bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED: Effect and Potential Mechanism of Lactobacillus plantarum Q7 on Hyperuricemia in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Cao Jiayuan , Bu Yushan , Hao Haining , Liu Qiqi , Wang Ting , Liu Yisuo , Yi Huaxi
Published: July 2022

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a disorder of purine metabolism resulting in abnormally elevated serum uric acid (UA) concentration. It is believed that there is an association between gut microbiota and HUA, and probiotics have the potential palliative effect. However, the underlying mechanism of probiotics in ameliorating HUA remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of Lactobacillus plantarum Q7 on HUA in Balb/c mice. The results showed that L. plantarum Q7 had an excellent capability to affect UA metabolism, which could degrade nucleotides by 99.97%, nucleosides by 99.15%, purine by 87.35%, and UA by 81.30%. It was observed that L. plantarum Q7 could downregulate serum UA, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and xanthine oxidase (XOD) by 47.24%, 14.59%, 54.59%, and 40.80%, respectively. Oral administration of L. plantarum Q7 could restore the liver, kidney, and intestinal injury induced by HUA and the expression of metabolic enzymes and transporters to normal level. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that L. plantarum Q7 treatment could restore the imbalance of species diversity, richness, and community evenness compared with the model group. The ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes was recovered nearly to the normal level by L. plantarum Q7 intervention. The dominant microorganisms of L. plantarum Q7 group contained more anti-inflammatory bacteria than those of the model group. These findings indicated that L. plantarum Q7 might regulate UA metabolism and repair the liver and kidney injury by reshaping the gut microbiota and could be used as a potential probiotic strain to ameliorate HUA.
Molecular Subtyping Based on Cuproptosis-Related Genes and Characterization of Tumor Microenvironment Infiltration in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ji Zhong-Hao , Ren Wen-Zhi , Wang Hao-Qi , Gao Wei , Yuan Bao
Published: July 2022

The incidence of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is rising worldwide, and the prognosis is poor. Cuproptosis is a new form of cell death that is dependent on and regulated by copper ions. The relationship between cuproptosis and KIRC remains unclear. In the current study, changes in cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in TCGA-KIRC transcriptional datasets were characterized, and the expression patterns of these genes were analyzed. We identified three main molecular subtypes and discovered that multilayer CRG changes were associated with patient clinicopathological traits, prognosis, elesclomol sensitivity, and tumor microenvironment (TME) cell infiltration characteristics. Then, a CRG score was created to predict overall survival (OS). The CRG score was found to be strongly linked to the TME. These findings may help elucidate the roles of CRGs in KIRC, potentially enhancing understanding of cuproptosis and supporting the development of more effective immunotherapy strategies.
Surgical Staging of Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: Current Status and Research Progress
Authors: Zhang He , Kong Weimin , Chen Shuning , Zhao Xiaoling , Luo Dan , Xie Yunkai
Published: July 2022

Locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) has large localized lesions, high recurrence and metastasis rate under standard treatment, and low survival rate. The current guidelines still use concurrent radiotherapy as the gold standard of treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer. Several recent studies have shown that surgical staging has higher accuracy in determining metastasis in the para-aortic lymph nodes, bringing survival benefits to some patients. However, the indications for surgical staging and whether surgical staging can improve prognosis are still controversial. We will review the current status and research progress of surgical staging for locally advanced cervical cancer.
Family Functioning Affected by Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Huang Yue , Liu Fuze , Gao Dejin , Wang Hai
Published: July 2022

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common chronic disease in youths, presenting with spinal deformity. Previous studies reported that the family functioning of family members would be affected after a child is diagnosed with a chronic health condition. However, no previous study focused on the relationship between AIS and family function. This study is a cross-sectional study that enrolled 54 AIS families and 92 ordinary families and evaluated their family function in 7 domains using the McMaster family assessment device (FAD). The results showed that the AIS family got a lower score than a healthy family in all 7 subscales except for the problem-solving subscale. There was no significant difference between the patients with AIS (1.90 ± 0.42∼2.23 ± 0.32) and their parents (1.92 ± 0.35∼2.21 ± 0.29) in all seven subscales (p ≥ 0.05). The scores of the parents were moderately/strongly correlated with those of the patients with AIS in all seven subscales (γ = 0.456∼0.696, p < 0.05). Approximately, 20.4–87% of the families experienced unhealthy family functioning, with affective involvement (57.4%), and behavior control (87%) representing the unhealthiest subscales with the mean scores above the cutoff. It can be concluded that the AIS family performed better than a healthy family in family functions.
Case Report: Report of Infective Endocarditis Caused by Abiotrophia defectiva and Literature Review
Authors: Du Yanqiang , Zhang Zhan , Chen Chao , Xia Han , Zhang Hua , Guo Zhangyan , Wang Yi
Published: July 2022

Objective

To report the clinical features of the first child with infective endocarditis (IE) caused by Abiotrophia defectiva in mainland China and to raise awareness of the disease.

Methods

The clinical data of a child with IE caused by A. defectiva admitted to Xi’an Children’s Hospital in July 2021 were collected, and the relevant literature was reviewed.

Results

The child was a female, 8 years old, admitted with fever for 4 days and right-sided limb weakness for 3 days. The illness started with suppurative tonsillitis, followed by headache, fatigue, right-sided mouth, slurred speech, right limb weakness, and unstable holding. Transthoracic echocardiography showed that the mitral valve vegetation was formed and vegetation could also be seen at the entrance of the pulmonary vein at the posterior wall of the left atrium. Cranial contrast-enhanced MRI + magnetic resonance angiography showed multiple intracranial pseudoaneurysm formation and pontine infarction. After A. defectiva was detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in cerebrospinal fluid and blood detected, the infection was controlled by anti-infective treatment with meropenem and vancomycin. On the 36th day after admission, due to severe headache and slurred speech, the head CT showed hemorrhage of right parietal pseudoaneurysm and cerebral sickle hernia, and right temporo-occipital hematoma evacuation, cerebrovascular malformation resection, and cranial decompression were performed immediately. After the surgery, her speech ability gradually recovered, the muscle strength of her left upper limb was about grade III, while the muscle strength of the rest of the limbs was normal. After a total of 60 days of hospitalization, her family requested to be discharged.

Conclusion

This pediatric patient is the first case of childhood IE caused by A. defectiva in mainland China, and the first time in the world that A. defectiva was detected by mNGS in patients with IE.
Low Dosing Norepinephrine Effects on Cerebral Oxygenation and Perfusion During Pediatric Shock
Authors: Vedrenne-Cloquet Meryl , Chareyre Judith , Léger Pierre-Louis , Genuini Mathieu , Renolleau Sylvain , Oualha Mehdi
Published: July 2022

Background

Cerebral hypoperfusion and impaired oxygen delivery during pediatric critical illness may result in acute neurologic injury with subsequent long-term effects on neurodevelopmental outcome. Yet, the impact of norepinephrine on cerebral hemodynamics is unknown in children with shock. We aimed to describe the norepinephrine effects on cerebral perfusion and oxygenation during pediatric shock.

Patients and Methods

We conducted an observational multicentre prospective study in 3 French pediatric intensive care units. Children <18 years of age excluding traumatic brain injury were included in the study if they need norepinephrine for shock. Systemic and cerebral hemodynamics were compared between the time of initiation of norepinephrine (T0), and the steady-state (Tss). Cardiac output (CO) was measured using ultrasound. Cerebral perfusion was assessed on middle cerebral arteries (MCA) using transcranial doppler ultrasound. Cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rScO2) was recorded using near infrared spectroscopy, and we calculated cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE = SpO2-rScO2/SpO2).

Main Results

Fourteen children (median [IQR] age of 3.5[1; 13.5] years) were included. Norepinephrine at 0.2[0.1; 0.32] μg/kg/min significantly increased mean arterial blood pressure (61[56; 73] mmHg at Tss vs. 49[42;54] mmHg at T0, p=10−3) without change of CO. MCA velocities, pulsatility index, rScO2, and cFTOE did not significantly change between T0 and Tss. Some individuals observed variations in estimated CBF, which slightly improved in 7 patients, remained unchanged in 5, and was impaired in 2. No patient experienced significant variations of rScO2.

Conclusions

Low-dosing norepinephrine, despite a homogeneous and significant increase in arterial blood pressure, had little effects on cerebral perfusion and oxygenation during pediatric shock. This reinforces the need for personalized tailored therapies in this population.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT 03731104. Registered 6 November, 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03731104.
Efficacy, Immunogenicity and Safety of Vaccination in Pediatric Patients With Autoimmune Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases (pedAIIRD): A Systematic Literature Review for the 2021 Update of the EULAR/PRES Recommendations
Authors: Jansen Marc H. , Rondaan Christien , Legger Geertje , Minden Kirsten , Uziel Yosef , Toplak Nataša , Maritsi Despoina , van den Berg Mirjam , Berbers Guy , Bruijning Patricia , Egert Yona , Normand Christophe , Bijl Marc , Foster Helen , Kone-Paut Isabelle , Wouters Carine , Ravelli Angelo , Elkayam Ori , Wulffraat Nicolaas M. , Heijstek Marloes W.
Published: July 2022

Background

In 2011, the first European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) vaccination recommendations for pediatric patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (pedAIIRD) were published. The past decade numerous new studies were performed to assess the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of vaccinations in pedAIIRD. A systematic literature review (SLR) was therefore performed to serve as the basis for the updated 2021 EULAR/PRES recommendations.

Methods

An SLR was performed according to the standard operating procedures for EULAR-endorsed recommendations. Primary outcomes were efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of vaccination in pedAIIRD. The search was performed in Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library and included studies published from November 2010 until July 2020.

Results

The SLR yielded 57 studies which were included for critical appraisal and data extraction. Only 8 studies described the occurrence of vaccine-preventable infections after vaccination (efficacy), none of these studies were powered to assess efficacy. The majority of studies assessed (humoral) immune responses as surrogate endpoint for vaccine efficacy. Studies on non-live vaccines showed that these were safe and in general immunogenic. Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in general did not significantly reduce seroprotection rates, except for B-cell depleting therapies which severely hampered humoral responses. Four new studies on human papilloma virus vaccination showed that this vaccine was safe and immunogenic in pedAIIRD. Regarding live-attenuated vaccinations, level 1 evidence of the measles mumps rubella (MMR) booster vaccination became available which showed the safety of this booster for patients treated with methotrexate. In addition, level 3 evidence became available that suggested that the MMR and varicella zoster virus (VZV) vaccination for patients on low dose glucocorticosteroids and bDMARDs might be safe as well.

Conclusions

The past decade, knowledge on the safety and immunogenicity of (live-attenuated) vaccines in pedAIIRD significantly increased. Data on efficacy (infection prevention) remains scarce. The results from this SLR are the basis for the updated EULAR/PRES vaccination recommendations in pedAIIRD.
The Neuroprotective Role of Retbindin, a Metabolic Regulator in the Neural Retina
Authors: Zhao Xue , Tebbe Lars , Naash Muna I. , Al-Ubaidi Muayyad R.
Published: July 2022

Dysregulation of retinal metabolism is emerging as one of the major reasons for many inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Thus, the identification of a common regulator that can preserve or revert the metabolic ecosystem to homeostasis is a key step in developing a treatment for different forms of IRDs. Riboflavin (RF) and its derivatives (flavins), flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), are essential cofactors for a wide range of cellular metabolic processes; hence, they are particularly critical in highly metabolically active tissues such as the retina. Patients with RF deficiency (ariboflavinosis) often display poor photosensitivity resulting in impaired low-light vision. We have identified a novel retina-specific RF binding protein called retbindin (Rtbdn), which plays a key role in retaining flavin levels in the neural retina. This role is mediated by its specific localization at the interface between the neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which is essential for metabolite and nutrient exchange. As a consequence of this vital function, Rtbdn’s role in flavin utilization and metabolism in retinal degeneration is discussed. The principal findings are that Rtbdn helps maintain high levels of retinal flavins, and its ablation leads to an early-onset retinal metabolic dysregulation, followed by progressive degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors. Lack of Rtbdn reduces flavin levels, forcing the neural retina to repurpose glucose to reduce the production of free radicals during ATP production. This leads to metabolic breakdown followed by retinal degeneration. Assessment of the role of Rtbdn in several preclinical retinal disease models revealed upregulation of its levels by several folds prior to and during the degenerative process. Ablation of Rtbdn in these models accelerated the rate of retinal degeneration. In agreement with these in vivo studies, we have also demonstrated that Rtbdn protects immortalized cone photoreceptor cells (661W cells) from light damage in vitro. This indicates that Rtbdn plays a neuroprotective role during retinal degeneration. Herein, we discussed the specific function of Rtbdn and its neuroprotective role in retinal metabolic homeostasis and its role in maintaining retinal health.
Role of PARP Inhibitors in Glioblastoma and Perceiving Challenges as Well as Strategies for Successful Clinical Development
Authors: Bisht Priya , Kumar V. Udaya , Pandey Ruchi , Velayutham Ravichandiran , Kumar Nitesh
Published: July 2022

Glioblastoma multiform is the most aggressive primary type of brain tumor, representing 54% of all gliomas. The average life span for glioblastoma multiform is around 14–15 months instead of treatment. The current treatment for glioblastoma multiform includes surgical removal of the tumor followed by radiation therapy and temozolomide chemotherapy for 6.5 months, followed by another 6 months of maintenance therapy with temozolomide chemotherapy (5 days every month). However, resistance to temozolomide is frequently one of the limiting factors in effective treatment. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have recently been investigated as sensitizing drugs to enhance temozolomide potency. However, clinical use of PARP inhibitors in glioblastoma multiform is difficult due to a number of factors such as limited blood–brain barrier penetration of PARP inhibitors, inducing resistance due to frequent use of PARP inhibitors, and overlapping hematologic toxicities of PARP inhibitors when co-administered with glioblastoma multiform standard treatment (radiation therapy and temozolomide). This review elucidates the role of PARP inhibitors in temozolomide resistance, multiple factors that make development of these PARP inhibitor drugs challenging, and the strategies such as the development of targeted drug therapies and combination therapy to combat the resistance of PARP inhibitors that can be adopted to overcome these challenges.
Insight Into the Dynamics of the Rabinowitsch Fluid Through an Elliptic Duct: Peristalsis Analysis
Authors: Nadeem Sohail , Abbas Haider Jamil , Akhtar Salman , Mohamed Abdullah
Published: July 2022

The current research is concerned with the mechanical characteristics of a Rabinowitsch fluid model that has been developedviaan elliptic duct. If we study physiology or biomedicine, we will find that the Rabinowitsch fluid model in peristalsis is very useful because it is used to move blood around in the heart, lungs, sanitary fluid transport systems, transfer of corrosive fluids, and innovative pharmaceutical delivery systems. It is possible to get the elliptic domain for this duct model by using Cartesian coordinates, and in the boundary conditions for this duct, the equation of an ellipse is used to keep the elliptic cross-section for this duct in place. A mathematical model for an incompressible fluid is being created, and the mathematical issue is then transformed into its dimensionless form by using suitable transformations, including long-wavelength approximation. As soon as the problem is put into a dimensionless form, the partial differential equations for the velocity profile can be found. These partial differential equations are solved across elliptical cross-sections with the help of boundary conditions that are given, and accurate mathematical solutions are then found for them. This model is important because it shows three different types of flow: a dilatant fluid forγ<0, a Newtonian fluid forγ=0, and a pseudoplastic fluid forγ>0. The prime objective of our work is to obtain a novel solution to this problem as well. In the last section, we see and read about how the formulas for flow characteristics were made.
Current Trends in Blood Flow Restriction
Authors: Cuffe Molly , Novak Joel , Saithna Adnan , Strohmeyer H. Scott , Slaven Emily
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore how individuals in the United States of America applied BFR/KAATSU devices and administered BFR/KAATSU training. In addition, the study sought to examine safety topics related to BFR/KAATSU training.

Methods: The study was completed using survey research. Subjects were recruited through Facebook, email, and word of mouth. The survey was developed, piloted, and finally deployed March 22, 2021-April 21, 2021.

Results: In total, 148 consented to the research; 108 completed the survey, and of those 108, 70 indicated current use with BFR/KAATSU equipment. Professions represented included athletic training, personal training, physical therapy, and strength and conditioning. Among those currently using BFR/KAATSU training (n = 70), the following results were found. The most common devices used were inflatable devices (n = 43, 61.4%). Education completed prior to device administration was formal (n = 39, 55.7%) and/or self-directed (n = 37, 52.9%). Barriers were faced by 29 (41.4%) when trying to enact training. Techniques and parameters varied during application. Screening processes were used (n = 50, 71.4%) prior to training. The devices were used to determine restrictive pressure (n = 31, 44.3%), and a supine position was used most when determining initial restrictive pressure (n = 33, 47.1%). For subsequent restrictive pressure measurements, respondents repeated the same method used initially (n = 38, 54.3%). Workload was often defined as the length of time under tension/load (n = 22, 31.4%) and exercise was directly supervised (n = 52, 74.3%). Adverse effects included bruising, lightheadedness, and cramping (n = 15, 21.4%). The devices have also been applied on those with pathology (n = 16, 22.9%).

Conclusion: Those using blood flow restriction/KAATSU devices came from several professions and used an assortment of devices for BFR/KAATSU training. Individuals applied devices using a variety of parameters on populations for which efficacy has and has not been well defined.
Chronobiology Meets Quantum Biology: A New Paradigm Overlooking the Horizon?
Authors: Mazzoccoli Gianluigi
Published: July 2022

Biological processes and physiological functions in living beings are featured by oscillations with a period of about 24 h (circadian) or cycle at the second and third harmonic (ultradian) of the basic frequency, driven by the biological clock. This molecular mechanism, common to all kingdoms of life, comprising animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, and protists, represents an undoubted adaptive advantage allowing anticipation of predictable changes in the environmental niche or of the interior milieu. Biological rhythms are the field of study of Chronobiology. In the last decade, growing evidence hints that molecular platforms holding up non-trivial quantum phenomena, including entanglement, coherence, superposition and tunnelling, bona fide evolved in biosystems. Quantum effects have been mainly implicated in processes related to electromagnetic radiation in the spectrum of visible light and ultraviolet rays, such as photosynthesis, photoreception, magnetoreception, DNA mutation, and not light related such as mitochondrial respiration and enzymatic activity. Quantum effects in biological systems are the field of study of Quantum Biology. Rhythmic changes at the level of gene expression, as well as protein quantity and subcellular distribution, confer temporal features to the molecular platform hosting electrochemical processes and non-trivial quantum phenomena. Precisely, a huge amount of molecules plying scaffold to quantum effects show rhythmic level fluctuations and this biophysical model implies that timescales of biomolecular dynamics could impinge on quantum mechanics biofunctional role. The study of quantum phenomena in biological cycles proposes a profitable “entanglement” between the areas of interest of these seemingly distant scientific disciplines to enlighten functional roles for quantum effects in rhythmic biosystems.
Physiological and Biochemical Adaptations to High Altitude in Tibetan Frogs, Nanorana parkeri
Authors: Niu Yonggang , Zhang Xuejing , Xu Tisen , Li Xiangyong , Zhang Haiying , Wu Anran , Storey Kenneth B. , Chen Qiang
Published: July 2022

The Xizang plateau frog, N. parkeri (Anura: Dicroglossidae), is endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, ranging from 2,850 to 5,100 m above sea level. The present study explores physiological and biochemical adaptations to high altitude in this species with a particular emphasis on parameters of hematology, oxidative stress, and antioxidant defense in adult and juvenile N. parkeri collected from high (4,600 m a.s.l) and low (3,400 m a.s.l) altitudes. Hematological results showed that hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), hematocrit (Hct), and red blood cell (RBC) counts were significantly higher in high-altitude N. parkeri. High-altitude juveniles had lower RBC sizes than low-altitude juveniles. Higher levels of GSH and GSSG were indicated only in juveniles from high altitude, not in adults. High-altitude individuals also showed lower oxidative damage, assessed as malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl groups (CG) in the liver. High-altitude adults also showed higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) as well as total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver as compared to low-altitude adults. Moreover, higher GPX activity and T-AOC were observed in the heart and brain of high-altitude adults. Liver CAT, GPX, and T-AOC showed significant increases in high-altitude juveniles. Vitamin C content was also higher in the heart of high-altitude frogs compared to low-altitude individuals. In summary, the high-altitude population of N. parkeri showed more robust hematological parameters, less oxidative damage, and stronger antioxidant defenses than the low-altitude population, all contributing to increased protection for survival in high-altitude environments.
Tree Maladaptation Under Mid-Latitude Early Spring Warming and Late Cold Spell: Implications for Assisted Migration
Authors: Benomar Lahcen , Bousquet Jean , Perron Martin , Beaulieu Jean , Lamara Mebarek
Published: July 2022

Global warming is predicted to extend the growing season of trees and plants, and advance spring phenology. However, intensification of extreme climate events in mid-latitude forests, from weakening of the jet stream and atmospheric blockings, may expose trees to increased risk associated with more frequent late-spring frosts. Still, little is known regarding the intraspecific variation in frost tolerance and how it may be shaped by local adaptation to the climate of seed origin. As part of an assisted migration trial located in different bioclimatic zones in the province of Quebec, Canada, and following an extensive late-spring frost that occurred at the end of May 2021, we evaluated the frost damages on various white spruce (Picea glauca) seed sources tested on three sites (south, central, and north). The severity of frost damages was assessed on 5,376 trees after the cold spell and an early spring warming which advanced bud flush by approximately 10 days on average. The frost damage rate was similar among sites and seed sources and averaged 99.8%. Frost damage severity was unrelated to the latitude of seed origin but was variable among sites. The proportion of severely damaged trees was higher in the northern site, followed by central and southern sites. The proportion of severely damaged trees was linearly and inversely related to tree height before the frost event. Apical growth cancelation was not significantly different among seed sources including local ones, and averaged 74, 46, and 22%, respectively, in central, northern, and southern plantation sites. This study provides recommendations to limit the loss of plantation productivity associated with such a succession of spring climate anomalies. Implications for seed transfer models in the context of climate change and productivity of spruce plantations are discussed in the light of lack of local adaptation to such pronounced climate instability and ensuing large-scale maladaptation.
Hydrogen Sulfide Mitigates Chilling Injury of Postharvest Banana Fruits by Regulating γ-Aminobutyric Acid Shunt Pathway and Ascorbate–Glutathione Cycle
Authors: Ali Sajid , Nawaz Aamir , Naz Safina , Ejaz Shaghef , Maqbool Mehdi , Siddiqui Manzer H. , Kalaji Hazem M. , Wróbel Jacek , Telesiński Arkadiusz , Auriga Alicja
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to determine the effect of hydrogen sulfide on chilling injury (CI) of banana (Musa spp.) during cold storage (7°C). It was observed that hydrogen sulfide application (2 mmol L–1) markedly reduced the CI index and showed significantly higher chlorophyll contents, along with suppressed chlorophyll peroxidase and chlorophyllase enzyme activity. The treated banana fruits exhibited substantially higher peel lightness (L*), along with significantly a lower browning degree and soluble quinone content. The treated bananas had substantially a higher endogenous hydrogen sulfide content and higher activity of its biosynthesis-associated enzymes such as D-cysteine desulfhydrase (DCD) and L-cysteine desulfhydrase (LCD), along with significantly lower ion leakage, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion concentrations. Hydrogen sulfide-treated banana fruits showed an increased proline content and proline metabolism-associated enzymes including ornithine aminotransferase (OAT), Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), and proline dehydrogenase (PDH). In the same way, hydrogen sulfide-fumigated banana fruits accumulated higher endogenous γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) due to enhanced activity of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and GABA transaminase (GABA-T) enzymes. The hydrogen sulfide-treated fruits exhibited higher total phenolics owing to lower polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity and stimulated phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL). The treated banana exhibited higher ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, along with higher glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AsA) concentrations and a significantly lower dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) content. In conclusion, hydrogen sulfide treatment could be utilized for CI alleviation of banana fruits during cold storage.
STEM-Gender Stereotypes: Associations With School Empowerment and School Engagement Among Italian and Nigerian Adolescents
Authors: Musso Pasquale , Ligorio Maria Beatrice , Ibe Ebere , Annese Susanna , Semeraro Cristina , Cassibba Rosalinda
Published: July 2022

While many sociocultural, contextual, biological, behavioral, and psychological variables may contribute to the widespread under-representation of girls and women in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field, this study focused on STEM-gender stereotypes, school experiences, and adolescence as critical factors in driving students' interest and motivation in STEM. Based on this, the study (a) investigated differences by gender and national context (Italy vs. Nigeria) in adolescents' STEM-gender stereotypes, school empowerment, and school engagement in a preliminary step, and (b) simultaneously examined how adolescents' STEM-gender stereotypes were related to school empowerment and school engagement as well as to socioeconomic status (SES). These latter relations were considered within the context of the potential moderating role of gender and national context. Participants included 213 Italian adolescents (Mage = 13.91; 52.1% girls) and 214 Nigerian adolescents (Mage = 13.92; 60.3% girls), who completed measures of school empowerment and engagement, STEM-gender stereotypes, and SES. A multivariate analysis of covariance showed that Nigerian girls and boys reported significantly higher levels of school empowerment, school engagement, and STEM-gender stereotypes than their Italian peers. Moreover, regardless of the national context, boys scored significantly higher on school empowerment and STEM-gender stereotypes than girls. Furthermore, a multiple-group path analysis revealed how higher school empowerment was related to lower STEM-gender stereotypes in both Italian and Nigerian girls' groups, while higher school engagement was associated with lower STEM-gender stereotypes only in the Nigerian groups. Regardless of gender and nationality, higher SES was linked to lower STEM-gender stereotypes. These findings particularly suggest that school empowerment and school engagement can be relevant dimensions to be studied and to develop strategies to counteract STEM-gender stereotypes in adolescence. Nonetheless, gender and national context are key factors to be considered. Limitations, strengths, future research, and educational implications are discussed.
Examining the Relationship of Information and Communication Technologies Use and Reading Literacy: A Moderated-Mediation Analysis of Metacognition Across Information and Communication Technologies Use Intensity
Authors: Li Miaoyun , Wang Meiqian
Published: July 2022

The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is increasingly becoming prevalent among students, both at home and school. While inconsistent results were found for student ICT use and reading literacy, this study attempted to explain these ambiguous links with the moderation of ICT use intensity and mediation of metacognition. Three moderated mediation models for each type of ICT use (at home for entertainment activities and for schoolwork, as well as at school) were analyzed using a Hong Kong sample taken from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018 data pertaining to 5180 15-year-old students from 152 schools. A dynamic effect pattern was found for the links of all ICT use types and reading literacy with the increasing intensity of ICT use, which begins with a positive effect followed by a decrease to less positive, then turns to fluctuating negative and finally ends up with a stable negative effect. But the dominant effect varies across ICT use intensity, which result in different overall effects of three ICT use types. In addition, all three aspects of metacognition showed a profound negative mediation on links of intensive and excessive ICT use with reading literacy, and a less positive mediation for limited ICT use. The metacognition of assessing credibility showed a more important role than summarizing, which was followed by understanding and remembering. In light of the findings, the study recommended that more metacognitive scaffolds should be developed for students with intensive or excessive ICT use, so as to alleviate the side effects of ICT use on their reading literacy.
Heterogenous Subtypes of Late-Life Depression and Their Cognitive Patterns: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Wang Li-Qi , Zhang Tian-Hong , Dang Wei , Liu Sha , Fan Zi-Li , Tu Li-Hui , Zhang Ming , Wang Hua-Ning , Zhang Nan , Ma Qin-Ying , Zhang Ying , Li Hui-Zi , Wang Lu-Chun , Zheng Yao-Nan , Wang Huali , Yu Xin
Published: July 2022

Background

Late-life depression (LLD), characterized by cognitive deficits, is considered heterogeneous across individuals. Previous studies have identified subtypes with diverse symptom profiles, but their cognitive patterns are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the subtypes of LLD and the cognitive profile of each group.

Methods

In total, 109 depressed older adults were enrolled. We performed latent class analysis using Geriatric Depression Scale items as indicators to generate latent classes. We compared the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with cognitive functions between groups and conducted regression analysis to investigate the association between class membership and variables with significant differences.

Results

Two classes were identified: the “pessimistic” group was characterized by pessimistic thoughts and the “worried” group with a relatively high prevalence of worry symptoms. The two groups did not differ in sociodemographic characteristics. The “pessimistic” group showed a higher rate of past history of depression and lower age of onset. The “worried” group had more physical comorbidities and a higher rate of past history of anxiety. The “pessimistic” group was more impaired in general cognitive function, executive function, information processing speed, and attention. Lower general and executive functions were associated with the membership in the “pessimistic” group.

Conclusions

Subjects with pessimistic symptoms and subjects with a propensity to worry may form two distinct subtypes of late-life depression with different cognitive profiles. Further, the cognitive evaluation of subjects with pessimistic symptoms is of utmost importance.
The Ketogenic Diet for Refractory Mental Illness: A Retrospective Analysis of 31 Inpatients
Authors: Danan Albert , Westman Eric C. , Saslow Laura R. , Ede Georgia
Published: July 2022

Background and Hypothesis

The robust evidence base supporting the therapeutic benefit of ketogenic diets in epilepsy and other neurological conditions suggests this same metabolic approach may also benefit psychiatric conditions.

Study Design

In this retrospective analysis of clinical care, 31 adults with severe, persistent mental illness (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder) whose symptoms were poorly controlled despite intensive psychiatric management were admitted to a psychiatric hospital and placed on a ketogenic diet restricted to a maximum of 20 grams of carbohydrate per day as an adjunct to conventional inpatient care. The duration of the intervention ranged from 6 to 248 days.

Study Results

Three patients were unable to adhere to the diet for >14 days and were excluded from the final analysis. Among included participants, means and standard deviations (SDs) improved for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores from 25.4 (6.3) to 7.7 (4.2), P < 0.001 and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale from 29.6 (7.8) to 10.1 (6.5), P < 0.001. Among the 10 patients with schizoaffective illness, mean (SD) of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores improved from 91.4 (15.3) to 49.3 (6.9), P < 0.001. Significant improvements were also observed in metabolic health measures including weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, and triglycerides.

Conclusions

The administration of a ketogenic diet in this semi-controlled setting to patients with treatment-refractory mental illness was feasible, well-tolerated, and associated with significant and substantial improvements in depression and psychosis symptoms and multiple markers of metabolic health.
Visualization and Bibliometric Analysis of Carbon Neutrality Research for Global Health
Authors: Mao Linghao , Zhu Yiling , Ju Chunhua , Bao Fuguang , Xu Chonghuan
Published: July 2022

The visual analysis of carbon neutrality research can help better understand the development of the research field and explore the difficulties and hot spots in the research, thus making contributions to “carbon emission reduction,” environmental protection and human health. This paper makes a visual quantitative analysis of 2,819 research papers published in top international journals from 2008 to 2021 in the WOS core database. It is found that China, the United States, Britain, and Germany are leading the way in carbon neutrality research. The research hotspots are mainly divided into three dimensions: (1) biomass energy and the negative effects it might bring; (2) ways and methods of electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide; (3) catalysts and catalytic environment. The research mainly went through the conceptual period of 1997–2007, the exploration period of bioenergy from 2008 to 2021, the criticized period of bioenergy sources from 2011 to 2013, and the carbon dioxide electroreduction period from 2013 to the present. In the future, the research direction of biomass energy is to find one kind of biomass energy source which can be stored in a low-carbon way, produced in large quantities at a low cost, and will not occupy forestland. The electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen and the synthesis of fuel with CO2 are two major research directions at present, whose aims are to find the suitable catalyst and environment for the reaction. Besides, more research can be done on “carbon neutrality” policies so as to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the source, develop a low-carbon economy and protect human health.
LncRNA-FAM66C Was Identified as a Key Regulator for Modulating Tumor Microenvironment and Hypoxia-Related Pathways in Glioblastoma
Authors: Liu Dan , Wan Yue , Qu Ning , Fu Qiang , Liang Chao , Zeng Lingda , Yang Yang
Published: July 2022

Although the role of hypoxia has been greatly explored and unveiled in glioblastoma (GBM), the mechanism of hypoxia-related long non-coding (lnc) RNAs has not been clearly understood. This study aims to reveal the crosstalk among hypoxia-related lncRNAs, tumor microenvironment (TME), and tumorigenesis for GBM. Gene expression profiles of GBM patients were used as a basis for identifying hypoxia-related lncRNAs. Unsupervised consensus clustering was conducted for classifying samples into different molecular subtypes. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to analyze the enrichment of a series of genes or gene signatures. Three molecular subtypes were constructed based on eight identified hypoxia-related lncRNAs. Oncogenic pathways, such as epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) signaling, angiogenesis, hypoxia, P53 signaling, and glycolysis pathways, were significantly enriched in C1 subtype with poor overall survival. C1 subtype showed high immune infiltration and high expression of immune checkpoints. Furthermore, we identified 10 transcription factors (TFs) that were highly correlated with lncRNA-FAM66C. Three key lncRNAs (ADAMTS9-AS2, LINC00968, and LUCAT1) were screened as prognostic biomarkers for GBM. This study shed light on the important role of hypoxia-related lncRNAs for TME modulation and tumorigenesis in GBM. The eight identified hypoxia-related lncRNAs, especially FAM66C may serve as key regulators involving in hypoxia-related pathways.
Development of a Real-Time Thermoplastic Mask Compression Force Monitoring System Using Capacitive Force Sensor
Authors: Kim Tae-Ho , Cho Min-Seok , Shin Dong-Seok , Shin Dong Ho , Kim Siyong
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Thermoplastic masks keep patients in an appropriate position to ensure accurate radiation delivery. For a thermoplastic mask to maintain clinical efficacy, the mask should wrap the patient's surface properly and provide uniform pressure to all areas. However, to our best knowledge, no explicit method for achieving such a goal currently exists. Therefore, in this study, we intended to develop a real-time thermoplastic mask compression force (TMCF) monitoring system to measure compression force quantitatively. A prototype system was fabricated, and the feasibility of the proposed method was evaluated.

Methods: The real-time TMCF monitoring system basically consists of four force sensor units, a microcontroller board (Arduino Bluno Mega 2560), a control PC, and an in-house software program. To evaluate the reproducibility of the TMCF monitoring system, both a reproducibility test using a micrometer and a setup reproducibility test using a head phantom were performed. Additionally, the reproducibility tests of mask setup and motion detection tests were carried out with a cohort of six volunteers.

Results: The system provided stable pressure readings in all 10 trials during the sensor unit reproducibility test. The largest standard deviation (SD) among trials was about 36 gf/cm2 (∼2.4% of the full-scale range). For five repeated mask setups on the phantom, the compression force variation of the mask was less than 39 gf/cm2 (2.6% of the full-scale range). We were successful in making masks together with the monitoring system connected and demonstrated feasible utilization of the system. Compression force variations were observed among the volunteers and according to the location of the sensor (among forehead, both cheekbones, and chin). The TMCF monitoring system provided the information in real time on whether the mask was properly pressing the human subject as an immobilization tool.

Conclusion: With the developed system, it is possible to monitor the effectiveness of the mask in real time by continuously measuring the compression force between the mask and patient during the treatment. The graphical user interface (GUI) of the monitoring system developed provides a warning signal when the compression force of the mask is insufficient. Although the number of volunteers participated in the study was small, the obtained preliminary results suggest that the system could ostensibly improve the setup accuracy of a thermoplastic mask.
Effect of Spectral Variability of Aerosol Optical Properties on Direct Aerosol Radiative Effect
Authors: Kato Seiji , Thorsen Tyler J. , Ham Seung-Hee , Loeb Norman G. , Ferrare Richard A. , Winker David M. , Barker Howard , Stephens Graeme L. , Schmidt Sebastian , Meyer Kerry G. , Cairns Brian
Published: July 2022

Aerosol optical properties depend on wavelength as well as both mixing ratios and size distributions of components that make up a particular type of aerosol. This study examines impacts on direct aerosol radiative effect (DARE) for desert, clean maritime, and polluted maritime aerosol types over the ocean when their optical properties are determined by various combinations of observations made by active (i.e., lidar) and passive (e.g., shortwave spectrometer) satellite sensors. Spectral optical properties are perturbed by altering mixing ratios of components that define aerosol types with assumptions that components within an aerosol type are fixed and only one aerosol type is present in the atmosphere. When 532 nm depolarization ratio from the lidar is used to identify desert aerosol, the uncertainty in the mean DARE due to spectral optical property variabilities is 10%. When the 532 nm depolarization and lidar ratios are used to identify clean and polluted maritime aerosols, uncertainties in mean DARE are, respectively, 4 and 18%. When scattering optical thicknesses are also known to within ± 3% at four passive imager wavelengths (340 nm, 546 nm, 966 nm, and 1,657 nm), uncertainty in the polluted maritime DARE decreases to 8%. Uncertainties in the instantaneous top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflected irradiances derived from observed broadband radiances and angular distribution models are also estimated. When TOA irradiances are derived solely from the nadir view, their uncertainties can be reduced if aerosol type can be identified and aerosol type dependence is considered in the radiance to irradiance conversion. This is especially so for aerosols with a large fraction of nonspherical particles, such as desert aerosols.
Combining Survey and Social Media Data: Respondents' Opinions on COVID-19 Measures and Their Willingness to Provide Their Social Media Account Information
Authors: Hadler Markus , Klösch Beate , Reiter-Haas Markus , Lex Elisabeth
Published: July 2022

Research on combining social survey responses and social media posts has shown that the willingness to share social media accounts in surveys depends on the mode of the survey and certain socio-demographics of the respondents. We add new insights to this research by demonstrating that the willingness to share their Facebook and Twitter accounts also depends on the respondents' opinions on specific topics. Furthermore, we extend previous research by actually accessing their social media accounts and checking whether survey responses and tweets are coherent. Our analyses indicate that survey respondents who are willing to share their social media accounts hold more positive attitudes toward COVID-19 measures. The same pattern holds true when comparing their sentiments to a larger Twitter collection. Our results highlight another source of sampling bias when combining survey and social media data: a bias due to specific views, which might be related to social desirability.
Cellular Immune Dysfunction in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Ludwig Katharina , Huppertz Tilman , Radsak Markus , Gouveris Haralampos
Published: July 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. Repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep cause a brief but recurrent decrease in oxygen saturation in organs and tissues (chronic intermittent tissue hypoxia). Many studies have proven a pro-inflammatory status in OSA patients. However, few reports are available on the effects of OSA on the cellular immune system, mostly focusing on single immune cell types and their subtypes. The aim of this Mini-Review is to summarize these reports, as OSA is associated with a high prevalence and comorbidities such as atherosclerosis, which are known to involve the cellular immune system.