bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structures, functions, and syntheses of glycero-glycophospholipids
Authors: Osawa Tsukiho , Fujikawa Kohki , Shimamoto Keiko
Published: February 2024

Biological membranes consist of integral and peripheral protein-associated lipid bilayers. Although constituent lipids vary among cells, membrane lipids are mainly classified as phospholipids, glycolipids, and sterols. Phospholipids are further divided into glycerophospholipids and sphingophospholipids, whereas glycolipids are further classified as glyceroglycolipids and sphingoglycolipids. Both glycerophospholipids and glyceroglycolipids contain diacylglycerol as the common backbone, but their head groups differ. Most glycerolipids have polar head groups containing phosphate esters or sugar moieties. However, trace components termed glycero-glycophospholipids, each possessing both a phosphate ester and a sugar moiety, exist in membranes. Recently, the unique biological activities of glycero-glycophospholipids have attracted considerable attention. In this review, we describe the structure, distribution, function, biosynthesis, and chemical synthetic approaches of representative glycero-glycophospholipids—phosphatidylglucoside (PtdGlc) and enterobacterial common antigen (ECA). In addition, we introduce our recent studies on the rare glycero-glyco“pyrophospho”lipid, membrane protein integrase (MPIase), which is involved in protein translocation across biomembranes.
Kinetics of extracting valuable components from Ti-bearing blast furnace slag by acidolysis with sulphuric acid
Authors: Wang Yan , Gao Xin , He Siqi , Guo Jun
Published: February 2024

Ti-bearing blast furnace slag is a kind of solid waste produced by Pangang Group Company through the blast furnace smelting method. A variety of valuable components can be extracted from the Ti-bearing blast furnace slag after acidolysis with concentrated sulphuric acid. In order to study the kinetics of acidolysis, this paper investigated the effects of the acidolysis temperature, acid-slag ratio and raw material particle size on the overall extraction rate of Ti4+, Mg2+ and Al3+ components at different reaction times, and simulated the acidolysis process by using the unreacted shrinking core model. The results showed that the acidolysis process was controlled by internal diffusion with an apparent activation energy of 19.05 kJ mol–1 and the semi-empirical kinetic equation of the acidolysis process was obtained.
Metabolomic profiling reveals key metabolites associated with hypertension progression
Authors: Al Ashmar Sarah , Anwardeen Najeha Rizwana , Anlar Gulsen Guliz , Pedersen Shona , Elrayess Mohamed A. , Zeidan Asad
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Pre-hypertension is a prevalent condition among the adult population worldwide. It is characterized by asymptomatic elevations in blood pressure beyond normal levels but not yet reaching the threshold for hypertension. If left uncontrolled, pre-hypertension can progress to hypertension, thereby increasing the risk of serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and others.

Objective

The precise mechanisms driving the progression of hypertension remain unknown. Thus, identifying the metabolic changes associated with this condition can provide valuable insights into potential markers or pathways implicated in the development of hypertension.

Methods

In this study, we utilized untargeted metabolomics profiling, which examines over 1,000 metabolites to identify novel metabolites contributing to the progression from pre-hypertension to hypertension. Data were collected from 323 participants through Qatar Biobank.

Results

By comparing metabolic profiles between pre-hypertensive, hypertensive and normotensive individuals, six metabolites including stearidonate, hexadecadienoate, N6-carbamoylthreonyladenosine, 9 and 13-S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (HODE), 2,3-dihydroxy-5-methylthio- 4-pentenoate (DMTPA), and linolenate were found to be associated with increased risk of hypertension, in both discovery and validation cohorts. Moreover, these metabolites showed a significant diagnostic performance with area under curve >0.7.

Conclusion

These findings suggest possible biomarkers that can predict the risk of progression from pre-hypertension to hypertension. This will aid in early detection, diagnosis, and management of this disease as well as its associated complications.
Dietary antioxidant intake increases ankle brachial pressure index in men but not in women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Yuting , Wang Jianfeng
Published: February 2024

Objective

Atherosclerosis is a significant cause of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, with a greater impact on men than women. Dietary antioxidant intake is inversely related to the risk of atherosclerosis development. We aimed to investigate the association between dietary composite antioxidant intake and the ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI). The ABPI is not only used for assessing the progression of arterial lesions but also for stratifying the risk of atherosclerotic disease.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis involving 1,049 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We examined six antioxidants (zinc, selenium, carotenoids, and vitamins A, C, and E) and a composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) derived from these antioxidants as exposure variables. The primary outcomes encompassed cardio-metabolic parameters, including body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (BFM), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL and LDL cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and the Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI). Associations and interactions between variables were assessed using linear regression analyses. Moreover, mediation and moderation analysis is employed.

Results

Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that among men, dietary intake of zinc, selenium, and vitamin A remained positively associated with a higher ABPI even after adjusting for covariates. Conversely, in the stratified regression analysis based on CDAI quartiles, a U-shaped association between CDAI and ABPI was suggested. Notably, no significant association between dietary antioxidant intake and ABPI was observed among women. CDAI, intake of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E do not influence all-cause death through mediation by abpi, but rather have a direct effect on all-cause death. Moreover, there is a significant interaction between the intake of Vitamin A and gender, where a daily intake of Vitamin A more than 776 ug is especially beneficial for women.

Conclusion

The combined intake of nutrients with antioxidant properties may prevent the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis and influence the outcome in a sex-specific manner.
Petrogenesis of high heat producing granites and their contribution to geothermal resource in the Huangshadong geothermal field, South China
Authors: Liao Yuzhong , Wang Guiling , Xi Yufei , Gan Haonan , Yan Xiaoxue , Yu Mingxiao , Zhang Wei , Zhao Zirui
Published: February 2024

The Huangshadong geothermal field (HGF), situated in the contact zone between Mesozoic granites and NE-striking dominant faults in South China, has great geothermal potential. Petrogenesis of reservoir rock plays an important role in understandings its genetic mechanism and assessing geothermal potential. However, due to the lack of rock sample at depth collected from the geothermal reservoir, the petrogenesis of granites in the geothermal reservoirs of the HGF, remains an enigma. This study elucidated the petrogenetic characteristics of these granites sampled directly from geothermal reservoir at the depth of ∼3,000 km and their geothermal implications through zircon U-Pb dating, geochemical analysis, and Hf isotopic analysis. The zircon U-Pb ages indicate that the magmatism evolution of HGF contains three eras, namely, Cretaceous (135 ± 4 to 143.6 ± 2.8 Ma), Jurassic (152.7 ± 2.7 to 176.7 ± 1.8 Ma), and Permian granites (251 ± 9.1 to 251 ± 5 Ma) from the youngest to oldest. The reservoir granites were emplaced during the latest stage of Cretaceous intrusion, as indicated by the zircon U-Pb ages (135 ± 4 Ma and 135.3 ± 2.4 Ma) of rock samples from the deep part of well HR-1. These Cretaceous rocks are highly fractionated I-type granites, featuring high SiO2, K2O, and Na2O contents, high Rb/Sr ratios, low Zr/Hf, Nb/Ta, and Th/U ratios, and A/CNK values of 1.05–1.13. Compared to other Cretaceous granites outcropping on the margin of the HGF, these granites have undergone the strongest fractional differentiation. The Cretaceous granites in the HGF are high-heat-producing rocks (>5 μW/m3), with an average heat production rate of 6.63 μW/m3. Notably, the Cretaceous reservoir granites (as reservoir rocks) serve as an important heat source for the formation of geothermal resources in the HGF. In addition, the zircon Hf isotopic composition indicates that the reservoir Cretaceous granites originated from Meso-to Paleo-Proterozoic lower crustal materials (TDM2: 1,385 to 1907 Ma).
Redox and melting characteristics of Mn-based ores for high-temperature thermochemical energy storage
Authors: Liu Lei , Xu Wenting , Liu Hanzi
Published: February 2024

Redox and melting characteristics of Mn-based ores were investigated to test their potential use in thermochemical energy storage (TCES). Two Mn-based materials (FJ and LY) were natural ores with the Mn content higher than 35 wt%, and one Mn-based material was prepared by adding an MgO–kaolin inert support into LY ores to increase its melting temperature. Cyclic reduction and oxidation reactivity of these Mn-based materials was studied via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the melting behaviors of these materials were investigated by using a melting test setup with an optical camera–image system. It was found that the oxygen capacity of the FJ Mn ore can approach ∼1.50 wt%, while the LY Mn ore had only 0.42 wt%–0.69 wt% oxygen capacity The deformation temperature of the FJ Mn ore is higher than that of the LY Mn ore, and the melting temperatures of the LY Mn ore can be significantly improved with the addition of an MgO–kaolin inert support, while the reactivity is decreased due to the addition of the MgO–kaolin inert material. This study proves that manganese ores with high oxygen capacity and deformation temperature have potential as TCES materials. For some manganese ores with low deformation temperatures, it is necessary to improve their melting temperatures and ensure oxygen capacity for high-temperature TCES applications.
Drivers of anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in fishers (Pekania pennanti) across the northeastern United States
Authors: Silveira Georgianna , Frair Jacqueline L. , Murphy Lisa , Ellis Julie C. , Needle David , Cunningham Stephanie A. , Watson Amanda , Facka Aaron , Tate Patrick , Webb Shevenell , Royar Kim , Bernier Chris , Keller Thomas , Schuler Krysten
Published: February 2024

Studies in parts of Europe, New Zealand, and North America indicate uptake of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) by predatory mammals to be widespread and common, with proximity to urban and agricultural areas being an important driver of exposure. Yet, little is known regarding the patterns and drivers of AR exposure in predatory mammals within more forest-dominated landscapes. Across the forest-dominated northeastern United States (US), a region spanning Pennsylvania to Maine, we tested livers from 597 fisher (Pekania pennanti) obtained from the legal harvest for 11 anticoagulant rodenticide compounds. We used kriging to determine potential hot zones (within or among states) and used regression models to test agricultural land use, developed landscapes, and protected areas as potential drivers of exposure patterns. We detected 8 AR compounds, with 78.6% of sampled individuals testing positive for ≥1 compound. The highest rate of exposure was observed in New Hampshire and Vermont at 93.3 and 100.0% and the lowest in Maine at 52.8%. The majority of individuals (55.3%) tested positive for 2-6 different compounds rather than a single compound (23.3%) or none (21.4%), indicating repeated and chronic levels of exposure among fisher. Spatial interpolation revealed a hot region of exposure spanning southern New Hampshire, Vermont, and southeastern New York. Regression models indicated the proportion of wildland-urban intermix (low density buildings within a largely forest-dominated landscape) as a consistent and strong predictor of AR exposure, with marginal and inconsistent relationships observed between AR exposure and the amount of agricultural land use, and with no apparent benefit conferred by protected areas in the region. Given that northeastern states support the highest rural human population density in the nation, with individual homes interspersed throughout a forested matrix, residential use of ARs is implicated as potentially the main driver of exposure for forest carnivores in this region. However, surveillance of a broader suite of species, and greater knowledge of AR use in commercial forestry operations, will be necessary to understand the generality of our observations.
In silico identification of human microRNAs pointing centrin genes in Leishmania donovani: Considering the RNAi-mediated gene control
Authors: Aljedaie Manei M. , Alam Pravej
Published: February 2024

Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease caused by different species of the protozoa parasite Leishmania, is a neglected tropical human disease that is endemic in about a hundred countries worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the annual incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is estimated to be 0.7–1.2 million cases globally, whereas the annual incidence of visceral leishmaniasis is estimated to be 0.2–0.4 million cases. In many eukaryotic organisms, including human beings and protozoan parasites, centrin genes encode proteins that play essential roles within the centrosome or basal body. Human microRNAs (miRNAs) have been linked to several infectious and non-infectious diseases associated with pathogen–host interactions, and they play the emphatic roles as gene expression regulators. In this study, we used the MirTarget bioinformatics tool, which is a machine learning-based approach implemented in miRDB, to predict the target of human miRNAs in Leishmania donovani centrin genes. For cross-validation, we utilized additional prediction algorithms, namely, RNA22 and RNAhybrid, targeting all five centrin isotypes. The centrin-3 (LDBPK_342160) and putative centrin-5 (NC_018236.1) genes in L. donovani were targeted by eight and twelve human miRNAs, respectively, among 2,635 known miRNAs (miRBase). hsa-miR-5193 consistently targeted both genes. Using TargetScan, TarBase, miRecords, and miRTarBase, we identified miRNA targets and off-targets in human homologs of centrin, inflammation, and immune-responsive genes. Significant targets were screened based on GO terminologies and KEGG pathway-enrichment analysis (Log10 p-value >0.0001). In silico tools that predict the biological roles of human miRNAs as primary gene regulators in pathogen–host interactions help unravel the regulatory patterns of these miRNAs, particularly in the early stages of inflammatory responses. It is also noted that these miRNAs played an important role in the late phase of adaptive immune response, inclusively their impacts on the immune system’s response to L. donovani.
The mRNA-LNP vaccines – the good, the bad and the ugly?
Authors: Igyártó Botond Z. , Qin Zhen
Published: February 2024

The mRNA-LNP vaccine has received much attention during the COVID-19 pandemic since it served as the basis of the most widely used SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in Western countries. Based on early clinical trial data, these vaccines were deemed safe and effective for all demographics. However, the latest data raise serious concerns about the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines. Here, we review some of the safety and efficacy concerns identified to date. We also discuss the potential mechanism of observed adverse events related to the use of these vaccines and whether they can be mitigated by alterations of this vaccine mechanism approach.
Mesenchymal stromal cell derived extracellular vesicles as a therapeutic tool: immune regulation, MSC priming, and applications to SLE
Authors: Wong Christophe , Stoilova Ivana , Gazeau Florence , Herbeuval Jean-Philippe , Fourniols Thibaut
Published: February 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by a dysfunction of the immune system. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSCs) derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanometer-sized particles carrying a diverse range of bioactive molecules, such as proteins, miRNAs, and lipids. Despite the methodological disparities, recent works on MSC-EVs have highlighted their broad immunosuppressive effect, thus driving forwards the potential of MSC-EVs in the treatment of chronic diseases. Nonetheless, their mechanism of action is still unclear, and better understanding is needed for clinical application. Therefore, we describe in this review the diverse range of bioactive molecules mediating their immunomodulatory effect, the techniques and possibilities for enhancing their immune activity, and finally the potential application to SLE.
Adaptive terminal sliding mode control for USV-ROVs formation under deceptive attacks
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhang Sihang , Liu Yang , Zhang Yan , Hu Yancai
Published: February 2024

This work investigates the cooperative formation control problem of unmanned surface vehicle-remotely operated vehicles (USV-ROVs) subject to uncertainties under deceptive attacks. In the control design, with the utilization of the desired formation as well as the geometric position between USV and ROVs, a geometric transformation approach is developed and a geometric constraint relationship of governing formation positions is derived. Under the terminal sliding mode control (TSMC) design framework, a novel terminal sliding surface is crafted to circumvent the singularity issue. To further bolster robustness, using the sliding mode damper concept, a variable damping reaching law is devised. To refrain from the effectiveness of attacks and uncertainties, the adaptive technique is integrated into the TSMC framework. To save the communication resources, an event-triggering mechanism is established between the distributed controller and ROVs. Then, an event-triggered adaptive finite-time cooperative formation control scheme is developed for the USV-ROVs. The Lyapunov theory analysis shows that the cooperative formation control issue of USV-ROVs is realized and the deceptive attack can be suppressed efficaciously. The simulation, comparison, and quantitative analysis demonstrate the relative effectiveness and superiority of the developed scheme.
The implementation of the environmental impact assessment in Fukushima contaminated water discharge: an analysis of the international legal framework
Authors: Chen Xidi , Xu Qi
Published: February 2024

Japan is discharging nuclear contaminated water from the 2011 Fukushima incident into the sea after treatment with the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS). This process is expected to continue for decades, as planned by the Japanese government. This decision sparks opposition from many countries and international organizations, as well as constant protests from people in Japan and neighboring countries. Although there are no international documents specifically addressing the discharge of contaminants from a nuclear accident, it is found that the LOS Convention, treaties on nuclear safety, and international environmental laws provide the basis and legal framework for requiring Japan to implement environmental impact assessments throughout the entire process of Fukushima contaminated water discharge. First, this paper evaluates the consistency between the measures taken before Japan’s decision to discharge contaminated water into the sea and the requirements under international laws. Second, this paper further examines the substantive and procedural requirements under international law for the entire process of Fukushima contaminated water discharge. It identifies substantive criteria to be applied in assessing the environmental impact of Fukushima contaminated water discharge based on international documents and explores the procedural requirements to assure transparency, prudence, and accountability of the assessment. Finally, given the potential transboundary damage caused by the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, this paper proposes that a new multi-stakeholder cooperative mechanism is necessary to achieve effective and credible monitoring and respond to the claims of potentially affected parties. In addition to providing a legal framework for the environmental impact assessment in the Fukushima case, this paper may also contribute to the proper disposal of nuclear contaminants in future nuclear accidents.
Conditional survival analysis and dynamic prediction of long-term survival in Merkel cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Zhang Jin , Xiang Yang , Chen Jiqiu , Liu Lei , Jin Jian , Zhu Shihui
Published: February 2024

Background

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare type of invasive neuroendocrine skin malignancy with high mortality. However, with years of follow-up, what is the actual survival rate and how can we continually assess an individual’s prognosis? The purpose of this study was to estimate conditional survival (CS) for MCC patients and establish a novel CS-based nomogram model.

Methods

This study collected MCC patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and divided these patients into training and validation groups at the ratio of 7:3. CS refers to the probability of survival for a specific timeframe (y years), based on the patient’s survival after the initial diagnosis (x years). Then, we attempted to describe the CS pattern of MCCs. The Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was employed to screen predictive factors. The Multivariate Cox regression analysis was applied to demonstrate these predictors’ effect on overall survival and establish a novel CS-based nomogram.

Results

A total of 3,843 MCC patients were extracted from the SEER database. Analysis of the CS revealed that the 7-year survival rate of MCC patients progressively increased with each subsequent year of survival. The rates progressed from an initial 41–50%, 61, 70, 78, 85%, and finally to 93%. And the improvement of survival rate was nonlinear. The LASSO regression identified five predictors including patient age, sex, AJCC stage, surgery and radiotherapy as predictors for CS-nomogram development. And this novel survival prediction model was successfully validated with good predictive performance.

Conclusion

CS of MCC patients was dynamic and increased with time since the initial diagnosis. Our newly established CS-based nomogram can provide a dynamic estimate of survival, which has implications for follow-up guidelines and survivorship planning, enabling clinicians to guide treatment for these patients better.
Monitoring indicator genes to assess antimicrobial resistance contamination in phytoplankton and zooplankton communities from the English Channel and the North Sea
Authors: Bourdonnais Erwan , Le Bris Cédric , Brauge Thomas , Midelet Graziella
Published: February 2024

Phytoplankton and zooplankton play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as the basis of the food webs but are also vulnerable to environmental pollutants. Among emerging pollutants, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health problem encountered in all environmental compartments. However, the role of planktonic communities in its dissemination within the marine environment remains largely unexplored. In this study, we monitored four genes proposed as AMR indicators (tetA, blaTEM, sul1, and intI1) in phytoplankton and zooplankton samples collected in the English Channel and the North Sea. The indicator gene abundance was mapped to identify the potential sources of contamination. Correlation was assessed with environmental parameters to explore the potential factors influencing the abundance of AMR in the plankton samples. The prevalence in phytoplankton and zooplankton of sul1 and intI1, the most quantified indicator genes, ranged from 63 to 88%. A higher level of phytoplankton and zooplankton carrying these genes was observed near the French and English coasts in areas subjected to anthropogenic discharges from the lands but also far from the coasts. Correlation analysis demonstrated that water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and turbidity were correlated to the abundance of indicator genes associated with phytoplankton and zooplankton samples. In conclusion, the sul1 and intI1 genes would be suitable indicators for monitoring AMR contamination of the marine environment, either in phytoplankton and zooplankton communities or in seawater. This study fills a part of the gaps in knowledge about the AMR transport by marine phytoplankton and zooplankton, which may play a role in the transmission of resistance to humans through the marine food webs.
Gut microbiota of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit: a study from a tertiary care center in northern India
Authors: Devarajalu Prabavathi , Kumar Jogender , Dutta Sourabh , Attri Savita Verma , Kabeerdoss Jayakanthan
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Disruptions of the gut microbiota of preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) during the first 2 weeks of life are of critical importance. These infants are prone to various complications, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis. Studying the gut microbiota will improve outcomes in preterm infants. In the present study, we examined the gut microbiota of preterm infants admitted to the NICU in the first month of life.

Methods

Neonates admitted to the NICU were recruited, and stool samples were collected weekly from the seventh day of the infant’s life until the 30th day of life. DNA was extracted using a DNeasy Powersoil DNA isolation kit. 16S rRNA gene sequencing targeting the V3–V4 region was performed using the MiSeq platform. Sequenced reads were processed on DADA2 pipeline to obtain an amplicon sequence variant (ASV) table. All bioinformatic and statistical analyses were performed using different packages in the R statistical framework.

Results

Fourteen preterm infants were recruited, and 48 samples were collected. Alpha diversity metrics, observed ASV count, and Shannon index were found to have no differences in any clinical variables. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) showed discrimination of neonates by gestational age and administration of probiotics. Differential abundance analysis showed a decreased abundance of Bifidobacterium Breve in extremely preterm infants (gestational age <28 weeks) compared to moderate preterm infants (gestational age 29–32 weeks). Supplementation with probiotics decreased Acinetobacter and increased Bifidobacterium in the gut of preterm neonates regardless of gestational age.

Conclusion

Gestational age and probiotic supplementation alter the gut microbiota of preterm infants admitted to the NICU.
Microbiota changes: the unseen players in cervical cancer progression
Authors: Fong Amaris W. M. , Assumpção Paulo Pimentel de , Valadares Leonardo Jacomo , Moreira Fabiano Cordeiro
Published: February 2024

Cervical cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers globally with high-risk human papillomaviruses implicated in nearly 99% of cases. However, hidden players such as changes in the microbiota are now being examined as potential markers in the progression of this disease. Researchers suggest that changes in the vaginal microbiota might correlate with cervical cancer. This review provides a comprehensive look at the microbiota changes linked with the advancement of cervical cancer. It also scrutinizes the databases from past studies on the microbiota during healthy and cancerous stages, drawing connections between prior findings concerning the role of the microbiota in the progression of cervical cancer. Preliminary findings identify Fusobacterium spp., Peptostreptococcus spp., Campylobacter spp., and Haemophilus spp., as potential biomarkers for cervical cancer progression. Alloscardovia spp., Eubacterium spp., and Mycoplasma spp. were identified as potential biomarkers for HPVs (+), while Methylobacterium spp. may be indicative of HPV (−). However, the study’s limitations, including potential biases and methodological constraints, underscore the need for further research to validate these findings and delve deeper into the microbiota’s role in HPV development. Despite these limitations, the review provides valuable insights into microbiota trends during cervical cancer progression, offering direction for future research. The review summarizes key findings from previous studies on microbiota during healthy and cancerous stages, as well as other conditions such as CIN, SIL, HPV (+), and HPV (−), indicating a promising area for further investigation. The consistent presence of HPV across all reported cervical abnormalities, along with the identification of distinct bacterial genera between cancerous and control samples, suggests a potential link that merits further exploration. In conclusion, a more profound understanding of the microbial landscape could elucidate the pathogenesis of cervical diseases and inform future strategies for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
Identifying the characteristics of patients with stroke who have difficulty benefiting from gait training with the hybrid assistive limb: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Taki Shingo , Imura Takeshi , Mitsutake Tsubasa , Iwamoto Yuji , Tanaka Ryo , Imada Naoki , Araki Hayato , Araki Osamu
Published: February 2024

Robot-assisted gait training is effective for walking independence in stroke rehabilitation, the hybrid assistive limb (HAL) is an example. However, gait training with HAL may not be effective for everyone, and it is not clear who is not expected to benefit. Therefore, we aimed to identify the characteristics of stroke patients who have difficulty gaining benefits from gait training with HAL. We conducted a single-institutional retrospective cohort study. The participants were 82 stroke patients who had received gait training with HAL during hospitalization. The dependent variable was the functional ambulation category (FAC) that a measure of gait independence in stroke patients, and five independent [age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Brunnstrom recovery stage (BRS), days from stroke onset, and functional independence measure total score (cognitive items)] variables were selected from previous studies and analyzed by logistic regression analysis. We evaluated the validity of logistic regression analysis by using several indicators, such as the area under the curve (AUC), and a confusion matrix. Age, days from stroke onset to HAL initiation, and BRS were identified as factors that significantly influenced walking independence through gait training with HAL. The AUC was 0.86. Furthermore, after building a confusion matrix, the calculated binary accuracy, sensitivity (recall), and specificity were 0.80, 0.80, and 0.81, respectively, indicated high accuracy. Our findings confirmed that older age, greater degree of paralysis, and delayed initiation of HAL-assisted training after stroke onset were associated with increased likelihood of walking dependence upon hospital discharge.
Grid cells: the missing link in understanding Parkinson’s disease?
Authors: Reinshagen Alexander
Published: February 2024

The mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease (PD) are complex and not fully understood, and the box-and-arrow model among other current models present significant challenges. This paper explores the potential role of the allocentric brain and especially its grid cells in several PD motor symptoms, including bradykinesia, kinesia paradoxa, freezing of gait, the bottleneck phenomenon, and their dependency on cueing. It is argued that central hubs, like the locus coeruleus and the pedunculopontine nucleus, often narrowly interpreted in the context of PD, play an equally important role in governing the allocentric brain as the basal ganglia. Consequently, the motor and secondary motor (e.g., spatially related) symptoms of PD linked with dopamine depletion may be more closely tied to erroneous computation by grid cells than to the basal ganglia alone. Because grid cells and their associated central hubs introduce both spatial and temporal information to the brain influencing velocity perception they may cause bradykinesia or hyperkinesia as well. In summary, PD motor symptoms may primarily be an allocentric disturbance resulting from virtual faulty computation by grid cells revealed by dopamine depletion in PD.
Prognostic value of venous thromboembolism in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Su Kaifeng , Duan Ruifeng , Wu Yang
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the incidence of VTE and the prognosis of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, as there is currently a lack of systematic research on this topic, despite the prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched until April 9, 2023, to identify studies that explored the relationship between VTE and the prognosis of advanced pancreatic cancer. Duplicate publications, studies without full text or sufficient information for data extraction, animal experiments, reviews, and systematic reviews were excluded. The extracted data were analyzed using STATA 15.1.

Results

The pooled results indicated a significant association between the incidence of VTE and poorer overall survival (HR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.24 - 1.53, p < 0.001) and disease-free survival (HR=2.42, 95% CI: 1.94 - 3.04, p < 0.001) among patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Additionally, early VTE showed a significant impact on overall survival (HR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.33 - 3.12, p = 0.001), whereas late VTE did not demonstrate a significant association with poor overall survival (HR=1.22, 95% CI: 0.96 - 1.54, p = 0.099).

Conclusions

This study found that advanced pancreatic cancer patients with VTE had poorer overall and disease-free survival than those without. Meanwhile, the patients with early VTE had a significantly poorer prognosis, whereas late VTE did not. The findings highlight the importance of timely detection of VTE for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer patients and offer a partial theoretical basis for future clinical endeavors.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023427043, identifier CRD42023427043.
Evaluating palatability in young children: a mini-review of relevant physiology and assessment techniques
Authors: Schluterman Haley M. , Linardos Constance G. , Drulia Teresa , Marshall James D. , Kearns Gregory L.
Published: February 2024

The palatability of pediatric pharmaceutical products plays a crucial role of influencing medication compliance. Rejection of unpalatable medications can potentially lead to treatment failure which can have immediate and delayed consequences. With advances in both the food and pharmaceutical industries, the systematic assessment of palatability has gained importance. Various methods such as visual analogue scales, facial hedonic scales, and facial recognition software, have been employed to assess palatability. While proven to be useful, these methods have significant limitations and may not be workable for young children. Despite these advancements, a universally accepted “gold standard” for assessing pediatric mediation palatability, recognized by drug regulatory agencies, is yet to be established.
Isolation and purification of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (Rupr. & Maxim.) S. Y. Hu peptides and study of their antioxidant effects and mechanisms
Authors: Liu Chang , Ding Xuying , Xie Yining , Chen Chen , Zhao Meijun , Duan Yanming , Yuan Guojing , Ren Junxi
Published: February 2024

Oxidative stress is a state of imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant effects in the body, which is closely associated with aging and many diseases. Therefore, the development of antioxidants has become urgent. In this study, we isolated three polypeptides, G-6-Y, P-8-R, and F-10-W, from Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (Rupr. & Maxim.) S. Y. Hu (E. sessiliflorus), based on the antioxidant and anti-aging properties of Eleutherococcus, and screened the most powerful free radical scavenging peptide P-8-R. Ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced oxidative stress damage in the skin was established to test the efficacy of P-8-R. In cellular experiments, P-8-R not only prevented oxidative stress damage in HaCaT cells, reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and inhibited the overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases but also inhibited apoptosis via the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway; in animal experiments, P-8-R was able to prevent oxidative stress damage in the skin and reduce skin collagen loss by inhibiting the overexpression of MMPs to prevent mouse skin aging. In conclusion, the present study contributes to an in-depth understanding of the active compounds of Eleutherococcus, which is of great significance for the pharmacodynamic mechanism and industrial development of Eleutherococcus, and P-8-R is likely to become a potential antioxidant and anti-aging drug or skin care cosmetic in the future.
Melatonin and 14-hydroxyed brassinosteroid combined promote kiwifruit seedling growth by improving soil microbial distribution, enzyme activity and nutrients uptake
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Huang Ting , Liang Yan , Hussain Shafiq , Peng Rui , Wang Tong , Deng Honghong , Wang Jin , Lv Xiulan , Liang Dong , Xia Hui
Published: February 2024

Kiwifruit, a nutrient-dense fruit, has become increasingly popular with consumers in recent decades. However, kiwifruit trees are prone to stunted growth after a few years of planting, called early tree decline. In this study, melatonin (MT), pollen polysaccharide (SF), 14-hydroxyed brassinosteroid (14-HBR) were applied alone or in combination to investigate their influence on plant growth, nutrition absorption and rhizosphere bacterial abundance in kiwifruit seedlings. The results revealed that MT, SF and 14-HBR alone treatments significantly increased leaf chlorophyll content, photosynthetic capacity and activities of dismutase and catalase compared with the control. Among them, MT treatment significantly increased the dry root biomass by 35.7%, while MT+14-HBR treatment significant enhanced the dry shoot biomass by 36.9%. Furthermore, both MT and MT+14-HBR treatments markedly improved the activities of invertase, urease, protease and phosphatase in soil, as well as the abundance of Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria in rhizosphere microorganisms based on 16S rDNA sequencing. In addition, MT treatment improved the content of available K and organic matter in soil, and increased the uptake of P, K and Fe by seedlings. In summary, 14-HBR and MT combined had the best effect on promoting rhizosphere bacterial distribution, nutrient absorption and plant growth. These findings may provide valuable guidance for solving growth weakness problem in kiwifruit cultivation.
Regulatory mechanism of heat-active retrotransposons by the SET domain protein SUVH2
Authors: Niu Xiaoying , Ge Zhiyu , Ito Hidetaka
Published: February 2024

New transposon insertions are deleterious to genome stability. The RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway evolved to regulate transposon activity via DNA methylation. However, current studies have not yet clearly described the transposition regulation. ONSEN is a heat-activated retrotransposon that is activated at 37°C. The plant-specific SUPPRESSOR OF VARIEGATION 3–9 HOMOLOG (SUVH) family proteins function downstream of the RdDM pathway. The SUVH protein families are linked to TE silencing by two pathways, one through DNA methylation and the other through chromatin remodeling. In this study, we analyzed the regulation of ONSEN activity by SUVH2. We observed that ONSEN transcripts were increased; however, there was no transpositional activity in Arabidopsis suvh2 mutant. The suvh2 mutant produced siRNAs from the ONSEN locus under heat stress, suggesting that siRNAs are involved in suppressing transposition. These results provide new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of retrotransposons that involve siRNA in the RdDM pathway.
Supporting adoptive and foster parents of adolescents through the trauma-informed e-Connect parent group: a preliminary descriptive study
Authors: Pace Cecilia Serena , Muzi Stefania , Moretti Marlene , Barone Lavinia
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Adolescents in adoption and foster care are likely to show internalizing and externalizing problems and affective dysregulation, leading to a lower quality of parent–adolescent attachment relationships and high levels of strain for parents. This study describes the results of the first application of the trauma-informed attachment-based Connect Parent Group in an online form (e-Connect) with Italian adoptive and foster parents. In this study, we describe (1) trends in the aforementioned variables between pre- (T1) and post- (T2) intervention and (2) parents’ feedback and suggestions about the intervention.

Method

Participants were 10 adoptive and 10 foster parents (53% females, Mage = 53.48; SDage = 4.93) who attended e-Connect, an attachment-focused and trauma-informed 10-session online group intervention. This intervention aims at increasing caregiver awareness of attachment and trauma concerning adolescents’ problem behaviors and sensitive responsiveness, thereby leading to improvements in parent–adolescent relationship quality, decreases in adolescents’ problems, and reductions in caregiver strain. One e-Connect group was offered for adoptive parents and one for foster parents. Parents completed questionnaires 1 week before (T1) and after (T2) the intervention and responded to a feedback interview following program completion.

Results

Only at the descriptive level, scores of adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing problems, affective dysregulation, and caregivers’ strain show decreasing trends. Parents reported high satisfaction with the program, declaring changes in parent–adolescent relationships both currently (94.7%) and anticipated in the future (100%). All parents indicated that they would recommend e-Connect to other parents.

Discussion

Given promising parents’ feedback, the feasibility of e-Connect supporting adoptive and foster parents of adolescents can be further empirically investigated.
Psychological well-being and factors affecting it after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Babazadeh Towhid , Ghaffari-fam Saber , Shahnavaz-Yoshanluie Farzaneh , Ranjbaran Soheila
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has enormously impacted human activity worldwide, partly due to many governments issuing stay-at-home orders and limiting the types of social interactions citizens can engage in. Hence, this study investigated psychological well-being and factors affecting it after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A total of 345 participants were recruited in the study. This research was conducted between February and May 2023 in Sarab, East Azerbaijan, Iran. To measure the data, valid and reliable instruments of Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC), interpersonal support evaluation list (ISEL-SF), and health-protective behaviors checklist instrument were used.

Results

According to the results, health locus of control (r = 0.227; p < 0.001), social support (r = 0.339; p < 0.001), and COVID-19 preventive behaviors (r = 0.376; p < 0.001) were positively correlated with psychological well-being. The strongest correlation was observed between psychological well-being and protective behaviors (r = 0.376; p < 0.001). In the hierarchical regression model, total, demographic characteristics along with health locus of control, social support, covid-19 preventive behaviors, and history of COVID-19 infection were able to explain 57.4% of the variation in psychological well-being.

Discussion

Public healthcare providers’ and policymakers’ preventive and supportive actions are highly advised for promoting health locus of control and social support in adults after the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it is better to include a community’s social and environmental changes.
Examining changes of adolescent physical habitus—a retrospective study of physical capital networks
Authors: Bian Junyi , Xiang Zubing , Xiang Xuechun
Published: February 2024

Introduction

In recent years, massive studies have examined sport from the standpoint of cultural capital. However, these studies have not examined cultural capital in relation to habitus within specific fields.

Methods

This article utilized a multivariate latent growth curve model to analyze changes of participants’ physical habitus. Hypotheses concerning the form of growth in physical habitus, individual perceived capital influence differences in the common trajectory over time, and covariates influencing the growth of PH were tested.

Results

Significant linear increases existed for perceived influence from family and school, while significant linear decreases existed for perceived influence from community. The second-order alternative format of the latent growth curve model indicated that associations among individual perceived influence differences could be adequately explained by a higher order physical habitus construct. Gender, personal health condition, family socio-economic status, and weekly time spent on physical activities significantly predicted initial levels of physical habitus, whereas family social economic status significantly predicted the rate of change in physical habitus simultaneously.

Discussion

These findings not only support the participation in sport is constructed socially but also that individual efforts and contextual influences contribute to physical habitus. Furthermore, three types of perceived influences intertwined so much in simultaneity, instead of contributing to physical habitus across time.
Few negative effects of psychotherapy in a psychiatric day hospital: a follow-up survey to a multiprofessional treatment with acceptance and commitment therapy
Authors: Richter Christoph , Rutschmann Ronja , Romanczuk-Seiferth Nina
Published: February 2024

While there are many studies on psychotherapy and its efficacy – in terms of desired outcomes – there is comparatively little evidence on the possible negative effects of psychotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible negative effects of a multi-professional psychiatric day hospital treatment for patients with mental health disorders based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), including possible confounding factors. Fifty-one patients with a range of psychiatric diagnoses were assessed three months after an ACT-based psychiatric day hospital treatment. Questionnaires were used to measure negative effects of psychotherapy (INEP), subjective quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), and symptomatology (BDI-II and SCL-90-R). Correlational analyses and group comparisons were performed to determine the relationship between the sum of reported negative effects on the one hand and symptomology, quality of life, and sociodemographic variables (gender, age, diagnosis, education) on the other hand. At least one negative effect out of a list of 18 possible effects was reported by 45% of participants, and 10% reported more than two. The number of negative effects reported correlates positively with symptomology and negatively with quality of life. The sum of reported negative effects does not correlate with age or gender and does not vary by education level and primary diagnosis. In the light of previous findings, patients included in this study showed lower rates of negative effects, both overall and at item level. Practical implications of these findings are discussed.