bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A statistical shape analysis for the assessment of the main geometrical features of the distal femoral medullary canal
Authors: Betti Valentina , Aldieri Alessandra , Cristofolini Luca
Published: April 2024

Statistical Shape Models (SSMs) are widely used in orthopedics to extract the main shape features from bone regions (e.g., femur). This study aims to develop an SSM of the femoral medullary canal, investigate its anatomical variability, and assess variations depending on canal length. The canals were isolated from 72 CT femur scans, through a threshold-based segmentation. A region of interest (ROI) was selected; sixteen segments were extracted from the ROI, ranging from 25% of the full length down to the most distal segment. An SSM was developed to identify the main modes of variation for each segment. The number of Principal Components (PCs) needed to explain at least 90% of the shape variance were three/four based on the length of the canal segment. The study examined the relationship between the identified PCs and geometric parameters like length, radius of curvature, ellipticity, mean diameter, and conicity, reporting range and percentage variation of these parameters for each segment. The SSMs provide insights into the anatomical variability of the femoral canal, emphasizing the importance of considering different segments to capture shape variations at various canal length. These findings can contribute for the design of personalized orthopedic implants involving the distal femur.
Shaping Oncogenic Microenvironments: Contribution of Fibronectin
Authors: Guerrero-Barberà Gemma , Burday Natalia , Costell Mercedes
Published: April 2024

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of proteins and glycans, dynamically remodeled and specifically tailored to the structure/function of each organ. The malignant transformation of cancer cells is determined by both cell intrinsic properties, such as mutations, and extrinsic variables, such as the mixture of surrounding cells in the tumor microenvironment and the biophysics of the ECM. During cancer progression, the ECM undergoes extensive remodeling, characterized by disruption of the basal lamina, vascular endothelial cell invasion, and development of fibrosis in and around the tumor cells resulting in increased tissue stiffness. This enhanced rigidity leads to aberrant mechanotransduction and further malignant transformation potentiating the de-differentiation, proliferation and invasion of tumor cells. Interestingly, this fibrotic microenvironment is primarily secreted and assembled by non-cancerous cells. Among them, the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a central role. CAFs massively produce fibronectin together with type I collagen. This review delves into the primary interactions and signaling pathways through which fibronectin can support tumorigenesis and metastasis, aiming to provide critical molecular insights for better therapy response prediction.
The effect of 1-deoxynojirimycin isolated from logging residue of Bagassa guianensis on an in vitro cancer model
Authors: Fonseca Susanne Suely Santos da , Rodrigues Thaíssa Vitória Portal , Pinheiro Wandson Braamcamp de Souza , Teixeira Eliel Barbosa , dos Santos Kyouk Isabel Portilho , da Silva Marcelli Geisse de Oliveira Prata , de Sousa Amanda Marques , do Vale Débora Monteiro Carneiro , Pinho Jaqueline Diniz , Araújo Taíssa Maíra Thomaz , Khayat André Salim , Pereira Antonio
Published: April 2024

Introduction:Bagassa guianensis Aubl, a tree widely distributed in Brazil, significantly contributes to the furniture industry. Notably, it harbors the bioactive compound 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ), which is retrievable from timber residues and retains activity even days after wood extraction. This makes Bagassa guianensis a promising biological resource for anticancer therapy and pharmacology studies. This study delves into the in vitro antineoplastic actions of 1-DNJ, focusing on adenocarcinoma gastric cell lines (ACP02) and glioblastoma (A172).

Methods: The effect of 1-DNJ on cell viability was evaluated after 72 hours of treatment in the ACP02 and A172 cell lines. We also assessed the effect of 1-DNJ on the pattern of cell migration, cell death, changes in the cell cycle by flow cytometry, the production of reactive oxygen, and its antioxidant capacity in the scavenging of free radicals.

Results: Assessing cell viability after 72 h (about 3 days) of treatment reveals a remarkable reduction, particularly in glioblastoma cells (A172), exhibiting a lower IC50 compared to ACP02 and MRC5 (fibroblast derived from normal lung tissue) cell lines. This decreased viability correlates with reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in both cell lines after the treatment with 1-DNJ. Furthermore, 1-DNJ induces cell cycle arrest, impedes cell migration, and prompts cell death in ACP02 and A172.

Discussion: These findings support 1-DNJ as a potent antineoplastic agent, particularly efficacious against glioblastoma and gastric adenocarcinoma. Thus, unveiling the therapeutic potential of Bagassa guianensis Aubl for cancer treatment and expanding the horizons of bioeconomy applications.
Recent food alerts and analytical advances related to the contamination of tropane and pyrrolizidine alkaloids in food
Authors: Casado Natalia , Gañán Judith , Morante-Zarcero Sonia , Sierra Isabel
Published: April 2024

The food control of tropane and pyrrolizidine alkaloids has become in recent years in Europe one of the main priorities within the food safety field due to the exponential increase in food alerts related to the concerning levels of these natural toxins in foods. This awareness has led to increasing progress in the research and determination of these compounds. Hence, this mini-review provides a brief and comprehensive overview of the evolution of these food alerts, highlighting the main food products frequently contaminated with these alkaloids and reviewing the analytical advances in their determination within the las 3 years (from 2020 to 2023).
Association of the systemic immuno-inflammation index, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio with diabetic microvascular complications
Authors: Li Jiahang , Wang Xueying , Jia Wenjing , Wang Kai , Wang Wenju , Diao Weibo , Ou Feiya , Ma Jing , Yang Yan
Published: April 2024

Background

The systemic immuno-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are widely used and have been shown to be predictive indicators of various diseases. Diabetic nephropathy (DN), retinopathy (DR), and peripheral neuropathy (DPN) are the most prominent and common microvascular complications, which have seriously negative impacts on patients, families, and society. Exploring the associations with these three indicators and diabetic microvascular complications are the main purpose.

Methods

There were 1058 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in this retrospective cross-sectional study. SII, NLR, and PLR were calculated. The diseases were diagnosed by endocrinologists. Logistic regression and subgroup analysis were applied to evaluate the association between SII, NLP, and PLR and diabetic microvascular complications.

Results

SII, NLR, and PLR were significantly associated with the risk of DN [odds ratios (ORs): 1.52, 1.71, and 1.60, respectively] and DR [ORs: 1.57, 1.79, and 1.55, respectively] by multivariate logistic regression. When NLR ≥2.66, the OR was significantly higher for the risk of DPN (OR: 1.985, 95% confidence interval: 1.29–3.05). Subgroup analysis showed no significant positive associations across different demographics and comorbidities, including sex, age, hypertension, HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), and dyslipidemia.

Conclusion

This study found a positive relationship between NLR and DN, DR, and DPN. In contrast, SII and PLR were found to be only associated with DN and DR. Therefore, for the diagnosis of diabetic microvascular complications, SII, NLR and PLR are highly valuable.
Regional climate risks and government education expenditure: evidence from China
Authors: Gao Peiqi , Rong Yinghan , Cao Yu , Zhang Qiuyue , Sun Hongtao
Published: April 2024

Faced with the impact of climate risks, what responses do local governments make, particularly in the domain of social public policy? This study uses provincial panel data from China from 2009 to 2020 to investigate how climate risks affect local government education expenditure and its mechanisms. Analysis using spatial econometric models reveals the following. First, local climate risks significantly increase government education expenditure. This conclusion remains consistent across different proxy variables, model specifications, and estimation methods. Additionally, there is a spatial dependency on local government education expenditure, meaning that educational spending in neighboring areas positively influences the education expenditure of a specific location. Second, further mechanism analysis shows that climate risks lead to credit easing and drive the digital economic transformation of a location, thereby increasing its education expenditure. Third, considering the heterogeneity in the spatial dimension, it is found that this positive impetus exists only in the economically more developed eastern region. This study provides insights into understanding how the Chinese government responds to the impact of climate risks and its fiscal policy choices.
A comparative study on the combination of life cycle assessment and ecological footprints: solar photovoltaic power generation vs. coal power generation in Ningxia
Authors: Luo Jinni , Yang Hexu , Zhang Liangxia , Liu He , Wang Yidan , Hao Chen
Published: April 2024

In China, where energy activities, predominantly driven by fossil fuel combustion, account for nearly 90% of the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and coal power alone contributes over 40%, the shift towards carbon neutrality is a critical national ambition. This study conducts a comprehensive comparison of the environmental impacts of solar photovoltaic power generation (SPPG) and coal power, employing both life cycle assessment and ecological footprint analysis. We meticulously analyze the complete lifecycle of SPPG, pinpointing key stages of GHG emissions, and offer nuanced, localized policy recommendations. Our findings indicate that a 1 kWp SPPG module emits 1,601.18 kg of GHGs over its lifespan, equating to 1.35 kg/kW·h per unit of electricity produced—substantially lower than the 4.81 kg/kW·h emitted by coal power, thus highlighting the latter’s heightened environmental detriment. Additionally, this study assesses the ecological footprint of both energy sources in Ningxia. SPPG emerges with an ecological surplus, showcasing a per capita footprint of 0.0342 hm2, compatible with Ningxia’s ecological capacity. In stark contrast, coal power exhibits a sustained ecological deficit over the past 5 years, with a growing per capita footprint of 0.6529 hm2, underscoring its unsustainability. This research provides a detailed comparative analysis of the environmental impacts of SPPG and coal power in Ningxia, offering valuable insights for energy policymakers and industry stakeholders. It underscores the urgent need for industrial restructuring towards more sustainable and renewable energy sources, aligning with China’s broader objectives of environmental preservation and achieving carbon neutrality.
Optimization and classification control of permanent basic farmland based on quality classification
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Yiling , Liu Kun , Dang Yingchun , Li Guilong , Wen Liangyou , Cao Yun
Published: April 2024

Permanent basic farmland plays an important role in stabilizing agricultural production and ensuring national food security. Therefore, it is necessary to reasonably delineate and control permanent basic farmland. This article is based on the idea of classifying the quality of cultivated land resources, combined with the rules for the delineation of permanent basic farmland, and from the perspective of the synergy of “suitability-connectivity-stability” of cultivated land, a indicator system is constructed. Application of suitability, connectivity, and stability evaluation methods. Taking Zhangshu City, Jiangxi Province as an example, the status of cultivated land resources is comprehensively evaluated, and permanent basic farmland is optimized and graded for protection. The results show that: (1) the arable land in Zhangshu City is mainly of medium suitability, medium continuity and high stability. (2) Zhangshu City is divided into 43218.80 hm2 of permanent basic farmland, accounting for 79.35% of the total area of cultivated land. (3) Control and partition permanent basic farmland into three categories: core protected areas for permanent basic farmland, quality improvement areas, and key transformation areas. The above results indicate that this evaluation has a supportive role in supporting the spatial optimization and hierarchical management of permanent basic farmland, and is of great significance for the unified management of natural resources.
Macrophage polarization: an important role in inflammatory diseases
Authors: Luo Min , Zhao Fukun , Cheng Huan , Su Mu , Wang Yuanmin
Published: April 2024

Macrophages are crucial cells in the human body’s innate immunity and are engaged in a variety of non-inflammatory reactions. Macrophages can develop into two kinds when stimulated by distinct internal environments: pro-inflammatory M1-like macrophages and anti-inflammatory M2-type macrophages. During inflammation, the two kinds of macrophages are activated alternatively, and maintaining a reasonably steady ratio is critical for maintaining homeostasis in vivo. M1 macrophages can induce inflammation, but M2 macrophages suppress it. The imbalance between the two kinds of macrophages will have a significant impact on the illness process. As a result, there are an increasing number of research being conducted on relieving or curing illnesses by altering the amount of macrophages. This review summarizes the role of macrophage polarization in various inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune diseases (RA, EAE, MS, AIH, IBD, CD), allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis, allergic dermatitis, allergic asthma), atherosclerosis, obesity and type 2 diabetes, metabolic homeostasis, and the compounds or drugs that have been discovered or applied to the treatment of these diseases by targeting macrophage polarization.
A three-gene expression score for predicting clinical benefit to anti-PD-1 blockade in advanced renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Betancor Yoel Z. , Ferreiro-Pantín Miriam , Anido-Herranz Urbano , Fuentes-Losada Mar , León-Mateos Luis , García-Acuña Silvia Margarita , Vaamonde-Rodríguez Vanessa , García-Pinel Beatriz , Cebey-López Víctor , Villaverde-Viaño Rosa , Lombardía-Rodríguez Helena , Kotrulev Martin , Fernández-Díaz Natalia , Gomez-Tourino Iria , Fernández-Baltar Carlos , García-González Jorge , Tubio Jose M. C. , López-López Rafael , Ruiz-Bañobre Juan
Published: April 2024

In the advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) scenario, there are no consistent biomarkers to predict the clinical benefit patients derived from immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Taking this into consideration, herein, we conducted a retrospective study in order to develop and validate a gene expression score for predicting clinical benefit to the anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab in the context of patients diagnosed with advanced clear cell RCC enrolled in the CheckMate-009, CheckMate-010, and CheckMate-025 clinical trials. First, a three-gene expression score (3GES) with prognostic value for overall survival integrating HMGA1, NUP62, and ARHGAP42 transcripts was developed in a cohort of patients treated with nivolumab. Its prognostic value was then validated in the TCGA-KIRC cohort. Second, the predictive value for nivolumab was confirmed in a set of patients from the CheckMate-025 phase 3 clinical trial. Lastly, we explored the correlation of our 3GES with different clinical, molecular, and immune tumor characteristics. If the results of this study are definitively validated in other retrospective and large-scale, prospective studies, the 3GES will represent a valuable tool for guiding the design of ICB-based clinical trials in the aRCC scenario in the near future.
Turmeric shortens lifespan in houseflies
Authors: Laurie Sophie , Ainslie Leah , Mitchell Sharon , Morimoto Juliano
Published: April 2024

Climate change poses a significant threat to food security and global public health with the increasing likelihood of insect pest outbreaks. Alternative ways to control insect populations, preferably using environmental-friendly compounds, are needed. Turmeric has been suggested as a natural insecticide with toxicity properties in some insect groups. However, empirical evidence of the effects of turmeric – and their interaction with other ecological factors such as diet – on insect survival has been limited. Here, we tested the effects of turmeric and its interactions with diets differing in protein source in the common housefly, Musca domestica. We found that turmeric shortened lifespan independent of diet and sex. Females in turmeric diets were heavier at death, which was likely driven by a combination of relatively lower rates of body mass loss during their lifetime and a higher percentage of water content at death. Each sex responded differently to the protein source in the diet, and the magnitude of the difference in lifespan between sexes were greatest in diets in which protein source was hydrolysed yeast; individuals from both sexes lived longest in sucrose-milk diets and shortest in diets with hydrolysed yeast. There was no evidence of an interaction between turmeric and diet, suggesting that the toxicity effects are independent of protein source in the diet. Given the seemingly opposing effects of turmeric in insects and mammals being uncovered in the literature, our findings provide further evidence in support of turmeric as a potential natural insecticide.
The application of virtual synchronous generator technology in inertial control of new energy vehicle power generation
Authors: Du Meng , Mei Hailong
Published: April 2024

Introduction: With the rapid development of human society and economy, the power generation technology of various new energy vehicles has begun to receive widespread attention.

Methods: Due to the lack of inertia and frequency stability in the new energy vehicle power generation system, this paper proposes a power generation control method that combines linear active disturbance rejection control technology and virtual synchronous generator technology. This method first introduces the control strategy and inertial response of the virtual synchronous generator. Then, it uses linear active disturbance rejection control technology to improve the virtual synchronous generator technology to deal with the uncertainty and external interference in the system.

Results: The results showed that when the virtual inertia coefficient was 0, and the new energy vehicles would hardly intervene in the regulation of the grid voltage. When the virtual inertia coefficient was 5, the decline rate of the DC bus voltage of new energy vehicles had slowed down. When the virtual inertia coefficient increased, the power output of new energy vehicles can be increased to the grid. When the load suddenly increased, and the corresponding DC bus voltage decreased more slowly. In the VSG output power comparison, under the research method, the frequency fluctuation only increased by 0.09 Hz and returned to the rated frequency of 50 Hz. Additionally, the dynamic process of the system output power was the shortest, lasting only 0.05 s.

Discussion: The above results show that the research method has significant superiority and effectiveness in improving the inertial response and overall stability of the new energy vehicle power system.
The novel imaging methods in diagnosis and assessment of cerebrovascular diseases: an overview
Authors: Liu Fei , Yao Ying , Zhu Bingcheng , Yu Yue , Ren Reng , Hu Yinghong
Published: April 2024

Cerebrovascular diseases, including ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes, and vascular malformations, are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The advancements in neuroimaging techniques have revolutionized the field of cerebrovascular disease diagnosis and assessment. This comprehensive review aims to provide a detailed analysis of the novel imaging methods used in the diagnosis and assessment of cerebrovascular diseases. We discuss the applications of various imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and angiography, highlighting their strengths and limitations. Furthermore, we delve into the emerging imaging techniques, including perfusion imaging, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and molecular imaging, exploring their potential contributions to the field. Understanding these novel imaging methods is necessary for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and monitoring the progression of cerebrovascular diseases.
Causal association between gut microbiomes and different types of aneurysms: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Qiu Youjia , Hou Yucheng , Wei Xingzhou , Wang Menghan , Yin Ziqian , Xie Minjia , Duan Aojie , Ma Chao , Si Ke , Wang Zhong
Published: April 2024

Background

Previous studies suggests that gut microbiomes are associated with the formation and progression of aneurysms. However, the causal association between them remains unclear.

Methods

A two-sample Mendelian randomization was conducted to investigate whether gut microbiomes have a causal effect on the risk of intracerebral aneurysm (IA), thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and aortic aneurysm (AA). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) smaller than the locus-wide significance level (1 × 10−5) were selected as instrumental variables. We used inverse-variance weighted (IVW) test as the primary method for the evaluation of causal association. MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and MR Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) methods were conducted for sensitive analysis. The p-value was adjusted by the false discovery rate (FDR) which adjust the results of multiple comparisons, a p < 0.05 and q < 0.1 was considered a significant causal association. Additionally, a p < 0.05 and q > 0.1 was considered a suggestive causal effect. Additionally, reverse MR was also performed to exclude the possibility of reverse causality.

Results

The phylum Firmicutes (OR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.48–0.81), class Lentisphaeria (OR = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.62–0.89), and order Victivallales (OR = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.62–0.89) have a causal protective effect on the risk of AAA. Additionally, class Verrucomicrobia, class Deltaproteobacteria, order Verrucomicrobiale, family Verrucomicrobiacea, genus Eubacterium rectale group, genus Akkermansia, and genus Clostridium innocuum group were negatively associated with the risk of different types of aneurysms, whereas class Negativicutes, order Selenomonadales, and genus Roseburia had positive causal association with different types of aneurysms (p < 0.05; q > 0.1). Further sensitivity analysis validated the robustness of our MR results, and no reverse causality was found with these gut microbiomes (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our MR analysis confirmed the causal association of specific gut microbiomes with AAA, and these microbiomes were considered as protective factors. Our result may provide novel insights and theoretical basis for the prevention of aneurysms through regulation of gut microbiomes.
A new in vivo model of intestinal colonization using Zophobas morio larvae: testing hyperepidemic ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli clones
Authors: Eddoubaji Yasmine , Aldeia Claudia , Campos-Madueno Edgar I. , Moser Aline I. , Kundlacz Cindy , Perreten Vincent , Hilty Markus , Endimiani Andrea
Published: April 2024

Finding strategies for decolonizing gut carriers of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (MDR-Ec) is a public-health priority. In this context, novel approaches should be validated in preclinical in vivo gut colonization models before being translated to humans. However, the use of mice presents limitations. Here, we used for the first time Zophobas morio larvae to design a new model of intestinal colonization (28-days duration, T28). Three hyperepidemic MDR-Ec producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) or carbapenemases were administered via contaminated food to larvae for the first 7 days (T7): Ec-4901.28 (ST131, CTX-M-15), Ec-042 (ST410, OXA-181) and Ec-050 (ST167, NDM-5). Growth curve analyses showed that larvae became rapidly colonized with all strains (T7, ~106–7 CFU/mL), but bacterial load remained high after the removal of contaminated food only in Ec-4901.28 and Ec-042 (T28, ~103–4 CFU/mL). Moreover, larvae receiving a force-feeding treatment with INTESTI bacteriophage cocktail (on T7 and T10 via gauge needle) were decolonized by Ec-4901.28 (INTESTI-susceptible); however, Ec-042 and Ec-050 (INTESTI-resistant) did not. Initial microbiota (before administering contaminated food) was very rich of bacterial genera (e.g., Lactococcus, Enterococcus, Spiroplasma), but patterns were heterogeneous (Shannon diversity index: range 1.1–2.7) and diverse to each other (Bray–Curtis dissimilarity index ≥30%). However, when larvae were challenged with the MDR-Ec with or without administering bacteriophages the microbiota showed a non-significant reduction of the diversity during the 28-day experiments. In conclusion, the Z. morio larvae model promises to be a feasible and high-throughput approach to study novel gut decolonization strategies for MDR-Ec reducing the number of subsequent confirmatory mammalian experiments.
A pilot study on AI-driven approaches for classification of mental health disorders
Authors: Dhariwal Naman , Sengupta Nidhi , Madiajagan M. , Patro Kiran Kumar , Kumari P. Lalitha , Abdel Samee Nagwan , Tadeusiewicz Ryszard , Pławiak Paweł , Prakash Allam Jaya
Published: April 2024

The increasing prevalence of mental disorders among youth worldwide is one of society's most pressing issues. The proposed methodology introduces an artificial intelligence-based approach for comprehending and analyzing the prevalence of neurological disorders. This work draws upon the analysis of the Cities Health Initiative dataset. It employs advanced machine learning and deep learning techniques, integrated with data science, statistics, optimization, and mathematical modeling, to correlate various lifestyle and environmental factors with the incidence of these mental disorders. In this work, a variety of machine learning and deep learning models with hyper-parameter tuning are utilized to forecast trends in the occurrence of mental disorders about lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as environmental factors like air and noise pollution. Among these models, the convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture, termed as DNN1 in this paper, accurately predicts mental health occurrences relative to the population mean with a maximum accuracy of 99.79%. Among the machine learning models, the XGBoost technique yields an accuracy of 95.30%, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.9985, indicating robust training. The research also involves extracting feature importance scores for the XGBoost classifier, with Stroop test performance results attaining the highest importance score of 0.135. Attributes related to addiction, namely smoking and alcohol consumption, hold importance scores of 0.0273 and 0.0212, respectively. Statistical tests on the training models reveal that XGBoost performs best on the mean squared error and R-squared tests, achieving scores of 0.013356 and 0.946481, respectively. These statistical evaluations bolster the models' credibility and affirm the best-fit models' accuracy. The proposed research in the domains of mental health, addiction, and pollution stands to aid healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders in both youth and adults promptly through the use of predictive models. Furthermore, it aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers in formulating new regulations on pollution and addiction.
Mushrooms: a food-based solution to vitamin D deficiency to include in dietary guidelines
Authors: Starck Carlene , Cassettari Tim , Wright Jutta , Petocz Peter , Beckett Emma , Fayet-Moore Flavia
Published: April 2024

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is a public health issue, with low dietary vitamin D intakes a contributing factor. Rates of vitamin D deficiency are 31% in Australia, and up to 72% in some regions globally. While supplementation is often prescribed as an alternative to additional sun exposure, complementary approaches including food-based solutions are needed. Yet, food-centric dietary guidelines are not always adequate for meeting vitamin D needs. Edible mushrooms such as Agaricus bisporus can produce over 100% of vitamin D recommendations (10 μg/day, Institute of Medicine) per 75 g serve (18 μg) on exposure to UV-light, with the vitamin D2 produced showing good stability during cooking and processing. However, mushrooms are overlooked as a vitamin D source in dietary guidelines. Our dietary modelling shows that four serves/week of UV-exposed button mushrooms can support most Australian adults in meeting vitamin D recommendations, and UV-exposed mushrooms have been found to increase vitamin D status in deficient individuals. While recent evidence suggests some differences between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 in physiological activities, vitamin D2 from mushrooms can be part of a larger solution to increasing dietary vitamin D intakes, as well as an important focus for public health policy. Mushrooms exposed to UV represent an important tool in the strategic toolkit for addressing vitamin D deficiency in Australia and globally. Health authorities lead the recognition and promotion of mushrooms as a natural, vegan, safe, and sustainable vitamin D food source.
Development and feasibility of a mindfulness-based dance/movement therapy intervention for chronic low back pain
Authors: Shim Minjung , Gaydos Monica , Goldstein-Levitas Natasha , Musalo Nicole , Prakash Nalini , Bradt Joke , Zhang Fengqing , Wenger Sarah , Gonzalez Adam
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Responding to the need for innovative, multi-modal, non-pharmacological strategies in chronic low back pain (cLBP) care, this article presents the development and a mixed methods feasibility trial of a manualized Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy (M-DMT) program for cLBP. The 12-week program is designed as a group therapy, integrating mindfulness principles, creative/expressive dance and movement, and psychoeducational content focused on cLBP management. This holistic program seeks to cultivate nonjudgmental awareness of pain experiences, challenge maladaptive pain-related beliefs, enhance emotional well-being, foster social support, and promote effective coping strategies for the daily challenges associated with cLBP.

Methods

The 12-week M-DMT intervention was administered to individuals with non-specific cLBP (N = 18, aged 51.7 ± 13.9 years, 72% female, 55% Black and 39% White). We assessed feasibility and acceptability through monitoring enrollment and retention rates, attendance, and adverse events. Moreover, we measured the intervention's credibility/expectancy, participants' perception of changes, and overall satisfaction. Additionally, we collected qualitative data, capturing participants' perspectives on the intervention's usefulness and perceived benefits. Specific benchmarks were established to gauge the successful feasibility and acceptability of the program.

Results

The adherence rate stood at 80%, with a perfect retention rate of 100%. The study successfully met the benchmarks for treatment acceptability and satisfaction criteria, with 61% of participants reporting “feeling better” or a “great deal better” after the intervention. No adverse events were observed. Participants found the intervention enjoyable and reported that it provided effective tools for cLBP and related symptoms. Notably, participants reported a decrease in fear-avoidance behaviors, increased motivation for physical activity, and a boost in self-efficacy for pain management.

Discussion

These encouraging findings establish a strong basis for considering the M-DMT intervention as a promising approach for cLBP management, warranting further investigation in larger-scale studies.
Exploring the impact of MiR-92a-3p on FOLFOX chemoresistance biomarker genes in colon cancer cell lines
Authors: Escalante Paula I. , Quiñones Luis A. , Contreras Héctor R.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: One of the primary obstacles faced by individuals with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) is the potential development of acquired chemoresistance as the disease advances. Studies have indicated a direct association between elevated levels of miR-92a-3p and the progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance observed in CRC. We proposed that miR-92a-3p impairs FOLFOX (fluorouracil/oxaliplatin) chemotherapy response by upregulating the expression of chemoresistance biomarker genes through the activation of β-catenin and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). These FOLFOX biomarker genes include the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway genes dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD), thymidylate synthase (TYMS), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), and the genes encoding the DNA repair complexes subunits ERCC1 and ERCC2, and XRCC1.

Methods: To assess this, we transfected SW480 and SW620 colon cancer cell lines with miR-92a-3p mimics and then quantified the expression of DPYD, TYMS, MTHFR, ERCC1, ERCC2, and XRCC1, the expression of EMT markers and transcription factors, and activation of β-catenin.

Results and discussion: Our results reveal that miR-92a-3p does not affect the expression of DPYD, TYMS, MTHFR, and ERCC1. Furthermore, even though miR-92a-3p affects ERCC2, XRCC1, E-cadherin, and β-catenin mRNA levels, it has no influence on their protein expression.

Conclusion: We found that miR-92a-3p does not upregulate the expression of proteins of DNA-repair pathways and other genes involved in FOLFOX chemotherapy resistance.
Exploiting the predictive power of educated spheroids to detect immune-mediated idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury: the case of troglitazone
Authors: Roux Salomé , Cherradi Sara , Duong Hong Tuan
Published: April 2024

Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (iDILI) is a major concern in drug development because its occurrence is unpredictable. Presently, iDILI prediction is a challenge, and cell toxicity is observed only at concentrations that are much higher than the therapeutic doses in preclinical models. Applying a proprietary cell educating technology, we developed a person-dependent spheroid system that contains autologous educated immune cells that can detect iDILI risk at therapeutic concentrations. Integrating this system into a high-throughput screening platform will help pharmaceutical companies accurately detect the iDILI risk of new molecules de-risking drug development.
Effects of ranolazine on the arrhythmic substrate in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Coleman James A. , Doste Ruben , Beltrami Matteo , Argirò Alessia , Coppini Raffaele , Olivotto Iacopo , Raman Betty , Bueno-Orovio Alfonso
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a leading cause of lethal arrhythmias in the young. Although the arrhythmic substrate has been hypothesised to be amenable to late Na+ block with ranolazine, the specific mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the substrate mechanisms of safety and antiarrhythmic efficacy of ranolazine in HCM.

Methods: Computational models of human tissue and ventricles were used to simulate the electrophysiological behaviour of diseased HCM myocardium for variable degrees of repolarisation impairment, validated against in vitro and clinical recordings. S1-S2 pacing protocols were used to quantify arrhythmic risk in scenarios of (i) untreated HCM-remodelled myocardium and (ii) myocardium treated with 3µM, 6µM and 10µM ranolazine, for variable repolarisation heterogeneity sizes and pacing rates. ECGs were derived from biventricular simulations to identify ECG biomarkers linked to antiarrhythmic effects.

Results: 10µM ranolazine given to models manifesting ventricular tachycardia (VT) at baseline led to a 40% reduction in number of VT episodes on pooled analysis of >40,000 re-entry inducibility simulations. Antiarrhythmic efficacy and safety were dependent on the degree of repolarisation impairment, with optimal benefit in models with maximum JTc interval <370 ms. Ranolazine increased risk of VT only in models with severe-extreme repolarisation impairment.

Conclusion: Ranolazine efficacy and safety may be critically dependent upon the degree of repolarisation impairment in HCM. For moderate repolarisation impairment, reductions in refractoriness heterogeneity by ranolazine may prevent conduction blocks and re-entry. With severe-extreme disease substrates, reductions of the refractory period can increase re-entry sustainability.
The influence of visual marketing on consumers' purchase intention of fast fashion brands in China–An exploration based on fsQCA method
Authors: Zhang Yaqiong , Huang Shiyu
Published: April 2024

Under the rapid development of e-commerce, offline brick-and-mortar stores have been severely impacted. However, the importance of the visual, sensory and even psychological experience in the apparel industry makes offline stores still irreplaceable. The impact on consumers' visual experience cannot be ignored and is a significant influencing factor in determining consumers' psychological change and purchase intention. Especially for fast fashion brands which pursue low costs, visual marketing strategies is a cost-effective marketing tool to enhance the visual experience. In this paper, by adapting SOR theory and using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) research method, 15 fast fashion apparel brands and 374 valid questionnaires are adapted in China to explore not only the influence of individual dimensions in visual marketing on consumers' purchase intention, but also the action of multi-dimensional combinations. The research finds that: (1) there are two driving paths for high consumers' purchase intention. The first path is a combination of high clarity of arrangement and low display density; the second path is a combination of low light intensity, high clarity of arrangement, high tonal harmony and high window appeal. (2) There are also two paths that drive non-high consumers' purchase intentions, and they are asymmetrically related to the paths that drive high consumers' purchase intentions. The findings of this study help to provide direction and suggestions for offline visual marketing strategies of fast fashion apparel brands to increase consumers' psychological perception and purchase intention through a range of visual presentation techniques.
Latent profiles of emotion regulation among university students: links to repetitive negative thinking, internet addiction, and subjective wellbeing
Authors: Oliveira Joana , Pedras Susana , Inman Richard A. , Ramalho Sofia Marques
Published: April 2024

Recent years have seen a deterioration in the mental health of university students and notable surge in the need for psychological support. Due to its links to psychopathology and high-risk behaviors, difficulty in emotion regulation frequently serves as a transdiagnostic dimension. This cross-sectional study used a person-centered analytical approach (latent profile analysis; LPA) to identify groups of Portuguese university students with similar profiles of emotion regulation difficulties (N = 261; Mage = 22.5 ± 1.2 years; n = 213 female) and describe how these groups differ in their presentation of repetitive negative thinking, internet addiction, and subjective wellbeing. The analyses identified four latent profiles: 14.5% of students showed global dysregulation (the Low Emotion Regulation Profile), 23% were moderately dysregulated with elevated problems in goal-directed behavior (the Moderate Emotion Regulation Profile), 8% showed specific difficulties with low emotional awareness and clarity (the Low Insight Profile), and 54.4% showed adaptive emotion regulation (the High Emotion Regulation Profile). As anticipated, the Low Emotion Regulation Profile had the lowest subjective wellbeing and the highest prevalence of repetitive negative thinking and internet addiction. Students with a Low Insight Profile also showed low subjective wellbeing, but less repetitive negative thinking compared to the Low Emotion Regulation Profile. Our findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving health and wellbeing among university students should consider each student’s unique set of emotion regulation difficulties, rather than focusing on particular strategies. Further research may help determine whether emotion regulation profiles can serve as predictive indicators of varying mental health trajectories and subjective wellbeing in university students.
How general is the natural frequency effect? The case of joint probabilities
Authors: Stegmüller Nathalie , Binder Karin , Krauss Stefan
Published: April 2024

Natural frequencies are known to improve performance in Bayesian reasoning. However, their impact in situations with two binary events has not yet been completely examined, as most researchers in the last 30 years focused only on conditional probabilities. Nevertheless, situations with two binary events consist of 16 elementary probabilities and so we widen the scope and focus on joint probabilities. In this article, we theoretically elaborate on the importance of joint probabilities, for example, in situations like the Linda problem. Furthermore, we implemented a study in a 2×5×2 design with the factors information format (probabilities vs. natural frequencies), visualization type (“Bayesian text” vs. tree diagram vs. double tree diagram vs. net diagram vs. 2×2 table), and context (mammography vs. economics problem). Additionally, all four “joint questions” (i.e., P(A∩B),P(A¯∩B),P(A¯∩B¯),P(A∩B¯)) were asked for. The main factor of interest was whether there is a format effect in the five visualization types named above. Surprisingly, the advantage of natural frequencies was not found for joint probabilities and, most strikingly, the format interacted with the visualization type. Specifically, while people’s understanding of joint probabilities in a double tree seems to be worse than the understanding of the corresponding natural frequencies (and, thus, the frequency effect holds true), the opposite seems to be true in the 2 × 2 table. Hence, the advantage of natural frequencies compared to probabilities in typical Bayesian tasks cannot be found in the same way when joint probability or frequency tasks are asked.
Reading comprehension differences between children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and low cognitive abilities and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and intact cognitive skills: the roles of decoding, fluency and morphosyntax
Authors: Peristeri Eleni , Frantzidis Christos A. , Andreou Maria
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Reading comprehension is one of the most important skills learned in school and it has an important contribution to the academic success of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Though previous studies have investigated reading comprehension difficulties in ASD and highlighted factors that contribute to these difficulties, this evidence has mainly stemmed from children with ASD and intact cognitive skills. Also, much emphasis has been placed on the relation between reading comprehension and word recognition skills, while the role of other skills, including fluency and morphosyntax, remains underexplored. This study addresses these gaps by investigating reading comprehension in two groups of school-aged children with ASD, one with intact and one with low cognitive abilities, also exploring the roles of word decoding, fluency and morphosyntax in each group’s reading comprehension performance.

Methods

The study recruited 16 children with ASD and low cognitive abilities, and 22 age-matched children with ASD and intact cognitive skills. The children were assessed on four reading subdomains, namely, decoding, fluency, morphosyntax, and reading comprehension.

Results

The children with ASD and low cognitive abilities scored significantly lower than their peers with intact cognitive abilities in all reading subdomains, except for decoding, verb production and compound word formation. Regression analyses showed that reading comprehension in the group with ASD and intact cognitive abilities was independently driven by their decoding and fluency skills, and to a lesser extent, by morphosyntax. On the other hand, the children with ASD and low cognitive abilities mainly drew on their decoding, and to a lesser extent, their morphosyntactic skills to perform in reading comprehension.

Discussion

The results suggest that reading comprehension was more strongly affected in the children with ASD and low cognitive abilities as compared to those with intact cognitive skills. About half of the children with ASD and intact cognitive skills also exhibited mild-to-moderate reading comprehension difficulties, further implying that ASD may influence reading comprehension regardless of cognitive functioning. Finally, strengths in decoding seemed to predominantly drive cognitively-impaired children’s reading performance, while the group with ASD and intact cognitive skills mainly recruited fluency and metalinguistic lexical skills to cope with reading comprehension demands, further suggesting that metalinguistic awareness may be a viable way to enhance reading comprehension in ASD.
The impact of virtual reality on student engagement in the classroom–a critical review of the literature
Authors: Lin Xiao Ping , Li Bin Bin , Yao Zhen Ning , Yang Zhi , Zhang Mingshu
Published: April 2024

Objective

The purpose of this review is to identify the impact of virtual reality (VR) technology on student engagement, specifically cognitive engagement, behavioral engagement, and affective engagement.

Methods

A comprehensive search of databases such as Google, Scopus, and Elsevier was conducted to identify English-language articles related to VR and classroom engagement for the period from 2014 to 2023. After systematic screening, 33 articles were finally reviewed.

Results

The use of VR in the classroom is expected to improve student engagement and learning outcomes, and is particularly effective for students with learning disabilities. However, introducing VR into middle school education poses several challenges, including difficulties in the education system to keep up with VR developments, increased demands on students’ digital literacy, and insufficient proficiency of teachers in using VR.

Conclusion

To effectively utilize VR to increase student engagement, we advocate for educational policymakers to provide training and technical support to teachers to ensure that they can fully master and integrate VR to increase student engagement and instructional effectiveness.