bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current perspectives and trends in the treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations: a review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Tang Weixia , Chen Yang , Ma Li , Chen Yu , Yang Biao , Li Ren , Li Ziao , Wu Yongqiang , Wang Xiaogang , Guo Xiaolong , Zhang Wenju , Chen Xiaolin , Lv Ming , Zhao Yuanli , Guo Geng
Published: January 2024

Background

Currently, there is a lack of intuitive analysis regarding the development trend, main authors, and research hotspots in the field of cerebral arteriovenous malformation treatment, as well as a detailed elaboration of possible research hotspots.

Methods

A bibliometric analysis was conducted on data retrieved from the Web of Science core collection database between 2000 and 2022. The analysis was performed using R, VOSviewer, CiteSpace software, and an online bibliometric platform.

Results

A total of 1,356 articles were collected, and the number of publications has increased over time. The United States and the University of Pittsburgh are the most prolific countries and institutions in the field. The top three cited authors are Kondziolka D, Sheehan JP, and Lunsford LD. The Journal of Neurosurgery and Neurosurgery are two of the most influential journals in the field of brain arteriovenous malformation treatment research, with higher H-index, total citations, and number of publications. Furthermore, the analysis of keywords indicates that “aruba trial,” “randomised trial,” “microsurgery,” “onyx embolization,” and “Spetzler-Martin grade” may become research focal points. Additionally, this paper discusses the current research status, existing issues, and potential future research directions for the treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations.

Conclusion

This bibliometric study comprehensively analyses the publication trend of cerebral arteriovenous malformation treatment in the past 20 years. It covers the trend of international cooperation, publications, and research hotspots. This information provides an important reference for scholars to further study cerebral arteriovenous malformation.
giRAff: an automated atlas segmentation tool adapted to single histological slices
Authors: Piluso Sébastien , Souedet Nicolas , Jan Caroline , Hérard Anne-Sophie , Clouchoux Cédric , Delzescaux Thierry
Published: January 2024

Conventional histology of the brain remains the gold standard in the analysis of animal models. In most biological studies, standard protocols usually involve producing a limited number of histological slices to be analyzed. These slices are often selected into a specific anatomical region of interest or around a specific pathological lesion. Due to the lack of automated solutions to analyze such single slices, neurobiologists perform the segmentation of anatomical regions manually most of the time. Because the task is long, tedious, and operator-dependent, we propose an automated atlas segmentation method called giRAff, which combines rigid and affine registrations and is suitable for conventional histological protocols involving any number of single slices from a given mouse brain. In particular, the method has been tested on several routine experimental protocols involving different anatomical regions of different sizes and for several brains. For a given set of single slices, the method can automatically identify the corresponding slices in the mouse Allen atlas template with good accuracy and segmentations comparable to those of an expert. This versatile and generic method allows the segmentation of any single slice without additional anatomical context in about 1 min. Basically, our proposed giRAff method is an easy-to-use, rapid, and automated atlas segmentation tool compliant with a wide variety of standard histological protocols.
Neuromuscular development in the emerging scyphozoan model system, Cassiopea xamachana: implications for the evolution of cnidarian nervous systems
Authors: Amplatz Klara , Zieger Elisabeth , Abed-Navandi Daniel , Weissenbacher Anton , Wanninger Andreas
Published: January 2024

The scyphozoan Cassiopea xamachana is an emerging cnidarian model system for studying regeneration, animal-algae symbiotic relationships, and various aspects of evolutionary biology including the early emergence of animal nervous systems. Cassiopea has a life cycle similar to other scyphozoans, which includes the alternation between a sessile, asexual form (polyp) and a sexually reproducing stage, the medusa. The transition between the two forms is called strobilation, where the polyp releases a miniature medusa, the iconic ephyra, that subsequently develops into the adult medusa. In addition, Cassiopea polyps may reproduce asexually by budding off free-swimming so-called planuloid buds. While the development of planuloid buds and polyps has been studied in some detail, little is known about the ontogeny of the sexually produced planula larva. Using immunofluorescence labeling and confocal microscopy, we examined neuromuscular development during metamorphosis of the planula larva into the juvenile polyp in C. xamachana. For this purpose, we used tyrosinated α-tubulin-, FMRFamide- and serotonin-like immunoreactivity together with phalloidin labeling. Our results show a planula nervous system that consists of a basiectodermal neural plexus with mostly longitudinally oriented neurites. This neural meshwork is connected to sensory neurons in the superficial stratum of the ectoderm, which are exclusively localized in the aboral half of the larva. During settlement, this aborally concentrated nervous system of the planula is replaced completely by the orally concentrated nervous system of the polyp. Adult polyps show an extensive nerve net with a loose concentration around the oral disc. These findings are consistent with data from other scyphozoans and most likely constitute a conserved feature of scyphozoan discomedusae. Taken together, the data currently available suggest an aborally concentrated nervous system including sensory cells as part of the neural ground pattern of cnidarian planula larvae. The reorganization of the nervous system from anterior to posterior in planula-to-polyp metamorphosis most likely also constitutes an ancestral trait in cnidarian evolution.
Regulation of Src family kinases by muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in heterologous cells and neurons
Authors: Mao Li-Min , Young Lexi , Chu Xiang-Ping , Wang John Q.
Published: January 2024

Five muscarinic acetylcholine (mACh) receptor subtypes are divided into two classes: the M1 class (M1, M3, and M5) and the M2 class (M2 and M4). The former is coupled to Gq proteins, while the latter is coupled to Gi/o proteins. Accumulating evidence indicates that mACh receptors play a significant role in the regulation of the Src family kinase (SFK), a subfamily of non-receptor tyrosine kinases. mACh receptors exert their roles in a subtype-dependent fashion and preferentially target Src and Fyn, two members of SFKs that are expressed in the brain and enriched at synaptic sites. While the M1 receptor positively modulates SFK activity, the M4 receptor inhibits it. By modulating SFKs, mACh receptors are actively involved in the regulation of expression and function of a variety of receptors, structural proteins, and signaling molecules. In particular, the M4 receptor and the dopamine D1 receptor are coexpressed in striatonigral projection neurons of the striatum. Gi/o-coupled M4 and Gq-coupled D1 receptors antagonistically regulate SFK activity, thereby forming a dynamic balance controlling glutamate receptor activity, excitability of neurons, and synaptic plasticity. In summary, mACh receptors play a crucial role in regulating SFK activity in heterologous cells and neurons.
Citrus aurantium L. and synephrine improve brown adipose tissue function in adolescent mice programmed by early postnatal overfeeding
Authors: Guimarães Andressa Cardoso , de Moura Egberto Gaspar , Silva Stephanie Giannini , Lopes Bruna Pereira , Bertasso Iala Milene , Pietrobon Carla Bruna , Quitete Fernanda Torres , de Oliveira Malafaia Tayanne , Souza Érica Patrícia Garcia , Lisboa Patrícia Cristina , de Oliveira Elaine
Published: January 2024

Introduction and aims

Obesity is a multifactorial condition with high health risk, associated with important chronic disorders such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular dysfunction. Citrus aurantium L. (C. aurantium) is a medicinal plant, and its active component, synephrine, a β-3 adrenergic agonist, can be used for weight loss. We investigated the effects of C. aurantium and synephrine in obese adolescent mice programmed by early postnatal overfeeding.

Methods

Three days after birth, male Swiss mice were divided into a small litter (SL) group (3 pups) and a normal litter (NL) group (9 pups). At 30 days old, SL and NL mice were treated with C. aurantium standardized to 6% synephrine, C. aurantium with 30% synephrine, isolated synephrine, or vehicle for 19 days.

Results

The SL group had a higher body weight than the NL group. Heart rate and blood pressure were not elevated. The SL group had hyperleptinemia and central obesity that were normalized by C. aurantium and synephrine. In brown adipose tissue, the SL group showed a higher lipid droplet sectional area, less nuclei, a reduction in thermogenesis markers related to thermogenesis (UCP-1, PRDM16, PGC-1α and PPARg), and mitochondrial disfunction. C. aurantium and synephrine treatment normalized these parameters.

Conclusion

Our data indicates that the treatment with C. aurantium and synephrine could be a promising alternative for the control of some obesity dysfunction, such as improvement of brown adipose tissue dysfunction and leptinemia.
The effect of antioxidant dietary supplements and diet-derived circulating antioxidants on vitiligo outcome: evidence from genetic association and comprehensive Mendelian randomization
Authors: Ni Yao , Zhang Youqian , Sun Jingying , Zhao Lingyi , Wu Bo , Ye Jianzhou
Published: January 2024

Background

Previous studies have indicated that antioxidant diets may have a positive impact on vitiligo by interfering with oxidative stress mechanisms. However, there has been a lack of research utilizing the Mendelian randomization (MR) method to analyze the relationship between antioxidant diet intake and vitiligo.

Methods

In this study, we employed both univariate Mendelian randomization (UVMR) and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) approaches. The specific antioxidant dietary supplements (such as coffee intake, green tea intake, herbal tea intake, standard tea intake, and average weekly red wine intake) as well as diet-derived circulating antioxidants, including Vit. C (ascorbate), Vit. E (α-tocopherol), Vit. E (γ-tocopherol), Carotene, Vit. A (retinol), Zinc, and Selenium (N = 2,603–428,860) were significantly associated with independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We obtained pooled statistics on vitiligo from a meta-analysis of three genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of European ancestry, including 4,680 cases and 39,586 controls. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was employed as the primary analytical method, and sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the robustness of the main findings.

Results

Genetically, coffee intake [odds ratio (OR) = 0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07–0.37, p = 1.57 × 10–5], average weekly red wine intake (OR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.08–1.00, p = 0.049), and standard tea intake (OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–0.99, p = 5.66 × 10–7) were identified as protective factors against vitiligo. However, no causal effect between the intake of other antioxidant diets and vitiligo was found. Moreover, no instances of pleiotropy or heterogeneity were observed in this study.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that coffee, standard tea, and red wine consumption can potentially reduce the risk of vitiligo. However, there is insufficient evidence to support that other antioxidant diets have a significant effect on vitiligo.
Assessment of the color of orange juice in the context of dietitians’ food preferences
Authors: Kardas Marek , Kiciak Agata , Szynal Kamila , Sitkiewicz Barbara , Staśkiewicz-Bartecka Wiktoria , Bielaszka Agnieszka
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Color is an integral part of product selection and is used to assess its attractiveness and quality. Dietitians are a group that influences the dietary choices of the population through education and promotion of rational eating behavior. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the color of selected juices in the context of dietitians’ food preferences.

Methods

In the first stage of the research, the color of orange juices was measured using a spectrophotometer. In the second stage, sensory analysis was carried out using the ranking method. Participants were asked to assess the attractiveness of the color of juices through glasses and bottles without the original label and with the label. The juice with the best color turned out to be the juice which, according to the L * a * b * parameters, was relatively dark and had an intense orange tint.

Results

As the juice with the worst color, they chose the juice that was colored green and blue. When assessing the color without and with the original label, the respondents indicated which one was significantly brighter and more yellow compared to the others. Dietitians prefer bright juices with a vibrant orange hue. Product packaging influences dieticians’ choices regardless of the content.

Discussion

Instrumental control of color during product production and selection of packaging elements for attractive synergy are determinants of the perceived attractiveness of juices in the study group.
Bibliometric and visual analysis in the field of tea in cancer from 2013 to 2023
Authors: Lian Yuanchu , Li Xiating , Lan Ying , Li Zonghuai , Lin Xiaoxin , Huang Jing’an , Zhang Bo , Feng Zhongwen
Published: January 2024

Objective

Tea has been utilized in cancer research and is progressively gaining wider recognition, with its roles in cancer prevention and treatment being increasingly affirmed. The objective of this study is to investigate the current state and research hotspots in the field of tea’s involvement in cancer research from 2013 to 2023, aiming to offer reference and direction for future studies.

Methods

We analyzed 4,789 articles published between 2013 and 2022 from the Web of Science database using VOSviewer, R software, and CiteSpace software.

Result

Tea-related cancer research showed an overall upward trend, with China leading in publications, followed by the United States, India, Japan, and Italy. China also had significant international collaborations, notably with Harvard University and the Egyptian Knowledge Bank. The ‘Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry’ was the most cited journal. Key topics included ‘green tea,’ ‘cancer,’ ‘in vitro,’ ‘oxidative stress,’ and ‘apoptosis.’ Research focused on tea’s pharmacological effects, anticancer properties, mechanisms of natural compounds (e.g., polyphenols and EGCG), antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and molecular mechanisms in cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Tea’s potential as an anti-cancer medication is gaining global recognition. Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of tea-related cancer research from 2013 to 2023, guiding future investigations in this field.
Ion channel P2X7 receptor in the progression of cancer
Authors: Zhang Guang-ping , Liao Jun-xiang , Liu Yi-yi , Zhu Fu-qi , Huang Hui-jin , Zhang Wen-jun
Published: January 2024

P2X7 receptor (P2X7) is a non-selective and ATP-sensitive ligand-gated cation channel. Studies have confirmed that it is expressed in a variety of cells and correlates with their function, frequently in immune cells and tumor cells. We found increased expression of this receptor in many tumor cells, and it has a role in tumor survival and progression. In immune cells, upregulation of the receptor has a double effect on tumor suppression as well as tumor promotion. This review describes the structure of P2X7 and its role in the tumor microenvironment and presents possible mechanisms of P2X7 in tumor invasion and metastasis. Understanding the potential of P2X7 for tumor treatment, we also present several therapeutic agents targeting P2X7 and their mechanisms of action. In conclusion, the study of P2X7 is an important guideline for the use of clinical tumor therapy and may be able to provide a new idea for tumor treatment, but considering the complexity of the biological effects of P2X7, the drugs should be used with caution in clinical practice.
Identification and validation of a prognostic risk-scoring model for AML based on m7G-associated gene clustering
Authors: Zhang Chiyi , Wen Ruiting , Wu Guocai , Li Guangru , Wu Xiaoqing , Guo Yunmiao , Yang Zhigang
Published: January 2024

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients still suffer from poor 5-year survival and relapse after remission. A better prognostic assessment tool is urgently needed. New evidence demonstrates that 7-methylguanosine (m7G) methylation modifications play an important role in AML, however, the exact role of m7G-related genes in the prognosis of AML remains unclear.

Methods

The study obtained AML expression profiles and clinical information from TCGA, GEO, and TARGET databases. Using the patient data from the TCGA cohort as the training set. Consensus clustering was performed based on 29 m7G-related genes. Survival analysis was performed by KM curves. The subgroup characteristic gene sets were screened using WGCNA. And tumor immune infiltration correlation analysis was performed by ssGSEA.

Results

The patients were classified into 3 groups based on m7G-related genebased cluster analysis, and the differential genes were screened by differential analysis and WGCNA. After LASSO regression analysis, 6 characteristic genes (including CBR1, CCDC102A, LGALS1, RD3L, SLC29A2, and TWIST1) were screened, and a prognostic risk-score model was constructed. The survival rate of low-risk patients was significantly higher than that of high-risk patients (p < 0.0001). The area under the curve values at 1, 3, and 5 years in the training set were 0.871, 0.874, and 0.951, respectively, indicating that this predictive model has an excellent predictive effect. In addition, after univariate and multivariate Cox regression screening, histograms were constructed with clinical characteristics and prognostic risk score models to better predict individual survival. Further analysis showed that the prognostic risk score model was associated with immune cell infiltration.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the scoring model and essential risk genes could provide potential prognostic biomarkers for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
Niuhuang Qingxin Wan ameliorates depressive-like behaviors and improves hippocampal neurogenesis through modulating TrkB/ERK/CREB signaling pathway in chronic restraint stress or corticosterone challenge mice
Authors: Du Qiaohui , Gao Chong , Tsoi Bun , Wu Meiling , Shen Jiangang
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Chronic stress-associated hormonal imbalance impairs hippocampal neurogenesis, contributing to depressive and anxiety behaviors. Targeting neurogenesis is thus a promising antidepressant therapeutic strategy. Niuhuang Qingxin Wan (NHQXW) is an herbal formula for mental disorders in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice, but its anti-depressant efficacies and mechanisms remain unverified.

Methods: In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that NHQXW could ameliorate depressive-like behaviors and improve hippocampal neurogenesis by modulating the TrkB/ERK/CREB signaling pathway by utilizing two depression mouse models including a chronic restraint stress (CRS) mouse model and a chronic corticosterone (CORT) stress (CCS) induced mouse model. The depression-like mouse models were orally treated with NHQXW whereas fluoxetine was used as the positive control group. We evaluated the effects of NHQXW on depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors and determined the effects of NHQXW on inducing hippocampal neurogenesis.

Results: NHQXW treatment significantly ameliorated depressive-like behaviors in those chronic stress mouse models. NHQXW significantly improved hippocampal neurogenesis in the CRS mice and CCS mice. The potential neurogenic mechanism of NHQXW was identified by regulating the expression levels of BDNF, TrkB, p-ERK (T202/T204), p-MEK1/2 (S217/221), and p-CREB (S133) in the hippocampus area of the CCS mice. NHQXW revealed its antidepressant and neurogenic effects that were similar to fluoxetine. Moreover, NHQXW treatment revealed long-term effects on preventing withdrawal-associated rebound symptoms in the CCS mice. Furthermore, in a bioactivity-guided quality control study, liquiritin was identified as one of the bioactive compounds of NHQXW with the bioactivities of neurogenesis-promoting effects.

Discussion: Taken together, NHQXW could be a promising TCM formula to attenuate depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors against chronic stress and depression. The underlying anti-depressant mechanisms could be correlated with its neurogenic activities by stimulating the TrkB/ERK/CREB signaling pathway.
Mechanistic insights into the ameliorative effects of hypoxia-induced myocardial injury by Corydalis yanhusuo total alkaloids: based on network pharmacology and experiment verification
Authors: Qi Jiaying , Li Haoying , Yang Yakun , Sun Xiaoqi , Wang Jianxin , Han Xue , Chu Xi , Sun Zhenqing , Chu Li
Published: January 2024

Introduction:Corydalis yanhusuo total alkaloids (CYTA) are the primary active ingredients in yanhusuo, known for their analgesic and cardioprotective effects. However, the mechanisms underlying the treatment of Myocardial ischemia (MI) with CYTA have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective effect of CYTA on MI and its related mechanisms.

Methods: A network pharmacology was employed to shed light on the targets and mechanisms of CYTA’s action on MI. The protective effect of CYTA against hypoxia damage was evaluated in H9c2 cells. Furthermore, the effects of CYTA on L-type Ca2+ current (ICa-L), contractile force, and Ca2+ transient in cardiomyocytes isolated from rats were investigated using the patch clamp technique and IonOptix system. The network pharmacology revealed that CYTA could regulate oxidative stress, apoptosis, and calcium signaling. Cellular experiments demonstrated that CYTA decreased levels of CK, LDH, and MDA, as well as ROS production and Ca2+ concentration. Additionally, CYTA improved apoptosis and increased the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px, along with the levels of ATP and Ca2+-ATPase content and mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, CYTA inhibited ICa-L, cell contraction, and Ca2+ transient in cardiomyocytes.

Results: These findings suggest that CYTA has a protective effect on MI by inhibiting oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, apoptosis and Ca2+ overload.

Discussion: The results prove that CYTA might be a potential natural compound in the field of MI treatment, and also provide a new scientific basis for the its utilization.
New sights of immunometabolism and agent progress in colitis associated colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Jingyue , Chen Chaoyue , Yan Wei , Fu Yu
Published: January 2024

Colitis associated colorectal cancer is a disease with a high incidence and complex course that develops from chronic inflammation and deteriorates after various immune responses and inflammation-induced attacks. Colitis associated colorectal cancer has the characteristics of both immune diseases and cancer, and the similarity of treatment models contributes to the similar treatment dilemma. Immunometabolism contributes to the basis of life and is the core of many immune diseases. Manipulating metabolic signal transduction can be an effective way to control the immune process, which is expected to become a new target for colitis associated colorectal cancer therapy. Immune cells participate in the whole process of colitis associated colorectal cancer development by transforming their functional condition via changing their metabolic ways, such as glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. The same immune and metabolic processes may play different roles in inflammation, dysplasia, and carcinoma, so anti-inflammation agents, immunomodulators, and agents targeting special metabolism should be used in combination to prevent and inhibit the development of colitis associated colorectal cancer.
Ala®sil chemical characterization and toxicity evaluation: an example of the need for the Medical Device Regulation 2017/745
Authors: Andrés-Iglesias Cristina , Fernandez-Bueno Ivan , Pastor-Idoate Salvador , Coco-Martin Rosa M. , Pastor J. Carlos
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Ala®sil infusion was on the market for clinical use under the Medical Devices Directive (MDD) 93/42/EEC as an irrigating solution based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The product was withdrawn in 2016, and to the best of our knowledge, it did not cause any health damage.

Methods: A bibliographic review and experimental analysis were conducted to evaluate whether this CE-marked product could have been used in patients under the current Medical Device Regulation (MDR) 2017/745. Analytical results from gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and matrixassisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) were performed. Citotoxicity studies were also carried out.

Results: Only one study related to Ala®sil clinical use was found, describing a pilot series of five patients. The authors rated the product as not helpful in three out of the five cases for internal searching of retinal breaks and in four out of the five cases for drainage of subretinal fluid. No other scientific papers or documentation was found regarding Ala®sil’s safety. Nevertheless, the product was introduced in the market after achieving the CE marking. GC-MS and MALDI showed that the polymer has a low molecular weight of 1,000 g/mol. Several linear and cyclic low-molecular-weight components (LMWCs) were identified as impurities ranging from L3 to D8, with a molecular weight below 600 g/mol. The Ala®sil sample was found to be cytotoxic after 24 h of cell culture but non-cytotoxic after 72 h, probably due to the cellular regeneration capacity of an immortalized cell line. Tissular cytotoxicity revealed an increased apoptosis rate but without morphological modifications.

Discussion: Although Ala®sil cannot be classified as cytotoxic, this substance appears to increase retinal cell death processes. This study supports the notion that the MDDwas not functioning adequately to ensure the safety of medical devices. However, the current MDR 2017/745 imposes stricter standards to prevent the commercialization of medical devices without high-quality preclinical and clinical information, as well as precise clinical verification for their use, information not available for Ala®sil infusion.
Optimizing drug discovery for snakebite envenoming via a high-throughput phospholipase A2 screening platform
Authors: Albulescu Laura-Oana , Westhorpe Adam , Clare Rachel H. , Woodley Christopher M. , James Nivya , Kool Jeroen , Berry Neil G. , O’Neill Paul M. , Casewell Nicholas R.
Published: January 2024

Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that causes as many as 1.8 million envenomings and 140,000 deaths annually. To address treatment limitations that exist with current antivenoms, the search for small molecule drug-based inhibitors that can be administered as early interventions has recently gained traction. Snake venoms are complex mixtures of proteins, peptides and small molecules and their composition varies substantially between and within snake species. The phospholipases A2 (PLA2) are one of the main pathogenic toxin classes found in medically important viper and elapid snake venoms, yet varespladib, a drug originally developed for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome, remains the only PLA2 inhibitor shown to effectively neutralise venom toxicity in vitro and in vivo, resulting in an extremely limited drug portfolio. Here, we describe a high-throughput drug screen to identify novel PLA2 inhibitors for repurposing as snakebite treatments. We present method optimisation of a 384-well plate, colorimetric, high-throughput screening assay that allowed for a throughput of ∼2,800 drugs per day, and report on the screening of a ∼3,500 post-phase I repurposed drug library against the venom of the Russell’s viper, Daboia russelii. We further explore the broad-spectrum inhibitory potential and efficacy of the resulting top hits against a range of medically important snake venoms and demonstrate the utility of our method in determining drug EC50s. Collectively, our findings support the future application of this method to fully explore the chemical space to discover novel PLA2-inhibiting drugs of value for preventing severe pathology caused by snakebite envenoming.
The effects of lower limb ischaemic preconditioning: a systematic review
Authors: French Chloe , Robbins Dan , Gernigon Marie , Gordon Dan
Published: January 2024

Ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) involves the use of repeated occlusions and reperfusions of the peripheral muscle blood supply at a limb. This systematic literature review examines the typical responses in response to the method of application during an IPC applied at the lower limb. This review focuses on the physiological responses for VO2max, haemoglobin, metabolic and genetic responses to various IPC interventions. The literature search was performed using four databases and assessed using the PRISMA search strategy and COSMIN to assess the quality of the articles. Seventeen articles were included in the review, with a total of 237 participants. While there is variation in the method of application, the average occlusion pressure was 222 ± 34 mmHg, ranging from 170 to 300 mmHg typically for 3 or 4 occlusion cycles. The distribution of this pressure is influenced by cuff width, although 8 studies failed to report cuff width. The majority of studies applies IPC at the proximal thigh with 16/17 studies applying an occlusion below this location. The results highlighted the disparities and conflicting findings in response to various IPC methods. While there is some agreement in certain aspects of the IPC manoeuvre such as the location of the occlusion during lower limb IPC, there is a lack of consensus in the optimal protocol to elicit the desired responses. This offers the opportunity for future research to refine the protocols, associated responses, and mechanisms responsible for these changes during the application of IPC.
Daylength predominates the bud growth initiation of winter deciduous forest trees in the monsoon region of China
Authors: Lang Weiguang , Qian Siwei , Chen Xiaoqiu
Published: January 2024

Climate warming has induced significant shifts in spring phenology over both temperate and boreal forests. The timing of bud growth resuming from dormancy is crucial for predicting spring phenology. However, the mechanisms by which environmental cues, other than chilling accumulation, initiate bud growth remains unclear. By constructing a revised process-based spring phenology model incorporating photoperiod and temperature triggers of bud growth, we simulated the first leaf unfolding and first flowering dates of four deciduous forest trees during 1981-2014 at 102 stations across China’s monsoon regions. Then, we revealed spatial patterns of the two triggers. Moreover, we compared fitting precision and robustness of the revised model with three mainstream models. Results show that the revised models can effectively simulate all spring phenology time series. Growth initiation of foliar and floral buds was induced by photoperiod lengthening in 80.8% and 77.7% of time series, and by temperature increasing in remaining 19.2% and 22.3% of time series, respectively. The proportions of time series with photoperiod- and temperature-initiated bud growth significantly increase and decrease from northern to southern climatic zones, respectively. Chilling exposure controls the predominant bud growth triggers in different climate zones. Specifically, in regions with long and severe winters where chilling requirement is easily fulfilled, rising temperature in spring alleviates the cold constraint and initiate bud growth. Conversely, in regions with short and mild winters, prolonged daylength in spring compensates the lack of chilling exposure to initiate bud growth. These findings suggest that photoperiod may limit spring phenology response to temperature in low-latitudes. Overall, our model slightly outperforms other models in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and robustness in modeling leaf unfolding and flowering dates. Therefore, this study deepens our understanding of the mechanisms of spring phenology, and improves the predicting capability of spring phenology models in the face of ongoing global warming.
Hidden work, frustration and multiple layers of occupational health in emergency situations: a longitudinal study during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Černe Matej , Aleksić Darija
Published: January 2024

This study examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic over time. Specifically, we derive from the organizational model of frustration to propose and test a model of pandemic-induced hidden work affecting employees’ emotional responses of frustration along with behavioral responses and outcomes with respect to occupational health. We thereby develop a concept of multiple layers of occupational health that spans across stress, satisfaction with work–life balance (SWLB), burnout, subjective well-being, and physical health. Based on a longitudinal web-based survey of 198 working professionals conducted at seven points in time (1,143 data points, with 118 fully completed responses across all time points) for a wide range of industries in 2020, the study tests the proposed relationships using random coefficient modeling. The results show that COVID-19-situation-induced hidden work invokes emotional responses of frustration, which in turn influence outcomes referring to multiple layers of occupational health—positively affecting stress and burnout, and negatively influencing SWLB, subjective well-being, and physical health. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
HTKS-Kids: A tablet-based self-regulation measure to equitably assess young children's school readiness
Authors: Cameron Claire E. , McClelland Megan M. , Kwan Tammy , Starke Krystal , Lewis-Jones Tanya
Published: January 2024

Background

Technology advances make it increasingly possible to adapt direct behavioral assessments for classroom use. This study examined children's scores on HTKS-Kids, a new, largely child-led version of the established individual research assessment of self-regulation, Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders-Revised task (HTKS-R). For the HTKS-Kids tablet-based assessment, which was facilitated by children's preschool teachers, we examined (1) preliminary reliability and validity; (2) variation in scores predicted by child age and background characteristics; and (3) indication that HTKS-Kids provides different information from teacher ratings of children.

Method

Participants included n = 79 4-year-old children from two urban areas in upstate New York, USA. Average parent education was 12.5 years, ranging 3–20. A researcher administered the HTKS-R to individual children, and teachers (eight white, two Latino) were trained to use the HTKS-Kids tablet-based assessment and asked to play once with each study child. Teachers also rated each child on 10 Child Behavior Rating Scale (CBRS) items about classroom self-regulation.

Results

We found evidence that (1) the HTKS-Kids captures variation in children's self-regulation and correlates positively with established measures, (2) parent education was the best predictor of HTKS-Kids scores, and (3) teachers rated Black children significantly worse and white children better on the CBRS, with the magnitude of group differences similar to the contribution of parent education. In contrast, Black and white children showed no score differences on HTKS-Kids.

Implications

The HTKS-Kids is a promising new tablet-based assessment of self-regulation that could replace or supplement traditional teacher ratings, which are often subject to implicit bias.
Loss of control eating in children is associated with altered cortical and subcortical brain structure
Authors: Pearce Alaina L. , Fuchs Bari , Adise Shana , Masterson Travis D. , Fearnbach Nicole , English Laural , Keller Kathleen L.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Loss of control (LOC) eating is the perceived inability to control how much is eaten, regardless of actual amount consumed. Childhood LOC-eating is a risk factor for the development of binge-eating disorder (BED), but its neurobiological basis is poorly understood. Studies in children with BED have shown both increased gray matter volume in regions related to top-down cognitive control (e.g., dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) and reward-related decision making (e.g., orbital frontal cortex) relative to healthy controls. However, no studies have examined brain structure in children with LOC-eating. To identify potential neurobiological precursors of BED, we conducted secondary analysis of five studies that conducted T1 MPRAGE scans.

Methods

A total of 143, 7–12-year-old children (M = 8.9 years, 70 boys) were included in the study, 26% of which (n = 37) reported LOC-eating (semi-structured interview). Age, sex, and obesity status did not differ by LOC-eating. Differences between children with and without LOC were examined for gray matter volume, cortical thickness, gyrification, sulci depth, and cortical complexity after adjusting for age, sex, total intercranial volume, weight status, and study.

Results

Children with LOC, relative to those without, had greater gray matter volume in right orbital frontal cortex but lower gray matter volume in right parahippocampal gyrus, left CA4/dentate gyrus, and left cerebellar lobule VI. While there were no differences in cortical thickness or gyrification, children with LOC-eating had great sulci depth in left anterior cingulate cortex and cuneus and greater cortical complexity in right insular cortex.

Discussion

Together, this indicates that children with LOC-eating have structural differences in regions related to cognitive control, reward-related decision-making, and regulation of eating behaviors.
An examination of the effects of family, school, and community resilience on high school students’ resilience in China
Authors: Qi Chunlin , Yang Nanchang
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Resilience plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic accomplishments, psychological well-being, and future prospects of high school students. Despite its significance, there is a notable dearth of studies examining the current state and determinants of resilience among high school students in China.

Methods

This research addresses this gap by assessing and exploring levels of resilience and their interconnections across four key domains—individual, family, school, and community—among Chinese high school students. The study also investigates variations in resilience based on factors such as gender, geographical location, and grade levels. A total of 667 high school students participated in the study, responding to four resilience scales.

Results

Chinese high school students exhibited generally low levels of resilience, with family resilience ranking the highest and community resilience the lowest. The study revealed that resilience is positively influenced by resilience levels in school, family, and community settings. Consequently, strategies aimed at fortifying resilience should prioritize interventions in familial, educational, and communal environments.

Discussion

Moreover, the research findings indicate noteworthy disparities in resilience among high school students based on gender, urban-rural divide, and grade levels. Female, urban, and lower-grade students displayed higher resilience compared to their male, rural, and higher-grade counterparts. This highlights the importance of focusing on resilience-building measures tailored to male, rural, and higher-grade high school students, given their increased likelihood of facing significant challenges and stressors in both academic and personal spheres.

Conclusion

This study contributes to the broader understanding of resilience by investigating the correlations between individual, family, school, and community resilience among Chinese high school students. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance resilience, particularly in specific demographic groups, thereby advancing the efficacy of resilience-building techniques in high school settings.
The risk factors and predictive modeling of mortality in patients with mental disorders combined with severe pneumonia
Authors: Li Yaolin , Zhou Weiguo , Wang Huiqin , Yang Jing , Li Xiayahu
Published: January 2024

Background

We explored clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality in patients with mental disorders combined with severe pneumonia and developed predictive models.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 161 patients with mental disorders combined with severe pneumonia in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a psychiatric hospital from May 2020 to February 2023, and divided them into two groups according to whether they died or not, and analyzed their basic characteristics, laboratory results and treatments, etc. We analyzed the risk factors of patients' deaths using logistics regression, established a prediction model, and drew a dynamic nomogram based on the results of the regression analysis. Based on the results of regression analysis, a prediction model was established and a dynamic nomogram was drawn.

Results

The non-survivor group and the survivor group of patients with mental disorders combined with severe pneumonia were statistically different in terms of age, type of primary mental illness, whether or not they were intubated, whether or not they had been bedridden for a long period in the past, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale, procalcitonin (PCT), albumin (ALB), hemoglobin (Hb), etc. Logistics regression analysis revealed the following: MoCA scale (OR = 0.932, 95% CI:0.872–0.997), age (OR = 1.077, 95%CI:1.029–1.128), PCT (OR = 1.078, 95% CI:10.006–10.155), ALB (OR = 0.971, 95%CI:0.893–1.056), Hb (OR = 0.971, 95% CI: 0.942–0.986) were statistically significant. The ROC curve showed that the model predicted patient death with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.827 with a sensitivity of 73.4% and a specificity of 80.4%.

Conclusion

Low MoCA score, age, PCT, and low Hb are independent risk factors for death in patients with mental disorders with severe pneumonia, and the prediction model constructed using these factors showed good predictive efficacy.
Effects of non-pharmacological interventions on youth with internet addiction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jiang Yue-Shuai , Liu Tian-Hong , Qin Dan , Wang Zi-Pu , He Xiao-Ya , Chen Yan-Nan
Published: January 2024

Objective

To assess the overall effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on internet addiction (IA) in youth.

Method

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from their inception to April 1, 2023 were searched in Cochrane, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, and WanFang Data. Two reviewers independently extracted data and evaluated bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.

Results

Sixty-six studies performed from 2007 to 2023, with a total of 4,385 participants, were identified. The NPIs included group counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, sports intervention, combined interventions, eHealth, educational intervention, positive psychology intervention, sand play intervention, and electrotherapy. The results revealed that NPIs significantly reduced IA levels (standardized mean difference, SMD: −2.01, 95% confidence interval, CI: −2.29 to −1.73, I2 = 93.0%), anxiety levels (SMD: −1.07, 95%CI: −1.41 to −0.73, I2 = 72.4%), depression levels (SMD: −1.11, 95%CI: −1.52 to −0.7, I2 = 84.3%), and SCL-90 (SMD: −0.75, 95%CI: −0.97 to −0.54, I2 = 27.7%). Subgroup analysis stratified by intervention measure showed that cognitive behavioral therapy, group counseling, sports intervention, combined intervention, educational intervention, positive psychology intervention, sandplay intervention, and mobile health were all effective in relieving symptoms of IA except electrotherapy.

Conclusion

NPIs appear to be effective in the treatment of IA in youth, which would act as an alternative treatment of IA. Further studies with larger sample sizes and robust designs are needed.
A study on the impact of health shocks on subjective wellbeing of middle-aged people and older adults—Evidence from China
Authors: Xu Qinglin , Gu Jinghong , Jia Cangcang , Chen Huiying , Li Zihao , Gu Hai
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The health issues that afflict middle-aged people and older individuals are a significant factor that affects their quality of life. It is crucial to investigate the impact of health shocks on the subjective wellbeing of this demographic and the mechanisms that underlie this impact to promote healthy aging.

Methods

This study utilized data from the China Family Panel Study in 2018 and 2020 to analyze the effects of HSs and their categories on the subjective wellbeing of middle-aged people and older individuals using the propensity score matching difference-in-differences method. Additionally, the study explored the mediating role of social participation.

Results

The findings indicate that health shocks, both chronic and acute, diminish the subjective wellbeing of middle-aged people and older adults. Furthermore, these shocks have a more significant negative effect on the subjective wellbeing of individuals aged 60 and above, women in the middle-aged and older demographic, individuals in rural areas who belong to the middle-aged and older age groups, and individuals possessing activities of daily living. The mechanism analysis revealed that health shocks, both chronic and acute, reduce the subjective wellbeing of middle-aged people and older individuals by disrupting partnerships.

Discussion

Lowering the possibility of health shocks, the government should build a strong health management system and improve the health insurance system to enable timely treatment for persons suffering from health shocks. Individuals and families should live healthy lives and engage in social activities to avoid health shocks and improve subjective wellbeing.