bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Functional Pinealectomy on Immunity, Hematopoietic, Gastrointestinal and Urinary Systems in Experimentally Malnutritioned Rats
Authors: Turgut Yaşar Barış , Sahin Cem , Uyanıkgil Yiğit , Yılmaz Mustafa , Tomruk Canberk , Gençer Cevat , Çevik Özge
Published: June 2024

Objective: The aim of this study was to demonstrate morphological changes in immunity, hematopoietic, gastrointestinal and urinary systems in different melatonin (MEL) release situations in a rat model of protein energy malnutrition (PEM).
Methods: A total of 32 adult male Wistar rats were assigned into four equal groups: normal control; PEM light/dark; PEM light, called functional pinealectomy (Px); and PEM dark. PEM was produced with a 50% restricted diet, Px was produced by keeping rats in continuous light environment for 24 hours, and complete blood count and serum albumin level were analyzed at the end of the 6-week experimental period. Measurements of weights of body and some visceral organs were obtained, biochemical and morphological parameters were analyzed in addition to measurements of malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutatione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in tissue samples.
Results: A reduction in the weights of body and visceral organs of animals in the PEM groups was accompanied by hypoalbuminemia, anemia, leukopenia and lymphopenia, and higher MDA, GSH, TNF-α and IL-10 levels in visceral tissues. There was a significant decrease in parenchymal cells of the liver and spleen, duodenal villi, lymphoid structures and kidney glomeruli, but there was an increase in the spleen capsule thickness and renal Bowman’s space, sinusoidal congestion and fat accumulation in the liver. Importantly, these findings were milder in the PEM dark group, while they were prominent in the PEM light group.
Conclusions: This study suggests that MEL has a protective role in reducing the negative effects of PEM, making it a potential therapeutic agent for further investigation.
Digitala plattformar för att motverka våld i nära relationer
Authors: Hansson Kristofer , Petersson Charlotte C.
Published: June 2024

Digital platforms to counter violence in close relationships - Women’s shelters digitising their functions during the Covid-19 pandemic
This study focuses on how women’s shelters in Sweden came to use digital platforms to reshape their social work during the Covid-19 pandemic. Through short telephone interviews with 14 managers of women’s shelters on several occasions during 2020 and 2021, this study highlights how their extended use of digital platforms left them with both possibilities and thresholds in their work to reach and stay in contact with abused women and children. Women’s shelters made use of both mobile and wireless platforms (such as text messages in mobile phones) and web-based platforms (such as chat groups on the Internet). The results of the study are presented in four different themes. The first theme concerns how women and youth came into contact with the women’s shelters and what platforms they used. The next theme focuses on how the digital contact was created and maintained. An important finding is that the number of contacts from young people increased, while the overall number of adult women decreased. The third theme highlights those thresholds that risk creating weak networks between the women making contact and the women’s shelters. This is also discussed in relation to the last theme, which focuses on the women’s shelters’ work with the platforms. An important result is that the digital platforms made it possible for women to come into contact with the women’s shelters during the Covid-19-pandemic; nevertheless, there are also thresholds that need to be made visible.
O OLHO MAQUÍNICO
Authors: Murari Lucas
Published: June 2024

Este artigo investiga o filme experimental A Região Central [La Région Centrale], de Michael Snow, com objetivo de estudar a relação entre a estética da paisagem, o uso da tecnologia e a adoção de uma perspectiva não humana. Por meio da exploração da forma, do movimento e da duração, essa obra de Snow provoca os limites da percepção em direção a outros agenciamentos. O artigo analisa o filme como um catalisador para reimaginar as fronteiras entre as perspectivas humanas e não humanas, provocando um discurso crítico sobre a interação entre arte, tecnologia e nossa compreensão do mundo natural.
IMAGENS DA MELANCOLIA NA ARTE DO IMPRESSIONISMO À ATUALIDADE
Authors: Mikosz José Eliézer , Lousa Teresa
Published: June 2024

Este artigo reflete sobre o papel persistente da melancolia na Arte. Parte de uma história geral do conceito de melancolia, elencando exemplos de obras de artistas dentro do período simbolista e impressionista até às contemporâneas que trazem situações emblemáticas que podemos associar à melancolia. Através de um recorte, que visa recuperar imagens em que a iconografia típica do melancólico em que este é representado com a mão debaixo do queixo, os autores usaram uma metodologia qualitativa semiótica na análise iconográfica delas. Esperando por contribuir com as reflexões e abordagens atuais sobre o tema, este pequeno artigo reposiciona a melancolia no mapa das artes e da cultura.
SILÊNCIO E SOLIDÃO NA PINTURA DE LEONOR BOTTERI
Authors: Justino Maria José
Published: June 2024

Ao nos aproximarmos de pintura de Leonor Botteri, entramos em um mundo que não se revela de imediato, um mundo que nos solicita e nos perturba. É uma linguagem que emerge do silêncio, ascética, imagens que falam da espera, do presságio. Esse ensaio busca o mistério gestado no imbricamento entre concentração e dispersão, uma obra nunca concluída, entreaberta, instalada no limiar do ser, revelando verdades mais profundas, tecida da intimidade, metafísica. Suas naturezas-mortas são silenciosas, não há gritos, mas sussurros, sons articulados e inarticulados. Os autorretratos São uma conversa com a intimidade, um gênero bastante apropriado a uma alma recatada, que não se sente à vontade na ação. Botteri descreve os olhos que perderam o desejo de olhar. Há qualquer coisa de abandono, lassidão, de cansaço ou fastio nos olhos dos personagens da artista. Aproxima-se de De Chirico. Em ambos, as figuras são feitas de silêncio, solidão, isolamento, abandono, sombras da existência. Inumanas, estranhas, quase manequins, abandonadas em atmosferas desertas propícias a enigmas. Ou ao desolamento das nostálgicas figuras de Hopper. Na indiferença pintada por Leonor Botteri, não se fica indiferente.
Input lingüístico de madres y padres y producción lingüística en niños y niñas de 3 años de edad durante el juego
Authors: Aldoney Daniela , Mendive Susana Mendive , Zegers Mónica , Prieto Fernanda Prieto , Perez Carola
Published: June 2024

El ambiente lingüístico en que crecen los niños/as (NN) es un importante predictor de sus habilidades cognitivas y de lenguaje posterior. Sin embargo, sabemos poco sobre las características del input que reciben NN en sus hogares, menos aún del aporte diferencial del input materno y paterno en la producción lingüística de sus hijos/as. A partir de transcripciones de interacciones semiestructuradas de juego libre de 10 min entre m/padres y sus hijos/as se analizó la cantidad (utterances y preguntas) y la calidad (types y LPE) del input lingüístico de 115 madres y padres y sus hijos/as de 3 años de edad. Los resultados indicaron diferencias significativas en el input, a favor de la madre. La LPE de los m/padres fue el único aspectos del input parental que se asoció con la producción lingüística de NN: No se encontraron diferencias por género de los padres. Estos resultados apoyan la idea de estudios previos que señalan la importancia de la calidad por sobre la cantidad de lenguaje en el desarrollo del lenguaje expresivo de NN. Los datos proporcionados por este estudio son se evidencian la necesidad de realizar intervenciones para que, especialmente durante los dos primeros años, los NN estén expuestos a interacciones ricas en complejidad lingüística, tanto desde las madres como en padres.
From transcriptomics to digital twins of organ function
Authors: Hansen Jens , Jain Abhinav R. , Nenov Philip , Robinson Peter N. , Iyengar Ravi
Published: June 2024

Cell level functions underlie tissue and organ physiology. Gene expression patterns offer extensive views of the pathways and processes within and between cells. Single cell transcriptomics provides detailed information on gene expression within cells, cell types, subtypes and their relative proportions in organs. Functional pathways can be scalably connected to physiological functions at the cell and organ levels. Integrating experimentally obtained gene expression patterns with prior knowledge of pathway interactions enables identification of networks underlying whole cell functions such as growth, contractility, and secretion. These pathways can be computationally modeled using differential equations to simulate cell and organ physiological dynamics regulated by gene expression changes. Such computational systems can be thought of as parts of digital twins of organs. Digital twins, at the core, need computational models that represent in detail and simulate how dynamics of pathways and networks give rise to whole cell level physiological functions. Integration of transcriptomic responses and numerical simulations could simulate and predict whole cell functional outputs from transcriptomic data. We developed a computational pipeline that integrates gene expression timelines and systems of coupled differential equations to generate cell-type selective dynamical models. We tested our integrative algorithm on the eicosanoid biosynthesis network in macrophages. Converting transcriptomic changes to a dynamical model allowed us to predict dynamics of prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis and secretion by macrophages that matched published lipidomics data obtained in the same experiments. Integration of cell-level system biology simulations with genomic and clinical data using a knowledge graph framework will allow us to create explicit predictive models that mechanistically link genomic determinants to organ function. Such integration requires a multi-domain ontological framework to connect genomic determinants to gene expression and cell pathways and functions to organ level phenotypes in healthy and diseased states. These integrated scalable models of tissues and organs as accurate digital twins predict health and disease states for precision medicine.
Antiviral activity of the host defense peptide piscidin 1: investigating a membrane-mediated mode of action
Authors: Bepler Tristan , Barrera Michael D. , Rooney Mary T. , Xiong Yawei , Kuang Huihui , Goodell Evan , Goodwin Matthew J. , Harbron Elizabeth , Fu Riqiang , Mihailescu Mihaela , Narayanan Aarthi , Cotten Myriam L.
Published: June 2024

Outbreaks of viral diseases are on the rise, fueling the search for antiviral therapeutics that act on a broad range of viruses while remaining safe to human host cells. In this research, we leverage the finding that the plasma membranes of host cells and the lipid bilayers surrounding enveloped viruses differ in lipid composition. We feature Piscidin 1 (P1), a cationic host defense peptide (HDP) that has antimicrobial effects and membrane activity associated with its N-terminal region where a cluster of aromatic residues and copper-binding motif reside. While few HDPs have demonstrated antiviral activity, P1 acts in the micromolar range against several enveloped viruses that vary in envelope lipid composition. Notably, it inhibits HIV-1, a virus that has an envelope enriched in cholesterol, a lipid associated with higher membrane order and stability. Here, we first document through plaque assays that P1 boasts strong activity against SARS-CoV-2, which has an envelope low in cholesterol. Second, we extend previous studies done with homogeneous bilayers and devise cholesterol-containing zwitterionic membranes that contain the liquid disordered (Ld; low in cholesterol) and ordered (Lo, rich in cholesterol) phases. Using dye leakage assays and cryo-electron microscopy on vesicles, we show that P1 has dramatic permeabilizing capability on the Lo/Ld, an effect matched by a strong ability to aggregate, fuse, and thin the membranes. Differential scanning calorimetry and NMR experiments demonstrate that P1 mixes the lipid content of vesicles and alters the stability of the Lo. Structural studies by NMR indicate that P1 interacts with the Lo/Ld by folding into an α-helix that lies parallel to the membrane surface. Altogether, these results show that P1 is more disruptive to phase-separated than homogenous cholesterol-containing bilayers, suggesting an ability to target domain boundaries. Overall, this multi-faceted research highlights how a peptide that interacts strongly with membranes through an aromatic-rich N-terminal motif disrupt viral envelope mimics. This represents an important step towards the development of novel peptides with broad-spectrum antiviral activity.
Encapsulation protocol for fecal microbiota transplantation
Authors: Sipos Dávid , Varga Adorján , Kappéter Ágnes , Halda-Kiss Bernadett , Kása Péter , Pál Szilárd , Kocsis Béla , Péterfi Zoltán
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) continue to pose a challenge for clinicians. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective treatment option in CDI. Furthermore, recent and ongoing studies suggest potential benefits of FMT in other diseases as well.

Methods

We would like to present a novel protocol for encapsulation of lyophilized fecal material. Our method provides with better compliance as well as improved flexibility, storage and safety.

Results

FMT was conducted in 28 patients with an overall success rate of 82,14% using apsules containing lyophilized stool. 16 of patients were given capsules with lessened bacteria counts. The success rate in this group was 93,75%.

Discussion

The results highlight the still unanswered questions about the mechanism of action and contribute to a wider use of FMT in the clinical praxis and in research.
How appropriateness and enjoyment of instructors' virtual backgrounds affect students' perceptions of learning
Authors: Kelly Stephanie , Kim Jihyun , Choi Jae Hoon
Published: June 2024

The present study examines how the appropriateness and enjoyableness of an instructor's virtual background affects student learning. The results of the study indicate that while students' perceptions of the appropriateness and their enjoyment of an instructor's virtual lecture background influence whether students believe that they learned, neither of these variables contribute to how much students are able to demonstrate they have actually learned. Furthermore, while female students perceive that they learned more, there is no difference in performance between male and female students.
Assessing the risk of reoperation for mild pulmonary vein obstruction post-TAPVC repair: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Alifu Ailixiati , Wang Haifan , Chen Renwei
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study investigates the impact of mild pulmonary vein obstruction, detected via echocardiography before hospital discharge, on the likelihood of reoperation in patients who have undergone repair for Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC).

Method

Utilizing a single-center, retrospective cohort approach, we analyzed 38 cases from October 2017 to December 2023, excluding patients with functionally univentricular circulations or atrial isomerism. Our primary outcome was the necessity for reoperation within one year due to anatomical issues related to the initial TAPVC repair. Mild obstruction was defined as a pulmonary vein flow velocity ≥1.2 m/s.

Result

Our findings revealed that 31.6% of patients exhibited pre-discharge mild obstruction. During the median follow-up of 10 months, reoperations were notably higher in the mild obstruction group compared to the normal group, with a significant association between pre-discharge mild obstruction and increased risk of reoperation. Specifically, in the fully adjusted model, mild obstruction was linked to a 13.9-fold increased risk of reoperation.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that a pre-discharge echocardiography Doppler velocity threshold of 1.2 m/s could serve as a critical predictor for reoperation, emphasizing the need for targeted follow-up strategies for at-risk patients.
Research on the flow characteristics of blasthole stemming slurry in open-pit mining
Authors: Li Pingfeng , Xie Shoudong , Lu Junji , Li Mengyuan , Peng Xiaopeng , Yang Kai , Zhang Lei
Published: June 2024

The flow characteristics of blasthole stemming slurry (BSS), predominantly comprising yellow mud (YM), tail mud (TM), or drilling cuttings (DC), were systematically investigated. Various influencing factors, including slurry mass concentration, the addition of TM or DC, and the mass ratio of TM to YM (TM/YM) and DC to YM (DC/YM), were meticulously examined. Experiments were conducted to assess the fluidity, rheological properties, and bleeding rate of BSS samples, which were prepared by manipulating slurry mass concentration and the proportions of TM or DC. The results indicate that the rheological properties of BSS are suitably described by the Herschel-Bulkley model. A critical mass concentration was identified, beyond which the flowability of BSS rapidly deteriorates. Replacing YM with an equivalent amount of TM at a mass concentration of 59% increased the yield stress by 167.30%, while reducing the bleeding rate to 0 within the 53%–59% mass concentration range. Conversely, replacing YM with DC at a mass concentration of 62% reduced the yield stress by 63.96%, while increasing the 60-minute bleeding rate from 0% to 1.44%. Increasing the TM/YM ratio resulted in reduced fluidity, elevated yield stress, and a variable degree of shear thickening. The degree of shear thickening was highest when the TM/YM ratio was 1, with significant impacts on differential viscosity at higher shear rates. On the other hand, increasing the DC/YM ratio enhanced fluidity, decreased yield stress, and influenced the degree of shear thickening and differential viscosity, with the highest shear thickening and lowest differential viscosity observed at a DC/YM ratio of 3. The bleeding rate of BSS consistently rose with the increase in the DC/YM ratio.
Gonadal hormones and metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly males: results from a prospective cohort study in China
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Chen Yingna , Li Na , Huang Chulin , Lin Diaozhu , Wang Chengzhi , Wang Chunying , You Lili , Li Lingling , Li Fangping , Liang Ying , Xiao Huisheng , Yan Li , Lao Guojuan , Sun Kan
Published: June 2024

Background

Research has shown that gonadal hormones are involved in metabolic pathways relevant to metabolic syndrome (MetS). Nevertheless, no longitudinal study has been conducted on the association between SHBG and MetS in Chinese. The objective of our study was to determine whether there is any association between middle-aged and elderly males in China.

Methods

A total of 531 eligible male subjects, aged above 40 years or older, without MetS at baseline, were recruited. Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), total testosterone (TT), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured. A harmonized definition and recommended thresholds for the Chinese population were used to determine metabolic syndrome.

Results

During 3.2 years of follow-up, 20.7% of subjects had developed MetS. Compared with the non-MetS group, subjects in the new-onset MetS group had significantly lower SHBG (43.5 nmol/L [28.8, 74.9] vs 53.7nmol/L [33.8, 115.0], P=0.0018), TT (18.1nmol/L [13.6–21.7] vs 19.5nmol/L[15.0–23.6], P=0.0204), and LH (5.13mIU/L [3.63–7.29] vs 5.87mIU/L [4.05–8.36]) at baseline. The incidence of MetS was decreased according to elevated SHBG quartiles (Q1:26.9%, Q2:22.7%, Q3:21.1%, Q4:12.1%, P for trend =0.0035), TT (Q1: 25.2%, Q2:23.7%, Q3: 17.3%, Q4: 16.7%, P for trend=0.0425), and LH (Q1:25.0%, Q2:21.8%, Q3: 21.8%, Q4: 14.3%, P for trend=0.0411). Compared with those in quartile 4, the OR[CI] of incident MetS for participants in Quartile 1 was 2.33[1.13–4.79] after multiple adjustments. But associations between incident MetS and different quartiles of LH, TT, and FSH were not observed after multiple adjustments. In the subgroup analyses, the significant association between SHBG level and Mets was detected in subjects over 60 years or older, with normal BMI, without insulin resistance, and with eGFR ≥90 mL/min per 1.73m2.

Conclusion

Compared with TT, LH, and FSH, a lower level of SHBG is significantly related to the incidence of MetS among middle-aged and elderly males in China.
Triglyceride-glucose index as a potential predictor of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease complicated with depression
Authors: Zhao Weizhe , Wang Junqing , Chen Dong , Ding Wanli , Hou Jiqiu , Gui YiWei , Liu Yunlin , Li Ruiyi , Liu Xiang , Sun Zhiqi , Zhao Haibin
Published: June 2024

Background

Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a surrogate marker of insulin resistance and metabolic abnormalities, which is closely related to the prognosis of a variety of diseases. Patients with both CHD and depression have a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and worse outcome. TyG index may be able to predict the adverse prognosis of this special population.

Methods

The retrospective cohort study involved 596 patients with both CHD and depression between June 2013 and December 2023. The primary outcome endpoint was the occurrence of MACCE, including all-cause death, stroke, MI and emergent coronary revascularization. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were used to assess the correlation between TyG index and MACCE risk of in patients with CHD complicated with depression.

Results

With a median follow-up of 31 (15–62) months, MACCE occurred in 281(47.15%) patients. The area under the ROC curve of TyG index predicting the risk of MACCE was 0.765(0.726–0.804) (P<0.01). Patients in the high TyG index group(69.73%) had a significantly higher risk of developing MACCE than those in the low TyG index group(23.63%) (P<0.01). The multifactorial RCS model showed a nonlinear correlation (nonlinear P<0.01, overall P<0.01), with a critical value of 8.80 for the TyG index to predict the occurrence of MACCE. The TyG index was able to further improve the predictive accuracy of MACCE.

Conclusions

TyG index is a potential predictor of the risk of MACCE in patients with CHD complicated with depression.
The response mechanism analysis of HMX1 knockout strain to levulinic acid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Tang Jiaye , Chen Yulei , Li Qian , Xin Wenli , Xiao Ximeng , Chen Xuemei , Yang Lixi , Mou Borui , Li Jialian , Lu Fujia , Fu Chun , Long Wencong , Liao Hong , Han Xuebing , Feng Peng , Li Wei , Zhou Kedi , Yang Liuyun , Yang Yaojun , Ma Menggen , Wang Hanyu
Published: June 2024

Levulinic acid, a hydrolysis product of lignocellulose, can be metabolized into important compounds in the field of medicine and pesticides by engineered strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Levulinic acid, as an intermediate product widely found in the conversion process of lignocellulosic biomass, has multiple applications. However, its toxicity to Saccharomyces cerevisiae reduces its conversion efficiency, so screening Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes that can tolerate levulinic acid becomes the key. By creating a whole-genome knockout library and bioinformatics analysis, this study used the phenotypic characteristics of cells as the basis for screening and found the HMX1 gene that is highly sensitive to levulinic acid in the oxidative stress pathway. After knocking out HMX1 and treating with levulinic acid, the omics data of the strain revealed that multiple affected pathways, especially the expression of 14 genes related to the cell wall and membrane system, were significantly downregulated. The levels of acetyl-CoA and riboflavin decreased by 1.02-fold and 1.44-fold, respectively, while the content of pantothenic acid increased. These findings indicate that the cell wall-membrane system, as well as the metabolism of acetyl-CoA and riboflavin, are important in improving the resistance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to levulinic acid. They provide theoretical support for enhancing the tolerance of microorganisms to levulinic acid, which is significant for optimizing the conversion process of lignocellulosic biomass to levulinic acid.
Molecular epizootiology of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China
Authors: Li Junhui , Gong Wenjie , Mao Liping , Pan Xiaomei , Wu Qingqing , Guo Yidi , Jiang Jianfeng , Tang Huifen , Zhao Yi , Cheng Lanling , Tu Changchun , Yu Xinglong , He Sun , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2024

Rapid evolution of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the bottleneck for effective prevention and control of PRRS. Thus, understanding the prevalence and genetic background of PRRSV strains in swine-producing regions is important for disease prevention and control. However, there is only limited information about the epizootiological situation of PRRS in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. In this study, blood or lung tissue samples were collected from 1,411 PRRS-suspected weaned pigs from 9 pig farms in Changji, Shihezi, and Wujiaqu cities between 2020 and 2022. The samples were first tested by RT-quantitative PCR, yielding a PRRSV-2 positive rate of 53.6%. Subsequently, 36 PRRSV strains were isolated through initial adaptation in bone marrow-derived macrophages followed by propagation in grivet monkey Marc-145 cells. Furthermore, 28 PRRSV-positive samples and 20 cell-adapted viruses were selected for high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to obtain the entire PRRSV genome sequences. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequences of the ORF5 gene of the PRRSV strains identified in this study grouped into sub-lineages 1.8 and 8.7 the former being the dominant strain currently circulating in Xinjiang. However, the NSP2 proteins of the Xinjiang PRRSV strains shared the same deletion patterns as sub-lineage 1.8 prototype strain NADC30 with the exception of 4 strains carrying 2-3 additional amino acid deletions. Further analysis confirmed that recombination events had occurred in 27 of 37 PRRSVs obtained here with the parental strains belonging to sub-lineages 1.8 and 8.7, lineages 3 and 5, with the recombination events having occurred most frequently in the 5' and 3' termini of ORF1a and 5' terminus of ORF1b.
Serum uric acid as a predictor of mortality in patients with stroke: results from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2016
Authors: Tong Xinyu , Lyu Chuxin , Guo Minjie , Gu Jianxiong , Zhao Yichun
Published: June 2024

Objective

This research endeavors to explore the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) concentration and all-cause mortality in stroke patients.

Methods

We undertook a cross-sectional analysis utilizing data derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2007 to 2016. The concentrations of SUA served as the independent variable, while the dependent variable was defined as all-cause mortality in stroke patients. The quartile method was utilized to classify uric acid levels into four distinct categories. Subsequently, three models were developed, and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the effect of varying uric acid concentrations on the risk of all-cause mortality among stroke patients.

Results

The study included a total of 10,805 participants, of whom 395 were stroke patients. Among all populations, the group with elevated levels of uric acid (Q4) exhibited a significant association with the overall mortality risk among stroke patients in all three models (model 1 p < 0.001, model 2 p < 0.001, model 3 p < 0.001). In the male population, there was no significant correlation observed between uric acid levels and the overall mortality risk among stroke patients in model 3 (Q2 p = 0.8, Q3 p = 0.2, Q4 p = 0.2). However, within the female population, individuals with high uric acid levels (Q4) demonstrated a noteworthy association with the overall mortality risk among stroke patients across all three models (model 1 p < 0.001, model 2 p < 0.001, model 3 p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This cross-sectional investigation reveals a significant correlation between SUA levels and all-cause mortality in stroke patients, with a noticeable trend observed among females. Consequently, SUA may serve as a promising biomarker for assessing the prognosis of individuals affected by stroke.
Oculomotor atypicalities in motor neurone disease: a systematic review
Authors: Readman Megan Rose , Polden Megan , Gibbs Melissa C. , Donohue Aisling , Chhetri Suresh K. , Crawford Trevor J.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Cognitive dysfunction is commonplace in Motor Neurone Disease (MND). However, due to the prominent motor symptoms in MND, assessing patients’ cognitive function through traditional cognitive assessments, which oftentimes require motoric responses, may become increasingly challenging as the disease progresses. Oculomotor pathways are apparently resistant to pathological degeneration in MND. As such, abnormalities in oculomotor functions, largely driven by cognitive processes such as saccades and smooth pursuit eye movement, may be reflective of frontotemporal cognitive deficits in MND. Thus, saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movements may prove to be ideal mechanistic markers of cognitive function in MND.

Methods

To ascertain the utility of saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movements as markers of cognitive function in MND, this review summarizes the literature concerning saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movement task performance in people with MND.

Results and discussion

Of the 22 studies identified, noticeable patterns suggest that people with MND can be differentiated from controls based on antisaccade and smooth pursuit task performance, and thus the antisaccade task and smooth pursuit task may be potential candidates for markers of cognition in MND. However, further studies which ascertain the concordance between eye tracking measures and traditional measures of cognition are required before this assumption is extrapolated, and clinical recommendations are made.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=376620, identifier CRD42023376620.
Metallomic analysis of brain tissues distinguishes between cases of dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease dementia
Authors: Scholefield Melissa , Church Stephanie J. , Xu Jingshu , Cooper Garth J. S.
Published: June 2024

Background

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) can be difficult to distinguish from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) at different stages of its progression due to some overlaps in the clinical and neuropathological presentation of these conditions compared with DLB. Metallomic changes have already been observed in the AD and PDD brain—including widespread decreases in Cu levels and more localised alterations in Na, K, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Se. This study aimed to determine whether these metallomic changes appear in the DLB brain, and how the metallomic profile of the DLB brain appears in comparison to the AD and PDD brain.

Methods

Brain tissues from ten regions of 20 DLB cases and 19 controls were obtained. The concentrations of Na, Mg, K, Ca, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Se were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Case–control differences were evaluated using Mann–Whitney U tests. Results were compared with those previously obtained from AD and PDD brain tissue, and principal component analysis (PCA) plots were created to determine whether cerebral metallomic profiles could distinguish DLB from AD or PDD metallomic profiles.

Results

Na was increased and Cu decreased in four and five DLB brain regions, respectively. More localised alterations in Mn, Ca, Fe, and Se were also identified. Despite similarities in Cu changes between all three diseases, PCA plots showed that DLB cases could be readily distinguished from AD cases using data from the middle temporal gyrus, primary visual cortex, and cingulate gyrus, whereas DLB and PDD cases could be clearly separated using data from the primary visual cortex alone.

Conclusion

Despite shared alterations in Cu levels, the post-mortem DLB brain shows very few other similarities with the metallomic profile of the AD or PDD brain. These findings suggest that while Cu deficiencies appear common to all three conditions, metal alterations otherwise differ between DLB and PDD/AD. These findings can contribute to our understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of these three diseases; if these changes can be observed in the living human brain, they may also contribute to the differential diagnosis of DLB from AD and/or PDD.
Elucidating prognosis in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma: a novel anoikis-related gene signature model
Authors: Wang Mingwei- , Ying Qiaohui- , Ding Ru , Xing Yuncan- , Wang Jue , Pan Yiming- , Pan Bo , Xiang Guifen- , Liu Zhong
Published: June 2024

Background

Cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) are among the most prevalent gynecologic malignancies globally. The prognosis is abysmal once cervical cancer progresses to lymphatic metastasis. Anoikis, a specialized form of apoptosis induced by loss of cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, plays a critical role. The prediction model based on anoikis-related genes (ARGs) expression and clinical data could greatly aid clinical decision-making. However, the relationship between ARGs and CESC remains unclear.

Methods

ARGs curated from the GeneCards and Harmonizome portals were instrumental in delineating CESC subtypes and in developing a prognostic framework for patients afflicted with this condition. We further delved into the intricacies of the immune microenvironment and pathway enrichment across the identified subtypes. Finally, our efforts culminated in the creation of an innovative nomogram that integrates ARGs. The utility of this prognostic tool was underscored by Decision Curve Analysis (DCA), which illuminate its prospective benefits in guiding clinical interventions.

Results

In our study, We discerned a set of 17 survival-pertinent, anoikis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CESC, from which nine were meticulously selected for the construction of prognostic models. The derived prognostic risk score was subsequently validated as an autonomous prognostic determinant. Through comprehensive functional analyses, we observed distinct immune profiles and drug response patterns among divergent prognostic stratifications. Further, we integrated the risk scores with the clinicopathological characteristics of CESC to develop a robust nomogram. DCA corroborated the utility of our model, demonstrating its potential to enhance patient outcomes through tailored clinical treatment strategies.

Conclusion

The predictive signature, encompassing nine pivotal genes, alongside the meticulously constructed nomogram developed in this research, furnishes clinicians with a sophisticated tool for tailoring treatment strategies to individual patients diagnosed with CESC.
Upregulation of Amy1 in the salivary glands of mice exposed to a lunar gravity environment using the multiple artificial gravity research system
Authors: Ouchi Takehito , Kono Kyosuke , Satou Ryouichi , Kurashima Ryuya , Yamaguchi Koji , Kimura Maki , Shibukawa Yoshiyuki
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Space is a unique environment characterized by isolation from community life and exposure to circadian misalignment, microgravity, and space radiation. These multiple differences from those experienced on the earth may cause systemic and local tissue stress. Autonomic nerves, including sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, regulate functions in multiple organs. Saliva is secreted from the salivary gland, which is regulated by autonomic nerves, and plays several important roles in the oral cavity and digestive processes. The balance of the autonomic nervous system in the seromucous glands, such as the submandibular glands, precisely controls serous and mucous saliva. Psychological stress, radiation damage, and other triggers can cause an imbalance in salivary secretion systems. A previous study reported that amylase is a stress marker in behavioral medicine and space flight crews; however, the detailed mechanisms underlying amylase regulation in the space environment are still unknown.

Methods: In this study, we aimed to elucidate how lunar gravity (1/6 g) changes mRNA expression patterns in the salivary gland. Using a multiple artificial gravity research system during space flight in the International Space Station, we studied the effects of two different gravitational levels, lunar and Earth gravity, on the submandibular glands of mice. All mice survived, returned to Earth from space, and their submandibular glands were collected 2 days after landing.

Results: We found that lunar gravity induced the expression of the salivary amylase gene Amy1; however, no increase in Aqp5 and Ano1, which regulate water secretion, was observed. In addition, genes involved in the exocrine system, such as vesicle-associated membrane protein 8 (Vamp8) and small G proteins, including Rap1 and Rab families, were upregulated under lunar gravity.

Conclusion: These results imply that lunar gravity upregulates salivary amylase secretion via Rap/Rab signaling and exocytosis via Vamp8. Our study highlights Amy1 as a potential candidate marker for stress regulation in salivary glands in the lunar gravity environment.
Gossip and coping with social isolation: the case of migrant truck drivers in Western Europe
Authors: Martinescu Elena , Beersma Bianca
Published: June 2024

This article examines how employees use gossip as a resource to cope with social isolation. Building on a qualitative study with 32 truck drivers in a Western European company, our research identified gossip in close relationships and gossip in distant relationships as distinct patterns playing a different role in coping with social isolation, and a third pattern in which gossip was not beneficial. First, gossiping with close friends at work helped drivers engage in emotion-focused coping by reducing stress and loneliness. Second, gossiping with distant colleagues helped drivers engage in problem-focused coping by exchanging knowledge involving people in the organization. Third, gossip avoidance occurred in distant relationships, where drivers limited gossip exchanges going beyond instrumentally useful information. Overall, these findings show that drivers relied on different layers of their social network to cope with social isolation. Enriching previous research, this study shows that gossip represents an essential resource for emotion-focused and problem-focused coping.
The effect mechanism of perceived entrepreneurial environment on Chinese college students’ entrepreneurial intention: chain mediation model test
Authors: Lin Qicheng , Chen Yirong , Lai Junli , Zhang Xinyi
Published: June 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to explore the effect of perceived entrepreneurial environment among Chinese college students’ entrepreneurial intention and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

Based on a survey of 445 college students from 5 universities with the perceived entrepreneurial environment assessment scale, the achievement motivation scale, the entrepreneurial self-efficacy scale, and the entrepreneurial intention questionnaire.

Results

There were significant correlations among perceived entrepreneurial environment, achievement motivation, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial intention, and perceived entrepreneurial environment could significantly positively predict entrepreneurial intention. Achievement motivation and entrepreneurial self-efficacy played significant mediating roles between the perceived entrepreneurial environment and entrepreneurial intention. There were three paths that perceived entrepreneurial environment to influence entrepreneurial intention: One was the mediating role of achievement motivation; The second was the mediating role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy; The third was the chain-mediated role of both achievement motivation and entrepreneurial self-efficacy.

Discussion

The internal mechanism of the relationship between perceived entrepreneurial environment and entrepreneurial intention enriches the research results of entrepreneurial psychology among college students and provides a theoretical basis for training and guiding the entrepreneurship of college students.
Factors influencing college students' online rumor refuting behavior during major public health crises: the moderating effect of group norms
Authors: Xia Hongmei , Liu Yu , Hou Guanghui
Published: June 2024

This study integrates SOR (Stimuli-Organism-Response) theoretical framework and rational behavior theory within a theoretical framework, incorporating group norms as a moderating factor to investigate the psychological mechanisms influencing Chinese college students' online rumor-refutation behavior amidst public health crises. Using the structural equation modeling research method, data was collected via questionnaires from 1,254 participants in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings indicate that both online and offline information seeking are positively correlated with college students' attitudes and subjective norms. Moreover, the attitudes and subjective norms of college students are positively correlated with the online rumor refuting behavior. Furthermore, group norms serve to strengthen the connection between college students' attitudes and their engagement in online refuting rumors. These results illuminate the psychological underpinnings driving college students' online rumor-refuting actions, offering practical and policy implications for effectively managing rumor behaviors.
Jumping with control: the interplay between psychological constructs and run-up variability in elite jumpers
Authors: Moura Larissa de Paula , Moura Nelio Alfano , Moura Tania Fernandes de Paula , Moura Túlio Bernardo Macedo Alfano , Brandão Maria Regina Ferreira
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between psychological aspects (emotional regulation, self-control, mood states, and perceived stress) and components of run-up variability in horizontal jumps and to conduct comparisons based on sex, events (long jump and triple jump), and contextual situations (training versus competition).

Methods

A total of 10 elite-level athletes (five males and five females) with a mean age of 27.14 (±4.25) years were recruited for the study. All participants had competed nationally or internationally and had 13.10 (±3.48) years of athletic experience. Data were collected during competitions and training sessions for 5 weeks. The participants completed the Brunel Mood Scale, Emotional Regulation Questionnaire, Brief Self-Control Scale, and Visual Analogical Scale of Perceived Stress before each session. The components of run-up variability of successful and failed attempts were measured using video analysis. Data were analyzed using a t-test, Pearson’s correlation, and Cohen’s d.

Results

Athletes specializing in long jump and triple jump displayed similar psychological and run-up variability characteristics. However, females showed higher values for tension and depression, whereas males had higher run-up speeds and vigor. In competitions, athletes tended to have higher vigor, lower fatigue and confusion, an earlier beginning of the adjustment phase, fewer failed attempts, and higher run-up speed than during training. Emotional regulation is inversely related to depression in women during competitions, whereas higher self-control is associated with fewer failed jumps.

Conclusion

Athletes competing in the long jump and the triple jump do not differ in psychological traits and run-up characteristics, which suggests that similar training strategies can be used in both events. However, different solutions should be used considering the sex of athletes, with a particular focus on utilizing emotion regulation tools to modulate depression in female jumpers. It is recommended to include training sessions that simulate competition demands, primarily to ensure the early onset of the run-up adjustment phase.
Deep brain stimulation and suicide attempts in treatment-resistant patients: a case report and neuroethical analysis
Authors: D’Imperio Ambra , Ienca Marcello
Published: June 2024

This case presents the situation of a 66-year-old woman diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy Parkinsonian Type who underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy and subsequently made two suicide attempts. Despite receiving treatment and extensive psychotherapy, her condition did not improve, leading to suicidal behavior over the course of a year. Notably, she held unrealistic beliefs about the effectiveness of DBS therapy, expressing dissatisfaction with its outcomes. Family dynamics were complex, with the patient concealing her psychological distress while coping with her worsening health condition. This severe distress culminated in two suicide attempts within a relatively short timeframe. Our psychiatric team promptly intervened, implementing a suicidality protocol and adjusting her medication regimen. Despite a documented prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts post-DBS in the literature, the exact causes remain uncertain, with the suggested involvement of neuroimmune or neurological pathways. This case contributes to scientific understanding by shedding light on suicide attempts following ineffective DBS interventions, emphasizing the patient’s right to be informed about potential suicide risks and the possibility of assisted suicide through a neuroethical analysis. Therefore, our case underlines the importance of psychiatric evaluation and intervention in DBS patients to prevent further suicidality, focusing on a multidisciplinary approach tailored to the patient’s autonomy and neuroethical principles.
The relationship between social and psychological factors with cognitive impairment after stroke: a prospective study
Authors: Li Yao , Tang Aijie , Ge Lili , Zhang Lin , Chen Ling , Xu Yuhua , Wang Li , Zhu Xiaoping , Wu Qian
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To investigate the association between social and psychological factors and the risk of cognitive impairment following acute ischemic stroke.

Materials and methods

A prospective study was conducted at Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital from June 2021 to July 2022. The study focused on social and psychological factors, which were assessed using the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Self-Perceived Burden Scale (SPBS), and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) within 3 days after admission to the hospital. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment at 3 months post-stroke. Logistic hierarchical regression models were used to examine the association between these three indicators and cognitive impairment following a stroke.

Results

Among these patients, cognitive function was assessed in 211 cases at the 3-month follow-up after the initial stroke event. At 3 months post-stroke, 118(55.9%) of the participants experienced cognitive impairment, while 93(44.1%) did not. The scores on the SPBS and HAMD showed significant associations with cognitive impairment at 3 months after stroke. The scores of SPBS [scores: 30~39 vs.<20 points, odds ratio (OR)=2.993 (1.135–7.896); scores: ≥40 vs.<20points, OR=7.382 (1.117–48.799); P=0.043] and the HAMD [scores: >7 vs.≤7 points, OR=3.287(1.362~7.936); P=0.008]. There were no significant associations observed between SSRS and PSCI.

Conclusion

Early screening for depressive symptoms and focusing on self-perceived burden can be beneficial for decision support for clinicians and improve cognitive function recovery at the 3-month mark post-stroke.