bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-covid syndrome in women of different ages with laboratory-proven and non-confirmed COVID-19
Authors: Agafonova T. Yu. , Elovikova N. N. , Fadeeva A. N. , Igisheva D. A. , Reshetnyak V. O. , Yudina A. A.
Published: November 2023

Background. It is of interest to study in detail the consequences of COVID-19 in women, since there is evidence that female sex is a risk factor for post-COVID syndrome.

   The aim of the study. To study the subjective and laboratory manifestations of post-COVID syndrome in women depending on age and results for SARS-CoV-2.

   Materials and methods. One-time retrospective analysis of 281 medical records of women aged 20 to 91 was performed; WHO age groups are divided into test and control subgroups (confirmed and unconfirmed COVID-19, respectively). The questionnaire for post-covid syndrome, biochemical and clinical blood tests were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done using the Mann-Whitney test, Pearson’s χ2, analysis of variance, Spearman’s correlation.

   Results. Women with proven COVID-19 were 1.5–2.0 times more likely to report a decrease in quality of life, exercise tolerance, cough, cardiac symptoms, edema, hair loss, skin rash, arthralgia. Laboratory-proven COVID-19 is associated with the severity of COVID-19, most of the above symptoms, increased ESR. The test subgroup of young women had higher ALT levels. In the test subgroup of middle age, a decrease in the quality of life and working capacity, hair loss and skin rash were 1.5 times more common. In the test subgroup of the elderly, diabetes mellitus was detected 2 times more often, and lower platelet counts were observed. Old women of the test subgroup have higher ESR, D-dimer and lower hemoglobin.

   Conclusions. The severity of post-COVID syndrome in women depends on the severity and laboratory confirmation of the transferred COVID-19, in contrast to the duration of its subjective manifestations. The greatest decrease in the quality of life after a significantly transferred COVID-19 is observed in middle-aged women. The control of laboratory parameters in post-covid syndrome in women should be differentiated depending on age.
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and leptospirosis: Differential diagnosis
Authors: Starostina V. I. , Gilmanov A. Zh. , Latypova G. R.
Published: November 2023

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and leptospirosis have similarities and differences in the clinical picture. Fever, intoxication, pronounced kidney damage and hemorrhagic syndrome are observed in both infections. The course of these diseases may be complicated by the development of infectious-toxic shock, acute renal failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation. Clinical manifestations of the syndrome of jaundice and meningitis may be observed in leptospirosis, but are not characteristic of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. In leptospirosis, in contrast to hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, liver failure may develop. Infection with these diseases often occurs during a stay in a forest, in a holiday home, in rural areas. The natural foci of these infections may be located on the same territories or border each other, which also complicates the differential diagnostics. The article provides information on the etiology, epidemiology, geographical distribution, pathogenesis, pathological anatomy, clinical picture and diagnostics of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and leptospirosis. Based on these data, the pathophysiological, clinical and laboratory aspects of the differential diagnosis between these diseases are analyzed in detail.
Cytokines in predicting JAK inhibitors clinical efficacy for COVID-19
Authors: Novikov A. A. , Aleksandrova E. N. , Bajmakanova G. E. , Lukina G. V. , Bodunova N. A. , Vechorko V. I. , Averkov O. V. , Shcherbo S. N. , Savina M. I. , Turkina T. I. , Khatkov I. E.
Published: November 2023

Janus kinases inhibitors (JAKi) have an immunosuppressive effect due to the normalization of levels of proinflammatory cytokines, are used in the treatment of cytokine storm in COVID-19. This fact makes it necessary to search a predictor of an efficacy of this small-molecules.

   The aim of the study. To evaluate the possibility of using cytokines in predicting the efficacy of JAKi in COVID-19.

   Materials and methods. We examined 86 patients with COVID-19: 50 men and 36 women. The age was 57,0; (50,0–65,0) years. The SARS-CoV-2 presence was confirmed by PCR. The control group consisted of 30 healthy donors matched by sex and age. The criterion for the efficacy of JAKi was recovery, in efficacy – switching to another drug, or death. The serum concentration of IL-1β, –6, –8, –17, TNF-α and GM–CSF by ELISA was estimates using Invitrogen test-systems (USA), according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

   Results. In COVID-19 patients who received baricitinib (BTC), compared with healthy individuals, basal (before JAKi starting) IL-6, TNF-α serum concentrations were increased; tofacitinib (TFT) – IL-6, ruxilitinib (RLT) – IL-6 and TNF-α. A decrease of IL-1β and GM–CSF serum concentration was noted before the start of TFT and RLT. Basal concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α are most statistically strongly associated with the diagnosis COVID-19. After 5 days of treatment with BTC, there was an increase in IL-8 level compared to the basal, a decrease in the GM–CSF concentration and a slight increase IL-6 concentration relative to healthy donors (p < 0.05 in all cases). Basal concentration of IL-17 (more than 13.9 pg/ml) indicated the possibility of successful RLT treatment (area under the ROC-curve = 0.99; AP = 99 %; DS = 80 %; OP+ = 5.0; OP– = 0.2; CI: 0.9–1.0).

   Conclusions. Basal serum concentration of cytokines may predict JAKi efficacy in COVID-19 patients.
Bilingual Cross-language Activation and Lexical Control in Production
Authors: Li Songqi
Published: November 2023

Language processing in bilingual individuals differs from monolinguals, involving a dynamic control that is adaptable and constantly evolving with experience. Bilinguals experience simultaneous activation of both language systems during lexical tasks, suggesting shared semantic representations that facilitate the activation of potential words in either language. Studies show that bilingualism influences executive functions and language processing in unique ways, revealing cognitive and neural adaptations not present in monolinguals. These adaptations, particularly the capacity for inhibitory control, play a crucial role in the selection and co-activation of languages. Emerging evidence supports the notion that bilinguals' co-activated languages are in competition, with inhibition being key to managing this competition, especially in reversing language dominance effects. The adaptive control hypothesis posits that lifelong bilingualism shapes neural mechanisms, resulting in functional plasticity of language organization and control. This plasticity is reflected in phenomena like reversed language dominance, observed in tasks measuring bilingual lexical access and control. Through a series of experiments examining bilingual lexical production and cognitive tasks, research has begun to untangle the complex interactions between cognitive ability, language experience, and bilingual lexical control mechanisms. The results reinforce the importance of using objective measures alongside self-reporting to understand language dominance and proficiency. Overall, the findings advance our understanding of the cognitive consequences of bilingual language use and inform theories on bilingual lexical access and control.
A Substance-Free approach to harmony and underspecification
Authors: Gao Chenming
Published: November 2023

Proposed features to account for post-velar phonology in Shira Yugur is arguably [tre]. However, the acoustic correlates of [tre] in this language are inconsistent across different harmonic pairs. Vowel harmony may have had a phonetic motivation; in the synchronic phonology of Shira Yugur, however, [tre] lacks a unified phonetic gesture. This supports the claim from radical substance-free phonology (Odden 2022)--that how segments pattern together is determined by computation, rather than their phonetic substance. Consequently, underspecification becomes undefinable, such that disharmony in this languages cannot be addressed. I proposed a string-based solution, in which the tier consists of segment-defined harmonic classes and morphemic boundary (+).
Perceptual and Cognitive Individual Differences in L2 Speech Learning
Authors: Bakkouche Linda , Post Brechtje
Published: November 2023

Growing evidence suggests a broad relationship between auditory and cognitive abilities and the rate and ultimate attainment of second language (L2) speech. However, little is known about how these abilities can lead to more target-like L2 speech perception, at different stages of language acquisition: interlanguage development (intermediate level) vs automatization stage (advanced). In the context of 51, post-pubertal Polish-English bilinguals with diverse proficiency in L2 (intermediate and advanced) and an extended immersion experience (LOR > 5 years), the current study set out firstly to investigate the link between auditory and cognitive abilities (auditory selective attention, phonological short-term memory [PSTM], declarative and procedural memory) and more precise L2 speech perception accuracy (vowels and consonants [VOT]). Secondly, we examined the inter-relationship between these abilities and participants’ biographical variables. According to the results procedural memory ability was the major factor determining more accurate vowel (p = .031) and VOT (p = .015) perception for the advanced group, while declarative memory (p = .045) seemed to support intermediate learners in more precise L2 speech perception. Moreover, more advanced learners’ more accurate vowel perception was also linked to better auditory selective attention (p = .020) skills which can be enhanced during the prolonged residence in L2 speaking country.
Rime changes and mergers in Beijing retroflex suffixation: an acoustic study
Authors: Wang Yutong , Sabev Mitko
Published: November 2023

Beijing Mandarin allows all possible rimes (excluding syllabic [ɚ]) to be applied with the retroflex suffix, and reveals an intricate pattern of rime change and merger. While retroflex suffixation and resultant rime mergers have been approached from phonological and impressionistic phonetic angles, empirical studies remain scarce and inconclusive. This investigation is a step towards filling that gap. 10 Beijing Mandarin speakers were recorded. MANOVAs were performed for the effects of suffixation and rime identity on F1 and F2 frequencies of nuclear vowels: Pillai’s trace (PT) was used as a metric of overall spectral difference. Symmetric differences between the probability density functions (PDF) of each formant frequency in suffixed vs unsuffixed rimes were computed. Results are reported for rimes that were previously claimed to merge: those with high, mid-unrounded, and low nuclei. With an overall shrinkage of the vowel space, suffixed nuclei are globally retracted, while high vowels also tend to be lowered and low vowels to be raised. Our findings confirm complete acoustic neutralisation of the nuclear [a] rimes, where monophthongal rimes merge with those ending in [i] and [n]. On the other hand, suffixed [ie, y, u, ei] remain acoustically distinct within their merger groups. These statistically significant acoustic differences are small and likely to be imperceptible, pointing to potential incomplete neutralisation.
STAGES OF GRIEF IN KATHLEEN GLASGOW “HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE DARK”
Authors: Subianto Audrey Eveline , Winardi Yohanes Kurniawan
Published: November 2023

The grieving process, as described in the book "How to Make Friends with the Dark" by Kathleen Glasgow, has been investigated in this study. Following the loss of a loved one, those who grieve go through a natural process of mourning that can be summarized in the phrase "journey of grief." The researcher chose the sixth stage of grief theory from Kübler Ross and David Kessler to analyse the data in this study. This study examines the psychological state of the main character by using the theories of Kübler Ross and David Kessler through the novel "How to Make Friends with the Dark." The results are exploited by offering a detailed list of Tiger's developing relationship with darkness itself. The researcher examines and analyses the book to compile a list of Tiger's speeches as described therein. The six stages of grieving can be seen to correlate with each item on the list. As a result, the main characters in this book go through the stages of grieving in their own unique and distinctive way, which helps them reach the end of their journey—finding meaning. It shows that the main character in the novel experiences all six stages of grief, namely denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, and finding meaning. Initially, Tiger did not accept her mother's death. However, at the end of the story, she decides to move on and learn to make friends with her darkness.
Capillary pruning couples tissue perfusion and oxygenation with cardiomyocyte maturation in the postnatal mouse heart
Authors: Santamaría Ricardo , Cruz-Caballero Javier , Gkontra Polyxeni , Jiménez-Montiel Alberto , Clemente Cristina , López Juan A. , Villalba-Orero María , Vázquez Jesús , Hutloff Andreas , Lara-Pezzi Enrique , Arroyo Alicia G.
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Removal of poorly perfused capillaries by pruning contributes to remodeling the microvasculature to optimize oxygen and nutrient delivery. Blood flow drives this process by promoting the intravascular migration of endothelial cells in developing networks, such as in the yolk sac, zebrafish brain or postnatal mouse retina.

Methods: In this study, we have implemented innovative tools to recognize capillary pruning in the complex 3D coronary microvasculature of the postnatal mouse heart. We have also experimentally tested the impact of decreasing pruning on the structure and function of this network by altering blood flow with two different vasodilators: losartan and prazosin.

Results: Although both drugs reduced capillary pruning, a combination of experiments based on ex vivo imaging, proteomics, electron microscopy and in vivo functional approaches showed that losartan treatment resulted in an inefficient coronary network, reduced myocardial oxygenation and metabolic changes that delayed the arrest of cardiomyocyte proliferation, in contrast to the effects of prazosin, probably due to its concomitant promotion of capillary expansion.

Discussion: Our work demonstrates that capillary pruning contributes to proper maturation and function of the heart and that manipulation of blood flow may be a novel strategy to refine the microvasculature and improve tissue perfusion after damage.
The influence of fluid inclusions, organics, and calcite fabric on trace element distributions in stalagmites
Authors: Kost O. , Sliwinski J. , Gies N. , Lueder M. , Stoll H.
Published: November 2023

Trace elements and calcite fabrics in stalagmites are increasingly employed as indicators of past environmental conditions. The drivers of trace element concentrations and fabrics reflect a complex interplay of factors during crystal growth, and accurate interpretation of geochemical proxies requires a clear understanding of the incorporation of the proxy signal in the stalagmite. We employ a series of non-destructive techniques to compare the spatial distribution of water, organic components, and trace elements and in relationship with calcite fabrics, and evaluate if these distributions are consistent with recent hypotheses about controlling factors on crystal fabrics, fluid inclusions, and element incorporation. We use for the first time Fourier Transformation Infrared Focal-Plane Array (FTIR-FPA) imaging to show the distribution of molecular water (3,400 cm−1 absorbance) and organic matter (2,983 cm−1) in calcite. To test if entrapped water in speleothem calcite affects the abundance or distribution of trace elements, the element distribution (Na, Mg, Sr, U, Al, Y, and Zn) is mapped by Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Transmitted Light Microscope imaging constrains crystal fabrics. We find that stalagmite areas with strong Organic Matter fluorescence via Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy coincide with areas of high Fourier Transformation Infrared absorbance at 2,983 cm−1, suggesting common co-location of multiple organic matter types in the stalagmite. While microscopic fluid inclusions visible in transmitted light are also detected by FTIR 3400 cm−1 absorbance, the FTIR additionally detects submicroscopic fluid inclusions, but not evident in transmitted light microscopy. In most samples, Na concentration is elevated in regions of high fluid inclusion density, suggesting that a significant portion of Na may be hosted in entrapped water rather than in the calcite. Only samples with 100-fold higher Y, feature Na concentrations which appear dominated by coupled Y-Na substitution and little influenced by fluid inclusion hosted Na. Our analysis provides new evidence of the influence of fluid inclusions on trace element content of stalagmites and illustrates the utility of several non-destructive imaging techniques to improve interpretations of proxy signals based on trace elements.
Unraveling the associations and causalities between glucose metabolism and multiple sleep traits
Authors: Yi Minhan , Fei Quanming , Chen Ziliang , Zhao Wangcheng , Liu Kun , Jian Shijie , Liu Bin , He Meng , Su Xiaoli , Zhang Yuan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The aim of our study is to estimate the associations and causalities of glucose metabolism traits of fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and 2-h glucose post-challenge (2hGlu) with sleep traits consisting of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), insomnia, and sleep duration.

Methods

We employed standard quantitative analysis procedures to assess the associations between sleep traits and glucose metabolism. Moreover, we acquired published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics for these traits and conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to estimate their causal directions and effects. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was employed as the primary approach, followed by sensitivity analyses.

Results

A total of 116 studies with over 840,000 participants were included in the quantitative analysis. Our results revealed that participants with abnormal glucose metabolism had higher risks for EDS (OR [95% CI] = 1.37 [1.10,1.69]), insomnia (OR [95% CI] = 1.65 [1.24,2.20]), and both short and long sleep duration (OR [95% CI] = 1.35 [1.12,1.63]; OR [95% CI] = 1.38 [1.13,1.67] respectively). In addition, individuals with these sleep traits exhibited alterations in several glycemic traits compared with non-affected controls. In MR analysis, the primary analysis demonstrated causal effects of 2hGlu on risks of EDS (OR [95% CI] = 1.022 [1.002,1.042]) and insomnia (OR [95% CI] = 1.020[1.001,1.039]). Furthermore, FINS was associated with short sleep duration (OR [95% CI] = 1.043 [1.018,1.068]), which reversely presented a causal influence on HbA1c (β [95% CI] = 0.131 [0.022,0.239]). These results were confirmed by sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion

Our results suggested mutual risk and causal associations between the sleep traits and glycemic traits, shedding new light on clinical strategies for preventing sleep disorders and regulating glucose metabolism. Future studies targeting these associations may hold a promising prospect for public health.
Management of enterprise carbon emissions data falsification considering government regulation and media monitoring
Authors: Wang Yalin , Sun Yong , Miao Yiling
Published: November 2023

The accuracy of carbon emission data is essential for various disciplines to maintain reasonable expectations and certainty regarding the carbon emission rights trading market. However, the management of carbon emission data quality faces many challenges, especially due to the harmful behavior of enterprises that falsify such data, which seriously disrupts the order and credibility of the carbon market. Currently, few studies focus on the behavior and mechanism of corporate carbon emission data fraud, which requires an in-depth stakeholder analysis to obtain theoretical and empirical support for the formulation of effective regulatory policies. To investigate the influence of government regulation and media monitoring on addressing enterprise carbon emission data falsification, as well as to analyze the game behaviors and equilibrium outcomes among the government, media, and enterprises under different policy combinations and market environments, this study develops an evolutionary game model incorporating the government, media, and enterprises as three key stakeholders. Furthermore, numerical simulations are conducted for empirical validation. The key findings of this research highlight the significant impact of government regulation and media monitoring on deterring enterprise carbon emission data falsification, thus effectively reducing falsification motives and behaviors and enhancing the quality of carbon emission data. Additionally, the game between the government, media, and enterprises reveals the existence of multiple evolutionary stable strategies. Of these, the optimal strategy is the comprehensive implementation of all three elements: government regulation, media monitoring, and corporate integrity disclosure. This paper comprehensively examines the influence of government regulation and media monitoring on enterprise carbon emission data falsification and addresses the gaps in existing research. Moreover, it provides theoretical guidance and policy recommendations for establishing a high-quality carbon market.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals deep molecular landscapes in stony coral Montipora clade
Authors: Han Tingyu , Liao Xin , Guo Zhuojun , Chen J.-Y. , He Chunpeng , Lu Zuhong
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Coral reefs, among the most invaluable ecosystems in the world, face escalating threats from climate change and anthropogenic activities. To decipher the genetic underpinnings of coral adaptation and resilience, we undertook comprehensive transcriptome profiling of two emblematic coral species, Montipora foliosa and Montipora capricornis, leveraging PacBio Iso-Seq technology. These species were strategically selected for their ecological significance and their taxonomic proximity within the Anthozoa class.

Methods: Our study encompassed the generation of pristine transcriptomes, followed by thorough functional annotation via diverse databases. Subsequently, we quantified transcript abundance and scrutinized gene expression patterns, revealing notable distinctions between the two species.

Results: Intriguingly, shared orthologous genes were identified across a spectrum of coral species, highlighting a substantial genetic conservation within scleractinian corals. Importantly, a subset of genes, integral to biomineralization processes, emerged as exclusive to scleractinian corals, shedding light on their intricate evolutionary history. Furthermore, we discerned pronounced upregulation of genes linked to immunity, stress response, and oxidative-reduction processes in M. foliosa relative to M. capricornis. These findings hint at the presence of more robust mechanisms in M. foliosa for maintaining internal equilibrium and effectively navigating external challenges, underpinning its potential ecological advantage. Beyond elucidating genetic adaptation in corals, our research underscores the urgency of preserving genetic diversity within coral populations.

Discussion: These insights hold promise for informed conservation strategies aimed at safeguarding these imperiled ecosystems, bearing ecological and economic significance. In synthesis, our study seamlessly integrates genomic inquiry with ecological relevance, bridging the gap between molecular insights and the imperative to conserve coral reefs in the face of mounting threats.
Evolution of tidal flats in the Yellow River Qingshuigou sub-delta: spatiotemporal analysis and mechanistic changes (1996-2021)
Authors: Cao Yin , Wang Qing , Zhan Chao , Li Rui , Qian Zhangfan , Wang Longsheng , Liu Xianbin , Zhu Jun , Shi Hongyuan , Li Yan
Published: November 2023

The Yellow River Delta has undergone significant changes, developing a temperate chalk-sand silty coast with expansive and level tidal flats. However, the area is currently facing the threat of erosion due to coastal area construction, decreased river sediment discharge into the sea, and intensified marine hydrodynamic forces. Remote sensing technology has important applications in spatial and temporal monitoring of tidal flats. This study employs tidal data to establish the threshold range for the extraction of tidal flats in the Yellow River Qingshuigou sub-delta, using the water frequency method based on the image element proposed by previous authors. The study successfully identifies and analyzes the range of tidal flats, and further delves into their evolutionary process and underlying mechanisms. The study concludes that the area of tidal flats has shown a decreasing trend and was divided into a “rapid decline phase” and an “overall stabilization phase” with 2006 as the boundary. The spatial and temporal evolution of tidal flats is primarily influenced by three main factors: river sediment discharges, marine hydrodynamic forces, and anthropogenic reclamation activities. Specifically, the river sediment discharges and marine hydrodynamic forces impact the extent of tidal flats by modifying the boundary conditions, primarily at the sea boundary. Reclamation activities have a direct and rapid effect on the extent of tidal flats, primarily at the land boundary. In this study, we determined the contribution of three factors to the spatial and temporal evolution of tidal flats in different periods. During the two phases of the tidal flats’ spatial and temporal evolution in the Yellow River Qingshuigou sub-delta, the driving mechanisms were identified as “reclamation - marine hydrodynamic forces - river sediment discharges” and “marine hydrodynamic forces - river sediment discharges - reclamation”.
Optimization study of finite element simulation based on multi-layer structure and anisotropic CFRP
Authors: Yu-xin Qin , Xin-meng Xiong , Wen-li Zhang
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Current research has mostly simplified CFRP components as isotropic media or homogenized them as anisotropic media, which fails to present the actual acoustic propagation behavior inside the CFRP components and restricts the accuracy of decoupling sound line tracking results and defect feature information.

Method: Based on clarifying the influence of fiber direction on the spatial distribution of CFRP elastic properties, this paper proposes an acoustic modeling method for CFRP multi-directional plates considering the coupling effect of multi-layer structure and elastic anisotropy.

Results: There are two main innovations: 1. The model is optimized using the Voigt representation method, which can quantitatively characterize the elastic anisotropy of any homogeneous material with a 6 × 6 elastic stiffness matrix containing 21 independent elastic constants. In this paper, the elastic stiffness matrix only includes five independent elastic constants; 2. Finite element simulation is used to analyze the propagation rules of ultrasonic waves inside CFRP and compare the detection methods with or without sound coupling layer.

Discussion: The acoustic characteristics of the sound coupling layer are changed to find the optimal coupling method, reduce the refraction of ultrasonic waves in the specimen layer, and make the sound line path more accurate.
Risk factors for patients hospitalized with recurrent colon diverticular bleeding: a single center experience
Authors: You Hye-Su , Kim Dong Hyun , Cho Seo-Yeon , Park Seon-Young , Park Chang Hwan , Kim Hyun-Soo , Choi Sung Kyu
Published: November 2023

Background/aims

Colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB) is a common cause of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients with CDB are at increased risk for recurrence. Here, we aimed to evaluate the clinical course of patients with CDB and identify risk factors for recurrent CDB (rCDB).

Methods

We included patients who were hospitalized at a single tertiary center for management of CDB between January 2005 and March 2020. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors of patients with rCDB as follows: model 1 adjusted by age, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and presence of bilateral colon diverticula; model 2 adjusted by age, CCI, and presence of left side colon diverticula; model 3 adjusted by age, CCI, and presence of sigmoid colon diverticula.

Results

Among 219 patients (mean age, 68.0 years; 55 females), 56 and 163 had definite and presumptive CDB, respectively. During the median period of 506 days, 62 patients (28.3%) experienced rCDB. CCI score ≥ 4 was independently associated with rCDB in models 1, 2 and 3 (all p < 0.05). Age ≥ 75 years was independently associated with rCDB in models 1 and 2 (both p < 0.05). The presence of bilateral colon and sigmoid colon diverticula were independently associated with rCDB in models 1 and 3, respectively (both p < 0.05).

Conclusion

rCDB frequently occurred at any time in patients with previous CDB. High CCI scores and distribution of colon diverticula were associated with rCDB. Clinicians should consider a possible rCDB for a patient considering age, comorbidity, and distribution of colon diverticula.
Teleducation: medical education in the pandemic and beyond
Authors: Soong Tse Kiat , Ng Lloyd Jee Hean , Lau Joel Wen Liang , Chong Choon Seng , Lee James Wai Kit
Published: November 2023

Medical education in the pandemic has been challenging owing to various physical and technological constraints in the current education landscape. This has resulted in reduced patient contact and opportunities for clinical exposure. In utilizing various platforms to supplement teaching, we adopted the use of Telegram, a cloud-based messaging application as an education aid for 3 cohorts of medical students in 1 medical school in Singapore. Herein, we share our experience with Telegram as a novel platform to augment medical education and to supplement clinical training amidst the various constraints. We believe that the circumstances have allowed us to find a method that may serve as an effective adjunct in education. Qualitative feedback has been positive and generally in line with our goals. We believe that further work could involve utilizing other features of the application, or by developing specialized applications to serve the same purpose. More needs to be done to consider applicability in different cultural and socioeconomic contexts.
The TorRS two component system regulates expression of TMAO reductase in response to high hydrostatic pressure in Vibrio fluvialis
Authors: Liu Na , Jiang Ting , Cui Wen-Peng , Qi Xiao-Qing , Li Xue-Gong , Lu Yuan , Wu Long-Fei , Zhang Wei-Jia
Published: November 2023

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) regulated gene expression is one of the most commonly adopted strategies for microbial adaptation to the deep-sea environments. Previously we showed that the HHP-inducible trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) reductase improves the pressure tolerance of deep-sea strain Vibrio fluvialis QY27. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism of HHP-responsive regulation of TMAO reductase TorA. By constructing torR and torS deletion mutants, we demonstrated that the two-component regulator TorR and sensor TorS are responsible for the HHP-responsive regulation of torA. Unlike known HHP-responsive regulatory system, the abundance of torR and torS was not affected by HHP. Complementation of the ΔtorS mutant with TorS altered at conserved phosphorylation sites revealed that the three sites were indispensable for substrate-induced regulation, but only the histidine located in the alternative transmitter domain was involved in pressure-responsive regulation. Taken together, we demonstrated that the induction of TMAO reductase by HHP is mediated through the TorRS system and proposed a bifurcation of signal transduction in pressure-responsive regulation from the substrate-induction. This work provides novel knowledge of the pressure regulated gene expression and will promote the understanding of the microbial adaptation to the deep-sea HHP environment.
Expression profiles of α-synuclein in cortical lesions of patients with FCD IIb and TSC, and FCD rats
Authors: Zhang Li , Huang Jun , Dai Lu , Zhu Gang , Yang Xiao-Lin , He Zeng , Li Yu-Hong , Yang Hui , Zhang Chun-Qing , Shen Kai-Feng , Liang Ping
Published: November 2023

Background

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) IIb and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are common causes of drug-resistant epilepsy in children. However, the etiologies related to the development of FCD IIb and TSC are not fully understood. α-synuclein (α-syn) is a member of synucleins family that plays crucial roles in modulating synaptic transmission in central nervous system. Here, we explored the expression profiles and potential pathogenic functions of α-syn in cortical lesions of epileptic patients with FCD IIb and TSC.

Methods

Surgical specimens from epileptic patients with FCD IIb and TSC, as well as FCD rats generated by in utero X-ray-radiation were adopted in this study and studied with immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blotting, and co-immunoprecipitation etc. molecular biological techniques.

Result

Our results showed that α-syn expression was reduced in FCD IIb and TSC lesions. Specifically, α-syn protein was intensely expressed in dysplastic neurons (DNs) and balloon cells (BCs) in FCD IIb lesions, whereas was barely detected in DNs and giant cells (GCs) of TSC lesions. Additionally, p-α-syn, the aggregated form of α-syn, was detected in DNs, BCs, GCs, and glia-like cells of FCD IIb and TSC lesions. We previous showed that the function of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) was enhanced in FCD rats generated by X-ray-radiation. Here, we found the interaction between α-syn and NMDAR subunits NMDAR2A, NMDAR2B were augmented in cortical lesions of FCD patients and FCD rats.

Conclusion

These results suggested a potential role of α-syn in the pathogenesis of FCD IIb and TSC by interfering with NMDAR.
Local domain generalization with low-rank constraint for EEG-based emotion recognition
Authors: Tao Jianwen , Dan Yufang , Zhou Di
Published: November 2023

As an important branch in the field of affective computing, emotion recognition based on electroencephalography (EEG) faces a long-standing challenge due to individual diversities. To conquer this challenge, domain adaptation (DA) or domain generalization (i.e., DA without target domain in the training stage) techniques have been introduced into EEG-based emotion recognition to eliminate the distribution discrepancy between different subjects. The preceding DA or domain generalization (DG) methods mainly focus on aligning the global distribution shift between source and target domains, yet without considering the correlations between the subdomains within the source domain and the target domain of interest. Since the ignorance of the fine-grained distribution information in the source may still bind the DG expectation on EEG datasets with multimodal structures, multiple patches (or subdomains) should be reconstructed from the source domain, on which multi-classifiers could be learned collaboratively. It is expected that accurately aligning relevant subdomains by excavating multiple distribution patterns within the source domain could further boost the learning performance of DG/DA. Therefore, we propose in this work a novel DG method for EEG-based emotion recognition, i.e., Local Domain Generalization with low-rank constraint (LDG). Specifically, the source domain is firstly partitioned into multiple local domains, each of which contains only one positive sample and its positive neighbors andk2negative neighbors. Multiple subject-invariant classifiers on different subdomains are then co-learned in a unified framework by minimizing local regression loss with low-rank regularization for considering the shared knowledge among local domains. In the inference stage, the learned local classifiers are discriminatively selected according to their importance of adaptation. Extensive experiments are conducted on two benchmark databases (DEAP and SEED) under two cross-validation evaluation protocols, i.e., cross-subject within-dataset and cross-dataset within-session. The experimental results under the 5-fold cross-validation demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method compared with several state-of-the-art methods.
Immune responses and clinical outcomes following the third dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-BNT162b2 vaccine in advanced breast cancer patients receiving targeted therapies: a prospective study
Authors: Nelli Fabrizio , Fabbri Agnese , Botticelli Andrea , Giannarelli Diana , Marrucci Eleonora , Fiore Cristina , Virtuoso Antonella , Berrios Julio Rodrigo Giron , Scagnoli Simone , Pisegna Simona , Cirillo Alessio , Panichi Valentina , Massari Annalisa , Silvestri Maria Assunta , Ruggeri Enzo Maria
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Metastatic breast cancer patients are the most prevalent oncology population with advanced disease facing COVID-19 pandemic. Immune responses after mRNA-based vaccination during treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors or HER2-directed agents remain unclear. We conducted a prospective analysis to elucidate changes in antibody titers and lymphocyte counts following full course of mRNA-BNT162b2 (tozinameran) vaccination in recipients undergoing these targeted therapies.

Methods

Patients who had received a booster dosing and had been treated for at least 6 months were eligible. Antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were measured at four subsequent time points. Immunophenotyping of circulating lymphocytes was performed before the third dose of tozinameran and four weeks later to quantify the absolute counts of CD3+CD4+ T-helper cells, CD3+CD8+ T-cytotoxic cells, CD19+ B cells, and CD56+CD16+ NK cells. We also assessed the incidence of breakthrough infections and investigated whether immune changes affect time-to-treatment failure (TTF) after booster vaccination.

Results

The current analysis included 69 patients, of whom 38 (55%) and 31 (45%) were being treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors and HER2-targeted therapies, respectively. All participants received a third dose of tozinameran between September 23 and October 7, 2021. Multivariate analysis revealed that CDK4/6 inhibition predicted a significantly impaired humoral response after the booster dose. This detrimental effect was also evident for T-helper cell counts before the third immunization, but it disappeared in the subsequent evaluation. After a median follow-up of 22.3 months, we observed 19 (26%) cases of COVID-19 outbreaks, all experiencing favorable clinical outcomes. Univariate analysis showed a significant association between the onset of SARS-CoV-2 infections and the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors, as well as with an impaired antibody and T-helper cell response. Only the last two covariates remained independent predictors after multivariate testing. Dynamic variations in antibody titers and T-helper cell counts did not affect TTF in multivariate regression analysis.

Conclusions

Our results confirm that the immune response to tozinameran is impaired by CDK4/6 inhibitors, increasing the odds of breakthrough infections despite the third vaccine dose. Current evidence recommends maintaining efforts to provide booster immunizations to the most vulnerable cancer patients, including those with advanced breast cancer undergoing CDK4/6 inhibition.
Dynamic changes in physical function during intensive chemotherapy affect transplant outcomes in older adults with AML
Authors: Min Gi-June , Cho Byung-Sik , Kwag Daehun , Park Sung-Soo , Park Silvia , Yoon Jae-Ho , Lee Sung-Eun , Eom Ki-Seong , Kim Yoo-Jin , Lee Seok , Min Chang-Ki , Cho Seok-Goo , Lee Jong Wook , Kim Hee-Je
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Intensive chemotherapy (IC) can affect all geriatric assessment (GA) domains in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but data on the effects of these changes on transplant outcomes are lacking.

Methods

Therefore, we prospectively assessed the prognostic role of GA domains at diagnosis and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in 51 patients with AML aged ≥60 years who achieved complete remission after IC. We performed both baseline and pre-allo-HSCT GA; moreover, physical function, including a short physical performance battery (SPPB), cognitive function, psychological function, nutritional status, and social support were examined.

Results

All GA domains showed dynamic changes between the two time points. The directions of change were statistically significant for social support, self-reported physical and psychological functions, and distress, but not for nutritional status, cognitive function, or physical function. Among all GA domains at each time point, only poor physical function and its submaneuvers at diagnosis but not at allo-HSCT were significantly associated with inferior survival. In particular, since the direction of change varied between patients, we found that patients whose physical function improved before allo-HSCT were more likely to survive longer than those with persistently impaired SPPB (55.6% vs. 28.6%, p=0.268). Finally, persistent impairment in SPPB (28.6% vs. 65.9%, p=0.006), tandem stand (0% vs. 63.3%, p=0.012), sit-and-stand (41.2% vs. 70.6%, p=0.009), and gait speed (38.5% vs. 68.4%, p=0.027) further strongly predicted inferior survival.

Discussion

This study showed that IC courses can induce dynamic changes in different directions in the GA domains of each patient and that changes in objectively measured physical function can predict transplant outcomes.
Efficacy of adjunctive topical liposomal clarithromycin on systemic Glucantime in Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis: a pilot clinical study
Authors: Hakamifard Atousa , Radmehr Reza , Sokhanvari Fatemeh , Sherkat Fatemeh , Hariri Amirali , Varshosaz Jaleh , Shahmoradi Zabihollah , Feizi Awat , Abtahi-Naeini Bahareh , Pourmahdi-Boroujeni Mahsa
Published: November 2023

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of topical liposomal clarithromycin in combination with meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®) on cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) lesions.

Methods: This pilot, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial was conducted on patients with CL lesions. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the first group received liposomal clarithromycin in combination with Glucantime for 28 days, while the second group received Glucantime and a placebo. Afterward, patients were followed up at 1.5, 3, and 6 months after treatment initiation and were evaluated for recovery time, induration, and size of the lesions.

Results: Sixty patients with CL lesions were divided into two separate groups with 30 members each and were examined. Within-group analysis revealed that recovery time in the clarithromycin group was 26.65 ± 5.12 days, while in the placebo group, it was 32.84 ± 24.43, which was statistically insignificant (p = 0.18). Lesion size comparison in the first and last follow-ups reduced in both groups: 7.73 ± 4.31 to 0.48 ± 0.50 in the clarithromycin group (p = 0.006) and 5.47 ± 5.83 to 0.76 ± 0.88 in the placebo group (p = 0.03). Moreover, the size of lesions in the intervention group was significantly reduced compared to that in the placebo group (p = 0.02). Recognizable induration reduction was observed in the clarithromycin group (2.60 ± 0.77 to 1.0 ± 0.00). No adverse effects attributable to clarithromycin were reported.

Conclusion: The administration of liposomal clarithromycin in combination with systemic Glucantime had a significant beneficial effect on reducing lesion size in leishmaniasis. Further studies on larger populations are recommended.

Systematic Review Registration: https://www.irct.ir/trial/46611.
Investigating the role of NPR1 in dilated cardiomyopathy and its potential as a therapeutic target for glucocorticoid therapy
Authors: Huang Yaomeng , Li Tongxin , Gao Shichao , Li Shuyu , Zhu Xiaoran , Li Ying , Liu Dangyang , Li Weimin , Yang Linquan , Liu Kunshen , Zhang Zheng , Liu Chao
Published: November 2023

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a specific form of cardiomyopathy, frequently presents clinically with either left ventricular or biventricular enlargement, often leading to progressive heart failure. In recent years, the application of bioinformatics technology to scrutinize the onset, progression, and prognosis of DCM has emerged as a fervent area of interest among scholars globally.

Methods: In this study, core genes closely related to DCM were identified through bioinformatics analysis, including weighted gene co expression network analysis (WGCNA) and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and so on. The correlation was verified through experiments on DCM patients, DCM rat models, and core gene knockout mice. Subsequently, the effects of glucocorticoids on DCM and the regulation of core genes were observed.

Result: In the present study, natriuretic peptide receptor 1 (NPR1) was identified as a core gene associated with DCM through WGCNA and ssGSEA. Significant impairment of cardiac and renal function was observed in both DCM patients and rats, concomitant with a notable reduction in NPR1 expression. NPR1 KO mice displayed symptomatic manifestations of DCM, underscoring the pivotal role of NPR1 in its pathogenesis. Notably, glucocorticoid treatment led to substantial improvements in cardiac and renal function, accompanied by an upregulation of NPR1 expression.

Discussion: These findings highlight the critical involvement of NPR1 in the pathophysiology of DCM and its potential as a key target for glucocorticoid-based DCM therapy. The study provides a robust theoretical and experimental foundation for further investigations into DCM etiology and therapeutic strategies.
The influence of the spillover between futures and spot markets on hedging policy: evidence from Chinese stock markets
Authors: Shi Kai , Gong Junlian
Published: November 2023

This paper examines the impact of risk spillovers between Chinese stock and futures markets on stock hedging policies. This paper calculates the correlation between the overall risk spillover and the hedging ratio, effectiveness, and hedging cost based on the hedging portfolio of stock futures of the CSI 300 index, the SSE 50 index, and the CSI 500 index. The results show that, on the one hand, the CSI 300 and CSI 500 futures markets are the propagators of risk spillovers, which shows that the price fluctuations of these two types of futures markets have a stronger impact on the stock spot price. The CSI 50 Futures market is the recipient of risk, and the CSI 50 Futures price is more vulnerable to the impact of the stock market. The results of the three types of samples show that when the stock market experiences extreme decline, the Risk Spillover Effect in the futures and spot markets will be significantly reduced, which indicates that the price of stocks and their derivatives is more deviated from the equilibrium relationship of pricing, and at this time, the function of derivatives in risk control is unreliable. On the other hand, the total spillover index of stock futures and spot markets has a positive correlation with hedging rate, hedging effectiveness and hedging cost. When the total spillover real number increases, it will get a more effective hedging effect. In addition, the hedging index is more sensitive to the overall spillover of high asset liquidity hedging portfolios. These conclusions provide a basis for adjusting asset positions according to the changes of Risk Spillover between the futures market and the spot market to obtain higher hedging effectiveness. The contribution of this paper is to reveal the possibility of finding the risk factors of hedging from the perspective of Risk Spillover in a very simple way, so it has reliable practicability in practice.