bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Binding predictions and molecular docking as a computational approach to identify human T CD4 epitopes from Leishmania proteins
Authors: Martínez Magda Melissa Flórez , Larios Dariannis , Martínez Wilson David , Rojas Karel , Uribe Yajaira , Torres Francy Elaine
Published: October 2024

Background: So far there are not licensed leishmania vaccines for humans so is necessary to develop a strategy that improve treatment options or that can prevent the onset of the disease. To eliminate intracellular Leishmania amastigotes inside macrophage, a cellular immune response of CD4+ Th1 profile is essential, therefore the identification of sequences that binds strong to HLA class II pockets are good candidates to induce a protective immune response against Leishmania spp.
The aim of this study was to identify T CD4+ epitopes from immunogenic Leishmania proteins.
Methods: First, three prediction tools were used as screening comparing the 15mer sequences along the complete protein sequence against 25 HLA-DR alleles employing NH, SMT, CPA, CPB, and CPC proteins. Second, molecular docking and finally immune response predictions was run for the selection of best candidates.
Results: 6 peptides were identified as HLA-DR strong binders simultaneously from the three bioinformatic prediction tools NH69-83, SMT133-148, CPA39-54, CPA301-316, CPB42-57, and CPC37-52. Molecular docking showed that those sequences bind to HLA-DRβ*04:01 pocket however some peptides bonded in a reverse way. Finally, 4 of them induced pro-inflammatory cytokines, while the other 2 showed anti-inflammatory profile.
Conclusion: This bioinformatic strategy allowed a sequential screening from 1 857 possible peptides to 4 promising candidates, raising the probability of these sequences being natural T CD4+ Leishmania spp. epitopes in humans. SMT133-148, NH69-83, CPA39-54 and CPA301-316 seems to be a good vaccine candidate to be tested in further in vitro assays.
Seipin luminal domain is dispensable in establishing functional ER sites of lipid droplet biogenesis
Authors: Choudhary Vineet , Khatri Amit , Chaudhary Ritika , Kumari R Mankamna
Published: October 2024

Lipid droplet (LD) biogenesis occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the mechanisms of which is not completely known. Seipin (Fld1 in yeast) is a crucial ER membrane protein that defines LD biogenesis sites. Here, we report truncated seipin, Fld1-∆LR in yeast, and the human equivalent hSeipin-∆LR, mutants lacking the conserved luminal domain region (LR). Remarkably, Fld1-∆LR localizes to ER subdomains independently of LDs like Fld1, and complements the lack of Fld1 function. Fld1-∆LR foci represent functional LD biogenesis sites as it recruits LD biogenesis machinery, including factors Nem1, Ldb16, Pex30, and Yft2 and become enriched in diacylglycerol upon induction of LD formation. We demonstrate that unlike Fld1, Fld1-∆LR or hSeipin-∆LR rescues the LD morphology defect and terbinafine drug sensitivity of fld1∆ ldb16∆ cells like hSeipin. Mutating proline 31 to glycine (P31G) abrogates functioning of Fld1-∆LR. Interestingly, Fld1-∆LR can oligomerize and assemble into decamer like Fld1. We find that fld1∆ cells expressing Fld1-∆LR/hSeipin-∆LR resulted in increased steady state triacylglycerol (TAG) levels, suggesting crucial regulatory role of the luminal domain in TAG partitioning into LDs. Collectively, we propose a mechanistic model in which Fld1-∆LR represent the minimal region in seipin that is necessary and sufficient to organize functional LD biogenesis sites.
Urban resilience evaluation based on the DRIVING FORCE-PRESSURE-STATE-IMPACT-RESPONSE (DPSIR) framework and BP NEURAL NETWORK: A case study of Hubei Province
Authors: Liang Yan , Cheng Yingsong , Ren Fu , Du Qingyun
Published: October 2024

Building resilient cities has become an emerging risk management strategy, thus it is necessary to make a scientific evaluation on urban resilience. In this study, both the Driving Force-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework and the BP neural network were innovatively adopted to construct a comprehensive urban resilience evaluation model. Prefecture-level cities in Hubei Province were examined for empirical analysis. The results showed that: (1) Urban resilience is a dynamic process of change. The resilience level of cities in Hubei Province was influenced primarily by two major factors: driving force and response. (2) The urban resilience of cities in Hubei Province had been improving steadily from 2015 to 2021, but there was a spatial negative correlation among them. Owing to uneven development within Hubei Province, it can be apparently seen that Wuhan, the provincial capital, holds a dominant position. (3) Resource and environmental pressure has become the main obstacle to the construction of resilient cities in Wuhan. The primary limiting factors for other cities are the degree of socioeconomic growth and the capacity of the government to handle affairs. This study not only enriched the theory and methods of urban resilience evaluation, but also had important reference value for the government to formulate effective urban sustainable development strategies.
An endoscopic ultrasound-based interpretable deep learning model and nomogram for distinguishing pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors from pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yi Nan , Mo Shuangyang , Zhang Yan , Jiang Qi , Wang Yingwei , Huang Cheng , Qin Shanyu , Jiang Haixing
Published: October 2024

Objectives
To retrospectively validate and develop an interpretable deep learning model and nomogram using EUS images to predict pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs).
Methods
After pathological confirmation, a retrospective analysis of 266 patients (115 with pNETs and 151 with pancreatic cancer) was conducted. Patients were randomly divided into training and test groups (7:3 ratio). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm reduced DL feature dimensions from pre-standardized EUS images. Nonzero features developed eight predictive DL models using different machine learning algorithms. The best model established a clinical signature for a nomogram. Grad-CAM and SHAP were used to interpret and visualize model outputs.
Results
Out of 2048 DL features, 27 with nonzero coefficients were retained. The SVM DL model achieved AUCs of 0.948 (training) and 0.795 (test). A nomogram combining DL and clinical signatures was developed, and calibration curves, DCA plots, and CICs confirmed high accuracy. Grad-CAM and SHAP enhanced model interpretability, benefiting clinical decision-making.
Conclusions
The novel interpretable DL model and nomogram, validated with EUS images and machine learning, show promise for enhancing EUS's ability to predict pNETs from pancreatic cancer, providing valuable insights for future research and application.
Hemodynamic Characteristics of Carotid Plaques as Potential Biomarkers for Predicting Anterior Circulation Acute Cerebral Infarction: A Prospective Study
Authors: Liu Yumeng , Ji Bin , Wu Bokai , Xu Yajing , Mi Rui , Wang Panying , Lv Yungang , Wu Ruodai , Peng Zhengkun , Ye Hai , Wu Songxiong , Li Guangyao , Liu Jia , Wu Guangyao
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to examine the hemodynamic properties of carotid artery plaques, exploring their potential as indicators for predicting anterior circulation acute cerebral infarction (ACI). A prospective analysis was performed on 113 carotid atherosclerotic plaques from 68 patients, dividing them into two groups: those with ACI (73 plaques) and those without (NACI, 40 plaques). Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was applied to measure hemodynamic parameters, focusing on wall shear stress (WSS) in the upstream, downstream, and core regions of the plaque, as well as pressure and blood flow velocity. The results indicated that patients with ACI had significantly lower WSS in all regions compared to the NACI group (P < 0.05). The ACI group also showed higher pressures and core blood flow velocities, while downstream velocity was reduced. Among the WSS parameters, WSSdown was the most efficient predictor for ACI, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.96, an F1 Score of 0.95, and a diagnostic Odds Ratio significantly higher than other parameters. The findings suggest that reduced WSS is a significant correlate of ACI and may be a reliable biomarker for its early detection.
Association of school social status with Covid pandemic related changes and post-pandemic rebounds of children’s physical fitness
Authors: Teich Paula , Arntz Fabian , Wöhrl Toni , Bähr Florian , Golle Kathleen , Kliegl Reinhold
Published: October 2024

Background
In a recent study, we examined Covid-19 pandemic effects on the physical fitness of German third-graders tested between 2016 and 2022. The present report includes new data from 2023 to examine whether there were post-pandemic rebounds in the negatively affected fitness components, and whether pandemic and potential rebound effects differed by school social status.
Methods
The EMOTIKON project annually tests the fitness of all third-graders in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany. Tests assess cardiorespiratory endurance (6-min-run), coordination (star-run), speed (20-m linear sprint), lower (powerLOW, standing long jump), and upper (powerUP, ball-push) limbs muscle power, and static balance (one-legged-stance). A total of 108,308 third-graders aged between 8 and 9.2 years from 444 schools were tested in the falls from 2016–2023. Linear mixed models, specified for a regression discontinuity design with random factors for child and school, tested pandemic effects at the first day of school in the school year 2020/21 (i.e., the critical date) and cohort trends before and after the pandemic onset.
Results
At the critical date, there were small negative pandemic effects in cardiorespiratory endurance, coordination, speed, and powerUP. Pandemic effects in speed and coordination were larger in schools with higher social status. Coordination and powerUP were characterized by a post-pandemic rebound, with slightly larger coordination rebounds for schools with higher social status. There was no evidence for rebounds of cardiorespiratory endurance and speed.
Conclusions
Absence of evidence for task-specific rebounds may indicate long-term consequences of pandemic-related movement restrictions. Especially children in schools with higher social burden may be in need of improved access to sports opportunities.
Balancing Risk and Reward: Cognitive Processes in Decision-Making Explored Through the Modular Serial-Parallel Network
Authors: Fific Mario , Kneeland Cara , Houpt Joseph
Published: October 2024

The Modular Serial-Parallel Network (MSPN) framework provides a robust approach to understanding the cognitive mechanisms underlying decision-making, particularly in risk-reward scenarios exemplified by the classical gamble task. By facilitating the diagnosis of processing order (serial or parallel), stopping rules (exhaustive or self-terminating), and the interdependency of mental processes, the MSPN model bridges the gap between two prominent theoretical approaches: utility-based models and heuristic-based models. Our study utilized the MSPN to explore how participants navigate decisions involving risk, revealing diverse strategies—some participants relied on serial processing, others on parallel processing, and many exhibited a dynamic mix of both depending on the trial. Notably, individual subject analysis highlighted significant variability, with some participants showing consistent preferences for one processing style, while others flexibly switched between strategies. These findings challenge the dominance of pure utility-based models and underscore the importance of considering heuristics and individual differences in decision-making. Furthermore, the MSPN’s capability to validate or falsify cognitive assumptions enhances our understanding of the risk-reward calculus in human judgment. This dual role positions the MSPN as a pivotal tool in advancing both theoretical insights and practical applications in cognitive research.
Behavioral change is linked to Acute Angle Closure occurrence in COVID-19 Co- infected Patients
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , Tian Aijun , Zhang Shaodan , Qu Bo , Zhao Lijun , Pan Xiaojing , Lu Peng , Chang Xinqi , Yang Lu , Ha Shaoping , Wang Jibing , Yang Jiangang , Wang Xiaohui , Yao Peng , Yang Yuxia , Zhou Wenzong , Wang Zhaoyi , Zhang Juntao , Lin Chuanqi , Li Junhua , Jiang Yanhua , Cheng Zhongxia , Ding Zhixiang , Xiong Siying , Ye Cong , Zhao Houyu , Congdon Nathan , Liang Yuanbo
Published: October 2024

Objectives
To analyze the influence of behavioral factors associated with COVID-19 infection on the occurrence of acute angle closure (AAC).
Methods
A multicenter hospital-based study was conducted at 23 ophthalmic centers in 17 provincial-level regions across China to recruit patients with confirmed AAC during the post-lockdown time of COVID-19 (P-TOC) from Dec 7, 2022, to Jan 17, 2023, and three lockdown time of COVID-19 (TOC) periods, which included the TOC-2022 (Sep 7, 2022 - Dec 6, 2022), TOC-2021(Sep 7, 2021 - Jan 6, 2022) and TOC-2020 (Sep 7, 2020 - Jan 6, 2021). Patient information including demographic characteristics, a questionnaire regarding behavioral changes during the AAC period, COVID-19 history, and eye examination results were collected.
Results
The study involved 3216 AAC cases, with 76.2% being female and 78.9% aged over 60 years. AAC occurrences during P-TOC was nearly tripled compared to the corresponding months in TOC-2021 and TOC-2020. Patients with AAC comorbidity and COVID-19 exhibited significantly higher water intake (37.3% vs 2.2%, p < 0.001) and poorer sleep quality (49.16% vs 4.07%, p < 0.001) than those without COVID-19 comorbidity, while around 58.4% of patients with AAC and COVID-19 received antipyretic analgesic drugs for symptom management purposes. The COVID-19 group also demonstrated elevated intraocular pressure as well as worse uncorrected distance visual acuity, when compared to non-COVID-19 patients.
Conclusions
The relationship between the occurrence of AAC and behavioral factors associated with COVID-19 suggests that managing these patients should consider related behavioral change.
Functional connectivity of the sensory system and executive functions during a story listening task is related to parent-child interaction during joint reading: a functional MRI-diffusion map study
Authors: Kraus Tzipi Horowitz , Jacobson Adi , Hutton John , Horowitz-Kraus Tzipi
Published: October 2024

The quality of parent-child interaction during shared reading may influence the activation and synchronization of reading-related brain networks. But could differences in brain activity while a child is listening to stories predict parent-child interaction level during reading? For this study, functional MRI including a stories listening task was performed with 22 4-year-old girls and behavioral measurement scores reflecting parent-child interaction as well as maternal depression levels affecting these interactions were collected using video observation data of a shared reading task of these children with their mothers. The study aim was to apply the fMRI stories-listening data to create a diffusion maps algorithm and then attempt to classify the level of parent-child interaction during a shared reading task outside of the scanner. The diffusion maps algorithm successfully clustered children in this manner, with higher parent-child engagement scores related to diffusion patterns in regions of the brain known to support reading. This study demonstrates that applying this diffusion maps algorithm to brain functional connectivity data can predict parent-child interaction during shared book reading. This algorithmic approach is a potential, novel, data-driven means to quantify parent-child interaction in different contexts (e.g., reading, play) and populations.
Comparative study: Trimetazidine vs Olanzapine on cognitive dysfunction and behavioral changes in Ketamine-induced psychosis model in mice
Authors: Magdy Yosra , Kamar sherif , Fansa Hoda , Khedr Sara , Sedky Amina
Published: October 2024

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress may contribute to schizophrenia. Negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in individuals with schizophrenia are resistant to antipsychotic medications, but physical exercise is an effective treatment. Beneficial effects of exercise involve the release of irisin from skeletal muscle by activating mitochondrial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1-α (PGC1-α). "Irisin enhances cognitive function by boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and through its antioxidant properties." Schizophrenia patients struggle to engage in physical activity due to dysfunction in their skeletal muscle mitochondria. Trimetazidine improves mitochondrial function and increase irisin re-lease, offering an alternative to exercise for schizophrenics with cognitive dysfunction. The study compared trimetazidine to olanzapine in treating behavioral changes and cognitive dysfunction in mice with ketamine-induced psychosis. Researchers investigated the effects of trimetazidine on muscle power, mitochondrial function, plasma irisin level, and their correlation with hippocampal BDNF and MDA. Ketamine use in mice led to cognitive dysfunction, reduced BDNF, elevated MDA, decreased muscle grip, and irisin. Trimetazidine improved irisin and improved BDNF, MDA levels, and cognitive function. Trimetazidine works like exercise, leading to an increase in skeletal muscle mitochondrial PGC1α and plasma irisin. Olanzapine induced less improvement in cognitive function with a reduction in PGC1α and muscle grip.
The Impact of Novice Teachers' Professional Identity on Seventh-Grade Students' Psychological Resilience: A Multi-Level Study Examining the Mediator of Teacher-Student Relationships and the Moderator of Life Satisfaction
Authors: Hu Pan-Pan , Chen Xiu-Mei , Cao Cui-Hong , Weerasawainon Aeksing , Wei Xiaoxia , Chen I-Hua
Published: October 2024

Background
Teachers' professional identity plays a critical role in shaping educational environments, particularly through its influence on teacher-student relationships and students' psychological resilience. Although the connection between professional identity and these factors is established, the indirect effect of professional identity on student resilience—mediated by teacher-student relationships and moderated by teachers' life satisfaction—has not been fully explored. This study investigates the impact of novice teachers' professional identity on seventh-grade students' psychological resilience, focusing on the mediating role of teacher-student relationships and the moderating effect of teachers' life satisfaction.
Methods
Data were collected from 69 novice teachers and 2,147 students across 10 middle schools in China. The study employed Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) to analyze the direct and indirect effects of teachers' professional identity on students' psychological resilience, accounting for the nested data structure.
Results
The analysis revealed that a strong professional identity among novice teachers significantly enhances students' psychological resilience, primarily through the improvement of teacher-student relationships. However, the expected moderating effect of teachers' life satisfaction was not supported, possibly due to the uniformly high levels of life satisfaction among the participants.
Conclusion
These results underscore the importance of fostering a strong professional identity in novice teachers to cultivate positive teacher-student relationships, which are crucial for enhancing students' psychological resilience. The study offers valuable insights for educational policies and interventions aimed at supporting teacher development and improving student outcomes during the critical transition to middle school.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the bladder as a cause of spontaneous bladder rupture : a case report
Authors: TARIQI REDA , Abidi Hamza El , Boujida Ismail , darqaoui Sabrine , Boualaoui Imad , Ibrahimi Ahmed , Sayegh Hachem El , Nouini Yassine
Published: October 2024

Background: Spontaneous bladder rupture is a rare condition typically presenting with abdominal pain and peritonitis. Although bladder malignancies seldom cause spontaneous perforation, when they do, the condition carries a high mortality rate due to delayed diagnosis and poor prognosis.
Case presentation: A 69-year-old woman with a history of subtotal hysterectomy presented with acute abdominal pain and recurrent haematuria. Imaging showed a bladder rupture. Extensive bladder necrosis and multiple perforations were found during surgery, necessitating cystectomy. Histopathology confirmed infiltrating keratinising squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Her condition deteriorated postoperatively, and she died four months later.
Conclusions: This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of spontaneous bladder rupture in SCC, the aggressive nature of the malignancies causing spontaneous bladder rupture, and the need for high clinical suspicion and timely intervention.
Population pharmacokinetics of cefotaxime in patients with early neonatal pneumonia
Authors: Ren Meijuan , Feng Kun , Yu Mingming , Yan eixing , Liu Xiuxiang
Published: October 2024

Objective: This study aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic model of cefotaxime for early neonatal pneumonia patients (postnatal age ≤ 7 days) and optimize dosage regimens to guide personalized treatment.
Methods: Opportunistic blood sampling was utilized to collect samples from newborns. The model was developed using nonlinear mixed effects modeling software, enabling the determination of pharmacokinetic parameters and the completion of dose simulations for practical application.
Results: A total of 51 newborns were included, and 94 blood samples of cefotaxime were collected, with the concentration ranging from 6.9 to 383.2 μg/ml. The findings indicated that a two-compartment model was most appropriate for describing the pharmacokinetics of cefotaxime in this population. Covariate analysis revealed significant influences of current body weight and age on the pharmacokinetic parameters. The median (range) weight-normalized clearance of cefotaxime was 0.08 (0.04-0.15) L/h/kg, and the median (range) values for the central and peripheral compartment volumes were 0.13 (0.10-0.16) L/kg and 0.19 (0.16-0.24) L/kg, respectively. Monte Carlo simulation results indicated that for these neonates, when the MIC was 2 μg/mL, the original dosing regimen (50.0 mg/kg, every 12 hours) achieved 100% fT>MIC in over 90% of the neonates. Moreover, for neonates weighing ≤ 2.5 kg, reducing the dose to 25.0 mg/kg still met the target.
Conclusion: The population pharmacokinetic model developed in this study provides valuable insights for the management of cefotaxime in neonates with pneumonia. This study supports the necessity of weight based personalized dosing regimens to achieve optimal treatment levels.
Orelabrutinib, Rituximab, Temozolomide and High-Dose Methotrexate (RMOT) in Newly Diagnosed Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL): A Single-center Retrospective Analysis.
Authors: Zhang Peng , Nie Man , Zhuang Dongyu , Chen Tao , Huang Silan , Lei Dexin , Wang Yanlou , Cai Qingqing , Xia Yi
Published: October 2024

Purpose
Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor with poor prognosis. Orelabrutinib, a highly selective BTK inhibitor, has demonstrated promising clinical effectiveness in patients with relapsed and refractory PCNSL. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of orelabrutinib, rituximab, temozolomide and high-dose methotrexate (RMOT) regimen in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL.
Method
Patients diagnosed with PCNSL were included in this retrospective study. All patients received at least 4 cycles of RMOT regimen (rituximab 375 mg/m2 iv day 1; MTX 3.5 g/m2 iv day 2; temozolomide 150 mg/m2 po day 1 to day 5; orelabrutinib 150 mg qd po; 4 weeks per cycle), and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) or whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) was used as consolidation therapy. All patients were proposed to receive orelabrutinib as maintenance therapy for a maxium duration of 2 years.
Results
16 treatment-naive PCNSL patients were treated with RMOT regimen. The CRR and ORR were 87.5% and 93.75%, respectively. The median follow-up time was 18.7 months. The median PFS and OS was not achieved. The 1-year PFS and OS rates both reached 90%. The most common adverse reaction was anemia, most adverse reactions were grade 1–2, and only 1 patient (6.25%) occurred grade 3 adverse reactions.
Conclusion
This retrospective data suggested that RMOT had an encouraging anti-tumor activity in newly diagnosed PCNSL patients, with a toleratable safety profile. Further perspective studies are warranted to validate its effectiveness in untreated PCNSL.
Efficacy and safety of bronchial arterial chemoembolization in combination with tislelizumab for non-small cell lung cancer: a phase II study
Authors: Liang Chao , Han Daqian , Li Hao , Wang Manzhou , Kuang Donglin , Chen Pengfei , Lu Huibin , Jiao Pengfei , Ren Jianzhuang , Han Xinwei , Li Fang , Duan Xuhua
Published: October 2024

This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of bronchial arterial chemoembolization (BACE) combined with tislelizumab for stage III-IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In a single-arm, phase II study (NCT05058560), stage III-IV NSCLC patients who refused or were ineligible to receive standard treatments were enrolled. Patients received BACE followed by 200 mg tislelizumab every 3 weeks until disease progression, intolerable toxicities, or discontinuation determined by the investigators. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), safety, and quality of life (QoL). Thirty patients (median age, 67 years, 24 male) were enrolled in this study between December 2021 and August 2022. The median follow-up was 23 (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.5-24.5) months. At the data cutoff (March 1, 2024), the median PFS was 10.5 (95%CI, 7.8-13.2) months and the median OS was 15.0 (95%CI, 8.2-21.8) months. Of the 30 patients, 1 patient (3.3%) achieved complete response (CR).17 patients (56.7%) showed partial response (PR), 6 (20.0%) had stable disease (SD), and 6 patients (20.0%) had progressive disease (PD). The ORR was 60.0% (18 of 30 patients) and the DCR was 80.0% (24 of 30patients). The expression rate of PD-L1, tumor feeding arteries and previous treatment history were prognostic factors for PFS and OS. No grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred. Common grade 2 TRAEs were nausea, fever, and cough. QoL improved significantly after 1 cycle of treatment compared with baseline, including global quality of life, physical functioning, and emotional functioning. In conclusion, BACE with tislelizumab is a safe, feasible and efective palliative treatment option for stage III-IV NSCLC patients.
Modified TPPA Combined with Western Blotting Facilitates Syphilis Diagnosis in Isolated Reactive Treponemal Chemiluminescence Immunoassay Sera: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Luo Xia , Xiao Hua , Lu Yanfang , Gu Weiming , Sun Ziyong , Peng Jing , Cheng Liming
Published: October 2024

Background
The challenge of dealing with isolated reactive treponemal chemiluminescence immunoassay (CIA) results in clinical practice has prompted the development of a more efficient algorithm for distinguishing true infection from false reactivity in isolated CIA sera.
Methods
A prospective cohort study was conducted at Wuhan Tongji Hospital, involving 119,002 individuals screened for syphilis using CIA from January 1, 2015, to January 6, 2017. Samples with reactive CIA results underwent simultaneous testing with the T. pallidum passive particle agglutination assay (TPPA) and the rapid plasma reagin test (RPR). Additionally, a subgroup of 189 individuals with differing TPPA statuses was selected for further analysis using western blotting (WB) and a modified TPPA assay (titer, 1:20). To identify the optimal serological approach for distinguishing true from false reactivity in sera with isolated reactive CIAs (CIA+TPP−RPR−), two distinct algorithms were developed and evaluated. The first algorithm involved reflexively testing CIA+TPPA−RPR− sera with the modified TPPA, followed by WB if nonreactive. The second algorithm began with WB, followed by the modified TPPA if nonreactive or indeterminate.
Results
WB demonstrated lower sensitivity compared to TPPA, but it identified six additional syphilis cases among the 89 CIA+TPPA− samples. Both WB and modified TPPA exhibited a specificity of 100%. The two supplementary confirmatory algorithms detected 12 additional syphilis cases, with the first algorithm being more cost-effective and labor-saving.
Conclusion
A combination of WB and modified TPPA (titer, 1:20) can serve as a reliable algorithm for distinguishing true syphilis infection from false reactive signals in isolated reactive CIA sera.
Clinical trial number:
not applicable
GNE-317 suppresses the progression of ovarian cancer by inducing ferroptosis through targeting GPX4
Authors: Nie Lekai , Zhang Peihai , Liu Xiaoning , Cheng Lei
Published: October 2024

Ovarian cancer ranks among prevalent malignancies affecting the female reproductive system with an escalating incidence of drug resistance necessitating intensified efforts in drug discovery research for enhanced patient outcomes. Through rigorous screening within a small molecule compound library, we have pinpointed compound GNE-317 as a robust dual inhibitor targeting PI3K-mTOR via anticancer metabolic library screening methods. Our findings demonstrate that GNE-317 efficaciously impedes ovarian cancer cell proliferation while augmenting cellular demise relative to control groups. Notably, ferroptosis inhibitors exhibit potential in reversing GNE-317-induced cell death without impacting apoptosis or necrosis pathways. Further studies revealed that GNE-317 promoted the accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Mechanistically, GNE-317 directly binds to the GPX4, and the GNE-317-mediated increase in lipid ROS and MDA in OC were significantly reversed after GPX4 overexpression in ovarian cancer cells. Thus, GNE-317 can effectively inhibit ovarian cancer development, which may be achieved by increasing GPX4-mediated ferroptosis. These results suggest that GNE-317 has the potential to be a potential drug for targeted treatment of ovarian cancer.
Indoor Radon Exposure and Health Risks in a Community Proximal to Gold Mine Tailings in Gauteng Province, South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mphaga Khathutshelo Vincent , Utembe Wells , Mbonane Thokozani P. , Rathebe Phoka C.
Published: October 2024

Exposure to indoor radon presents a significant risk for lung cancer and is also suspected to be associated with other health issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and leukemia. This study examined the association between indoor radon exposure and self-reported cases of lung cancer, COPD, and leukemia among individuals living in close proximity to gold mine tailings, a known source of high radon levels. A cross-sectional study was carried out among residents living near or further away from gold mine tailings in Gauteng, South Africa. A total of 331 residents took part in an interviewer-administered questionnaire survey on socio-demographic characteristics, smoking habits, occupational exposures, adverse health problems, and other factors related to lung cancer, COPD, and leukemia. Subsequently, their homes were tested for indoor radon concentration on the lowest livable floor over a two-hour period from June to July 2023 using AlphaE radon monitors. Logistic regression was employed to calculate odds ratios (OR) for lung cancer, COPD, and leukemia based on indoor radon exposure, dwelling location, smoking habits, and occasional exposures. The study found significantly higher indoor radon levels in the exposed group (103.30 ± 94.91 Bq/m³) compared to the control group (65.19 ± 47.83 Bq/m³). The results indicated an association between lung cancer and residing near gold mine tailings, while indoor radon exposure was linked to leukemia. However, no association was found between indoor radon exposure and COPD. In regions impacted by gold mine tailings, it is crucial to implement efficient indoor radon mitigation measures and promote public consciousness about the health hazards linked to indoor radon exposure. There is a need to motivate affected residents to adopt proactive steps to lower indoor radon concentrations, including enhancing ventilation practices.
The Relationship between Psychological Resilience and Learning Engagement of College Students: Moderated Mediation Effects of Upward Social Comparison and Shame
Authors: Li Peng , Jiang Jiali , Han Meiling , Fu Shuying , Bai Xuejun , Wang Xiaozhe
Published: October 2024

Background and aims: learning engagement is an important indicator for assessing students' development and evaluating the quality of school education. How to improve students' learning engagement has attracted widespread attention. Based on the perspective of positive psychology, this study explores the mechanism of student's positive psychological resource (psychology resilience) on learning engagement, while also considering the inevitable effects of social comparison and emotions among students.
Method: In this study, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 1784 college student in Tianjin. Participants completed the psychological resilience questionnaire, shame scale, learning engagement scale and upward social comparison scale.
Results: These results showed that psychological resilience predicted learning engagement not only directly but also indirectly via shame. Shame played a partial mediating role between psychological resilience and learning engagement. Additionally, upward social comparison moderated the process of psychological resilience predicting sham.
Conclusion: Shame and upward social comparison may serve as important variables in the relationship between psychological resilience and learning engagement. These findings provide a new perspective for interventions of students' learning engagement. In the future, educators can further improve students' academic performance and mental health by strengthening their psychological resilience and guiding them to effectively cope with the pressure of social comparison.
Marketing for Sensa: A novel “zero nicotine vapor product” from a major tobacco company
Authors: Robichaud Meagan O. , Talbot Eugene M. , Ganz Ollie , Mercincavage Melissa , Erythropel Hanno C. , Zimmerman Julie B. , Jabba Sairam V. , Jordt Sven E. , Delnevo Cristine D.
Published: October 2024

On July 1, 2024, RJ Reynolds Vapor Company (RJRVC) introduced Sensa, the first disposable "zero nicotine vapor product" from a major tobacco company. Sensa sold more than 100,000 units as of September 10, 2024 and has been marketed through several channels. Direct-mail and magazine ads appeal to consumers’ senses (e.g., “awaken your senses”) and showcase Sensa’s six flavor options: Berry Fusion, Berry Watermelon Fusion, Blueberry Frost, Mint Frost, Passionfruit Frost, and Watermelon Frost. Our chemical characterization of all Sensa flavors (except Berry Watermelon Fusion) found neotame (a potent artificial sweetener) and WS-23 (a synthetic coolant) in all samples, while all “Frost” flavors tested contained another synthetic coolant, WS-3. Although RJRVC states that Sensa is for “adult tobacco and vapor consumers,” Sensa’s resemblance to popular disposable vaping devices and youth-appealing flavors raise concerns about Sensa’s appeal to young people, and limited regulations for “zero nicotine” products introduce uncertainty about product safety.
Abiotic environments can modify the penetrance of a transgene-based lethality system for genetic biocontrol of insect populations
Authors: Perez-Galvez Fernan R. , Handler Alfred M. , Hahn Daniel A. , Bredlau Justin P. , Teets Nicholas M.
Published: October 2024

Genetic biocontrol approaches to insect pest management offer high species specificity and reduce insecticidal chemical pollution, but these approaches require the release of genetically modified organisms that must perform across a variety of environmental conditions. Because organisms often display phenotypic and gene expression variability when exposed to different environments, it is reasonable to expect that transgenic systems may be prone to environmentally mediated variation in expression and function. In this study, we examined the influence of two abiotic variables, temperature and nutrition, on the penetrance of an early embryonic Tet-off conditional lethality system in the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster. We manipulated parental and offspring environments independently to determine the impact of life stage of exposure on transgene performance by estimating the probability of larval hatching and measuring transcript abundance of the transgenic system components. Our findings revealed that: 1) transgene performance has distinct norms of reaction to temperature and nutrition, 2) the effects of abiotic challenge are greatest when exposure occurs in the embryos expressing the transgene compared to parental exposure, and 3) stress exposures at the extreme limits of permissible conditions can dramatically decrease the penetrance of transgenic lethality. While variation in transcript abundance of the transgenic system was observed in some environments, these changes were not fully congruent with patterns of phenotypic penetrance, suggesting that the observed variation in lethality is likely driven by processes downstream of transcription.
Context induces distortions in the memory representations of values: a test across multiple elicitation methods, learning modalities and architectures
Authors: Palminteri Stefano , Garcia Basile , Sukoupova Magdalena
Published: October 2024

It has been well established that, in the context of value-based learning and decision making, the way in which options are paired together (i.e., the learning architecture) significantly affects their subjective values as inferred from observed choices. An important open question concerns whether similar distortions would appear if subjective values are assessed in a declarative manner. Across seven experiments, we showed that participants do not remember the objective values of options but rather their systematically biased version which is affected by the context-specific ranking of the option during the learning phase. These results were robust across radically different value elicitation methods (choice-based and declarative) and decision modalities (experience-based or description-based). Furthermore, we show that presenting the options in different configurations during the learning phase affect their subsequent subjective values. By doing so, we illustrate how principles of context dependence may be employed to design learning environments that enhance value maximization in human decision-making.
Alterations of brain activity in right brainstem and right entorhinal cortex mediated anti-depressant effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in functional dyspepsia rats: a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Feng Bowen , Li Shaoyuan , Zou Ningyi , Han Juan , Wang Yu , Chen Jiande D. Z. , Wei Wei , Rong Peijing
Published: October 2024

Objective: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is often accompanied by depression. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has been shown beneficial to FD. However, the effect of taVNS on depression is associated with FD and its central mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we investigated depression-like behavioral changes and cerebral alterations of brain activity of taVNS in a rodent model of FD.
Methods: Neonatal SD rats were gavaged with iodoacetamide (IA) to induce a FD model. Twenty-one SD rats were randomly divided into control, IA, and taVNS groups (each, n=7). taVNS was performed for 30 minutes once daily for 14 days consecutively. The open field test (OFT) and forced swimming test (FST) were conducted to assess depression-like behaviors. The low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were assessed from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to evaluated the changes of spontaneous neural activity and local neural coordination of FD rats with depression-like behaviors.. Correlations between differential ALFF and ReHo values and depression-like behaviors were analyzed to ascertain taVNS-related central changes.
Results: Compared with the control group, the horizontal and vertical scores of OFT were decreased, and the immobility time of FST was increased in the IA group. The ALFF values of the right brainstem were increased in the IA group. The ALFF values of the left molecular laye of the cerebellum and the ReHo values of the right entorhinal cortex were decreased in the IA group. taVNS increased the horizontal and vertical scores of OFT and reduced the immobility time of FST. After taVNS intervention, the ALFF and ReHo values of the right brainstem decreased. The ALFF values of the left molecular layer of the cerebellum and the ReHo values of the right entorhinal cortex were increased. The horizontal score of OFT was negatively correlated with the ALFF of right brainstem. The vertical score of OFT and immobility time of FST negatively correlated with ReHo values of the entorhinal cortex.
Conclusion: taVNS alleviates depression state in the rodent model of FD possibly mediated by the enhancement of local neural coordination in the right entorhinal cortex and suppression of spontaneous neural activity in right brainstem. taVNS may have a therapeutic potential for depression in FD patients.
Hybrid Proxy Model for Extrapolating Cumulative Oil Production with Different Locations: Polynomial-Fast Marching Method
Authors: Rajaa Mohammed
Published: October 2024

Well-placement optimization is a complex problem critical for maximizing hydrocarbon recovery while minimizing operational costs. The traditional methods that are used for evaluation have drawbacks such as full-physics simulation while accurate is computationally expensive, reduced-physics proxy models are less accurate, deep learning as a proxy model needs many run simulations, and Tree-based machine learning models like Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), although efficient, struggle with extrapolation, limiting their utility in scenarios where predictions extend beyond training data. To address these limitations, we apply a new hybrid approach that combines the Fast Marching Method (FMM) and Polynomial-XGBoost (linear-based) to enhance the extrapolation capabilities as an evaluation tool for well placement problems. Our approach incorporates polynomial features to capture non-linear relationships between reservoir properties (e.g., permeability, porosity) and cumulative oil production. We evaluated our approach using the SPE10 model, focusing on both interpolation and extrapolation datasets. Cross-validation results demonstrate that the proposed model significantly outperforms traditional XGBoost, achieving an average R² of 94% compared to 88% for XGBoost in interpolation scenarios. In extrapolation tests, our model showed an average R² of 83.9%, well above XGBoost's 56.3%, highlighting its superior ability to predict well performance beyond the training data range. This study shows that the integration of FMM and Polynomial-XGBoost offers a more reliable and computationally efficient alternative to existing proxy models, particularly in complex reservoirs. Our hybrid model significant improvement and shows promising results as a proxy model.
Strategies to promote the completion of patient-reported outcome measures by culturally and linguistically diverse and Indigenous Peoples in clinical care settings: a systematic review.
Authors: Nikolovski Jessica , Kim Bora , Morton Rachael L. , Mercieca-Bebber Rebecca , Levesque Jean-Frédéric , Tinsley Melissa , Sutherland Kim , Rossiter Brad , Fagan Margaret , Hartas Gill , Rutherford Claudia
Published: October 2024

Purpose There is evidence of poor completion of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and Indigenous populations with chronic health conditions. We aimed to systematically review strategies used to increase PROM uptake and completion of PROMs by CALD and Indigenous Peoples in clinical care settings and develop specific recommendations to promote PROM completion in these populations.Methods We searched Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collections and CINAHL databases from 1 January 2000 to 19 September 2024. Primary studies were included if they focused on strategies/enablers of PROMs use in the care of CALD and Indigenous populations in clinical care settings. The quality of included papers was appraised independently by two reviewers, using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data were analysed thematically. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023469317.Results Of 13,450 title/abstracts retrieved, five papers met eligibility. Strategies to promote PROM completion by Indigenous Peoples included 1) providing training to patients about what PROMs are and 2) offering verbal modes of completion and 3) community consultation during design, development, and implementation of PROMs to ensure culturally appropriate and sensitive PROMs are used. Strategies to increase completion amongst CALD populations included 1) providing information about how to use electronic PROMs, 2) facilitating self-completion, 3) offering different modes of completion (paper-based, digital), and 4) increasing availability and system-wide support of culturally and linguistically appropriate PROM translations.Conclusion Few studies reported strategies to increase the completion of PROMs by CALD and/or Indigenous Peoples. Adequate training, planning (including community consultation), resourcing, and financial support are required to encourage CALD and Indigenous Peoples to participate in PROM initiatives globally.
The new Checklist of the Italian Fauna: Heteroptera
Authors: Cianferoni Fabio , Carapezza Attilio , Faraci Franco
Published: October 2024

An updated version of the ‘Checklist of the Italian Fauna’ for the suborder Heteroptera (Insecta: Hemiptera) is presented here. The list reflects the state of art of chorological knowledge of both aquatic and terrestrial Italian Heteroptera in November 2020. The checklist records 1395 species-group taxa belonging to 6 infraorders and 48 families. The total number of species-group taxa includes 44 taxa currently considered endemic to Italy, 12 subendemic, 13 introduced and 10 cryptogenic. The distribution of Italian Heteroptera in the new checklist is based on the subdivision of Italy in two macro-regions, Continental Italy and Peninsular Italy, and two major islands, Sicily and Sardinia. Compared to the previous Checklist by Faraci & Rizzotti Vlach, published in 1995, the new one contains nomenclatural changes, additions and exclusions of species based on the perusal of 220 literature sources. The main changes concern the families Miridae (21 synonymies, 26 exclusions and 34 additions), Rhyparochromidae (15 exclusions and 14 additions) and Pentatomidae (13 exclusions and 5 additions). Explanatory notes are provided for all the updates of the new checklist. The full data set is attached to this paper as supplementary files, while a simplified version is freely accessible from the LifeWatch Italy Data Portal (https://dataportal.lifewatchitaly.eu/data) where it is expected to be regularly updated.
Carrollian $\mathscr Lw_{1+\infty}$ representation from twistor space
Authors: Donnay Laura , Freidel Laurent , Herfray Yannick
Published: October 2024

We construct an explicit realization of the action of the \mathscr Lw_{1+∞}ℒw1+∞ loop algebra on fields at null infinity. This action is directly derived by Penrose transform of the geometrical action of \mathscr Lw_{1+∞}ℒw1+∞ symmetries in twistor space, ensuring that it forms a representation of the algebra. Finally, we show that this action coincides with the canonical action of \mathscr Lw_{1+∞}ℒw1+∞ Noether charges on the asymptotic phase space.