bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primer registro de Orius flaviceps (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) en República Dominicana, depredador de thrips en aguacate
Authors: Taveras-Macarrulla Rosina , Baena Manuel , Hidalgo-Jiménez Deymer
Published: July 2023

La especie Orius flaviceps (Poppius, 1909) es un antocórido poco conocido que ha sido registrado de México, Islas Caimán y la isla Guadalupe. Los aspectos de su biología, ecología e historia natural son prácticamente desconocidos. En este trabajo se registra esta especie por primera vez para República Dominicana, donde se encuentra ampliamente distribuida por todo el país y ha sido observada depredando trips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) en flores de aguacate (Persea americana Mill.) en cuyos peciolos coloca sus huevos. Se incluye información sobre aspectos biológicos, proporción sexual, distribución en el país, así como fotografías de ambos sexos y una diagnosis de la especie. Con este registro se aumenta a tres, el número de especies de Anthocoridae conocidas de La Española.
Screening for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in infants and young children
Authors: Fleming Lauren , Sheridan Connor , Waite Douglas , Klug Marilyn G. , Burd Larry
Published: July 2023

Introduction: With an estimated prevalence of up to five percent in the general population, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are the most common neurodevelopmental disorder and more prevalent than autism. Early identification and subsequent early intervention have the potential to improve developmental trajectory of children with FASD. In addition, new research suggests supplementation with choline may ameliorate the developmental impairments associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Availability of a screening tool with acceptable epidemiologic performance criteria may be clinical useful in identification of young children at increased risk for FASD. In this paper we describe the Early Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Screening Test (E-FAST) to identify young children at increased risk for an FASD.

Methods: We developed the E-FAST dataset from previously published studies, comprised of 281 children under 5 years of age, 180 (64.1%) were diagnosed with FASD and 101 (35.9%) were non-FASD.

Analysis: The analysis identified seven useful variables (prenatal alcohol exposure, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), foster care or adopted, small OFC (occipital frontal circumference), communication impairments, impaired social skills, and cognitive deficits. All variables were categorized as yes/no for ease of use in a screening tool. Risk ratios for each of the seven indicators were estimated using two-way table analyses. Weights for each variable were estimated based on the relative strength of their odds ratios.

Results: The average age was 2.7 years of age (S.D. 1.29) and ranged from infant (6.4%) to 4 years old (35.9%). Maternal alcohol use alone had a sensitivity of 0.97, specificity 0.65, and accuracy 0.86. For the combined seven variables, sensitivity was 0.94, specificity 0.74, and accuracy 0.87. Thus, the seven-item E-FAST screen had acceptable epidemiologic screening characteristics.

Discussion: In the United States, up to 547 infants with FASD are born each day which far exceeds the capacity of multidisciplinary diagnostic clinics. During routine clinical management of infants and young children the use of an evidence-based screening tool provides a time efficient means to exclude large numbers of young children from further follow-up for FASD. Conversely, a positive screen identifies a smaller number of children at increased risk for FASD requiring more intensive evaluation and follow-up.
Data aggregation, ML ready datasets, and an API: leveraging diverse data to create enhanced characterizations of monsoon flood risk
Authors: Hoy Dharma , Granillo Rey L. , Boeman Leland , McMahan Ben , Crimmins Michael A.
Published: July 2023

Monsoon precipitation and severe flooding is highly variable and often unpredictable, with a range of flood conditions and impacts across metropolitan regions or a county. County and storm specific watches or warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) alert the public to current flood conditions and risks, but floods are not limited to the area that is under alert and these zones can be relatively coarse depending on the data these warnings are based on. Research done by the Arizona Institute for Resilient Environments and Societies (AIRES) has produced an Application Programming Interface (API) accessible data warehouse of time series precipitation totals across the state of Arizona which consists of higher resolution geographically disperse data that helped create improved characterizations of monsoon precipitation variability. There is an opportunity to leverage these data to address flood risk particularly where advanced Computer Science methodologies and Machine Learning techniques may offer additional spatial and temporal insight into flood events. This can be especially useful during rainfall events where precipitation station reporting frequencies are increased and near real-time totals are accessible via the AIRES API. A Machine-Learning-ready dataset structured to train ML models facilitates an anticipatory approach to predicting/characterizing flood risk. This presents an opportunity for new inputs into management and decision making opportunities, in addition to describing precipitation and flood patterns after an event. In this paper we will be the first to make use of the AIRES API by taking the initial step of the Machine Learning process and assembling the precipitation data into a ML-ready dataset. We then look closer at the dataset assembled and call attention to characteristics of the dataset that can be further explored through machine learning processes. Finally, we will summarize future directions for research and climate services using this dataset and API.
Causal association between tea intake and risk for gout: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liang Xiao , Cai Jingjing , Fan Yuchao
Published: July 2023

Background: Gout, an increasingly prevalent form of inflammatory arthritis, is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints, resulting in severe pain, swelling and stiffness that adversely affect physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. The management of gout requires a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications. Recent studies suggest that tea intake may reduce the risk of developing gout; however, further research is needed to establish a causal relationship.

Methods: In this study, we employed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, utilizing genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics, to investigate the causal association between increased tea intake and gout. We meticulously selected instrumental variables (IVs) based on rigorous criteria and employed five different MR methods. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q statistic, and pleiotropy was evaluated using the MR Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO tests. Weak IVs were identified using F values. The Phenoscanner database was consulted to exclude single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with confounding factors or outcomes.

Results: The study included one dataset related to tea intake (ukb-b-6066) and three datasets related to gout (ukb-b-12765, finn-b-M13_GOUT, and finn-b-GOUT_STRICT). Our forward MR analysis suggest a causal relationship between increased tea intake and reduced risk of gout in all three gout-related datasets [OR (95% CI): 0.9966 (0.9938–0.9993), p = 0.0167; 0.4842 (0.2683–0.8737), p-value = 0.0160; and 0.4554 (0.2155–0.9623), p = 0.0393, respectively]. The reveres MR showed increased risk of gout (ukb-b-12765) was significantly associated with low tea intake according to the IVW analysis [OR (95% CI): 0.0062 (0.0002–0.154), p = 0.0020]. However, this association was not observed in the Finn-b-M13_GOUT and Finn-b-GOUT_STRICT [OR (95% CI): 0.9992 (0.9909–1.0075), p = 0.8453 and OR (95% CI): 0.9996 (0.9932–1.0059), p = 0.8896, respectively]. No significant heterogeneity or potential pleiotropy was detected, and the possibility of weak IVs was also excluded.

Conclusion: Our MR analysis suggest a causal relationship between genetically predicted tea intake and a decreased risk of gout. These findings underscore the potential advantages of increasing tea intake for preventing gout. However, further research is needed to validate these results and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity-inducing antibodies enhance the natural killer cell anti-cancer response against patient-derived pancreatic cancer organoids
Authors: Beelen Nicky A. , Aberle Merel R. , Bruno Virginia , Olde Damink Steven W. M. , Bos Gerard M. J. , Rensen Sander S. , Wieten Lotte
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Pancreatic cancer is associated with poor prognosis, and limited treatment options are available for the majority of patients. Natural killer (NK) cells in combination with antibodies inducing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) could be a highly effective new therapeutic option in pancreatic cancer. Accurate predictive preclinical models are needed to develop successful NK cell immunotherapy. Tumor organoids, in vitro 3D organ-like structures that retain important pathophysiological characteristics of the in vivo tumor, may provide such a model. In the current study, we assessed the cytotoxic potential of adoptive NK cells against human pancreatic cancer organoids. We hypothesized that NK cell anti-tumor responses could be enhanced by including ADCC-triggering antibodies.

Methods

We performed cytotoxicity assays with healthy donor-derived IL-2-activated NK cells and pancreatic cancer organoids from four patients. A 3D cytotoxicity assay using live-cell-imaging was developed and enabled real-time assessment of the response.

Results

We show that NK cells migrate to and target pancreatic cancer organoids, resulting in an increased organoid death, compared to the no NK cell controls (reaching an average fold change from baseline of 2.1±0.8 vs 1.4±0.6). After 24-hours of co-culture, organoid 2D growth increased. Organoids from 2 out of 4 patients were sensitive to NK cells, while organoids from the other two patients were relatively resistant, indicating patient-specific heterogeneity among organoid cultures. The ADCC-inducing antibodies avelumab (anti-PD-L1) and trastuzumab (anti-HER2) increased NK cell-induced organoid cell death (reaching an average fold change from baseline of 3.5±1.0 and 4.5±1.8, respectively). Moreover, combination therapy with avelumab or trastuzumab resulted in complete disintegration of organoids. Finally, inclusion of ADCC-inducing antibodies was able to overcome resistance in NK-organoid combinations with low or no kill.

Discussion

These results support the use of organoids as a relevant and personalized model to study the anti-tumor response of NK cells in vitro and the potential of ADCC-inducing antibodies to enhance NK cell effector function.
Transcriptional regulation of dendritic cell development and function
Authors: Zhang Shengbo , Audiger Cindy , Chopin Michaël , Nutt Stephen L.
Published: July 2023

Dendritic cells (DCs) are sentinel immune cells that form a critical bridge linking the innate and adaptive immune systems. Extensive research addressing the cellular origin and heterogeneity of the DC network has revealed the essential role played by the spatiotemporal activity of key transcription factors. In response to environmental signals DC mature but it is only following the sensing of environmental signals that DC can induce an antigen specific T cell response. Thus, whilst the coordinate action of transcription factors governs DC differentiation, sensing of environmental signals by DC is instrumental in shaping their functional properties. In this review, we provide an overview that focuses on recent advances in understanding the transcriptional networks that regulate the development of the reported DC subsets, shedding light on the function of different DC subsets. Specifically, we discuss the emerging knowledge on the heterogeneity of cDC2s, the ontogeny of pDCs, and the newly described DC subset, DC3. Additionally, we examine critical transcription factors such as IRF8, PU.1, and E2-2 and their regulatory mechanisms and downstream targets. We highlight the complex interplay between these transcription factors, which shape the DC transcriptome and influence their function in response to environmental stimuli. The information presented in this review provides essential insights into the regulation of DC development and function, which might have implications for developing novel therapeutic strategies for immune-related diseases.
Immunoglobulin A levels and its correlation with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as inflammatory biomarkers for dry eye disease in type 2 diabetes: a retrospective study
Authors: Alhalwani Amani Y. , Abudawood Khulud , Qadizadah Al Baraa Ehab A. , Jambi Shatha , Sannan Naif S.
Published: July 2023

Background

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) level are commonly used as biomarkers for inflammation. Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) may experience an imbalance of tear film and inflammation, which can result in dry eye disease (DED). This study aimed to assess the levels of IgA and explore its correlation with the NLR as potential inflammatory biomarkers for dry eye disease in patients with T2D.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at the cornea clinic and diabetes centre of King Abdulaziz Medical City (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia). The study included patients with DED and the number of available T2D-DED patients determined the sample size. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, IgA and CRP (C-reactive protein) laboratory values were obtained from medical records and correlational analyses were performed.

Results

The study included 85 patients with an average age of 54 ± 14.4 years for the DED group (n=32) and 62 ± 13.9 years for the T2D-DED group (n=53). The age difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p 0.0001). The NLR values of the T2D-DED and DED groups were 3.203 ± 0.66 and 2.406 ± 0.46, respectively, with no significant difference (p<0.285). Similarly, there were no significant differences in neutrophil and lymphocyte values between the two groups. The IgA levels showed no significant variation between T2D-DED and DED groups (p<0.364). Spearman’s correlation analysis in the DED group showed a significant negative correlation between IgA and lymphocyte (p=0.011; r= - 0.471) values and significant positive correlations between IgA and neutrophil (p=0.014; r=0.309) and NLR (p=0.052; r= - 0.283) values. In the T2D-DED group, a significant correlation was found between IgA and CRP values (p=0.032; r=0.33).

Conclusion

Although diabetic patients may exhibit higher levels of NLR and IgA that correlate with disease severity, our study did not find significant differences in NLR and IgA values between the two groups. These findings may guide future research and enhance understanding of the disease’s underlying mechanisms.
From barriers to novel strategies: smarter CAR T therapy hits hard to tumors
Authors: Khawar Muhammad Babar , Ge Fei , Afzal Ali , Sun Haibo
Published: July 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for solid tumors shows promise, but several hurdles remain. Strategies to overcome barriers such as CAR T therapy-related toxicities (CTT), immunosuppression, and immune checkpoints through research and technology are needed to put the last nail to the coffin and offer hope for previously incurable malignancies. Herein we review current literature and infer novel strategies for the mitigation of CTT while impeding immune suppression, stromal barriers, tumor heterogeneity, on-target/off-tumor toxicities, and better transfection strategies with an emphasis on clinical research and prospects.
Recombinant BCG expressing the LTAK63 adjuvant increased memory T cells and induced long-lasting protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis challenge in mice
Authors: Marques-Neto Lázaro Moreira , Trentini Monalisa Martins , Kanno Alex Issamu , Rodriguez Dunia , Leite Luciana Cezar de Cerqueira
Published: July 2023

Vaccine-induced protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is usually ascribed to the induction of Th1, Th17, and CD8+ T cells. However, protective immune responses should also involve other immune cell subsets, such as memory T cells. We have previously shown improved protection against Mtb challenge using the rBCG-LTAK63 vaccine (a recombinant BCG strain expressing the LTAK63 adjuvant, a genetically detoxified derivative of the A subunit from E. coli heat-labile toxin). Here we show that mice immunized with rBCG-LTAK63 exhibit a long-term (at least until 6 months) polyfunctional Th1/Th17 response in the draining lymph nodes and in the lungs. This response was accompanied by the increased presence of a diverse set of memory T cells, including central memory, effector memory and tissue-resident memory T cells. After the challenge, the T cell phenotype in the lymph nodes and lungs were characterized by a decrease in central memory T cells, and an increase in effector memory T cells and effector T cells. More importantly, when challenged 6 months after the immunization, this group demonstrated increased protection in comparison to BCG. In conclusion, this work provides experimental evidence in mice that the rBCG-LTAK63 vaccine induces a persistent increase in memory and effector T cell numbers until at least 6 months after immunization, which correlates with increased protection against Mtb. This improved immune response may contribute to enhance the long-term protection.
Spatial dynamics of Maine lobster landings in a changing coastal system
Authors: Kim Jaeheon , Hodgdon Cameron , Evans Keith S. , Chen Yong
Published: July 2023

Continued warming of oceans has caused global shifts in marine species distributions. This can result in changes in the spatial distribution of landings and have distributional impacts on marine resource-dependent communities. We evaluated the spatial dynamics of American lobster (Homarus americanus) landings in coastal Maine, which supports one of the most valuable U.S. fisheries. We coupled a bioclimate envelope model and a generalized additive model to project spatial dynamics of lobster landings under possible climate scenarios. This coupled model was then used to forecast future lobster habitat suitability based on IPCC RCP climate scenarios and predict distributions of fishery landings from this projected lobster habitat suitability. The historical spatial distribution of fishery landings shows the highest proportional landings in Maine’s Southern (southwest) regions. The current distribution of landings shows higher proportional landings in Downeast (northeast) regions with the highest proportional landings in Midcoast (middle) regions. Our results suggest that while the proportion of landings in each zone will remain stable, changes in habitat suitability in the spring and fall will reduce total landings. Future habitat suitability is projected to decrease in spring but increase in fall in Downeast areas. Downeast landings are projected to decrease in the next 30 years, then increase over the subsequent 80 years, depending on RCP scenarios and abundance regimes. Midcoast landings are projected to decrease while Southcoast landings are expected to stay constant. This study develops an approach to link climate change effects to fishery landings. These findings have long-term implications for sustainable, localized management of the Maine lobster fishery in a changing climate.
Remote sensing of sea surface glacial meltwater on the Antarctic Peninsula shelf
Authors: Pan B. Jack , Gierach Michelle M. , Meredith Michael P. , Reynolds Rick A. , Schofield Oscar , Orona Alexander J.
Published: July 2023

Glacial meltwater is an important environmental variable for ecosystem dynamics along the biologically productive Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) shelf. This region is experiencing rapid change, including increasing glacial meltwater discharge associated with the melting of land ice. To better understand the WAP environment and aid ecosystem forecasting, additional methods are needed for monitoring and quantifying glacial meltwater for this remote, sparsely sampled location. Prior studies showed that sea surface glacial meltwater (SSGM) has unique optical characteristics which may allow remote sensing detection via ocean color data. In this study, we develop a first-generation model for quantifying SSGM that can be applied to both spaceborne (MODIS-Aqua) and airborne (PRISM) ocean color platforms. In addition, the model was prepared and verified with one of the more comprehensive in-situ stable oxygen isotope datasets compiled for the WAP region. The SSGM model appears robust and provides accurate predictions of the fractional contribution of glacial meltwater to seawater when compared with in-situ data (r = 0.82, median absolute percent difference = 6.38%, median bias = −0.04), thus offering an additional novel method for quantifying and studying glacial meltwater in the WAP region.
Long term use of eltrombopag in children with chronic immune thrombocytopenia: extended real life retrospective multicenter experience of the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
Authors: Giordano Paola , Lassandro Giuseppe , Barone Angelica , Cesaro Simone , Fotzi Ilaria , Giona Fiorina , Gorio Chiara , Maggio Angela , Miano Maurizio , Marzollo Antonio , Nardi Margherita , Pession Andrea , Ruggiero Antonio , Russo Giovanna , Saracco Paola , Spinelli Marco , Tolva Alessandra , Tornesello Assunta , Palladino Valentina , Del Vecchio Giovanni Carlo
Published: July 2023

Background

The present multicenter retrospective study on eltrombopag administration in Italian children with chronic ITP aims to extend follow-up of our previous study.

Materials and methods

This retrospective multicenter study was conducted in 17 centers affiliated to the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (AIEOP). Patients were classified into three subgroups: group 1 included patients who discontinued treatment due to a stable platelet count; group 2 included patients who discontinued treatment due to ineffectiveness; group 3 included patients who did not permanently discontinue treatment.

Results

56 patients were eligible for analysis. The median duration of eltrombopag treatment was 40 months (7–71 months). Twenty patients (36%) discontinued permanently eltrombopag. The reasons of permanent discontinuation were adverse effects (n = 1), inefficacy (n = 10), stable platelet count (n = 9). All patients of group 1 maintained a durable response without additional treatments after eltrombopag discontinuation. We found that patients of group 2 were on treatment for less time (median treatment time: 13.5 months, min: 6.0 – max: 56.0) than patients of group 1 (median treatment time: 34 months, min: 16.0 – max: 62.0) (p < 0.05). Patients of group 2 mostly did not achieve a stable platelet count in the first 6 months of treatment and underwent concomitant therapies during follow-up respect of group 1 and group 3 (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our study found that the benefits of eltrombopag treatment, in terms of platelet count improvement and use of additional therapies, are identifiable from the first 6 months of treatment.
Prediction tool for renal adaptation after living kidney donation using interpretable machine learning
Authors: Jeon Junseok , Yu Jae Yong , Song Yeejun , Jung Weon , Lee Kyungho , Lee Jung Eun , Huh Wooseong , Cha Won Chul , Jang Hye Ryoun
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Post-donation renal outcomes are a crucial issue for living kidney donors considering young donors’ high life expectancy and elderly donors’ comorbidities that affect kidney function. We developed a prediction model for renal adaptation after living kidney donation using interpretable machine learning.

Methods

The study included 823 living kidney donors who underwent nephrectomy in 2009–2020. AutoScore, a machine learning-based score generator, was used to develop a prediction model. Fair and good renal adaptation were defined as post-donation estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and ≥ 65% of the pre-donation values, respectively.

Results

The mean age was 45.2 years; 51.6% were female. The model included pre-donation demographic and laboratory variables, GFR measured by diethylenetriamine pentaacetate scan, and computed tomography kidney volume/body weight of both kidneys and the remaining kidney. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.846 (95% confidence interval, 0.762–0.930) and 0.626 (0.541–0.712), while the areas under the precision-recall curve were 0.965 (0.944–0.978) and 0.709 (0.647–0.788) for fair and good renal adaptation, respectively. An interactive clinical decision support system was developed.1

Conclusion

The prediction tool for post-donation renal adaptation showed good predictive capability and may help clinical decisions through an easy-to-use web-based application.
Long wavelength-sensing cones of zebrafish retina exhibit multiple layers of transcriptional heterogeneity
Authors: Farre Ashley A. , Sun Chi , Starostik Margaret R. , Hunter Samuel S. , English Milton A. , Duncan Audrey , Santhanam Abirami , Shihabeddin Eyad , O’Brien John , Swaroop Anand , Stenkamp Deborah L.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Understanding how photoreceptor genes are regulated is important for investigating retinal development and disease. While much is known about gene regulation in cones, the mechanism by which tandemly-replicated opsins, such as human long wavelength-sensitive and middle wavelength-sensitive opsins, are differentially regulated remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to further our understanding of transcriptional heterogeneity in cones that express tandemly-replicated opsins and the regulation of such differential expression using zebrafish, which express the tandemly-replicated opsins lws1 and lws2.

Methods

We performed bulk and single cell RNA-Seq of LWS1 and LWS2 cones, evaluated expression patterns of selected genes of interest using multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization, and used exogenous thyroid hormone (TH) treatments to test selected genes for potential control by thyroid hormone: a potent, endogenous regulator of lws1 and lws2 expression.

Results

Our studies indicate that additional transcriptional differences beyond opsin expression exist between LWS1 and LWS2 cones. Bulk RNA-Seq results showed 95 transcripts enriched in LWS1 cones and 186 transcripts enriched in LWS2 cones (FC > 2, FDR < 0.05). In situ hybridization results also reveal underlying heterogeneity within the lws1- and lws2-expressing populations. This heterogeneity is evident in cones of mature zebrafish, and further heterogeneity is revealed in transcriptional responses to TH treatments.

Discussion

We found some evidence of coordinate regulation of lws opsins and other genes by exogenous TH in LWS1 vs. LWS2 cones, as well as evidence of gene regulation not mediated by TH. The transcriptional differences between LWS1 and LWS2 cones are likely controlled by multiple signals, including TH.
Effects of different transcranial magnetic stimulations on neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury
Authors: Yang Chuanmei , Bi Yunfeng , Hu Luoman , Gong Lili , Li Zhanfei , Zhang Nanyang , Wang Qiang , Li Jiang
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective non-invasive cortical stimulation technique in the treatment of neuropathic pain. As a new rTMS technique, intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is also effective at relieving pain. We aimed to establish the pain-relieving effectiveness of different modalities on neuropathic pain. The study was conducted in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and different modalities of rTMS.

Methods

Thirty-seven individuals with SCI were randomly allocated to three groups, in which the “iTBS” group received iTBS, the “rTMS” group received 10 Hz rTMS, and the “iTBS + rTMS” group received iTBS and 10 Hz rTMS successively of the primary motor cortex 5 days a week for 4 weeks, and they all underwent the full procedures. The primary outcome measure was change in the visual analog scale (VAS), and the secondary outcomes were measured using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). All the outcomes were evaluated at 1 day before stimulation (baseline), 1 day after the first week of stimulation (S1), and 1 day after the last stimulation (S2).

Results

The VAS scores showed significant pain improvement after 4 weeks of stimulation (p = 0.0396, p = 0.0396, and p = 0.0309, respectively) but not after 1 week of stimulation. HAM-D scores declined, but the decreases were not significant until 4 weeks later (p = 0.0444, p = 0.0315, and p = 0.0447, respectively). PSQI scores were also significantly decreased after 4 weeks of stimulation (p = 0.0446, p = 0.0244, and p = 0.0088, respectively). Comparing the three modalities, VAS, HAM-D, and PSQI scores at S1 showed no differences, and, at S2, VAS scores showed significant differences (p = 0.0120; multiple comparisons showed significant differences between iTBS and iTBS + rTMS, p = 0.0091), while the HAM-D and PSQI scores showed no differences.

Discussion

The primary and secondary outcomes all showed significant improvement, indicating that the three different modalities were all effective at relieving the pain. However, not all the three stimulations were of same effectiveness after treatment; there were statistical differences in the treatment of neuropathic pain between iTBS as a priming stimulus and as a single procedure.
Prevalence of neurocognitive disorder in Huntington’s disease using the Enroll-HD dataset
Authors: Sierra Luis A. , Ullman Clementina J. , Baselga-Garriga Clara , Pandeya Sarbesh R. , Frank Samuel A. , Laganiere Simon
Published: July 2023

Background

Cognitive decline in Huntington’s disease (HD) begins early in the disease course, however the reported prevalence and severity of cognitive impairment varies based on diagnostic approach. A Movement Disorders Society Task Force recently endorsed the use of standardized DSM-5-based criteria to diagnose neurocognitive disorder (NCD) in Huntington’s disease.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and severity of cognitive impairment across different stages of HD by applying NCD criteria (mild and major) to participant data from the Enroll-HD database.

Methods

Enroll-HD participants were triaged into either premanifest (preHD), manifest or control groups. PreHD was further dichotomized into preHD near or preHD far based on predicted time to diagnosis using the scaled CAG-age product score (CAPs). Embedded cognitive performance and functional independence measures were used to determine prevalence of NCD (mild and major) for all groups.

Results

Prevalence of NCD-mild was 25.2%–38.4% for manifest HD, 22.8%–47.3% for preHD near, 11.5%–25.1% for preHD far, and 8.8%–19.1% for controls. Prevalence of NCD-major was 21.1%–57.7% for manifest HD, 0.5%–16.3% for preHD near, 0.0%–4.5% for preHD far, and 0.0%–3.0% for controls.

Conclusion

The prevalence of NCD in HD is elevated in preHD and demonstrates a sharp rise prior to diagnosis. In manifest HD, the vast majority of participants meet criteria for NCD. These findings are important for optimizing clinical care and/or anticipating the need for supportive services.
Lifelong cerebrovascular disease burden among CADASIL patients: analysis from a global health research network
Authors: Pan Alan P. , Potter Thomas , Bako Abdulaziz , Tannous Jonika , Seshadri Sudha , McCullough Louise D. , Vahidy Farhaan S.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Data reporting on patients with Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) within the United States population is limited. We sought to evaluate the overt cerebrovascular disease burden among patients with CADASIL.

Methods

Harmonized electronic medical records were extracted from the TriNetX global health research network. CADASIL patients were identified using diagnostic codes and those with/without history of documented stroke sub-types (ischemic stroke [IS], intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH], subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH] and transient ischemic attack [TIA]) were compared. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of stroke incidence and mortality associated with sex were computed.

Results

Between September 2018 and April 2020, 914 CADASIL patients were identified (median [IQR] age: 60 [50–69], 61.3% females); of whom 596 (65.2%) had documented cerebrovascular events (i.e., CADASIL-Stroke patients). Among CADASIL-Stroke patients, 89.4% experienced an IS, co-existing with TIAs in 27.7% and hemorrhagic strokes in 6.2%; initial stroke events occurred ≤65 years of age in 71% of patients. CADASIL-Stroke patients (vs. CADASIL-non-Stroke) had higher cardiovascular and neurological (migraines, cognitive impairment, epilepsy/seizures, mood disorders) burden. In age- and comorbidity-adjusted models, males had higher associated risk of stroke onset (OR: 1.37, CI: 1.01–1.86). Mortality risk was higher for males (OR: 2.72, CI: 1.53–4.84).

Discussion

Early screening and targeted treatment strategies are warranted to help CADASIL patients with symptom management and risk mitigation.
80 Hz auditory steady state responses (ASSR) elicited by silent gaps embedded within a broadband noise
Authors: Kadowaki Seiichi , Morimoto Takashi , Pijanowska Marta , Mori Shuji , Okamoto Hidehiko
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Although auditory temporal processing plays an important role in speech comprehension, it cannot be measured by pure tone audiometry. Auditory temporal resolution is often assessed by behavioral gaps-in-noise test. To evaluate whether auditory temporal resolution could be objectively assessed, we measured the auditory steady state response (ASSR) elicited by silent gaps embedded within broadband noises at 80 Hz.

Methods

We prepared six sound types as test stimuli. One was a continuous broadband noise without a silent interval as a control stimulus and the others were broadband noises with 80 Hz silent intervals of 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.1, and 6.3 ms.

Results

Significant ASSRs were recorded only when the gap length was longer than the behavioral thresholds and the ASSR amplitude increased as the gap length increased.

Conclusion

Eighty Hertz gap-evoked ASSR appears to reflect the neural activity related to the auditory gap processing and may be used as an objective measure of auditory temporal resolution in humans.
A novel music-based therapeutic approach: the Therapeutic Music Listening
Authors: Raglio Alfredo
Published: July 2023

The therapeutic use of music is frequently based on active interventions that directly involve the patient through a sonorous-music interaction with the music therapist. In contrast, approaches based on musical listening are characterized by a relationship aimed at promoting an introspective work and processing of one’s emotional experiences. Increasingly, the scientific literature has shown how even listening to music related to the patient’s personal tastes (preferred music listening) and by-passing the direct relationship with the patient, can produce therapeutic effects in different clinical settings. However, in many cases, a clear therapeutic rationale and specific application protocols are still lacking. The paper introduces a novel approach based on music listening: the Therapeutic Music Listening. This approach integrates the subjective component of listening (patient’s musical tastes) and structural and parametric characteristics of the music in relation to the therapeutic aims. The article defines theoretical-applicative bases as well as therapeutic and research perspectives of this music listening-based intervention.
Predictive association of gut microbiome and NLR in anemic low middle-income population of Odisha- a cross-sectional study
Authors: Venugopal Giriprasad , Khan Zaiba Hasan , Dash Rishikesh , Tulsian Vinay , Agrawal Siwani , Rout Sudeshna , Mahajan Preetam , Ramadass Balamurugan
Published: July 2023

Background

Iron is abundant on earth but not readily available for colonizing bacteria due to its low solubility in the human body. Hosts and microbiota compete fiercely for iron. <15% Supplemented Iron is absorbed in the small bowel, and the remaining iron is a source of dysbiosis. The gut microbiome signatures to the level of predicting anemia among low-middle-income populations are unknown. The present study was conducted to identify gut microbiome signatures that have predictive potential in association with Neutrophil to lymphocytes ratio (NLR) and Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in anemia.

Methods

One hundred and four participants between 10 and 70 years were recruited from Odisha’s Low Middle-Income (LMI) rural population. Hematological parameters such as Hemoglobin (HGB), NLR, and MCV were measured, and NLR was categorized using percentiles. The microbiome signatures were analyzed from 61 anemic and 43 non-anemic participants using 16 s rRNA sequencing, followed by the Bioinformatics analysis performed to identify the diversity, correlations, and indicator species. The Multi-Layered Perceptron Neural Network (MLPNN) model were applied to predict anemia.

Results

Significant microbiome diversity among anemic participants was observed between the lower, middle, and upper Quartile NLR groups. For anemic participants with NLR in the lower quartile, alpha indices indicated bacterial overgrowth, and consistently, we identified R. faecis and B. uniformis were predominating. Using ROC analysis, R. faecis had better distinction (AUC = 0.803) to predict anemia with lower NLR. In contrast, E. biforme and H. parainfluenzae were indicators of the NLR in the middle and upper quartile, respectively. While in Non-anemic participants with low MCV, the bacterial alteration was inversely related to gender. Furthermore, our Multi-Layered Perceptron Neural Network (MLPNN) models also provided 89% accuracy in predicting Anemic or Non-Anemic from the top 20 OTUs, HGB level, NLR, MCV, and indicator species.

Conclusion

These findings strongly associate anemic hematological parameters and microbiome. Such predictive association between the gut microbiome and NLR could be further evaluated and utilized to design precision nutrition models and to predict Iron supplementation and dietary intervention responses in both community and clinical settings.
The effect of an anti-inflammatory diet on chronic pain: a pilot study
Authors: Sala-Climent Marta , López de Coca Teresa , Guerrero María Dolores , Muñoz Francisco Javier , López-Ruíz María Amparo , Moreno Lucrecia , Alacreu Mónica , Dea-Ayuela María Auxiliadora
Published: July 2023

Objective

Rheumatic diseases result in chronic pain (CP) and require treatment with drugs whose prolonged administration is associated with side effects. However, publications in the academic literature have suggested that diet modification and food supplementation can play a crucial role in alleviating the symptoms of inflammatory disease. Thus, it is hoped that the use of an anti-inflammatory diet for pain management might result in improved quality of life. Hence, here we aimed to investigate the effect of anti-inflammatory foods in patients with CP caused by rheumatic diseases.

Methods

After an exhaustive bibliography search, we designed a 13-item anti-inflammatory dietary guide based on a Mediterranean diet without red meat, gluten, or cow’s milk (the AnMeD-S). We then conducted a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of this anti-inflammatory diet in patients with CP. A food consumption score (with a maximum of 156 points) was then applied to evaluate patient adhesion to the proposed diet. Forty-five patients with CP were followed-up for 4 months. Variables related with quality of life (including pain perception, depression status, and sleep satisfaction) were measured using 9 validated questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were recorded before and after the participants followed the anti-inflammatory diet.

Results

We found a correlation between increased anti-inflammatory food intake and improved physical characteristics, stress, and pain in the patients we assessed. Moreover, decreased consumption of pro-inflammatory foods was positively correlated with sleep satisfaction. Following the AnMeD-S was associated with improved physical characteristics and quality-of-life in patients with CP.

Conclusion

The AnMeD-S, includes anti-inflammatory foods and restricts the consumption of certain pro-inflammatory foods (such as those containing gluten). This dietary pattern could provide relief from CP and improve the symptoms of stress and depression, as well as reducing sleep disturbances.
Prebiotics for depression: how does the gut microbiota play a role?
Authors: Yang Yongde , Zhou Bi , Zhang Sheng , Si Liang , Liu Xiaobo , Li Fu
Published: July 2023

Depression, a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and aversion to activity that can interfere with daily life, is a condition of great concern. Prebiotics, which are non-digestible substances selectively utilized by host microorganisms for health benefits, have gained attention for their potential to improve overall wellness and alleviate various disorders including depression. This study aims to review clinical trials utilizing carbohydrate-type prebiotics such as inulin-type fructans, galactooligosaccharides (GOS), human milk oligosaccharides, resistant starch, prebiotic phytochemicals including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), chlorogenic acids, resveratrol, and prebiotic lipids (n-3 polysaturated fatty acids) to determine their effects on depression. Our findings suggest that GOS at a daily dosage of 5 g and eicosapentaenoic acid at or less than 1 g can effectively mitigate depressive symptoms. While EGCG exhibits potential antidepressant properties, a higher dosage of 3 g/d may be necessary to elicit significant effects. The plausible mechanisms underlying the impact of prebiotics on depression include the synthesis of neurotransmitters, production of short-chain fatty acids, and regulation of inflammation.
A practical nomogram and risk stratification system predicting the cancer-specific survival for patients aged >50 with advanced melanoma
Authors: Xi Qiufen , Lu Xiaoou , Zhang Jiali , Wang Da , Sun Yu , Chen Hongquan
Published: July 2023

Objective

To investigate risk factors for advanced melanoma over 50 years of age and to develop and validate a new line chart and classification system.

Methods

The SEER database was screened for patients diagnosed with advanced melanoma from 2010 to 2019 and Cox regression analysis was applied to select variables affecting patient prognosis. The area under curve (AUC), relative operating characteristic curve (ROC), Consistency index (C-index), decision curve analysis (DCA), and survival calibration curves were used to verify the accuracy and utility of the model and to compare it with traditional AJCC tumor staging. The Kaplan-Meier curve was applied to compare the risk stratification between the model and traditional AJCC tumor staging.

Results

A total of 5166 patients were included in the study. Surgery, age, gender, tumor thickness, ulceration, the number of primary melanomas, M stage and N stage were the independent prognostic factors of CSS in patients with advanced melanoma (P<0.05). The predictive nomogram model was constructed and validated. The C-index values obtained from the training and validation cohorts were 0.732 (95%CI: 0.717-0.742) and 0.741 (95%CI: 0.732-0.751). Based on the observation and analysis results of the ROC curve, survival calibration curve, NRI, and IDI, the constructed prognosis model can accurately predict the prognosis of advanced melanoma and performs well in internal verification. The DCA curve verifies the practicability of the model. Compared with the traditional AJCC staging, the risk stratification in the model has a better identification ability for patients in different risk groups.

Conclusion

The nomogram of advanced melanoma and the new classification system were successfully established and verified, which can provide a practical tool for individualized clinical management of patients.
An improved YOLO v4 used for grape detection in unstructured environment
Authors: Guo Canzhi , Zheng Shiwu , Cheng Guanggui , Zhang Yue , Ding Jianning
Published: July 2023

Visual recognition is the most critical function of a harvesting robot, and the accuracy of the harvesting action is based on the performance of visual recognition. However, unstructured environment, such as severe occlusion, fruits overlap, illumination changes, complex backgrounds, and even heavy fog weather, pose series of serious challenges to the detection accuracy of the recognition algorithm. Hence, this paper proposes an improved YOLO v4 model, called YOLO v4+, to cope with the challenges brought by unstructured environment. The output of each Resblock_body in the backbone is processed using a simple, parameterless attention mechanism for full dimensional refinement of extracted features. Further, in order to alleviate the problem of feature information loss, a multi scale feature fusion module with fusion weight and jump connection structure was pro-posed. In addition, the focal loss function is adopted and the hyperparameters α, γ are adjusted to 0.75 and 2. The experimental results show that the average precision of the YOLO v4+ model is 94.25% and the F1 score is 93%, which is 3.35% and 3% higher than the original YOLO v4 respectively. Compared with several state-of-the-art detection models, YOLO v4+ not only has the highest comprehensive ability, but also has better generalization ability. Selecting the corresponding augmentation method for specific working condition can greatly improve the model detection accuracy. Applying the proposed method to harvesting robots may enhance the applicability and robustness of the robotic system.
Confronting the figure of the “mad scientist” in psychedelic history: LSD’s use as a correctional tool in the postwar period
Authors: Jones Andrew
Published: July 2023

Since reports about CIA-funded LSD studies came out in the 1970s, psychedelic drugs have invoked images of unethical experimentation and “mad scientists” in the public imagination. Even now, as the stigma surrounding psychedelics diminishes in the 21st century, the figure of the “mad scientist” continues to occupy a space in what Ido Hartogsohn calls the “collective set and setting,” the larger framework of cultural understandings that shape how individuals experience psychedelic drugs. Scientists and humanities scholars who study these drugs have responded to this issue by drawing boundaries between those who used psychedelics carefully and those who used them ignorantly. Yet these boundaries were not always so clear in the past. Drawing on historical examples of LSD’s use as acorrectional toolin Canada, I show how enthusiasm about the drug’s potential led several experienced and knowledgeable psychedelic therapists to use it on vulnerable populations in diverse institutional settings, such as correctional facilities. These examples reveal how the institutional context of modern industrial societies shaped the application of psychedelic therapy in the past and suggest that today’s therapists need to carefully consider how this broader context impacts their work.