bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial communities of a variety of 75 homemade fermented vegetables
Authors: Thierry Anne , Madec Marie-Noelle , Chuat Victoria , Bage Anne-Sophie , Picard Olivier , Grondin Cécile , Rué Olivier , Mariadassou Mahendra , Marché Laurent , Valence Florence
Published: December 2023

Fermentation is an ancient practice of food preservation. Fermented vegetables are popular in Eastern European and Asian countries. They have received a growing interest in Western countries, where they are mainly manufactured at domestic and artisanal scales and poorly characterized. Our aim was to investigate the microbial communities and the safety of French homemade fermented vegetables, in the frame of a citizen science project. Fermented vegetables and the data associated with their manufacture were collected from citizens and characterized for pH, NaCl concentration, and microbiology by culturomics and 16S DNA metabarcoding analysis. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and D1/D2 domains of the large subunit of the rRNA gene, respectively. The 75 collected samples contained 23 types of vegetables, mainly cabbage, followed by carrots and beets, and many mixtures of vegetables. They were 2 weeks to 4 years old, and their median pH was 3.56, except for two samples with a pH over 4.5. LAB represented the dominant viable bacteria. LAB concentrations ranged from non-detectable values to 8.7 log colony-forming units (CFU)/g and only depended on the age of the samples, with the highest most frequently observed in the youngest samples (<100 days). The 93 LAB isolates identified belonged to 23 species, the two mains being Lactiplantibacillus pentosus/plantarum and Levilactobacillus brevis. The other microbial groups enumerated (total aerobic bacteria, halotolerant bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and acetic acid bacteria) generally showed lower concentrations compared to LAB concentrations. No pathogenic bacteria were detected. Viable yeasts were observed in nearly half the samples, at concentrations reaching up to 8.0 log CFU/g. The 33 yeast clones identified belonged to 16 species. Bacterial metabarcoding showed two main orders, namely, Lactobacillales (i.e., LAB, 79% of abundance, 177 of the 398 total ASVs) and Enterobacterales (19% of abundance, 191 ASVs). Fifteen LAB genera were identified, with Lactiplantibacillus and Levilactobacillus as the most abundant, with 41 and 12% of total reads, respectively. Enterobacterales members were mainly represented by Enterobacteriaceae and Yersiniaceae. This study is the first wide description of the microbiota of a large variety of homemade fermented vegetables and documents their safety.
The DNA repair enzyme, aprataxin, plays a role in innate immune signaling
Authors: Madsen Helena B. , Pease Louise I. , Scanlan Rebekah-Louise , Akbari Mansour , Rasmussen Lene J. , Shanley Daryl P. , Bohr Vilhelm A.
Published: December 2023

Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 1 (AOA1) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a gradual loss of coordination of hand movements, speech, and eye movements. AOA1 is caused by an inactivation mutation in the APTX gene. APTX resolves abortive DNA ligation intermediates. APTX deficiency may lead to the accumulation of 5’-AMP termini, especially in the mitochondrial genome. The consequences of APTX deficiency includes impaired mitochondrial function, increased DNA single-strand breaks, elevated reactive oxygen species production, and altered mitochondrial morphology. All of these processes can cause misplacement of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, which can activate innate immune sensors to elicit an inflammatory response. This study explores the impact of APTX knockout in microglial cells, the immune cells of the brain. RNA-seq analysis revealed significant differences in the transcriptomes of wild-type and APTX knockout cells, especially in response to viral infections and innate immune pathways. Specifically, genes and proteins involved in the cGAS-STING and RIG-I/MAVS pathways were downregulated in APTX knockout cells, which suggests an impaired immune response to cytosolic DNA and RNA. The clinical relevance of these findings was supported by analyzing publicly available RNA-seq data from AOA1 patient cell lines. Comparisons between APTX-deficient patient cells and healthy control cells also revealed altered immune responses and dysregulated DNA- and RNA-sensing pathways in the patient cells. Overall, this study highlights the critical role of APTX in regulating innate immunity, particularly in DNA- and RNA-sensing pathways. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of AOA1 pathology and highlights potential therapeutic targets for this disease.
Empathy as a crucial skill in disrupting disparities in global brain health
Authors: Fitri Fasihah Irfani , Lage Carmen , Mollayeva Tatyana , Santamaria-Garcia Hernando , Chan Melissa , Cominetti Marcia R. , Daria Tselmen , Fallon Gillian , Gately Dominic , Gichu Muthoni , Giménez Sandra , Zuniga Raquel Gutierrez , Hadad Rafi , Hill-Jarrett Tanisha , O’Kelly Mick , Martinez Luis , Modjaji Paul , Ngcobo Ntkozo , Nowak Rafal , Ogbuagu Chukwuanugo , Roche Moïse , Aguzzoli Cristiano Schaffer , Shin So Young , Smith Erin , Yoseph Selam Aberra , Zewde Yared , Ayhan Yavuz
Published: December 2023

Brain health refers to the state of a person’s brain function across various domains, including cognitive, behavioral and motor functions. Healthy brains are associated with better individual health, increased creativity, and enhanced productivity. A person’s brain health is intricately connected to personal, social and environmental factors. Racial, ethnic, and social disparities affect brain health and on the global scale these disparities within and between regions present a hurdle to brain health. To overcome global disparities, greater collaboration between practitioners and healthcare providers and the people they serve is essential. This requires cultural humility driven by empathy. Empathy is a core prosocial value, a cognitive-emotional skill that helps us understand ourselves and others. This position paper aims to provide an overview of the vital roles of empathy, cooperation, and interdisciplinary partnerships. By consciously integrating this understanding in practice, leaders can better position themselves to address the diverse challenges faced by communities, promote inclusivity in policies and practices, and further more equitable solutions to the problem of global brain health.
Intonation processing of interrogative words in Mandarin: an event-related potential study
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Mengru , Georgiev Georgi V.
Published: December 2023

Intonation is the variation in pitch used in speech, which forms the premise of tonal and non-tonal languages. Interrogative words are words that introduce questions. Previous research lacks clarity regarding the specific cues used in the processing of word intonation. To address this gap, this study used the event-related potential electroencephalogram (EEG) research method to explore the intonation processing of tone two (mid-rising) interrogative words in Mandarin. For this, the word “shui,” meaning “who,” was selected as the experimental material. To avoid the influence of the environment, gender, and semantics, the Hum version, corresponding to the stimulus material, was also adopted for the experiment. This study used a passive oddball paradigm to examine the clues of intonation information processing in automatic cognitive processing through amplitude, latency, time window, and evoked location potential mismatch negativity. The standard stimulus was the declarative intonation with a high probability of occurrence (90%), and the deviant stimulus was the interrogative intonation with a low probability of occurrence (10%). In the time window of 370–450 ms, the mismatch negativity was found at the F3, F4, C3, Cz, and C4 channels. The findings show that, in the passive oddball paradigm, lexical semantics are essential for intonation processing at the pre-attentive level, which is dominated by the frontal and central areas of the brain. The results support the functional and comprehensive hypotheses that the processing of intonation is based on the function of language and that bilateral regions are involved in this processing. This study makes an important contribution by providing event-related potential evidence that lexical semantics plays a key role in the pre-attentive processing of intonation, as shown by the significant differences between semantic and non-semantic conditions.
Polymerization of recombinant tau core fragments in vitro and seeding studies in cultured cells
Authors: Paterno Giavanna , Bell Brach M. , Riley-DiPaolo Alexis , LaVoie Matthew J. , Giasson Benoit I.
Published: December 2023

The relative polymerization of specific tau protein cores that define Alzheimer’s disease, Pick’s disease and corticobasal degeneration were investigated using amyloid fluorometry and electron microscopy. In addition, the relative prion-like activities of polymers comprised of these respective tau protein segments were investigated in a cell-based assay. It is demonstrated that the seeding activities of specific tau core fibrils are affected by the presence of pathogenic tau missense mutations and the microtubule binding domain composition of tau. The unique impact of tau phosphorylation on seeding propensity was also investigated by altering stretches of phospho-mimetic and phospho-null residues in the presence of Alzheimer’s disease tau core fibrils. These results have important mechanistic implications for mutation and isoform-specific driven pathogenesis.
School-based intervention impacts availability of vegetables and beverages in participants’ homes
Authors: Hudson Erin A. , Burgermaster Marissa , Isis Sophia M. , Jeans Matthew R. , Vandyousefi Sarvenaz , Landry Matthew J. , Seguin-Fowler Rebecca , Chandra Joya , Davis Jaimie
Published: December 2023

As rates of metabolic syndrome rise, children consume too few vegetables and too much added sugar. Because children tend to eat what is available at home, the home environment plays a key role in shaping dietary habits. This secondary analysis evaluated the effects of a school-based gardening, cooking, and nutrition education intervention (TX Sprouts) compared to control on the availability of vegetables, fruit juice, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) at home. In the TX Sprouts cluster-randomized trial, 16 schools were randomized to TX Sprouts (n = 8 schools) or control (n = 8 schools) for one academic year. All schools served predominately Hispanic families with low incomes. TX Sprouts built school gardens and taught 18 lessons to all 3rd-5th grade students at intervention schools. TX Sprouts also offered monthly caregiver lessons before and/or after school. Caregivers completed questionnaires pre and post, providing demographics and information about home availability of vegetables, fruit juice, and SSBs. Summary statistics were used to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of participants. Linear regression assessed the change in scores (pre to post) for the food/ beverage availability question. The model was adjusted for the caregiver’s education, employment status, child’s grade, and free or reduced-price lunch eligibility. The analytic sample included 895 participants. Compared to control, the intervention positively changed the home availability of targeted foods and beverages, largely by improving the availability of vegetables and vegetable juice. This study showed that a school gardening, nutrition, and cooking program delivered to elementary children may positively influence the home food environment.
Autophagy-mediated nanomaterials for tumor therapy
Authors: Liao Zijian , Liu Xiyu , Fan Dianfa , Sun Xingjun , Zhang Zhikun , Wu Pan
Published: December 2023

Autophagy is a lysosomal self-degradation pathway that plays an important protective role in maintaining intracellular environment. Deregulation of autophagy is related to several diseases, including cancer, infection, neurodegeneration, aging, and heart disease. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in autophagy-mediated nanomaterials for tumor therapy. Firstly, the autophagy signaling pathway for tumor therapy will be reviewed, including oxidative stress, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and autophagy-associated genes pathway. Based on that, many autophagy-mediated nanomaterials have been developed and applied in tumor therapy. According to the different structure of nanomaterials, we will review and evaluate these autophagy-mediated nanomaterials’ therapeutic efficacy and potential clinical application.
Rapid progression from complete molar pregnancy to post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: a rare case report and literature review
Authors: Qian Jing , Gracious Kaoma , Sun Liping
Published: December 2023

Background

Post-molar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (pGTN) develops in about 15% to 20% of complete hydatidiform mole (CMH). Commonly, pGTN is diagnosed based on hCG monitoring following the molar evacuation. To date, no detailed information is available on how fast can pGTN develop from CHM. However, the concurrence of CHM and pGTN is extremely rare.

Case presentation

A 29-year-old woman presented to the gynecology department with irregular vaginal bleeding and an elevated hCG serum level. Both ultrasound and MRI showed heterogeneous mass in uterine cavity and myometrium. Suction evacuation was performed and histologic examination of the evacuated specimen confirmed complete hydatidiform mole. Repeated ultrasound showed significant enlargement of the myometrium mass one week after the evacuation. pGTN with prognostic score of 4 was then diagnosed and multi-agent chemotherapy regimen implemented with a good prognosis.

Conclusion

In rare cases, CMH can rapidly progress into pGTN. Imaging in combination with hCG surveillance seems to play a vital role guiding timely diagnosis and treatment in the specific condition. Low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) should be managed stratified according to the individual situation.
Case report: The application of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in anal adenocarcinoma combined with perianal Paget disease involving vulvar skin
Authors: Li Gan-bin , Qiu Xiao-yuan , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Ning , Lin Guo-le
Published: December 2023

Anal adenocarcinoma combined with perianal Paget’s disease (PPD) involving the vulva is rare, and there is no established standard treatment. We present the case of a 69-year-old woman with symptoms of intermittent hematochezia and perianal discomfort for 7 months. Upon examination, we discovered a plaque-like hard mass on the right posterior wall of the anal canal, which extended to encompass the anus and dentate line. The lesion skin also extended forward from the gluteal groove, involving the bilateral labial area. Colonoscopy revealed an extensive protruding lesion on the dentate line, which was confirmed as anal adenocarcinoma (mrT4N0M0). The presence of Paget’s cells in perianal and vulvar skins led to the diagnosis of PPD. The strategy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by radical surgery was then made after multi-disciplinary discuss. The scope and extent of perianal and vulvar disease were significantly diminished after nCRT. The patient underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection and vulvar lesion resection, confirming the diagnosis of anal adenocarcinoma (ypT2N0). No evidence of tumor cells was found in perianal and vulvar skin, indicating a complete response. The patient is regularly monitored without recurrence or metastasis.
Primary hepatic adenosquamous carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ai Haidong , Gong Ting , Ma Yongbiao , Ma Guixu , Zhao Jingjing , Zhao Xuelin
Published: December 2023

Primary hepatic adenosquamous carcinoma is considered a rare subtype of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, with fewer than 100 domestic and international cases reported. This malignancy exhibits a high degree of malignancy, strong invasiveness, and an unfavorable prognosis due to its propensity for early lymph node and intrahepatic metastasis. The etiology of this disease remains uncertain, and preoperative diagnosis is exceedingly challenging owing to the nonspecific clinical features and lack of specificity in imaging studies. Radical surgical resection is the most effective treatment for non-metastatic tumors, while targeted adjuvant therapy administered postoperatively can enhance therapeutic efficacy and delay tumor recurrence. This article documents the diagnostic and therapeutic course of a case of primary hepatic adenosquamous carcinoma treated at our medical institution, along with a comprehensive synthesis of the clinical characteristics and advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, aiming to augment understanding and serve as a reference for future clinical endeavors.
Myositis ossificans in the pediatric population: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Cherry Ibrahim , Mutschler Marion , Samara Eleftheria , Merckaert Sophie , Zambelli Pierre-Yves , Tschopp Benjamin
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Circumscribed or pseudomalignant myositis ossificans (MO) is a rare and benign condition characterized by heterotopic bone formation in soft tissues. The clinical presentation of MO, imaging investigations, histological findings, and treatment strategies are unclear, especially in the pediatric population.

Materials and methods

A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar electronic databases to identify original articles and reviews in English or French of traumatic and non-traumatic MO. Studies were selected by 2 independent reviewers following the PRISMA recommendation and descriptive data were extracted. We harvest in each case the sex, age at diagnosis, location, presence of initial trauma, pre-emptive diagnosis, modalities of imagery used, realized biopsy, treatment performed, and type of follow-up.

Results

Sixty pediatric cases of MO were identified between 2002 and 2023. Twenty-three patients (38.3%) were diagnosed with idiopathic/pseudomalignant and 37 patients (61.7%) with circumscribed. The mean age at diagnosis was 9.5 years (range 0.2–17 years), with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1. The initial pre-emptive diagnosis was neoplasia in 13 patients (21.7%). The biopsy was percutaneous in 9 patients (15%) and incisional in 7 patients (11.7%). Histological analysis was achieved in 35 cases (57%). Surgical excision was the first line treatment in 46.7% of patients, and non-surgical in the remaining patients. The follow-up strategy was clinical in 16 patients (26.7%) or based on imaging investigation in 23 patients (38.3%).

Discussion

Although MO in children is described as a rare pathology, identifying the benignity of the condition is essential to avoid unnecessary invasive treatment and to avoid delaying the treatment of a potentially life-threatening entity. It seems that there is no consensus established concerning the proper imaging for diagnosis. Clinicians should acknowledge that the absence of a triggering trauma tends to direct the investigation and the management toward a surgical attitude. Conservative management is key, however, surgical excision can be proposed on matured lesions on a case-by-case basis. The absence of recurrence is not excluded. Therefore, a close clinical follow-up is suggested for all cases. The true benefit of a radiological is questioned in a question known to be self-resolving.
Risk factors for coronary artery abnormalities and resistance to immunoglobulin plus ciclosporin A therapy in severe Kawasaki disease: subanalysis of the KAICA trial, randomized trial for cicrosporin A as the first-line treatment
Authors: Murayama Yuri , Hamada Hiromichi , Shiko Yuki , Onouchi Yoshihiro , Kakimoto Nobuyuki , Ozawa Yoshihito , Hanaoka Hideki , Hata Akira , Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: December 2023

Background

To investigate risk factors for coronary arterial abnormalities (CAAs) and resistance to treatment in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) receiving intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) plus ciclosporin A (CsA) as the first-line treatment, we performed a subanalysis of baseline data of participants in the KAICA trial, a phase 3, randomized study (JMA-ILA00174).

Methods

All data of the patients enrolled in the KAICA trial, who had a Gunma score ≥5 at diagnosis and had been randomly assigned to either IVIG (2 g/kg/24 h) plus CsA (5 mg/kg/day for 5 days) (n = 86) or IVIG alone (n = 87), were subjected to this study. CAA was defined by a Z score ≥2.5 observed within 4 weeks after treatment initiation. Baseline data including genotypes of KD susceptibility genes were compared between subgroups of patients for CAA or treatment response for each treatment group. Backword-forward stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Pre-Z-max, defined as the maximum among Z scores on four coronary artery branches before treatment, was higher in patients with CAA in both treatment groups and was associated with CAA in IVIG plus CsA treatment group [odds ratio (OR) = 17.0]. High serum total bilirubin level was relevant to treatment resistance only in the IVIG plus CsA group (OR = 2.34).

Conclusions

Coronary artery enlargement before treatment is a major determinant of CAA even in KD patients treated with initial IVIG treatment intensified by addition of CsA. Baseline serum total bilirubin level was a risk factor associated with resistance to IVIG plus CsA.
Benefit assessment of extended dosing in cancer patients after their withdrawal from clinical trials
Authors: Yang Feng , Huang Zhe , Heng Jianfu , Li Kunyan
Published: December 2023

Background: Clinical trials have been widely recognized as an effective treatment approach by physicians and cancer patients alike. Physicians’ evaluations suggest that many patients are likely to continue experiencing benefits from extended dosing of investigational new drugs even after withdrawing from clinical trials.

Objective: Given the uncertainty surrounding the efficacy and safety of investigational new drugs, it is essential to continually assess the benefits of extended dosing for patients.

Methods: The trial group for this study comprised patients who requested extended dosing after withdrawing from clinical trials at Hunan Cancer Hospital between 2016 and 2020. The control group consisted of patients who received conventional treatment and were enrolled in a 1:1 ratio. Follow-up assessments were conducted every 3 months for both groups, and included monitoring of patients’ health status, survival time, disease control or remission, treatment modalities received, and medical costs.

Results: A total of twenty-three patient pairs were successfully matched for this study. The Ethics Committee approved extended dosing for all patients in the trial group, with an average gap period of 16.48 days between their withdrawal from clinical trials and continuous access to the investigational drugs. The median overall survival for patients after withdrawal from clinical trials was 17.3 months in the extended dosing group and 12.9 months in the control group, with no significant difference observed between the two groups (p > 0.250). The median total cost of treatment after the previous clinical trial was 38,006.76 RMB, of which the median cost of therapeutic drugs for conventional treatment was 15,720 RMB, while extended dosing was provided free of charge.

Conclusion: Extended dosing can indeed provide benefits, including survival benefits and economic benefits, to cancer patients after their withdrawal from clinical trials and will clinically present an additional treatment option for patients.
Health-related quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis on tocilizumab, adalimumab, and etanercept in Saudi Arabia: a single-center cross-sectional study
Authors: Alotaibi Amjad M. , Albahdal Areej S. , Abanmy Norah , Alwhaibi Monira , Asiri Yousif , AlRuthia Yazed
Published: December 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on tocilizumab versus other commonly used monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) (e.g., adalimumab and etanercept).

Methods: This was an interview-based cross-sectional study. Adult RA patients (≥18 years) with a disease duration of at least 1 year were included in the study. The Arabic version of EUROQOL (EQ-5D-5L) was used to assess the QOL of RA patients on mAbs. Multiple linear regression was conducted to examine the impact of tocilizumab versus other mAbs on the visual analog scale (VAS) score controlling for age, disease duration, treatment duration, gender, number of comorbidities, and the use of steroids.

Results: The number of patients who met the inclusion criteria and consented to be interviewed was 105 patients (tocilizumab (n = 37), adalimumab (n = 31), and etanercept (n = 37)). No significant differences in the scores of the five EQ-5D-5L domains across different mAbs was found. Although the VAS score of patients on tocilizumab was numerically higher compared to their counterparts on adalimumab or etanercept (69.19 vs. 62.79) this was not statistically significant controlling for age, gender, disease and treatment durations, number of comorbidities, and the utilization of steroids (β = 4.26, 95% CI: [-8.84–17.36], p = 0.52).

Conclusion: The use of tocilizumab did not seem to result in better QOL among RA patients. Future studies with larger sample sizes and more robust designs should be conducted to confirm or refute these findings.
Multi-organ comparison and quantification parameters of [18F]THK-5317 uptake in preclinical mouse models of tau pathology
Authors: Wanek Thomas , Mairinger Severin , Filip Thomas , Löbsch Mathilde , Stanek Johann , Kuntner Claudia
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Current small-animal PET instrumentation provides sufficient resolution, sensitivity, and quantitative accurate information on the radiotracer distribution within the whole body. However, most preclinical imaging studies focus on the disease-related organ of interest and do not use the total body information provided by small-animal PET. In this study, we investigated the distribution of [18F]THK-5317 (also referred to as (S)-[18F]THK-5117), a radiotracer initially developed to visualize tau deposits in the brain, in two transgenic mouse models of tau overexpression and littermate controls at different ages and of both sexes. We compared multiple quantitative parameters of radiotracer uptake in multiple organs of mice to investigate sex, age, or strain-related differences.

Methods: After intravenous administration, 60-min dynamic PET scans were acquired, followed by venous blood sampling, organ harvesting, and metabolite analysis by radio-thin-layer chromatography.

Results: Blood pharmacokinetics and metabolism of [18F]THK-5317 significantly differed between males and females across all strains. Sex-related differences in organ VTs were identified from two-way ANOVA analysis. Organ-to-blood concentration ratios correlated well with organ VTs in all investigated organs.

Conclusion: Following our workflow, a straightforward multiple-organ analysis of [18F]THK-5317 uptake in mice was easily achievable. From the derived quantitative parameters, the organ-to-blood values correlate best with the calculated VTs. Given the active incorporation of 3R principles into preclinical quantitative imaging, we propose that this workflow might be suitable to select novel radiotracer candidates before more complex kinetic models, comprising invasive methods such as full arterial blood sampling, for radiotracer quantification are applied.
Sanford Underground Research Facility’s approach to school education, community activities, and public outreach
Authors: Horn Markus , Woodward Erin Lorraine
Published: December 2023

The Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) is the deepest underground science facility in the United States. SURF hosts world-leading experiments in neutrino, astroparticle and nuclear physics, as well as projects in biology, geology, and engineering, and is home to a major excavation project making space for Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory’s Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF), which will power the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). An emphasis on outreach and education is embedded in SURF’s mission statement: “to advance world-class science and inspire learning across generations.” To achieve this mission, SURF goes beyond established science communication methods, including operating an open-to-the-public visitor center, hosting multiple public outreach events per month, and an annual city-wide science festival. Furthermore, SURF is training K-12 science educators, developing school curriculum units, and providing classroom materials, based on science researched at the laboratory. The strategic approach, specific methods, and successful outcomes of these programs, which are based on SURF’s science, location, and community, may serve as examples for effective science education, public outreach, and community engagement.
Quantum squeezing induced nonreciprocal enhancement of optomechanical cooling
Authors: Lu Tian-Xiang , Chen Liu-Sha , Zhong Wo-Jun , Xiao Xing
Published: December 2023

We theoretically propose how to achieve nonreciprocal enhancement of mechanical cooling in a compound cavity optomechanical system composed of an optomechanical resonator and a χ(2)-nonlinear resonator. By parametric pumping the χ(2)-nonlinear resonator unidirectionally with a classical coherent field, quantum squeezing of the resonator mode emerges in one direction but not in the other, resulting in asymmetric optical detuning and a tunable chiral photon interaction between two resonators. As a result, nonreciprocal mechanical cooling is achieved. More importantly, enhanced mechanical cooling deep into the ground-state can be achieved in the selected directions due to the squeezing effect. These results provide an experimentally feasible way to realize nonreciprocal ground-state cooling of mechanical resonator, which may have a wide range of applications in quantum communication and quantum technologies.
Effects of low-load blood flow restriction on the venous system in comparison to traditional low-load and high-load exercises
Authors: Franz Alexander , Ji Sanghyeon , Fröschen Frank Sebastian , Kerstin Marleen , Wahl Patrick , Behringer Michael
Published: December 2023

Purpose: Blood-Flow-Restriction (BFR) training provides the ability to achieve hypertrophy effects even though only light mechanical loads are applied. However, its impact on venous pressures and function are still unknown. Therefore, the present study investigates the influence of BFR-training on intravascular venous pressure and venous function in comparison to control exercises with low or high mechanical loads.

Methods: In a randomized cross-over design, ten healthy men (27.6 ± 6.4 years) underwent three trials of unilateral knee-extensor exercise with three different training protocols, low-load- (LL-RT, 30% of the individual 1-repetition-maximum, 1RM), low-load BFR- (LL-BFR-RT, 30% 1RM, 50% limb occlusion pressure, LOP) and high-load resistance exercise (HL-RT, 75% 1RM). Exercise protocols contain about four sets of knee extension exercise (Range-of-Motion: 0-0-95°), separated by 60 s of rest. Each set was performed until volitional muscle failure. For analysis of changes in intravascular venous pressures and venous function, a venous catheter was placed at the exercising leg before each trial. Whereas venous pressures were recorded throughout the exercise trials, phlebodynamometric investigations were performed before and after each trial. Furthermore, subjective pain perception during and after exercise was accessed by visual analogue scale. One-way ANOVA was used to assess mean differences between training protocols, while two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (rANOVA; time x condition) was performed to compare changes in measures over time among conditions. Data were given as means ± standard deviation (SD).

Results: In comparison to the exercise trials without venous occlusion, total workload was significantly lower in the LL-BFR-RT (LL-RT: 1745 ± 604 kg vs LL-BFR-RT: 1274 ± 237 kg vs HL-RT: 1847 ± 367 kg, p = 0.004) without indicating statistical differences in venous pressures during the exercise sets (interaction: p = 0.140) or pain perception (interaction: p = 0.574). Similarly, phlebodynamometric assessment of venous function (e.g. refill-time of the venous system pre-vs. post exercise trials–LL-RT: 29.7 ± 11.0 s vs 25.5 ± 9.6 s, LL-BFR-RT: 26.6 ± 13.0 s vs 27.3 ± 13.8 s, HL-RT: 25.9 ± 10.9 s vs 23.1 ± 8.2 s) revealed no time (p = 0.156), condition effect (p = 0.802) or their interactions (p = 0.382).

Conclusion: The present study is the first one describing the acute effects of LL-BFR-RT to muscle failure on venous pressures and function in comparison to a LL- and HL-RT in the lower limbs. In contrast to the existing literature, LL-BFR-RT does not elevate the venous pressures during exercise higher than a comparative exercise without BFR and does not show any adverse effects on venous function after the exercise.
A matched-pair case control study identifying hemodynamic predictors of cerebral aneurysm growth using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Weiss Allyson J. , Panduro Aaron O. , Schwarz Erica L. , Sexton Zachary A. , Lan Ingrid S. , Geisbush Thomas. R. , Marsden Alison L. , Telischak Nicholas A.
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Initiation and progression of cerebral aneurysms is known to be driven by complex interactions between biological and hemodynamic factors, but the hemodynamic mechanism which drives aneurysm growth is unclear. We employed robust modeling and computational methods, including temporal and spatial convergence studies, to study hemodynamic characteristics of cerebral aneurysms and identify differences in these characteristics between growing and stable aneurysms.

Methods: Eleven pairs of growing and non-growing cerebral aneurysms, matched in both size and location, were modeled from MRA and CTA images, then simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Key hemodynamic characteristics, including wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and portion of the aneurysm under low shear, were evaluated. Statistical analysis was then performed using paired Wilcoxon rank sum tests.

Results: The portion of the aneurysm dome under 70% of the parent artery mean wall shear stress was higher in growing aneurysms than in stable aneurysms and had the highest significance among the tested metrics (p = 0.08). Other metrics of area under low shear had similar levels of significance.

Discussion: These results align with previously observed hemodynamic trends in cerebral aneurysms, indicating a promising direction for future study of low shear area and aneurysm growth. We also found that mesh resolution significantly affected simulated WSS in cerebral aneurysms. This establishes that robust computational modeling methods are necessary for high fidelity results. Together, this work demonstrates that complex hemodynamics are at play within cerebral aneurysms, and robust modeling and simulation methods are needed to further study this topic.
Insights from the yield, protein production, and detailed alkaloid composition of white (Lupinus albus), narrow-leafed (Lupinus angustifolius), and yellow (Lupinus luteus) lupin cultivars in the Mediterranean region
Authors: Valente Inês M. , Sousa Carla , Almeida Mariana , Miranda Carla , Pinheiro Victor , Garcia-Santos Sofia , Ferreira Luís M. M. , Guedes Cristina M. , Maia Margarida R. G. , Cabrita Ana R. J. , Fonseca António J. M. , Trindade Henrique
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Lupins and other legumes have been considered as alternative plant-based protein sources to soybeans for both humans and livestock. Furthermore, they can contribute to more sustainable agricultural systems. The productivity and chemical composition of legumes is highly variable between species, cultivars, and with the edaphoclimatic conditions.

Methods

This work evaluated the adaptability of seven Lupinus cultivars in two different sowing locations, during two consecutive years, through the characterization of their seed, as a means of investigating their suitability to be used as a source of food and/or feed.

Results and discussion

Lupinus angustifolius cv. Tango and Lupinus luteus cv. Acos were the most stable genotypes across the environments when considering the seed and protein production, while L. luteus cv. Alburquerque and L. luteus cv. Mister showed less variation in the total alkaloid content across the environments. The edaphoclimatic conditions affected seed and protein yields, as higher rainfall resulted in high productivity. The lower temperatures observed in the first year at both locations caused a reduction in the production of alkaloids in L. luteus cv. Acos and Cardiga. Due to the high alkaloid content of some of the studied cultivars their use as food or feed can pose some safety concerns. However, these cultivars can have high levels of resistance to herbivore and insect attacks, which can be of the utmost importance for the use of these crops for recovering poor or exhausted soils.
Codon usage bias in chloroplast genes implicate adaptive evolution of four ginger species
Authors: Yang Qian , Xin Cheng , Xiao Qing-Song , Lin Ya-Ting , Li Li , Zhao Jian-Li
Published: December 2023

Codon usage bias (CUB) refers to different codons exhibiting varying frequencies of usage in the genome. Studying CUB is crucial for understanding genome structure, function, and evolutionary processes. Herein, we investigated the codon usage patterns and influencing factors of protein-coding genes in the chloroplast genomes of four sister genera (monophyletic Roscoea and Cautleya, and monophyletic Pommereschea and Rhynchanthus) from the Zingiberaceae family with contrasting habitats in southwestern China. These genera exhibit distinct habitats, providing a unique opportunity to explore the adaptive evolution of codon usage. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of nucleotide composition and codon usage on protein-coding genes in the chloroplast genomes. The study focused on understanding the relationship between codon usage and environmental adaptation, with a particular emphasis on genes associated with photosynthesis. Nucleotide composition analysis revealed that the overall G/C content of the coding genes was ˂ 48%, indicating an enrichment of A/T bases. Additionally, synonymous and optimal codons were biased toward ending with A/U bases. Natural selection is the primary factor influencing CUB characteristics, particularly photosynthesis-associated genes. We observed differential gene expressions related to light adaptation among sister genera inhabiting different environments. Certain codons were favored under specific conditions, possibly contributing to gene expression regulation in particular environments. This study provides insights into the adaptive evolution of these sister genera by analyzing CUB and offers theoretical assistance for understanding gene expression and regulation. In addition, the data support the relationship between RNA editing and CUB, and the findings shed light on potential research directions for investigating adaptive evolution.
Mutual interference between memory encoding and motor skills: the influence of motor expertise
Authors: Monz Annalena , Morbe Kathrin , Klein Markus , Schaefer Sabine
Published: December 2023

In cognitive–motor dual-task situations, the extent of performance decrements is influenced by the attentional requirements of each task. Well-learned motor skills should be automatized, leading to less interference. This study presents two studies combining an episodic memory encoding task with well-practiced motor tasks in athletes. Study 1 asked 40 rowers (early teenagers to middle adulthood) to row on ergometers at slow or fast speeds. In study 2, Taekwondo athletes (n = 37) of different skill levels performed a well-practiced sequence of martial arts movements. Performing the motor task during encoding led to pronounced performance reductions in memory in both studies, with costs of up to 80%. Cognitive costs were even larger when rowing with the fast compared to the slow speed in study 1. Both studies also revealed decrements in motor performances under dual-task conditions: Rowing became slower and more irregular (study 1), and the quality of the Taekwondo performance was reduced. Although higher-level athletes outperformed others in motor skills under single-task conditions, proportional dual-task costs were similar across skill levels for most domains. This indicates that even well-practiced motor tasks require cognitive resources.
The effect of short-form video addiction on undergraduates’ academic procrastination: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Xie Jin , Xu Xinyu , Zhang Yamei , Tan Yuxin , Wu Dazhou , Shi Mingjian , Huang Hai
Published: December 2023

Background

Short-form videos have become one of the most popular ways for people to entertain and relax. However, the intense interest in short-form videos has given rise to short-video addiction, which poses risks to both physical and mental health of individuals. Undergraduates are one of the important users for short-form videos, and the influence of short-form video addiction calls for more attention. This study aimed to investigate the association between short-form video addiction and academic procrastination among undergraduates, exploring the role of executive functions (i.e., attentional control) and personality traits (i.e., boredom proneness) in the association.

Methods

Using stratified random cluster sampling method, the data of 1,047 college students were used in the study. All variables were measured by empirical instruments, and all instruments were highly reliable. Mediation and moderation analysis was conducted using Model 4 and 7 in PROCESS macro powered by SPSS.

Results

Results revealed that short-form video addiction not only directly impacted academic procrastination but also placed indirect effect on academic procrastination through attentional control. Furthermore, the mediating effect of attentional control was contingent upon individuals’ boredom proneness. Higher levels of boredom proneness weakened the impact of short-form video addiction on attentional control.

Conclusion

The findings expand our knowledge of the negative effects of short-form video addiction and the underlying mechanisms, providing implications for mitigating undergraduates’ academic procrastination.
Alexithymia is associated with insomnia in Chinese patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Cai Fangfang , Jiang Huixia , Tong Siyu , Zhou Siyao , Wang Mengpu , Sun Shiyu , Liu Jie , Xu Yao , Lin Nankai , Dai Jiajing , Wang Xinyao , Wang Wei , Zhao Ke , Wu Xixi
Published: December 2023

Background

Sleep disorders are prevalent among patients with schizophrenia and are associated with several negative consequences. Although, researchers have recently suggested that sleep disorders have a close correlation with alexithymia, and schizophrenia also has a strong correlation with alexithymia, there have been few studies on the relationships between schizophrenia, sleep disorders and alexithymia. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationships between psychiatric symptoms, alexithymia and sleep problems in patients with schizophrenia so as to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of this comorbidity.

Methods

In total, 977 patients with schizophrenia were recruited for this study. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was used to assess sleep disorders, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) were used to evaluate clinical symptoms, cognitive functions and the ability to express emotion, respectively.

Results

The results indicated that the PANSS subscales (G-subscore) and TAS group were risk factors for insomnia in schizophrenia patients (all p < 0.05). The mediation model showed the standardized path coefficients from schizophrenia to alexithymia (β = 0.104, p < 0.001) and from alexithymia to insomnia (β = 0.038, p < 0.001) were statistically significant.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicated that alexithymia is associated with sleep disturbance in patients with schizophrenia. These findings may provide a new avenue for the treatment of schizophrenia patients with sleep disorders.
Changes in substance use and engagement in gaming/gambling in persons with severe mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic and earthquakes: a community study in two points
Authors: Medved Sara , Palavra Irena Rojnić , Gerlach Josefina , Levaj Sarah , Shields-Zeeman Laura , Bolinski Felix , Bradaš Zoran , Madžarac Zoran , Filipčić Igor , Rojnić Kuzman Martina
Published: December 2023

Introduction

External stressors, such as COVID-19 pandemic and earthquake, can cause an increase in substance use and addictive behavior in persons with severe mental illnesses (SMI). We analyzed the changes and predictors of substance use and addictive behavior in SMI during these double disasters in Croatia.

Methods

Questionnaires exploring the presence of substance or behavior addiction disorder, mental ill health [Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised], coping mechanisms, and perceived social support [Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)] were administered among 90 participants with SMI included in the RECOVER-E study in May/June 2020 (first COVID-19 wave, Zagreb earthquake) and in December 2020/January 2021 (second COVID-19 wave, Petrinja earthquake).

Results

In both time points, a major increase was observed in tobacco smoking (25.0%; 28.6%, respectively) predicted by discontinuation of antidepressants and higher DASS-21 score. Increased sedative use was observed (24.4%; 23.8%, respectively) predicted by higher PSS and ISI scores, lower MSPSS scores, antipsychotic discontinuation and not receiving community mental health team (CMHT) service.

Discussion

In persons with SMI during a double disaster special attention needs to be given to reducing mental-ill health and stress, providing social support and continuity of psychiatric care, through medications and CMHTs.