 1); (f) treatment plan (n = 3); (g) treatment (n = 2); (h) evaluation (n = 5); and (i) discharge (n = 2). QIs were expressed as percentages, allowing target performance levels to be defined ≥70% or ≤30%, depending on whether the desired performance required an initially high or low QI score. Using RCD data on primary care patients with WAD (N = 810) and a set of QIs, we found that the quality of physiotherapy care has improved substantially over a 16-year period. This conclusion was based on QIs meeting predetermined performance targets of ≥70% or ≤30%. Twenty-three indicators met the target criterium of ≥70% and three indicators ≤30%. Our recommended set of QIs, embedded in a clinical reasoning process for patients with WAD, can now be used as a basis for the development of a validated QI set that effectively measures quality (improvement) of primary care physiotherapy in patients with WAD.
Genetic variants associated with steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis in HIV-infected patients with NAFLD
Authors: Busca C. , Arias P. , Sánchez-Conde M. , Rico M. , Montejano R. , Martín-Carbonero L. , Valencia E. , Moreno V. , Bernardino J. I. , Olveira A. , Abadía M. , González-García J. , Montes M. L.
Published: August 2022

Background and aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of liver damage in people living with HIV (PLWHIV). Several studies have investigated candidate genes for susceptibility to NAFLD and to steatohepatitis. PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and MBOAT7-TMC4 have been reported to be associated with elevated ALT levels and the histologic parameters of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and severity of fibrosis. Our objective was to analyze the relationship between PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and MBOAT7-TMC4 and steatosis, steatohepatitis, and liver fibrosis in PLWHIV with NAFLD.

Method: A cohort of PLWHIV with persistently elevated aminotransferase levels and suspected NAFLD who underwent liver biopsy and determination of genetic variants was assessed at two large centers in Spain. All participants included in the current study were genotyped for rs738409 (PNPLA3), rs58542926 (TM6SF2), and rs641738 (MBOAT7-TMC4).

Results: The study population comprised PLWHIV who were on stable antiretroviral therapy [7.7% women; median age, 49.3 years (44–53.4)]. The median CD4 count was 829 (650–980), 60% had metabolic syndrome, and 18.5% were diabetic. The median BMI was 28.9 (25.5–30.8). Patients with liver steatosis (any grade) vs. nonsteatosis tended to harbor the PNPLA3 G allele variant [57.6% vs. 16.7% (p = 0.09)], but not TM6SF2 or MBOAT7-TMC4 variants. However, those with steatohepatitis vs. nonsteatohepatitis significantly more frequently had the PNPLA3 G allele variant [69.4% vs. 39.1% (p < 0.05)] and the MBOAT7-TMC4 A allele variant [75% vs. 42% (p < 0.05)]. In our cohort, the TM6SF2 gene variant was not associated with steatosis or steatohepatitis. The PNPLA3 G allele variant was associated with steatohepatitis [OR 4.9 (1.3–18); p 0.02] and liver fibrosis [OR 4.3 (1.1–17.4); p 0.04], and the MBOAT7-TMC4 A allele variant was associated with steatohepatitis [OR 6.6 (1.6–27.6); p 0.01].

Conclusion: The PNPLA3 G allele variant and MBOAT7-TMC4 A allele variant were associated with steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis in PLWHIV with persistently elevated aminotransferases and NAFLD. We recommend routine genotyping for PNPLA3 and MBOAT7-TMC4 in PLWHIV with NAFLD to identify those at higher risk of progression.
Photodynamic therapy of lung cancer, where are we?
Authors: Crous Anine , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: August 2022

Lung cancer remains the leading threat of death globally, killing more people than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. Novel lung cancer treatments are being researched because of the ineffectiveness of conventional cancer treatments and the failure of remission. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a cancer treatment method that is still underutilized, is a sophisticated cancer treatment that shows selective destruction of malignant cells via reactive oxygen species production. PDT has been extensively studied in vitro and clinically. Various PDT strategies have been shown to be effective in the treatment of lung cancer. PDT has been shown in clinical trials to considerably enhance the quality of life and survival in individuals with incurable malignancies. Furthermore, PDT, in conjunction with the use of nanoparticles, is currently being researched for use as an effective cancer treatment, with promising results. PDT and the new avenue of nanoPDT, which are novel treatment options for lung cancer with such promising results, should be tested in clinical trials to determine their efficacy and side effects. In this review, we examine the status and future potentials of nanoPDT in lung cancer treatment.
Combined metabolomics and proteomics to reveal beneficial mechanisms of Dendrobium fimbriatum against gastric mucosal injury
Authors: Sun Jing , Liu Peng-Fei , Liu Jia-Ni , Lu Cong , Tong Li-Tao , Wang Yong-Quan , Liu Jia-Meng , Fan Bei , Wang Feng-Zhong
Published: August 2022

As a dietary and medicinal plant, Dendrobium fimbriatum (DF) is widely utilized in China for improving stomach disease for centuries. However, the underlying mechanisms against gastric mucosal injury have not been fully disclosed. Here, metabolomics and proteomics were integrated to clarify the in-depth molecular mechanisms using cyclophosphamide-induced gastric mucosal injury model in mice. As a result, three metabolic pathways, such as creatine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism were hit contributing to DF protective benefits. Additionally, γ-L-glutamyl-putrescine, cytosine, and thymine might be the eligible biomarkers to reflect gastric mucosal injury tatus, and DF anti-gastric mucosal injury effects were mediated by the so-called target proteins such as Ckm, Arg1, Ctps2, Pycr3, and Cmpk2. This finding provided meaningful information for the molecular mechanisms of DF and also offered a promising strategy to clarify the therapeutic mechanisms of functional foods.
Therapeutic mechanisms of mulberry leaves in type 2 diabetes based on metabolomics
Authors: Ma Quantao , Li Yaqi , Zhao Ruixue , Tang Ziyan , Li Jialin , Chen Cong , Liu Xiaoyao , Hu Yujie , Wang Ting , Zhao Baosheng
Published: August 2022

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is considered as one of the most significant metabolic syndromes worldwide, and the long-term use of the drugs already on the market for T2D often gives rise to some side effects. The mulberry leaf (ML), Morus alba L., has advantages in terms of its comprehensive therapeutic efficacy, which are characterized as multicomponent, multitarget, multipathway, and matching with the complex pathological mechanisms of diabetes.

Methods: T2D rats were established by a high-fat diet combined with an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin; an evaluation of the hypoglycemic effects of the ML in combination with fasting blood glucose and other indicators, in addition to the utilization of metabolomics technology, was performed to analysis the metabolite changes in serum of rats.

Results: MLs significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose of T2D rats, while improving the symptoms of polyphagia and polyuria. ML treatment altered the levels of various metabolites in the serum of T2D rats, which are involved in multiple metabolic pathways (amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and lipid metabolism), played a role in antioxidative stress and anti-inflammation, modulated immune and gluconeogenesis processes, and improved obesity as well as insulin resistance (IR).

Conclusion: The ML contains a variety of chemical components, and metabolomic results have shown that MLs regulate multiple metabolic pathways to exert hypoglycemic effects, suggesting that MLs may have great promise in the development of new hypoglycemic drugs.
Advances on terahertz single-pixel imaging
Authors: Hu Qiao , Wei Xudong , Pang Yajun , Lang Liying
Published: August 2022

Single-pixel imaging is a novel imaging technique that can obtain image information through a single-pixel detector. It can effectively avoid the problem of lack of high-quality area array detectors in the terahertz band, and has attracted the attention of a large number of researchers in recent years. In this paper, the basic imaging principles, terahertz beam modulation methods and typical image reconstruction algorithms for terahertz single-pixel imaging are introduced and discussed, as well as its research progresses and developing trends.
Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor seed treatments positively affect the physiological condition of maize under drought stress
Authors: Radzikowska Dominika , Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz , Grzanka Monika , Głowicka-Wołoszyn Romana , Nowicki Marcin , Sawinska Zuzanna
Published: August 2022

Improvements in agricultural production are needed, as the growing human population demands more resources and exerts stronger effects on climate. Water scarcity is one of the main factors limiting the yield of maize in many regions of the world. One possible method to mitigate the negative effects of drought is seed mortars; its use improves plant development from the early stages onwards. In this study, we tested 12 various seed treatments with and without succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHI; sedaxane) on maize “SY Fanatic.” Physiological parameters of germinating seeds, of young maize seedlings under drought, and of seedlings recuperated from drought were assessed and compared across 12 seed treatments and with non-stressed plants. The seed treatments varied greatly in their influence on the germination and the physiological state of seedlings under drought and after regeneration. Seeds under treatments No. 6, 11, and 12 showed the highest germination energy (97.3%). The use of SDHI-containing seed treatments significantly improved the development of the maize root system. The longest roots, ~13 cm in length, were recorded for treatments No. 6 and 12, both containing sedaxane. These treatments also boosted the functioning of plants growing under optimal soil moisture conditions and under drought stress, influencing the photosynthesis process, increasing the absorption of CO2, and improving the parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence in relation to non-treated controls. Our data indicated that using substances from the SDHI group can possibly reduce the drought-related stress reactions in maize, helping this important crop to face the progressing climate change.
On the Embodiment of Negation in Italian Sign Language: An Approach Based on Multiple Representation Theories
Authors: Cuccio Valentina , Di Stasio Giulia , Fontana Sabina
Published: August 2022

Negation can be considered a shared social action that develops since early infancy with very basic acts of refusals or rejection. Inspired by an approach to the embodiment of concepts known as Multiple Representation Theories (MRT, henceforth), the present paper explores negation as an embodied action that relies on both sensorimotor and linguistic/social information. Despite the different variants, MRT accounts share the basic ideas that both linguistic/social and sensorimotor information concur to the processes of concepts formation and representation and that the balance between these components depends on the kind of concept, the context, or the performed task. In the present research we will apply the MRT framework for exploring negation in Italian sign language (LIS). The nature of negation in LIS has been explored in continuity with the co-speech gesture where negative elements are encoded through differentiated prosodic and gestural strategies across languages. Data have been collected in naturalistic settings that may allow a much wider understanding of negation both in speech and in spoken language with a semi-structured interview. Five LIS participants with age range 30–80 were recruited and interviewed with the aim of understanding the continuity between gesture and sign in negation. Results highlight that negation utterances mirror the functions of rejection, non-existence and denial that have been described in language acquisition both in deaf and hearing children. These different steps of acquisition of negation show a different balance between sensorimotor, linguistic and social information in the construction of negative meaning that the MRT is able to enlighten.
When do bystanders get help from teachers or friends? Age and group membership matter when indirectly challenging social exclusion
Authors: Yüksel Ayşe Şule , Palmer Sally B. , Argyri Eirini Ketzitzidou , Rutland Adam
Published: August 2022

We examined developmental changes in British children’s (8- to 10-year-olds) and adolescents’ (13- to 15-year-olds,N = 340; FemaleN = 171, 50.3%) indirect bystander reactions (i.e., judgments about whether to get help and from whom when witnessing social exclusion) and their social-moral reasoning regarding their reactions to social exclusion. We also explored, for the first time, how the group membership of the excluder and victim affect participants’ reactions. Participants read a hypothetical scenario in which they witnessed a peer being excluded from a school club by another peer. We manipulated the group membership of the victim (either British or an immigrant) and the group membership of the excluder (either British or an immigrant). Participants’ likelihood of indirect bystander reactions decreased from childhood into adolescence. Children were more likely to get help from a teacher or an adult than getting help from a friend, whereas adolescents were more likely to get help from a friend than getting help from a teacher or an adult. For both indirect bystander reactions, children justified their likelihood of responding by referring to their trust in their teachers and friends. Adolescents were more likely to refer to group loyalty and dynamics, and psychological reasons. The findings support and extend the Social Reasoning Developmental (SRD) approach by showing the importance of group processes with age in shaping children’s judgments about how to respond indirectly by asking for help from others, when they are bystanders in a situation that involves exclusion. The findings have practical implications for combating social exclusion and promoting prosocial bystander behavior in schools.
Assessment of the relationship between living alone and the risk of depression based on longitudinal studies: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Daolin , Liu Fuwei , Huang Shan
Published: August 2022

Background

Living alone is one of the most common psychosocial factors that may have an impact on lifestyle management and health status. Although many previous cross-sectional studies have found that living alone increases the risk of depression. However, this risk has rarely been assessed on the basis of longitudinal studies. Therefore, we will explore this relationship on the basis of longitudinal studies.

Methods

We systematically searched Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases up to May 2022. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled by a random-effects model using an inverse variance method.

Results

Seven studies (six cohort studies and one case-control study) were included in our study. A total of 123,859 without a history of psychosis individuals were included, and the proportion of females was 65.3%. We applied a random-effects model to minimize the heterogeneity. Overall, the pooled data suggest that people living alone are associated with an increased risk of depression compared to those who do not live alone (OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.19–1.70).

Conclusion

Compared to people who live with others, living alone increases the risk of depression. Only cross-sectional studies and a few longitudinal studies currently support this association; more high-quality studies will be required in the future to confirm this causal association.
Lessons from the Santa Monica Mountains: Continuing the cycle of conservation
Authors: Cooper Daniel S. , Katz Nurit D. , Demirci Brianna , Osborn Fiona M.
Published: August 2022

Spanning more than 73 km across two counties at the western border of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the Santa Monica Mountains represent both a major landform as well as a unique urban-adjacent open space for millions of residents throughout southern California. Critically, they are essential for the maintenance of high levels of biodiversity within a global biodiversity hotspot that includes a major metropolis. The Los Angeles County portion of the Santa Monica Mountains (LASMM), spanning approximately 62 km from the Los Angeles River at the eastern edge of Griffith Park to the Los Angeles – Ventura County Line, contains substantial public open space, protected from encroaching development in the growing metropolis. In order to understand how these protected areas were established, we gathered information regarding over 3,000 parcels of public open space and their acquisition dates and owners, and examined the history of land conservation in the LASMM to determine the roles and relationships of key stakeholders. These stakeholders have included residents, activists, scientists, legislators, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and land management agencies. We suggest that there is a virtuous cycle, or positive feedback loop over time, as open space protection is informed by, and influences, advocacy, land use policies, and habitat conservation. This interplay of stakeholders has been refined over several decades, and may offer lessons for other regions working to produce similar results in durable open space conservation.