bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 encephalitis revealed by a manic episode: insights from frontal lobe dysfunction in neuropsychiatry through neuropsychology and metabolic imaging. A case report
Authors: Porpiglia Federica , Guillaume Maxime , Bliaux Evangeline , Psimaras Dimitri , Decazes Pierre , Guillin Olivier , Rothärmel Maud , Morin Alexandre
Published: May 2023

Background

Anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) encephalitis is a limbic encephalitis that rarely presents as an isolated psychiatric syndrome.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old patient first presented with behavioral disorder including hyperactivity, euphoria, with disinhibition and accelerated speech associated with severe insomnia and cognitive disorder. A manic episode was diagnosed and he received various psychotropic medications with no improvement. Invesitgations were negative (MRI showed T2 aspecific hyperintensities with no hyperintensities in limbic regions and EEG was normal). He was transferred to a nursing home, with a diagnosis of neurodegenerative condition. Later, he was referred to our unit for further investigations. A cerebral 18F-FDG-PET revealed an association of frontal hypometabolism and temporal and striatum hypermetabolism and CSF analysis revealed slightly increased white blood cell counts. Plasmatic anti-LGI1 antibodies were detected. The patient was treated with intra-venous immunoglobulin (IvIg) but showed no improvement. Second-line treatment (a combination of rituximab and cyclophosmphamide) was then administered for a year, leading to an improvement of neuropsychiatric symptoms and normalization of metabolic impairment on 18F-FDG-PET.

Conclusion

In this report, we describe a novel case of a patient withanti-LGI1 encephalitis with a predominant long-term psychiatric presentation. An atypical presentation (such as atypical psychiatric symptoms, neurocognitive disorder, and hyponatremia) should prompt further investigations such as CSF analysis, considering that MRI and EEG may be normal. FDG-PET might be of interest but few data are available in the literature. Early treatment of anti-LGI1 encephalitis is crucial for overall prognosis and may delay the development of dementia in some cases.
Implementing a workflow-integrated motivational interviewing training program for psychiatry trainees on an inpatient consultation-liaison rotation: lessons learned
Authors: Loveless James P. , Rosen Jordan H. , Yost Joanna S.
Published: May 2023

Background

Effective consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) is proactive, collaborative, and requires providers to have proficiency with therapeutic skills beyond nosology and medication management. Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidenced-based intervention that should be considered essential for CLP trainees to learn. Given that the demands of training and patient care are already experienced as stressful for many psychiatry trainees, the authors endeavored to create a MI training program that was integrated into trainees’ normal CLP workflow.

Method

Twenty-two trainees on an inpatient CLP rotation participated in a six-week MI training program that was incorporated into their regular workflow. The program included didactic sessions with role-playing, as well as on-demand between-session coaching via an expert in MI. Trainee participation and perceptions of MI were measured via a questionnaire that was administered prior to each training session.

Results

Trainee participation in the didactic sessions was inconsistent. Questionnaire data revealed positive baseline perceptions of motivational interviewing and its usefulness in inpatient medical settings. Additionally, as trainees participated in the program, perceived knowledge of motivational interviewing as well as awareness of motivational issues among their patients increased. Finally, participation in program was not perceived as disruptive to daily workflow for the participants.

Discussion

This the first documented attempt at implementing a MI training program for CLP trainees that was integrated into their regular workflow. Preliminary data identified some encouraging trends, but also unexpected challenges. These lessons could inform how these types of training programs are implemented moving forward.
Association between breast nodules, anxiety, depression and metabolic risk factors in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Long Yan , Zhang Wei , Zheng Maolan , Xie Qian , Liu He , Hu Xiaotong , Zhang Xuelan , Huang Wei , Gao Xia , Jiang Chunmao , Jiang Can , Gao Dong , Deng Juan
Published: May 2023

Background

The relationship between anxiety, depression, and metabolic parameters and the incidence of breast nodules is unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between female breast nodules and anxiety, depression and metabolic factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited 857 individuals with biological indicators and breast ultrasound data from the Daping hospital from April 2021 to February 2022. Serum samples were used to measure fasting blood glucose, uric acid, triglycerides, total cholesterol, urea nitrogen, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, albumin, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein. Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were used to assess the level of anxiety and depression.

Result

The positive rate of breast nodules in women aged 40 to 49 years old was significantly higher than that of other age women. The proportion of participants aged 40–49 years old in the group with breast nodules was significantly higher than that in the group without breast nodules (34.6% vs. 16.9%, p<0.001). Breast nodules in postmenopausal women were significantly lower than those in premenopausal women (26.4% vs. 73.6%, p = 0.026). The SAS scores of women with breast nodules were higher than those of the no-nodules group (40.99 ± 8.45 vs. 38.94 ± 6.89, p<0.001), same as the SDS scores (41.97 ± 10.33 vs. 38.91 ± 7.60, p < 0.001). The number of women suffering from anxiety in the group of breast nodules was significantly higher than that in control (13.8% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.001), and the number of depression in the group of breast nodules was also significantly higher than that of in control (14.4% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.001). Women with breast nodules showed a slightly lower uric acid level than those without breast nodules (290.11 ± 65.32 vs. 301.43 ± 65.93 umol/L, p = 0.016). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age, menopausal status, anxiety and depression status were significantly associated with the presence of breast nodules, but there was no significant difference in uric acid.

Conclusion

Our findings offer insight into the occurrence of depression and anxiety in the breast nodules of Chinese women. Anxiety and depression status, age and menopausal status may be the independent risk factors for the occurrence of breast nodules.
Factors related with nursing students’ health literacy: a cross sectional study
Authors: Ramón-Arbués Enrique , Granada-López José Manuel , Antón-Solanas Isabel , Cobos-Rincón Ana , Rodríguez-Calvo Antonio , Gea-Caballero Vicente , Tejada-Garrido Clara Isabel , Juárez-Vela Raúl , Echániz-Serrano Emmanuel
Published: May 2023

Background

Nursing professionals have a crucial role in promoting health literacy in health services, so it is necessary to ensure health literacy skills in future health professionals.

Objective

The objective of the study was to examine the health literacy of nursing students and its associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 460 nursing students. For data collection, a semi-structured questionnaire was obtained on sociodemographic characteristics, perception and health care, use of the health system and lifestyles. In addition, health literacy was assessed using the European Health Literacy Questionnaire.

Results

6.1% of the participants had an inadequate level of health literacy and 36.5% problematic. The probability of having sufficient health literacy is directly associated with age; and inversely with smoking, prolonged screen time and living alone (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

A large percentage of nursing students need to improve their health literacy skills. It is necessary to integrate a greater number of contents in health literacy in the curriculum of nursing students.
Association between multimorbidity and falls and fear of falling among older adults in eastern China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: You Liuqing , Guo Lihua , Li Na , Zhong Jieming , Er Yuliang , Zhao Ming
Published: May 2023

Background

Growing evidence has reported an association between multimorbidity and falls and fear of falling (FOF) in older adults, however, the results regarding this association from China are limited. Our study aimed to investigate the association between multimorbidity and falls and FOF in older adults in eastern China.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Zhejiang Province, Eastern China, which recruited a provincial representative sample of adults aged ≥ 60 years. A structured questionnaire including demographic characteristics, chronic diseases, history of falls in the past 12 months, and FOF, was administered by all participants. The exposure variable was multimorbidity, which was defined as the presence of two or more chronic diseases and medical conditions in the same individual. The outcomes included a history of falls and FOF. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between multimorbidity and falls and FOF in older adults.

Results

In total of 7,774 participants were included in the analysis, among whom 3,898 (50.1%) were female, with a mean ± standard deviation age is 72.9 ± 8.4 years. Multimorbidity was associated with the increased risk of falling in older adults [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.99; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.55–2.36]. The ORs for having experienced single fall and repeated falls were 1.85 (95% CI: 1.42–2.42) and 3.45 (95% CI: 1.47–6.97), respectively, with multimorbidity compared with those without chronic diseases. The older adults with multimorbidity were more likely to report FOF compared with those without chronic diseases (adjusted OR, 1.49; 95%CI:1.30–1.70). Moreover, the association between multimorbidity and FOF remained significant in the older adults with a history of fall (OR, 1.57; 95%CI:1.04–2.38).

Conclusion

The association between multimorbidity and falls and FOF is significant in the Chinese population and the effects of multimorbidity on falls and FOF do not vary according to the frequency and history of falls in older adults.
Drug behaviors, sexually transmitted infection prevention, and sexual consent during chemsex: insights generated in the Budd app after each chemsex session
Authors: Platteau Tom , Herrijgers Corinne , Florence Eric , Poels Karolien , Verboon Peter , Apers Ludwig , Vandebosch Heidi
Published: May 2023

Chemsex refers to the intentional use of drugs before or during sex in a specific context, typically involving prolonged sex sessions with multiple partners. Engaging in chemsex is associated with a wide range of health risks and related risk behaviors. We developed a mobile phone application (‘Budd-app’) to support and inform chemsex participants, reduce potential negative impacts associated with chemsex (e.g., physical, psychological and social health harms), and encourage more reasoned participation. During Budd’s development process, 11 participants completed a survey after each chemsex session they attended. This data collection approach provided precise experiences on drug related behavior, prevention measures for sexually transmitted infection and sexual consent on 63 chemsex sessions. The mean duration of chemsex sessions was 17.5 h. Polydrug use was reported during 95% of chemsex sessions with an average of 3.5 agents per session. Unsafe dosing occurred at 49% of chemsex sessions, and 9/11 participants dosed unsafely at least once. Seven participants did not consistently take measures to prevent STI transmission. Nine had experienced peer pressure, both regarding drug use and sexual health. The same number reported sex without consent, not respecting others’ boundaries as well as their own boundaries not being respected. Many participants experienced negative impact of their chemsex behavior during (7/9) and after (8/9) chemsex. Through participants’ behavior assessment during multiple chemsex sessions, ‘within-person’ variability can be clarified. This clarification provides valuable insights in personal, emotional and contextual vulnerabilities. These insights can direct an individualized care and support trajectory aimed at addressing those vulnerabilities.
Case report: ultrasound assisted catheter directed thrombolysis of an embolic partial occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery
Authors: Bongiovanni Simone , Bozzolo Marco , Amabile Simone , Peano Enrico , Balderi Alberto
Published: May 2023

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a severe medical condition defined by insufficient vascular supply to the small bowel through mesenteric vessels, resulting in necrosis and eventual gangrene of bowel walls. We present the case of a 64-year-old man with recrudescence of prolonged epigastric pain at rest of few hours duration, cold sweating and episodes of vomiting. A computed tomography scan of his abdomen revealed multiple filling defects in the mid-distal part of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the proximal part of jejunal branches, associated with small intestine walls thickening, suggesting SMA thromboembolism and initial intestinal ischemia. Considering the absence of signs of peritonitis at the abdominal examination and the presence of multiple arterial emboli was decided to perform an endovascular treatment with ultrasound assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis with EkoSonic Endovascular System—EKOS, which resulted in complete dissolution of the multiple emboli and improved blood flow into the intestine wall. The day after the procedure the patient's pain improved significantly and 5 days after he was discharged home asymptomatic on warfarin anticoagulation. After 1 year of follow-up the patient is fine with no further episodes of mesenteric ischemia or other embolisms.
Noninvasive respiratory assistance as aid for respiratory care in neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Graustein Andrew , Carmona Hugo , Benditt Joshua O.
Published: May 2023

Chronic respiratory failure is a common complication of neuromuscular disease. The use of noninvasive ventilation and mechanically assisted cough can reduce symptoms of hypoventilation, slow lung function decline, improve sleep quality, and in some cases prolong survival in patients with neuromuscular disease. In this article, we review indications for the initiation of noninvasive ventilation and mechanically assisted cough as well as provide recommendations for settings and titration. We discuss the evidence supporting the use of noninvasive ventilation as an adjunct to rehabilitation in patients with neuromuscular disease. Lastly, we review the ethical considerations that are relevant to decisions regarding initiation and cessation of noninvasive ventilation. While noninvasive ventilation and mechanically assisted cough have become standards of care in many forms of neuromuscular disease, most current recommendations are based on expert opinion rather than much-needed data from prospective clinical trials and we emphasize topics requiring future research.
The ability of CSST to determine the orbital solutions of SB1s
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Xia Fang , Fu Yanning , Chen Yue
Published: May 2023

The single-lined spectroscopic binaries (SB1s) are composed of two components with large difference in masses and in physical properties. The orbital and physical parameters of a large number of such binary systems are unknown due to lack of necessary observations. Compared with SB2s, SB1s can provide much more stringent constraint to stellar evolutionary models at a single age. Besides, the fainter components of SB1s are likely to be compact celestial objects, such as a black hole or a neutron star, it is therefore interesting to determine their masses and physical properties. CSST provides an excellent opportunity to study SB1s especially nearby ones, since it can detect astrometric wobble at milliarcsecond level. This implies that if the motion of the visible components can be detected, the full motion of the SB1s can be determined. In this paper, we aim to analyse the ability of CSST to improve the orbital solutions of nearby SB1s based on the available data by adding simulated CSST data of different observation times. The orbital solutions of binaries determined from non-single-star orbital models for sources compatible with combined astrometric + single lined spectroscopic orbital model of Gaia DR3 are served as the research sample to reproduce the orbital elements by fitting simulated CSST data.
Valorization of spent barley grains: isolation of protein and fibers for starch-free noodles and its effect on glycemic response in healthy individuals
Authors: Shi Pujiang , Ng Yuen Kai Rachel , Vijayan Poornima , Lim Su Lin , Bhaskaran Kalpana
Published: May 2023

Spent barley grains (SBG) were valorized into a spent barley protein and fibers (SBPF) ingredient. The ingredient was utilized to formulate SBPF-derived starchless noodles with a negligible glycemic response (GR) in healthy individuals, a significant reduction of 93.16% (SD = 8.07) postprandial GR after consumption when compared to conventional starch-based noodles. Their nutritional content, visual analog scale, textural property, and palatability were also evaluated. The SBPF-derived starchless noodles showed comparable hardness and springiness to the conventional starch-based noodles, but their cohesiveness and chewiness were improved. There was no significant difference in appetite and hunger ratings between the two types of foods. The overall palatability ratings for both foods were comparable. The SBPF-derived noodles were a source of nutrients (such as protein and fibers). This study has considerable potential for the development of functional food and food as medicine industries.
Complete lumbarization with calcified disc herniations at L5S1 and S1-2 levels treated with percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy: a case report and technique note
Authors: Lisheng Hou , Feng Ge , Dong Zhang , Tianjun Gao , Shaokui Nan , Xuedong Bai , Qing He
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study aims to report a case of a patient with complete lumbarization (Castellvi-IB) who developed symptomatic calcified disc herniations at L5S1 and lumbarized S1-2 levels and achieved excellent neurological recovery following percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID).

Summary of Background Data

In 1984, Castellvi et al. classified lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) into four types. They incorrectly classified I LSTV anomalies as only type I sacralization, not realizing type I lumbarization also belonged to type I LSTV, with the latter exhibiting a well-developed S1-2 disc (lumbosacral transitional disc, LSTD). Patients with type I lumbarization rarely develop calcified disc herniations concomitantly at L5S1 and LSTD levels. PEID has been developed to perform discectomy for neurological decompression at the lumbar region, especially at the lowest level where the higher iliac crest and/or widened transverse process exists.

Methods

A 47-year-old male presented to our hospital complaining of an intractable left leg radiating pain for 3 weeks after suffering from chronic radiating pain for 4 years. His physical examination found hyperalgesia at the lateral side of the left calf, decreased dorsal flexion strength of the ankle (grade 4/5), and a positive sign of straight leg raising test at the left side (30°). The preoperational Lumbar JOA (Japanese Orthopaedic Association) score was 12. Image examinations including whole spinal radiograph, MRI, and CT confirmed complete lumbarization (Castellvi-IB) with calcified disc herniations at L5S1 and LSTD levels at the left side. PEID was carried out at two index levels to accomplish decompression via the left approach.

Results

The patient’s neurological function recovered quickly. One day postoperatively, he began to walk without discomfort. After 3 months, his muscle strength recovered to normal, and after 6 months, the residual dysesthesia at his posterolateral calf disappeared. The follow-up Lumbar JOA score was 26.

Conclusion

Calcified lumbar disc herniation could develop at two distal levels concomitantly in the case of type I complete lumbarization. This anomaly might be misinterpreted as a normal lumbar sequence by only lumbar MRI. PEID may be an effective procedure to treat such calcified disc herniations in a single visit.
Tumor budding as a predictor of disease-free survival in patients with cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Kyung Bin , Ahn Ji Hyun , Kwon Soon Wook , Lee Su Ji , Lee Yury , Park Seo Young , Kim Ahrong , Choi Kyung Un , Lee Chang Hun , Huh Gi Yeong
Published: May 2023

Background: Tumor budding is considered a prognostic factor in several solid cancer types. However, we lack comprehensive information on the importance of tumor budding in cholangiocarcinoma. Therefore, we aimed to assess the prognostic value of tumor budding in intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas and to evaluate its correlations with other clinicopathological parameters.

Methods: We monitored 219 patients who underwent surgery for intrahepatic or extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma at the Pusan National University Hospital between 2012 and 2021. Tumor budding was evaluated using the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference scoring system. Tumor budding was classified into low (0–4), intermediate (5–9), and high (≥10). For statistical analysis, tumor budding was divided into two groups based on the cut-off value of 10 (lower: 0–9 vs. higher: ≥10). The correlations between clinicopathological parameters were examined using the chi-square and Fisher’s exact test. The prognostic values of the variables were analyzed using the log-rank test and Cox regression analysis.

Results: Low, intermediate, and high tumor buddings were identified in 135 (61.6%), 63 (28.8), and 21 (9.6%), patients, respectively. Higher tumor budding was related to the presence of lymphatic invasion (p = 0.017), higher tumor grade (p = 0.001), higher N category (p = 0.034). In the univariable and multivariable analyses, higher tumor budding was associated with shorter disease-free survival in 97 (44.3%) patients who underwent R0 resection (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011). Tumor budding did not significantly correlate with disease-specific survival in entire patients.

Conclusion: Tumor budding may serve as a prognostic factor for intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas treated with R0 resection.
One-Step Robot-Assisted Complete Urinary Tract Extirpation in Man with End-Stage Renal Disease on Dialysis: The First Case Report
Authors: Yang Che-Hsueh , Hsu Chao-Yu , Lin Yi-Sheng , Tung Min-Che , Ou Yen-Chuan
Published: May 2023

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) could be observed in urinary bladder (UBUC) and upper urinary tracts (UTUC). In the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for bladder cancer, extirpative surgery is indicated in certain cases. However, some extreme cases might also need the extirpation of the majority of the urinary tract, which is called complete urinary tract extirpation (CUTE). We present a patient diagnosed with high-grade UBUC and UTUC. He underwent dialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) at the same time. Considering his non-functional kidneys and removing his high-risk urothelium at the same time, we performed robot-assisted CUTE to extirpate both his upper urinary tracts, urinary bladder, and prostate. In our experience, the console time was not significantly elongated, and the perioperative course was uneventful. To our knowledge, this is the first case report adopting a robotic system in such an extreme case. We conclude that robot-assisted CUTE is worth further study regarding its oncological survival outcomes and perioperative safety in patients with ESRD on dialysis.
PD-L1 Expression in Cutaneous Angiosarcomas: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lobrano Renato , Paliogiannis Panagiotis , Zinellu Angelo , Palmieri Giuseppe , Persico Ivana , Mangoni Arduino A. , Cossu Antonio
Published: May 2023

Cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) is the most common type of angiosarcoma that predominantly affects older Caucasians. The outcomes of immunotherapy in CAS are currently under investigation in relation to the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and other biomarkers. We performed a systematic review and metanalysis of data from the current literature reporting on PD-L1 immunohistochemistry expression. A systematic search of publications in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted using the following terms: “PD-L1” and “angiosarcomas”. A total of ten studies reporting on 279 cases were identified and included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of PD-L1 expression in CAS was 54% (95% CI 36–71%), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 84.81%, p < 0.001). In sub-group analysis, the proportion of PD-L1 expression in CAS was significantly (p = 0.049) lower in Asian studies (ES = 35%, 95% CI 28–42%, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.46) than in European studies (ES = 71%, 95% CI 51–89%, I2 = 48.91%, p = 0.12).
Loneliness in Breast Cancer Patients with Early Life Adversity: An Investigation of the Effects of Childhood Trauma and Self-Regulation
Authors: Heshmati Rasoul , Azmoodeh Shahin , Kheiriabad Mina , Ghasemi Anis , Lo Chris
Published: May 2023

Childhood trauma may be prevalent in the general population, and the psychosocial treatment of patients with cancer may require consideration of the effects of such early adversity on the healing and recovery process. In this study, we investigated the long-term effects of childhood trauma in 133 women diagnosed with breast cancer (mean age 51, SD = 9) who had experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect. We examined their experience of loneliness and its associations with the severity of childhood trauma, ambivalence about emotional expression, and changes in self-concept during the cancer experience. In total, 29% reported experiencing physical or sexual abuse, and 86% reported neglect or emotional abuse. In addition, 35% of the sample reported loneliness of moderately high severity. Loneliness was directly influenced by the severity of childhood trauma and was directly and indirectly influenced by discrepancies in self-concept and emotional ambivalence. In conclusion, we found that childhood trauma was common in breast cancer patients, with 42% of female patients reporting childhood trauma, and that these early experiences continued to exert negative effects on social connection during the illness trajectory. Assessment of childhood adversity may be recommended as part of routine oncology care, and trauma-informed treatment approaches may improve the healing process in patients with breast cancer and a history of childhood maltreatment.
Morphological Assessment of Nasopalatine Canal Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Study of 124 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Chatzipetros Emmanouil , Tsiklakis Kostas , Donta Catherine , Damaskos Spyros , Angelopoulos Christos
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to assess and analyze the morphology and dimensions of the nasopalatine canal (NPC), as well as the adjacent buccal osseous plate (BOP), and to investigate the effect of gender, edentulism, NPC types, absence of maxillary central incisors (ACI) and age on the NPC and BOP, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 124 CBCT examinations (67 female and 57 male patients) were retrospectively included and evaluated. The assessment of the dimensions of the NPC, as well as the dimensions of the adjacent BOP, was performed by three Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists on reconstructed sagittal and coronal CBCT sections under standardized conditions. Regarding the dimensions of the NPC and the adjacent BOP, the mean values were significantly higher among males than females. Furthermore, edentulous patients showed a significant reduction in BOP dimensions. Additionally, NPC types showed a significant effect on the length of the NPC, and the ACI had a significant effect on reducing BOP dimensions. Age had a significant effect on the diameter of the incisive foramen, with the mean values generally increasing with an increasing age. CBCT imaging of this anatomical structure contributes significantly to its full assessment.
Properties of Spherically Symmetric Black Holes in the Generalized Brans–Dicke Modified Gravitational Theory
Authors: Xu Mou , Lu Jianbo , Yang Shining , Jiang Hongnan
Published: May 2023

The many problems faced by the theory of general relativity (GR) have always motivated us to explore the modified theory of GR. Considering the importance of studying the black hole (BH) entropy and its correction in gravity physics, we study the correction of thermodynamic entropy for a kind of spherically symmetric black hole under the generalized Brans–Dicke (GBD) theory of modified gravity. We derive and calculate the entropy and heat capacity. It is found that when the value of event horizon radius r+ is small, the effect of the entropy-correction term on the entropy is very obvious, while for larger values r+, the contribution of the correction term on entropy can be almost ignored. In addition, we can observe that as the radius of the event horizon increases, the heat capacity of BH in GBD theory will change from a negative value to a positive value, indicating that there is a phase transition in black holes. Given that studying the structure of geodesic lines is important for exploring the physical characteristics of a strong gravitational field, we also investigate the stability of particles’ circular orbits in static spherically symmetric BHs within the framework of GBD theory. Concretely, we analyze the dependence of the innermost stable circular orbit on model parameters. In addition, the geodesic deviation equation is also applied to investigate the stable circular orbit of particles in GBD theory. The conditions for the stability of the BH solution and the limited range of radial coordinates required to achieve stable circular orbit motion are given. Finally, we show the locations of stable circular orbits, and obtain the angular velocity, specific energy, and angular momentum of the particles which move in circular orbits.
Self-Regulated Symmetry Breaking Model for Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: McElroy Madelynn , Green Kaylie , Voulgarakis Nikolaos K.
Published: May 2023

In conventional disorder–order phase transitions, a system shifts from a highly symmetric state, where all states are equally accessible (disorder) to a less symmetric state with a limited number of available states (order). This transition may occur by varying a control parameter that represents the intrinsic noise of the system. It has been suggested that stem cell differentiation can be considered as a sequence of such symmetry-breaking events. Pluripotent stem cells, with their capacity to develop into any specialized cell type, are considered highly symmetric systems. In contrast, differentiated cells have lower symmetry, as they can only carry out a limited number of functions. For this hypothesis to be valid, differentiation should emerge collectively in stem cell populations. Additionally, such populations must have the ability to self-regulate intrinsic noise and navigate through a critical point where spontaneous symmetry breaking (differentiation) occurs. This study presents a mean-field model for stem cell populations that considers the interplay of cell–cell cooperativity, cell-to-cell variability, and finite-size effects. By introducing a feedback mechanism to control intrinsic noise, the model can self-tune through different bifurcation points, facilitating spontaneous symmetry breaking. Standard stability analysis showed that the system can potentially differentiate into several cell types mathematically expressed as stable nodes and limit cycles. The existence of a Hopf bifurcation in our model is discussed in light of stem cell differentiation.
MC-ISA: A Multi-Channel Code Visualization Method for Malware Detection
Authors: Qi Xuyan , Liu Wei , Lou Rui , Li Qinghao , Jiang Liehui , Tang Yonghe
Published: May 2023

Malware detection has always been a hot topic in the cyber security field. With continuous research over the years, many research methods and detection tools based on code visualization have been proposed and achieved good results. However, in the process of code visualization, the existing methods have some issues such as feature scarcity, feature loss and excessive dependence on manual analysis. To address these issues, we propose in this paper a code visualization method with multi-channel image size adaptation (MC-ISA) that can detect large-scale samples more quickly without manual reverse analysis. Experimental results demonstrate that MC-ISA achieves both higher accuracy and F1-score than the existing B2M algorithm after introducing three mechanisms including image size adaptive, color enhancement and multi-channel enhancement.
Advances in Rice Seed Shattering
Authors: Wu Hao , He Qi , Wang Quan
Published: May 2023

Seed shattering is an important trait that wild rice uses to adapt to the natural environment and maintain population reproduction, and weedy rice also uses it to compete with the rice crop. The loss of shattering is a key event in rice domestication. The degree of shattering is not only one of the main reasons for rice yield reduction but also affects its adaptability to modern mechanical harvesting methods. Therefore, it is important to cultivate rice varieties with a moderate shattering degree. In this paper, the research progress on rice seed shattering in recent years is reviewed, including the physiological basis, morphological and anatomical characteristics of rice seed shattering, inheritance and QTL/gene mapping of rice seed shattering, the molecular mechanism regulating rice seed shattering, the application of seed-shattering genes, and the relationship between seed-shattering genes and domestication.
Accumulation of Dystrophin-Positive Muscle Fibers and Improvement of Neuromuscular Junctions in mdx Mouse Muscles after Bone Marrow Transplantation under Different Conditions
Authors: Sokolova Anastasiia V. , Domnina Alisa P. , Mikhailov Viacheslav M.
Published: May 2023

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscular disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. It leads to respiratory and cardiac failure and premature death at a young age. Although recent studies have greatly deepened the understanding of the primary and secondary pathogenetic mechanisms of DMD, an effective treatment remains elusive. In recent decades, stem cells have emerged as a novel therapeutic product for a variety of diseases. In this study, we investigated nonmyeloablative bone marrow cell (BMC) transplantation as a method of cell therapy for DMD in an mdx mouse model. By using BMC transplantation from GFP-positive mice, we confirmed that BMCs participate in the muscle restoration of mdx mice. We analyzed both syngeneic and allogeneic BMC transplantation under different conditions. Our data indicated that 3 Gy X-ray irradiation with subsequent BMC transplantation improved dystrophin synthesis and the structure of striated muscle fibers (SMFs) in mdx mice as well as decreasing the death rate of SMFs. In addition, we observed the normalization of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in mdx mice after nonmyeloablative BMC transplantation. In conclusion, we demonstrated that nonmyeloablative BMC transplantation could be considered a method for DMD treatment.
Design, Synthesis, In Vitro Antifungal Activity and Mechanism Study of the Novel 4-Substituted Mandelic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Chen Biao , Song Dandan , Shi Huabin , Chen Kuai , Wu Zhibing , Chai Huifang
Published: May 2023

Plant diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi are a serious threat in the process of crop production and cause large economic losses to global agriculture. To obtain high-antifungal-activity compounds with novel action mechanisms, a series of 4-substituted mandelic acid derivatives containing a 1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety were designed and synthesized. In vitro bioassay results revealed that some compounds exhibited excellent activity against the tested fungi. Among them, the EC50 values of E13 against Gibberella saubinetii (G. saubinetii), E6 against Verticillium dahlia (V. dahlia), and E18 against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (S. sclerotiorum) were 20.4, 12.7, and 8.0 mg/L, respectively, which were highly superior to that of the commercialized fungicide mandipropamid. The morphological studies of G. saubinetii with a fluorescence microscope (FM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicated that E13 broke the surface of the hyphae and destroyed cell membrane integrity with increased concentration, thereby inhibiting fungal reproduction. Further cytoplasmic content leakage determination results showed a dramatic increase of the nucleic acid and protein concentrations in mycelia with E13 treatment, which also indicated that the title compound E13 could destroy cell membrane integrity and affect the growth of fungi. These results provide important information for further study of the mechanism of action of mandelic acid derivatives and their structural derivatization.
Exploring Redox Modulation of Plant UDP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase
Authors: Decker Daniel , Aubert Juliette , Wilczynska Malgorzata , Kleczkowski Leszek A.
Published: May 2023

UDP-glucose (UDPG) pyrophosphorylase (UGPase) catalyzes a reversible reaction, producing UDPG, which serves as an essential precursor for hundreds of glycosyltransferases in all organisms. In this study, activities of purified UGPases from sugarcane and barley were found to be reversibly redox modulated in vitro through oxidation by hydrogen peroxide or oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and through reduction by dithiothreitol or glutathione. Generally, while oxidative treatment decreased UGPase activity, a subsequent reduction restored the activity. The oxidized enzyme had increased Km values with substrates, especially pyrophosphate. The increased Km values were also observed, regardless of redox status, for UGPase cysteine mutants (Cys102Ser and Cys99Ser for sugarcane and barley UGPases, respectively). However, activities and substrate affinities (Kms) of sugarcane Cys102Ser mutant, but not barley Cys99Ser, were still prone to redox modulation. The data suggest that plant UGPase is subject to redox control primarily via changes in the redox status of a single cysteine. Other cysteines may also, to some extent, contribute to UGPase redox status, as seen for sugarcane enzymes. The results are discussed with respect to earlier reported details of redox modulation of eukaryotic UGPases and regarding the structure/function properties of these proteins.
In Silico Study of Novel Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes of Polycaprolactone and Its Correlation with Skin Regeneration
Authors: Escobedo-González René Gerardo , Moyers-Montoya Edgar Daniel , Martínez-Pérez Carlos Alberto , García-Casillas Perla Elvia , Miranda-Ruvalcaba René , Nicolás-Vázquez María Inés Nicolás
Published: May 2023

Three novel biomaterials obtained via inclusion complexes of β–cyclodextrin, 6-deoxi-6-amino-β–cyclodextrin and epithelial growth factor grafted to 6-deoxi-6-amino-β–cyclodextrin with polycaprolactone. Furthermore, some physicochemical, toxicological and absorption properties were predicted using bioinformatics tools. The electronic, geometrical and spectroscopical calculated properties agree with the properties obtained via experimental methods, explaining the behaviors observed in each case. The interaction energy was obtained, and its values were −60.6, −20.9 and −17.1 kcal/mol for β–cyclodextrin/polycaprolactone followed by the 6-amino-β–cyclodextrin-polycaprolactone complex and finally the complex of epithelial growth factor anchored to 6-deoxy-6-amino–β–cyclodextrin/polycaprolactone. Additionally, the dipolar moments were calculated, achieving values of 3.2688, 5.9249 and 5.0998 Debye, respectively, and in addition the experimental wettability behavior of the studied materials has also been explained. It is important to note that the toxicological predictions suggested no mutagenic, tumorigenic or reproductive effects; moreover, an anti-inflammatory effect has been shown. Finally, the improvement in the cicatricial effect of the novel materials has been conveniently explained by comparing the poly-caprolactone data obtained in the experimental assessments.
Recent Advances in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases
Authors: De-Simone Salvatore Giovanni
Published: May 2023

This Editorial highlights the various observations made in the Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences on “Recent Advances in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases” [...]
Differences in Effects of Length-Dependent Regulation of Force and Ca2+ Transient in the Myocardial Trabeculae of the Rat Right Atrium and Ventricle
Authors: Lookin Oleg , Balakin Alexander , Protsenko Yuri
Published: May 2023

The comparative differences in the fundamental mechanisms of contractility regulation and calcium handling of atrial and ventricular myocardium remain poorly studied. An isometric force–length protocol was performed for the entire range of preloads in isolated rat right atrial (RA) and ventricular (RV) trabeculae with simultaneous measurements of force (Frank-Starling mechanism) and Ca2+ transients (CaT). Differences were found between length-dependent effects in RA and RV muscles: (a) the RA muscles were stiffer, faster, and presented with weaker active force than the RV muscles throughout the preload range; (b) the active/passive force—length relationships were almost linear for the RA and RV muscles; (c) the value of the relative length-dependent growth of passive/active mechanical tension did not differ between the RA and RV muscles; (d) the time-to-peak and amplitude of CaT did not differ between the RA and RV muscles; (e) the CaT decay phase was essentially monotonic and almost independent of preload in the RA muscles, but not in the RV muscles. Higher peak tension, prolonged isometric twitch, and CaT in the RV muscle may be the result of higher Ca2+ buffering by myofilaments. The molecular mechanisms that constitute the Frank-Starling mechanism are common in the rat RA and RV myocardium.
NGS Data Repurposing Allows Detection of tRNA Fragments as Gastric Cancer Biomarkers in Patient-Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Maqueda Joaquín J. , Santos Mafalda , Ferreira Marta , Marinho Sérgio , Rocha Sara , Rocha Mafalda , Saraiva Nadine , Bonito Nuno , Carvalho Joana , Oliveira Carla
Published: May 2023

Transfer RNA fragments (tRFs) have gene silencing effects similarly to miRNAs, can be sorted into extracellular vesicles (EVs) and are emerging as potential circulating biomarkers for cancer diagnoses. We aimed at analyzing the expression of tRFs in gastric cancer (GC) and understanding their potential as biomarkers. We explored miRNA datasets from gastric tumors and normal adjacent tissues (NATs) from TCGA repository, as well as proprietary 3D-cultured GC cell lines and corresponding EVs, in order to identify differentially represented tRFs using MINTmap and R/Bioconductor packages. Selected tRFs were validated in patient-derived EVs. We found 613 Differentially Expressed (DE)-tRFs in the TCGA dataset, of which 19 were concomitantly upregulated in TCGA gastric tumors and present in 3D cells and EVs, but barely expressed in NATs. Moreover, 20 tRFs were expressed in 3D cells and EVs and downregulated in TCGA gastric tumors. Of these 39 DE-tRFs, 9 tRFs were also detected in patient-derived EVs. Interestingly, the targets of these 9 tRFs affect neutrophil activation and degranulation, cadherin binding, focal adhesion and the cell–substrate junction, highlighting these pathways as major targets of EV-mediated crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, as they are present in four distinct GC datasets and can be detected even in low quality patient-derived EV samples, they hold promise as GC biomarkers. By repurposing already available NGS data, we could identify and cross-validate a set of tRFs holding potential as GC diagnosis biomarkers.
Modelling Microglial Innate Immune Memory In Vitro: Understanding the Role of Aerobic Glycolysis in Innate Immune Memory
Authors: Towriss Morgan , MacVicar Brian , Ciernia Annie Vogel
Published: May 2023

Microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system, play important roles in maintaining brain homeostasis and facilitating the brain’s innate immune responses. Following immune challenges microglia also retain immune memories, which can alter responses to secondary inflammatory challenges. Microglia have two main memory states, training and tolerance, which are associated with increased and attenuated expression of inflammatory cytokines, respectively. However, the mechanisms differentiating these two distinct states are not well understood. We investigated mechanisms underlying training versus tolerance memory paradigms in vitro in BV2 cells using B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) or bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a priming stimulus followed by LPS as a second stimulus. BAFF followed by LPS showed enhanced responses indicative of priming, whereas LPS followed by LPS as the second stimulus caused reduced responses suggestive of tolerance. The main difference between the BAFF versus the LPS stimulus was the induction of aerobic glycolysis by LPS. Inhibiting aerobic glycolysis during the priming stimulus using sodium oxamate prevented the establishment of the tolerized memory state. In addition, tolerized microglia were unable to induce aerobic glycolysis upon LPS restimulus. Therefore, we conclude that aerobic glycolysis triggered by the first LPS stimulus was a critical step in the induction of innate immune tolerance.
Alteration of Colonic Bacterial and Fungal Composition and Their Inter- and Intra-Kingdom Interaction in Patients with Adenomas with Low-Grade Dysplasia
Authors: Heng Ding , Zhang Min , Yuan Yuhan , Qiu Xinyun
Published: May 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) develops from pre-cancerous cellular lesions in the gut epithelium and mainly originates from specific types of colonic adenomas with dysplasia. However, gut microbiota signatures among sampling sites in patients with colorectal adenomas with low-grade dysplasia (ALGD) and normal control (NC) remain uncharacterized. To characterize gut microbial and fungal profiles in ALGD and normal colorectal mucosa tissues. We used 16S and ITS1-2 rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatics analysis on the microbiota of ALGD and normal colorectal mucosa from 40 subjects. Bacterial sequences in the ALGD group showed an increase in Rhodobacterales, Thermales, Thermaceae, Rhodobacteraceae, and several genera, including Thermus, Paracoccus, Sphingobium, and Pseudomonas, compared to the NC group. Fungal sequences in the ALGD group showed an increase in Helotiales, Leotiomycetes, and Basidiomycota, while several orders, families, and genera, including Verrucariales, Russulales, and Trichosporonales, were decreased. The study found various interactions between intestinal bacteria and fungi. The bacterial functional analysis showed increased glycogen and vanillin degradation pathways in the ALGD group. Meanwhile, the fungal functional analysis showed a decrease in pathways related to the biosynthesis of gondoate and stearate, as well as degradation of glucose, starch, glycogen, sucrose, L-tryptophan, and pantothenate, and an increase in the octane oxidation pathway in the ALGD group. The mucosal microbiota in ALGD exhibits altered fungal and microbial composition compared to the NC mucosa, potentially contributing to the development of intestinal cancer by regulating specific metabolic pathways. Therefore, these changes in microbiota and metabolic pathways may be potential markers for diagnosing and treating colorectal adenoma and carcinoma.