bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A selective review of inhibitors of protein kinase C gamma: a neuroplasticity-related common pathway for psychiatric illness
Authors: Grados Marco , Salehi Mona , Lotfi Aida , Dua Sagar , Xie Isabella
Published: September 2024

Psychotropics are currently developed and marketed with a limited understanding of their mechanism of action. The notion that protein kinase C (PKC) activity is highly relevant to learning and memory function stems from experiments in the 1980s, which associated protein kinase alpha (pka) and pkc to animal models of associative learning, opening an area of exploration for psychotropic development. The PKC family consists of several isoforms, including PKC alpha, beta1, beta1, gamma, delta and epsilon among others. In particular, PKC gamma (PRKCG) is highly brain-expressed and is singled out as a candidate for modulation in psychiatric illness. With hundreds of identified substrates, PRKCG affects multiple pathways relevant for regulation of neuronal health. In this review, converging lines of evidence are presented in the context of psychotropic drug action, which point to downregulation of PKC activity as a potential common mechanism across several psychiatric disorders. Using this mechanism through more targeted psychotropic action may then be used to develop agents that further ameliorate psychiatric symptom expression. Psychotropics including fluoxetine, tricyclics, lithium, valproate, ketamine and others are explored in relation to their effect of PKC, finding that across all drugs examined, a downregulation with chronic-but not acute-use constitutes their putative effect in ameliorating symptoms. This effect is compounded by findings that suggest that PKCs, and PRKCG in particular, promote neuroplastic effects by their downregulation. This effect is in contrast to PKC activators, which have been used in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Cross-disorder mechanisms need to continue to be explored in neuropsychiatric illness and targeted treatments developed in turn to address treatment-resistant conditions.
The chronicles of inflammation: uncovering of distinct patterns of NET degradation products
Authors: Schoen Janina , Muñoz-Becerra Marco , Knopf Jasmin , Ndukwe Favour , Leppkes Moritz , Roth Dominik , Zeitler Anne , Frings Verena Gerlinde , Hohberger Bettina , Zeisberg Victoria , Muñoz Luis E. , Schett Georg , Herrmann Martin , Schauer Christine
Published: September 2024

Aims

Neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play multifaceted roles in inflammatory diseases. If the balance of NET formation and clearance is disturbed, they contribute to the development and pathogenesis of a plethora of inflammatory diseases. They promote inflammation and tissue degradation, and occlude vessels and ducts. This study focused on the presence of NET remnants generated during the clearance by nucleases and phagocytes.

Methods

NET associated parameters in serum and plasma samples from various pathological conditions were investigated. We performed fluorescence-based assays to analyze the concentration of cell free DNA and the activity of neutrophil elastase. The presence of citrullinated histone H3, as well as neutrophil elastase- or myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes were examined employing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

We analyzed samples from a variety of inflammatory conditions: (I) the rheumatic autoimmune diseases systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and primary Sjögren’s syndrome (II) the inflammatory bowel diseases ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (III) hidradenitits suppurativa and (IV) the viral-induced pathologies Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and Post COVID Syndrome (PCS). While most NET associated parameters were detected in all inflammatory conditions, certain markers displayed disease-specific patterns. We compared the markers in terms of the concentration, correlations with each other and to disease activity, and their impact on sample variability. Systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis were associated with increased levels of cell free DNA, and citrullinated histone H3 as well as neutrophil elastase-activity, respectively. Samples from patients with COVID-19 were characterized by elevated levels of neutrophil elastase- and myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes.

Conclusion

Different diseases are linked to characteristic patterns of NET associated parameters. These patterns offer insights into aberrant NET formation and clearance in different pathologies and may represent key targets for treatment development.
Establishing benchmarks for assessing early mathematical competence in children
Authors: Menacho Inmaculada , Aragón Estívaliz , Arrigoni Flavia , Mera Carlos , Canto M. Carmen , Navarro Jose I.
Published: September 2024

The Early Numeracy Test-Revised (ENT-r) development was followed by several provisional standardization processes to adapt to this new version. Subsequently, the ENT-r underwent translation into Spanish and a shift from a paper-and-pencil format to a computerized version, intending to make it accessible online for schools. This paper introduces the adapted Spanish version of ENT-r and outlines the provisional standardization procedure conducted with a group of Spanish children. In this initial pilot study, 141 children aged between 4 and 7 underwent individual assessments. Among them, 71 were girls (50.3%), and 70 were boys (49.6%). Selected from three public schools in a middle-class area, the children were evaluated by experienced researchers with expertise in assessing young children. The study involved three provisional statistical analyses using ENT-r data. Initially, a descriptive analysis was conducted, followed by a cross-age score comparison to assess scores across different age groups. Finally, a reliability study was performed. Preliminary results from these analyses indicate that the ENT-r demonstrates reliability, and its items effectively discriminate between prerequisite and counting tasks. Finally, an approximate statistical estimation was carried out regarding the level of mathematical competence, which is one of the parameters provided by the test, allowing the development of alternative improvement programs for the less prominent values.
The role of epigenetics in women’s reproductive health: the impact of environmental factors
Authors: Yu Xinru , Xu Jiawei , Song Bihan , Zhu Runhe , Liu Jiaxin , Liu Yi Fan , Ma Ying Jie
Published: September 2024

This paper explores the significant role of epigenetics in women’s reproductive health, focusing on the impact of environmental factors. It highlights the crucial link between epigenetic modifications—such as DNA methylation and histones post-translational modifications—and reproductive health issues, including infertility and pregnancy complications. The paper reviews the influence of pollutants like PM2.5, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors on gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms, emphasizing the need for understanding how dietary, lifestyle choices, and exposure to chemicals affect gene expression and reproductive health. Future research directions include deeper investigation into epigenetics in female reproductive health and leveraging gene editing to mitigate epigenetic changes for improving IVF success rates and managing reproductive disorders.
Effects of thyroid hormones modify the association between pre-pregnancy obesity and GDM: evidence from a mediation analysis
Authors: Alifu Xialidan , Chen Zexin , Zhuang Yan , Chi Peihan , Cheng Haoyue , Qiu Yiwen , Huang Ye , Zhang Libi , Ainiwan Diliyaer , Si Shuting , Peng Zhicheng , Zhou Haibo , Liu Hui , Yu Yunxian
Published: September 2024

Objective

Conflicting associations have been noted between thyroid function and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), with indications that pre-pregnancy BMI might influence these relationships. This study aims to examine the effect of thyroid hormone indices and their mediation role on the risk of GDM.

Methods

Pregnant women in our study were recruited from the Zhoushan Pregnant Women Cohort, Zhejiang Province, China. Participants who had their first prenatal follow-up and measured thyroid biomarkers in the first trimester, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) records in the second trimester were eligible for inclusion in this study. The data were extracted from the Electronic Medical Record System database, at Zhoushan Maternal and Child Care Hospital. Maternal information about sociodemographic and health-related characteristics was extracted from the dataset. A unique personal identification number was provided to link both datasets. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to investigate the correlations between thyroid hormone indices with GDM. The interaction effects of first-trimester thyroid hormone indices with pre-pregnancy BMI on GDM risk using a generalized linear regression model. Furthermore, the mediation analysis was used to explore the potential mediating effects of thyroid hormone indices on the relationship between pre-pregnancy BMI and GDM.

Results

Overall, 5895 pregnant women were included in this study. The first-trimester FT4, thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQI), thyrotropin index (TSHI) and thyrotroph thyroxine resistance index (TT4RI) levels were negatively associated with fasting blood glucose (FBG) and postprandial blood glucose (PBG2H) in the second trimester (all P<0.05); FT3 and the FT3-to-FT4 ratio levels were positively associated with PBG1H and PBG2H in the second trimester (all P<0.05). Moreover, there were significant correlations between the highest quartile FT4, FT3, FT3-to-FT4 ratio, TSHI, and TFQI with GDM (all P < 0.05). The mediating effect of thyroid hormone parameters was 24.9% on the association between pre-pregnancy BMI and GDM.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the low FT4, high FT3-to-FT4 ratio, and low TFQI in the first trimester significantly increase the risk of GDM and should be given more attention. Furthermore, increased pre-pregnancy BMI might partially increase the risk of GDM by influencing the body’s thyroid function.
Nest placement accounts for thermal exposure secondarily: insights on multifarious selection
Authors: Harris Jonathan P. , McMurry Scott T.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Multifarious selective pressures can interact to affect species’ life history evolution, with predation and thermal exposure as selective pressures for nesting birds. Gray Vireos (Vireo vicinior) seemingly nest on the periphery of their nesting substrate because of lower predation rates, thereby increasing exposure to weather. We explored how nest placement and vegetation structure can be used to account for the increased weather exposure that Gray Vireos experience when nesting on the periphery of the nesting substrate to avoid predation.

Methods

For each Gray Vireo nest, we placed temperature and light data loggers at three locations: at the nest site, at the opposite orientation of the nest within the nesting tree, and at the same orientation of the nest but in an adjacent tree. To measure nest orientation, we recorded the inverse compass azimuth (+/−1°) from the nest toward the trunk of the nesting tree, while accounting for declination. Nest temperatures and light exposure were compared across various dimensions of nest placement.

Results

The orientation of nests was cooler than the opposite orientation in the mornings and in the late afternoons. When nests were placed in hotter orientations (e.g., south- or west-facing), nests surrounded by more foliage or placed closer to the interior of trees could compensate for the increased exposure.

Discussion

Our findings suggest Gray Vireos accounted for the increased thermal exposure that comes from predator avoidance by using secondary dimensions of nest placement. Specifically, nests could be placed in orientations with cooler temperatures or in hotter orientations with greater shade potential. These results highlight how the interactive selection pressures of predation risk and microclimate can be tiered and shape life-history characteristics of birds.
Cost-effectiveness of nivolumab plus gemcitabine-cisplatin as first-line treatment for advanced urothelial carcinoma in China and the United States
Authors: Xiang Guiyuan , Huang Yueyue , Gan Lanlan , Wang Linning , Ding Yunqi , Wu Yuanlin , Xing Haiyan , Liu Yao
Published: September 2024

Objective

Nivolumab, recently proven in a phase 3 clinical trial (CheckMate 901) to enhance survival when combined with gemcitabine-cisplatin for advanced urothelial carcinoma. This study aimed to assess its cost-effectiveness against gemcitabine-cisplatin alone, from US and Chinese payers’ perspectives.

Methods

A partitioned survival model was established to assess the life-years, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), lifetime costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of nivolumab plus gemcitabine-cisplatin versus gemcitabine-cisplatin alone as first-line treatment for advanced urothelial carcinoma. Univariate, two-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the model’s robustness. Additionally, subgroup analyses were performed.

Results

Nivolumab plus gemcitabine-cisplatin and gemcitabine-cisplatin achieved survival benefits of 4.238 life-years and 2.979 life-years for patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma, respectively. Compared with gemcitabine-cisplatin, nivolumab plus gemcitabine-cisplatin resulted in ICERs of $116,856/QALY in the US and $51,997/QALY in China. The probabilities of achieving cost-effectiveness at the current willingness-to-pay thresholds were 77.5% in the US and 16.5% in China. Cost-effectiveness could be reached if the price of nivolumab were reduced to $920.87/100mg in China. Subgroup analyses indicated that the combination had the highest probability of cost-effectiveness in patients under 65 or with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance-status score of 0 in the US and China.

Conclusion

Nivolumab plus gemcitabine-cisplatin first-line treatment for advanced urothelial carcinoma results in longer life expectancy than gemcitabine-cisplatin, but is not cost-effective in China at current price. However, cost-effectiveness is likely to be achieved in most patient subgroups in the US.
Dissecting the causal links between gut microbiome, immune traits and polyp using genetic evidence
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Ye Xiaofeng , Liu Zhinuo , Liu Tong , Li Shanzheng , Yang Jinqiu , Wei Jingjing , Yu Peng , Jia Ran , Zhao Wenxia
Published: September 2024

Background

Previous research has demonstrated an association between gut microbiota and immune status with the development of several diseases. However, whether these factors contribute to polyps remains unclear. This study aims to use Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and 4 types of polyps (nasal, gallbladder, colon, and gastric polyps), as well as to analyze the mediating role of immune traits.

Methods

This study utilized large-scale GWAS meta-analyses of gut microbiota (MiBioGen Consortium), 731 immune traits, and 4 types of polyps (one from the FinnGen Consortium and three from the NBDC Human Database). Univariate MR with the inverse variance weighted (IVW) estimation method was employed as the primary analytical approach. A two-step MR analysis was performed to identify potential mediating immune traits. Additionally, multivariable MR approach based on Bayesian model averaging (MR-BMA) was employed to further prioritize gut microbiota and immune traits associated with polyp development.

Results

Based on IVW method in univariate MR analysis, we identified 39 gut microbial taxa and 135 immune traits significantly causally associated with at least one type of polyp. For nasal polyps, 13 microbial taxa and 61 immune traits were causally associated. After false discovery rate (FDR) correction, CD3 on Central Memory CD8+ T cells and CD3 on CD4 regulatory T cells remained significant. MR-BMA identified 4 gut microbial taxa and 4 immune traits as high priority. For gallbladder polyps, 9 microbial taxa and 30 immune traits were causally associated. MR-BMA identified 8 microbial taxa and 6 immune traits as higher importance. For colon polyps, 6 microbial taxa and 21 immune traits were causally associated. MR-BMA identified 4 microbial taxa and 3 immune traits as higher importance. For gastric polyps, 12 microbial taxa and 33 immune traits were causally associated. Actinobacteria remained significant after FDR correction, and MR-BMA identified 7 gut microbial taxa and 6 immune traits as high priority. We identified 16 causal pathways with mediator directions consistent with the direction of gut microbiome-polyp association. Of these, 6 pathways were associated with the mechanism of nasal polyps, 1 with gallbladder polyps, 2 with colon polyps, and 7 with gastric polyps.

Conclusions

Our findings shed light on the causal relationships between gut microbiota, immune traits, and polyp development, underscoring the crucial roles of gut microbiota and immune status in polypogenesis. Furthermore, these findings suggest potential applications in polyp prevention, early screening, and the development of effective strategies to reduce polyp risk.
Dust deposition drives shifts in community structure and microbial network complexity of a planktonic microbiome in the Northwest Pacific Ocean
Authors: Wang Yingxia , Zhuang Yunyun , Wang Shanshan , Chen Hongju , Wang Weimin , Zhang Chao , Gao Huiwang , Liu Guangxing
Published: September 2024

Dust deposition can supply nutrients to the upper ocean, and subsequently affect primary production and biodiversity in planktonic ecosystem, but the differential response among taxa and their interactions are not fully understood. Here, we performed 7-day onboard incubation experiment amended with different dust loadings (0, 0.2 and 2 mg L-1) in the Kuroshio-Oyashio transition region of the Northwest Pacific Ocean and characterized the community structure and microbial network of a planktonic microbiome in response to dust addition. Chlorophyll a and nutrient analysis indicated that dust-derived nitrogen promoted the growth of phytoplankton (165.8–293.6%) and phytoplankton size structure shifted towards larger cells (>3 μm). Metabarcoding sequencing, targeting prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes, revealed the changes in community structure and co-occurrence network in response to dust addition. Dust induced a shift from dinoflagellate dominance toward diatom dominance in phytoplankton, and favored members of Cercozoa, Labyrinthulomycetes and Saprospirae, which showed positive correlation with diatom. Temporal response patterns among taxa were categorized into five clusters, and collectively pointed to a more sensitive microeukaryotic community than prokaryotic one in response to dust. The community turnover during the incubation was dominated by moderate taxa with 55.71-62.26% moderate OTUs transitioning to abundant or rare taxa, and dust addition stimulated the transitions of rare taxa. Moreover, biotic factors shaped planktonic microbiome more than abiotic factors, particularly the cross-domain interaction significantly affected microeukaryotic community. Notably, dust addition enhanced the co-occurrence network complexity, with the number of keystone taxa increased, suggesting more interspecies interactions were induced by dust. With integrated analysis, our findings highlight the differential sensitivity of planktonic microbiome to dust deposition and the effects could pass on other organisms through interspecies interaction.
Krukenberg tumor arising from gastric cancer presenting as Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome: a case report and literature review
Authors: Qiu Shikang , Jiang Huihui , Ding Hanxiao , Feng Limin
Published: September 2024

Krukenberg tumor is a relatively uncommon metastatic ovarian cancer, typically presenting with abdominal pain and distension, primarily due to bilateral ovarian involvement. Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome, caused by a Krukenberg tumor originating from gastric cancer, is extremely rare. In this study, we report the case of a 39-year-old woman who presented with unusual manifestations of a Krukenberg tumor, where abdominal distension and dyspnea were the primary symptoms. After surgical treatment, a histopathological examination of the ovary revealed the presence of signet ring cell carcinoma. We concluded that this case coincided with Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome. Clinicians should note that Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome should be considered in patients with Krukenberg tumor, ascites, and pleural effusion, as resection of the tumor may provide long-term palliation.
Multimodal neuroimaging in Long-COVID and its correlates with cognition 1.8 years after SARS-CoV-2 infection: a cross-sectional study of the Aliança ProHEpiC-19 Cognitiu
Authors: Dacosta-Aguayo Rosalia , Torán-Monserrat Pere , Carmona-Cervelló Meritxell , León-Gómez Brenda Biaani , Mataró Maria , Puig Josep , Monté-Rubio Gemma , López-Lifante Victor M. , Maria Manresa-Domínguez Josep , Zamora-Putin Valeria , Montero-Alia Pilar , Chacón Carla , Bielsa-Pascual Jofre , Moreno-Gabriel Eduard , García-Sierra Rosa , Rodríguez-Pérez M. Carmen , Costa-Garrido Anna , Prado Julia G. , Martínez-Cáceres Eva , Mateu Lourdes , Massanella Marta , Violán Concepción , Lamonja-Vicente Noemí
Published: September 2024

Introduction

There is a growing interest in the effect of Long-COVID (LC) on cognition, and neuroimaging allows us to gain insight into the structural and functional changes underlying cognitive impairment in LC. We used multimodal neuroimaging data in combination with neuropsychological evaluations to study cognitive complaints in a cohort of LC patients with mild to moderate severity symptoms.

Methods

We conducted a 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional MRI (fMRI) sequences on 53 LC patients 1.8 years after acute COVID-19 onset. We administered neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognitive domains and examined correlations with Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) and resting state.

Results

We included 53 participants with LC (mean age, 48.23 years; 88.7% females). According to the Frascati criteria, more than half of the participants had deficits in the executive (59%) and attentional (55%) domains, while 40% had impairments in the memory domain. Only one participant (1.89%) showed problems in the visuospatial and visuoconstructive domain. We observed that increased radial diffusivity in different white matter tracts was negatively correlated with the memory domain. Our results showed that higher resting state activity in the fronto-parietal network was associated with lower memory performance. Moreover, we detected increased functional connectivity among the bilateral hippocampus, the right hippocampus and the left amygdala, and the right hippocampus and the left middle temporal gyrus. These connectivity patterns were inversely related to memory and did not survive false discovery rate (FDR) correction.

Discussion

People with LC exhibit cognitive impairments linked to long-lasting changes in brain structure and function, which justify the cognitive alterations detected.
Dedicated comparatives aid comparisons of magnitude: a study with Pitjantjatjara-English bilinguals
Authors: Greenacre Luke , Defina Rebecca , Akbar Skye , Garcia Jair E.
Published: September 2024

When expressing comparisons of magnitude, Pitjantjatjara, a language indigenous to the land now known as Australia, employs contextually driven comparators (e.g., Anyupa is tall. Uma is short) rather than a dedicated morphological or syntactic comparative construction (e.g., Anyupa is taller than Uma). Pitjantjatjara also has a small number of lexicalized numerals, employing ‘one’, ‘two’, ‘three’, then ‘many’. It is hypothesized that having dedicated comparatives in language and elaborated number systems aid comparisons of magnitudes. Fluent Pitjantjatjara-English bilinguals participated in tasks assessing their accuracy and reaction times when comparing two types of magnitude: numerosity (quantities of dots), and extent (line lengths). They repeated the comparisons in both languages on different days, allowing for the effect of language being spoken on responses to be assessed. No differences were found for numerosity; however, participants were less accurate when making comparisons of extent using Pitjantjatjara. Accuracy when using Pitjantjatjara decreased as the magnitude of the comparison increased and as differences between the comparators decreased. This result suggests a potential influence of linguistic comparison strategy on comparison behavior.
How we diagnose Myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Oster Howard S. , Mittelman Moshe
Published: September 2024

The Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogenous group of clonal bone marrow (BM) stem cell myeloid neoplasms, characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis that results in dysplasia in hematopoietic cells and peripheral cytopenias, especially anemia, and a propensity to leukemic transformation. The suspicion of MDS is raised by a typical but not specific clinical picture and routine laboratory findings, but the gold standard for MDS diagnosis is still BM examination with the presence of uni-or multi-lineage dysplasia and increased blast percentage, together with exclusion of other reasons. Cytogenetics is also an essential part of the diagnostic and prognostic processes. Flow cytometry and full genetic characterization are helpful but not mandatory for MDS diagnosis. This review summarizes the current steps of diagnostic approach for a patient suspected of having MDS. We also express our hopes that within the near future, non-invasive technologies, especially digital and peripheral blood genetics, will mature and be introduced into practice.
Causal associations between constipation and pan-cancer: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Dang Yongze , He Xinyu , Liu Xiaoxiao , Wang Yuchen , Geng Shangyi , Cheng Yutong , Ma Hongbing , Zhao Xixi
Published: September 2024

Objective

Observational studies have suggested a potential association between constipation and several cancers. However, the causal relationship between constipation and cancer remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential causal relationship between constipation and pan-cancer using Mendelian Randomization (MR) methods.

Methods

We performed a bidirectional MR analysis using publicly available summary data from Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) statistics. The Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) method was used as the main analysis method. We also used four MR methods: MR-Egger, Weighted Median, MR-PRESSO and MR.RAPS. Simultaneously, MR-Egger regression, Cochran’s Q test and MR-PRESSO Global test were used to estimate the pleiotropy and heterogeneity of SNPs. In addition, we performed “leave-one-out” analyses” to avoid bias caused by horizontal pleiotropy of individual SNPs.

Results

MR analysis revealed a potential causal association between constipation and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) [IVW (OR= 1.0021 (1.0003, 1.0039), P= 0.0234)], lung cancer (LC) [IVW (OR=1.0955 (1.0134, 1.1843), P=0.0218)], Oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer (OPC) [IVW (OR=1.4068 (1.0070, 1.9652), P=0.0454)], and Pancreatic cancer (PC) [IVW (OR=1.5580 (1.0659, 2.2773), P=0.0221)]. In addition, we explored causal relationships between constipation and 12 other types of cancers, including gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, skin melanoma and so on. All five methods yielded no evidence of a causal association between constipation and the risk of these cancer types. In the reverse MR analysis, there was no evidence of a causal association between cancer and the risk of constipation for all five methods.

Conclusion

Our bidirectional MR study suggests a potential relationship between constipation and an increased risk of CRC, LC OPC and PC. The underlying mechanisms behind these associations will need to be explored in future experimental studies.
Bibliometric and visual analysis of membranous nephropathy literature from 2010 to 2023
Authors: Chen Yirui , Liu Chen , Shen Hongnan , Su Pingping , Pang Liang , Zeng Congcong , Cheng Jinguo
Published: September 2024

Background

Membranous glomerulonephritis, also known as membranous nephropathy (MN), is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Despite extensive research on MN, bibliometric studies on the subject are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a visual analysis of global trends in membranous nephropathy research over the past 13 years.

Methods

This study conducted a bibliometric and visual analysis of global trends in MN research from 2010 to 2023. Articles related to MN were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. Tools such as CiteSpace and VOSviewer were utilized to analyze publications, countries, institutions, authors, publishing journals, co-cited references, and keywords to identify the current state and future trends in MN research.

Results

The analysis encompassed 1,624 publications, showing an annual increase from 2010 to 2023. The People’s Republic of China emerged as the most active country in this field, while France’s Sorbonne Universite and Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (Inserm) led in publication volume among academic institutions. Debiec Hanna stood out as the most prolific author. BMC Nephrology had the highest number of publications, making it the most favored journal in the field. The article with the greatest co-citation intensity was “Primary Membranous Nephropathy,” a review published in 2017.

Conclusion

This study shows that there has been increasing interest in membranous nephropathy over the past 13 years. The most frequently encountered keywords were “membranous nephropathy” “nephrotic syndrome,” and “glomerulonephritis.” Analysis of emerging terms indicated that “a2 receptor antibody,” “domain containing 7a,” and “t cell” may remain prominent subjects of research in the forthcoming years. The findings highlight key research trends and areas of interest that can inform researchers, clinicians, and policymakers about the current state of MN research and help guide future research directions and clinical practice.
OsCBL1 mediates rice response to local nitrate signaling: insights into regulatory networks and gene expression
Authors: Hu Zhao , He Dongchen , Peng Xiaojue , Yang Jing
Published: September 2024

Nitrate is a significant source of nitrogen in soils and also serves as a critical signal for root development. Previous studies have demonstrated that the local nitrate supply promotes lateral root elongation primarily through local nitrate signals, rather than nutritional effects. In this study, we report that Calcineurin B-like protein 1 (OsCBL1) positively regulates local nitrate signaling, thereby triggering lateral root colonization, as revealed by a comparative analysis of the phenotype and whole transcriptome of the knockdown mutant (OsCBL1-KD) and the wild-type (WT). In the split-root system, the knockdown of OsCBL1 was found to inhibit local nitrate-induced lateral root growth. Transcriptome analyses identified 398 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were under the control of OsCBL1 and associated with the phenotype of nitrate-induced lateral root colonization. Further analysis revealed that the nitrate transporter/sensor gene OsNRT1.1B was up-regulated under Sp-NaNO3 conditions compared to Sp-NaCl in WT but not in OsCBL1-KD plants. Pathway mapping of DEGs (i.e., genes exhibiting a significant change in expression in the Sp-NaNO3 condition compared to the Sp-NaCl condition) revealed a preferential upregulation of genes involved in lignin biosynthesis and a downregulation of genes involved in auxin and salicylic acid signaling. This suggests that OsCBL1 might function as a transmitter within the auxin, salicylic acid signaling, lignin biosynthesis, and nitrate sensor (OsNRT1.1B)-mediated pathways in response to local nitrate signaling. We also identified a transcriptional regulatory network downstream of OsCBL1 in nitrate-rich patches that is centered on several core transcription factors. Our study provides new insights into how plants adapt to an inhomogeneous distribution of nitrogen in the soil.
UV irradiation behavior of Salix psammophila sand barriers in the process of desertification control
Authors: Wang Ruidong , Chen Shichao , Gao Yong
Published: September 2024

Salix psammophila sand barriers degrade under sunlight exposure, resulting in diminished protective performance and shortened service life in desertification control. To address the unresolved issue of photoinduced damage and degradation in sand barriers, we conducted simulations to assess the accelerated damage effect of ultraviolet (UV) rays during solar exposure of S. psammophila sand barriers. Our analysis focused on elucidating the mechanism of UV irradiation in sand barriers by examining the structural and material property changes that occur during the degradation process. The results indicated the following: (1) The discoloration of sand barriers resulting from UV irradiation was primarily ascribed to the modification in lignin content. (2) The morphology and protective performance of S. psammophila sand barriers underwent significant changes following exposure to UV irradiation. The 96-day and 144-day time points of UV exposure are crucial for evaluating the extent of UV degradation in sand barriers. After 192 days of UV irradiation, there was a decrease in mass loss percentage by 3.62%, modulus of elasticity by 8.63%, and modulus of rupture by 6.74%. (3) The lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose content decreased by 23.12%, 14.30%, and 6.96%, respectively. The impact of UV irradiation on the polysaccharide (cellulose and hemicellulose) in S. psammophila sand barriers was relatively minimal. (4) The carbon binding form in S. psammophila sand barriers underwent a transformation, characterized by a significant decrease in C1 content and an increase in C2 and C3 content. This resulted in a gradual enhancement of the oxidation state and binding energy of carbon. Therefore, to prolong the utilization lifespan of S. psammophila sand barriers, it is essential to address the UV irradiation behavior from the perspective of inhibiting lignin reactions.
Measuring how armed conflict impacts economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa through spatial analysis
Authors: Ogbe Michael Abimbola , Abdullahi Malanta Sabiu , Ding Yibing
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the spatial effects of armed conflict on Sub-Saharan Africa’s (SSA) economic growth, focusing on Central Africa, East Africa, and West Africa. Utilizing Spatial Durblin Model (SDM), the analysis reveals significant spatial effects of armed conflict intensity, indicating that conflict in neighboring countries influences conflict levels within a focal country. The study finds a weak or inconclusive relationship between GDP per capita (GDPpc) and conflict intensity, with East Africa showing a significant negative association, suggesting that higher economic prosperity in neighboring countries may mitigate conflict. Conversely, higher corruption levels in Central and West Africa are positively associated with increased conflict intensity, highlighting corruption’s destabilizing influence. Spatial lag SDM results suggest potential benefits of regional economic cooperation in reducing conflict intensity. Moreover, significant positive spatial autocorrelation underscores the interconnected nature of conflict within SSA, with West Africa exhibiting more pronounced spatial spillover effect. Findings from Spatial Autoregressive (SAR) models confirm the weak association between GDPpc and conflict intensity but emphasize the consistent positive association between corruption and conflict intensity. Additionally, the Spatial Error Model (SEM) reaffirms corruption’s detrimental impact on governance and stability. Additionally, the hypothesis of a significant difference in the effect of armed conflict across different SSA subregions is supported, with Central Africa experiencing the strongest negative impact on economic growth, followed by East and West Africa. The study highlights substantial regional heterogeneity in the economic consequences of armed conflict, emphasizing the need for regionally tailored policy interventions to address conflict-related economic disruptions in SSA.
Exploring potential mediating mechanisms between maladaptive perfectionism and athlete burnout based on multi-theory perspectives
Authors: Kang Weiye , Gong Chen
Published: September 2024

Background

Athletes with maladaptive perfectionism are vulnerable to experiencing a variety of psychological issues, such as burnout. Burnout in athletes can have detrimental effects on their performance and careers. The potential mechanisms by which fear of failure and self-handicapping explain the association between maladaptive perfectionism and athlete burnout remain understudied. This study examined their mediating role in the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and athlete burnout.

Methods

A total of 221 athletes were chosen to participate in a cross-sectional survey study. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS and AMOS structural equation modeling. The participants filled out self-report assessments on maladaptive perfectionism, fear of failure, self-handicapping, and athlete burnout.

Results

Analyses indicated that maladaptive perfectionism positively predicts fear of failure, self-handicapping, and athlete burnout. Fear of failure positively predicts self-handicapping and athlete burnout, while self-handicapping also predicts athlete burnout. In addition to the direct pathway, we identified three mediating pathways through mediation analyses: (a) an independent mediation of fear of failure (b) an independent mediation of self-handicapping (c) a chained mediation of both.

Discussion

The results of this study provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms between maladaptive perfectionism and athletes burnout by considering fear of failure and self-handicapping as mediating variable factors. It is shown that the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and athlete burnout can be partially explained through the mediating role of individuals’ fear of failure as well as self-handicapping behaviors. These insights offer a valuable foundation for the design of psychological interventions to address athlete burnout, enabling coaches and sport psychologists to develop more effective coping strategies for enhancing athletes’ psychological well-being and performance.
Engagement of patients and the public in personalised prevention in Europe using genomic information: a scoping review
Authors: Kreeftenberg Loes Lindiwe , Henneman Lidewij , Ket Johannes C. F. , Cornel Martina C. , van El Carla G.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Personalised prevention using genomic information requires active involvement from patients and the public, who should be well-informed and empowered to make healthcare decisions that reflect their personal values. We aimed to map engagement practises, and assess the extent and types of engagement methods used in the field of personalised prevention of common chronic conditions using genomic information.

Methods

A scoping review on selected literature (in Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO, and IBSS) from 2015 to 2023 was performed. Articles included described practises of patient and public engagement in personalised prevention and genomics conducted in Europe focusing on cancer, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Engagement was explored based on grouping practises across the domains of care, research, education, and governance.

Results

A total of 23 articles describing 23 engagement practises were selected. Analysis revealed diverse engagement levels, the majority falling into the low to medium engagement category, and showing mainly unidirectional methods of engagement, especially consultation. Most engagement activities related to cancer, and none to neurodegenerative disorders. Most publications appeared in the care domain, followed by the research domain, a combination of research and care, and a combination of governance and education.

Conclusion

These results suggest that most practises to engage patients and public in personalised prevention using genomic information appear to have lower levels of engagement. Elaborating on and implementing practises that engage and empower patients and the public at all levels of the engagement spectrum and for all chronic diseases is needed, fostering a more inclusive and participatory approach to personalised prevention.
Chronic pain in the elderly: Exploring cellular and molecular mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives
Authors: García-Domínguez Mario
Published: September 2024

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition frequently observed in the elderly, involving numerous pathological mechanisms within the nervous system. Diminished local blood flow, nerve degeneration, variations in fiber composition, alterations in ion channels and receptors, accompanied by the sustained activation of immune cells and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, lead to overactivation of the peripheral nervous system. In the central nervous system, chronic pain is strongly associated with the activation of glial cells, which results in central sensitization and increased pain perception. Moreover, age-related alterations in neural plasticity and disruptions in pain inhibitory pathways can exacerbate chronic pain in older adults. Finally, the environmental influences on the development of chronic pain in the elderly must be considered. An understanding of these mechanisms is essential for developing novel treatments for chronic pain, which can significantly improve the quality of life for this vulnerable population.
How Living Together Can Make Fungi a Tougher Foe
Authors: Barbosa Pedro Fernandes , da Costa Stefanie Camargo , Branquinha Marta Helena , Santos André Luis Souza dos
Published: September 2024

Fungi are tiny organisms found everywhere—in nature, in our homes, and even in and on our bodies. Similar to how people cooperate in cities, fungi can form cooperative communities known as fungal biofilms. Biofilms consist of clusters of fungal cells sticking together, and they can often survive on surfaces for long periods, making them difficult to eliminate. Fungal biofilms are especially dangerous in healthcare settings, because they can grow on surfaces and medical devices. Scientists are actively investigating ways to tackle this issue, such as using combining medicines or using drugs in new ways. In this article, we will talk about how fungal biofilms form, how they can cause problems in hospitals, and how they can be managed. Understanding and addressing these challenges are essential for keeping patients safe from fungal infections.
Relationship between screen-play scenarios' effectiveness and player classification in elite wheelchair basketball based on match results of Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games
Authors: Yasuda Taku , Tachibana Kaori , Mutsuzaki Hirotaka
Published: September 2024

Background

The competitiveness of wheelchair basketball has increased over time. However, screen-play, considered a vital offensive tactic in running basketball, is still poorly clarified. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the impact of screen-play on scoring and game results in wheelchair basketball and assess the roles of each player classification (PC).

Methods

Information regarding screen-play, including 13 categories such as shot success, location, and PC, was recorded for 22 wheelchair basketball games in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. This information was analyzed using the chi-square test to evaluate the significant differences in the appearance frequency of variables in each category (categorical variable) between the winning and losing teams and the shot-success rate.

Results

Except for PC-related categorical variables, comparing the appearance frequency of the winning and losing teams confirmed a significant difference for screen and pass locations (all p < 0.05). Regarding the shot-success rates of the winning and losing teams, a significant difference in five categories was confirmed, including shot and pass locations (all p < 0.05). Regarding the PC, comparing the appearance frequency of the winning and losing teams confirmed a significant difference for PC of the screener (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found in the shot-success rates of the winning and losing teams in nine, five, three, and four categories regarding the PCs of the shooter, user, screener, and passer, respectively, such as shot location, pass location, and type of screen (p < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

In wheelchair basketball offenses, it may be effective to consider the following points in the scenario lead-up to a shot: Using two different spaces, in the paint and the 3-point field goal area, could be crucial in screen-play. Improving the accuracy of on-the-ball screen plays appears vital, and using off-the-ball screens could also contribute to winning. Allocating approximately 50% of screeners to the middle-point classification (Middle) players and the rest to the low-point (Low) and high-point (High) classification players, at approximately 25% each, may be practical. Regarding winning team player roles, using High shooters and users; Low, Middle, and High screeners; and Middle and High passers contributed to play success.
Insects, Microbes, Natural Compounds, Fish and Plant Species Biodiversity: The Innovative Ammo in the Battle against Plant Pests and Pathogens
Authors: Karanastasi Eirini , Gkizi Danai
Published: September 2024

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the global population is projected to increase from 5700 (in 1995) to 9800 (in 2050) million people, i [...]
Scheduling of Collaborative Vegetable Harvesters and Harvest-Aid Vehicles on Farms
Authors: Han Xiao , Wu Huarui , Zhu Huaji , Gu Jingqiu , Guo Wei , Miao Yisheng
Published: September 2024

Transporting harvested vegetables in the field or greenhouse is labor-intensive. The utilization of small harvest-aid vehicles can reduce non-productive time for farmers and improve harvest efficiency. This paper models the process of harvesting vegetables in response to non-productive waiting delays caused by the scheduling of harvest-aid vehicles. Taking into consideration harvesting speed, harvest-aid vehicle capacity, and scheduling conflicts, a harvest-aid vehicle scheduling model is constructed to minimize non-production waiting time and coordination costs. Subsequently, to meet the collaborative needs of harvesters, this paper develops a discrete multi-objective Jaya optimization algorithm (DMO-Jaya), which combines an opposition-based learning mechanism and a long-term memory library to obtain scheduling schemes suitable for agricultural environments. Experiments show that the studied model can schedule harvest-aid vehicles without conflicts. Compared to the NSGA-II algorithm and the MMOPSO, the DMO-Jaya algorithm demonstrates a better diversity of solutions, resulting in a shorter non-productive waiting time for harvesters. This research provides a reference model for improving the efficiency of vegetable harvesting and transportation.