bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speed of processing training to improve cognition in moderate to severe TBI: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Chiaravalloti Nancy D. , Costa Silvana L , Armknecht Caroline , Costanza Kristin , Wallace Sean , Moore Nancy B. , DeLuca John
Published: August 2024

Background

Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in cognitive deficits. Processing speed (PS) deficits are common, exerting a significant impact on daily life. Few studies have examined the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation specifically for PS deficits in moderate to severe TBI.

Objective

Examine the efficacy of Speed of Processing Training (SOPT) in moderate to severe TBI. This protocol is a 10-session behavioral intervention for PS deficits that has been successfully used with other cognitively impaired populations.

Methods

This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial included 46 participants with moderate to severe TBI, 22 randomly assigned to the treatment group and 24 to the placebo-control group. Baseline and follow-up measures included a task similar to the training task (UFOV), measures of near transfer (neuropsychological measures of processing speed: Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV (WAIS-IV) Symbol Search, WAIS-IV Coding) and measures of far transfer [neuropsychological measures of learning and memory: the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II), Memory Assessment Scales - Prose Memory (MAS-PM)].

Results

Significant improvement from pre-to post-SOPT was observed on all subtests of the UFOV, which is similar to the training task. There was no significant difference on neuropsychological measures of PS or new learning and memory post-treatment. Neuropsychological assessment 6-months post-treatment showed no significant change in PS ability over time. Monthly booster sessions did not impact performance at the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusion

Consistent with the SOPT literature, SOPT improves PS ability as measured by the UFOV, a task similar to the training task, in moderate to severe TBI. However, neither near nor far transfer was noted. That is, no improvement was noted on neuropsychological measures of PS.
Epilepsy insights revealed by intravital functional optical imaging
Authors: Stern Matthew A. , Dingledine Raymond , Gross Robert E. , Berglund Ken
Published: August 2024

Despite an abundance of pharmacologic and surgical epilepsy treatments, there remain millions of patients suffering from poorly controlled seizures. One approach to closing this treatment gap may be found through a deeper mechanistic understanding of the network alterations that underly this aberrant activity. Functional optical imaging in vertebrate models provides powerful advantages to this end, enabling the spatiotemporal acquisition of individual neuron activity patterns across multiple seizures. This coupled with the advent of genetically encoded indicators, be them for specific ions, neurotransmitters or voltage, grants researchers unparalleled access to the intact nervous system. Here, we will review how in vivo functional optical imaging in various vertebrate seizure models has advanced our knowledge of seizure dynamics, principally seizure initiation, propagation and termination.
The left-lateralized N170 for visual specialization in advanced L2 Chinese learners
Authors: Hao Yuxin , Guo Jiawen , Zhu Hong , Bai Bing
Published: August 2024

Visual word recognition is crucial for improving reading skills in second language learners (L2Ls). It is unclear whether L2Ls who are native speakers of languages that use alphabetic scripts can recognize Chinese characters at an early stage of visual processing and if their visual specialization can reach a level of word recognition comparable to that of native Chinese speakers. This study aims to uncover the visual specialization mechanism of Chinese L2Ls. A delayed-color matching task was carried out with participants who were Chinese first language speakers (L1Ss) and advanced Chinese L2Ls with Indonesian as their first language. The results of the event-related potentials (ERPs) indicated that L2Ls exhibited significant visual specialization with a predominant distribution of the left-lateralized N170, along with some activation in the right hemisphere. These findings suggest that the early processing stage of Chinese characters by advanced L2Ls is similar to that of adult native speakers, although it is still influenced by their first language and its writing system.
Mobile EEG for the study of cognitive-motor interference during swimming?
Authors: Klapprott Melanie , Debener Stefan
Published: August 2024

Research on brain function in natural environments has become a new interest in cognitive science. In this study, we aim to advance mobile electroencephalography (EEG) participant and device mobility. We investigated the feasibility of measuring human brain activity using mobile EEG during a full-body motion task as swimming, by the example of cognitive-motor interference (CMI). Eleven participants were given an auditory oddball task while sitting and swimming, with mobile EEG recording ongoing brain activity. Measures of interest were event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by experimental stimuli. While the auditory N100 was measured to verify signal quality, the P300 to task-relevant stimuli served as a marker of CMI effects. Analyzes were first performed within subjects, while binomial tests assessed the proportion of significant effects. Event-related changes in the time-frequency domain around turns during swimming were analyzed in an exploratory fashion. The successful recording of the N100 in all conditions shows that the setup was functional throughout the experiment. Regarding CMI, we did not find reliable changes in P300 amplitude in different motor settings in all subjects. However, we found plausible modulations in the alpha/mu and beta bands before and after turns. This study shows that it is generally feasible to measure mobile EEG in the time and time-frequency domain in an aquatic environment while subjects are freely moving. We see promising potential in the use of mobile EEG in extreme settings, advancing toward the application of mobile EEG in more real-life situations.
Research trends on cancer neuroscience: a bibliometric and visualized analysis
Authors: Ma Xinru , Deng Kun , Sun Yingnan , Wu Minghua
Published: August 2024

Background

Recently, cancer neuroscience has become the focus for scientists. Interactions between the nervous system and cancer (both systemic and local) can regulate tumorigenesis, progression, treatment resistance, compromise of anti-cancer immunity, and provocation of tumor-promoting inflammation. We assessed the related research on cancer neuroscience through bibliometric analysis and explored the research status and hotspots from 2020 to 2024.

Methods

Publications on cancer neuroscience retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Scimago Graphica were used to analyze and visualize the result.

Results

A total of 744 publications were retrieved, with an upward trend in the overall number of articles published over the last 5 years. As it has the highest number of publications (n = 242) and citations (average 13.63 citations per article), the United States holds an absolute voice in the field of cancer neuroscience. The most productive organizations and journals were Shanghai Jiaotong University (n = 24) and Cancers (n = 45), respectively. Monje M (H-index = 53), Hondermarck H (H-index = 42), and Amit M (H-index = 39) were the three researchers who have contributed most to the field. From a global perspective, research hotspots in cancer neuroscience comprise nerve/neuron-tumor cell interactions, crosstalk between the nervous system and other components of the tumor microenvironment (such as immune cells), as well as the impact of tumors and tumor therapies on nervous system function.

Conclusion

The United States and European countries are dominating the field of cancer neuroscience, while developing countries such as China are growing rapidly but with limited impact. The next focal point in this field is likely to be neurotrophic factors. Cancer neuroscience is still in its infancy, which means that many of the interactions and mechanisms between the nervous system and cancer are not yet fully understood. Further investigation is necessary to probe the interactions of the nervous system with cancer cell subpopulations and other components of the tumor microenvironment.
A comparison of basal and activity-dependent exon splicing in cortical-patterned neurons of human and mouse origin
Authors: Dando Owen , McQueen Jamie , Burr Karen , Kind Peter C. , Chandran Siddharthan , Hardingham Giles E. , Qiu Jing
Published: August 2024

Rodent studies have shown that alternative splicing in neurons plays important roles in development and maturity, and is regulatable by signals such as electrical activity. However, rodent-human similarities are less well explored. We compared basal and activity-dependent exon splicing in cortical-patterned human ESC-derived neurons with that in cortical mouse ESC-derived neurons, primary mouse cortical neurons at two developmental stages, and mouse hippocampal neurons, focussing on conserved orthologous exons. Both basal exon inclusion levels and activity-dependent changes in splicing showed human-mouse correlation. Conserved activity regulated exons are enriched in RBFOX, SAM68, NOVA and PTBP targets, and centered on cytoskeletal organization, mRNA processing, and synaptic signaling genes. However, human-mouse correlations were weaker than inter-mouse comparisons of neurons from different brain regions, developmental stages and origin (ESC vs. primary), suggestive of some inter-species divergence. The set of genes where activity-dependent splicing was observed only in human neurons were dominated by those involved in lipid biosynthesis, signaling and trafficking. Study of human exon splicing in mouse Tc1 neurons carrying human chromosome-21 showed that neuronal basal exon inclusion was influenced by cis-acting sequences, although may not be sufficient to confer activity-responsiveness in an allospecific environment. Overall, these comparisons suggest that neuronal alternative splicing should be confirmed in a human-relevant system even when exon structure is evolutionarily conserved.
The short-term plasticity of VIP interneurons in motor cortex
Authors: McFarlan Amanda R. , Gomez Isabella , Chou Christina Y. C. , Alcolado Adam , Costa Rui Ponte , Sjöström P. Jesper
Published: August 2024

Short-term plasticity is an important feature in the brain for shaping neural dynamics and for information processing. Short-term plasticity is known to depend on many factors including brain region, cortical layer, and cell type. Here we focus on vasoactive-intestinal peptide (VIP) interneurons (INs). VIP INs play a key disinhibitory role in cortical circuits by inhibiting other IN types, including Martinotti cells (MCs) and basket cells (BCs). Despite this prominent role, short-term plasticity at synapses to and from VIP INs is not well described. In this study, we therefore characterized the short-term plasticity at inputs and outputs of genetically targeted VIP INs in mouse motor cortex. To explore inhibitory to inhibitory (I → I) short-term plasticity at layer 2/3 (L2/3) VIP IN outputs onto L5 MCs and BCs, we relied on a combination of whole-cell recording, 2-photon microscopy, and optogenetics, which revealed that VIP IN→MC/BC synapses were consistently short-term depressing. To explore excitatory (E) → I short-term plasticity at inputs to VIP INs, we used extracellular stimulation. Surprisingly, unlike VIP IN outputs, E → VIP IN synapses exhibited heterogeneous short-term dynamics, which we attributed to the target VIP IN cell rather than the input. Computational modeling furthermore linked the diversity in short-term dynamics at VIP IN inputs to a wide variability in probability of release. Taken together, our findings highlight how short-term plasticity at VIP IN inputs and outputs is specific to synapse type. We propose that the broad diversity in short-term plasticity of VIP IN inputs forms a basis to code for a broad range of contrasting signal dynamics.
Signals of energy availability in sleep: consequences of a fat-based metabolism
Authors: O'Hearn L. Amber
Published: August 2024

Humans can flexibly switch between two primary metabolic modes, usually distinguished by whether substrate supply from glucose can meet energy demands or not. However, it is often overlooked that when glucose use is limited, the remainder of energy needs may still be met more or less effectively with fat and ketone bodies. Hence a fat-based metabolism marked by ketosis is often conflated with starvation and contexts of inadequate energy (including at the cellular level), even when energy itself is in ample supply. Sleep and satiation are regulated by common pathways reflecting energy metabolism. A conceptual analysis that distinguishes signals of inadequate energy in a glucose-dominant metabolism from signals of a fat-based metabolism that may well be energy sufficient allows a reexamination of experimental results in the study of sleep that may shed light on species differences and explain why ketogenic diets have beneficial effects simultaneously in the brain and the periphery. It may also help to distinguish clinically when a failure of a ketogenic diet to resolve symptoms is due to inadequate energy rather than the metabolic state itself.
Prognosis in HR-positive metastatic breast cancer with HER2-low versus HER2-zero treated with CDK4/6 inhibitor and endocrine therapy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Xia Lin-Yu , Cao Xu-Chen , Hu Qing-Lin , Xu Wei-Yun
Published: August 2024

Background

The combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) and endocrine therapy (ET) is currently the standard first-line treatment for patients with metastatic hormone receptor positive (HR+), and HER2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer. However, the impact of HER2 status on the prognosis of patients receiving CDK4/6i and ET remains unclear. The meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate different outcomes between HER2-low and HER2-zero patients in advanced HR+ breast cancer receiving CDK4/6i and ET.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in PubMed and EMBASE databases for relevant published literature. Objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were pooled by fixed or random effects models.

Results

Overall, 12 studies with 3567 patients were eligible for analysis. The pooled analysis suggested that no significant differences were observed in terms of ORR and OS between HER2-low and HER2-zero patients who underwent CDK4/6i and ET. Similarly, no significant difference in PFS was found between HER2-low and HER2-zero patients who underwent post-line CDK4/6i and ET or first-line Palbociclib and ET. However, in patients who received mixed-line (not a single treatment line) or first-line CDK4/6i and ET, the PFS was significantly shorter in the HER2-low subgroup than in the HER2-zero subgroup (mixed-line: HR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.11–1.65; P = 0.002; first-line: HR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.01–1.28; P = 0.04). A similar phenomenon was observed in patients who received mixed-line or post-line Palbociclib and ET (mixed-line: HR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.09–2.34; P = 0.02; post-line: HR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.03–2.00; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

These results indicated that HER2-low status did not have a significant association with ORR and OS, but it may have a worse impact on PFS in patients who received mixed-line or first-line CDK4/6i and ET, as well as mixed-line or post-line palbociclib plus ET.
Lorlatinib in the treatment of a rare pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma with EML4-ALK fusion: a case report and literature review
Authors: Xu Zijun , Cong Xiaofeng , Liu Ziling
Published: August 2024

Pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (PMEC) is a rare tumor with limited clinical data available due to its low incidence. So far, there are no universal treatment guidelines for this malignant tumor. We present here the case of a 59-year-old female never smoker who was initially referred to our hospital with cough and hemoptysis and was eventually diagnosed with PMEC. Based on further genetic testing, echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) fusion variants E20:A20 (V2) was found. The patient was treated with lorlatinib as the first-line treatment. This case is the first to describe the effectiveness of lorlatinib in treating an advanced high-grade PMEC with EML4-ALK fusion V2 mutation patient.
Targeted therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma: past, present, and future
Authors: Gujarathi Rushabh , Franses Joseph W. , Pillai Anjana , Liao Chih-Yi
Published: August 2024

Targeted therapies are the mainstay of systemic therapies for patients with advanced, unresectable, or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. Several therapeutic targets, such as c-Met, TGF-β, and FGFR, have been evaluated in the past, though results from these clinical studies failed to show clinical benefit. However, these remain important targets for the future with novel targeted agents and strategies. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, c-Myc oncogene, GPC3, PPT1 are exciting novel targets, among others, currently undergoing evaluation. Through this review, we aim to provide an overview of previously evaluated and potentially novel therapeutic targets and explore their continued relevance in ongoing and future studies for HCC.
The antitumor effect of diisopropylamine dichloroacetate on non-small cell lung cancer and its influence on the tumor immune microenvironment
Authors: Wei Min , Shen Xiaoyan , Liu Ye , Chen Xiaotong , Su Shu , Lv Xin , Qian Xiaoping , Yu Lixia , Wang Lifeng
Published: August 2024

Objective

To evaluate the antitumor effects of diisopropylamine dichloroacetate (DADA) alone or in combination with chemotherapy/radiotherapy/immunotherapy in NSCLC and explore the underlying mechanisms involved.

Methods

MTT, UV spectrophotometry, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and clonogenic survival assays were used. In LLC mouse models, the antitumor effects of radiotherapy, DADA, and the anti-PD-1 antibody alone or in combination were evaluated, and the T cell numbers were evaluated in different groups.

Results

DADA significantly inhibited lactate production and promoted apoptosis in NSCLC in vitro. Compared with pemetrexed or DADA alone, the combination of DADA with pemetrexed significantly inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis (p<0.05). This may be related to the decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential in the combined group. Moreover, compared with radiotherapy alone, the combination of DADA with radiotherapy induced remarkable DNA damage. In vivo, the combination of radiotherapy, an anti-PD-1 antibody and DADA resulted in superior tumor inhibition than the combination of radiotherapy and anti-PD-1 antibody did (p < 0.05). The underlying mechanism may be partially related to the increased number of CD3+ T cells in the triplet combination group (p < 0.05).

Discussion

Our results showed that DADA has strong antitumor effects on NSCLC, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Interestingly, the combination of radiotherapy, anti-PD-1 antibody and DADA had a more pronounced tumor-suppressing effect, which may be related to DADA-induced T-cell generation by reducing local lactic acid production in the tumor microenvironment. This study lays the foundation for further exploration of DADA in lung cancer, especially in the era of immunotherapy, on the basis of its possible immunomodulatory effects.
Markers of chronic disease risk in term low birthweight Indian children aged 8–14 years
Authors: Gusain Yamini , Malik Anku , Filteau Suzanne , Pathak Renuka , Sachdev Harshpal Singh , Trilok-Kumar Geeta
Published: August 2024

Background

Low birth weight (LBW) is a public health problem in India with consequences in the short and long term. It increases the risk of obesity and its related comorbidities including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in later life. This study aimed to assess the risk markers of chronic disease in term born low birthweight Indian children aged 8–14 years.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional follow-up of LBW children from DIViDS (Delhi Infant Vitamin D Supplementation) cohort and involved assessment of their anthropometric measurements, body composition, levels of adipokines and biomarkers of chronic diseases. Neighbourhood children born normal birth weight (NBW) (>2.5 kg) were enrolled for comparison.

Results

The study included 667 LBW and 87 NBW children. Height-for-age, body mass index for-age (BMIZ), fat-free mass index, and waist circumference of LBW children were lower than those of NBW children. LBW children could jump farther. LBW children who were now overweight had higher leptin, triglyceride and VLDL and lower HDL, compared to NBW children in the same BMIZ category. Currently underweight LBW children had higher adiponectin and lower leptin levels than the reference group. There were no differences between LBW and NBW children in visfatin, fasting glucose and insulin, hemoglobin A1c, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein or C-reactive protein.

Conclusion

At 8–14 years few children were overweight and there were few differences in some risk markers of chronic disease between LBW and NBW children. Overweight, which was associated with some increased risk markers, may increase with age, thus timely counselling and monitoring of these LBW children will be important to mitigate these risks.
Medication-related burden and its association with medication adherence among elderly tuberculosis patients in Guizhou, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Yun , Jian Sisi , Huang Zhongfeng , Chen Huijuan , Hu Yuanxia , Fang Shilin
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) morbidity and mortality are significantly increasing in the elderly worldwide. Their optimal health outcomes are hampered by medication related burden (MRB) and poor treatment adherence. Understanding th e MRB status from patients’ perspectives and its association with adherence among elderly TB patients will help achieve the End TB targets. Thus, we aimed to identify the incidence of MRB and nonadherence among elderly TB patients in Guizhou, and determine their association.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in three prefectures with high TB notifications in Guizhou in 2022. The data were collected via face-to-face structured interviews. MRB was measured using the Living with Medicines Questionnaire version 3 (LMQ-3), which consists of eight domains. Nonadherence was assessed by treatment interruption, which was defined as any interruption lasting at least 1 day at any time within the last 3 months. A binary unconditional logistic regression model was used to determine the association between variables.

Results

Of the 405 elderly TB patients enrolled, 49.4% and 42.7% of the respondents perceived suffering from moderate and high MRB, respectively. The incidence of nonadherence among patients was 33.6%. Patients with higher scores in domain 2 (practical difficulties) [ORadj = 1.19; 95% CI (1.11–1.28)] and domain 4 (side effects burden of prescribed medications) [ORadj = 1.16; 95% CI (1.06–1.27)] were more likely to experience nonadherence. But, patients with higher scores in domain 8 (control/autonomy of medicine use) [ORadj = 0.70; 95% CI (0.61, 0.81)] were more likely to occur adherence. Patients with a high education level [ORadj = 0.29; 95% CI (0.08, 0.92)] had a decreased risk of nonadherence, but those with a living expense from a retirement salary [ORadj = 2.55; 95% CI (1.16, 5.71)] had an increased risk of nonadherence.

Discussion

The incidence of MRB and medication nonadherence is high among elderly TB patients in Guizhou. The significant associations between the three domains of MRB and nonadherence highlight that measuring MRB in multiple dimensions using the LMQ-3 in elderly TB patients could assist clinicians in providing patient-centered care, and multifaceted interventions targeting the identified problems should be implemented to reduce MRB and nonadherence among elderly TB patients in Guizhou.
The m6A regulators in prostate cancer: molecular basis and clinical perspective
Authors: Cao Yu , Jia Man , Duan Chunyan , Yang Zhihui , Cheng Bo , Wang Ronghao
Published: August 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men in western countries. Evidence has indicated the significant role of the androgen receptor (AR) as the main driving factor in controlling the development of PCa, making androgen receptor inhibition (ARI) therapy a pivotal management approach. In addition, AR independent signaling pathways also contribute to PCa progression. One such signaling pathway that has garnered our attention is N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) signaling, which refers to a chemical modification on RNA with crucial roles in RNA metabolism and disease progression, including PCa. It is important to comprehensively summarize the role of each individual m6A regulator in PCa development and understand its interaction with AR signaling. This review aims to provide a thorough summary of the involvement of m6A regulators in PCa development, shedding light on their upstream and downstream signaling pathways. This summary sets the stage for a comprehensive review that would benefit the scientific community and clinical practice by enhancing our understanding of the biology of m6A regulators in the context of PCa.
Niches, interspecific associations, and community stability of main understory regeneration species after understory removal in temperate forests
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Zhou Wangming , Yuan Quan , Deng Jiaojiao , Zhou Li , Yu Dapao
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Understory removal is frequently used to relieve the renewal pressure on trees and promote the growth capability of trees for maintaining community stability, while the lack of previous study on temperate forests limits our assessment of the effectiveness of this essential management measurement.

Methods

In this study, we calculated the niche characteristics and interspecific association of main understory species and community stability in temperate forests [original broad-leaved Korean pine forest (BKF), Betula platyphylla secondary forest (BF), and Larix gmelinii plantation (LF)] after understory removal for characterizing the resource utilization capacity of the regeneration trees.

Results

During the restoration stage, the niche breadth of understory plants with similar habits varied across stands and layers; regeneration tree species with heliophile and semishade occupied a larger niche in BKF and LF, while it was the opposite in LF. Niche overlap among heliophile regeneration trees increased in both BKF and BF, but not in LF. The interspecific association among main species revealed that the distribution of each species was independent and the interspecific association was loose and it varied in different forests and different light-demanding species with regeneration trees. The stability of shrub communities in BF and LF improved whereas that of BKF declined, while that of the herb communities of corresponding forests showed the opposite state.

Discussion

Our study demonstrated that the effectiveness of understory removal depends on species’ ecological habits, which enhances the renewal and resource utilization capacity of regeneration tree species in temperate forests and shrub community stability in BF and LF.
Examining social support and procrastination among college students
Authors: Miller Ashley , Bravo Diamond , Arnold Elisha , Rincon Brenda , Murray Carolyn
Published: August 2024

The current study investigated how social support may mitigate the risk of procrastination, particularly among those high in intolerance of uncertainty. This study examined associations between personality traits, procrastination, and perceived social support among 394 undergraduate students. Participants completed self-reported measures of intolerance of uncertainty, procrastination, and social support from family, friends, and significant others. Regression analyses revealed a significant interaction between family social support and intolerance of uncertainty in predicting procrastination. Study findings have implications for understanding how familial support resources may reduce risks for procrastination in college students.
Propositional density: cognitive impairment and aging
Authors: Harrag Chaimae , Sabil Abdelkader , Conceição Manuel Célio , Radvansky Gabriel A.
Published: August 2024

It is important to understand the relationship between cognitive abilities and language processing. Here, we explore a burgeoning area of research that harnesses semantic indices to predict cognitive impairment and track cognitive decline. One such index, propositional density, quantifies the information conveyed per language segment. Despite some variation stemming from methodological, sampling, and measurement differences, we suggest that propositional density has diagnostic and assessment value. This paper surveys existing studies that have used propositional density in the context of cognitive aging and impairment and offers some insights into the use of this index to highlight differences in cognition. We also suggest further explorations of basic research involving this concept, and some applications for assessing cognitive health.
Postpartum depression and autoimmune disease: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yu Wenlong , Su Bingxue , Wang Chaoqun , Xia Qing , Sun Yinxiang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The rising prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) is harmful to women and families. While there is a growing body of evidence suggesting an association between PPD and autoimmune diseases (ADs), the direction of causality remains uncertain. Therefore, Mendelian randomization (MR) study was employed to investigate the potential causal relationship between the two.

Methods

This study utilized large-scale genome-wide association study genetic pooled data from two major databases: the IEU OpenGWAS project and the FinnGen databases. The causal analysis methods used inverse variance weighting (IVW). The weighted median, MR-Egger method, MR-PRESSO test, and the leave-one-out sensitivity test have been used to examine the results’ robustness, heterogeneity, and horizontal pleiotropy.

Results

A total of 23 ADs were investigated in this study. In the IVW model, the MR study showed that PPD increased the risk of type 1 diabetes (OR , = 1.15 (1.05–1.26),p<0.01),Hashimoto’s thyroiditis((OR) = 1.21 (1.09–1.34),p<0.0001),encephalitis((OR) = 1.66 (1.06–2.60),p<0.05). Reverse analysis showed that ADs could not genetically PPD. There was no significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy bias in this result.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that PPD is a risk factor for type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and encephalitis from a gene perspective, while ADs are not a risk factor for PPD. This finding may provide new insights into prevention and intervention strategies for ADs according to PPD patients.
Network meta-analysis of the efficacy of physical exercise interventions on vision health in children and adolescents
Authors: Liu Jianming , Lan Wencen , Zhang Danxuan
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study systematically evaluates the impact of different physical exercise modalities on vision health interventions for Chinese children and adolescents.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted in databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCO, MEDLINE, Embase, and CNKI. The focus was on randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies related to physical activity interventions for vision health in this demographic. The search covered literature from the inception of each database until May 1, 2023. Two researchers independently conducted literature screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, adhering to pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. A network meta-analysis was performed using the “Network” package in Stata 14.2.

Results

The analysis encompassed 17 studies with 1,840 participants aged 7 to 18 years. Findings from the network meta-analysis revealed that badminton [MD = 0.23 (0.12, 0.33), p < 0.001] and table tennis [MD = 0.16 (0.09, 0.22), p < 0.001] exercises, along with health education [MD = 0.13 (0.03, 0.23), p = 0.013], were statistically significant in enhancing vision health compared to no intervention. According to the Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking (SUCRA) probability ranking, badminton (SUCRA = 96.7) and table tennis (SUCRA = 84.1) emerged as the most effective modalities for myopia intervention in children and adolescents, with health education (SUCRA = 73.2) following closely.

Conclusion

Physical exercise significantly contributes to the healthy development of vision in children and adolescents. Among various activities, badminton and table tennis are the most effective in improving visual health, highlighting the need for augmented promotion of visual health education. However, the quantity and quality of the included studies necessitate further high-quality intervention research to confirm these findings.
Health resource allocation within the close-knit medical consortium after the Luohu healthcare reform in China: efficiency, productivity, and influencing factors
Authors: Gong Fangfang , Zhou Ying , Luo Junxia , Hu Guangyu , Lin Hanqun
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study aims to assess the efficiency and productivity of the Luohu Hospital Group after the reform and to identify factors influencing the efficiency to support the future development of medical consortia.

Methods

Data on health resources from Shenzhen and the Luohu Hospital Group for the years 2015 to 2021 were analyzed using the super-efficiency slack-based measure data envelopment analysis (SE-SBM-DEA) model, Malmquist productivity index (MPI), and Tobit regression to evaluate changes in efficiency and productivity and to identify determinants of efficiency post-reform.

Results

After the reform, the efficiency of health resource allocation within the Luohu Hospital Group improved by 33.87%. Community health centers (CHCs) within the group had an average efficiency score of 1.046. Moreover, the Luohu Hospital Group’s average total factor productivity change (TFPCH) increased by 2.5%, primarily due to gains in technical efficiency change (EFFCH), which offset declines in technical progress change (TECHCH). The efficiency scores of CHCs were notably affected by the ratio of general practitioners (GPs) to health technicians and the availability of home hospital beds.

Conclusion

The reform in the Luohu healthcare system has shown preliminary success, but continuous monitoring is necessary. Future strategies should focus on strengthening technological innovation, training GPs, and implementing the home hospital bed policy. These efforts will optimize the efficiency of health resource allocation and support the integration and development of resources within the medical consortium.
Variables associated with the relationship between obesity and mental health among university students in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: a systematic review
Authors: Joma Amjad , Abuzerr Samer , Alsoudi Sharif
Published: August 2024

Background

Various factors, including dietary habits, lifestyle choices, socio-economic status, cultural attitudes, academic stress, and access to mental health support services, influence the relationship between obesity and mental health among university students in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for developing effective interventions to promote both physical and mental well-being among students in the region. Therefore, this systematic review aims at understanding the variables associated with the relationship between obesity and mental health among university students in the (GCC) countries.

Methods

This systematic review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) [CRD42024517806]. We conducted a systematic literature search using electronic databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published up to 28-February-2024. A narrative synthesis approach was employed to summarize the findings of included studies. Data were synthesized according to predefined themes related to variables associated with the relationship between obesity and mental health among university students in GCC countries.

Results

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among university students in GCC countries is alarmingly high, with a mean rate of 29.4%. Depression, anxiety, and body image dissatisfaction are significantly associated with obesity in this population. Poor sleep patterns are both a predictor and a consequence of obesity-related mental health issues. Socio-cultural factors play a crucial role in shaping students’ perceptions of body image and mental health.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive approaches to address the intertwined nature of obesity and mental health in this population, necessitating targeted interventions and further research efforts.
Systematic transcriptomic analysis and temporal modelling of human fibroblast senescence
Authors: Scanlan R.-L. , Pease L. , O’Keefe H. , Martinez-Guimera A. , Rasmussen L. , Wordsworth J. , Shanley D.
Published: August 2024

Cellular senescence is a diverse phenotype characterised by permanent cell cycle arrest and an associated secretory phenotype (SASP) which includes inflammatory cytokines. Typically, senescent cells are removed by the immune system, but this process becomes dysregulated with age causing senescent cells to accumulate and induce chronic inflammatory signalling. Identifying senescent cells is challenging due to senescence phenotype heterogeneity, and senotherapy often requires a combinatorial approach. Here we systematically collected 119 transcriptomic datasets related to human fibroblasts, forming an online database describing the relevant variables for each study allowing users to filter for variables and genes of interest. Our own analysis of the database identified 28 genes significantly up- or downregulated across four senescence types (DNA damage induced senescence (DDIS), oncogene induced senescence (OIS), replicative senescence, and bystander induced senescence) compared to proliferating controls. We also found gene expression patterns of conventional senescence markers were highly specific and reliable for different senescence inducers, cell lines, and timepoints. Our comprehensive data supported several observations made in existing studies using single datasets, including stronger p53 signalling in DDIS compared to OIS. However, contrary to some early observations, both p16 and p21 mRNA levels rise quickly, depending on senescence type, and persist for at least 8–11 days. Additionally, little evidence was found to support an initial TGFβ-centric SASP. To support our transcriptomic analysis, we computationally modelled temporal protein changes of select core senescence proteins during DDIS and OIS, as well as perform knockdown interventions. We conclude that while universal biomarkers of senescence are difficult to identify, conventional senescence markers follow predictable profiles and construction of a framework for studying senescence could lead to more reproducible data and understanding of senescence heterogeneity.
Automating parasite egg detection: insights from the first AI-KFM challenge
Authors: Capuozzo Salvatore , Marrone Stefano , Gravina Michela , Cringoli Giuseppe , Rinaldi Laura , Maurelli Maria Paola , Bosco Antonio , Orrù Giulia , Marcialis Gian Luca , Ghiani Luca , Bini Stefano , Saggese Alessia , Vento Mario , Sansone Carlo
Published: August 2024

In the field of veterinary medicine, the detection of parasite eggs in the fecal samples of livestock animals represents one of the most challenging tasks, since their spread and diffusion may lead to severe clinical disease. Nowadays, the scanning procedure is typically performed by physicians with professional microscopes and requires a significant amount of time, domain knowledge, and resources. The Kubic FLOTAC Microscope (KFM) is a compact, low-cost, portable digital microscope that can autonomously analyze fecal specimens for parasites and hosts in both field and laboratory settings. It has been shown to acquire images that are comparable to those obtained with traditional optical microscopes, and it can complete the scanning and imaging process in just a few minutes, freeing up the operator's time for other tasks. To promote research in this area, the first AI-KFM challenge was organized, which focused on the detection of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) in cattle using RGB images. The challenge aimed to provide a standardized experimental protocol with a large number of samples collected in a well-known environment and a set of scores for the approaches submitted by the competitors. This paper describes the process of generating and structuring the challenge dataset and the approaches submitted by the competitors, as well as the lessons learned throughout this journey.
Indigenous climate change mitigation strategies in tropical cities – a review
Authors: Akinkuolie Timothy A. , Ogunbode Timothy O. , Adekiya Aruna O. , Fapohunda Michael T.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Climate change poses numerous issues for indigenous populations in tropical cities worldwide, including reduced access to food, dwindling resources, and the proliferation of vector-borne illnesses. Indigenous communities are developing various mitigation and adaptation measures suitable for their distinct cultural and ecological demands.

Methods

This study investigates the numerous indigenous climate change mitigation strategies (ICCMSs) being deployed in tropical cities, using secondary sources of data. The methodology involved a systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines, encompassing the identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion of relevant literature. From an initial 1,200 sources, 450 were screened, and 102 met the inclusion criteria for full-text assessment.

Results

Findings indicate that common ICCMSs in tropical cities include the use of traditional knowledge systems and materials in urban green infrastructure projects, agroforestry, sustainable urban agriculture, urban afforestation and reforestation, and indigenous technologies and innovations in waste management practices. Indigenous peoples have benefited from greater education and understanding about climate change, empowering them to take action and lower their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Discussion

The study recommends that governments and international organizations support these mitigation efforts, incorporate them into public policy and urban planning for indigenous communities in tropical cities, and reduce global anthropogenic GHG emissions. Further studies are suggested to assess the effectiveness of these measures and their potential to enhance climate resilience in tropical cities.
Beyond sleep duration: protocol for a systematic review of multidimensional sleep health in relation to cardiovascular disease and mortality
Authors: Kobayashi Frisk Mio , Lisik Daniil , Zou Ding
Published: August 2024

Adequate sleep duration has recently been recognized as a major determinant of cardiovascular health by the American Heart Association. This is a significant step toward recognizing sleep as a major lifestyle factor and pillar of health, along with physical activity and nutrition. However, healthy sleep is not only a matter of duration. Other dimensions, such as timing, regularity, efficiency, satisfaction with sleep, and daytime alertness are also deemed important to consider. We have designed a systematic review protocol according to the PRISMA-P guidelines with the objective of determining which sleep dimensions are predictors of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization), and whether or not the use of multiple dimensions of sleep yields superior predictive value to the use of sleep duration alone in predicting the above-mentioned outcomes. We will implement a systematic search strategy in 10 databases with independent manual screening by two reviewers. The aim is to comprehensively identify longitudinal studies which have examined the relationship between sleep duration and at least one other dimension of sleep and mortality or MACE. Meta-analysis will be performed after data extraction to address these objectives quantitatively. We anticipate that several sleep dimensions beyond sleep duration have been studied in relationship to all-cause mortality and MACE, and that a combination of multiple sleep dimensions can better predict these outcomes than sleep duration alone. Such findings would lay important groundwork to establish multidimensional sleep health as a major determinant of cardiovascular health.
Sizes, Shapes, and Types of Nanomaterials
Authors: Donough Nichole , Wepener Victor , Botha Tarryn Lee
Published: August 2024

Nanomaterials are tiny particles, made by breaking down bulk products or by grouping atoms, to form small things, called nanoparticles. Nanoparticles have a size of 1–100 nm, so a person can only see them with a powerful microscope, as they are smaller than the width of a single hair! Nanoparticles are the building blocks of nanotechnology, which is a science used to make many things in our daily lives, like our electronic gadgets, farming chemicals, and medicines. Nanomaterials can come in various shapes, like balls, wires, and rods. They can be flat or have many dimensions. Scientists can produce nanomaterials from carbon, metal, or plastic, giving the nanomaterial special powers, like conducting electricity, absorbing light, or even changing color. These unique powers make each type of nanomaterial useful for a different kind of job. The size, shape, and type of nanomaterial can be seen using many different laboratory methods.
Soft Robotics: If You Can Dream It, Can You Print It?
Authors: Williamson John Garrett , Schell Caroline , Keller Michael , Schultz Joshua
Published: August 2024

You can print anything... or can you? 3D printing is an exciting new technology that promises to very quickly create anything people can design. Scientists who want to make soft robots, like Baymax from Big Hero 6TM, are excited about 3D printers. Our team uses 3D printing to make molds to produce soft robots. Molding is like using a muffin tin to make cupcakes. But can you make anything with 3D printing or are there times when 3D-printed molds do not work? Just like a cupcake liner, 3D-printed molds leave ridges, like a Ruffles potato chip, in soft robots. These ridges are a weak point where cracks can form, causing the robot to pop like a balloon. To prevent this, we sometimes need to make our robots using very smooth molds made from metal. This article talks about when and how 3D printing is useful in making soft robots.