bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Clinical Effects of C2 and C3 Medial Branch Block for Medically Intractable Headache : a Retrospective Study
Authors: Chung Moonyoung , Lee Won Hee
Published: June 2024

Objective : This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of medial branch blocks (MBBs) C2 and C3 in treating patients with medically intractable headaches.Methods : The medical records of 81 patients with medically intractable headaches who underwent a C2/3 MBB between January 2019 and March 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The degrees of pain were evaluated using a Visual analogue scale (VAS) score (rating 0–10) on baseline and after procedures. To evaluate patients’ satisfaction for the treatment, self-reporting measurements were examined and were categorized as excellent (>90% pain relief), good (50–90% pain relief), fair (10–50% pain relief), and none (<10% pain relief).Results : The total number of MBB procedure was 107. The average baseline VAS score was 7.4±1.5, which improved significantly to 2.6±2.3, 3.6±2.6, and 4.5±3.2 on 1–3 days, 3–7 days, and 3 months after the procedure, respectively (Wilks’ lambda within group test, p<0.001). For the subjective feeling of pain relief, percentages of “excellent” response in the self-reporting measurements were significantly decreased over time (chi-square test; p=0.001).Conclusion : This study demonstrates clinical effectiveness of C2/3 MBB in patients with medically intractable headaches, with both early and prolonged benefits.
A Confirmatory Study of the Knowledge Economy in the Context of Moroccan Economic Growth: Analysis, Comparison and Solutions
Authors: LAGZOULI Abdelghani , LAGZOULI Amina , Lakhal Tarik
Published: June 2024

The knowledge economy drives growth. It increases overall productivity, affecting competitiveness, market share and, most importantly, economic growth. The objective of this research is to study the impact of the knowledge economy on economic growth in Morocco. It will also study and present the causes of the bottlenecks currently facing the Moroccan economy. Our starting point for this study is a literature review, which will constitute the anchor point of our project and will allow us to position ourselves in relation to these studies and to define the different concepts used in this research work. This part is necessary to present the contours of models of endogenous growth which constitutes an improvement of the first models developed by neoclassical theorists and will allow us to identify indicators and to present their impact on economic growth. The realisation of this study was based on neoclassical orthodoxy founded on a positivist approach employing hypothetical-deductive methods. From a methodological point of view, the approach employed will be a quantitative approach based on inferential statistics and particularly econometric studies of panel data. Our empirical findings indicate that the impact of human capital variable is not significant. Furthermore, the innovation variable shows a positive and insignificant impact on economic growth. In addition, information and communication technology has insignificant effect on Morocco’s economic growth. Finally, governance quality has a positive impact on economic growth. Our results explain the weak impact of the knowledge-based economy on Morocco's economic growth, and this weakness does not change regardless of the country's wealth level. This allows us to conclude that despite the multiple reforms and the enormous investment made by Morocco, they benefit little from the competitive advantage and the effects on growth that this economy make it possible to create.
Economic Value Added Analysis of Portfolio Alignment in the Primary Energy Business of PLN Group and its Impact on PLN Energi Primer Indonesia
Authors: Charisma Bryan , Firstantara Iwan Agung , Hidayat Dedeng , Rendroyoko Ignatius , Wibowo Agung
Published: June 2024

In 2022, PT PLN (Persero) holding was established as part of a strategic initiative led by the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to streamline core businesses within SOEs. This involved the creation of four subholdings: PLN Indonesia Power, PLN Nusantara Power, PLN Energi Primer Indonesia, and PLN Icon Plus. PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (EPI) specializes in providing primary energy and biomass and innovating during the energy transition. However, two subsidiaries, PT Artha Daya Coalindo and PT Pertadaya Gas, are not yet integrated into the PLN Group. To address this, PT PLN (Persero) has tasked PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia with conducting an alignment study. In parallel, the present study aims to evaluate whether the proposed strategy contributes to Economic Value Added (EVA) within the PLN Group. It employs analytical techniques such as core competency analysis, financial analysis, and heartland matrices. The findings suggest that a strong core competency analysis and stable financial ratios position the company favorably within the heartland matrix, resulting in positive EVA values. Conversely, weak core competency analysis and unstable financial ratios lead to the opposite outcome. In conclusion, the alignment efforts led by PLN EPI should prioritize future business and income generation to strengthen core competency analysis and maintain strong financial ratios, thus ensuring the generation of robust EVA values.
DEIKSIS SOSIAL PADA NOVEL SAGARAS KARYA TERE LIYE
Authors: Izar Julisah , Sholiha Mar’atun , Wanti Nurdiana , Losi Rizky Vita
Published: June 2024

Dalam ilmu pragmatik, khususnya pada kajian dieksis terdapat beberapa jenis yang harus diketahui, salah satunya adalah jenis deiksis sosial. Adapun tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengkaji jenis deiksis sosial yang terdapat pada novel SagaraS karya Tere Liye dan  untuk mengetahui fungsi apa saja pada novel tersebut. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode pendekatan kualitatif dengan teknik pengolahan data analisis secara deskriptif, di mana peneliti menjabarkan hasil dari data temuan yang ada ditemukan, kemudian dijabarkan secara jelas dan terperinci. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, deiksis sosial yang terdapat pada novel SagaraS adalah sebanyak tiga puluh dua data yang mana terdapat perbedaan sosial dari faktor usia, status dan  hubungan antara teman sebaya.
Survey of Information Security and Privacy for Patient-Generated Health Data
Authors: Burrell, Ph.D. James
Published: June 2024

Mobile health technologies enable self-monitoring of health and fitness conditions for personal health and lifestyle management with the potential to improve the quality, accuracy, and cost of healthcare. The advancement of connected and precision healthcare services requires a variety of health information which includes patient-generated health data. The collection, processing, and management of personal health information with mHealth devices and sensors represent unique and substantial risks to the security and privacy of personal health data. Current laws, regulations, and policies have primarily addressed the privacy of patient health information collected and maintained by healthcare and clinical providers but have not fundamentally addressed patient-generated health data. This paper provides an overview of information security, assurance, and data governance principles of connected healthcare with a focus on patient-generated health data and informs the development of policies, standards, and guidelines for sensitive health information.
MODELING THE STRUCTURE OF AN ELECTRIC CHARGE
Authors: Bondarev Vladimir , Migal Larisa
Published: June 2024

This paper presents the new approach to the description of the nature and essence of electric charge, formulated within the framework of a unified concept of the formation of the structure of the cosmos. A computer model of the cosmos based on elements in the form of primary space quanta and energy quanta is proposed. We conducted a detailed study and visualization of the process of formation of the structure of the primary space. The essence of electric charge is defined as transformation of smooth continuous two-dimensional primary space by its deformation leading to formation of a set of spacestrons of different levels. The reason of origin and equality of negative and positive charges is explained in the given work. The process of spacestrons formation is investigated in details. It is shown that the electric field arises at distortion of 4-dimensional space-time, similarly to gravitational field, but under the influence of open quanta of space and antispace. In our paper a new inter-pretation of the possible appearance of the Universe from the point of view of submicroscopic approach to nature is proposed. Hypotheses about the role of primary space, the origin and form of the Big Bang, the asymmetry of baryonic matter, as well as such concepts as dark en-ergy, dark matter and their possible correlation in the cosmos are considered.
A Note on the Beal Conjecture
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: June 2024

Around $1637$, Pierre de Fermat famously scribbled, and claimed to have a proof for, his statement that equation $a^{n} + b^{n} = c^{n}$ has no positive integer solutions for exponents $n>2$. The theorem stood unproven for centuries until Andrew Wiles' groundbreaking work in $1994$, with a notable caveat: Wiles' proof, while successful, relied on modern tools far beyond Fermat's claimed approach in terms of complexity. Combining short and basic tools, we were able to prove the Beal conjecture, a well-known generalization of Fermat's Last Theorem. The present work potentially offers a solution which is closer in spirit to Fermat's original idea.
Конструирование образа деревни в обрядах русских неоязычников / Constructing the Image of the Village in the Rituals of Russian Neo-Pagans
Authors: Буробина П.А.
Published: June 2024

В статье рассматривается обрядность русских неоязычников и способы конструирования определенного деревенского образа горожанами. Представлено описание неоязыческого обряда во внегородском пространстве и описана трансформация участников в городской и сельской среде, а также до, после и во время самого обряда. Исследование показывает, как соотносятся русские неоязычники с сельскими жителями, и есть ли пути их взаимодействия. В качестве источника представлены материалы полевого исследования русской неоязыческой общины в 2020–2021 гг. Анализ полевых материалов позволяет определить способы конструирования виртуальной сельскости, а также выделить элементы создаваемого образа деревни. В статье рассматриваются основные элементы русских неоязыческих обрядов, которые проводит изучаемая община, а также описывается внешний вид участников и способ их взаимодействия во время обряда. Подчеркиваются основные элементы обряда, которые в большей степени способствуют конструированию виртуальной сельскости. Также исследование показывает, как долго существует конструируемый образ деревни после окончания обряда, и насколько это зависит от вида обряда и окружающей среды. Автором поднимается вопрос, относительно того, так ли важна атмосфера самого обряда и создаваемой сельскости, или основная цель касается стремления сохранить культуру и стать ее частью.
The article studies the ritualism of Russian neo-pagans and the ways in which townspeople construct a certain image of the village. The author describes a neo-pagan rite in an extra-urban space and the transformation of participants in urban and rural environments before, after and during the rite itself. The study shows how Russian neo-pagans relate to villagers and whether there are ways of their interaction. The paper is based on a field study of the Russian neo-pagan community in 2020–2021. The author identifies the ways of constructing the virtual ruralness and highlights the elements of the created image of the village. The article discusses the main elements of Russian neo-pagan rituals conducted by the studied community and describes the appearance of the participants and the way they interact during the ritual. This study emphasizes the main elements of the ritual that contribute to the construction of the virtual village. The study also shows how long the constructed image of the village exists after the rite is over, and how much this depends on the type of rite and the environment. The article raises a question as to whether the atmosphere of the ritual and the village that is created matters itself, or whether the participants are mainly driven by the desire to preserve the culture and become part of it.
Сельское как социальное / Rural as Social
Authors: Туторский А.В.
Published: June 2024

В статье ставится вопрос о наличии особой сельской социальности, которая с точки зрения антропологии или социологии может характеризовать взаимоотношения людей в сельской местности. Автор полагает, что формирование в XIX в. представлений о деревне сопровождалось конструированием идеи об особой сельской социальности в виде общины, точнее — общинного склада жизни, ментальности. Однако в созданном на рубеже веков концепте общины подспудно содержатся элементы того этапа развития городского уклада и модерности, в противоположность которым общинность конструировалась. На рубеже XX–XXI вв. происходят не просто изменения отношений между городом и деревней в результате большой активности горожан в сельском пространстве. Происходит пересборка и переконруирование самого понятия деревенское. В центре процесса конструирования оказываются проблемы свободы (анархистское и волонтерское движения), экологичности (экопоселения, неоязыческое движение) и др. Пожалуй, только проблема аутентичности исторического развития остается общей для процессов конструирования представлений о деревне на рубеже XIX–XX и XX–XXI вв. Автор излагает свое видение проблемы, более подробно раскрываемой в четырех статьях данного тематического блока: Е. П. Желамской о поселках городского типа, П. А. Буробиной о неоязыческих обрядах в сельской местности и в городе, Е. С. Садовой о волонтерском движении «Беневояж» и Е. А. Крыкова об анархистском сельском поселении.
The article raises the question of the rural sociality, which, from the point of view of anthropology or sociology, could be characterized as the specific social relations in rural areas. The author believes that the general image of the village in the 19th century was accompanied by the idea of the special ‘rural sociality’ usually known as ‘the community’ or a special communal way of life or mentality. However, the concept of community, created at the turn of the century, implicitly contains the elements of the urban structure and modernity at that specific historical stage, as the community was defined in contrast to them. At the turn of the 20th–21th centuries the change in the relationships between city and countryside due to a more active position of city residents in rural space is not the only obvious trend. The very concept of the village is being reassembled and reconstructed around the new issues: freedom (anarchist and volunteer movements), environmental friendliness (eco-settlements, neo-pagan movement) etc. Perhaps the only problem common to the notion of village construction processes of both the 19th-20th and 20th-21st transitions is the problem of authenticity of historical development. The paper provides a brief summary of four articles from the present issue: by E. P. Zhelamskaya about urban-type settlements, by P. A. Burobina about neo-pagan rituals in rural areas and in the city, by E. S. Sadova about the volunteer movement “Benevoyage” and by E. A. Krykov about an anarchist rural settlement.
Numerical evaluation of spinal reconstruction using a 3D printed vertebral body replacement implant: effects of material anisotropy
Authors: Kang Jianfeng , Wu Yanlong , Qiao Jian
Published: June 2024

Background and objective

Artificial vertebral implants have been widely used for functional reconstruction of vertebral defects caused by tumors or trauma. However, the evaluation of their biomechanical properties often neglects the influence of material anisotropy derived from the host bone and implant’s microstructures. Hence, this study aims to investigate the effect of material anisotropy on the safety and stability of vertebral reconstruction.

Material and methods

Two finite element models were developed to reflect the difference of material properties between linear elastic isotropy and nonlinear anisotropy. Their biomechanical evaluation was carried out under different load conditions including flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation. These performances of two models with respect to safety and stability were analyzed and compared quantitatively based on the predicted von Mises stress, displacement and effective strain.

Results

The maximum von Mises stress of each component in both models was lower than the yield strength of respective material, while the predicted results of nonlinear anisotropic model were generally below to those of the linear elastic isotropic model. Furthermore, the maximum von Mises stress of natural vertebra and reconstructed system was decreased by 2–37 MPa and 20–61 MPa, respectively. The maximum reductions for the translation displacement of the artificial vertebral body implant and motion range of whole model were reached to 0.26 mm and 0.77°. The percentage of effective strain elements on the superior and inferior endplates adjacent to implant was diminished by up to 19.7% and 23.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

After comprehensive comparison, these results indicated that the finite element model with the assumption of linear elastic isotropy may underestimate the safety of the reconstruction system, while misdiagnose higher stability by overestimating the range of motion and bone growth capability.
Chronic electrical stimulation with a peripheral suprachoroidal retinal implant: a preclinical safety study of neuroprotective stimulation
Authors: Abbott Carla J. , Allen Penelope J. , Williams Chris E. , Williams Richard A. , Epp Stephanie B. , Burns Owen , Thomas Ross , Harrison Mark , Thien Patrick C. , Saunders Alexia , McGowan Ceara , Sloan Caitlin , Luu Chi D. , Nayagam David A. X.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Extraocular electrical stimulation is known to provide neuroprotection for retinal cells in retinal and optic nerve diseases. Currently, the treatment approach requires patients to set up extraocular electrodes and stimulate potentially weekly due to the lack of an implantable stimulation device. Hence, a minimally-invasive implant was developed to provide chronic electrical stimulation to the retina, potentially improving patient compliance for long-term use. The aim of the present study was to determine the surgical and stimulation safety of this novel device designed for neuroprotective stimulation.

Methods

Eight normally sighted adult feline subjects were monocularly implanted in the suprachoroidal space in the peripheral retina for 9–39 weeks. Charge balanced, biphasic, current pulses (100 μA, 500 µs pulse width and 50 pulses/s) were delivered continuously to platinum electrodes for 3–34 weeks. Electrode impedances were measured hourly. Retinal structure and function were assessed at 1-, 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-month using electroretinography, optical coherence tomography and fundus photography. Retina and fibrotic thickness were measured from histological sections. Randomized, blinded histopathological assessments of stimulated and non-stimulated retina were performed.

Results

All subjects tolerated the surgical and stimulation procedure with no evidence of discomfort or unexpected adverse outcomes. The device position was stable after a post-surgery settling period. Median electrode impedance remained within a consistent range (5–10 kΩ) over time. There was no change in retinal thickness or function relative to baseline and fellow eyes. Fibrotic capsule thickness was equivalent between stimulated and non-stimulated tissue and helps to hold the device in place. There was no scarring, insertion trauma, necrosis, retinal damage or fibroblastic response in any retinal samples from implanted eyes, whilst 19% had a minimal histiocytic response, 19% had minimal to mild acute inflammation and 28% had minimal to mild chronic inflammation.

Conclusion

Chronic suprathreshold electrical stimulation of the retina using a minimally invasive device evoked a mild tissue response and no adverse clinical findings. Peripheral suprachoroidal electrical stimulation with an implanted device could potentially be an alternative approach to transcorneal electrical stimulation for delivering neuroprotective stimulation.
Are categories’ cores more isomorphic than their peripheries?
Authors: Cai Yingying , De Smet Hendrik
Published: June 2024

Isomorphism holds that, ideally, a single meaning is expressed by a single form. However, despite long-standing support, the theoretical viability of the isomorphic principle has been called into question. There is widespread recognition that the coexistence of (near-) synonymous expressions—variation—is actually very common in language. In this study, we explore a possible path toward reconciling the theoretical notion of isomorphism with the observable fact of variation. To this end, we adopt an analogy to tool use inspired by Zipf (1949). Tools largely monopolize their core functional domains (e.g., for cutting, knives are overwhelmingly preferred over screwdrivers) but compete over more peripheral functions (for puncturing, knives and screwdrivers have more equal chances of selection). In the same way, we hypothesize forms can code a prototypically organized network of senses, whereby they largely monopolize the core but are more likely to come into competition with other forms in the periphery. To test this hypothesis, a case study is conducted on variation in the use of two prepositions: at and with. For each, a semantic core and periphery are established. Using a corpus consisting of parallel translations of the same source text, it is then tested whether translators are more likely to converge on the same preposition to express one of that preposition’s core senses than to express one of its peripheral senses. This is the pattern one would expect if isomorphic pressure is stronger for semantic cores than for peripheries. The results are promising but inconclusive. They confirm that the sense most prone to competition is arguably the most peripheral but also reveal a surprisingly high level of competition for the spatial core use of at.
Effects of pedagogical gestures on learning abstract grammatical concepts in young adults
Authors: Lopez-Ozieblo Renia
Published: June 2024

This study evaluates the benefits of gesture-enriched grammatical explanations to native speakers following an embodied cognitive approach. Spanish mother tongue speakers were taught the functions of a complex Spanish linguistic unit, “se.” For half the participants the explanations were enhanced with gestures and the other half received the same explanations without gestures. Their knowledge of the functions was tested before the treatment and then immediately after and a month after the treatment. Our results indicate that both groups benefitted from the explanations equally. However, in the long-term, participants in the gestures group consolidated their knowledge while those in the non-gestures group showed a steeper learning decay that those in the gestures group. This suggests that gestures might have a positive effect in learning which is only observable in the long-term after the knowledge has been consolidated.
Weakly supervised pre-training for brain tumor segmentation using principal axis measurements of tumor burden
Authors: Mckone Joshua E. , Lambrou Tryphon , Ye Xujiong , Brown James M.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

State-of-the-art multi-modal brain tumor segmentation methods often rely on large quantities of manually annotated data to produce acceptable results. In settings where such labeled data may be scarce, there may be value in exploiting cheaper or more readily available data through clinical trials, such as Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO).

Methods

This study demonstrates the utility of such measurements for multi-modal brain tumor segmentation, whereby an encoder network is first trained to regress synthetic “Pseudo-RANO” measurements using a mean squared error loss with cosine similarity penalty to promote orthogonality of the principal axes. Using oriented bounding-boxes to measure overlap with the ground truth, we show that the encoder model can reliably estimate tumor principal axes with good performance. The trained encoder was combined with a randomly initialized decoder for fine-tuning as a U-Net architecture for whole tumor (WT) segmentation.

Results

Our results demonstrate that weakly supervised encoder models converge faster than those trained without pre-training and help minimize the annotation burden when trained to perform segmentation.

Discussion

The use of cheap, low-fidelity labels in the context allows for both faster and more stable training with fewer densely segmented ground truth masks, which has potential uses outside this particular paradigm.
Integrating immersive technologies with STEM education: a systematic review
Authors: Tene Talia , Marcatoma Tixi Jessica Alexandra , Palacios Robalino María de Lourdes , Mendoza Salazar María José , Vacacela Gomez Cristian , Bellucci Stefano
Published: June 2024

Objective

This systematic review aims to synthesize current knowledge on integrating immersive technologies, namely Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) education, and to lighten their impact on student performance and engagement.

Methods

Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a detailed search strategy across Scopus and Web of Science databases identified relevant peer-reviewed journal articles published from 2002 to 2023. The PICOS approach informed our inclusion criteria, focusing on empirical studies that assessed the application of VR and AR technologies in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) educational settings. Studies were evaluated for methodological quality, and data extraction was meticulous, with variables categorized as engagement, performance, or a combination of both.

Analysis

A descriptive and statistical analysis using chi-square tests was employed to examine the relationship between the type of technology (AR, VR, XR, MR) and the educational outcomes. This quantitative assessment provided a nuanced understanding of the interplay between various immersive technologies and their pedagogical effectiveness.

Results

Out of 143 initially identified articles, 22 met the inclusion criteria for detailed analysis. Findings revealed that AR was the most studied technology, followed by VR. Most studies reported positive effects on student engagement and performance, with increased effectiveness being less frequently observed. A notable portion of the studies specifically investigated the combination of performance and engagement, underscoring the multifaceted benefits of immersive technologies in education.

Conclusions

Immersive technologies are reshaping STEM education by enhancing engagement and performance. Integrating VR and AR offers promising educational benefits, including improved comprehension of complex concepts, increased student motivation, and enriched collaborative learning experiences. However, the field requires a globally inclusive and adaptable framework for rapid technological evolution and diverse educational contexts. Future research should broaden its scope to include multilingual literature and non-traditional academic channels, ensure ethical standards are upheld, and focus on personalization and adaptability to maximize the educational potential of these technologies.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on Body Mass Index: a three-year follow up study in 6,156 Chinese college students
Authors: Li Haoxuan , Song Yiling , Wang Yangyang , Feng Xiaolu , Li Chengwei , Peng Jianmin , Yu Hongjun
Published: June 2024

Background

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 as the most pervasive and consequential pandemic in recent years, has exerted significant impacts on human health, including aspects related to body weight. Objectives: This study aims to assess the influence of the lockdown measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic on Chinese college students’ Body Mass Index (BMI) through a three-year cohort study.

Methods

We recruited 6156 college students (n = 4,248, 69% male, and n = 1,908, 31% female, with an average age of 18.68 ± 0.86 yr.) from a University in China to participate in this three-year cohort study. All of the subjects took the same physical fitness tests from 2019 to 2021 (pre-lockdown, during lockdown and post-lockdown). Participants’ height and weight data were objectively measured by Tongfang Health Fitness Testing Products 5000 series. A paired t-test was performed in the analysis.

Results

During the lockdown, there is 4.2% increase of BMI among the college student (p<0.001). Moreover, males had a greater overall mean BMI rate increase of 4.74% (p<0.001) than females (2.86%, p<0.001). After the lockdown, there is 0.94% increase of BMI among the college student (p<0.001). However, females had a greater overall mean BMI rate increase of 1.49% (p<0.001) than males (0.72%, p<0.001). During this period, the obese and overweight group’s growth rate from 2019 to 2020 was smaller than the normal and underweight group, which were 2.94% (p<0.001), 3.90% (p<0.001), 4.44% (p<0.001) and 5.25% (p<0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

BMI increased both during and post-lockdown periods among Chinese college students. However, during the lockdown, participants with higher BMI groups appeared to have a diminished BMI growth rate compared to those with lower BMI. After the lockdown, participants with higher BMI levels appeared to have an augmented BMI growth rate. Public policy action is needed to increase the level of physical activity of Chinese college students and take action to improve students’ physical fitness performance after the lockdown.
Disruption of social play influences development of caution in juvenile ground squirrels
Authors: Ryan William J. , Kuan Marcello B. , Nunes Scott
Published: June 2024

Play behavior is common in a range of mammalian species and can have important influences on early development. We evaluated possible influences of social play on the development of behavior along the caution/boldness continuum in juvenile Belding’s ground squirrels (Urocitellus beldingi). We disrupted juvenile squirrels engaged in play by walking toward them until their play interactions stopped. We used undisrupted juveniles and juveniles disrupted while not engaged in play as controls. Caution was measured with behavioral tests during which a human intruder walked toward a squirrel and recorded the distances at which the squirrel first noticed and then fled from the intruder. Rates of social play were lower and play bouts were shorter in play-disrupted juveniles than in undisrupted and nonplay-disrupted juveniles. The distances at which juveniles noticed and fled from an intruder increased across the developmental period in which play primarily occurs, suggesting increases in caution across this interval. Increases in the distances to notice and flee from an intruder did not differ between undisrupted and nonplay-disrupted juveniles, but were greater in these groups than in play-disrupted juveniles. These results are consistent with social play behavior contributing to the development of cautious responses in juvenile U. beldingi.
Assessing causality between obstructive sleep apnea with the dyslipidemia and osteoporosis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Hong Ping-Yang , Liu Dong , Liu Ang , Su Xin , Zhang Xiao-Bin , Zeng Yi-Ming
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to assess the causal relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis using Mendelian Randomization (MR) techniques.

Methods

Utilizing a two-sample MR approach, the study examines the causal relationship between dyslipidemia and osteoporosis. Multivariable MR analyses were used to test the independence of the causal association of dyslipidemia with OSA. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected as instrumental variables based on genome-wide significance, independence, and linkage disequilibrium criteria. The data were sourced from publicly available Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) of OSA (n = 375,657) from the FinnGen Consortium, the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium of dyslipidemia (n = 188,577) and the UK Biobank for osteoporosis (n = 456,348).

Results

The MR analysis identified a significant positive association between genetically predicted OSA and triglyceride levels (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04–1.26, p = 0.006) and a negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.77–0.93, p = 0.0003). Conversely, no causal relationship was found between dyslipidemia (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and OSA or the relationship between OSA and osteoporosis.

Conclusion

The study provides evidence of a causal relationship between OSA and dyslipidemia, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and management strategies for OSA to address lipid abnormalities. The absence of a causal link with osteoporosis and in the reverse direction emphasizes the need for further research in this area.
Prognostic relevance of prognostic nutritional indices in gastric or gastro-esophageal junction cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hou Shufu , Song Dandan , Hao Ruiqi , Li Linchuan , Zhang Yun , Zhu Jiankang
Published: June 2024

Background

The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) has become an important predictive tool for assessing patients’ nutritional status and immune competence. It is widely used in prognostic evaluations for various cancer patients. However, the prognostic relevance of the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) in gastric or gastro-esophageal junction cancer patients (GC/GEJC) undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the prognostic impact of PNI in this specific patient cohort.

Methods

We conducted a thorough literature search, covering prominent databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SpringerLink, and the Cochrane Library. The search spanned from the inception of these databases up to December 5, 2023. Employing the 95% confidence interval and Hazard Ratio (HR), the study systematically evaluated the relationship between PNI and key prognostic indicators, including the objective remission rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in GC/GEJC patients undergoing ICI treatment.

Results

Eight studies comprising 813 eligible patients were selected. With 7 studies consistently demonstrating superior Overall Survival (OS) in the high-Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) group compared to their low-PNI counterparts (HR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.47–0.71, P<0.001). Furthermore, the results derived from 6 studies pointed out that the significant correlation between he low-PNI and poorer progression-free survival (PFS) (HR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.47–0.71, P<0.001). Subgroup analyses were performed to validate the robustness of the results. In addition, we conducted a meta-analysis of three studies examining the correlation between PNI and objective response rate/disease control rate (ORR/DCR) and found that the ORR/DCR was significantly superior in the high PNI group (ORR: RR: 1.24, P=0.002; DCR: RR: 1.43, P=0.008).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis indicates that the low-PNI in GC/GEJC patients undergoing ICI treatment is significantly linked to worse OS and PFS. Therefore, PNI can serve as a prognostic indicator of post-treatment outcomes in patients with GC receiving ICIs. Further prospective studies are required to assess the reliability of these findings.

Systematic review registration

https://inplasy.com/, identifier INPLASY202450133.
Protective interplay: Mycobacterium tuberculosis diminishes SARS-CoV-2 severity through innate immune priming
Authors: Williams Brittany D. , Ferede Debora , Abdelaal Hazem F. M. , Berube Bryan J. , Podell Brendan K. , Larsen Sasha E. , Baldwin Susan L. , Coler Rhea N.
Published: June 2024

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic those with underlying chronic lung conditions, including tuberculosis (TB), were hypothesized to be at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease. However, there is inconclusive clinical and preclinical data to confirm the specific risk SARS-CoV-2 poses for the millions of individuals infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). We and others have found that compared to singly infected mice, mice co-infected with M.tb and SARS-CoV-2 leads to reduced SARS-CoV-2 severity compared to mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 alone. Consequently, there is a large interest in identifying the molecular mechanisms responsible for the reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection severity observed in M.tb and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive characterization of a co-infection model and performed mechanistic in vitro modeling to dynamically assess how the innate immune response induced by M.tb restricts viral replication. Our study has successfully identified several cytokines that induce the upregulation of anti-viral genes in lung epithelial cells, thereby providing protection prior to challenge with SARS-CoV-2. In conclusion, our study offers a comprehensive understanding of the key pathways induced by an existing bacterial infection that effectively restricts SARS-CoV-2 activity and identifies candidate therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Genomic analysis of acid tolerance genes and deciphering the function of ydaG gene in mitigating acid tolerance in Priestia megaterium
Authors: Sharma Darshana , Chetri Purna Bahadur , Ranga Vipin , Sen Subhajit , Sarmah Bidyut Kumar , Barooah Madhumita
Published: June 2024

Adverse environmental conditions, such as acid stress, induce bacteria to employ several strategies to overcome these stressors. These strategies include forming biofilms and activating specific molecular pathways, such as the general stress response (GSR). The genome of Priestia megaterium strain G18 was sequenced using the Illumina NextSeq 500 system, resulting in a de novo assembly of 80 scaffolds. The scaffolded genome comprises 5,367,956 bp with a GC content of 37.89%, and was compared to related strains using the MiGA web server, revealing high similarity to P. megaterium NBRC 15308 and P. aryabhattai B8W22 with ANI scores of 95.4%. Phylogenetic and ribosomal multilocus sequence typing (rMLST) analyses, based on the 16S rRNA and ribosomal protein-encoding alleles, confirmed close relationships within the P. megaterium species. Functional annotation identified 5,484 protein-coding genes, with 72.31% classified into 22 COG categories, highlighting roles in amino acid transport, transcription, carbohydrate metabolism, and ribosomal structure. An in-depth genome analysis of P. megaterium G18 revealed several key genes associated with acid tolerance. Targeted inactivation of the ydaG gene from SigB regulon, a general stress response gene, significantly reduced growth under acidic conditions compared to the wild type. qRT-PCR analysis showed increased ydaG expression in acidic conditions, further supporting its role in acid stress response. Microscopic analysis revealed no morphological differences between wild-type and mutant cells, suggesting that ydaG is not involved in maintaining cellular morphology but in facilitating acid tolerance through stress protein production. This research contributes to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying acid tolerance in soil bacteria, P. megaterium, shedding light on potential applications in agriculture and industry.
Structural and functional characterization of peste des petits ruminants virus coded hemagglutinin protein using various in-silico approaches
Authors: Gaur Sharad Kumar , Chaudhary Yash , Jain Juhi , Singh Rashmi , Kaul Rajeev
Published: June 2024

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), a disease of socioeconomic importance has been a serious threat to small ruminants. The causative agent of this disease is PPR virus (PPRV) which belongs to the genus Morbillivirus. Hemagglutinin (H) is a PPRV coded transmembrane protein embedded in the viral envelope and plays a vital role in mediating the entry of virion particle into the cell. The infected host mounts an effective humoral response against H protein which is important for host to overcome the infection. In the present study, we have investigated structural, physiological and functional properties of hemagglutinin protein using various computational tools. The sequence analysis and structure prediction analysis show that hemagglutinin protein comprises of beta sheets as the predominant secondary structure, and may lack neuraminidase activity. PPRV-H consists of several important domains and motifs that form an essential scaffold which impart various critical roles to the protein. Comparative modeling predicted the protein to exist as a homo-tetramer that binds to its cognate cellular receptors. Certain amino acid substitutions identified by multiple sequence alignment were found to alter the predicted structure of the protein. PPRV-H through its predicted interaction with TLR-2 molecule may drive the expression of CD150 which could further propagate the virus into the host. Together, our study provides new insights into PPRV-H protein structure and its predicted functions.
Heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor-promoting roles in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: El Herch Imane , Tornaas Stian , Dongre Harsh Nitin , Costea Daniela Elena
Published: June 2024

Tumor microenvironment (TME) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a major influence on disease progression and therapy response. One of the predominant stromal cell types in the TME of HNSCC is cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). CAF constitute a diverse cell population and we are only at the beginning of characterizing and understanding the functions of various CAF subsets. CAF have been shown to interact with tumor cells and other components of the TME to shape mainly a favourable microenvironment for HNSCC progression, although some studies report existence of tumor-restraining CAF subtypes. The numerous pathways used by CAF to promote tumorigenesis may represent potential therapeutic targets. This review summarizes current knowledge on the origins, subtypes and mechanisms employed by CAF in HNSCC. The aim is to contribute to the understanding on how CAF actively influence the TME and modulate different immune cell types, as well as cancer cells, to establish a conducive setting for cancer growth. Although CAF are currently a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of other types of cancer, there is no significant therapeutic advancement in HNSCC.
Variation and convergence in the morpho-functional properties of the mammalian neocortex
Authors: Mahon Séverine
Published: June 2024

Man's natural inclination to classify and hierarchize the living world has prompted neurophysiologists to explore possible differences in brain organisation between mammals, with the aim of understanding the diversity of their behavioural repertoires. But what really distinguishes the human brain from that of a platypus, an opossum or a rodent? In this review, we compare the structural and electrical properties of neocortical neurons in the main mammalian radiations and examine their impact on the functioning of the networks they form. We discuss variations in overall brain size, number of neurons, length of their dendritic trees and density of spines, acknowledging their increase in humans as in most large-brained species. Our comparative analysis also highlights a remarkable consistency, particularly pronounced in marsupial and placental mammals, in the cell typology, intrinsic and synaptic electrical properties of pyramidal neuron subtypes, and in their organisation into functional circuits. These shared cellular and network characteristics contribute to the emergence of strikingly similar large-scale physiological and pathological brain dynamics across a wide range of species. These findings support the existence of a core set of neural principles and processes conserved throughout mammalian evolution, from which a number of species-specific adaptations appear, likely allowing distinct functional needs to be met in a variety of environmental contexts.
Gestational exposure to the great Chinese famine: early life undernutrition impact on prostatic hyperplasia in adulthood
Authors: Wang Siyao , Zhang Yong , Qi Xiaoya , Xu Xiaoyang
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a frequent illness in aged men that impacts their quality of life; early childhood exposure to famines may have long-term effects on the chance of developing BPH. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between early-life famine exposure and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) risk in Chinese men born during 1959–1961.

Methods

We used medical records from a large, comprehensive hospital to screen people born in China during the years of famine (1959–1961). Birthplaces were identified as indicators of famine exposure status. In the time window between 2017 and 2022, people born during the famine years who had prostatic ultrasonic examinations were selected, and their medical records were retrieved from the database. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses investigated the relationship between famine exposure and BPH risk.

Results

A total of 3,009 subjects were included in this study. Patients with heavy famine exposure had older age, shorter height, lighter weight, lower cholesterol, lower uric acid (UA), lower aspartate aminotransferase (ALT), and a higher incidence of BPH than those with light famine exposure (all p < 0.05). Univariate logistic regression showed that BPH was positively related to famine exposure, age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) but negatively related to UA (all p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that age and famine exposure were still independent risk factors (p < 0.05), while UA was an independent protective factor for BPH (p < 0.05). Heavy famine exposure increased the risk of BPH (adjusted OR = 1.214, 95% CI = 1.05–1.467, p = 0.045).

Conclusions and recommendation

Famine and malnutrition exposure during early life may be independent risk factors for BPH in Chinese adults. This relationship provides additional evidence to support the fetal origins of adult diseases and offers clues for the pathological mechanisms of BPH.
Famine exposure in early life increases risk of cataracts in elderly stage
Authors: Feng Jiayuan , Niu Hui , Zhu Sijing , Xiang Wanwan , Li Xiaoxue , Deng Yang , Xu Xu , Yang Wenfang , Chung Mei Chun
Published: June 2024

Background

Epidemiological studies have shown that early-life nutritional deficiencies are associated with an increased risk of diseases later in life. This study aimed to explore the correlation between famine exposure during the early stages of life and cataracts.

Methods

We included 5,931 participants from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) 2018 cross-sectional data in our study. Subjects were categorized into three groups by their age during the famine: adulthood group, school age famine exposure group, and teenage famine exposure group. Utilizing binary logistic regression models, we investigated the relationship between early-life famine exposure and cataracts.

Results

Compared to the adulthood group, both the school age exposure group (OR = 2.49, 95%CI = 1.89–3.27) and teenage exposure group (OR = 1.45, 95%CI = 1.20–1.76) had a heightened risk of developing cataracts in elderly stage. And the sex differences in the impact of famine during early years on elderly cataract risk were observed, particularly indicating a higher risk among women who experienced childhood famine compared to men with similar exposure.

Conclusion

Famine exposure during the early stages of life is associated with a heightened risk of developing cataracts in old age. To prevent cataracts in elderly individuals, particularly in females, measures should be taken to address nutritional deficiencies in these specific periods.