bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DWSTr: a hybrid framework for ship-radiated noise recognition
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Hao , Huang Wei , Zhou Manli , Gao Yong , An Yuan , Jiao Huifeng
Published: February 2024

The critical nature of passive ship-radiated noise recognition for military and economic security is well-established, yet its advancement faces significant obstacles due to the complex marine environment. The challenges include natural sound interference and signal distortion, complicating the extraction of key acoustic features and ship type identification. Addressing these issues, this study introduces DWSTr, a novel method combining a depthwise separable convolutional neural network with a Transformer architecture. This approach effectively isolates local acoustic features and captures global dependencies, enhancing robustness against environmental interferences and signal variability. Validated by experimental results on the ShipsEar dataset, DWSTr demonstrated a notable 96.5\% recognition accuracy, underscoring its efficacy in accurate ship classification amidst challenging conditions. The integration of these advanced neural architectures not only surmounts existing barriers in noise recognition but also offers computational efficiency for real-time analysis, marking a significant advancement in passive acoustic monitoring and its application in strategic and economic contexts.
Boosting open-label placebo effects in acute induced pain in healthy adults (BOLPAP-study): study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: de Leeuw Matthijs , Laager Mirjam , Gaab Jens , Ruppen Wilhelm , Schneider Tobias
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Pain is a highly prevalent symptom in the hospital setting, but treatment options remain limited. Harnessing the placebo effect in an ethical manner could provide a new possibility to reduce pain in clinical practice. So called open-label placebos (OLP) have been shown to elicit significant effects in reducing acute pain. But, before implementation, more knowledge concerning the properties of OLPs is needed. This study aims to assess the duration of analgesic effects from OLP and to determine the possibility of boosting such effects.

Methods and analysis

This is the protocol of an ongoing (first patient enrolled in March 2023) single-site randomized trial investigating OLPs in two parts (i.e., substudies). In both parts, pain will be induced in healthy adults using an intradermal electrical stimulation model. Participants in Part 1 will have two study visits: An interventional visit with one OLP injection accompanied by an evidence-based treatment rationale and a control visit with no treatment. For Part 2, participants will be randomized into three groups: (1) A fixed-time “Booster” group including one single repetition of the OLP injection at a fixed time point, (2) an on-demand “Booster” group including one single repetition of the OLP injection on-demand, and (3) a control group who will receive just one OLP injection. Differences in pain ratings over time (using the Numeric Rating Scale) will be analyzed with several two-sample t-tests. The time point for a fixed-time “Booster” in Part 2 will be derived from Part 1 with additional statistical tools such as a broken-stick mixed-effect model.

Discussion

This study aims to further characterize the analgesic effects of OLPs. In doing so, it will provide valuable information needed for later implementation of OLPs in clinical practice, where they could play a role in multimodal analgesic concepts.

Ethics and dissemination

The “Ethikkommission Nordwest- und Zentralschweiz” (BASEC 2023-00296) approved the study protocol. Results of the analysis will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Clinical Trial Registration

This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05819476) and is listed in the Swiss National Registry at kofam.ch (SNCTP000005470).
Retinal microvascular alterations in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis without cardiovascular risk factors: the potential effects of T cell co-stimulation blockade
Authors: Piantoni Silvia , Regola Francesca , Angeli Fabrizio , Caproli Alessia , Trovati Annalisa , Tomasi Cesare , Chiarini Giulia , Rossini Claudia , Rosei Claudia Agabiti , De Ciuceis Carolina , Franceschini Franco , Muiesan Maria Lorenza , Rizzoni Damiano , Airò Paolo
Published: February 2024

Background

The evaluation of microvascular alterations might provide clinically useful information for patients with an increased cardiovascular (CV) risk, such as those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), being the small artery remodeling the earliest form of target organ damage in primary CV diseases, such as arterial hypertension. The evaluation of retinal arterioles is a non-invasive technique aimed to identify an early microvascular damage, represented by the increase of the wall-to-lumen ratio (WLR) index. Abatacept (ABA), a T-cell co-stimulator blocker, is used to treat RA. A CV protective action was hypothesized for its peculiar mechanism of action in the modulation of T-cells, potentially involved in the pathogenesis of CV comorbidity. The study aimed to non-invasively investigate morphological characteristics of retinal arterioles in a cohort of RA patients treated with ABA.

Materials and methods

Seventeen RA patients [median (25th-75thpercentile) age = 58 (48–64) years, baseline 28-joint Disease Activity Score DAS28-C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) = 4.4 (3.9–4.6), body mass index (BMI) = 24.2 (23.4–26) kg/m2, rheumatoid factor positive:52.9%, anti-citrullinated peptide autoantibodies positive:76.5%] without known CV risk factors (arterial hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, previous CV events, smoking) were evaluated by the adaptive optics imaging system of retinal arterioles before and every 6 months of therapy with ABA (T0, T6 and T12). Office blood pressure evaluation, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and tissue-doppler echocardiography were also performed.

Results

A progressive significant reduction of the WLR of retinal arterioles was observed [T0 = 0.28 (0.25–0.30), T6 = 0.27 (0.24–0.31), T12 = 0.23 (0.23–0.26); p T0 vs. T6 = 0.414; p T6 vs. T12 = 0.02; p T0 vs. T12 = 0.009], without significant variations in other parameters. The T0-T12 reduction of WLR was correlated with that of DAS28-CRP (r:0.789; p = 0.005). Moreover, a significant reduction of diastolic office blood pressure and a trend for reduction of daily pressure measured by ambulatory monitoring were observed.

Conclusion

In a cohort of RA patients without known CV risk factors, a reduction of retinal microvascular alterations was demonstrated after treatment for 12 months with ABA, in parallel with the reduction of disease activity. These results might suggest the possibility of microvascular abnormalities regression induced by the immune system modulation.
Effect of different interventions on the treatment of high-risk human papillomavirus infection: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Dong-Yue , Cui Ying-Ying , Zhang Wei-Wei , Fan Meng-Si , Qiu Ke-Xin , Yan Li
Published: February 2024

Background

Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) can lead to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cancer. At present, there is no medication that specifically targets HR-HPV infection.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions in promoting HR-HPV regression using a MeSH meta-analysis method.

Methods

A search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting different interventions for the treatment of HR-HPV infection included PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library from the inception of the databases to March 8, 2023. Two researchers independently screened the articles, extracted data, and evaluated the quality. The literature that met the inclusion criteria was selected, the quality and risk of bias of the included studies were assessed according to the Cochrane 5.1 manual, and NMA was performed using Stata 16.0. The area under the cumulative ranking probability graph (SUCRA) represented the probability that each treatment would be the best intervention.

Results

Nine studies involving 961 patients and 7 treatment options were included in the analysis. The results of the network meta-analysis indicated the following rank order in terms of promoting HR-HPV conversion: Anti-HPV biological dressing > vaginal gel > imiquimod > REBACIN® > interferon > probiotics > observation/placebo > Polyphenon E.

Conclusion

Anti-HPV biological dressing treatment was found to be significantly effective in promoting HR-HPV conversion. However, further validation of the findings is necessary due to the limited number and quality of studies included in the analysis.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023413917.
Viral pancreatitis: research advances and mechanisms
Authors: Yu Xianqiang , Wang Minchao , Kong Qingming
Published: February 2024

Acute pancreatitis is caused by trypsinogen activation in acinar cells caused by various injury forms (gallstone, high triglycerides, alcohol, etc.). Viral pancreatitis is a clinically rare disease type, which is easily neglected by clinicians and causes serious adverse consequences. Viral pancreatitis involves the entry of viruses into pancreatic cells, triggering inflammation, immune response activation, and enzymatic autodigestion, leading to tissue damage and potential complications. At present, there are few available reports on viral pancreatitis, most of which are case reports. This review brings attention to clinicians by describing the incidence of viral pancreatitis to enhance clinical understanding and patient care.
Terrestrial algae: pioneer organisms of carbonate rock solutional weathering in South China karst
Authors: Yan Ni , Zhao Jiawei , Xiong Kangning , Yang Chunliu , Li Junqin , Chen Qian
Published: February 2024

The formation of soil in karst ecosystem has always been a scientific problem of great concern to human beings. Algae can grow on the exposed and non-nutrition carbonate surface, inducing and accelerating weathering of rock substrates, thus promoting soil formation. Yet the actual contribution of algae to solutional weathering intensity remains unclear. In this study, we performed weathering simulation experiment on two algae species (Klebsormidium dissectum (F.Gay) H.Ettl & G.Gärtner and Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck), which were screened from carbonated rock surfaces from a typical karst region in South China. The results showed: (1) both algae have solutional weathering effect on carbonate rock, (2) there is no difference of solutional intensity observed, yet the solutional modes are different, suggesting different ecological adaptative strategies, (3) algae on carbonate rocks have higher carbonic anhydrase activity (CAA) and secrete more extracellular polysaccharide (EPS), accelerating rock weathering. (4) The absolute dissolution amount of carbonate rock with algae participation is 3 times of that of without algae. These results indicate the significant impact of terrestrial algae on carbonate rock solutional weathering and provides quantitative evidence that terrestrial algae are pioneer species. It also contributes to our further understanding of soil formation in karst ecosystems in South China.
Improved metagenome assemblies through selective enrichment of bacterial genomic DNA from eukaryotic host genomic DNA using ATAC-seq
Authors: Cantin Lindsey J. , Dunning Hotopp Julie C. , Foster Jeremy M.
Published: February 2024

Genomics can be used to study the complex relationships between hosts and their microbiota. Many bacteria cannot be cultured in the laboratory, making it difficult to obtain adequate amounts of bacterial DNA and to limit host DNA contamination for the construction of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). For example, Wolbachia is a genus of exclusively obligate intracellular bacteria that live in a wide range of arthropods and some nematodes. While Wolbachia endosymbionts are frequently described as facultative reproductive parasites in arthropods, the bacteria are obligate mutualistic endosymbionts of filarial worms. Here, we achieve 50-fold enrichment of bacterial sequences using ATAC-seq (Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing) with Brugia malayi nematodes, containing Wolbachia (wBm). ATAC-seq uses the Tn5 transposase to cut and attach Illumina sequencing adapters to accessible DNA lacking histones, typically thought to be open chromatin. Bacterial and mitochondrial DNA in the lysates are also cut preferentially since they lack histones, leading to the enrichment of these sequences. The benefits of this include minimal tissue input (<1 mg of tissue), a quick protocol (<4 h), low sequencing costs, less bias, correct assembly of lateral gene transfers and no prior sequence knowledge required. We assembled the wBm genome with as few as 1 million Illumina short paired-end reads with >97% coverage of the published genome, compared to only 12% coverage with the standard gDNA libraries. We found significant bacterial sequence enrichment that facilitated genome assembly in previously published ATAC-seq data sets from human cells infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and C. elegans contaminated with their food source, the OP50 strain of E. coli. These results demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of using ATAC-seq to easily obtain bacterial genomes to aid in symbiosis, infectious disease, and microbiome research.
Salinity stress results in ammonium and nitrite accumulation during the elemental sulfur-driven autotrophic denitrification process
Authors: Fan Wenjie , Huang Xuejiao , Xiong Jianhua , Wang Shuangfei
Published: February 2024

In this study, we investigated the effects of salinity on elemental sulfur-driven autotrophic denitrification (SAD) efficiency, and microbial communities. The results revealed that when the salinity was ≤6 g/L, the nitrate removal efficiency in SAD increased with the increasing salinity reaching 95.53% at 6 g/L salinity. Above this salt concentration, the performance of SAD gradually decreased, and the nitrate removal efficiency decreased to 33.63% at 25 g/L salinity. Approximately 5 mg/L of the hazardous nitrite was detectable at 15 g/L salinity, but decreased at 25 g/L salinity, accompanied by the generation of ammonium. When the salinity was ≥15 g/L, the abundance of the salt-tolerant microorganisms, Thiobacillus and Sulfurimonas, increased, while that of other microbial species decreased. This study provides support for the practical application of elemental sulfur-driven autotrophic denitrification in saline nitrate wastewater.
Influence of salt and temperature in the growth of pathogenic free-living amoebae
Authors: Arberas-Jiménez Iñigo , Rodríguez-Expósito Rubén L. , Sifaoui Ines , Chao-Pellicer Javier , Sancho Luis , Urruticoechea Andoni , Piñero José E. , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Free-living amoebae are an extensive group of protistans that can be found in a wide variety of environments. Among them, the Acanthamoeba genus and Naegleria fowleri stand out as two of the most pathogenic amoebae and with a higher number of reported cases. N. fowleri is mainly found in warm freshwater water bodies whereas amoebae of the Acanthamoeba genus are broadly distributed through natural and anthropogenic environments. In this regard, the management and the control of the amoebic populations in swimming pools has become a major public health challenge for institutions.

Methods

The aim of this work was to evaluate the growth pattern of trophozoites of A. griffini and N. fowleri at different temperatures and salt concentrations.

Results and discussion

Our results showed that A. griffini resisted a higher concentration of salt than N. fowleri. Moreover, no trophozoites could withstand the salt levels of the sea in in vitro conditions. This work supports the contention that salinity could represent an important and useful tool for the control of the most pathogenic amoebic populations in recreational water bodies.
Secondary metabolites from the deep-sea derived fungus Aspergillus terreus MCCC M28183
Authors: Huang Xiaomei , Wang Yichao , Li Guangyu , Shao Zongze , Xia Jinmei , Qin Jiang-Jiang , Wang Weiyi
Published: February 2024

Aspergillus fungi are renowned for producing a diverse range of natural products with promising biological activities. These include lovastatin, itaconic acid, terrin, and geodin, known for their cholesterol-regulating, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antibiotic properties. In our current study, we isolated three dimeric nitrophenyl trans-epoxyamides (1–3), along with fifteen known compounds (4–18), from the culture of Aspergillus terreus MCCC M28183, a deep-sea-derived fungus. The structures of compounds 1–3 were elucidated using a combination of NMR, MS, NMR calculation, and ECD calculation. Compound 1 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against human gastric cancer cells MKN28, while compound 7 showed similar activity against MGC803 cells, with both showing IC50 values below 10 μM. Furthermore, compound 16 exhibited moderate potency against Vibrio parahaemolyticus ATCC 17802, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 7.8 μg/mL. This promising research suggests potential avenues for developing new pharmaceuticals, particularly in targeting specific cancer cell lines and combating bacterial infections, leveraging the unique properties of these Aspergillus-derived compounds.
IGF1R deficiency in vascular smooth muscle cells impairs myogenic autoregulation and cognition in mice
Authors: Miller Lauren R. , Bickel Marisa A. , Tarantini Stefano , Runion Megan E. , Matacchiera Zoe , Vance Michaela L. , Hibbs Clara , Vaden Hannah , Nagykaldi Domonkos , Martin Teryn , Bullen Elizabeth C. , Pinckard Jessica , Kiss Tamas , Howard Eric W. , Yabluchanskiy Andriy , Conley Shannon M.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Cerebrovascular pathologies contribute to cognitive decline during aging, leading to vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Levels of circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a vasoprotective hormone, decrease during aging. Decreased circulating IGF-1 in animal models leads to the development of VCID-like symptoms, but the cellular mechanisms underlying IGF-1-deficiency associated pathologies in the aged cerebrovasculature remain poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play an integral part in mediating the vasoprotective effects of IGF-1.

Methods

We used a hypertension-based model of cerebrovascular dysfunction in mice with VSMC-specific IGF-1 receptor (Igf1r) deficiency and evaluated the development of cerebrovascular pathologies and cognitive dysfunction.

Results

VSMC-specific Igf1r deficiency led to impaired cerebral myogenic autoregulation, independent of blood pressure changes, which was also associated with impaired spatial learning and memory function as measured by radial arm water maze and impaired motor learning measured by rotarod. In contrast, VSMC-specific IGF-1 receptor knockdown did not lead to cerebral microvascular rarefaction.

Discussion

These studies suggest that VSMCs are key targets for IGF-1 in the context of cerebrovascular health, playing a role in vessel stability alongside other cells in the neurovascular unit, and that VSMC dysfunction in aging likely contributes to VCID.
Preliminary study on early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in APP/PS1 transgenic mice using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Xu Meng , Liu Jipeng , Liu Qingguo , Gong Yu , Li Yinyin , Zhang Jing , Shi Shufeng , Shi Yuanyuan
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has an insidious onset and lacks clear early diagnostic markers, and by the time overt dementia symptoms appear, the disease is already in the mid-to-late stages. The search for early diagnostic markers of AD may open a critical window for Alzheimer’s treatment and facilitate early intervention to slow the progression of AD. In this study, we aimed to explore the imaging markers for early diagnosis of AD through the combined application of structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI), resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), and 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques at the animal experimental level, with the aim to provide a certain reference for early clinical diagnosis of AD. First, sMRI scans were performed on 4-month-old amyloid beta precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) transgenic AD model mice and wild type mice of the same litter using a 7.0 T animal MRI scanner to analyze the differential brain regions with structural changes in the gray matter of the brain by voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Next, rs-fMRI scans were performed to analyze the differential brain regions between groups for local spontaneous brain activity and functional connectivity (FC) between brain regions. Finally, 1H-MRS scans were performed to quantify and analyze intergroup differences in the relative concentrations of different metabolites within regions of interest (cortex and hippocampus). Compared with wild type mice, the volume of the left hippocampus, and right olfactory bulb of APP/PS1 transgenic AD model mice were reduced, the functional activity of the bilateral hippocampus, right piriform cortex and right caudate putamen was reduced, the functional network connectivity of the hippocampus was impaired, and the relative content of N-acetylaspartate (NAA)in the hippocampus was decreased. In addition, this study found that imaging changes in olfactory-related brain regions were closely associated with AD diagnosis, and these findings may provide some reference for the early diagnosis of AD.
NeuroEditor: a tool to edit and visualize neuronal morphologies
Authors: Velasco Ivan , Garcia-Cantero Juan J. , Brito Juan P. , Bayona Sofia , Pastor Luis , Mata Susana
Published: February 2024

The digital extraction of detailed neuronal morphologies from microscopy data is an essential step in the study of neurons. Ever since Cajal’s work, the acquisition and analysis of neuron anatomy has yielded invaluable insight into the nervous system, which has led to our present understanding of many structural and functional aspects of the brain and the nervous system, well beyond the anatomical perspective. Obtaining detailed anatomical data, though, is not a simple task. Despite recent progress, acquiring neuron details still involves using labor-intensive, error prone methods that facilitate the introduction of inaccuracies and mistakes. In consequence, getting reliable morphological tracings usually needs the completion of post-processing steps that require user intervention to ensure the extracted data accuracy. Within this framework, this paper presents NeuroEditor, a new software tool for visualization, editing and correction of previously reconstructed neuronal tracings. This tool has been developed specifically for alleviating the burden associated with the acquisition of detailed morphologies. NeuroEditor offers a set of algorithms that can automatically detect the presence of potential errors in tracings. The tool facilitates users to explore an error with a simple mouse click so that it can be corrected manually or, where applicable, automatically. In some cases, this tool can also propose a set of actions to automatically correct a particular type of error. Additionally, this tool allows users to visualize and compare the original and modified tracings, also providing a 3D mesh that approximates the neuronal membrane. The approximation of this mesh is computed and recomputed on-the-fly, reflecting any instantaneous changes during the tracing process. Moreover, NeuroEditor can be easily extended by users, who can program their own algorithms in Python and run them within the tool. Last, this paper includes an example showing how users can easily define a customized workflow by applying a sequence of editing operations. The edited morphology can then be stored, together with the corresponding 3D mesh that approximates the neuronal membrane.
Both coiling and clipping induce the time-dependent release of endogenous neuropeptide Y into serum
Authors: Bründl Elisabeth , Proescholdt Martin , Schödel Petra , Rosengarth Katharina , Störr Eva-Maria , Bele Sylvia , Kieninger Martin , Malsy Manuela , Schmidt Nils Ole , Schebesch Karl-Michael
Published: February 2024

Background

The vaso- and psychoactive endogenous Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has repeatedly been shown to be excessively released after subarachnoid hemorrhage and in numerous psychiatric disorders. NPY is stored in sympathetic perivascular nerve fibers around the major cerebral arteries. This prospective study was designed to analyze the impact of microsurgical and endovascular manipulation of the cerebral vasculature versus cranio- and durotomy alone on the serum levels of NPY.

Methods

58 patients (drop-out n = 3; m:f = 26:29; mean age 52.0 ± 14.1 years) were prospectively enrolled. The vascular group underwent repair for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) of the anterior circulation [endovascular aneurysm occlusion (EV) n = 13; microsurgical clipping (MS) n = 17]; in the non-vascular group, 14 patients received microsurgical resection of a small-sized convexity meningioma (CM), and 11 patients with surgically treated degenerative lumbar spine disease (LD) served as control. Plasma was drawn (1) before treatment (t0), (2) periprocedurally (t1), (3) 6 h postprocedurally (t2), (4) 72 h postprocedurally (t3), and (5) at the 6-week follow-up (FU; t4) to determine the NPY levels via competitive enzyme immunoassay in duplicate serum samples. We statistically evaluated differences between groups by calculating one-way ANOVA and for changes along the time points using repeated measure ANOVA.

Results

Except for time point t0, the serum concentrations of NPY ranged significantly higher in the vascular than in the non-vascular group (p < 0.001), with a slight decrease in both vascular subgroups 6 h postprocedurally, followed by a gradual increase above baseline levels until FU. At t3, the EV subgroup showed significantly higher NPY levels (mean ± standard deviation) than the MS subgroup (0.569 ± 0.198 ng/mL vs. 0.415 ± 0.192 ng/mL, p = 0.0217). The highest NPY concentrations were measured in the EV subgroup at t1, t3, and t4, reaching a climax at FU (0.551 ± 0.304 ng/mL).

Conclusion

Our study reveals a first insight into the short-term dynamics of the serum levels of endogenous NPY in neurosurgical and endovascular procedures, respectively: Direct manipulation within but also next to the major cerebral arteries induces an excessive release of NPY into the serum. Our findings raise the interesting question of the potential capacity of NPY in modulating the psycho-behavioral outcome of neurovascular patients.
Variability of large timescale functional networks in patients with disorders of consciousness
Authors: Gong Anjuan , Wang Qijun , Guo Qian , Yang Ying , Chen Xuewei , Hu Xiaohua , Zhang Ying
Published: February 2024

Objective

Most brain function assessments for disorders of consciousness (DOC) utilized quantified characteristics, measured only once, ignoring the variation of patients' brain states. The study aims to investigate the brain activities of patients with DOC from a new perspective: variability of a large timescale functional network.

Methods

Forty-nine patients were enrolled in this study and performed a 1-week behavioral assessment. Subsequently, each patient received electroencephalography (EEG) recordings five times daily at 2-h intervals. Functional connectivity and networks were measured by weighted phase lag index and complex network parameters (characteristic path length, cluster coefficient, and betweenness centrality). The relative coefficient of variation (CV) of network parameters was measured to evaluate functional network variability.

Results

Functional networks of patients with vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) showed significantly higher segregation (characteristic path length) and lower centrality (betweenness centrality) than emerging from the minimal conscious state (EMCS) and minimal conscious state (MCS), as well as lower integration (cluster coefficient) than MCS. The functional networks of VS/UWS patients consistently presented the highest variability in segregation and integration (i.e., highest CV values of characteristic path length and cluster coefficient) on a larger time scale than MCS and EMCS. Moreover, the CV values of characteristic path length and cluster coefficient showed a significant inverse correlation with the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised scores (CRS-R). The CV values of network betweenness centrality, particularly of the cento-parietal region, showed a positive correlation with the CRS-R.

Conclusion

The functional networks of VS/UWS patients present the most invariant segregation and integration but divergent centrality on the large time scale networks than MCS and EMCS.

Significance

The variations observed within large timescale functional networks significantly correlate with the degree of consciousness impairment. This finding augments our understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning disorders of consciousness.
Risk assessment of arrhythmias related to three antiseizure medications: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yulong , Su Shen , Zhang Mengwen , Yu Limin , Miao Xinyuan , Li Hongjun , Sun Yanping
Published: February 2024

Objective

Antiseizure medications (ASMs) are first line therapy for seizure disorders. Their effects on arrhythmias, especially the risk of arrhythmias associated with lacosamide (LCM), levetiracetam (LEV), and perampanel (PER), have been intensely investigated.

Methods

We searched four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) until August 6, 2023. We used a common effects model and reported data as pooled incidence with 95% CIs. Meta-analyses were conducted to elucidate the risk of arrhythmias with different drugs, and Egger’s regression was performed to detect publication bias analysis.

Results

We included 11 clinical trials with 1,031 participants. The pooled incidence of arrhythmias in the LEV group was 0.005 (95% CI: 0.001-0.013), while it was 0.014 in the LCM group (95% CI: 0.003-0.030). Publication bias analyses indicated no significant bias in the LEV group (t = 0.02, df = 4, p-value = 0.9852) but a significant bias in the LCM group (t = 5.94, df = 3, p-value = 0.0095). We corrected for this bias in the LCM group using the trim-and-fill method, which yielded a similar pooled incidence of 0.0137 (95% CI: 0.0036-0.0280), indicating good reliability. Due to insufficient studies, we could not conduct a meta-analysis for PER, and we analyzed them in our systematic review.

Conclusion

The use of LCM significantly elevated the risk of arrhythmias, while LEV had non-significant arrhythmogenic effects. As for the arrhythmogenic effects of PER, more clinical trials are needed in the future.
Case report: Tolosa-Hunt syndrome—expanding the neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder phenotype?
Authors: Park Soo-Hyun , Jang Soo-Im , Lee Eun-Ja , Kim Nam-Hee
Published: February 2024

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune astrocytopathy caused by the autoantibody of aquaporin-4 (AQP4). Herein, we report a case of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome presenting with abducens palsy and AQP4 antibodies. This was a rare case of AQP4-immunoglobulin G seropositivity in a patient with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. Our findings may expand the clinical phenotype of NMOSD and indicate that clinicians should consider testing for AQP4 antibodies in patients with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome.
Post-COVID central hypersomnia, a treatable trait in long COVID: 4 case reports
Authors: Morelli-Zaher Clémence , Vremaroiu-Coman Andrea , Coquoz Nicolas , Genecand Léon , Altarelli Marco , Binkova Alzbeta , Frésard Isabelle , Bridevaux Pierre-Olivier , Gex Grégoire
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Fatigue is the most commonly reported post-COVID symptom. A minority of patients also report excessive daytime sleepiness, which could be a target for treatment.

Methods

Among 530 patients with a post-COVID condition, those with excessive daytime sleepiness were systematically assessed for objective central hypersomnia, with exclusion of all cases not clearly attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Results

Four cases of post-COVID central hypersomnia were identified, three fulfilling the criteria of the 3rd International Classification of Sleep Disorders for idiopathic hypersomnia, and one for type II narcolepsy. We report here their clinical history, sleep examination data and treatment, with a favorable response to methylphenidate in three cases and spontaneous resolution in one case.

Conclusion

We highlight the importance of identifying cases of post-COVID central hypersomnia, as it may be a treatable trait of a post-COVID condition.
A systematic review of EEG based automated schizophrenia classification through machine learning and deep learning
Authors: Rahul Jagdeep , Sharma Diksha , Sharma Lakhan Dev , Nanda Umakanta , Sarkar Achintya Kumar
Published: February 2024

The electroencephalogram (EEG) serves as an essential tool in exploring brain activity and holds particular importance in the field of mental health research. This review paper examines the application of artificial intelligence (AI), encompassing machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), for classifying schizophrenia (SCZ) through EEG. It includes a thorough literature review that addresses the difficulties, methodologies, and discoveries in this field. ML approaches utilize conventional models like Support Vector Machines and Decision Trees, which are interpretable and effective with smaller data sets. In contrast, DL techniques, which use neural networks such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and long short-term memory networks (LSTMs), are more adaptable to intricate EEG patterns but require significant data and computational power. Both ML and DL face challenges concerning data quality and ethical issues. This paper underscores the importance of integrating various techniques to enhance schizophrenia diagnosis and highlights AI’s potential role in this process. It also acknowledges the necessity for collaborative and ethically informed approaches in the automated classification of SCZ using AI.
Associations between gut microbiota and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Yuqian , Cheng Tongfei , Cui Yifan , Qu Danyang , Peng Xin , Yang Liu , Xiao Xuwu
Published: February 2024

Gut microbiota are associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants; however, the precise causal relationship remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to comprehensively study the relationship between gut microbiota and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants and identify specific causal bacteria that may be associated with the occurrence and development of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. The genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) of the MiBioGen biogroup was used as the exposure data. The GWAS of six common adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in premature infants from the FinnGen consortium R9 was used as the outcome data. Genetic variations, namely, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) below the locus-wide significance level (1 × 10−5) and genome-wide statistical significance threshold (5 × 10−8) were selected as instrumental variables (IVs). MR studies use inverse variance weighting (IVW) as the main method. To supplement this, we also applied three additional MR methods: MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode. In addition, the Cochrane’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO), and leave-one-out methods were used for sensitivity analysis. Our study shows a causal relationship between specific gut microbiota and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism by which gut microbiota may mediate adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
Tetrahydrocannabinol and dopamine D1 receptor
Authors: Lee Jiwon
Published: February 2024

Dopamine is a hormone that is released by the adrenal gland and influences motor control and motivation. Dopamine is known to have 5 receptors which are D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5, which are further categorized into 2 families: D1 family and D2 family. The D1 family is known to play a role in motivation and motor control whereas the D2 family is known to affect attention and sleep. THC, a type of cannabinoid, can lead to feelings of euphoria, anxiety, fear, distrust, or panic. THC is known to affect dopamine in regions such as the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and plays a role in fundamental cognitive processes. Although there is a vast amount of research between the relationship of THC on dopamine, there continues to be limited research in relation to THC on dopamine receptors. The D1 receptor plays a role in several essential functions, such as memory, attention, impulse control, regulation of renal function, and locomotion. Accordingly, this review is intended to summarize the relationship between THC and D1 receptors, highlighting key gaps in the literature and avenues for future research.
Intelligent maneuver strategy for hypersonic vehicles in three-player pursuit-evasion games via deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Yan Tian , Jiang Zijian , Li Tong , Gao Mengjing , Liu Can
Published: February 2024

Aiming at the rapid development of anti-hypersonic collaborative interception technology, this paper designs an intelligent maneuver strategy of hypersonic vehicles (HV) based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to evade the collaborative interception by two interceptors. Under the meticulously designed collaborative interception strategy, the uncertainty and difficulty of evasion are significantly increased and the opportunity for maneuvers is further compressed. This paper, accordingly, selects the twin delayed deep deterministic gradient (TD3) strategy acting on the continuous action space and makes targeted improvements combining deep neural networks to grasp the maneuver strategy and achieve successful evasion. Focusing on the time-coordinated interception strategy of two interceptors, the three-player pursuit and evasion (PE) problem is modeled as the Markov decision process, and the double training strategy is proposed to juggle both interceptors. In reward functions of the training process, the energy saving factor is set to achieve the trade-off between miss distance and energy consumption. In addition, the regression neural network is introduced into the deep neural network of TD3 to enhance intelligent maneuver strategies’ generalization. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted to verify that the improved TD3 algorithm can effectively evade the collaborative interception of two interceptors under tough situations, and the improvements of the algorithm in terms of convergence speed, generalization, and energy-saving effect are verified.
Accuracy of prognostic serological biomarkers in predicting liver fibrosis severity in people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a meta-analysis of over 40,000 participants
Authors: López Tórrez Sergio M. , Ayala Camila O. , Ruggiro Paula Bayer , Costa Caroline Abud Drumond , Wagner Mario B. , Padoin Alexandre Vontobel , Mattiello Rita
Published: February 2024

Introduction

A prognostic model to predict liver severity in people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is very important, but the accuracy of the most commonly used tools is not yet well established.

Objective

The meta-analysis aimed to assess the accuracy of different prognostic serological biomarkers in predicting liver fibrosis severity in people with MASLD.

Methods

Adults ≥18 years of age with MASLD were included, with the following: liver biopsy and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio (APRI), fibrosis index-4 (FIB-4), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS), body mass index, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, diabetes score (BARD score), FibroMeter, FibroTest, enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF), Forns score, and Hepascore. Meta-analyses were performed using a random effects model based on the DerSimonian and Laird methods. The study’s risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2.

Results

In total, 138 articles were included, of which 86 studies with 46,514 participants met the criteria for the meta-analysis. The results for the summary area under the receiver operating characteristic (sAUROC) curve, according to the prognostic models, were as follows: APRI: advanced fibrosis (AF): 0.78, any fibrosis (AnF): 0.76, significant fibrosis (SF): 0.76, cirrhosis: 0.72; FIB-4: cirrhosis: 0.83, AF: 0.81, AnF: 0.77, SF: 0.75; NFS: SF: 0.81, AF: 0.81, AnF: 0.71, cirrhosis: 0.69; BARD score: SF: 0.77, AF: 0.73; FibroMeter: SF: 0.88, AF: 0.84; FibroTest: SF: 0.86, AF: 0.78; and ELF: AF: 0.87.

Conclusion

The results of this meta-analysis suggest that, when comparing the scores of serological biomarkers with liver biopsies, the following models showed better diagnostic accuracy in predicting liver fibrosis severity in people with MASLD: FIB-4 for any fibrosis, FibroMeter for significant fibrosis, ELF for advanced fibrosis, and FIB-4 for cirrhosis.

Clinical trial registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [CRD 42020180525].
Nisin and ε-polylysine combined treatment enhances quality of fresh-cut jackfruit at refrigerated storage
Authors: Zeng Liping , Fan Aiping , Yang Guangming , Nong Yuping , Lu Yifan , Yang Ruopeng
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the effects of nisin combined with ε-polylysine on microorganisms and the refrigerated quality of fresh-cut jackfruit. After being treated with distilled water (control), nisin (0.5 g/L), ε-polylysine (0.5 g/L), and the combination of nisin (0.1 g/L) and ε-polylysine (0.4 g/L), microporous modified atmosphere packaging (MMAP) was carried out and stored at 10 ± 1°C for 8 days. The microorganisms and physicochemical indexes were measured every 2 days during storage. The results indicated that combined treatment (0.1 g/L nisin, 0.4 g/L ε-polylysine) had the best preservation on fresh-cut jackfruit. Compared with the control, combined treatment inhibited microbial growth (total bacterial count, mold and yeast), reduced the weight loss rate, respiratory intensity, polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities, and maintained higher sugar acid content, firmness, and color. Furthermore, it preserved higher levels of antioxidant compounds, reduced the accumulation of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide, thereby reducing oxidative damage and maintaining high nutritional and sensory qualities. As a safe application of natural preservatives, nisin combined with ε-polylysine treatment has great application potential in the fresh-cut jackfruit industry.
The application value of LAVA-flex sequences in enhanced MRI scans of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: comparison with T1WI-IDEAL
Authors: Peng Li , Chen Bijuan , Yu Erhan , Lin Yifei , Lin Jiahao , Zheng Dechun , Fu Yu , Chen Zhipeng , Zheng Hanchen , Zhan Zhouwei , Chen Yunbin
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) staging scans are critical for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). We aimed to evaluate the application value of LAVA-Flex and T1WI-IDEAL sequences in MRI staging scans.

Methods

Eighty-four newly diagnosed NPC patients underwent both LAVA-Flex and T1WI-IDEAL sequences during MRI examinations. Two radiologists independently scored the acquisitions of image quality, fat suppression quality, artifacts, vascular and nerve display. The obtained scores were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. According to the signal intensity (SI) measurements, the uniformity of fat suppression, contrast between tumor lesions and subcutaneous fat tissue, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were compared by the paired t-test.

Results

Compared to the T1WI-IDEAL sequence, LAVA-Flex exhibited fewer artifacts (P<0.05), better visualization of nerves and vessels (P<0.05), and performed superior in the fat contrast ratio of the primary lesion and metastatic lymph nodes (0.80 vs. 0.52, 0.81 vs. 0.56, separately, P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in overall image quality, tumor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), muscle SNR, and the detection rate of lesions between the two sequences (P>0.05). T1WI-IDEAL was superior to LAVA-Flex in the evaluation of fat suppression uniformity (P<0.05).

Discussion

LAVA-Flex sequence provides satisfactory image quality and better visualization of nerves and vessels for NPC with shorter scanning times.
Visual outcomes of the surgical rehabilitative process following open globe injury repair
Authors: Sather Richard N. , Molleti Sanjana , Moon Jade Y. , Chaudhry Saliha , Montezuma Sandra R. , Simmons Michael
Published: February 2024

Background

The path of rehabilitation of an eye after open globe injury (OGI) may require multiple additional secondary surgeries after the initial repair. Although much has been studied regarding the outcomes of secondary surgeries after open globe repair, it can be challenging to understand the possible implications of the surgical rehabilitative process. This retrospective study considers the benefits of the required additional secondary surgeries for a consecutive series of OGI patients.

Methods

OGI patients who had at least one additional surgery after the initial open globe repair (OGR) were studied retrospectively. Additional inclusion criteria included: follow up of at least 12 months since the initial injury and at least 3 months since their most recent surgery, and no additional planned interventions. Preoperative visual acuity was compared to final visual acuity. Additionally, the odds of achieving ambulatory vision (≥20/800) and reading vision (≥20/40) were calculated after each indicated consecutive surgery.

Results

A cohort of 74 eyes from 73 patients met our inclusion criteria. These patients underwent a mean of two additional surgeries. The mean logMAR VA improved from 2.3 (HM) at presentation to 1.4 (20/150), or a 9-line Snellen equivalent improvement. Upon reaching their final visit status, 50% of patients had achieved ambulatory vision and 30% of patients had achieved reading vision. The odds of achieving ambulatory vision after completion of all the rehabilitative surgical process compared to the vision prior to the secondary rehabilitative surgery were higher (OR: 19.1, 95% CI: 7.9 – 30.4, p = 0.0008) as were the odds of achieving reading vision (OR: 4.6, 95% CI: 0.2 – 9.0, p = 0.04). With subsequent second, third, and fourth additional surgeries, the odds of achieving either ambulatory or reading vision at the final visit compared to their preoperative visual acuities were not significant (p > 0.05) but the visual acuity continued to trend toward visual improvement.

Conclusion

Approximately 50% of individuals who required additional surgery at UMN achieved ambulatory vision and 30% achieved reading vision. The odds of visual improvement through the surgical rehabilitative process were very high, with the greatest gains generally achieved after the first surgery.