bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Transgenic Zebrafish Lines to Study the CHRNA3‐B4‐A5 Gene Cluster
Authors: Hua Yuanqi , Habicher Judith , Carl Matthias , Manuel Remy , Boije Henrik
Published: December 2024

Acetylcholine (ACh), a vital neurotransmitter for both the peripheral (PNS) and central nervous systems (CNS), signals through nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) and muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChR). Here, we explore the expression patterns of three nAChR subunits, chrna3, chrnb4, and chrna5, which are located in an evolutionary conserved cluster. This close genomic positioning, in a range of vertebrates, may indicate co‐functionality and/or co‐expression. Through novel transgenic zebrafish lines, we observe widespread expression within both the PNS and CNS. In the PNS, we observed expression of chrna3tdTomato, chrnb4eGFP, and chrna5tdTomato in the intestinal enteric nervous system; chrna5tdTomato and chrnb4eGFP in sensory ganglia of the lateral line; and chrnb4eGFP in the ear. In the CNS, the expression of chrnb4eGFP and chrna5tdTomato was found in the retina, all three expressed in diverse regions of the brain, where a portion of chrna3tdTomato and chrnb4eGFP cells were found to be inhibitory efferent neurons projecting to the lateral line. Within the spinal cord, we identify distinct populations of chrna3tdTomato‐, chrnb4eGFP‐, and chrna5tdTomato‐expressing neurons within the locomotor network, including dmrt3a‐expressing interneurons and mnx1‐expressing motor neurons. Notably, three to four primary motor neurons per hemisegment were labeled by both chrna3tdTomato and chrnb4eGFP. Interestingly, we identified an sl‐type secondary motor neuron per hemisegement that strongly expressed chrna5tdTomato and co‐expressed chrnb4eGFP. These transgenic lines provide insights into the potential roles of nAChRs within the locomotor network and open avenues for exploring their role in nicotine exposure and addiction in a range of tissues throughout the nervous system.
Diversity, Species Richness, and Community Composition of Wetland Birds in the Lowlands of Western Nepal
Authors: Pant Siddha Raj , Bhattarai Bishnu Prasad , Baral Hem Sagar , Thapa Tej Bahadur
Published: December 2024

Wetlands serve as crucial habitats for diverse bird species, playing a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem. Geographical location, climate, hydrology, and vegetation composition of wetlands determine the diversity of birds. This study investigated species richness, seasonal diversity, and composition of wetland birds in three prominent water bodies of western Nepal, namely Ghodaghodi, Rani, and Jokhar lakes, from 2021 to 2022 in summer and winter using the point count method. We observed 59 wetland bird species across three wetlands, where both the richness and diversity were significantly higher in the winter. Paired t‐tests revealed significant seasonal differences (p < 0.001) in diversity, species richness, and abundance at both Ghodaghodi and Rani lakes. The highest species richness was observed at Ghodaghodi (n = 58), reflecting its significance as a vital bird habitat. In contrast, diversity was higher in Rani Lake during both seasons (Winter H = 2.98, Summer H = 2.79). NMDS followed by ANISOM test also showed that bird community structure varies across lakes and seasons. Indicator species analysis showed that out of 59 species, 26 species are associated with one or different sites, whereas 18 of them are associated with the summer or winter season. We observed the Anatidae family with the highest relative diversity (RDI = 28.81%) and reported 1 globally vulnerable species and 7 globally near‐threatened species. While in Jokhar Lake, the abundance does not vary between the seasons. This study revealed substantial differences in bird species across seasons and lakes showing that each wetland offers a distinct ecological niche for bird species. The findings reinstate the importance of these wetlands as crucial habitats for the diversity of birds and species composition. This research contributes to the conservation and management of these ecosystems, aiding the protection of wetland birds in Nepal.
Coupling Relationship Between Soil Properties and Plant Diversity Under Different Ecological Restoration Patterns in the Abandoned Coal Mine Area of Southern China
Authors: Li Hao , Chen Wenbo , Li Jintai , Zhang Cheng , Liang Haifen
Published: December 2024

Understanding the effects of ecological restoration in abandoned coal mines on soil and plant is important to improve the knowledge of ecosystems evolution and facilitate taking appropriate ecological restoration management practices. This study aims to evaluate the coupling relationship between plant diversity and soil properties after ecological restoration in abandoned coal mine area. The plant diversity such as Margalef index (M), Simpson index (H), Shannon–Wiener index (D), and Pielou index (J), and soil properties such as soil pH, soil water content (SWC), soil bulk density (SBD), soil organic matter (SOM), available nitrogen (AN), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were investigated in four sites of different ecological restoration patterns, T and study the coupling relationship between them. The results indicated that: (1) the Pinus massoniana and Schima superba gardner and champ restoration (PSR) site had higher Shannon–Wiener index and Simpson index values than Pinus massoniana restoration (PR) site, and in herb layer, the plant diversity was significantly higher than in other layers; (2) in the PSR site, the soil properties were improved more notably than that of PR and nature restoration (NR) sites, and the plant diversity were also higher than PR site; (3) Clay, SOM, and MBC made a great contribution to the plant diversity. It was concluded that ecological restoration patterns had significant effects on soil nutrient content and plant diversity, and there exists evident coupling relationship between plant diversity and soil properties. This study has important effects of ecological restoration and management in abandoned coal mine area.
Contrasting Patterns of Plants, Bees, Hoverflies and Spiders in Different Habitats in a Central European Agricultural Landscape
Authors: Vajna Flóra , Pellaton Raoul , Molnár Csaba , Soltész Zoltán , Gallé‐Szpisjak Nikolett , Bihaly Áron Domonkos , Báldi András
Published: December 2024

Semi‐natural grasslands and their biodiversity decline rapidly, although they are key elements of agricultural landscapes. Therefore, there is a need for the re‐establishment of semi‐natural grasslands in intensively managed farmlands (e.g., via sowing wildflower seeds). Our knowledge, however, is limited on how different arthropod groups may respond to such newly established wildflower fields. This knowledge gap is especially relevant for the Pannonian biogeographical region, and more generally for Central Europe, where there is little to no evidence so far. We aimed to compare three different habitats (i.e., sown wildflower fields (WFF), semi‐natural road verges and adjacent crop fields) in terms of their species and individual numbers and assemblage compositions to reveal differences between primary producers (plants), pollinators (bees and hoverflies) and predators (spiders). We selected eight landscapes in Central Hungary within conventionally managed crop areas. We analysed species and individual numbers by generalised linear mixed models (GLMM) and the assemblage composition with non‐metric multidimensional scaling for each taxon in the three habitats. Crop, road verge and WFF habitats had distinct assemblages for each studied group, indicating clear separation among habitats. There are, however, contrasting patterns in the diversity measures of the studied groups. Crop fields are the poorest in both species and individual numbers, road verges harboured the highest abundance of spiders, while WFF had the most bees and plants. No clear pattern for hoverflies emerged. Our results suggest that the studied habitats do not harbour all groups in equal share. We propose that the design of future restorations in Central European farmlands should target a diversity of habitat types needed to support a wide range of functional groups.
Fire return intervals and recruitment affect population growth rate of canopy trees in tall open forest in humid savanna
Authors: Werner Patricia A. , Peacock Stephanie J.
Published: December 2024

Savannas are the major biome in tropical regions of the globe, defined as sparsely wooded regions with a continuous herbaceous layer of mainly C4 grasses where rainfall is distinctly seasonal. Fire is a common feature of most savannas. The largest protected areas of savannas are found in sparsely populated monsoonal northcentral Australia with strong annual wet and dry seasons. The most common vegetation type is relatively intact, tall (<15 m), open forests where Eucalyptus canopy trees form the basic structure. Over the past half century, traditional indigenous fire regimes were largely replaced by contemporary fires where individual trees may experience fire as often as 3 out of 5 years. The potential for long‐term persistence of the canopy tree populations is an open question. A stage‐based population model of the canopy trees was previously developed to address this question, drawing on data from three decades of experimental field studies wherein the survival, growth, and reproduction of individual marked trees were recorded under different seasonal fires and understory types to produce transition matrices among eight life history stages, and used to calculate population growth rates (λ). Here, we apply that model to determine how λ varies across a range of fire return intervals from 1 to 12 years for both early and late dry season fires, in two different understory types. We also explore the sensitivity of λ to two key life history parameters: recruitment and seedling survival. Minimum fire return intervals of 2–5 years were generally required for λ ≥1 that would allow populations to persist; these were shorter with stochastic year‐to‐year timing of fires and with higher recruitment rates. Uniquely, under certain conditions, there was also a maximum fire return interval above which λ <1, creating a “window” of fire return intervals that allowed canopy tree populations to persist. Mechanisms underpinning results as well as implications for savanna structure, alternate states, cyclical dynamics, future research, and management by fire are discussed.
Magnetite: a Green, Sustainable and Recyclable Catalyst for Direct Synthesis of Thioesters by C−H Activation
Authors: Marchán‐García Joaquín , Álvarez Mariana , Radivoy Gabriel , Moglie Yanina
Published: December 2024

A green and sustainable approach to the direct synthesis of thioesters has been developed using Fe3O4 as a low‐cost, easily prepared, reusable and environmentally safe catalyst. The cross dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) of various thiols and aldehydes in water, or even in the absence of solvent, using tert‐butylhydroperoxide as oxidant, under ligand and base‐free mild conditions, afforded the corresponding thioesters in good to excellent yields. This simple protocol features broad substrate scope, good compatibility with different functional groups, as well as high atom‐efficiency. The scalability, ease of (magnetic) recovery and reuse of the magnetite catalyst are additional eco‐friendly attributes of this methodology. Moreover, the broad synthetic applications of thioesters further highlight the potential utility of the present protocol.
Patterns of antidepressant use in people with low back pain: A retrospective study using workers' compensation data
Authors: Ferreira Giovanni E. , Di Donato Michael , Maher Christopher G. , Shaheed Christina Abdel , Mathieson Stephanie , Collie Alex
Published: December 2024

Background

Antidepressants are commonly used to treat low back pain (LBP), but little is known about patterns of antidepressant use in this population. This study aimed to identify patterns of antidepressant dispensing and switching in Australian workers with an accepted workers' compensation claim for LBP, and to investigate factors associated with dispensing and switching.

Methods

This retrospective study included data from accepted workers' compensation time loss claims for LBP between 2010 and 2018 with a 2‐year follow‐up. We described the type of antidepressant dispensed, the time for the index antidepressant to be dispensed, and whether people in the study switched to a different antidepressant. Logistic regression models investigated factors associated with antidepressants being dispensed for the first time and for switching to a different antidepressant.

Results

Antidepressants were dispensed to 2476 people with LBP (14%) at least once after a median (IQR) of 28 (10.9–54.7) weeks. Amitriptyline was the most dispensed antidepressant at any one point (47.8%), and the most common index antidepressant (42.9%). Also, 32.7% of people switched to a different antidepressant at least once. Sex, age, having been dispensed opioids, gabapentinoids or diazepam prior to antidepressants being dispensed, having used psychological services, and socioeconomic disadvantage were associated with antidepressant dispensing.

Conclusion

One in seven people with LBP were dispensed an antidepressant, most commonly amitriptyline. Antidepressants were commonly used in combination with other pain medicines such as opioids, gabapentinoids and diazepam.

Significance

Antidepressants were dispensed to one in seven people with low back pain, most commonly amitriptyline followed by duloxetine. Antidepressants were typically dispensed after 6 months and after other medicines such as opioids, gabapentinoids and diazepam had been dispensed. Due to the administrative nature of the data, the study cannot infer whether antidepressants were dispensed to treat pain or other health problems, such as a mental health condition.
Successful management of refractory epilepsy in creatine transporter deficiency with cannabidiol and clobazam: A case report
Authors: Borrell‐Pichot Maria , Fons Carmen , Boronat Susana , Sierra‐Marcos Alba
Published: December 2024

Creatine transporter deficiency (CRTR‐D) is a rare X‐linked inherited disease belonging to the group of cerebral creatine deficiency disorders. Major clinical features include developmental delay and epilepsy. To date, fewer than 200 individuals with CRTR‐D have been reported. As a result, there is little evidence for effective treatment. Available therapies are creatine precursors, with a mild effect on disease progression. Concerning epilepsy, standard management is recommended and no specific anti‐seizure medication (ASM) has been shown to be effective in refractory cases. We report the case of a 28‐year‐old male patient with CRTR‐D and childhood‐onset refractory epilepsy. He had an average of 10–20 focal motor seizures with impaired consciousness per month. He had tried several ASMs without significant improvement. Treatment with cannabidiol (CBD) and clobazam (CLB) in combination was added. The patient became seizure‐free from the first week, and up to 1 year of follow‐up. Behavioral improvement was also noted by his caregivers. No adverse effects were reported. Very few cases of CRTR‐D with refractory epilepsy have been reported. This calls for more extensive research and suggests a possible role for CBD in cerebral creatine metabolism and transport and valuable option for future studies.

Plain Language Summary

Creatine transporter deficiency (CRTR‐D) is a rare genetic disorder causing mental, behavioral, and movement problems. More than half of patients also have seizures, but because there are fewer than 200 known cases, it is difficult to know the best treatment options. We present a 28‐year‐old man with CRTR‐D who had severe developmental delays and frequent seizures since childhood, despite trying many medications. After starting cannabidiol and clobazam, he has been seizure‐free for a year. Sharing this success might help other people with CRTR‐D benefit from similar treatments.
Prediction of Heavy Oil Production Based on Geomechanical Analysis in Entire Lifecycle of SAGD
Authors: Li Dengke , Zhu Shaowen , Li Yanchao , Shen Shijie , Chen Zupeng , Ren Zhanli , Zhou Yuxuan , Gao Yanfang
Published: December 2024

Steam‐assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) technology is an essential means of efficient development of heavy oil, super heavy oil, oil sands, and other unconventional resources in the world. Accurate prediction and evaluation of heavy oil output during SAGD production is a key step of construction optimization design and economic evaluation. The traditional prediction model of heavy oil production does not fully consider many geomechanical factors, such as rock deformation and permeability dynamic evolution. In this paper, a new mathematical model of crude oil production‐geomechanical coupling was established for three stages of the SAGD life cycle (steam chamber breakthrough stage, rising stage, and lateral dilation stage). The influence of the dynamic evolution of rock porosity and permeability on production was fully considered through the sensitivity coefficient of rock strain and permeability stress. It is found that the gap between the new model and the traditional model is larger when the strain and stress sensitivity of the reservoir body is larger. The value calculated by the conventional model is small when the reservoir dilates and large when the reservoir compresses. For Karamay heavy oil in Xinjiang, China, the steam breakout time predicted by the new model is 0.72, 1.50, 1.37, and 1.44 times the conventional model when the volumetric strain is 6%. The heavy oil production of Karamay, Xinjiang, China, Athabasca, and Cold Lake SAGD production areas in Canada was predicted. In the lateral dilation stage of the steam chamber, the predicted values of the model considering geomechanical factors were 1.44, 1.28, and 1.15 times the traditional model, respectively. This model can help field engineers obtain more accurate production of heavy oil and evaluate the significance of reservoir geomechanics in SAGD production.
Design, Synthesis, and Performance of Novel Nano‐CoO/NiO‐loaded and Sulfonation‐Modified ZSM‐5 Composite Catalyst for In Situ Conversion of Oil Shale
Authors: Wu Aibin , Wu Junwen , Chen Liu , Su Jianzheng , Yu Weichu
Published: December 2024

A novel composite catalyst with readily preparation and good catalytic performance was designed and synthesized using sulfonation‐modified zeolite socony mobil‐5 (ZSM‐5) as the carrier and nano‐CoO/NiO as the active components. Compared with traditional in situ conversion, the composite catalyst could effectively reduce the activation energy of catalytic reactions, improve the efficiency of oil and gas conversion, and ameliorate the quality of oil products. When the loading amount of nano‐CoO/NiO was 20 wt% and the silicon/aluminum ratio of ZSM‐5 was 40–50, the required activation energy for oil shale cracking was as low as 43.64 kJ/mol, the yield of oil products was as high as 15.46 wt%, and the content of organic compounds in medium‐/low‐carbon hydrocarbon was as high as 71.50%. The prepared composite catalysts had low preparation cost, environmental friendliness, and significant catalytic effects, providing a feasible approach for the effective exploitation and utilization of oil shale.
Analysis of the Operational Characteristics and Performance Comparison of Steam Screw Pressure Matcher Based on Twin‐Screw Expander
Authors: Lin Jianhui , Lu Shuyin , Zhao Ziliang , Wang Zijie , Zhu Ping , Gu Yujiong
Published: December 2024

To address the discrepancy between the steam parameters extracted by pure condensing units/combined heat and power units and those required by users, this paper introduces the design of a steam screw pressure matcher(SSPM) and determines its optimal steam supply scheme. The SSPM primarily comprises a twin‐screw expander (TSE), twin‐screw compressor(TSC), electric motor, and generator. Initially, models were developed for a 300‐MW subcritical intermediate reheat condensing steam turbine unit, an SSPM, and a desuperheater and pressure reducer(DPR). Subsequently, these models are incorporated into the Ebsilon Professional software to simulate the operational characteristics of the SSPM. The performance parameters of the two options are then compared and analyzed. Simulation results reveal that the operational characteristics of the SSPM closely correlate with the mass flow rate of the TSE. As the TSE mass flow rate varies from 47 to 91 t/h, the efficiency of the TSE declines from 66.3% to 65.3%, while the power performed by the SSPM increases from −2457.978 to 1558.469 kW. Under identical operating conditions, the SSPM scheme exhibits a 6.2%–12.4% improvement in efficiency compared to the DPR scheme. Building upon the aforementioned analysis, the SSPM demonstrates effective cascade utilization of heat steam energy and exhibits favorable regulation characteristics under variable operating conditions. Contrasted with traditional DPR, the SSPM notably mitigates constraints on steam extraction by boilers and enhances the maximum generation efficiency of a single unit.
Unlocking Wheat Drought Tolerance: The Synergy of Omics Data and Computational Intelligence
Authors: Le Roux Marlon‐Schylor , Kunert Karl J. , Cullis Christopher A. , Botha Anna‐Maria
Published: December 2024

Currently, approximately 4.5 billion people in developing countries consider bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as a staple food crop, as it is a key source of daily calories. Wheat is, therefore, ranked the second most important grain crop in the developing world. Climate change associated with severe drought conditions and rising global mean temperatures has resulted in sporadic soil water shortage causing severe yield loss in wheat. While drought responses in wheat crosscut all omics levels, our understanding of water‐deficit response mechanisms, particularly in the context of wheat, remains incomplete. This understanding can be significantly advanced with the aid of computational intelligence, more often referred to as artificial intelligence (AI) models, especially those leveraging machine learning and deep learning tools. However, there is an imminent and continuous need for omics and AI integration. Yet, a foundational step to this integration is the clear contextualization of drought—a task that has long posed challenges for the scientific community, including plant breeders. Nonetheless, literature indicates significant progress in all omics fields, with large amounts of potentially informative omics data being produced daily. Despite this, it remains questionable whether the reported big datasets have met food security expectations, as translating omics data into pre‐breeding initiatives remains a challenge, which is likely due to data accessibility or reproducibility issues, as interpreting omics data poses big challenges to plant breeders. This review, therefore, focuses on these omics perspectives and explores how AI might act as an interface to make this data more insightful. We examine this in the context of drought stress, with a focus on wheat.
Social Dissonance and Living Currency: Mattin With Klossowski
Authors: ffrench Patrick
Published: December 2024

Mattin's Social Dissonance addresses the split between the social reality of economic exchange determined by the commodity form, on the one hand, and the phantasm or myth of the self as an agent of its own experience and as an immediate given, on the other hand. It is thus concerned with what Mattin calls ‘alienation from above’ and ‘alienation from below’. One of its key formulations with regard to the latter form of alienation is the notion of ‘phantasmatic subjectivity’, through which a reified yet naturalised phantom of the self is projected, masking the reality of cognitive and sub‐cognitive processes. In this article, I propose a comparative discussion of Mattin's project with the French writer Pierre Klossowski's essay Living Currency (1970). Working with the influences of Nietzsche, Sade and Fourier, Klossowski also conceives of the self as a fixing or commodification of the impulses. Mattin and Klossowski are thus engaged with each other in their respective accounts of the phantasmatic construction of subjectivity. The article then follows through the divergences of the consequences derived from this analysis.
Screen Printing Catalyst Inks With Enhanced Process Stability for PEM Fuel Cell Production
Authors: Ney Linda , Seidl Nikolas , Singh Rajveer , Schneider Patrick , Stross Dominik , Göppentin Andreas , Tepner Sebastian , Klingele Matthias , Keding Roman
Published: December 2024

Current state‐of‐the‐art coating techniques for PEM fuel cell electrode manufacturing such as slot‐die coating use closed ink reservoirs, allowing low boiling point solvents as the dispersion matrix for solid components of the catalyst ink. Applying such low boiling point inks to printing methods that expose catalyst inks to air, like flatbed screen printing, results in an instable and nonscalable production process due to the successive evaporation of these solvents. Within this study, a total of 12 different solvents are examined for process stability and electrochemical performance when applied with flatbed screen printing. Ink characteristics, such as contact angle, rheology, and sedimentation experiments, are quantified to reveal the most suitable set of solvents, enabling the use of open‐reservoir printing methods like flatbed screen printing. Additionally, electrochemical in situ characterization of catalyst‐coated membranes showed that 1,2‐propanediol and 1‐heptanol are solvents that combine process stability with high fuel cell performance.
Alzheimer's Disease Risk Gene SORL1 Promotes Receptiveness of Human Microglia to Pro‐Inflammatory Stimuli
Authors: Ovesen Peter Lund , Juul‐Madsen Kristian , Telugu Narasimha S. , Schmidt Vanessa , Frahm Silke , Radbruch Helena , Louth Emma Louise , Korshøj Anders Rosendal , Heppner Frank L. , Diecke Sebastian , Kettenmann Helmut , Willnow Thomas E.
Published: December 2024

Sorting protein‐related receptor containing class A repeats (SORLA) is an intracellular trafficking receptor encoded by the Alzheimer's disease (AD) gene SORL1 (sortilin‐related receptor 1). Recent findings argue that altered expression in microglia may underlie the genome‐wide risk of AD seen with some SORL1 gene variants, however, the functional significance of the receptor in microglia remains poorly explained. Using unbiased omics and targeted functional analyses in iPSC‐based human microglia, we identified a crucial role for SORLA in sensitizing microglia to pro‐inflammatory stimuli. We show that SORLA acts as a sorting factor for the pattern recognition receptor CD14, directing CD14 exposure on the cell surface and priming microglia to stimulation by pro‐inflammatory factors. Loss of SORLA in gene‐targeted microglia impairs proper CD14 sorting and blunts pro‐inflammatory responses. Our studies indicate an important role for SORLA in shaping the inflammatory brain milieu, a biological process important to local immune responses in AD.
Axonal Selectivity of Myelination by Single Oligodendrocytes Established During Development in Mouse Cerebellar White Matter
Authors: Battulga Batpurev , Osanai Yasuyuki , Yamazaki Reiji , Shinohara Yoshiaki , Ohno Nobuhiko
Published: December 2024

Myelin formation by oligodendrocytes regulates the conduction velocity and functional integrity of neuronal axons. While individual oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths around multiple axons and control the functions of neural circuits where the axons are involved, it remains unclear if oligodendrocytes selectively form myelin sheaths around specific subtypes of axons. Using the combination of rabies virus‐mediated single oligodendrocyte labeling and immunostaining with tissue clearing, we revealed that approximately half of the oligodendrocytes preferentially myelinate axons originating from Purkinje cells in the white matter of adult mouse cerebella. The preference for Purkinje cell axons was more pronounced during development when the process of myelination within cerebellar white matter was initiated; over 90% of oligodendrocytes preferentially myelinated Purkinje cell axons. Preferential myelination of Purkinje cell axons was further confirmed by immuno‐electron microscopy and transgenic mice that label early‐born oligodendrocytes. Transgenic mice that label oligodendrocytes differentiated at the early development showed that early‐born oligodendrocytes preferentially myelinate Purkinje cell axons in the matured cerebellar white matter. In contrast, transgenic mice that label oligodendrocytes differentiated after the peak of cerebellar myelination showed that the later‐differentiated oligodendrocytes dominantly myelinated non‐Purkinje cell axons. These results demonstrate that a significant proportion of oligodendrocytes preferentially myelinate functionally distinct axons in the cerebellar white matter, and the axonal preference of myelination by individual oligodendrocytes is established depending on the timing of their differentiation during development. Our data provide the evidence that there is a critical time window of myelination that a specific subtype of axons are dominantly myelinated by the oligodendrocytes.
Stepwise pathways from the olfactory cortex to central hub regions in the human brain
Authors: Menelaou G. , Diez I. , Zelano C. , Zhou G. , Persson J. , Sepulcre J. , Olofsson J. K.
Published: December 2024

The human brain is organized as a hierarchical global network. Functional connectivity research reveals that sensory cortices are connected to corresponding association cortices via a series of intermediate nodes linked by synchronous neural activity. These sensory pathways and relay stations converge onto central cortical hubs such as the default‐mode network (DMN). The DMN regions are believed to be critical for representing concepts and, hence, language acquisition and use. Although prior research has established that major senses are placed at a similar distance from the DMN—five to six connective steps—it is still unknown how the olfactory system functionally connects to the large‐scale cortical hubs of the human brain. In this study, we investigated the connective distance from olfactory seed areas to the DMN. The connective distance involves a series of three to four intermediate steps. Furthermore, we parcellated the olfactory cortical subregions and found evidence of two distinct olfactory pathways. One emerges from the anterior olfactory nucleus and olfactory tubercle; it involves early access to the orbitofrontal cortex, known for processing reward and multisensory signals. The other emerges from the frontal and temporal regions of the piriform cortex, involving the anterior insula, intermediate frontal sulcus, and parietal operculum. The results were confirmed in a replication cohort. Our results provide evidence that olfaction has unique early access to the central cortical networks via dual pathways.
Exploring the Effects of Prefrontal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Brain Metabolites: A Concurrent tDCS‐MRS Study
Authors: Vural Gizem , Soldini Aldo , Padberg Frank , Karslı Berkhan , Zinchenko Artyom , Goerigk Stephan , Soutschek Alexander , Mezger Eva , Stoecklein Sophia , Bulubas Lucia , Šušnjar Antonia , Keeser Daniel
Published: December 2024

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non‐invasive brain stimulation technique used to modulates cortical brain activity. However, its effects on brain metabolites within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a crucial area targeted for brain stimulation in mental disorders, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether prefrontal tDCS over the left and right DLPFC modulates levels of key metabolites, including gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate (Glu), glutamine/glutamate (Glx), N‐acetylaspartate (NAA), near to the target region and to explore potential sex‐specific effects on these metabolite concentrations. A total of 41 healthy individuals (19 female, M_age = 25 years, SD = 3.15) underwent either bifrontal active (2 mA for 20 min) or sham tDCS targeting the left (anode: F3) and right (cathode: F4) DLPFC within a 3 Tesla MRI scanner. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to monitor neurometabolic changes before, during, and after 40 min of tDCS, with measurements of two 10‐min intervals during stimulation. A single voxel beneath F3 was used for metabolic quantification. Results showed a statistically significant increase in Glx levels under active tDCS compared to the sham condition, particularly during the second 10‐min window and persisting into the post‐stimulation phase. No significant changes were observed in other metabolites, but consistent sex differences were detected. Specifically, females showed lower levels of NAA and GABA under active tDCS compared to the sham condition, while no significant changes were observed in males. E‐field modeling showed no significant differences in field magnitudes between sexes, and the magnitude of the e‐fields did not correlate with changes in Glx levels between active and sham stimulation during the second interval or post‐stimulation. This study demonstrates that a single session of prefrontal tDCS significantly elevates Glx levels in the left DLPFC, with effects persisting post‐stimulation. However, the observed sex differences in the neurochemical response to tDCS were not linked to specific stimulation intervals or variations in e‐field magnitudes, highlighting the complexity of tDCS effects and the need for personalized neuromodulation strategies.
Mental Time Travel: A Retrospective
Authors: Redish A. David
Published: December 2024

Because imagination activates the same neural circuits used in understanding the present, one can access that imagination even in non‐linguistic animals through decoding techniques applied to large neural ensembles. This personal retrospective traces the history of the initial discovery that hippocampal theta sequences sweep forward to goals during moments of deliberation and discusses the history that was necessary to put ourselves in the position to recognize this signal. It also discusses how that discovery fits into the larger picture of hippocampal function and the concept of cognition as computation.
Quantitative Coronary Angiography Guidance for Drug‐Eluting Stent Implantation: A Narrative Review
Authors: Lee Cheol Whan , Lee Pil Hyung , Lee Seung‐Whan , Serruys Patrick W.
Published: December 2024

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using drug‐eluting stents is an established strategy for the treatment of significant obstructive coronary artery disease. Evidence supports that intravascular imaging‐guided PCI offers advantages over conventional angiography‐guided PCI, though its use is limited, likely due to high costs. Angiography‐guided PCI relies on visual estimation, leading to inter‐ and intra‐observer variability and suboptimal outcomes. Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) provides reliable information about vascular dimensions, overcoming these limitations. Poststenting postdilation with appropriately sized noncompliant balloons improves outcomes by increasing lumen area and reducing stent malapposition.

Aims

We investigated the procedural details of each modality used to guide PCI and assessed the utility of QCA‐guided PCI with routine postdilation when intravascular imaging is unavailable.

Methods and Results

A systematic search was conducted from inception to May 31, 2024, identifying nine randomized controlled trials (with over 500 patients) that compared outcomes of PCI guided by intravascular imaging versus conventional angiography or QCA. The findings indicate that intravascular imaging guidance significantly improves clinical outcomes compared to angiography guidance. Notably, QCA‐guided PCI with routine postdilation yielded outcomes comparable to those achieved with intravascular imaging‐guided PCI.

Conclusions

QCA‐guided PCI with routine postdilation may be a viable alternative for improving PCI outcomes, especially in settings where intravascular imaging is unavailable.
Strengthening Developmental Science With Psychometric Evaluations: An Examination of the Spatial Arrangement Method as a Measure of Semantic Structure in Children
Authors: Vales Catarina , Branson Zach , Fisher Anna V.
Published: December 2024

Cognitive tasks are seldom evaluated on their ability to provide valid and reliable measurements of the construct they intend to measure. This scarcity of psychometric evaluations makes it challenging to evaluate replications of experimental effects and to relate performance in cognitive tasks to other constructs of interest. In developmental science, these issues are compounded by the often‐imprecise measures derived from tasks completed by child participants. Here, we focus on the spatial arrangement method when used to assess semantic structure in children and evaluate its psychometric properties. Using a new analytic approach to capture individual variability in participants' arrangement in this task, we show that the spatial arrangement method has appropriate construct validity (β = 0.40), internal consistency (r2 = 0.20), and test–retest reliability (r2 = 0.41; ICC = 0.56) when used to evaluate semantic structure in U.S. children (4–9 years of age; N = 200 across 4 datasets). We discuss the implications of these findings for examining semantic structure in children and for strengthening methodological practices in developmental science more broadly.
Monkeypox Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Outcomes, Public Health Implications, and Security Measures
Authors: Salomon Izere , Hamitoglu Ali Emir , Hertier Unkwiye , Belise Mugabekazi Albright , Sandrine Uwase , Darius Benimana , Abdoulkarim Methode Yusufu
Published: December 2024

Background

The Monkeypox virus (MPXV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, is responsible for the zoonotic disease known as MPX. Primarily found in western and central Africa, emerging studies indicate a shift in transmission dynamics. Ongoing MPX outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have escalated into significant public health concerns.

Objectives

This review endeavors to provide a comprehensive analysis of the public health implications, clinical consequences, and preventive measures related to the current MPX outbreak in the DRC. It focuses on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and public health responses to this global health challenge.

Methodology

The research synthesizes data regarding MPX outbreaks in the DRC, drawing from academic journals, public health reports, and case studies through a narrative review approach.

Results

The recent outbreak in the DRC has identified approximately 12,569 suspected MPX cases, resulting in 581 fatalities, which corresponds to a case fatality rate (CFR) of 4.6%. These cases have been documented across 156 health sectors in 22 out of 26 provinces, representing the highest case count recorded to date. The epidemic has also encroached upon previously unaffected regions. Hospitalization rates have varied between 4% and 10%, with a significant percentage of cases attributed to sexual transmission. Analysis of demographic and geographic data revealed distinct patterns in viral spread. Clinical outcomes have varied, with an average CFR close to 10%, influenced by factors such as timely diagnosis and access to healthcare services. Rural areas have accounted for over 70% of the cases, highlighting the necessity for targeted public health interventions. Control measures have focused on community awareness campaigns and immunization programs, reaching approximately 50% of the at‐risk population; however, challenges related to resource limitations and political instability have impeded effective response strategies.

Conclusion

The ongoing MPX outbreak in the DRC poses a substantial public health challenge. While progress has been made in managing the epidemic, it remains imperative to address resource deficiencies and enhance public health systems. Strengthening international collaboration, expanding healthcare access, and improving surveillance capabilities are critical to mitigating the risk of future outbreaks.
Tislelizumab combined with nab‐paclitaxel and cisplatin as the more effective chemoimmunotherapy strategy in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A prospective, two‐cohort, phase 2 trial
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Bin , Zhang Yawei , Luo Xiaoyang , Zhang Yiliang , Li Hang , Pan Yunjian , Shao Longlong , Zheng Shanbo , Yuan Chongze , Li Yuan , Zheng Qiang , Sun Si , Zhao Weixin , Sun Yihua
Published: December 2024

This prospective, two‐cohort phase 2 trial with random allocation was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant tislelizumab combined with nab‐paclitaxel/paclitaxel and cisplatin (TP) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the nab‐paclitaxel or paclitaxel cohorts at a 1:1 ratio, and received intravenous tislelizumab (200 mg, day 1) combined with cisplatin (25 mg/m2, days 1–3) and either nab‐paclitaxel (125 mg/m2, days 1 and 8) or paclitaxel (150 mg/m2, day 1) in a 21‐day cycle for two cycles before surgery. The primary endpoint was the major pathological response (MPR) rate. From March 01, 2022 to April 10, 2023, 46 patients were enrolled (n = 23 in each cohort), with 42 patients receiving the full two‐cycle treatments and undergoing surgery (n = 22 in the nab‐paclitaxel cohort, n = 20 in the paclitaxel cohort). The MPR rate and the pCR rate in the total cohort were 44.2% (19/42) and 19.0% (8/42), respectively, with 59.1% (13/22) and 31.8% (7/22) in the nab‐paclitaxel cohort and 30.0% (6/20) and 5.0% (1/20) in paclitaxel cohorts. The most common treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs) were anemia (89.1%) and alopecia (71.7%), and no significant difference in TRAEs was observed between the two cohorts. Up until March 28, 2024, the median follow‐up time was 15.5 months (range of 6.0–24.3 months), and the survival analysis revealed that the patients in the nab‐paclitaxel cohort had a higher event‐free survival (p = .002). In conclusion, neoadjuvant tislelizumab combined with cisplatin and nab‐paclitaxel, rather than cisplatin and paclitaxel, is a more effective neoadjuvant strategy for locally advanced thoracic ESCC.
Pathogen spectrum and clinical characteristics of lung cancer patients: A 10‐year retrospective study
Authors: Yang Zhen‐Ming , Qin Xiu‐Yu , Lu Yan‐Yan , Yao Lun‐kai , Liu Ai‐Qun , Yu Qi‐Tao , Jiang Wei , Liang Jie , Li Yu , Zhou Shao‐Zhang , Qiu Ye
Published: December 2024

Infection is the most common non‐cancer cause of death in patients with lung cancer (LC). However, original research reports with large sample sizes on the epidemiology, pathogen spectrum, immune status changes, and prognosis of these patients are lacking. A retrospective study of LC patients with infection was performed at Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital from 2014 to 2023. In total, 699 LC patients with disease complicated by infection were included in the study. The incidence of infection increased from 4.61% in 2014 to 9.77% in 2023 among patients with LC. A total of 109 types of pathogens were detected. The most prevalent pathogenic organisms in each category were bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli), fungi (Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp.), viruses (COVID‐19 and Epstein–Barr virus), and special pathogens (Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycoplasma pneumoniae). Upon diagnosis of infection, the total T lymphocyte, helper T cell, Th/Ts ratio, and B lymphocyte counts decreased, while the natural killer cell and suppressor T‐cell counts increased. Infection is a crucial risk factor affecting the prognosis and mortality of patients with LC. The susceptibility of patients with LC to infection may be related to immunodeficiency resulting from antitumor treatment and disease progression.
Exploring Metabolic Approaches for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Therapy
Authors: Kumari Sangeeta , Gupta Shraddha , Jamil Aisha , Tabatabaei Deyana , Karakashev Sergey
Published: December 2024

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has the highest mortality rate among malignant tumors of the female reproductive system and the lowest survival rate. This poor prognosis is due to the aggressive nature of EOC, its late‐stage diagnosis, and the tumor's ability to adapt to stressors through metabolic reprogramming. EOC cells sustain their rapid proliferation by altering the uptake, utilization, and regulation of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids. These metabolic changes support tumor growth and contribute to metastasis, chemotherapy resistance, and immune evasion. Targeting these metabolic vulnerabilities has shown promise in preclinical studies, with some therapies advancing to clinical trials. However, challenges remain due to tumor heterogeneity, adaptive resistance mechanisms, and the influence of the tumor microenvironment. This review provides a comprehensive summary of metabolic targets for EOC treatment and offers an overview of the current landscape of clinical trials focusing on ovarian cancer metabolism. Future efforts should prioritize combination therapies that integrate metabolic inhibitors with immunotherapies or chemotherapy. Advances in precision medicine and multi‐omics approaches will be crucial for identifying patient‐specific metabolic dependencies and improving outcomes. By addressing these challenges, metabolism‐based therapies can significantly transform the treatment of this devastating disease.
Low Skeletal Muscle Radiodensity Predicts Response to CDK4/6 Inhibitors Plus Aromatase Inhibitors in Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Kim Hyunwook , Baek Seungjin , Han Sookyeong , Kim Gun Min , Sohn Joohyuk , Rhee Yumie , Hong Namki , Kim Min Hwan
Published: December 2024

Background

Recent evidence indicates that a dysregulated host metabolism influences treatment outcomes in patients with breast cancer. We investigated the association of computed tomography (CT)‐derived body composition indices with therapeutic responses in patients with hormone receptor‐positive, HER2‐negative advanced breast cancer (ABC) on endocrine plus CDK4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) treatment.

Methods

The study involved a retrospective cohort of patients with ABC at the Yonsei Cancer Center who received CDK4/6i and aromatase inhibitors as first‐line therapy between January 2017 and October 2020. Body composition parameters were estimated from the non‐enhanced CT images of the third lumbar spine by commercialized deep learning software. Patients with low skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD) were defined as patients with SMD of low tertile (≤ 28.7 Hounsfield Units). The primary outcome was progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

Among the 247 female participants (median age, 53 years; mean body mass index [BMI], 23.7 kg/m2), 45.7% had disease progression or death during a median follow‐up of 36.4 months. After adjusting for age and visceral metastasis, SMD was the only independent predictor among body composition parameters for worse PFS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.20 per standard deviation decrement, 95% CI: 1.01–1.42, p = 0.041), whereas BMI, muscle area, and fat area were not. Participants with low SMD had a higher risk of progression than those without (PFS, 27.2 vs. 51.1 months, p = 0.009; adjusted HR 1.84, 95% CI: 1.22–2.76, p = 0.003). Strong associations between low SMD and poor PFS were observed in groups with pre‐menopause status (HR, 3.04 vs. 1.19 in post‐menopause; 95% CI: 1.54–5.99, p for interaction < 0.05) and without visceral metastases (HR, 2.95 vs. 1.19 in with visceral metastases; 95% CI: 1.59–5.49, p for interaction < 0.05).

Conclusions

CT‐defined low SMD predicts poor treatment outcomes in patients with ABC undergoing first‐line treatment with aromatase inhibitors and CDK4/6i.