bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection with a human-origin probiotic cocktail through gut microbiome-gut metabolome modulations
Authors: Gurung Bijay , Courreges Maria C. , Pollak Julie , Malgor Ramiro , Jiang Lin , Wang Bo , Wang Shaohua
Published: February 2025

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a leading cause of hospital-associated diarrhea, primarily due to gut dysbiosis following antibiotic use. Probiotics have been found to provide several benefits to hosts via modulation of the gut microbiota and their metabolites. However, till now, no conventional probiotics have been clearly proven to be an effective prophylactic option for CDI prevention. Therefore, more studies on developing specific probiotic candidates targeting CDI and improving diversity of probiotics administrated are needed. In this study, a human-origin highly diverse and highly targeted probiotic cocktail (Pro11) containing 11 various probiotic species was developed against C. difficile. Pro11 protected mice against CDI with lower clinical scores and higher survival rates, and inhibited C. difficile in vivo with less C. difficile burden and toxins production determined in colon. Histological analysis demonstrated that Pro11 strengthened gut barrier, reducing gut permeability (less secreted sCD14 in serum) and gut inflammation. In addition, gut microbiome analysis demonstrated that Pro11 increased gut microbiome diversity and beneficial species. Along with gut microbiome modulation, gut metabolites including butyrate, were significantly increased in the probiotics-fed group. Results from this study highlighted probiotics as a promising CDI therapy as gut microbiota modulators, which will lay the foundation for translating probiotics in mitigating CDI and other intestinal pathogens for clinical use.
Effects of different exercises on improving gait performance in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Li Ying , Huang Jieling , Wang Jinguo , Cheng Yue
Published: February 2025

Objective

Gait disorder represents a characteristic symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and exercise has been established as an effective intervention for gait management in PD. However, the relative efficacy of various exercise types in improving gait among PD patients remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of different movement-based interventions in enhancing gait for individuals with PD through a network meta-analysis.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Bias risk tool. Data was extracted from these studies to compare the efficacy of 29 distinct exercise interventions on gait performance in patients with PD.

Results

The analysis encompassed 68 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), involving a total of 3,114 participants. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that DE is higher than CON (SMD, 2.11; 95% CI 1.07 to 3.15), WE (SMD, 2.16; 95% CI 0.90 to 3.43), HE (SMD, 2.19; 95% CI 0.95 to 3.44), OE (SMD, 2.66; 95% CI 1.16 to 4.16), TR (SMD, 2.62; 95% CI 1.45 to 3.79) to better improve Gait velocity in patients with Parkinson’s disease. DE is superior to CON (SMD, 2.08; 95% CI 0.04 to 4.13) in improving Step length. FAE is superior to CON (SMD, 1.01; 95% CI 0.04 to 1.98), BDJ (SMD, 1.20; 95% CI 0.15 to 2.25), RAGT (SMD, 1.29; 95% CI 0.07 to 2.52), DE (SMD, 1.57; 95% CI 0.36 to 2.77), TR (SMD, 1.62; 95% CI 0.48 to 2.76), OE (1.76, 95% CI 0.57 to 2.94) in improving Gait velocity. RAGT is superior to CT (MD, 2.02; 95% CI 0.41 to 3.63), TR (MD, 2.51; 95% CI 1.17 to 3.84), AE (MD, 2.66; 95% CI 0.45 to 4.88), BDJ (MD, 2.77; 95% CI 0.93 to 4.61), CON (MD, 2.83; 95% CI 1.30 to 4.36), DTT (MD, 12.84; 95% CI 10.05 to 15.63) in improving 6MWT.

Conclusion

Our study found that DE improved gait speed and step length in patients with Parkinson’s disease better than other forms of exercise. FAE and RAGT were more effective than other exercises in improving step length and 6MWT in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Parkin characteristics and blood biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease in WPBLC study
Authors: He Haijun , Xiong Xi , Zheng Yi , Hou Jialong , Jiang Tao , Quan Weiwei , Huang Jiani , Xu Jiaxue , Chen Keke , Qian Jingjing , Cai Jinlai , Lu Yao , Lian Mengjia , Xie Chenglong , Luo Ji
Published: February 2025

Background

The exact mechanisms of PD are unclear, but Parkin-mediated mitophagy dysfunction is believed to play a key role. We investigated whether blood levels of Parkin and other biomarkers are linked to the risk of developing PD.

Methods

Baseline blood measures of Parkin and other biomarkers, including Homocysteine, carcinoembryonic antigen, Urea, total proteins, total cholesterol, creatine kinase, and albumin, were collected from 197 clinically diagnosed Parkinson’s disease participants and 107 age-matched healthy controls in Wenzhou Parkinson’s Biomarkers and Living Characteristics study. We conducted bioinformatics analysis using three datasets from the GEO database: GSE90514 (Cohort 1: PD = 4, HC = 4), GSE7621 (Cohort 2: PD = 16, HC = 9), and GSE205450 (Cohort 3: PD = 69, HC = 81).

Results

Using a bioinformatic approach, we identified dysregulated biological processes in PD patients with PRKN mutations. Compared to controls, significant abnormalities were observed in blood levels of Parkin, Hcy, total proteins, urea, albumin, and CEA in PD patients. A model incorporating Parkin, Hcy, total proteins, and urea effectively distinguished PD from healthy controls, achieving a higher accuracy (AUC 0.841) than other biomarker combinations. Gene set enrichment analysis suggested that pathways such as PINK1-Parkin-mediated mitophagy, urea cycle, cysteine degradation, and riboflavin metabolism may be involved in PRKN mutation. Additionally, the link between Parkin and PD was partially mediated by CEA and albumin, not by Hcy, total proteins, or urea.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that blood Parkin levels may be a minimally invasive biomarker for PD diagnosis. The model, which included Parkin, Hcy, total proteins, and urea, effectively distinguished PD from HC with greater accuracy.
Investigating visual perception abilities in flight cadets: the crucial role of the lingual gyrus and precuneus
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhang Shicong , Dong Shipeng , Meng Qingbin , Xu Peiran , Chu Qi , Huang Donglin , Luo Cheng
Published: February 2025

Introduction

In aviation, exceptional visual perception is crucial for pilots to monitor flight instruments and respond swiftly to deviations, as well as make rapid judgments regarding environmental changes, ensuring aviation safety. However, existing research on pilots’ visual perception has predominantly focused on behavioral observations, with limited exploration of the neurophysiological mechanisms involved.

Methods

This study aimed to investigate the brain activity associated with the visual perception capabilities of flight cadets. Data were collected from 25 flying cadets and 24 ground students under two conditions: a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging session conducted in 2022 and a change-detection task. The data were analyzed using RESTplus software.

Results

The analysis revealed that degree centrality values in the right precuneus and left lingual gyrus showed significantly positive correlations with task reaction time and accuracy, respectively, in the pilot group. These brain regions were found to be significantly associated with the visual perception abilities of the pilots.

Discussion

The findings suggest that alterations in the left precuneus and right lingual gyrus in pilots are linked to their visual perception capabilities, which may play a crucial role in mission performance. These results provide a foundation for improving flight training programs and selecting suitable flight trainees based on neurophysiological markers of visual perception.
Mapping curvature domains in human V4 using CBV-sensitive layer-fMRI at 3T
Authors: Zamboni Elisa , Watson Isaac , Stirnberg Rüdiger , Huber Laurentius , Formisano Elia , Goebel Rainer , Kennerley Aneurin J. , Morland Antony B.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

A full understanding of how we see our world remains a fundamental research question in vision neuroscience. While topographic profiling has allowed us to identify different visual areas, the exact functional characteristics and organization of areas up in the visual hierarchy (beyond V1 & V2) is still debated. It is hypothesized that visual area V4 represents a vital intermediate stage of processing spatial and curvature information preceding object recognition. Advancements in magnetic resonance imaging hardware and acquisition techniques (e.g., non-BOLD functional MRI) now permits the capture of cortical layer-specific functional properties and organization of the human brain (including the visual system) at high precision.

Methods

Here, we use functional cerebral blood volume measures to study the modularity in how responses to contours (curvature) are organized within area V4 of the human brain. To achieve this at 3 Tesla (a clinically relevant field strength) we utilize optimized high-resolution 3D-Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) Vascular Space Occupancy (VASO) measurements.

Results

Data here provide the first evidence of curvature domains in human V4 that are consistent with previous findings from non-human primates. We show that VASO and BOLD tSNR maps for functional imaging align with high field equivalents, with robust time series of changes to visual stimuli measured across the visual cortex. V4 curvature preference maps for VASO show strong modular organization compared to BOLD imaging contrast. It is noted that BOLD has a much lower sensitivity (due to known venous vasculature weightings) and specificity to stimulus contrast. We show evidence that curvature domains persist across the cortical depth. The work advances our understanding of the role of mid-level area V4 in human processing of curvature and shape features.

Impact

Knowledge of how the functional architecture and hierarchical integration of local contours (curvature) contribute to formation of shapes can inform computational models of object recognition. Techniques described here allow for quantification of individual differences in functional architecture of mid-level visual areas to help drive a better understanding of how changes in functional brain organization relate to difference in visual perception.
Which specific modes of exercise training are most effective for breast related cancer fatigue? Network meta-analysis
Authors: Li Ying , Zhang Jianhua , Hu Di , Gao Lei , Huang Ting
Published: February 2025

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of various exercise modalities on Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF) among breast cancer patients.

Methods

A computerized search was conducted on databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang Database up to October 2023. Selection criteria were applied to include or exclude studies, resulting in the inclusion of 65 articles for comparison of the effects of 12 distinct exercise interventions on individuals with breast cancer.

Results

The 65 studies used 12 different measures of exercise. Network meta results show that Compared with Other exercise (OE), Baduanjin exercise (BE), Qigong (QG), Control group (CG), Tai Chi (TC) improved significantly in CFR. The effect of Yoga (YG) on improving sleep quality is better than Control group (CG) and Baduanjin exercise (BE). Compared with Control group (CG), Tai Chi (TC) and Yoga (YG) are more beneficial to improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients. Tai Chi (TC) is better than Multimodal exercise (ME), Other exercise (OE), Baduanjin exercise (BE), Pilates exercise (PE), Yoga (YG), Qigong (QG), Dance exercise (DE), Qigong (QG) in improving depression in breast cancer patients.

Conclusion

The study revealed that Tai Chi demonstrates positive effects in ameliorating CRF, enhancing quality of life, and alleviating depressive symptoms among breast cancer patients. Moreover, yoga exhibits favorable effects in improving sleep quality in this patient group. Nevertheless, additional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are warranted in the future to delve deeper into the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of these exercise interventions.
Cystoscopy to investigate the prevalence of prostatic utricle cyst in boys with proximal hypospadias and its implications in medium-term follow-up
Authors: Wong Yuenshan Sammi , Tam Yuk Him
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Prostatic utricle cyst (PUC) is known to be associated with hypospadias. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of PUC in children with proximal hypospadias by cystoscopy, and risk of symptom development after hypospadias repair.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent 2-stage repair for proximal hypospadias and had cystoscopy for PUC assessment over the period of January 2017–September 2022.

Results

A total of 34 patients with penoscrotal, scrotal or perineal hypospadias were included for review. First-stage repair was performed at a median age of 12 months. The median ventral curvature was 70 degrees (range 45–90). 4 patients had differences of sex development including 45,X/46,XY mosaicism (n = 2) and 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis (n = 2). PUC was detected by cystoscopy in 25/34(73.5%) patients, with longitudinal dimensions 10–35 mm (median = 15 mm). At a mean follow-up of 30 months after hypospadias repair, 3/25(12%) patients developed symptoms associated with PUC including recurrent epididymoorchitis (n = 1), post-void dribbling (n = 1) and pyuria (n = 1). 3/10 PUC ≥20 mm became symptomatic compared with none of PUC <20 mm (p = 0.024). The patient with recurrent epididymoorchitis eventually underwent definitive surgery of PUC excision by robot-assisted approach.

Conclusions

PUC is highly prevalent in proximal hypospadias. The use of the smallest-sized cystoscope as a screening tool can increase the diagnostic yield. Integrating cystoscopy in hypospadias surgery for concurrent PUC assessment can be considered as an option for patients with proximal hypospadias. Although the vast majority of PUC remains asymptomatic, those ≥20 mm in longitudinal dimensions may be associated with an increased risk of subsequent symptom development.
Association of antinuclear antibody positivity with liver disease severity in pediatric metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Kim Hyun Jin , Kim Ju Young , Lee Yoo Min , Hong Yong Hee , Kang Ben , Choe Byung-Ho , Yi Dae Yong , Lee Eun Hye , Kim Soon Chul , Choi You Jin , Jang Hyo-Jeong , Choi So Yoon
Published: February 2025

Background

Although antinuclear antibody (ANA) is frequently observed in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), its clinical significance in children remains unclear and controversial. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of ANA positivity and the factors associated with it in pediatric MASLD patients without concurrent autoimmune hepatitis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients aged 4–18 years diagnosed with MASLD and tested for ANA from January 2015 to December 2020 at 10 hospitals in Korea. All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS 26.0 and P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Out of the 439 patients included, ANAs were present in 89 (20.3%); 51 (57.3%) patients had ANA titer <1:80; 22 (24.7%), <1:160; 10 (11.2%), <1:320; and 6 (6.7%), <1:640. Compared to ANA-negative patients, aspartate aminotransferase (AST, P = 0.003) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT, P = 0.007) levels were significantly higher in ANA-positive patients. The ALT to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) score was also associated with the ANA-positive patients (P = 0.005). To predict ANA positivity using APRI, the area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was 0.597 (p = 0.004), and the APRI cutoff value of >0.893 could predict ANA, with sensitivity and specificity of 42.7% and 72.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

ANA positivity in pediatric MASLD is associated with greater liver enzyme elevation and increased risk of fibrosis, highlighting the need for careful monitoring in ANA-positive patients.
Signal mining and analysis of ripretinib adverse events: a real-world pharmacovigilance analysis based on the FAERS database
Authors: Hu Ye , Zhang Linlin , Gong Qineng , Huang Lei , Yin Cunlin , Miao Yang , Wu Hui
Published: February 2025

Background

Ripretinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) who have previously received treatment with at least three kinase inhibitors. The objective of this study was to evaluate adverse events(AEs) associated with ripretinib using data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

Methods

Individual case safety reports (ICSRs) related to of ripretinib from 2020 Q2 to 2024 Q2 were extracted from the FAERS database. This study used the reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN), and multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS) for disproportionality analysis. In addition, this research also performed a descriptive analysis of the time-to-onset (TTO) of AEs related to ripretinib.

Results

A total of 3,513 ICSRs with ripretinib as the primary suspect (PS) were retrieved from the FAERS database. At the preferred term(PT) level, this study detected 116 positive AEs. Common AEs included alopecia, constipation, muscle spasms, dry skin, decreased appetite. Notably, unexpected AEs such as pleural mass, blood magnesium abnormal, blood potassium abnormal, hepatic lesion, and liver abscess were also observed. The median time to onset of ripretinib-related AEs was 102 days (29–254 days), with the majority of AEs occurring during the first month of treatment.

Conclusion

This study identified some known AEs associated with ripretinib and discovered unexpected AEs, providing preliminary insights into its safety in the real world. This information is valuable for clinical monitoring and the safe use of ripretinib.
Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of children with cerebral palsy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with core herbs exploration
Authors: Huang Ying-Yu , Cheng Ya-Yun , Chen Hsing-Yu , Fu Ren-Huei , Chang Yi-Jung , Yang Tsung-Hsien
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) taken orally is frequently utilized to enhance functional ability and independence in cerebral palsy (CP); nonetheless, there is a lack of current evidence regarding the efficacy of oral CHM in treating CP. Additionally, the general complexities of CHM prescriptions often obscure the underlying mechanisms. Our study aims to assess the efficacy of oral CHM in treating CP, a meta-analysis will be conducted on randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Materials and methods

We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PubMed Central, ClinicalTrials.gov, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), from 1990 to 2022. The primary outcome was the improvement in Effectiveness rate (ER). The secondary outcome was the improvement of motor function (GMFM). Subgroup analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were conducted to confirm results consistency. Core CHMs were investigated through system pharmacology analysis.

Results

Seventeen RCTs were analyzed, in which CHMs with Standard treatment (ST) were compared to ST alone. All participants were aged <11 years. More participants in the CHM group achieved prominent improvement in ER (RR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.13–1.30, p-value < 0.001, I2 = 32%) and higher GMFM improvement (SMD: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.33–1.65, p-value < 0.001, I2 = 92%). TSA also showed similar results with proper statistical power. Core CHMs, such as Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. Ex DC., Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, Paeonia lactiflora Pall., processed Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC., Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, and Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, exerted effects on immune modulation and metabolism systems. The subgroup analysis showed participants using core CHMs or longer CHM treatment duration, and studies enrolling CP with spastic or mixed type, or mild-to-moderate severity had better outcomes in CHM groups with less heterogeneity.

Conclusion

CHMs may have a positive impact on managing pediatric CP; however, the potential bias in study design should be improved.

Systematic Review Registration

Identifier CRD42023424754.
Innovative therapeutic strategies using ADHD medications tailored to the behavioral characteristics of patients with chronic pain
Authors: Kasahara Satoshi , Takahashi Miwako , Suto Takashi , Morita Taito , Obata Hideaki , Niwa Shin-Ichi
Published: February 2025

Chronic pain affects a significant portion of adults and is linked to psychosocial issues, cognitive dysfunction, and psychiatric disorders, complicating treatment. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to chronic pain, particularly nociplastic pain, with a notable prevalence of comorbidity between ADHD and conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain. ADHD behaviors such as impulsivity and overactivity can exacerbate pain by leading patients to seek risky treatments or discontinue care prematurely. ADHD medications are expected to alleviate pain severity by improving associated cognitive dysfunction and addressing central sensitization, a fundamental mechanism in chronic pain. Brain abnormalities in ADHD contribute to increased spontaneous activity in the anterior cingulate cortex-posterior insular pathway due to neuroinflammation, alterations in action potential firing, and changes in transmission pathways in the spinal dorsal horn. Additionally, increased norepinephrine synthesis and reduced transmission efficiency amplify nociceptive information from the periphery and facilitate central sensitization in ADHD. Beyond typical ADHD medications like central stimulants, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and alpha-2 receptor agonists, various antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, Parkinson’s disease medications, and antidementia medications have proven effective in alleviating ADHD symptoms. These medications, effective for ADHD, may offer innovative solutions for managing chronic pain by targeting both the cognitive/behavioral dysfunction and central sensitization observed in chronic pain comorbid with ADHD. Further research into these mechanisms could lead to new, more effective pharmacological treatments for chronic pain with comorbid ADHD, a condition that is often overlooked.
Emodin mitigates rheumatoid arthritis through direct binding to TNF-α
Authors: Lu Dingyan , Tian Xudong , Cao Taotao , Chen Shuaishuai , Liu Chunhua , Zheng Lin , Zhou Meng , Peng Xiaoyan , Li Yongjun , Liu Ting
Published: February 2025

Emodin has shown certain anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity in preliminary studies. However, the precise mechanisms of emodin’s anti-RA effects, particularly its direct targets, remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-RA activity of emodin and elucidate its potential mechanisms, with a specific focus on identifying its molecular targets. Employing a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model, along with transcriptomic analysis, thermal proteome profiling (TPP) and TNF-α-induced L929 cell model, the anti-RA activity of emodin was confirmed, identifying TNF-α as a potential target. Techniques such as drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS), cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), Affinity ultrafiltration-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (AUF-LC/MS), surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and bio-layer interferometry (BLI) validated the direct binding of emodin to TNF-α. Molecular dynamics simulation, ELISA and BLI further revealed that emodin stabilizes the asymmetric trimeric structure of TNF-α, disrupting the TNF-α-TNFR1 interaction. In vitro assays, including luciferase reporter gene assay and TNF-α-induced MH7A cell model, demonstrated that this disruption inhibits TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation, leading to the downregulation of inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, IL-1β, and COX2. In conclusion, emodin directly targets TNF-α, stabilizing its structure and blocking TNF-α-TNFR1 interaction, which subsequently suppresses downstream NF-κB pathway activation and contributes to its potent anti-RA properties.
Calcium phosphate-based anti-infective bone cements: recent trends and future perspectives
Authors: Liu Xiang , Wang Chaoli , Wang Han , Wang Guoliang , Zhang Yong , Zhang Yunfei
Published: February 2025

Bone infection remains a challenging condition to fully eradicate due to its intricate nature. Traditional treatment strategies, involving long-term and high-dose systemic antibiotic administration, often encounter difficulties in achieving therapeutic drug concentrations locally and may lead to antibiotic resistance. Bone cement, serving as a local drug delivery matrix, has emerged as an effective anti-infective approach validated in clinical settings. Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) have garnered widespread attention and application in the local management of bone infections due to their injectable properties, biocompatibility, and degradability. The interconnected porous structure of calcium phosphate particles, not only promotes osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity, but also serves as an ideal carrier for antibacterial agents. Various antimicrobial agents, including polymeric compounds, antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides, therapeutic inorganic ions (TIIs) (and their nanoparticles), graphene, and iodine, have been integrated into CPC matrices in numerous studies aimed at treating bone infections in diverse applications such as defect filling, preparation of metal implant surface coatings, and coating of implant surfaces. Additionally, for bone defects and nonunions resulting from chronic bone infections, the utilization of calcium phosphate-calcium sulfate composite multifunctional cement loaded with antibacterial agents serves to efficiently deal with infection, stimulate new bone formation, and attain an optimal degradation rate of the bone cement matrix. This review briefly delves into various antibacterial strategies based on calcium phosphate cement for the prevention and treatment of bone infections, while also discussing the application of calcium phosphate-calcium sulfate composites in the development of multifunctional bone cement against bone infections.
Effects of cervical transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (ctVNS) on military cognitive performance during sleep deprivation
Authors: Bottenheft C. , Fonken Y. M. , Hendrikse L. F. , Koedijk M. , Landman A. , Binsch O.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Maintaining cognitive performance during sleep deprivation is of vital importance in many professions, especially in high-risk professions like the military. It has long been known that sleep deprivation diminishes cognitive performance. To mitigate the negative effects on cognitive performance during crucial military tasks, new interventions are necessary. Non-invasive cervical transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (ctVNS) has gained traction as a method to boost alertness and cognitive functioning.

Methods

We investigated the effects of a 2 × 2 minute ctVNS stimulation protocol on three cognitive tasks applied during conditions of sleep-deprivation: a psychomotor vigilance task (PVT), a multitasking task (SynWin), and an inhibitory control task (stop-signal task; SST). In addition, participants also performed a close-quarter-battle (CQB) test in virtual reality (VR) to examine if potential effects of ctVNS translate to operational military contexts. A total of 35 military operators from Special Operations Forces (SOF) and SOF support units participated. They were randomly assigned to an active stimulation group or sham group. Before stimulation at 19:00 h, participants performed baseline tests. Participants stayed awake through the night and performed the cognitive tasks every 3 h. The last round of cognitive tasks was followed by the VR test.

Results

Though sleep deprivation was successfully induced, as evident from a decline in performance on all three cognitive tasks (effect of session: p < 0.001 SynWin; p < 0.001 PVT; p < 0.001 SST; Linear Mixed Model), no significant effects of ctVNS were found on cognitive task performance, as well as on the military operational VR task. However, the influence of stimulation intensity on SynWin performance showed a trend, indicating that higher stimulation intensities could have a negative impact on cognitive performance.

Discussion

A 2 × 2 minute stimulation protocol may not be sufficient to elicit beneficial effects on cognitive-and operational military performance. Moreover, correct stimulation intensity may be critical to induce effects on cognitive performance, as stimulation effects may follow an inverted-u dose-response curve. Stimulation intensities in the current study are higher compared to a similar study that reported beneficial effects of ctVNS, which may explain this null finding. Further research is recommended to optimize stimulation protocols and investigate robustness of effects.
Altered leptin signaling and attenuated cardiac vagal activity in rats with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Evans Anthony J. , Tu Huiyin , Li Yu , Shabaltiy Boris , Whitney Lauren , Carpenter Kassidy , Li Yu-long
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The leading cause of death in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients is cardiovascular-related events, including myocardial infraction-induced ventricular arrhythmia. Previous studies have shown that T2DM-induced functional remodeling of cardiac vagal postganglionic (CVP) neurons contributes to ventricular arrhythmogenesis. As leptin resistance is common in T2DM patients, and CVP neurons are located in epicardial adipose pads, a tissue that secretes leptin, in this study we aimed to elucidate a correlation between leptin resistance and CVP neuronal dysfunction in T2DM.

Methods

A high fat-diet/low dose streptozotocin-induced T2DM rat model was used in this study to characterize T2DM-induced alterations in cardiac parasympathetic tone, determined by changes in baroreflex sensitivity and CVP neuronal excitability. The impact of leptin resistance on CVP neurons was also studied by examining the expression of leptin in epicardial adipose pads, and leptin receptors and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in CVP neurons.

Results

T2DM rats exhibited diminished baroreflex sensitivity, and decreased CVP neuronal excitability, demonstrated by a reduced frequency of action potentials, diminished nAChR currents, and an attenuated response to nicotine stimulation. Additionally, compared to sham animals, the expression of leptin receptors and UCP2 in CVP neurons was reduced as early as 4 weeks post-T2DM although the leptin levels in epicardial adipose pads was increased during the progression of T2DM, which demonstrated the occurrence of leptin resistance in T2DM CVP neurons.

Conclusion

Cardiac parasympathetic dysfunction in T2DM rats is due, in part, to functional remodeling of CVP neurons. As leptin resistance develops as early as 4 weeks post-T2DM induction, diminished leptin receptors-UCP2 signaling may contribute to CVP neuronal dysregulation.
Prediction of secondary metabolites in hydroponically produced tomatoes: multivariate influence of abiotic climatic factors as well as photosynthesis and transpiration rates
Authors: Devadze Grigorij , Dannehl Dennis , Nerlich Annika , Schmidt Uwe , Streif Stefan
Published: February 2025

This is the first study who presents an approach to predict secondary metabolites content in tomatoes using multivariate time series classification of greenhouse sensor data, which includes climatic conditions as well as photosynthesis and transpiration rates. The aim was to find the necessary conditions in a greenhouse to determine the maximum content of secondary metabolites, as higher levels in fruits can promote human health. For this, we defined multiple classification tasks and derived suitable classification function. Cross-validated high accuracy results demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach. Considering a period of three weeks, we found that PPFD levels between 396.0 μmol/m2s and 511.2 μmol/m2s as well as transpiration rates ranging from 4.4 mg H2O/m2s to 7.47 mg H2O/m2s were observed as optimal for the contents of beta carotene, lutein, and lycopene. Optimal contents for naringenin and phloretin diglucoside can be achieved at lower PPFD ranges from 229.4 μmol/m2s to 431.2 μmol/m2s and from 35.76 μmol/m2s to 262.28 μmol/m2s and at lower transpiration rates from 4.71 to 6.47 mg H2O/m2s and from 3.04 to 4.26 mg H2O/m2s, respectively. It was discovered for the first time that, photosynthesis rates also play a significant role in the accumulation of secondary metabolites. Photosynthesis rates between 0.39 μmol CO2/m2s and 1.21 μmol CO2/m2s over three weeks were crucial for the optimal accumulation of phenolic acids such as caffeic acid derivates, coumaric acid hexoside, ferulic acid hexoside and coumaroylquinic acids as well as for quercetin and flavonoid. An optimal temperature range between 20.94 and 21.53°C and a PPFD from 250.0 to 375.2 μmol/m2s was classified as beneficial to synthesize these compounds. Optimal light intensity for the total phenolic acids (129.35 - 274.34 μmol/m2s) and for the total flavonoids (31.24 - 249.31 μmol/m2s), the optimum relative humidity levels are between 83.45 - 91.29% and 87.13 - 91.29%, respectively. Based on these results, this study provides the first evidence that the impact of a single climate factor on secondary metabolites in tomato fruits should not be considered in isolation, but rather, all climatic factors during a growth period must be taken into account to predict the optimal accumulation of individual phenolic compounds and carotenoids in tomatoes. Our results have laid the headstone to help growers target their climate controls to maximize the health-promoting phytochemicals in tomatoes.
Emotional resiliency and life satisfaction among teachers of Chinese as a foreign language: mediating chain model with grit and employability and gender moderation
Authors: Jia Yicun
Published: February 2025

Objective

To investigate the relationships between emotional resilience, grit, employability, and life satisfaction among Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) teachers in China, with a focus on gender differences.

Methods

A sample of 1,003 CFL teachers participated in a survey assessing emotional resilience, grit, employability, and life satisfaction. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and mediation and moderation models with the PROCESS macro.

Results

Emotional resilience did not have a significant direct effect on life satisfaction but showed substantial indirect effects through grit and employability. Emotional resilience positively influenced grit, which in turn enhanced employability and increased life satisfaction. Gender differences were observed grit was a more critical mediator for males, while employability was a stronger mediator for females.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of grit and employability in enhancing life satisfaction among CFL teachers. Gender-specific interventions to bolster these mediating factors are recommended to support the wellbeing and professional success of CFL teachers.

Implications

Educational institutions should develop professional development programs and support systems that foster emotional resilience, grit, and employability, with attention to gender-specific needs, to improve job satisfaction and effectiveness among CFL teachers.
Applying virtual reality to sail education: an innovative strategy to enhance knowledge learning for student novices
Authors: Zhao Shan , Ji Fa
Published: February 2025

Background

Sailing has been proved beneficial for physical and mental health promotion, which has made it a prevalent sport among children and adolescents. Nevertheless, the existing pedagogical strategies cannot satisfy students’ demands for learning. To bridge this gap, virtual reality (VR) is considered an innovative approach to addressing the challenges in sailing education.

Objective

The study aimed at designing an education program to examine effectiveness of VR technology in sail knowledge learning.

Methods

University students with no prior experience or knowledge in sailing were recruited and randomly allocated to either experimental group (N = 32) using VR in lectures and self-practice or control group (N = 34) attending traditional lectures. The sail education program consisted of 12 sessions over 6 weeks. Sailing knowledge test was developed from an official manual by American Sailing Association to assess outcomes of learning in overall performance, sailboat structure, sailing skills, and navigation rules. The Situational Motivation Scale (SIMS) was used to assess the constructs of intrinsic motivation, identified regulation, external regulation, and amotivation. A 2 × 2 MANOVA was conducted for statistical analysis.

Results

Both groups improved accuracy rate after the program, with significant time effects in all outcome measures. Particular advantages of VR were identified in facilitating knowledge learning on sailing skills and navigation rules. Significant interaction effects suggest that application of VR induced greater improvement than traditional lectures. Comparable performance between the two groups was found in sailboat structure, with non-significant results in group effect and interaction effect. What’s more, VR could better improve students’ intrinsic motivation and identified regulation while better reduce external motivation and amotivation in sailing lessons.

Conclusion

The findings verified feasibility of applying VR to promote sail education for student novices. To enhance effects of VR in teaching and learning, course design should focus on reflective connections between knowledge and experience, which stimulate students in active, engaging, and insightful learning.
Compassion Scale: factor structure and scale validation in Hong Kong adolescents
Authors: Ngai Steven Sek-yum , Cheung Chau-kiu , Ng Yuen-hang , Guo Hao-yi , Du Han-lei , Chen Chen , Wong Laing-ming , Zhou Qiu-shi , Pang Wing-tsam
Published: February 2025

Introduction

This study aimed to validate the 16-item Compassion Scale (CS) for use with Hong Kong adolescents. 1,193 secondary school students in grades 7 to 11 (M = 13.80 years, 43.3% female) completed the questionnaire survey.

Methods

We used EFA and CFA to examine the factor structure of the CS and assessed its convergent and discriminant validity through CR, AVE, AIC, and BIC calculations. We also evaluated the concurrent validity by analysing partial correlations between the CS and its subscales with social connectedness and self-efficacy. In addition, we employed multigroup analysis to determine the model fit of the CS across demographic subgroups.

Results

Factor analyses showed a three-factor structure combining mindfulness and kindness into one factor that we named benevolence, together with common humanity and indifference. Satisfactory model fit was found in different subgroups across age, gender, grade, and school type. Findings suggested that girls, on average, showed a higher level of compassionate concern for others than boys, and younger adolescents were more compassionate than their older counterparts. The CS and its subscales were significantly and positively correlated with social connectedness and self-efficacy, supporting concurrent validity.

Discussion

The findings signify the unique sociocultural context in Hong Kong, which is deeply affected by Chinese traditions, Western individualism, and neoliberal ideals. Overall, the study provides robust support for the CS as a reliable and valid measure for cross-cultural research on compassion and yields evidence-based implications for compassion interventions.
Risk and protective factors in academic burnout: exploring the mediating role of interpersonal emotion regulation in the link with social support
Authors: Messina Irene , Rossi Tatiana , Maniglio Roberto , Loconsole Claudio , Spataro Pietro
Published: February 2025

Interpersonal Emotion Regulation (IER) may serve as a critical link between the established roles of social support and emotion regulation in mitigating academic burnout. This study explored the hypothesis that IER influences academic burnout through its impact on social support. 156 undergraduate students were involved in the study, with measures assessing academic burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory—Student Survey), IER (Difficulties in Interpersonal Emotion Regulation), and social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support). Results confirmed the protective role of social support and revealed distinct effects of different IER forms. Specifically, reassurance-seeking emerged as a protective factor, positively predicting social support and indirectly reducing burnout levels. Conversely, venting was found to exacerbate burnout both directly and indirectly, by diminishing social support.
Experiential knowledge of expert coaches and expert athletes can help identify constraints on the performance of run-up in competitive sport tasks
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Behrouz , Mohammadi Orangi Behzad , Yaali Rasoul
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Understanding athletes’ performance in competitive environments helps practitioners design practice environments to improve athletes’ skills. This study investigated the experiential knowledge of 30 elite coaches and athletes from track and field, gymnastics, and soccer, aimed at increasing understanding of individual, environmental, and task constraints on expert athletes’ performance.

Methods

The interviews were conducted in a semi-structured manner and based on ecological dynamics.

Results

Results show that while some constraints on run-up performance are common across all three sports, others are sport-specific. Focus, readiness, self-confidence, speed, and decision-making were identified as individual constraints. Environmental constraints included spectators, coach role, practice facilities, and competition stakes. Task constraints comprised performance order, markers, significant others in the competition, and competition timing and results.

Discussion

The findings support the ecological dynamics perspective that athlete performance emerges from the interaction of environmental, task, and personal constraints. Athletes must maintain focus during run-up while managing various pressures, including crowd noise and competition stress. Coaches provide crucial technical and psychological support that enhances confidence and focus. Quality practice facilities and consistent training environments aid athletes’ spatial awareness and situational resilience. Task-specific constraints, such as performance order and timing, present unique challenges that athletes must navigate through dynamic adjustments based on real-time changes in conditions. The results contribute to the design of training environments and consequently to athletes’ performance improvement. The study suggests that coaches should design training environments that simulate real-world competitive constraints to help athletes develop adaptive skills under pressure. These findings have practical implications for designing training programs that enhance athletes’ ability to perform consistently in high-stakes competitive situations.
Deep multimodal representations and classification of first-episode psychosis via live face processing
Authors: Singh Rahul , Zhang Yanlei , Bhaskar Dhananjay , Srihari Vinod , Tek Cenk , Zhang Xian , Noah J. Adam , Krishnaswamy Smita , Hirsch Joy
Published: February 2025

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder associated with a wide range of cognitive and neurophysiological dysfunctions and long-term social difficulties. Early detection is expected to reduce the burden of disease by initiating early treatment. In this paper, we test the hypothesis that integration of multiple simultaneous acquisitions of neuroimaging, behavioral, and clinical information will be better for prediction of early psychosis than unimodal recordings. We propose a novel framework to investigate the neural underpinnings of the early psychosis symptoms (that can develop into Schizophrenia with age) using multimodal acquisitions of neural and behavioral recordings including functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG), and facial features. Our data acquisition paradigm is based on live face-toface interaction in order to study the neural correlates of social cognition in first-episode psychosis (FEP). We propose a novel deep representation learning framework, Neural-PRISM, for learning joint multimodal compressed representations combining neural as well as behavioral recordings. These learned representations are subsequently used to describe, classify, and predict the severity of early psychosis in patients, as measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores to evaluate the impact of symptomatology. We found that incorporating joint multimodal representations from fNIRS and EEG along with behavioral recordings enhances classification between typical controls and FEP individuals (significant improvements between 10 − 20%). Additionally, our results suggest that geometric and topological features such as curvatures and path signatures of the embedded trajectories of brain activity enable detection of discriminatory neural characteristics in early psychosis.
Psychotic symptoms in Chinese patients with somatic symptom disorder: prevalence, risk factors, and associated conditions
Authors: Yuan Jiamei , Zhong Yunhui , Li Yibo , Liao Yuanping , Tang Hong
Published: February 2025

Psychotic symptoms are prevalent in individuals with various mental health disorders and frequently lead to adverse outcomes. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of psychotic symptoms and its associated conditions in a large sample of Chinese patients with somatic symptom disorder (SSD), which has not been examined systemically. We recruited 899 patients with SSD. We used the positive subscale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale to assess psychotic symptoms in the participants. We evaluated the participants using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).The prevalence of psychotic symptoms in participants was 10.2%. Compared with participants without psychotic symptoms, participants with psychotic symptoms had higher scores on the HAMD, HAMA and PSS scales and a shorter sleep duration. Based on the results of stepwise binary logistic regression analysis, the HAMA, HAMD and PSS were significantly associated with psychotic symptoms in the participants. Our findings suggest that psychotic symptoms are common in patients with SSD in the Chinese Han population. In addition, greater levels of anxiety, depression, and stress are potentially useful markers for predicting a greater risk of psychotic symptoms.