bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of molecular subtypes based on chromatin regulator-related genes and experimental verification of the role of ASCL1 in conferring chemotherapy resistance to breast cancer
Authors: Li Yilun , Yang Xiaolu , Geng Cuizhi , Liu Yunjiang , Tang Tiantian , Zhang Lina , Liu Fei , Zhang Meng , Hao Jun , Ma Li
Published: April 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the molecular subtypes of breast cancer based on chromatin regulator-related genes.

Methods

The RNA sequencing data of The Cancer Genome Atlas–Breast Cancer cohort were obtained from the official website, while the single-cell data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE176078). Validation was performed using the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium dataset. Furthermore, the immune characteristics, tumor stemness, heterogeneity, and clinical characteristics of these molecular subtypes were analyzed. The correlation between chromatin regulators and chemotherapy resistance was examined in vitro using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assays.

Results

This study identified three stable molecular subtypes with different prognostic and pathological features. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and protein–protein interaction analyses revealed that the differentially expressed genes were associated with disease processes, such as mitotic nuclear division, chromosome segregation, condensed chromosome, and specific chromosome region. The T stage and subtypes were correlated with the clinical features. Tumor heterogeneity (mutant-allele tumor heterogeneity, tumor mutational burden, purity, and homologous recombination deficiency) and tumor stemness (RNA expression-based stemness score, epigenetically regulated RNA expression-based stemness score, DNA methylation-based stemness score, and epigenetically regulated DNA methylation-based stemness score) significantly varied between the three subtypes. Furthermore, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and CCK8 assays demonstrated that the expression of ASCL1 was positively correlated with chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer.

Conclusion

This study identified the subtypes of breast cancer based on chromatin regulators and analyzed their clinical features, gene mutation status, immunophenotype, and drug sensitivity. The results of this study provide effective strategies for assessing clinical prognosis and developing personalized treatment strategies.
Exosomal PD-L1 in cancer and other fields: recent advances and perspectives
Authors: Lu Man-Man , Yang Yu
Published: April 2024

PD-1/PD-L1 signaling is a key factor of local immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1 signaling have achieved tremendous success in clinic. However, several types of cancer are particularly refractory to the anti–PD-1/PD-L1 treatment. Recently, a series of studies reported that IFN-γ can stimulate cancer cells to release exosomal PD-L1 (exoPD-L1), which possesses the ability to suppress anticancer immune responses and is associated with anti-PD-1 response. In this review, we introduce the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling, including the so-called ‘reverse signaling’. Furthermore, we summarize the immune treatments of cancers and pay more attention to immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1 signaling. Additionally, we review the action mechanisms and regulation of exoPD-L1. We also introduce the function of exoPD-L1 as biomarkers. Finally, we review the methods for analyzing and quantifying exoPD-L1, the therapeutic strategies targeting exoPD-L1 to enhance immunotherapy and the roles of exoPD-L1 beyond cancer. This comprehensive review delves into recent advances of exoPD-L1 and all these findings suggest that exoPD-L1 plays an important role in both cancer and other fields.
Levels of microbial diversity affect the stability and function of dark fermentation bioreactors
Authors: Navarro-Díaz Marcelo , Aparicio-Trejo Valeria , Valdez-Vazquez Idania , Carrillo-Reyes Julián , Avitia Morena , Escalante Ana E.
Published: April 2024

Climate change and pollution drive the need for fossil fuel alternatives. Dark fermentation offers promise through the use of microbial consortia to convert organic matter into hydrogen gas. Persisting challenges like instability and low yields may stem from reduced diversity of the anaerobic digestion communities that serve as inoculum and undergo aggressive pretreatments and culturing conditions. This study explores the impact of diversity loss on function, focusing on biogas production and stability. Two treatments, with and without aggressive pretreatment, were tested on 12 replicate bioreactors each, resulting in differing microbial diversity levels. Microbial communities were assessed via 16S amplicon sequencing, monitoring biogas production, volatile fatty acids, and testing invasion susceptibility. The two treatments exhibited divergent assembly and functional trajectories, although replicates within each treatment ultimately converged into similar compositions and stable levels of biogas production. Heat-treated bioreactors showed a 91.5% biogas increase but exhibited higher invasion susceptibility compared to non-treated. Non-treated bioreactors showed unique species associations with biogas production (e.g. Ethanoligenens harbinense and Enterococcus olivae), distinct from the commonly studied Clostridium group. These findings provide insights into the effects of diversity loss on stability, elucidating differences across taxonomic and functional stability as well as invasion susceptibility. Moreover, the identification of novel bacterial groups associated with hydrogen production suggests promising directions for future research to enhance microbial consortia control and design in dark fermentation.
Calorimetry of amorphous calcium carbonate is correlated with its lithification and durability as synthetic stone—implications for CO2 storage and utilization
Authors: Levey Catherine , Reed Jillian , Sanchez Christopher , Schneider Jacob , Constantz Brent R.
Published: April 2024

The properties of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) and its transformations to crystalline polymorphs are frequently studied in aqueous systems and in small quantities. In this study, synthetic calcium carbonate stones are created from bulk ACC and crystalline polymorphs, which were precipitated from gaseous CO2, at a gradient of end pH. Some of the ACCs hardened into stones which are durable against an abrasion and impact test, while some of the ACCs create fragile, friable stones. When ACCs which transform to durable stones and those which transform into fragile stones were subject to calorimetry, significant differences were observed. These stones, synthesized from gaseous CO2, can be used as a storage reservoir for utilized CO2 in construction and other infrastructure applications.
The clinical and pathological features of Kimura disease in pediatric patients
Authors: Liu Lili , Zhang Wen , Huang Minjie , Li Kaiji , Zhu Li’ou , Ke Liqin , Huang Juan , Wu Ying
Published: April 2024

Background

Kimura disease is characterized by inflammation, with its underlying causes remaining uncertain. There is a lack of comprehensive and systematic research on the pathology of this condition in pediatric patients. Our objective is to study the clinical and pathological attributes of Kimura disease in pediatric patients and investigate the potential diagnostic significance of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in this context.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory information, pathological characteristics, and follow-up data were correlated to examine the distinctive features. Immunohistochemistry, acid-fast staining, and molecular assay were used to identify the presence of IgE and pathogens.

Results

We conducted an analysis of five cases of Kimura disease in pediatric patients at our hospital. The patients’ ages ranged from 5 years and 7 months to 14 years and 2 months, with 4 (80%) being male. The most common site was the head and neck region, particularly the postauricular subcutaneous area. Eosinophilia was observed in four patients (80%), and two patients (40%) had elevated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Histopathological changes included eosinophilic infiltrates, follicular hyperplasia, and the proliferation of postcapillary venules. Immunohistochemical results supported the reactive nature of the lymphoid process and IgE deposition in the follicle, while no specific pathogens were discovered by special staining. All patients underwent surgical excision, and none experienced recurrence in their original location.

Conclusion

Children with Kimura disease show distinct eosinophilic and IgE alterations in both laboratory findings and pathological features. The application of immunohistochemical staining of IgE could serve as a promising marker for diagnosing Kimura disease.
Characterization, histopathology and immunogenicity of the lumpy skin disease virus isolated during 2019–20 in Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Asir , Hossain Muhammad Tofazzal , Rahman A. K. M. Anisur , Siddique Mahbubul Pratik , Kafi Md. Abdul , Hossain Md. Golbar , Chakraborty Sourav , Rahman Mohummad Muklesur , Khasruzzaman A. K. M. , Ward Michael P. , Islam Md. Alimul
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly contagious vector-borne viral disease of cattle. LSD has emerged in Bangladesh in 2019, causing significant economic losses due to its high morbidity and mortality. This research was designed to isolate, identify, and assess the immunogenicity of LSD virus (LSDV) using nodular tissue samples obtained from affected cattle during the 2019–20 outbreak across nine districts of Bangladesh.

Methods

To determine the presence of LSDV in nodular tissues, we initially used iiPCR and PCR, followed by histopathological examination. 151 were positive via iiPCR and PCR among the 180 collected samples. The PCR positive 151 samples were then inoculated into 10-day-old embryonated chicken eggs via the CAM route to isolate LSDV, confirmed through PCR. Subsequently, partial sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the P32 gene were performed to determine the origin of the circulating LSDV strain. The immunogenicity of selected LSDV strains was assessed through an ELISA test.

Results

The PCR results revealed a distinct positive band at 192 bp in both the nodular tissue samples and the LSDV isolated from chicken embryo inoculations. Microscopic analysis of the nodular lesions revealed thickening of the epidermis, ballooning degeneration of keratinocytes, and proliferation of follicular epithelia. Additionally, mononuclear infiltration was observed at the demarcation line between infected and healthy tissue, with necrosis of muscular tissues beneath the epidermis. The LSDV isolate from Bangladesh exhibited a close genetic relationship with LSDV strains isolated from neighboring and other regional countries including India, Myanmar, and Mongolia. This observation strongly suggests the possibility of a transboundary spread of the LSD outbreak in Bangladesh during 2019–2020. The results of the immunogenicity test showed that the serum antibody titer remained at a protective level for up to 18 months following secondary immunization with inactivated LSDV antigen. This finding suggests that the inactivated LSDV antigen could be a potential vaccine candidate to protect cattle in Bangladesh against LSDV.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our research successfully isolated, identified, and characterized LSDV in cattle nodular tissues from the 2019–20 outbreak in Bangladesh. Furthermore, it provided insights into the probable origin of the circulating strain and investigated a potential vaccine candidate to protect cattle in the region from LSDV.
Emerging insights into cuproptosis and copper metabolism: implications for age-related diseases and potential therapeutic strategies
Authors: Fan Haohui , Wang Kun , Zhao Xiaofang , Song Bei , Yao Tianci , Liu Ting , Gao Guangyu , Lu Weilin , Liu Chengyun
Published: April 2024

The expanding geriatric population, whose predisposition toward disabling morbidities and age-related diseases (ARD) is well-documented, has become a paramount social issue, exerting an onerous burden on both the healthcare industry and wider society. ARD manifest as the progressive deterioration of bodily tissues and organs, eventually resulting in the failure of these vital components. At present, no efficacious measures exist to hinder the onset of ARD. Copper, an essential trace element, is involved in a wide range of physiological processes across different cell types. In recent research, a novel variant of copper-dependent cell death, termed cuproptosis, has been identified. This mode of cellular demise stands apart from previously recognized types of cell death. Cuproptosis occurs when copper binds with acyl-CoA synthetase in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, resulting in protein aggregation and protein toxicity stress, ultimately leading to cell death. In this paper, we provide a concise overview of the current understanding concerning the metabolism of copper, copper-related diseases, the hallmarks of copper toxicity, and the mechanisms that regulate copper toxicity. Additionally, we discuss the implications of cuproptosis mutations in the development of ARD, as well as the potential for targeting cuproptosis as a treatment for ARD.
Association between depression and stroke risk in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ashraf Farheen , Mustafa Muhammad Saqlain , Shafique Muhammad Ashir , Haseeb Abdul , Mussarat Abdullah , Noorani Amber , Sohail Rangwala Burhanuddin , Kashif Rasool Fatimah , Siddiq Mohammad Arham , Iqbal Javed
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Stroke is a significant global health concern, and numerous studies have established a link between depression and an increased risk of stroke. While many investigations explore this link, some overlook its long-term effects. Depression may elevate stroke risk through physiological pathways involving nervous system changes and inflammation. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between depression and stroke.

Methodology

We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and PsycINFO) from inception to 9 April 2023, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) and Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. We included all articles assessing the association between different stroke types and depression, excluding post-stroke depression. Two investigators independently extracted data and assessed quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, utilizing a random-effects model for data synthesis. The primary outcome was the association of depression with stroke, with a secondary focus on the association of antidepressants with stroke.

Results

The initial search yielded 10,091 articles, and 44 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed a significant association between depression and stroke risk, with an overall hazard ratio of 1.41 (95% CI 1.32, 1.50; p < 0.00001), indicating a moderately positive effect size. Subgroup analyses showed consistent associations with ischemic stroke (HR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.13, 1.50; p = 0.007), fatal stroke (HR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.24, 1.55; p < 0.000001), and hemorrhagic stroke (HR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.01, 1.76; p = 0.04). The use of antidepressants was associated with an elevated risk of stroke (HR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.05, 1.55; p = 0.01).

Conclusion and relevance

This meta-analysis indicates that depression moderately raises the risk of stroke. Given the severe consequences of stroke in individuals with depression, early detection and intervention should be prioritized to prevent it.

Systematic review registration

Prospero (CRD42023472136).
Identification of potential drug targets for insomnia by Mendelian randomization analysis based on plasma proteomics
Authors: Yang Ni , Shi Liangyuan , Xu Pengfei , Ren Fang , Lv Shimeng , Li Chunlin , Qi Xianghua
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Insomnia, a common clinical disorder, significantly impacts the physical and mental well-being of patients. Currently, available hypnotic medications are unsatisfactory due to adverse reactions and dependency, necessitating the identification of new drug targets for the treatment of insomnia.

Methods

In this study, we utilized 734 plasma proteins as genetic instruments obtained from genome-wide association studies to conduct a Mendelian randomization analysis, with insomnia as the outcome variable, to identify potential drug targets for insomnia. Additionally, we validated our results externally using other datasets. Sensitivity analyses entailed reverse Mendelian randomization analysis, Bayesian co-localization analysis, and phenotype scanning. Furthermore, we constructed a protein-protein interaction network to elucidate potential correlations between the identified proteins and existing targets.

Results

Mendelian randomization analysis indicated that elevated levels of TGFBI (OR = 1.01; 95% CI, 1.01–1.02) and PAM ((OR = 1.01; 95% CI, 1.01–1.02) in plasma are associated with an increased risk of insomnia, with external validation supporting these findings. Moreover, there was no evidence of reverse causality for these two proteins. Co-localization analysis confirmed that PAM (coloc.abf-PPH4 = 0.823) shared the same variant with insomnia, further substantiating its potential role as a therapeutic target. There are interactive relationships between the potential proteins and existing targets of insomnia.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings suggested that elevated plasma levels of TGFBI and PAM are connected with an increased risk of insomnia and might be promising therapeutic targets, particularly PAM. However, further exploration is necessary to fully understand the underlying mechanisms involved.
RETRACTED: Seizure freedom without seizure medication following stereoelectroencephalography implantation: a case report of drug-resistant post-traumatic epilepsy
Authors: Tran Alexander , Bunch Marjorie
Published: April 2024

Achieving seizure freedom following failure of several antiseizure medications (ASMs) is rare, with the likelihood of achieving further control decreasing with each successive ASM trial. When cases of drug-resistant epilepsy arise, a diagnostic procedure known as stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG) can be used to identify epileptogenic zones (EZ) within the brain. After localization of these zones, they can be targeted for future surgical intervention. Here, we describe a case of complete seizure freedom off medication after sEEG without resection or other therapeutic intervention. In 2017, a 36-year-old right-handed male presented with drug-resistant epilepsy stemming from prior traumatic brain injury. Due to ongoing seizures, in 2020 a robotic-assisted sEEG electrode placement procedure was employed to localize the seizure onset zone. During sEEG monitoring, a single event was captured where the patient had dysarthric speech, left arm dystonic flexion, and difficulty responding to questioning. Notably, this event had no sEEG correlate, suggesting seizure occurrence in a region not monitored by implanted electrodes, which prompted the placement of scalp electrodes following this event. However, no further clinical events consistent with seizure were provoked through the remainder of recording. Following the 13-day admission, the patient chose to self-discontinue all seizure medications and has remained seizure free as of October 2023, more than 3.5 years later. While sEEG is considered a relatively safe procedure for seizure localization in drug resistant epilepsy, the possibility of microlesions created by sEEG depth electrodes remains largely unexplored. Further evaluation should be performed into potential tissue injury produced by depth electrode insertion.
Chickpea seed endophyte Enterobacter sp. mediated yield and nutritional enrichment of chickpea for improving human and livestock health
Authors: Mukherjee Arpan , Gaurav Anand Kumar , Chouhan Gowardhan Kumar , Singh Saurabh , Sarkar Ankita , Abeysinghe Saman , Verma Jay Prakash
Published: April 2024

Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) are used as a good source of proteins and energy in the diets of various organisms including humans and animals. Chickpea straws can serve as an alternative option for forage for different ruminants. This research mainly focussed on screening the effects of adding beneficial chickpea seed endophytes on increasing the nutritional properties of the different edible parts of chickpea plants. Two efficient chickpea seed endophytes (Enterobacter sp. strain BHUJPCS-2 and BHUJPCS-8) were selected and applied to the chickpea seeds before sowing in the experiment conducted on clay pots. Chickpea seeds treated with both endophytes showed improved plant growth and biomass accumulation. Notably, improvements in the uptake of mineral nutrients were found in the foliage, pericarp, and seed of the chickpea plants. Additionally, nutritional properties such as total phenolics (0.47, 0.25, and 0.55 folds), total protein (0.04, 0.21, and 0.18 folds), carbohydrate content (0.31, 0.32, and 0.31 folds), and total flavonoid content (0.45, 027, and 0.8 folds) were increased in different parts (foliage, pericarp, and seed) of the chickpea plants compared to the control plants. The seed endophyte-treated plants showed a significant increase in mineral accumulation and improvement in nutrition in the different edible parts of chickpea plants. The results showed that the seed endophyte-mediated increase in dietary and nutrient value of the different parts (pericarp, foliage, and seeds) of chickpea are consumed by humans, whereas the other parts (pericarp and foliage) are used as alternative options for forage and chaff in livestock diets and may have direct effects on their nutritional conditions.
The roles of long non-coding RNAs in ovarian cancer: from functions to therapeutic implications
Authors: Hu Zhong , Yuan Lijin , Yang Xiu , Yi Cunjian , Lu Jinzhi
Published: April 2024

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are multifunctional and participate in a variety of biological processes and gene regulatory networks. The deregulation of lncRNAs has been extensively implicated in diverse human diseases, especially in cancers. Overwhelming evidence demonstrates that lncRNAs are essential to the pathophysiological processes of ovarian cancer (OC), acting as regulators involved in metastasis, cell death, chemoresistance, and tumor immunity. In this review, we illustrate the expanded functions of lncRNAs in the initiation and progression of OC and elaborate on the signaling pathways in which they pitch. Additionally, the potential clinical applications of lncRNAs as biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of OC were emphasized, cementing the bridge of communication between clinical practice and basic research.
Mechanisms of TREM2 mediated immunosuppression and regulation of cancer progression
Authors: Lei Xia , Gou Ya Ni , Hao Jin Yong , Huang Xiao Jun
Published: April 2024

Cancer immunotherapy has recently emerged as a key strategy for cancer treatment. TREM2, a key target for regulating the tumor immune microenvironment, is important in cancer treatment and progression. TREM2 is an immune signaling hub that regulates multiple pathological pathways. It not only suppresses anti-tumor immune responses by inhibiting T cell-mediated immune responses, but it also influences tumorigenesis by affecting NK cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Noticeably, TREM2 expression levels also vary significantly among different tumor cells, and it can regulate tumor progression by modulating various signaling pathways. Above all, by summarizing the role of TREM2 in cancer immunotherapy and the mechanism by which TREM2 regulates tumor progression, this paper clarifies TREM2’s role in both tumor progression and cancer therapy, identifying a new therapeutic target for oncology diseases.
Case Report: A novel RRM2B variant in a Chinese infant with mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome and collective analyses of RRM2B variants for disease etiology
Authors: Wang Yanjun , Hang Ling , Shou Weihua , Li Cuifen , Dong Fangling , Feng Xingxing , Jin Ruohong , Li Bin , Xiao Shufang
Published: April 2024

Background

There are few reports of infantile mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDDS) caused by variants in RRM2B and the correlation between genotype and phenotype has rarely been analyzed in detail. This study investigated an infantile patient with MDDS, from clinical characteristics to genetic causes.

Methods

Routine physical examinations, laboratory assays, which included gas chromatography–mass spectrometry of blood and urine, and MRI scans were performed to obtain an exact diagnosis. Whole-exome sequencing was used to pinpoint the abnormal gene and bioinformatic analyses were performed on the identified variant.

Results

The case presented with progressive neurologic deterioration, failure to thrive, respiratory distress and lactic acidosis. Sequencing revealed that the patient had a homozygous novel missense variant, c.155T>C (p.Ile52Thr), in exon 2 of the RRM2B gene. Multiple lines of bioinformatic evidence suggested that this was a likely detrimental variant. In addition, reported RRM2B variants were compiled from the relevant literature to analyze disease etiology. We found a distinctive distribution of genotypes across disease manifestations of different severity. Pathogenic alleles of RRM2B were significantly enriched in MDDS cases.

Conclusion

The novel variant is a likely genetic cause of MDDS. It expands our understanding of the pathogenic variant spectrum and the contribution of the RRM2B gene to the disease spectrum of MDDS.
Safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy with Novo-Helisen-Depot in the children: a retrospective analysis from a single center in Northern China
Authors: Zhou Qianlan , Liu Si , Dai Bing , Chen Li , Han Lina , Zhang Qinzhen , Shen Wenxin , Shan Lishen
Published: April 2024

Background

Little is known about the safety of mite extract product Novo-Helisen Depot (NHD) as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) in the children with mite allergy especially immediate/late local reaction (LRs).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study analyzing the adverse events of the children undergoing subcutaneous immunotherapy with NHD. Adverse events included local and systemic adverse reactions (SRs) at the very early and late stage. The correlation of the basic characteristics, laboratory analysis results, LRs and SRs were analyzed.

Results

Two hundred and eighty-seven patients received at least 15 months of subcutaneous immunotherapy with NHD were included in the analysis. Skin-prick testing (SPT) results of D. pteronyssinus was associated with an increased risk of immediate LRs in build-up phase (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.37) and delayed LRs in maintenance phase (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.46), while SPT results of D. farinae was associated with an increased risk of SRs (OR = 3.22, 95% CI: 1.17, 10.00) and severe SRs (OR = 7.68, 95% CI: 1.13, 109.50). Serum IgE level of D. pteronyssinus was associated with an increased risk of SRs (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.03). Patients with both asthma and allergic rhinitis was associated with an increased risk of SR, and severe SRs (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

NHD as SCIT is safe. The children with higher SPT level with D. farinae or D. pteronyssinus, higher serum IgE level of D. pteronyssinus, children with both asthma and allergic rhinitis, and the children with treatment interruption had higher risk of adverse events.
Clinical characteristics and rehabilitation potential in children with cerebral palsy based on MRI classification system
Authors: Yang Jie , Chen Congjie , Chen Ningning , Zheng Helin , Chen Yuxia , Li Xiaoli , Jia Qingxia , Li Tingsong
Published: April 2024

Background

The correlation of clinical characteristics of cerebral palsy (CP) and the magnetic resonance imaging classification system (MRICS) for (CP) is inconsistent. Specifically, the variance in rehabilitation potential across MRICS remains underexplored.

Aims

To investigate the clinical characteristics and potential for rehabilitation in children with CP based on MRICS.

Materials and methods

Children with CP admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between 2017 and 2021 were included in the study. Qualified cases underwent a follow-up period of at least one year. The clinical characteristics of CP among different MRICS were analyzed, then the rehabilitation potential was explored by a retrospective cohort study.

Results

Among the 384 initially enrolled children, the male-to-female ratio was 2.3:1, and the median age of diagnosis was 6.5 months (interquartile range: 4–12). The most prevalent MRICS categorization was predominant white matter injury (40.6%), followed by miscellaneous (29.2%) and predominant gray matter injury (15.6%). For the predominant white matter injury and miscellaneous categories, spastic diplegia emerged as the leading subtype of CP, with incidences of 59.6% and 36.6%, respectively, while mixed CP (36.7%) was the most common type in children with predominant gray matter. Notably, 76.4% of children with predominant white matter injury were classified as levels I–III on the gross motor function classification system (GMFCS), indicating significantly less severity than other groups (χ2 = 12.438, p = 0.013). No significant difference across MRICS categories was observed for the manual ability classification system (MACS) (H = 8.176, p = 0.085). Rehabilitation potential regarding fine motor function and adaptability based on Gesell assessment was dependent on MRICS over the follow-up period. Children with normal MRI scans exhibited superior rehabilitation outcomes. Commencing rehabilitation at an earlier stage produced consistent and beneficial results in terms of fine motor function and adaptability across all MRICS categories. Moreover, participants below 2 years of age demonstrated enhanced rehabilitation potential regarding fine motor outcomes and adaptability within the MRICS framework.

Conclusion

MRICS displayed a significant association with clinical characteristics and rehabilitation efficacy in children with CP.
Psychostimulants and social behaviors
Authors: Cid-Jofré Valeska , Bahamondes Tamara , Zúñiga Correa Agustina , Ahumada Arias Ivalú , Reyes-Parada Miguel , Renard Georgina M.
Published: April 2024

Mounting evidence from animal models and human studies indicates that psychostimulants can significantly affect social behaviors. This is not surprising considering that the neural circuits underlying the regulation and expression of social behaviors are highly overlapped with those targeted by psychostimulants, which in most cases have strong rewarding and, consequently, addictive properties. In the present work, we provide an overview regarding the effects of illicit and prescription psychostimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamine-type stimulants, methylphenidate or modafinil, upon social behaviors such as social play, maternal behavior, aggression, pair bonding and social cognition and how psychostimulants in both animals and humans alter them. Finally, we discuss why these effects can vary depending on numerous variables such as the type of drug considered, acute versus long-term use, clinical versus recreational consumption, or the presence or absence of concomitant risk factors.
The effects of slow wave sleep characteristics on semantic, episodic, and procedural memory in people with epilepsy
Authors: Höller Yvonne , Eyjólfsdóttir Stefanía , Van Schalkwijk Frank Jasper , Trinka Eugen
Published: April 2024

Slow wave sleep (SWS) is highly relevant for verbal and non-verbal/spatial memory in healthy individuals, but also in people with epilepsy. However, contradictory findings exist regarding the effect of seizures on overnight memory retention, particularly relating to procedural and non-verbal memory, and thorough examination of episodic memory retention with ecologically valid tests is missing. This research explores the interaction of SWS duration with epilepsy-relevant factors, as well as the relation of spectral characteristics of SWS on overnight retention of procedural, verbal, and episodic memory. In an epilepsy monitoring unit, epilepsy patients (N = 40) underwent learning, immediate and 12 h delayed testing of memory retention for a fingertapping task (procedural memory), a word-pair task (verbal memory), and an innovative virtual reality task (episodic memory). We used multiple linear regression to examine the impact of SWS duration, spectral characteristics of SWS, seizure occurrence, medication, depression, seizure type, gender, and epilepsy duration on overnight memory retention. Results indicated that none of the candidate variables significantly predicted overnight changes for procedural memory performance. For verbal memory, the occurrence of tonic-clonic seizures negatively impacted memory retention and higher psychoactive medication load showed a tendency for lower verbal memory retention. Episodic memory was significantly impacted by epilepsy duration, displaying a potential nonlinear impact with a longer duration than 10 years negatively affecting memory performance. Higher drug load of anti-seizure medication was by tendency related to better overnight retention of episodic memory. Contrary to expectations longer SWS duration showed a trend towards decreased episodic memory performance. Analyses on associations between memory types and EEG band power during SWS revealed lower alpha-band power in the frontal right region as significant predictor for better episodic memory retention. In conclusion, this research reveals that memory modalities are not equally affected by important epilepsy factors such as duration of epilepsy and medication, as well as SWS spectral characteristics.
Noninvasive cardiac-specific biomarkers for the diagnosis and prevention of vascular stenosis in cardiovascular disorder
Authors: Pulukool Sujith Kumar , Srimadh Bhagavatham Sai Krishna , Vijay Sudarshan K. , Almansour Abdulrahman I. , Chaudhary Sandeep , Abuyousef Farah , Saleh Na’il , Tripathi Pratima
Published: April 2024

Background:

The most frequent lesion in the blood vessels feeding the myocardium is vascular stenosis, a condition that develops slowly but can prove to be deadly in a long run. Non-invasive biomarkers could play a significant role in timely diagnosis, detection and management for vascular stenosis events associated with cardiovascular disorders.

Aims:

The study aimed to investigate high sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI), cardiac troponin I (c-TnI) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) that may be used solely or in combination in detecting the extent of vascular stenosis in CVD patients.

Methodology:

274 patients with dyspnea/orthopnea complaints visiting the cardiologists were enrolled in this study. Angiographic study was conducted on the enrolled patients to examine the extent of stenosis in the five prominent vessels (LDA, LCX, PDA/PLV, RCA, and OM) connected to the myocardium. Samples from all the cases suspected to be having coronary artery stenosis were collected, and subjected to biochemical evaluation of certain cardiac inflammatory biomarkers (c-TnI, hsTn-I and hs-CRP) to check their sensitivity with the level of vascular stenosis. The extent of mild and culprit stenosis was detected during angiographic examination and the same was reported in the form significant (≥50% stenosis in the vessels) and non-significant (<50% stenosis in the vessels) Carotid Stenosis. Ethical Clearance for the study was provided by Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences Institutional Ethical Committee. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants enrolled in the study.

Results:

We observed that 85% of the total population enrolled in this study was suffering from hypertension followed by 62.40% detected with sporadic episodes of chest pain. Most of the subjects (42% of the total population) had stenosis in their LAD followed by 38% who had stenosis in their RCA. Almost 23% patients were reported to have stenosis in their LCX followed by OM (18% patients), PDA/PLV (13%) and only 10% patients had blockage problem in their diagonal. 24% of the subjects were found to have stenosis in a single vessel and hence were categorized in the Single Vessel Disease (SVD) group while 76% were having stenosis in two or more than two arteries (Multiple Vessel Disease). hs-TnI level was found to be correlated with the levels of stenosis and was higher in the MVD group as compared to the SVD group.

Conclusion:

hs-TnI could be used as a novel marker as it shows prominence in detecting the level of stenosis quite earlier as compared to c-TnI which gets detected only after a long duration in the CVD patients admitted for angiography. hs- CRP gets readily detected as inflammation marker in these patients and hence could be used in combination with hs-TnI to detect the risk of developing coronary artery disease.
Black phosphorus, an advanced versatile nanoparticles of antitumor, antibacterial and bone regeneration for OS therapy
Authors: Sun Lihui , Han Yu , Zhao Yao , Cui Jing , Bi Zhiguo , Liao Shiyu , Ma Zheru , Lou Fengxiang , Xiao Chunsheng , Feng Wei , Liu Jianguo , Cai Bo , Li Dongsong
Published: April 2024

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor. In the clinic, usual strategies for OS treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, all of these therapies have complications that cannot be ignored. Therefore, the search for better OS treatments is urgent. Black phosphorus (BP), a rising star of 2D inorganic nanoparticles, has shown excellent results in OS therapy due to its outstanding photothermal, photodynamic, biodegradable and biocompatible properties. This review aims to present current advances in the use of BP nanoparticles in OS therapy, including the synthesis of BP nanoparticles, properties of BP nanoparticles, types of BP nanoparticles, and modification strategies for BP nanoparticles. In addition, we have discussed comprehensively the application of BP in OS therapy, including single, dual, and multimodal synergistic OS therapies, as well as studies about bone regeneration and antibacterial properties. Finally, we have summarized the conclusions, limitations and perspectives of BP nanoparticles for OS therapy.
The aesthetic experience of general beauty and ugly-cute memes: the role of emotion
Authors: Li Juan , An Yi , Xia Tiansheng
Published: April 2024

Generally, beauty has been regarded as an outward expression of elegance and harmony, providing visual pleasure and evoking a sense of aesthetic enjoyment. However, in recent years, a phenomenon called “ugly-cute” has emerged, challenging the conventional standards of beauty by embracing a form of “ugliness” to enhance its appeal. The reasons and mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain largely unexplored so far. This study aims to investigate the role of emotions, such as pleasure, humor, and surprise, in the relationship between ugly-cute characteristics and attractiveness. The findings reveal that general beauty directly generates attractiveness by eliciting pleasurable emotions, whereas ugly-cute memes achieve attractiveness by inducing pleasurable emotions through the mediation of humor. Furthermore, while both “ugly” and “ugly-cute” memes evoke a sense of surprise, that elicited by ugly-cute memes is accompanied by a humorous response, thereby enhancing their attractiveness, whereas the “ugly” memes fail to evoke humor and lack attractiveness. Finally, we discuss the potential implications and practical value of the current research.
Flourishing and integrative emotion regulation: an SDT perspective
Authors: Curren Randall , Park Sieun Sienne
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a Self-Determination Theory (SDT) perspective on the relationship between human flourishing and emotion regulation. It argues that SDT’s organismic approach to motivation, development, and wellness enables it to directly address this relationship, placing emotion regulation within comprehensive conceptions of eudaimonic functioning (i.e., flourishing) and regulation (i.e., self-determination). This is in contrast to the dominant goal-directed process model of emotion regulation, which addresses only limited aspects of well-being, ignores forms of motivation that are essential to flourishing, and blurs the line between emotion regulation and other forms of regulation.
The coronavirus disease 2019 infodemic: a concept analysis
Authors: Choi Sujin
Published: April 2024

Aim

This study aimed to analyze the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infodemic phenomenon in the medical field, providing essential data to help healthcare professionals understand it.

Methods

This study utilized a hybrid model for concept analysis. In the theoretical phase (first phase), a literature review was conducted using ScienceDirect, PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, DBpia, RISS, and KISS. Semi-structured interviews, involving eight physicians and six nurses, were used in the fieldwork phase (second phase). In the final analysis phase (third phase), the results of the preceding phases were combined.

Results

Based on the findings of these phases, the COVID-19 infodemic can be defined as “the phenomenon of information flood, reproduction, dissemination, and asymmetry, which occurred during the pandemic through social networks among the public lacking essential knowledge of infectious disease, and is associated with negative and positive effects.”

Conclusion

Our findings can help the Ministry of Health and Welfare and healthcare professionals to understand the phenomenon of the infodemic and prepare necessary strategies and education programs for the public. Therefore, the provision of basic data is important for developing influential roles for healthcare professionals during infectious disease outbreaks.
Examining the impact of green technological specialization and the integration of AI technologies on green innovation performance: evidence from China
Authors: Khunakornbodintr Sirinant
Published: April 2024

China's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 has sparked scholars' interest in examining the environmental ramifications of green technologies in the digital era. While plenty of them provide eco-efficiency policy such as increasing R&D investment or stimulating green exports, little attention has been paid to the firm-level technological management and recombination strategies such as differentiation/specialization of green portfolios along with AI integration, which can significantly impact the pace of net-zero transitions. To address these gaps, this study investigates the moderating effect of technological specialization on levels of AI integration into green technologies estimated by green-AI technological distance and enterprises' innovation performance in Chinese contemporary contexts. Regression results of fixed-effect model in Chinese patent data (2011–2020) indicate that enterprises' green innovation performance is significantly improved as AI integrates more into the green technologies due to the legitimacy and the inability to appropriate more green values. Interestingly, specialized green-technological enterprises demonstrate superior performance in integrating distant AI technologies. This occurrence could potentially be driven by the governments' incentives and the organization's risk attitudes, shaping green innovation outcomes. Hence, the study underscores the importance of considering both the AI integration and green specialization in shaping innovation outcomes amidst green transitions.
AI can empower agriculture for global food security: challenges and prospects in developing nations
Authors: Ahmad Ali , Liew Anderson X. W. , Venturini Francesca , Kalogeras Athanasios , Candiani Alessandro , Di Benedetto Giacomo , Ajibola Segun , Cartujo Pedro , Romero Pablo , Lykoudi Aspasia , De Grandis Michelangelo Mastrorocco , Xouris Christos , Lo Bianco Riccardo , Doddy Irawan , Elegbede Isa , D'Urso Labate Giuseppe Falvo , García del Moral Luis F. , Martos Vanessa
Published: April 2024

Food and nutrition are a steadfast essential to all living organisms. With specific reference to humans, the sufficient and efficient supply of food is a challenge as the world population continues to grow. Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be identified as a plausible technology in this 5th industrial revolution in bringing us closer to achieving zero hunger by 2030—Goal 2 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). This goal cannot be achieved unless the digital divide among developed and underdeveloped countries is addressed. Nevertheless, developing and underdeveloped regions fall behind in economic resources; however, they harbor untapped potential to effectively address the impending demands posed by the soaring world population. Therefore, this study explores the in-depth potential of AI in the agriculture sector for developing and under-developed countries. Similarly, it aims to emphasize the proven efficiency and spin-off applications of AI in the advancement of agriculture. Currently, AI is being utilized in various spheres of agriculture, including but not limited to crop surveillance, irrigation management, disease identification, fertilization practices, task automation, image manipulation, data processing, yield forecasting, supply chain optimization, implementation of decision support system (DSS), weed control, and the enhancement of resource utilization. Whereas AI supports food safety and security by ensuring higher crop yields that are acquired by harnessing the potential of multi-temporal remote sensing (RS) techniques to accurately discern diverse crop phenotypes, monitor land cover dynamics, assess variations in soil organic matter, predict soil moisture levels, conduct plant biomass modeling, and enable comprehensive crop monitoring. The present study identifies various challenges, including financial, infrastructure, experts, data availability, customization, regulatory framework, cultural norms and attitudes, access to market, and interdisciplinary collaboration, in the adoption of AI for developing nations with their subsequent remedies. The identification of challenges and opportunities in the implementation of AI could ignite further research and actions in these regions; thereby supporting sustainable development.