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Fulltext A comprehensive bibliometric survey of micro-expression recognition system based on deep learning

Ahmad A, Li Z, Iqbal S, Aurangzeb M, Tariq I, Flah A, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 15;10(5):e27392.
PMID: 38495163 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27392

Micro-expressions (ME) are rapidly occurring expressions that reveal the true emotions that a human being is trying to hide, cover, or suppress. These expressions, which reveal a person's actual feelings, have a broad spectrum of applications in public safety and clinical diagnosis. This study provides a comprehensive review of the area of ME recognition. A bibliometric and network analysis techniques is used to compile all the available literature related to ME recognition. A total of 735 publications from the Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus databases were evaluated from December 2012 to December 2022 using all relevant keywords. The first round of data screening produced some basic information, which was further extracted for citation, coupling, co-authorship, co-occurrence, bibliographic, and co-citation analysis. Additionally, a thematic and descriptive analysis was executed to investigate the content of prior research findings, and research techniques used in the literature. The year wise publications indicated that the published literature between 2012 and 2017 was relatively low but however by 2021, a nearly 24-fold increment made it to 154 publications. The three topmost productive journals and conferences included IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing (n = 20 publications) followed by Neurocomputing (n = 17) and Multimedia tools and applications (n = 15). Zhao G was the most proficient author with 48 publications and the top influential country was China (620 publications). Publications by citations showed that each of the authors acquired citations ranging from 100 to 1225. While publications by organizations indicated that the University of Oulu had the most published papers (n = 51). Deep learning, facial expression recognition, and emotion recognition were among the most frequently used terms. It has been discovered that ME research was primarily classified in the discipline of engineering, with more contribution from China and Malaysia comparatively.
Impact of climate change on coastal ecosystem: A comparative analysis among four largest coastline covering countries

Zhang T, Liu H, Lu Y, Wang Q, Loh YC, Li Z

Environ Res, 2024 Feb 14.
PMID: 38365060 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118405

Climate change and coastal ecosystems have become challenging subjects for world sustainability. Humans, animals, and other ocean habitats are primarily affected by the harmful changes in climate. Coastal ecosystems support biodiversity and a wide range of species that serve as habitats for many commercially important fish species and enhance human activities in coastal areas. By engaging in coastal outdoor activities, individuals can experience numerous physical and mental health benefits, foster environmental awareness. This study provided valuable insights into the importance of coastal outdoor activities and their potential to improve our quality of life. This study undertook a challenging subject where we graphically and econometrically analyze the relationship and linkages among coastal indicators with other climate-concerning factors. The study comprises the ordinary regression and comparative analysis among the four largest coastline countries in the world. The study took a sample from Canada, Indonesia, Norway, and the Russian Federation from 1990 to 2022. The data is selected on a convenient basis. Results declared that each country has its unique challenges and opportunities in mitigating adverse climate change and retaining a sustainable coastal ecosystem. The study surprisingly revealed that climate change insignificantly affects the coastal ecosystem in Indonesia and the Russian Federation while it inversely affects the coastal ecosystem in Canada and Norway, showed that climate change on average declines coastal production by 0.0041922 and 0.0261104 in Canada and Norway respectively. The detailed review is given in the results section; however, the pooling analysis proved that at the aggregate level, a one percent increase in climate change caused a 0.02266-tonne decline in coastal ecosystems in the four largest coastline nations. There is a need for policies tend to increase CAP activities by implementing practical marine protected areas. Furthermore, scientific research and monitoring will be beneficial in restoring coastal sustainability.
The research advance of resistant starch: structural characteristics, modification method, immunomodulatory function, and its delivery systems application

Jiali L, Wu Z, Liu L, Yang J, Wang L, Li Z, et al.

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 2023 Jul 06.
PMID: 37409451 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2230287

Resistant starch, also known as anti-digestion enzymatic starch, which cannot be digested or absorbed in the human small intestine. It can be fermented in the large intestine into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and metabolites, which are advantageous to the human body. Starches can classify as rapidly digestible starch (RDS), slowly digestible starch (SDS), and resistant starch (RS), which possess high thermal stability, low water holding capacity, and emulsification characteristics. Resistant starch has excellent physiological functions such as stabilizing postprandial blood glucose levels, preventing type II diabetes, preventing intestinal inflammation, and regulating gut microbiota phenotype. It is extensively utilized in food processing, delivery system construction, and Pickering emulsion due to its processing properties. The resistant starches, with their higher resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis, support their suitability as a potential drug carrier. Therefore, this review focuses on resistant starch with structural features, modification characteristics, immunomodulatory functions, and delivery system applications. The objective was to provide theoretical guidance for applying of resistant starch to food health related industries.
Correlation of endocrine disrupting chemicals with essential elements in biological samples of children (1-5 years) with different infectious diseases and impact on sustainable outdoor activities

Li B, Wu G, Yang X, Li Z, Albasher G, Alsultan N, et al.

Environ Res, 2023 Jul 15;229:115781.
PMID: 37076035 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115781

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been extensively explored due to their harmful effects on individual health and the environment by interfering with hormone activity and disrupting the endocrine system. However, their relationship with essential trace elements remains uncertain. This research aimed to investigate the possible correlation between essential trace elements and toxic metals, including cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in children aged 1-5 years with various infectious diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders, typhoid fever, and pneumonia. The study was conducted on biological testing and specimen (scalp hair and whole blood) of diseased and non-diseased children of the same residential area and referent/control age-matched children from developed cities consuming domestically treated water. The media of biological samples were oxidized by an acid mixture before being analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The accuracy and validity of the methodology were verified through accredited reference material from scalp hair and whole blood sample. The study results revealed that diseased children had lower mean values of essential trace elements (iron, copper, and zinc) in both scalp hair and blood, except for copper, which was found to be higher in blood samples of diseased children. This implies that the deficiency of essential residue and trace elements in children from rural areas who consume groundwater is linked to various infectious diseases. The study highlights the need for more human biomonitoring of EDCs to better comprehend their non-classical toxic properties and their concealed costs on human health. The findings suggest that exposure to EDCs could be associated with unfavorable health outcomes and emphasizes the need for future regulatory policies to minimize exposure and safeguard the health of current and forthcoming generations of children. Furthermore, the study highlights the implication of essential trace elements in maintaining good health and their potential correlation with toxic metals in the environment.
The Association Between Depth of the Olfactory Sulcus, Age, Gender and Olfactory Function: An MRI-based Investigation in More Than 1000 Participants

Li Z, Abdul Manan H, Heitmann H, Witte V, Wirkner K, Riedel-Heller S, et al.

Neuroscience, 2023 May 21;519:31-37.
PMID: 36934780 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.03.017

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between olfactory sulcus (OS) depth and olfactory function considering age and gender and to provide normative data on OS depth in a population with normal olfactory function.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: OS depth was obtained using T1 magnetic resonance imaging scans. Participants (mean age ± sd = 57 ± 16 years, ranging from 20 to 80 years) were screened for olfactory function using the Sniffin' Sticks Screening 12 test. They were divided into an olfactory dysfunction group (n = 604) and a normosmia group (n = 493). Participants also completed questionnaires measuring depression, anxiety and quality of life.
RESULTS: The right OS was deeper than the left side in all age groups. On the left side, women had deeper OS compared with men, exhibiting a higher degree of symmetry in left and right OS depth in women. Variance of olfactory function was largely determined by age, OS depth explained only minor portions of this variance. Normative data for minimum OS depth was 7.55 mm on the left and 8.78 mm on the right for participants aged between 18 and 35 years (n = 144), 6.47 mm on the left and 6.99 mm on the right for those aged 36-55 years (n = 120), and 5.28 mm on the left and 6.19 mm on the right for participants older than 55 years (n = 222).
CONCLUSION: Considering the limited resolution of the presently used T1 weighted MR scans and the nature of the olfactory screening test, OS depth explained only minor portions of the variance of olfactory function, which was largely determined by age. Age-related normative data of OS depth are presented as a reference for future work.
Instant catapult steam explosion combined with ammonia water: A complex technology for detoxification of aflatoxin-contaminated peanut cake with the aim of producing a toxicity-free and nutrients retention of animal feed

Xie H, Gao L, Li Z, Mao G, Zhang H, Wang F, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Jun 30;10(12):e32192.
PMID: 39021920 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32192

Aflatoxin is one of the most toxic biotoxins found in contaminated agricultural products. It has strong mutagenicity, carcinogenesis and teratogenicity to humans and animals. In this study, instant catapult steam explosion combined with ammonia water was examined for its potential to degrade aflatoxin B1 in peanut cake in order to improve its utilization as a toxic-free animal feed. Incubation of AFB1-containing peanut cake followed by processing with Instant Catapult Steam Explosion (ICSE) led to approximately 79.03 % degradation of AFB1, while the degradation of AFB1 was up to 91.48 % under the treatment of ICSE combined with 4 % NH₃·H₂O at 1.2 MPa in 200 s of process time. After treatment, nutrients in peanut cake were not significantly changed. The toxicity of AFB1 degradation products was evaluated and the results showed that the toxicity of these products were found to be substantially less than that possessed by AFB1. A low chemical pollution, efficient and toxic-free technology system of AFB1 degradation was established, which detoxify aflatoxin-contaminated biomass for sustainable and safe utilization of agricultural biomass as animal feed.
Self-assembled silver nanoparticle-DNA on a dielectrode microdevice for determination of gynecologic tumors

Li Z, Gopinath SCB, Lakshmipriya T, Anbu P, Perumal V, Wang X

Biomed Microdevices, 2020 Sep 17;22(4):67.
PMID: 32940771 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-020-00522-3

Nanoscale materials have been employed in the past 2 decades in applications such as biosensing, therapeutics and medical diagnostics due to their beneficial optoelectronic properties. In recent years, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained attention due to their higher plasmon excitation efficiency than gold nanoparticles, as proved by sharper and stronger plasmon resonance peaks. The current work is focused on utilizing self-assembled DNA-AgNPs on microdevices for the detection of gynecological cancers. Human papilloma virus (HPV) mostly spreads through sexual transmittance and can cause various gynecological cancers, including cervical, ovarian and endometrial cancers. In particular, oncogene E7 from the HPV strain 16 (HPV-16 E7) is responsible for causing these cancers. In this research, the target sequence of HPV-16 E7 was detected by an AgNP-conjugated capture probe on a dielectrode sensor. The detection limit was in the range between 10 and 100 aM (by 3σ estimation). The sensitivity of the AgNP-conjugated probe was 10 aM and similar to the sensitivity of gold nanoparticle conjugation sensors, and the mismatched control DNA failed to detect the target, proving selective HPV detection. Morphological assessments on the AgNPs and the sensing surfaces by high-resolution microscopy revealed the surface arrangement. This sensing platform can be expanded to develop sensors for the detection various clinically relevant targets.
Research progress of the Otubains subfamily in hepatocellular carcinoma

Wu Y, Mohd Sani SB, Peng K, Lin T, Tan C, Huang X, et al.

Biomed Pharmacother, 2024 Aug 28;179:117348.
PMID: 39208669 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117348

In cancer research, oncogenesis can be affected by modulating the deubiquitination pathway. Ubiquitination regulates proteins post-translationally in variety of physiological processes. The Otubain Subfamily includes OTUB1 (ovarian tumor-associated proteinase B1) and OTUB2(ovarian tumor-associated proteinase B2). They are deubiquitinating enzymes, which are research hotspots in tumor immunotherapy, with their implications extending across the spectrum of tumor development. Understanding their important role in tumorigenesis, includ-ing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial. HCC has alarming global incidence rates and mortality statistics, ranking among the top five prevalent cancers in Malaysia1. Numerous studies have consistently indicated significant expression of OTUB1 and OTUB2 in HCC cells. In addition, OTUB1 has important biological functions in cancer, suggesting its important role in tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism underlying the action of OTUB1 and OTUB2 in liver cancer remains inadequately explored. Therefore, Otubain Subfamily, as potential molecular target, holds promise for advancing HCC treatments. However, further clinical studies are required to verify its efficacy and application prospects.
Prediction models for intradialytic hypotension in hemodialysis patients: A protocol for systematic review and critical appraisal

Li Z, Yang L, Xi Z, Yi W, Zeng X, Ma D, et al.

PLoS One, 2024;19(9):e0310191.
PMID: 39250467 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310191

Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is common in hemodialysis patients and can lead to several complications. Risk factors for IDH include demographic characteristics, comorbidities, dialysis procedure factors, and so on. Clinical studies on predictive models for dialysis-induced hypotension have shown inconsistent results. This systematic review aims to evaluate published prediction models for IDH, analyzing their characteristics, predictors, efficacy, and the methodological quality and applicability. The protocol has been prepared using the Preferred Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. The systematic review protocol for IDH prediction in hemodialysis patients has been registered with the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY2023110081, DOI: 10.37766/inplasy2023.11.0081). A comprehensive search across five major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang) will be conducted for studies on prediction models of IDH among hemodialysis patients. Two researchers will independently screen literature, extract data, and evaluate the bias risk and applicability of included studies using prediction modelling study tools. This systematic review will provide critical insights into the efficacy and quality of reporting of the IDH model in hemodialysis patients. This will guide clinical staff in selecting the most appropriate IDH prediction model and inform future research endeavors in IDH prediction.
Editorial: Omics-driven crop improvement for stress tolerance, Volume II

Han Y, Qi W, Chen J, Li Z, Su X, Yeo FKS

Front Plant Sci, 2024;15:1461217.
PMID: 39253577 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1461217
Tailpipe emissions and fuel consumption of a heavy-duty diesel vehicle using palm oil biodiesel blended fuels

He L, Li Y, Min Y, Yoong J, Chen S, Jiao J, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2024 Dec 10;955:177048.
PMID: 39447901 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177048

Biodiesel application, such as using waste cooking oil biodiesel in Shanghai, China, is a sustainable solution that addresses the challenges posed by escalating air pollution, energy security, and climate change. Future efforts may involve blending biodiesel from alternative sources like crude palm oil with diesel in China. This study tested a China V heavy-duty diesel vehicle equipped with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system using various palm oil biodiesel blended fuels (i.e., B0, B5, B10, and B20). The findings indicated that using biodiesel blends led to reductions in carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and particle number (PN) emissions compared to B0, while nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions remained similar. Higher biodiesel content significantly reduced petroleum diesel consumption, but no statistically significant differences were found in total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and fuel consumption. Various factors such as vehicle speed, payload, and cold starts influence tailpipe emissions and fuel consumption. Specifically, high-speed phases notably reduced CO, HC, and PN emissions with the use of biodiesel blends. Lower payloads were linked to decreased CO2 emissions and fuel consumption but increased NOX emissions. Cold starts increased HC and NOX emissions, especially with higher biodiesel blending ratios. These results can provide valuable empirical insights into palm oil biodiesel emissions.
Complex Modification Orders Alleviate the Gelling Weakening Behavior of High Microbial Transglutaminase (MTGase)-Catalyzed Fish Gelatin: Gelling and Structural Analysis

Su K, Sun W, Li Z, Huang T, Lou Q, Zhan S

Foods, 2023 Aug 11;12(16).
PMID: 37628026 DOI: 10.3390/foods12163027

In this paper, the effects of different modification orders of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) and contents of pectin (0.1-0.5%, w/v) on the gelling and structural properties of fish gelatin (FG) and the modification mechanism were studied. The results showed that the addition of pectin could overcome the phenomenon of high-MTGase-induced lower gelling strength of gelatin gels. At a low pectin content, the modification sequences had non-significant influence on the gelling properties of modified FG, but at a higher pectin content (0.5%, w/v), P0.5%-FG-TG had higher gel strength (751.99 ± 10.9 g) and hardness (14.91 ± 0.33 N) values than those of TG-FG-P0.5% (687.67 ± 20.98 g, 12.18 ± 0.45 N). Rheology analysis showed that the addition of pectin normally improved the gelation points and melting points of FG. The structural results showed that the fluorescence intensity of FG was decreased with the increase in pectin concentration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that the MTGase and pectin complex modifications could influence the secondary structure of FG, but the influenced mechanisms were different. FG was firstly modified by MTGase, and then pectin (P-FG-TG) had the higher gelling and stability properties.
Functional transcriptome reveals hepatopancreatic lipid metabolism during the molting cycle of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis

Li Z, Zhang G, Pan K, Niu X, Shu-Chien AC, Chen T, et al.

Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol, 2023 Oct;284:111474.
PMID: 37406959 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111474

Crustacean molting is highly related to energy and lipid metabolism. This study was conducted to detect the changes of total lipids (TL), triacylglyceride (TAG), phospholipid (PL) and lipid droplets in hepatopancreas, and then to investigate the gene expression patterns related to hepatopancreatic lipid metabolism during the molting cycle of Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. Hepatopancreatic TL and TAG increased significantly from post-molt stage to pre-molt stage, then decreased significantly from pre-molt stage to ecdysis stage, which is consistent to the changes of neutral lipid-rich adipocytes in hepatopancreas. By transcriptomic analysis, 65,325 transcripts were sequenced and assembled, and 28,033 transcripts were annotated. Most genes were related to energy metabolism, and the enriched genes were involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and biosynthesis, especially in de novo synthesis of fatty acids and TAG, and ketone body production. Compared to the inter-molt stages, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase and other genes related to the synthesis of fatty acids were upregulated in the pre-molt stage. TAG synthesis related genes, including Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase and 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases, were upregulated in the post-molt stage compared to the inter-molt stage. The expression of ketone body-related genes had no significant changes during the molting cycle. Compared to the TAG synthetic pathway, ketone body biosynthesis may contribute less/secondarily to fatty acid metabolic processes, which could be involved in the other physiological processes or metabolism. In conclusion, these results showed that TAG is the major lipid deposition during inter- and pre-molt stages, and the most genes are related to the fatty acids and TAG metabolism in the hepatopancreas during the molting cycle of E. sinensis.
Effects of elevated temperature and different crystal structures of TiO2 nanoparticles on the gut microbiota of mussel Mytilus coruscus

Li Z, Li L, Sokolova I, Shang Y, Huang W, Khor W, et al.

Mar Pollut Bull, 2024 Feb;199:115979.
PMID: 38171167 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115979

Coastal habitats are exposed to increasing pressure of nanopollutants commonly combined with warming due to the seasonal temperature cycles and global climate change. To investigate the toxicological effects of TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) and elevated temperature on the intestinal health of the mussels (Mytilus coruscus), the mussels were exposed to 0.1 mg/L TiO2 NPs with different crystal structures for 14 days at 20 °C and 28 °C, respectively. Compared to 20 °C, the agglomeration of TiO2 NPs was more serious at 28 °C. Exposure to TiO2 NPs led to elevated mortality of M. coruscus and modified the intestinal microbial community as shown by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Exposure to TiO2 NPs changed the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. The relative abundances of putative mutualistic symbionts Tenericutes and Fusobacteria increased in the gut of M. coruscus exposed to anatase, which have contributed to the lower mortality in this group. LEfSe showed the combined stress of warming and TiO2 NPs increased the risk of M. coruscus being infected with potential pathogenic bacteria. This study emphasizes the toxicity differences between crystal structures of TiO2 NPs, and will provides an important reference for analyzing the physiological and ecological effects of nanomaterial pollution on bivalves under the background of global climate change.
Fulltext Research hotspots and trends in healthcare workers' resilience: A bibliometric and visualized analysis

Yang L, Li Z, Lei Y, Liu J, Zhang R, Lei W, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e35107.
PMID: 39170181 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35107

BACKGROUND: The resilience of healthcare workers has gained increasing attention, yet comprehensive studies focusing on recent trends and developments are scarce. We conducted an extensive bibliometric analysis from inception to 2023 to address this gap.
METHODS: Publications on healthcare workers' resilience were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Bibliometric analysis was conducted with CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Scimago Graphica, focusing on annual publications, country/region, institution, journal, author, keyword analysis, and reference co-citation analysis related to resilience in healthcare workers.
RESULTS: The analysis included 750 documents, revealing a general upward trend in publications across 67 countries/regions, 1,251 institutions, and 3,166 authors. The USA and China emerged as the top contributors, with 192 and 168 publications, respectively. Based on keyword analysis and reference co-citation analysis, the focus areas include the Resilience Scale, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HCWs and their resilience, and nurse resilience.
CONCLUSION: This study highlights the growing interest in healthcare workers' resilience by using bibliometric and visualization techniques for effective analysis. This paper will enhance scholars' understanding of the dynamic evolution of healthcare workers' resilience and identify emerging research topics.
Fulltext The relationship between compulsory citizenship behavior and nurses' silence: a cross-sectional study

Li Z, Yang L, Xi Z, Yi W, Fu Y, Chang C, et al.

BMC Nurs, 2025 Jan 06;24(1):14.
PMID: 39762839 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-02677-3

AIM: This study aimed to assess the relationship between compulsory citizenship behavior and nurses' silence.
METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional online study was conducted in October 2023, targeting 402 nurses working in Yichang Central People's Hospital, Hubei Province, China. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising demographic details, the Compulsory Citizenship Behavior Scale, and the Nurses' Silence Scale. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 25.0, including descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical regression analyses.
RESULTS: The study revealed that the overall mean score for nurses' compulsory citizenship behavior was 14.63 (3.99), while the overall mean score for nurses' silence was 32.78 (8.28). Significant differences in compulsory citizenship behavior scores were observed among nurses with varying levels of work experience (P
A thematic review on therapeutic toys and games for the elderly with Alzheimer's disease

You D, Hasley Bin Ramli S, Ibrahim R, Hibatullah Bin Romli M, Li Z, Chu Q, et al.

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol, 2025 Jan;20(1):1-13.
PMID: 38299880 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2023.2299713

PURPOSE: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common and devastating neurological ailment that affects millions of the elderly worldwide. Therapeutic toys and games have emerged as potential non-pharmacological interventions for AD. However, despite a growing number of documents on the subject, research on the future direction of therapeutic toys and games for AD remains scarce. To address this gap, this study aims to (1) map the future trends of therapeutic toys and games for AD and (2) identify the categories and design characteristics.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a thematic review framework, a systematic literature search was conducted in two electronic databases (Scopus and WoS) using established criteria. Thematic analysis was done using ATLAS.ti 23 to identify prominent themes, patterns and trends.
RESULTS: A total of 180 documents were found. Twenty-five articles met the inclusion criteria. A thematic review of these 25 articles identified 13 initial codes, which were been clustered into four themes: detection and evaluation; intervention; toy/game category; and design characteristics. The word "Cognitive" appears most frequently in documents according to word cloud.
CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic toys and games are used to detect and as an intervention for AD. Most of the current studies focused on specific cognitive functions. More research is needed about play therapy for neuropsychiatric symptoms. This thematic review also proposed a conceptual framework for designing toys and games tailored to the needs of the elderly with AD, offering valuable insights to future researchers focusing on this domain.
Fulltext A replication study confirms the association of dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) polymorphisms with ACPA - negative RA in a large Asian cohort

Guo J, Wu X, Too CL, Yin F, Lu X, He J, et al.

PLoS One, 2012;7(7):e41228.
PMID: 22829930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041228

OBJECTIVES: Dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) has been implicated in development of autoimmune disorders in rodent and DCIR polymorphisms were associated with anti-citrullinated proteins antibodies (ACPA)-negative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Swedish Caucasians. This study was undertaken to further investigate whether DCIR polymorphisms are also risk factors for the development of RA in four Asian populations originated from China and Malaysia.

METHODS: We genotyped two DCIR SNPs rs2377422 and rs10840759 in Han Chinese population (1,193 cases, 1,278 controls), to assess their association with RA. Subsequently, rs2377422 was further genotyped in three independent cohorts of Malaysian-Chinese subjects (MY_Chinese, 254 cases, 206 controls), Malay subjects (MY_ Malay, 515 cases, 986 controls), and Malaysian-Indian subjects (MY_Indian, 378 cases, 285 controls), to seek confirmation of association in various ethnic groups. Meta-analysis was preformed to evaluate the contribution of rs2377422 polymorphisms to the development of ACPA-negative RA in distinct ethnic groups. Finally, we carried out association analysis of rs2377422 polymorphisms with DCIR mRNA expression levels.

RESULTS: DCIR rs2377422 was found to be significantly associated with ACPA -negative RA in Han Chinese (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.27-2.90, P=0.0020). Meta-analysis confirms DCIR rs2377422 as a risk factor for ACPA-negative RA across distinct ethnic groups (OR(overall) =1.17, 95% CI 1.06-1.30, P=0.003). The SNP rs2377422 polymorphism showed significant association with DCIR mRNA expression level, i.e. RA-risk CC genotype exhibit a significant increase in the expression of DCIR (P=0.0023, Kruskal-Wallis).

CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide evidence for association between DCIR rs2377422 and RA in non-Caucasian populations and confirm the influence of DCIR polymorphisms on RA susceptibility, especially on ACPA-negative RA.
Fulltext Mitochondrial Cardiomyopathy: Molecular Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Models, and Therapeutic Management

Yang J, Chen S, Duan F, Wang X, Zhang X, Lian B, et al.

Cells, 2022 Nov 06;11(21).
PMID: 36359908 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213511

Mitochondrial cardiomyopathy (MCM) is characterized by abnormal heart-muscle structure and function, caused by mutations in the nuclear genome or mitochondrial DNA. The heterogeneity of gene mutations and various clinical presentations in patients with cardiomyopathy make its diagnosis, molecular mechanism, and therapeutics great challenges. This review describes the molecular epidemiology of MCM and its clinical features, reviews the promising diagnostic tests applied for mitochondrial diseases and cardiomyopathies, and details the animal and cellular models used for modeling cardiomyopathy and to investigate disease pathogenesis in a controlled in vitro environment. It also discusses the emerging therapeutics tested in pre-clinical and clinical studies of cardiac regeneration.
A strategy for bioremediation of nuclear contaminants in the environment

Li Z, He Y, Sonne C, Lam SS, Kirkham MB, Bolan N, et al.

Environ Pollut, 2023 Feb 15;319:120964.
PMID: 36584860 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120964

Radionuclides released from nuclear contamination harm the environment and human health. Nuclear pollution spread over large areas and the costs associated with decontamination is high. Traditional remediation methods include both chemical and physical, however, these are expensive and unsuitable for large-scale restoration. Bioremediation is the use of plants or microorganisms to remove pollutants from the environment having a lower cost and can be upscaled to eliminate contamination from soil, water and air. It is a cheap, efficient, ecologically, and friendly restoration technology. Here we review the sources of radionuclides, bioremediation methods, mechanisms of plant resistance to radionuclides and the effects on the efficiency of biological adsorption. Uptake of radionuclides by plants can be facilitated by the addition of appropriate chemical accelerators and agronomic management, such as citric acid and intercropping. Future research should accelerate the use of genetic engineering and breeding techniques to screen high-enrichment plants. In addition, field experiments should be carried out to ensure that this technology can be applied to the remediation of nuclear contaminated sites as soon as possible.

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