bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological damage to the neuronal membrane alters ephaptic communication
Authors: Cunha Gabriel Moreno , Corso Gilberto , Lima Marcelo M. S. , Lima Gustavo Zampier Dos Santos
Published: March 2023

The large number of neurons in the human brain are connected to form a functionally specialize system. The brain is typically understood as a complex network system with a particular organization and topology that can functionally result in specific electrophysiological patterns. Among all the dynamic elements resulting from the circuits of the brain’s network, ephapticity is a barely explored cellular mechanism. In this work, we investigated, through numerical simulation, the relationship between alterations in ephaptic neuronal communication and preference for frequency peak entrainment, when the electrophysiological properties of the neuronal membrane are impaired. This change in frequency band amplitude is observed in some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s Disease (increased amplitude in the β band) or Alzheimer’s Disease (increased amplitude in the β, θ and δ bands). In this context, a damaged model was proposed based on the impairment of both in the resistance of the ion channels (b) and in the capacitance of the lipid membrane (h). With the new parameters, b and h, the ephaptic communication is simulated using the hybrid neural model Integrate-and-Fire Quadratic Ephaptic (QIF-E). Our results show a link between the peak entrainment (ephapticity) preference shifted to some frequency band when the damage occurs mainly in ion channels (b). Finally, possible relationships of ephaptic communication and neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging factors are discussed.
Effect of introducing Enquiry-based learning in a traditional Chinese medicine nursing course on postgraduate learning: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Deng Bei , Hu Hui , Zhou Changqing , Ai Yating , Yang Yi , Ye Niansi , Liu Xueting , Peng Yunqiao , Wang ling
Published: March 2023

Background: Nursing educators have integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) into current postgraduate medical education (PGME), but face significant obstacles to high-quality instructional design and scientific teaching methods. Enquiry-based learning (EBL) has already branched out into online and blended learning in undergraduate teaching, but this has not been proved in the postgraduate nursing education in China. This pilot study aimed to assess the impact of EBL model on learning outcomes in TCM courses by examining objective performance and subjective perceptions of student course performance.
Methods: All students attending Rehabilitation Nursing of TCM course in the academic year 2017-2021 were included in this study and they were divided into two groups. The EBL group was taught using a EBL program containing three phases. The LBL group was taught using traditional lecture-based learning (LBL). This mixed-methods pilot study included a retrospective quantitative phase and a prospective qualitative phase, and we assessed participants' course performance, course satisfaction, and course experience.
Results: We observed there were significant differences between the two groups in their scores on the Project report (p＜0.05) and Curriculum paper (p＜0.05), but no significant difference between the final course scores of the two groups (p=0.056). The EBL feedback forms results show that EBL students were satisfied with the teaching objectives, content, methods and process. The results of the qualitative data indicated that students had a very positive overall experience with EBL and perceived it to play a role in the Rehabilitation Nursing of TCM course, mainly in the three themes of teaching, learning and psychology.
Conclusions: In this study, EBL model was introduced into TCM course teaching for the first time. Our findings indicate that EBL is a powerful educational strategy and it is effective for Chinese postgraduate education. EBL model provides a positive learning opportunity for nursing postgraduates, and can lead to an improvement in students' performance in TCM courses.
A Novel TTBK2 Mutation in a Chinese Pedigree with Spinocerebellar Ataxia 11
Authors: Lu Ying-Qian , Chen Jian-Min , Huang Ya-Li , Zou Zhang-Yu
Published: March 2023

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 11 (SCA11) is a rare disease and tau tubulin kinase 2 (TTBK2) gene was the causative gene. To date, only seven SCA11 families have been reported. Here, we reported a Chinese SCA11 pedigree with cerebellar ataxia. Both patients in the family demonstrated typical clinical features of cerebellar ataxia and cerebellar atrophy on brain MRI. A novel heterozygous duplicated mutation (c.1211_1217dupAGGAGAA) of TTBK2 gene was identified in the proband using whole-exome sequencing (WES), which resulted in frameshift mutation and formed a premature stop codon (p. N406Kfs*47). The mutation was detected in the proband’s affected brother, and his unaffected mother, who with a lower percentage of the mutation and considered as an asymptomatic mutation carrier. Our study delineated the genotypic spectrum of SCA11.
Variability in ecological attributes of abundant species increases with taxonomic diversity: insights for assembly mechanisms of Neotropical bat communities
Authors: Hurtado-Materon María A. , Murillo-García Oscar E.
Published: March 2023

Understanding the mechanisms shaping species composition of assemblages is critical for incorporating ecological and evolutionary perspectives into biodiversity conservation. Thus, we quantified the relative support of community assembly mechanisms by assessing how species richness relates to the functional and phylogenetic biodiversity of Neotropical bat assemblages. We assessed the association of functional diversity for functional categories and phylogenetic diversity with species richness for 20 assemblages of Neotropical bats. In addition, we contrasted functional and phylogenetic diversity against null models to determine the mechanisms that structure the assemblages. Functional divergence increased with species richness, indicating that the variability in ecological attributes among abundant bats increases as the assemblages contain more species. Taxa were more distantly related as richness increases, but distances among closely related species remain constant. We found a consistent tendency of clustering of functional traits in site assemblages, particularly in abundant species. We proposed competition between clades as a possible mechanism modulating the community structure in Neotropical bats assemblages. Our results suggest that decreasing overlap in functional traits between abundant species could promote coexistence with rare species that can buffer ecosystem function due to species loss.
Personal Protective Equipment Waste Management Behavior of Undergraduates in Xi'an City: Extended Theory of Value-Identity-Personal Norm Model
Authors: Li Ting , Xu Ting , Liang Yan , Luo Wei , Zhang Jin
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed people’s lives, with the most prominent change being the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). In this study, we used the extended Value-Identity-Personal (VIP) norm model to empirically analyze the influencing factors of pro-environmental behavior (PEB) among college students in Xi 'an, China, while considering the usage of PPE as an example of PEB. We proposed nine hypothetical questions, and the VIP model was established through the SmartPLS software to test the valid questionnaires of 414 college students. The verification results indicated that all the nine hypotheses were supported statistically, with personal environmental social responsibility and personal norms showing the most significant direct impact on PEB; notably, personal norms were also strongly influenced by environmental personal social responsibility. Biosphere values affected PEB indirectly, through self-identity and individual norms. This study proposes viable countermeasures and suggestions for college students to improve PEB; our findings can serve as a reference for policymakers and stakeholders to ensure the effective waste management of personal safety equipment.
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty versus Hemiarthroplasty versus Non-Surgical treatment for older adults with acute 3- or 4-part fractures of the proximal humerus: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (PROFHER-2: PROximal Fracture of Humerus Evaluation by Randomisation – Trial Number 2)
Authors: Rangan Amar , Gwilym Stephen , Keding Ada , Corbacho Belen , Kottam Lucksy , Arundel Catherine , Coleman Elizabeth , DiMascio Livio , Hewitt Catherine , Jones Valerie , Kassam Jamila , McDaid Catriona , Mitchell Natasha , Mott Andrew , O'Carroll Grace , Tharmanathan Puvan , Torgerson David
Published: March 2023

Background

Proximal humerus fractures (PHF) are common and painful injuries, with the majority resulting from falls from a standing height. As with other fragility fractures, its age specific incidence is increasing. Surgical treatment with Hemiarthroplasty (HA) and Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA) have been increasingly used for displaced 3- and 4-part fractures despite lack of good quality evidence as to whether one type of arthroplasty is superior to the other, and whether surgery is better than non-surgical management. The PROFHER-2 trial has been designed as a pragmatic, multicentre randomised trial to compare the clinical and cost effectiveness of RSA vs HA vs Non-Surgical (NS) treatment in patients with 3- and 4-part PHF.

Methods

Adults over 65 years of age presenting with acute radiographically confirmed 3- or 4-part fractures, with or without associated glenohumeral joint dislocation, who consent for trial participation will be recruited from around 40 National Health Service (NHS) Hospitals in the UK. Patients with polytrauma, open fractures, presence of axillary nerve palsy, pathological (other than osteoporotic) fractures, and those who are unable to adhere to trial procedures will be excluded. We will aim to recruit 380 participants (152 RSA, 152 HA, 76 NS) using 2:2:1 (HA:RSA:NS) randomisation for 3 or 4 part fractures without joint dislocation, and 1:1 (HA:RSA) randomisation for 3 or 4 part fracture dislocations. The primary outcome is the Oxford Shoulder Score at 24 months. Secondary outcomes include quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), pain, range of shoulder motion, fracture healing and implant position on X-rays, further procedures, and complications. Independent Trial Steering Committee and Data Monitoring Committee will oversee the trial conduct, including the reporting of adverse events and harms.

Discussion

The PROFHER-2 trial is designed to provide a robust answer to guide the treatment of patients aged 65 years or over who sustain 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fractures. The pragmatic design and recruitment from around 40 UK NHS hospitals will ensure immediate applicability and generalisability of the trial findings. The full trial results will be made available in a relevant open access peer reviewed journal.

Trial registration

ISRCTN76296703. Prospectively registered on 5th April 2018
Characterizing genetic diversity and population structure in onion (Allium cepa L.) genotypes using agro-morphological and molecular markers
Authors: kapoor Shorya , Sood Sonia , Jayaswall Kuldip , Sood Vinod Kumar , Kumar Nimit , Sood Tamanna , Jayaswal Deepanshu
Published: March 2023

Background It is crucial to gain understanding of crop diversity at the genetic and phenotypic levels. For breeding onion with higher yield and quality together with greater resilience to biotic and abiotic stressors agro-morphological and molecular characterization of onion genotypes is of utmost importance. Methods and results In the present study, genetic diversity in 49 onion genotypes were assessed using 6 agro-morphological descriptors, 19 quantitative traits along with 23 ISSR markers. All the agro-morphological descriptors were found polymorphic with Bulb: basic colour of dry skin (1.44) exhibiting the highest diversity index. The multivariate analysis using Mahalanobis D2statistic grouped 49 genotypes into seven clusters with highest inter cluster distance between V and VII (364.35). A total of 78 fragments were produced from 13 polymorphic primers with a mean of 6 alleles per primer. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.42 (UBC 835) to 0.75 (UBC 825) with a mean of 0.61 per primer. With a mean of 0.36, the inter-genotype genetic distance ranged from 0.12 to 0.72. Based on cluster analysis using UPGMA algorithm, the genotypes were divided into two major clusters, whereas the cluster tree constructed using the described ISSR markers identified three major groups. The structure analysis divided the population into two main groups. Conclusion From the findings of present study, it can be stated that characterization at both molecular and morphological basis is of utmost importance to understand the genetic diversity in onion. Hybridization between distantly related genotypes can produce desirable transgressive segregants in future onion breeding programmes.
Evaluation of mechanical properties of different polyetheretherketone endodontic post systems: An in vitro study
Authors: Ahmad Shawbo Muhamd , Dawood Shilan Nawzad , Dalloo Gollshang Ahmad Mhammed , AL-Barazanchi Tara Rasool Hussein
Published: March 2023

Background
Survival of endodontically treated teeth depends on efficiently restoring the missing tooth structure.
Objectives
This study is designed to assess the mechanical properties of different endodontic post systems.
Materials and methods
Human permanent maxillary central incisors (no.=58) of the same size were decorated and root-filled, and the post spaces were prepared up to 9.0 mm. Then, the specimens with prepared root canals were randomly divided into two groups; Group P allocated a prefabricated polyetheretherketone (PEEK) post and composite core, while Group C allocated a custom-made post-core of PEEK. The cementation of the posts was carried out using self-adhesive resin cement, while the nano-hybrid composite resin was used for core fabrication. After cementation, the specimens from each group were randomly divided into two subgroups according to the types of tests utilized. Of these, 28 samples (14 from each group) were for the fracture strength test, which was restored with IPS e-max CAD crown, and 30 samples (15 from each group) for the pullout resistance test. A universal testing machine was used for the test performance.
Results
The fracture resistance test showed that the values were significantly different among tested posts (P = 0.013). Group P showed the highest fracture resistance. The custom-made one-piece post and core PEEK post group (C) exhibited higher mean values of pullout resistance compared with the other group (P) (P = 0.059). In the two-piece PEEK post and composite core, the predominant type of failure was core displacement or fracture, while in the one-piece PEEK post-core, most types of losses were either in the crown or in the post.
Conclusions
The prefabricated posts are more resistant to fracture than the custom-made posts with fracture and displacement mainly of the core. In contrast, both showed similar pullout resistance.
Effects of adsorbent sampling variables on the accurate measurement of isoprene
Authors: Choi In-Young , Dinh Trieu-Vuong , Kim Ki-Joon , Lee Seungae , Kim Dong-Eun , Jun Bong-Hyun , Park Young-Min , Kim Jo-Chun
Published: March 2023

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are air pollutants that require accurate measurements and analysis. Isoprene is a VOC and an important indicator of photochemical smog. Isoprene originates from various sources, including natural substances, human respiration, and industrial activities such as semiconductor, rubber, and lumber manufacturing. However, despite the availability of multiple methods for measuring VOCs, there are currently no clear guidelines for their analysis. This study aims to improve the accuracy of isoprene sampling and analysis. This was achieved by varying the adsorbent and sampling conditions, followed by gas chromatography and thermal desorption. Various sampling temperatures and flow rates were used to determine the recovery rate of isoprene using different adsorbents. Single-bed Carbosieve SⅢ and double-bed Tenax TA/Carbosieve SⅢ and Tenax TA/Carbotrap were used as adsorbents. It was found that Carbotrap revealed a higher isoprene recovery rate, although Carbotrap had a weaker adsorption capacity than Carbosieve SⅢ. Moreover, the recovery rate of isoprene increased significantly as the sampling temperature and flow rate decreased.
Gaps in vaccine management practices during Vaccination outreach sessions in rural settings in southwestern Uganda
Authors: Flavia Atwiine , Eleanor Turyakira , Fred Bagenda
Published: March 2023

Background
Outreach efforts were developed to bolster people's access to and use of immunization services in underserved populations. However, there have been multiple outbreaks of diseases like measles in Uganda, prompting policy makers and stakeholders to ask many unanswered questions. This research study was created to uncover the discrepancies between vaccine management practices at immunization outreach sessions in rural South Western Uganda compared with existing standards.
Methods
For this observational descriptive study, qualitative methods were employed in 16 public health facilities across four districts of South Western Uganda (Kasese, Mitooma, Rubirizi and Rwampara). Data was gathered by means of semi-structured in-depth interviews, health facility record reviews, and observation. This enabled us to assess the vaccine management procedures prior to an immunization outreach session, the transportation means used, the set up at the outreach site, vaccine management practices during the outreach session and packing of leftover vaccines - all in relation to World Health Organization immunization practice recommendation. All interview data was transcribed and coded; categories were formed and triangulated with data from observation checklists and record reviews. Themes were generated based on a socio-ecologic framework to gain a better understanding of healthcare provider practices during immunization outreach sessions and so identify any gaps in vaccine management guidelines.
Results
Overall, 51 individuals were interviewed - including four Assistant District Health Officers in charge of maternal and child health, four cold chain technicians, 15 focal persons for the Expanded Program on Immunization, and 28 health care providers. Data collected identified several main areas of concern: insufficient vaccine integrity monitoring, improper handling and storage practices, deficient documentation, and inadequate vaccine transportation. Issues in vaccine management were similar across immunization outreach sites regardless of whether there had been any vaccine preventable disease outbreaks in the district or not. The majority of these gaps were located at the individual level but were enabled by policy/environmental-level factors.
Conclusions
The research uncovered poor vaccine management procedures during outreach immunisations sessions, which were contrary to established health worker guidelines. Specific tactics to tackle knowledge deficiencies, health worker attitude, and fewer equipment shortages could significantly improve compliance with vaccine management protocols.
Cognitive bias in slow-growing broiler chickens raised in low- or high-complexity environments: using a social-pair testing approach
Authors: Lourenço-Silva M. I. , Ulans A. , Campbell A. M. , Paz I. C.L. Almeida , Jacobs L.
Published: March 2023

Impacts of environmental complexity on affective states in slow-growing broiler chickens are unknown. Chickens' performance in judgment bias tests (JBT) can be limited as they are tested individually, causing fear and anxiety. The objectives were to apply a social-pair JBT to assess the effect of environmental complexity on slow-growing broiler chickens` affective states, and assess the impact of personality and chronic stress on JBT performance. Six-hundred Hubbard Redbro broilers were housed in six low-complexity (similar to commercial) or six high-complexity (permanent and temporary enrichments) pens. Chicken pairs were trained (1 pair/pen) using a multimodal approach, with reward and neutral cues of opposing color and location. Three ambiguous cues were tested: near-positive, middle, and near-neutral cues. Approach and pecking behavior were recorded. Eighty-three percent of chickens (20/24) were successfully trained in 13 days. Personality and chronic stress did not impact chickens’ performance. Chickens successfully discriminated between cues. Low-complexity chickens approached the middle cue faster than high-complexity chickens, indicating that they were in a more positive affective state. The environmental complexity provided in this study did not improve affective states in slow-growing broiler chickens compared to a control. A social-pair JBT resulted in excellent learning and testing outcomes in slow-growing broilers.
An injectable, self-healing, electroconductive hydrogel loaded with neural stem cells and donepezil for enhancing local therapy effect of spinal cord injury
Authors: Liu Tiemei , Li Hongru , Cui Xiaoqian , Qi Zhiping , Yang Xiaoyu
Published: March 2023

Background
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious injury with high mortality and disability rates, and there is no effective treatment at present. It has been reported that some treatments have positive effects in promoting neurological recovery, such as drug intervention and stem cell transplantation. Although those treatments are effective for nerve regeneration, many drawbacks have limited their development, such as low stem cell survival rates and side effects caused by systemic medication. In recent years, injectable hydrogel materials have been widely used in tissue engineering due to their good biocompatibility, biodegradability, controllable properties, and low invasiveness. The treatment strategy of injectable hydrogels combined with stem cells or drugs has made some progress in SCI repair, which can overcome the defects existing in traditional drugs and stem cell therapy.
Method
In this study, a novel injectable electroactive hydrogel (NGP) based on sodium hyaluronate oxide (SAO) and polyaniline-grafted gelatin (NH2-Gel-PANI) was developed to load neural stem cells (NSCs) and donepezil (DPL) to facilitate nerve regeneration post-SCI. To evaluate the potential of the prepared NGP hydrogel in SCI repair application, the surface morphology, self-repairing properties, electrical conductivity and cytocompatibility of the resulting hydrogel were analyzed. Meanwhile, we evaluated the neural repair ability of NGP hydrogels loaded with DPL and NSCs using a rat model of spinal cord injury.
Result
The NGP hydrogel has a suitable pore size, good biocompatibility, excellent conductivity, injectable and self-repairing properties, and its degradation rate matches the repair cycle of spinal cord injury. At the same time, DPL could be released continuously and slowly in the NGP hydrogel; thus, the NGP hydrogel could be used as an excellent carrier of drugs and cells. The results of in vitro cell experiments showed that the NGP hydrogel had good cytocompatibility and could significantly promote neuronal differentiation and axon growth of NSCs, and the hydrogel loaded with DPL could significantly enhance this effect. More importantly, the NGP hydrogel loaded with DPL showed a significant inhibitory effect on astrocyte differentiation of NSCs in vitro. Animal experiments show that the combination of NGP hydrogel + DPL + NSCs group showed the best therapeutic effect on the recovery of motor function and nerve conduction function in rats. NGP hydrogel-loaded NSCs and DPL not only significantly increased the myelin sheath area, number of new neurons and axon area but also minimized the area of the cystic cavity and glial scar and promoted neural circuit reconstruction.
Conclusions
The DPL and NSCs-laden electroactive hydrogel developed in this study is an ideal biomaterial for the treatment of traumatic spinal cord injury.
Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) Optimal Value in Diagnosing Fibromyalgia: Report from a Multivariate Study on Patients with Knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Hajighadery Abdolkarim , Roodposhti Mohaddeseh Ebrahimpour , Safari Roxana , Parsaei Amirhossein , Amini Behnam , Masoumi Maryam , Shajari Rasoul , Aghaali Mohammad , Rezaei Somaye Sadat
Published: March 2023

Background:
Fibromyalgia (FM) and osteoarthritis (OA) share common clinical properties and pathologic etiologies. In the current study we aim to assess the prevalence of overlapping FM in a population of knee OA patients and to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Western Ontario Macmaster (WOMAC) for FM in OA patients.
Methods:
In a single-center observational study we recruited a consecutive sample of 100 knee osteoarthritis. The OA patients were assessed for pain, stiffness and function using WOMAC and for possible FM diagnosis using ACR 2010 diagnostic criteria. In order to find independent predictors for fibromyalgia diagnosis, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were utilized. The results regression analysis was used to build the final prediction model. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Youden's J index were used to identify the best cutoff values for predictor parameters of fibromyalgia.
Results:
In a population of 100 OA patients in this study, 41 had fibromyalgia based on ACR criteria. Age (mean of 55.43±8.94 vs. 51.4±8.59; P= 0.025), BMI (25.17±3.52 vs. 23.59 ±3.77; P= 0.03) and WOMAC score (46.19±14.10 vs. 35.69±11.19; P= <0.001) were significantly higher in patients with FM than patients without FM. Univariate analysis identified that the age, BMI and WOMAC score (Ps= 0.029, 0.041, and <0.001, respectively) are significantly associated with FM diagnosis. In multivariate analysis, WOMAC score (OR: 0.93 (95% CI 0.90–0.97), P< 0.001) was identified as independent predictors for diagnosis of FM. Using Receiving operator curve, the Area under the curve (AUC) of WOMAC score was 0.715 (95%CI: 0.614-0.817) and the optimum cutoff point for WOMAC score for diagnosis of FM was 43.5.
Conclusion:
It is concluded from this study that WOMAC scores > 43.5 are useful for suggesting FM as a secondary diagnosis in knee OA patients. Future studies are necessary to establish the results of the current study in a more general context, given the limited available evidence.
Anterior Segment Structure Changes Caused by Different Luminance Light After implantable phakic contact lens Surgery
Authors: Li Xia , Wang Min , Cai Jinfeng , Dong Weiweng
Published: March 2023

Backgrounds: To investigate the changes of anterior eye segment with implantable phakic contact lens (ICL) under mesopic and photopic conditions.
Method: 47 eyes of myopic patients who underwent ICL V4c implantation were included. 3 months after surgery, the pupil diameter (PD), vault, ACD (distance from the posterior corneal surface to the anterior lens surface), ACD-ICL (distance from the posterior corneal surface to the anterior ICL surface), and anterior chamber angle parameters were measured using the anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT, Carl Zeiss AG, Germany) under completely mesopic (0 lx) and photopic (5290 lx) lighting conditions.
Results: Compared with mesopic conditions, a significant decreased vault was detected in photopic conditions (486.7±186.1um versus 643.5±191.2um, p < 0.001), while the ACD-ICL increased significantly (2.54±0.24mm versus 2.37±0.23mm, p < 0.001). The pupil was smaller in photopic condition (2.66±0.23mm versus 5.62±0.55mm, p < 0.001). ACD didn’t change(3.32±0.24mm versus 3.31±0.22mm, p = 0.079). The change of the vault was positively related to the changes of the PD (r2 = 0.301, p = 0.04). There were no statistical difference between the change of vault and the change of ACD-ICL (158.0±58.1um versus 165.9±65.3 um, p = 0.320).
Conclusion: When exposed to high intensity light after ICL surgery, the pupil constricted, vault decreased, ACA widened and ACD-ICL increased. All these changes were caused by the change of iris not the crystalline lens.
Losing Touch with Oneself: Depersonalisation Experiences Modulate Vicarious Affective Touch and Self Touch
Authors: Ciaunica Anna , Mathew Jyothisa , Deroy Ophelia , Fairhurst Merle
Published: March 2023

Depersonalisation (DP) is characterized by distressing feelings of being detached from one’s self and body, often described as being “out of touch” with oneself. We conducted two online experiments looking at the relationship between non-clinical experiences of DP and vicarious affective touch and self touch. In Experiment 1 we found that people with lower occurrences of DP rate the perceived pleasantness of the imagined social touch as received by the self higher than if received by the other. By contrast, we found no difference in the perceived pleasantness of affective touch imagined as being received by the self vs the other in people with higher occurrences of DP experiences. In Experiment 2, we designed a new affective self-touch intervention in order to explore the effect of affective self-touch stroking on one’s dorsal forearm on the perceived pleasantness and vividness of tactile experiences as being received by the self and others . We found that both low and high DP participants, following the affective self-touch intervention, report significantly higher ratings of vividness of tactile perception. These findings may have key implications for potential sensory tactile-based interventions for people experiencing distressing feelings of DP.
In vitro and in vivo susceptibility to sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine of Toxoplasma gondii strains isolated from Brazilian free wild bird
Authors: Bessa Gabriella Lima , Vitor Ricardo Wagner Almeida , Lobo Luana Margarida Sabino , Rêgo Wagner Martins Fontes , Souza Gabriela Carolina Alves , Lopes Rosálida Estevam Nazar , Costa Julia Gatti Ladeia , Martins-Duarte Erica S.
Published: March 2023

Little is known about the existence of drug-resistant Toxoplasma gondii strains and their possible impact on clinics. To expand our knowledge about the existence of natural variations on drug susceptibility of T. gondii strains in Brazil, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo susceptibility to sulfadiazine (SDZ) and pyrimethamine (PYR) of three atypical strains (Wild2, Wild3, and Wild4) isolated from free-living wild birds. In vitro susceptibility assay showed that the three strains were equally susceptible to SDZ and PYR but variations in the susceptibility were observed to SDZ+PYR treatment. Variations in the proliferation rates in vitro and spontaneous conversion to bradyzoites were also accessed for all strains. Wild2 showed a lower cystogenesis capacity compared to Wild3 and Wild4. In the in vivo analysis, showed that while Wild3 was highly susceptible to all SDZ and PYR doses, and their combination, Wild2 and Wild4 showed low susceptibility to the lower doses of SDZ or PYR. Interestingly, Wild2 was also low susceptible to the higher doses of SDZ, PYR and their combination. Our results suggest that the variability to treatment response by T. gondii isolates could possibly be related not only to drug resistance but also the strain cystogenesis capacity.
Overexpression of TAGLN2 regulated by non-coding RNAs refering to poor prognosis and tumor immune cell infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Di , Wang Bijun , Guo Kai , Wang Tianbing
Published: March 2023

Transgelin-2 (TAGLN2) is an actin-binding protein. Its high expression also has a potential role in many malignant diseases. However, the relationship between its expression and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its relevance to immunity remains unclear. In this study, data from the Oncomine database, TCGA database and GEPIA database were used to analyze the expression of TGALN2 in hepatocellular carcinoma. RT-PCR, qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect TAGLN2 expression in HCC tissues.TAGLN2 expression was upregulated in HCC and is a potential oncogene in HCC.Overexpression of TAGLN2 was strongly correlated with pathological stage, grade, and T-type.Cox analysis revealed that TAGLN2 was an independent risk factor for HCC prognosis. Using the Kaplan-Meier method, HCC patients with upregulated TAGLN2 expression were shown to have a poorer prognosis. Evidence was obtained using GSEA that TAGLN2 expression was closely associated with immune pathways. Subsequently, the Starbase database was used to predict the non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that regulate TAGLN2 overexpression, and the SNHG16–miR-22-3P axis was identified as the most valuable upstream pathway for TAGLN2 in HCC. Next, we estimated the differences in immune infiltration of 22 tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) in all HCC samples using the CIBERSORT algorithm. The results showed that the immune cells closely associated with TAGLN2 were plasma cells, CD8 T cells and M0 macrophages. TAGLN2 was positively correlated with PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA4 using the TIMER database analysis. Our results suggest that high expression of TAGLN2, regulated by ncRNAs, is associated with poor prognosis and tumor immune cell infiltration in HCC.
Coinvasion of Lactarius torminosus and silver birch as an example of an uncommon pattern of plant-fungus introduction
Authors: Pietras Marcin , Sobczak Tomasz , Kolanowska Marta
Published: March 2023

In this study the first record of Northern Hemisphere fungus, Lactarius torminosus (Russulales, Basidiomycota) is presented from New Zealand. The identification of collected specimens was confirmed based on macro- and micromorphological observations. Additionally, the biogeography of the fungus is also descried, based on sporocarp records. Species distribution modeling implemented in MaxEnt was used to evaluation the range of the ecological niche of L. torminosus in New Zealand and Australia. The obtained model showed, that climatic variables and distribution of a silver birch are the most decisive factors influencing the occurrence of the fungus. However obtained results emphasize the role of edaphic conditions and human vector in the expansion of foreign fungi in invasion range.
Improved Intrvenous Lentiviral Gene Therapy Based on Endothelial-specific Factor VIII for Hemophilia A
Authors: Gong Jie , Yang Rui , Zhou Min , Chang Lung-Ji
Published: March 2023

Background: Hemophilia A (HA) is an X-linked monogenic disorder caused by deficiency of the factor VIII (FVIII, F8) gene in the intrinsic coagulation cascade. The current protein replacement therapy (PRT) of HA has many limitations including short term effectiveness, high cost, and life-time treatment requirement. Gene therapy has become a promising treatment for HA. Orthotopic functional F8 biosynthesis is critical to its coagulation activities.
Methods: To investigate targeted F8 expression, we developed a series of advanced lentiviral vectors (LVs) carrying either a universal promoter (EF1α) or a variety of tissue-specific promoters, including endothelial-specific (VEC), endothelial and epithelial-specific (KDR), and megakaryocyte-specific (Gp and ITGA) promoters.
Results: To examine tissue specificity, the expression of a B-domain deleted human F8 (F8BDD) gene was tested in human endothelial and megakaryocytic cell lines. Functional assays demonstrated F8 activities of LV-VEC-F8BDD and LV-ITGA-F8BDD in the therapeutic range in transduced endothelial and megakaryocytic cells, respectively. In F8 knockout mice (F8 KO mice F8null mice), intravenous (iv) injection of LVs illustrated different degrees of phenotypic correction as well as anti-F8 immune response for the different vectors. The iv delivery of LV-VEC-F8BDD and LV-Gp-F8BDD achieved 80% and 15% therapeutic F8 activities over 180 days, respectively. Different from the other LV constructs, the LV-VEC-F8BDD displayed a low F8 inhibitory response in the treated F8null mice.
Conclusions: The LV-VEC-F8BDD exhibited high LV packaging and delivery efficiencies, with endothelial specificity and low immunogenicity in the F8null mice, thus has a great potential for clinical applications.
The effect of impulses on precipitation behavior in 7075-T6 aluminum alloy joint by Impulse Friction Stir Welding
Authors: Wang Keqi , Naumov Anton , Gushchina Marina , Isupov Fedor , Alkhalaf Ahmad Alali , Panchenko Oleg
Published: March 2023

Joining procedure for aluminum alloy 7075–T6 (AlZnMgCu1.5) sheets was realized by Impulse Friction Stir Welding (IFSW) with different impulse frequencies. The additional mechanical impulses during IFSW enhance the forging action of the tool, resulting in the weld microstructure modification. The microstructural evolution in different zones of the weld was studied, focusing on the strengthening precipitation behavior of the welded joint as well as the overall mechanical properties. The results illustrate that the application of impulses during IFSW accelerates the reprecipitation and dynamic recrystallization processes, which lead to the formation of strengthening precipitates and the homogeneous grain microstructure, respectively, in the SZ. HAZ of the welds obtained by the FSW and IFSW represent dislocation free grains interior. The precipitation content in the HAZ of the welds obtained by conventional FSW and IFSW is completely different. The HAZ of the weld obtained by conventional FSW represent high concentration of stable η phase. Conversely, high concentrations of heat sensitive phase - η' precipitates - were found in the HAZ microstructure of the joints obtained by IFSW.
Percutaneous Microwave Ablation versus Breast Conserving Surgery for 2-5cm Breast Cancer: A Two-Center, Retrospective Study
Authors: Dai Yu-qing , Zhou Wenbin , Liang Ping , Luo Yan-chun , Pan Hong , Cai Qian , Dou Jian-ping , Han Zhi-Yu , Cheng Zhi-gang , Liu Fang-yi , Yu Xiao-Ling , Zhang Jing , Yu Jie
Published: March 2023

Objectives: To compare the prognosis, complication and cosmetic results of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) with those of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for 2-5cm BC patients.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in two academic centers, which enrolled 224 invasive BC patients treated with MWA (n=39) or BCS (n=185) from November 2015 to February 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed at 1:2 and the baseline characteristics were well balanced between MWA (n=32) and BCS (n=56) group thereafter. Prognosis was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier curves. Association between treatment modality and disease-free survival (DFS) was assessed using seven different Cox proportional hazards models.
Results: After PSM, during a median follow-up of 33 months (interquartile range: 21.25, 51.00 months), between MWA and BCS group, there was no statistic difference in 3-year DFS (95.03% vs 98.26%, P=0.171) and 3-year local tumor progression (LTP, 3.39% vs 1.20%, P =0.438). Statistically comparable DFS and LTP were also achieved for the 2-3 cm and 3-5 cm BC subgroups. Consistent results were validated by seven survival models in DFS (all, P>0.05). Compared to BCS, patients in MWA group reported better cosmetic results (P =0.004), spent shorter operative time (56.96 min vs 86.30 min, P=0.002), while with higher costs (24,063.85 RMB vs 15,399.32 RMB, P<0.001).
Conclusion: With survival models validation, this pilot study suggests that MWA may be a potential alternative local therapy for selected 2-5cm BC patients, especially those not indicated for surgery. Complete ablation is the key to achieving no statistical difference between MWA and BCS.
Superhydrophobic and fluorine-free microfibrillated cellulose-clay composite films for gas barrier applications
Authors: Poothanari Mohammed Arif , Leterrier Yves
Published: March 2023

Diffusion barrier composite films based on MFC and clay were developed with attention paid to the influence of thermal annealing and a fluorine-free silylation on their microstructure, water contact angle (WCA), mechanical properties, oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). The MFC film without clay was hydrophilic with an OTR at 23°C that was highly dependent on relative humidity, increasing from 1.2 cm3/m2/day and 50%RH to 25.3 cm3/m2/day/bar at 80%RH. Annealing at 150ºC increased the crystallinity, the roughness and hydrophobicity of the film, with a WCA value of 86.4°, while decreasing its OTR at 80%RH by 20%. The addition of 10 wt% of clay did not impact the MFC structure and led to a 30% decrease of OTR at 80%RH due to a partial exfoliation, and to a 50% decrease when combined with annealing. Silylation increased the hydrophobicity of the film with a WCA of 127.5°, and its combination with clay and annealing led to a WCA of 146.5°, close to the superhydrophobic threshold of 150°. Silylation was the only treatment, which had a significant impact on the stiffness of the film, with a 10–20% decrease at low temperature for the different cases investigated (from ca. 6.3 GPa for untreated films to ca. 5.3 GPa for treated films), and a stable behavior up to 150ºC for the heat-treated film. The combination of clay, annealing and silylation considerably reduced the OTR at 80%RH to a value of 8 cm3/m2/day/bar, and the WVTR at 23°C and 50%RH from 49 g/m2/day for MFC to 22 g/m2/day. The reduction of OTR and WVTR was found to correlate with the increase in hydrophobicity of the film, which was attributed to the reduced access of water molecules within the MFC network.
Identification of Paddy Blast Disease Field Images Using Multi-layer CNN Models
Authors: Yakkundimath Rajesh , Saunshi Girish
Published: March 2023

Farmers and agricultural experts can take action on many areas of paddy crop handling and management practices with the use of actionable information from the in-field diagnosis of paddy blast disease. To successfully diagnose the blast disease affecting fifteen different paddy crop varieties, three transfer learning multi-layer convolutional neural network (CNN) models, such as, CapsNet, EfficientNet-B7, and ResNet-50 are presented in this paper. The field images of blast disease are captured and classified based on disease severity levels, such as low, medium, high, and severe. The study employing the CapsNet model with dataset consisting a total of 20,000 labeled images demonstrate the significant results with the testing efficiency of 90.79% and validation efficiency of 93.29%. The ResNet-50 and EfficientNet-B7 models have yielded the average testing efficiencies of 85.10% and 88.72%, respectively. On the held out blast disease affected paddy field image dataset, the CapsNet model outperformed the EfficientNet-B7 and ResNet-50 CNN models related to both classification efficiency and computational efficiency.
Analysis of Development Status and Function Features of Diabetes Health Medical Management Apps
Authors: Duan Beibei , Liu Mengdi , Ma Cunhao , Liu Weiwei
Published: March 2023

Background
Using Diabetes-related Apps can effectively reduce the patients’ level of glucose and rehospitalization rate. However, due to the serious homogeneity of diabetes apps content and uneven function quality, medical staffs and patients do not know how to choose. This study aimed to understand the development status of diabetes health management Apps, analyze their functions and characteristics, and provide recommendations for further improvement or development of diabetes-related Apps.
Methods
In May 2022, diabetes-related apps were screened in ten major App markets, including Android and iOS system by using the keywords either Chinese or English.Then, we searched the literature to supplement the APP.The apps that met the criteria were downloaded and their functions and characteristics were analyzed. Silberg scale was used to assess their information accountability.
Results
105 diabetes-related apps were included, including 69 Chinese apps and 36 English apps. Almost all (97.8%) of which were developed by companies and commercial teams. Most of the apps (96.2%) were targeted at people with diabetes, and only 3.8% were for type 1 and gestational diabetes. The total mean score of Silberg scale was 3.60 ± 0.81. Among 28 functions, individual customized function and social support function are rare.
Conclusion
Nowadays, the overall accountability quality of diabetes-related apps is low. The functions are insufficient, and the individual customized functions need to be further explored. In the future, it should be strengthen the diversity and individualization of diabetes-related apps, and encourage medical staffs and patients to participate in the designment and development of Apps.
Nodular thyroid disease and low FT4 levels in Klinefelter syndrome: an extension of the classical phenotype
Authors: Fraia Rosa di , Esposito Daniela , Selvaggio Lucia Digitale , Allosso Francesca , Alfano Roberto , Rotondi Mario , Balercia Giancarlo , Accardo Giacomo , Pasquali Daniela
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Thyroid dysfunction in patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) remains an unresolved issue. Although low free thyroxine (FT4) levels within the normal range and normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels have been reported, there is currently no data on nodular thyroid disease in this population. This study aims to evaluate the results of thyroid ultrasound (US) examinations in KS patients compared with healthy controls.
Methods: A cohort of 122 KS and 85 age-matched healthy male controls underwent thyroid US screening and thyroid hormone analysis. According to US risk-stratification systems, nodules ≥1 cm were examined by fine needle aspiration (FNA).
Results: Thyroid US detected nodular thyroid disease in 31% of KS compared to 1.3% of controls. No statistical differences in the maximum diameter of the largest nodules and in moderate and highly suspicious nodules were found between patients and the control group. Six nodules underwent FNA and were confirmed as cytologically benign. In line with published data, FT4 levels were found significantly near the lower limit of the normal range compared to controls, with no differences in TSH values between the two groups. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was diagnosed in 9% of patients.
Conclusions: We observed a significantly higher prevalence of nodular thyroid disease in KS compared to the control group, but no increased risk of thyroid cancer. The increase in nodular thyroid disease is likely linked to low levels of FT4, inappropriate TSH secretion, and/or genetic instability. We suggest including a complete thyroid evaluation in the workup of KS.