bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VdPAT1 encoding a pantothenate transporter protein is required for fungal growth, mycelial penetration and pathogenicity of Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Kamau Stephen Mwangi , Li Yongtai , Sun Tiange , Liu Feng , Zhu Qian-Hao , Zhang Xinyu , Sun Jie , Li Yanjun
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The soil-borne vascular fungus Verticillium dahliae is a phytopathogenic fungus known to attack cotton crop causing Verticillium wilt. In previous study, we identified a pantothenate transporter gene (VdPAT1) in V. dahliae which can be induced by root exudates from a susceptible cotton variety.

Methods

In this study, we generated VdPAT1 deletion mutants and complementary strain via homologous recombination by a PEG-mediated transformation method and used for the gene functional characterization.

Results and discussion

The VdPAT1 deletion mutants displayed reduced colony growth, melanin production, spore yield and germination rate, showed abnormal mycelial branching and decreased ability of mycelial penetration and utilization of nutrients (carbon, amino acids and vitamin), leading to a lower pathogenicity. Comparative transcriptome analysis of wild-type and mutant strain cultivated on sterilized carboxymethyl cellophane membranes found that the amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathway, which was related to chitin synthesis and degradation as well as UDP-glucose synthesis, was the most significantly down-regulated pathway in VdPAT1 deletion mutant. Chitin and β-1,3-glucan content determination found that the chitin content in VdPAT1 deletion mutants was significantly lower, while β-1,3-glucan content was higher than that of wild-type and complementary strains. The ratio change of chitin and β-1,3-glucan content in VdPAT1 deletion mutants might lead to abnormal branching of mycelium, resulting in the reduced penetration ability of V. dahliae. The decreased chitin content in VdPAT1 mutants impaired the fungal cell wall integrity, leading to their increased sensitivity to external stresses.

Conclusion

Together, the results demonstrated that VdPAT1 is required for growth, development, resistance to external stresses, mycelial penetration and pathogenicity of V. dahliae.
Gait physiotherapy with motor imagery in people with Parkinson’s disease: a protocol for randomized control GAITimagery trial
Authors: San Martín Valenzuela Constanza , Ramírez Murcia Esperanza , Aznar-Requena Estela , García Sotolongo Dalia , Rosas-Martín Rebeca , Sánchez-Sánchez M. Luz
Published: January 2025

Introduction

According to people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), gait impairments are the most disabling motor symptoms of PD. Recently, motor imagery (MI) has gained notoriety as a gait training technique due to the flexibility of its use, however, it has not been demonstrated that causes a superior effect when included in physiotherapy. This study aims to determine if gait training combined with MI has a greater effect on the gait of people with PD than just gait training.

Methods

The GAITimagery is designed as a double-blind, randomized control trial, including a convenience sample in 2 parallel groups (1:1) with two interventions of 2 sessions per week during 6-week and 8-week follow-up. The initial recruitment will be 88 participants with idiopathic PD and unimpaired cognition state, who will be randomly divided into two groups: GAITimagery (GiG) or the active control Gait group (GaG). Both will perform the same gait exercises but only GiG will include MI training. Gait speed is the primary outcome, while Maximum gait speed (m/s) and Gait speed variability are the secondary results. The tertiary outcomes are related to Quality of life, Daily life activities, Freezing of gait, Balance, Mobility, and Gait performance measures to psychometrics and biomechanics instruments. All results will be measured at baseline (t0), post-training (t1), and follow-up assessment (t2) 8 weeks after finished physiotherapy programs.

Discussion

The GAITimagery program standardizes the application of MI exercises related to the improvement of parkinsonian gait at the same time that monitoring the vividness referred by the participants session by session. The effectiveness of this MI-exclusive program includes subjective and objective measurement tools to detect minimal changes after training. This still-to-be-finish study will support the therapeutic decisions on whether or not to allocate session time to imagery exercises depending on the effect size achieved and the comparison with a control gait training.
Associative learning and recollection of olfactory memory during the respiratory cycle in mammals: how is the self cognized in consciousness?
Authors: Mori Kensaku , Sakano Hitoshi
Published: January 2025

When we are awake and relaxed, various memory-scenes come up in our mind by spontaneous activation of memory engrams. We find ourselves in the memory-scene longing for it by the present self. The memory scene is also recollected by sensory inputs from the surrounding world for learned behavioral decisions. It is well experienced that odorants act as strong cues in remembering associated memory. Associative learning of odor signals and object cognition enables us to predict cognitive imagery of an environmental object. Here, we discuss the neural network connecting the olfactory cortices to the higher cognitive areas that dynamically switches the processing mode from feedforward to top-down. These processes are correlated with the respiratory cycle to form and recollect odor-object associative memory. We infer that during the inhalation phase, feedforward odor signals drive burst firings of a specific subset of pyramidal cells in the olfactory cortex. In contrast, during the subsequent late-exhalation phase, top-down cognitive scene-signals from the higher areas activate again the same pyramidal cells as those activated by the feedforward signals. Reactivation of pyramidal cells during the exhalation phase may induce plastic changes in the inter-areal synaptic connections in the neural network to form associative-learning memory. In this perspective article, we will discuss associative learning and cognition of self in the mammalian olfactory system.
Serum albumin-carcinoembryonic antigen ratio as an effective clinical tool for predicting recurrence and overall survival in patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Xie Hailun , Wei Lishuang , Tang Shuangyi , Gan Jialiang
Published: January 2025

Background

The albumin–carcinoembryonic antigen ratio (ACR), leveraging the strengths of albumin and CEA, has emerged as a promising serum prognostic marker. However, no studies to date have explored the association between ACR and the prognosis of patients with rectal cancer. This study aimed to determine the value of albumin–carcinoembryonic antigen ratio (ACR) in predicting the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with rectal cancer.

Methods

Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan–Meier method, and hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using Cox regression analyses. Nomograms were created based on variables with p < 0.05 in the multivariate Cox regression analysis. The predictive ability of the model was evaluated using the C-index and calibration curve, and its prognostic predictive abilities were compared to those of traditional Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage using discriminant indices.

Results

A total of 736 patients with rectal cancer were included in the study. ACR was significantly higher in patients with poor survival or cancer recurrence. A low ACR was associated with increased tumor invasiveness, longer hospital stays, and higher hospitalization costs. Patients with a high ACR had significantly better PFS (62.9% vs. 35.2%, p < 0.001) and OS (67.0% vs. 37.2%, p < 0.001) than those with a low ACR. ACR can serve as an effective auxiliary tool for pathological staging, especially in patients with stage III–IV disease. The relationship between ACR and mortality risk was L-shaped. ACR is an independent prognostic factor for PFS [HR = 0.581, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.458–0.738, p < 0.001] and OS (HR = 0.560, 95% CI: 0.435–0.720, p < 0.001) in rectal cancer patients. ACR-based nomograms have good predictive accuracy and outperform traditional TNM stage in predicting prognosis.

Conclusion

Albumin–carcinoembryonic antigen ratio is a simple and effective clinical tool for predicting the recurrence and survival of patients with rectal cancer and is a useful supplement to the TNM stage.
Comprehensive evaluation of compound Kushen injection combined with zoledronic acid in treating bone metastasis cancer pain based on meta-analysis and decision tree model
Authors: Zhao Xi , Meng Tianwei , Wang Kaiqiang , Yan Xi , Liu Yuqiang , Li Xinghua
Published: January 2025

Objective

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of combining Compound Kushen Injection (CKI) with zoledronic acid in the treatment of bone metastasis-induced cancer pain in malignant tumors.

Methods

A comprehensive search of Chinese and English databases identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating CKI combined with zoledronic acid for bone metastases in malignancies. Methodological quality assessments were performed on all included studies, and a meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1 software. A cost-effectiveness analysis from the perspective of China's healthcare system employed a decision tree model to evaluate the short-term economic impact of the two treatment regimens. Sensitivity analyses assessed the robustness of the results.

Results

Fourteen studies involving 1,269 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that CKI combined with zoledronic acid was more effective than zoledronic acid alone in treating bone metastatic cancer pain (OR = 3.43, 95% CI: 2.51–4.67, P < 0.0001), with no significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) analysis revealed that the combination therapy incurred an additional cost of ¥18,863.16 for each unit of effect gained compared to zoledronic acid alone. Sensitivity analyses indicated stable results, showing that under the assumption of a willingness-to-pay threshold set at the average per capita disposable income in 2023, the combination of CKI and zoledronic acid was more cost-effective than zoledronic acid alone in treating bone metastatic cancer pain.

Conclusion

Compared with zoledronic acid alone, the combination of CKI and zoledronic acid offers superior efficacy, high safety, and better cost-effectiveness in the treatment of bone metastasis-induced cancer pain in malignant tumors.
Biomarkers predicting postoperative adverse outcomes in children with congenital heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Shifan , Liu Lu , Jin Xiaochuang , Dorikun Daniel , Ma Songfeng
Published: January 2025

Objective

To statistically analyze biomarkers predicting postoperative outcomes in children with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were performed to search up to February 2024. The measured outcomes were biomarkers, mortality, length of hospital stay, complication rates, and infection rates. Adults with CHD were excluded. Standard deviation or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were extracted. A random-effects model synthesized SMDs or ORs with 95% CIs. Sensitivity analysis investigated heterogeneity, and Egger's test assessed publication bias.

Results

Seventeen eligible articles were included, the biomarkers involved include serum lactate, NT-Pro BNP, PaO2, serum creatinine, C1-INH activity, ST2, serum chloride concentration, GH, glycemia, cTOI, NLR, serum albumin, and glucose levels, with 2,888 patients who underwent surgery(modified Norwood procedure, arterial switch procedure, biventricular repair etc.). Serum lactate was higher in the postoperative death group (SMD: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.59–1.77). Lower postoperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) levels were associated with lower mortality (OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08–0.68) and shorter mechanical ventilation time (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18–0.90). Higher serum albumin levels were associated with longer hospital stays (OR: 3.12, 95% CI: 1.66–5.84). Significant heterogeneity was found in serum creatinine, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), serum lactate, and NT-Pro BNP. Publication bias was detected in some studies.

Conclusion

Serum lactate, NT-Pro BNP, and serum albumin are reliable biomarkers for predicting adverse outcomes in children with CHD after surgery.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO [CRD42024512753].
Efficacy and safety of tripterygium glycosides combined with ACEI/ARB on diabetic nephropathy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yao Zhuan’E. , Wang Pengbo , Fu Qinjuan , Song Qiong , Xu Haojian , Zhang Peng
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tripterygium glycosides combined with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARBs) in treating Diabetic nephropathy and provide high-level evidence to support its standardized application.

Methods

Literatures were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP databases, the search time frame was defined as from the time of establishment to April 2023. This study only included randomized controlled trials of tripterygium glycosides combined with ACEI/ARB in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, and the final included studies were identified according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and meta-analysis of data was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

A total of 44 RCTs with 3537 DN patients were included in the study. Compared with the control group, tripterygium glycosides combined with ACEI/ARB significantly reducing 24 h-UTP (24 h urine total protein) [SMD = −1.46, 95% CI (−1.70, −1.23), P < 0.00001], increasing effective rate [RR = 1.23, 95% CI (1.17,1.29), P < 0.00001], elevating serum albumin [SMD = 0.85, 95% CI (0.69, 1.02), P < 0.00001], improving serum creatinine [SMD = −0.35, 95% CI (−0.59, −0.11), P = 0.004], with no difference in BUN (blood urea nitrogen) [SMD = −0.17, 95% CI (−0.48,0.13), P = 0.27], the adverse reactions rate was higher than those of the control group [RR = 1.96, 95%CI (1.43, 2.68), P < 0.0001].

Conclusion

This study showed that the combination of tripterygium glycosides and ACEI/ARB was more effective than ACEI/ARB alone. However, the side effects of the combined treatment group were higher than those of the control group, especially liver function damage, which also suggested that its safety in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy was worth considering. Therefore, although tripterygium glycosides provided a choice for the clinical treatment of diabetic nephropathy, its side effects limited its clinical application. In future studies, we need to further optimize tripterygium glycosides and reduce its side effects to ensure the safety of clinical application.
Optimization of exogenous CeO2 nanoparticles on Pak choi (Brassica rapa L. var. chinensis) to alleviate arsenic stress
Authors: Tabassam Rohina , Ahmad Shoaib , Khan Sehrish Adiba , Ahmad Azeem , Alomrani Sarah Owdah , Ghafoor Abdul , Akram Tahira , Alshehri Muhammad Ali , Noor Sumaira , Ali Shafaqat
Published: January 2025

Arsenic (As) is a regulated hazardous substance that persists in the environment, causing issues related to environmental health, agriculture, and food safety. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) are emerging sustainable solutions for alleviating heavy metal stress. However, their effectiveness and optimization for foliar application in reducing As stress, especially in Pak choi, has not been reported yet. Hence, this study aims to examine the effects of foliar application of CeO2 NPs (75,000,000, 150,000,000, and 300,000,000 ng/L) on the growth, nutrient availability, and antioxidant enzymatic activities of Pak choi plants under As stress. The findings showed that foliar application of 75,000,000 ng/L CeO2 NPs significantly increased shoot length (77.32%), root length (80.98%), and number of leaves (80.23%) as compared to control without NPs. The lowest dose of CeO2 NPs (75,000,000 ng/L) increased antioxidant enzyme activities such as peroxidase (86.10%), superoxide dismutase (81.48%), and catalase (52.07%), while significantly reducing malondialdehyde (44.02%), hydrogen peroxide (34.20%), and electrolyte leakage (43.53%). Furthermore, foliar application of 75,000,000 ng/L CeO2 NPs significantly increased the content of zinc (81.02%), copper (56.99%), iron (88.04%), manganese (68.37%), magnesium (76.83%), calcium (61.16%), and potassium (84.91%) in leaves when compared to control without NPs. The same trend was observed for shoot and root nutrient concentrations. Most importantly, 75,000,000 ng/L CeO2 NPs foliar application significantly reduced shoot As (45.11%) and root As (20.89%) concentration compared to control, providing a reassuring indication of their potential to reduce As concentration in plants. Our study’s findings are of utmost importance as they indicate that lower concentrations of foliar-applied CeO2 NPs can be more effective in enhancing crop nutrition and reducing heavy metals than higher concentrations. This article is intended to present critical issues of As contamination in agricultural soils, which imposes substantial risks to crop productivity and food security.
Nanoparticles as catalysts of agricultural revolution: enhancing crop tolerance to abiotic stress: a review
Authors: Cao Yahan , Turk Khalid , Bibi Nabila , Ghafoor Abdul , Ahmed Nazeer , Azmat Muhammad , Ahmed Roshaan , Ghani Muhammad Imran , Ahanger Muhammad Abass
Published: January 2025

Ensuring global food security and achieving sustainable agricultural productivity remains one of the foremost challenges of the contemporary era. The increasing impacts of climate change and environmental stressors like drought, salinity, and heavy metal (HM) toxicity threaten crop productivity worldwide. Addressing these challenges demands the development of innovative technologies that can increase food production, reduce environmental impacts, and bolster the resilience of agroecosystems against climate variation. Nanotechnology, particularly the application of nanoparticles (NPs), represents an innovative approach to strengthen crop resilience and enhance the sustainability of agriculture. NPs have special physicochemical properties, including a high surface-area-to-volume ratio and the ability to penetrate plant tissues, which enhances nutrient uptake, stress resistance, and photosynthetic efficiency. This review paper explores how abiotic stressors impact crops and the role of NPs in bolstering crop resistance to these challenges. The main emphasis is on the potential of NPs potential to boost plant stress tolerance by triggering the plant defense mechanisms, improving growth under stress, and increasing agricultural yield. NPs have demonstrated potential in addressing key agricultural challenges, such as nutrient leaching, declining soil fertility, and reduced crop yield due to poor water management. However, applying NPs must consider regulatory and environmental concerns, including soil accumulation, toxicity to non-target organisms, and consumer perceptions of NP-enhanced products. To mitigate land and water impacts, NPs should be integrated with precision agriculture technologies, allowing targeted application of nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides. Although further research is necessary to assess their advantages and address concerns, NPs present a promising and cost-effective approach for enhancing food security in the future.
The molecular mechanism by which heat stress during the grain filling period inhibits maize grain filling and reduces yield
Authors: Li Xiaohu , Zhuge Shilin , Du Jiyuan , Zhang Peng , Wang Xingyu , Liu Tianjian , Li Donghui , Ma Haoran , Li Xinzheng , Nie Yongxin , Liao Changjian , Ding Haiping , Zhang Zhiming
Published: January 2025

High temperatures significantly impair plant growth and development by restricting maize grain filling; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying heat stress remain poorly understood. In this study, 350 maize inbred lines were evaluated under field conditions, leading to the identification of heat-tolerant Zheng58 and heat-sensitive Qi319. The two inbred lines were exposed to controlled conditions of 30°C/20°C (optimal) and 42°C/30°C (heat stress) during the grain filling period. Heat stress significantly reduced thousand-kernel weight and seed setting rates, with Qi319 experiencing more pronounced declines. In contrast, Zheng58 showed superior performance, with a grain filling rate 48% higher and seed setting rate 57% greater than Qi319. Transcriptome analysis showed that heat stress disrupted starch biosynthesis and hormonal homeostasis, notably affecting abscisic acid and auxin pathways. Additionally, photosynthetic and transpiration rates in panicle leaves were reduced due to the downregulation of genes related to light-harvesting complexes, photosystem I subunits, and water transport. These findings highlight the critical roles of starch metabolism, hormonal regulation, and photosynthetic efficiency in heat tolerance, offering valuable insights for developing heat-resilient maize varieties to mitigate yield losses under high-temperature conditions.
Perception of traumatic childbirth of women, influencing factors and its relationship with post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Wei Weiwei , Feng Xiaoyan , Qin Hong , Yang Xiaochang
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Some of individuals with psychological birth trauma (PBT) develop into postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PP-PTSD) further. Study investigated the prevalence and influencing factors of PBT and its correlation with PP-PTSD, to fill the literature gap in the prevention of postpartum related psychological birth trauma.

Methods

A total of 306 women who gave birth vaginally from Chongqing, China participated in this study. Pregnant women filled the basic information when they entered the delivery room and waited for delivery. The psychological birth trauma and posttraumatic stress scales were completed during 1–3 days postpartum. Information on labor and delivery outcomes is available in the hospital's electronic medical record. Variation analysis and Pearson correlation were used on the influencing factors of PBT and the correlation with PP-PTSD.

Results

The median PBT score of the subjects in this study was 41 points; the incidence rate of PTSD (scores greater than 38) is 5%, with an average score of (22.38 ± 7.126). All dimensions of PBT positively correlated with post-traumatic stress disorder, respectively. Lower score of perceived PBT is associated with work, exercise and learning about delivery; is also associated with less vaginal examinations, the use of pain relief and doula accompaniment.

Conclusion

This study suggests that every dimension of PBT should be taken seriously to prevent PP-PTSD. Work, exercise and learning about delivery during pregnancy may be promising protective factors for perceived PBT; the use of pain relief or doula accompaniment are still effective ways to Improve the delivery experience.
Characteristics and risk factors for infection and mortality caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in patients with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Chen Jing , Xiang Qian , Wu Jia-yu , Zheng Xiao-Jia , Jiang Xiao-yan
Published: January 2025

Background

The purpose of this study is to investigate the risk factors for carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infection and death of K. pneumoniae infections in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of AP patients with K. pneumoniae infection between January 2019 and April 2024. Logistic regression model was used to determine the risk factors for acquisition of CRKP. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify risk factors for mortality of K. pneumoniae infection.

Results

A total of 113 AP patients experienced K. pneumoniae infections, including 66 with CRKP infection and 47 with CSKP infection. The mortality rate of these patients was 36.3%, with a significantly higher mortality rate in the CRKP group than in the CSKP group (P < 0.001). Only mechanical ventilation (OR = 2.301; 95% CI 1.02-5.20; P = 0.045) was the independent risk factor for CRKP infection in patients with AP. Surgery (HR 0.38; 95% CI 0.20–0.75; P = 0.005) and mechanical ventilation (HR 2.93; 95% CI 1.10–7.82; P = 0.032) were the independent risk factors associated with mortality of K. pneumoniae infection in patients with AP.

Conclusion

Klebsiella pneumoniae infection has become a threat to patients with AP. Therefore, implementing preventive and control measures based on risk factors is crucial for the prognosis.
Preliminary development and evaluation of a mechanical handwriting assistive device to support individuals with movement disorders
Authors: Lemire Gabrielle , Laliberté Thierry , Turcot Katia , Flamand Véronique H. , Campeau-Lecours Alexandre
Published: January 2025

Individuals with movement disorders often face challenges in writing independently due to factors such as spasticity, lack of precise motor control, muscle weakness, and tremors. This paper aims to develop a handwriting assistive device (HAD) for individuals with movement disorders, to stabilize the motion of user's hand, through initial needs assessment, iterative design, and a preliminary evaluation. The research is scoped to include only initial testing with a small user group, six potential users with movement disorders, providing foundational insights for future refinement. The findings from the initial needs assessment revealed that current assistive technologies do not fully meet handwriting challenges for individuals with motor impairments. The HAD prototype, developed with adjustable damping mechanism and customizable handles to suit different levels of motor control, enabled steadier handwriting in preliminary testing with six participants. Children drew shapes more accurately, and some traced letters they couldn't otherwise. The adult participant showed greater fluidity and legibility, completing tasks 4.81 times faster with the HAD. The qualitative feedback indicated the device's potential to enhance handwriting independence and usability across age groups. Future prospects for this study include developing an electronic version of the HAD, allowing real-time adjustable damping to better support users' voluntary movements while further stabilizing involuntary motions.
Models for plasmasphere and plasmatrough density and average ion mass including dependence on L, MLT, geomagnetic activity, and phase of the solar cycle
Authors: Denton Richard E. , Takahashi Kazue , Hartley David P.
Published: January 2025

Using observations of mass density inferred from standing Alfvén wave frequencies and electron density inferred from plasma wave frequencies, predominantly for the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) and Van Allen Probes spacecraft, we used symbolic nonlinear regression to find analytical formulas for the equatorial electron density, ne, mass density, ρm, and average ion mass, M≡ρm/ne. We separate the data into plasmasphere and plasmatrough populations based on the observed values of ne in order to find formulas for plasmasphere, plasmatrough, and both plasmasphere and plasmatrough. Our models depend on position, the solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) F10.7 flux, geomagnetic activity parameters such as Kp, AE, Dst, and the solar wind dynamic pressure. Formulas for M are presented with or without ne as an input parameter. By examining formulas of varying complexity, we are able to determine the relative importance of the various dependencies. The most important dependencies for ne and ρm are that they decrease with respect to L shell and geomagnetic activity as specified by parameters such as Kp. The most important dependence of M is that M increases with respect to increasing F10.7. The value of M is close to unity within the plasmasphere, but can be significantly above 1 in the plasmatrough. Although ne and ρm have maximum value at dusk local time, M has maximum value at dawn local time. The O+ concentration is larger at dawn local time, but the O+ density can be comparable at dawn and dusk because of larger ne at dusk.
Case Report: Clinical awareness about the effect of laser interstitial thermal therapy on pediatric high-grade brain tumors after radiotherapy
Authors: Fernandes Dias Sandra , Oertel Markus F. , Guerreiro Stücklin Ana , Gerber Nicolas U. , Colombo Elisa , van Doormaal Tristan P. C. , Krayenbühl Niklaus
Published: January 2025

The use of magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for the treatment of brain tumors and epileptic lesions has increased in the field of pediatric neurosurgery. However, very little is known about the effect of LITT on pediatric high-grade tumors that have been previously treated with radiotherapy. We report on two cases of children with an unexpected rapid brain tumor progression after LITT. The first case was an 11-year-old boy with a periventricular metastasis of a recurrent anaplastic ependymoma treated with proton-therapy and radiosurgery. The second case was a 6-year-old girl with a Lynch-syndrome and a recurrence of a mesio-temporo-occipital high-grade glioma admitted to gross total resection, proton-therapy, chemotherapy, bevacizumab and immune checkpoint inhibitor. Due to evidence of tumor progression in both cases, a decision was made to perform LITT. Shortly after the laser ablation, we observed a significant tumor growth along the trajectory of the LITT catheters, accompanied by clinical deterioration. The effect of LITT on pediatric ependymoma and high-grade glioma recurrence after radiotherapy is still unclear. The tumor expansion following LITT in these two patients should drive a deeper awareness of the effect of radiation and LITT on the tumor-environment. The breakage of the morphogenetic boundaries of the neuromeres, to which each tumor was initially confined, through the placement of the LITT catheters should be considered while trying to understand the disease spread mechanisms. Based on the experience of our center, we advise a careful implementation of this technique on pediatric high-grade central nervous system tumors, particularly in recurrent tumors that were previously treated with radiotherapy, until the underlying pathophysiologic mechanism has been better understood.
Relative bioavailability of selenium yeast, selenomethionine, hydroxyl-selenomethionine and nano-selenium for broilers
Authors: Liu Guoqing , Cao Sumei , Huang Liang , Lin Xuanxu , Sun Zheng , Lin Gang , Zhang Liyang , Lu Lin , Luo Xugang , Liao Xiudong
Published: January 2025

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and animals. Development and application of new forms of Se sources with lower toxicity and higher bioavailability has been attracting more attention. However, the bioavailabilities of Se from several new Se sources for broilers remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the relative bioavailabilities of Se from Se yeast (SY), selenomethionine (SM), hydroxyl-selenomethionine (SO) and nano-Se (NS) relative to sodium selenite (SS) for broilers fed a conventional corn-soybean meal diet. A total of 576 one-day-old Arbor Acres commercial male broilers were randomly assigned to 16 treatments with 6 replicate cages per treatment in a completely randomized design involving a 5 (Se sources: SY, SM, SO, NS and SS) × 3 (added Se levels: 0.15, 0.30 and 0.45 mg Se/kg) factorial design of treatments plus 1 (a Se-unsupplemented control) for 21 d. The relative bioavailabilities of Se sources were estimated based on plasma or tissue Se concentrations as well as selenoprotein mRNA expressions and activities in broilers. The results showed that the Se concentrations and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities in plasma, liver, breast muscle, pancreas and kidney as well as Se concentration in erythrocytes of broilers, and Gpx1 and Selenop mRNA expressions in pancreas increased linearly (p < 0.03) as added Se level increased. Furthermore, the differences (p < 0.05) among different Se sources were detected for the Se concentrations in liver, breast muscle, pancreas and erythrocytes, GPX activities in pancreas and kidney. Based on slope ratios from the multiple linear regressions of the above indices, the Se bioavailabilities of SY, SM, SO, NS relative to SS (100%) were 78 to 367%, 67.8 to 471%, 57 to 372%, and 45 to 92%, respectively. The results from this study indicated that the Se from SM, SY and SO are more available to broilers than the Se from SS in enhancing the Se concentrations in liver, breast muscle, pancreas and erythrocytes and GPX activity in pancreas, and the Se from SM had the highest while the Se from NS had the lowest relative bioavailability.
Raman Spectroscopy and Its Application in Fruit Quality Detection
Authors: Huang Yong , Wang Haoran , Huang Huasheng , Tan Zhiping , Hou Chaojun , Zhuang Jiajun , Tang Yu
Published: January 2025

Raman spectroscopy is a spectral analysis technique based on molecular vibration. It has gained widespread acceptance as a practical tool for the non-invasive and rapid characterization or identification of multiple analytes and compounds in recent years. In fruit quality detection, Raman spectroscopy is employed to detect organic compounds, such as pigments, phenols, and sugars, as well as to analyze the molecular structures of specific chemical bonds or functional groups, providing valuable insights into fruit disease detection, pesticide residue analysis, and origin identification. Consequently, Raman spectroscopy techniques have demonstrated significant potential in agri-food analysis across various domains. Notably, the frontier of Raman spectroscopy is experiencing a surge in machine learning applications to enhance the resolution and quality of the resulting spectra. This paper reviews the fundamental principles and recent advancements in Raman spectroscopy and explores data processing techniques that use machine learning in Raman spectroscopy, with a focus on its applications in detecting fruit diseases, analyzing pesticide residues, and identifying origins. Finally, it highlights the challenges and future prospects of Raman spectroscopy, offering an effective reference for fruit quality detection.
Excessive Weight Gain During Pregnancy Increased Ponoxarase 1 Level in Neonatal Cord Blood
Authors: Ege Serhat , Akduman Hasan , Aşır Ayşegül , Korak Tuğcan
Published: January 2025

Maternal obesity is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for adverse fetal outcomes, primarily through its association with heightened oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress markers in umbilical cord blood of neonates born to obese mothers. Sixty-three pregnant women, who were of normal weight at the start of pregnancy but classified as obese at term, were included. Umbilical cord blood samples were collected immediately post-delivery and analyzed for serum oxidative stress markers (total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), paraoxanase (PON), aryl esterase, thiol, and catalase activities). Protein interaction networks were generated using Cytoscape (v3.10.3), and the overlapping proteins were further analyzed for functional annotations with ShinyGO (0.80). The top ten significantly enriched pathways were identified with a false discovery rate (FDR) threshold of <0.05. Significant associations were found between maternal BMI change and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) levels in umbilical cord blood, while no correlation was observed with other oxidative (total oxidant status) and antioxidant markers (total antioxidant status, aryl esterase, thiol, and catalase). Additionally, the correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between BMI change and fetal gestational age, but not with other demographic or clinical features. A total of 24 common protein interactors associated with PON1, obesity, and oxidative stress were identified. Functional annotation analysis revealed significant enrichment in antioxidant and oxidoreductase activities, along with pathways involved in insulin resistance, AGE-RAGE signaling, and atherosclerosis. Maternal obesity may specifically affect PON1 activity, potentially serving as a compensatory response to oxidative stress in neonates, suggesting PON1 as a possible biomarker for oxidative stress-related metabolic disturbances in neonates of obese mothers, with implications for monitoring and managing pregnancy outcomes in obese populations.
Structure-Based Approaches for Protein–Protein Interaction Prediction Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning
Authors: Kiouri Despoina P. , Batsis Georgios C. , Chasapis Christos T.
Published: January 2025

Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) prediction plays a pivotal role in understanding cellular processes and uncovering molecular mechanisms underlying health and disease. Structure-based PPI prediction has emerged as a robust alternative to sequence-based methods, offering greater biological accuracy by integrating three-dimensional spatial and biochemical features. This work summarizes the recent advances in computational approaches leveraging protein structure information for PPI prediction, focusing on machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques. These methods not only improve predictive accuracy but also provide insights into functional sites, such as binding and catalytic residues. However, challenges such as limited high-resolution structural data and the need for effective negative sampling persist. Through the integration of experimental and computational tools, structure-based prediction paves the way for comprehensive proteomic network analysis, holding promise for advancements in drug discovery, biomarker identification, and personalized medicine. Future directions include enhancing scalability and dataset reliability to expand these approaches across diverse proteomes.
Assessment of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: From the Consensus Conference-Derived Scales to Remote Digital Phenotyping
Authors: Mucci Armida , Leucht Stefan , Giordano Giulia M. , Giuliani Luigi , Wehr Sophia , Weigel Lucia , Galderisi Silvana
Published: January 2025

The assessment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia has advanced since the 2006 NIMH-MATRICS Consensus Statement, leading to the development of second-generation rating scales like the Brief Negative Symptom Scale and the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms. These scales address the limitations of first-generation tools, such as the inclusion of aspects that are not negative symptoms and the lack of assessment of the subject’s internal experience. However, psychometric validation of these scales is still in progress, and they are not yet recommended by regulatory agencies, thus limiting their use in clinical trials and settings. Complementing these traditional methods, remote digital phenotyping offers a novel approach by leveraging smartphones and wearable technology to capture real-time, high-resolution clinical data. Despite the potential to overcome traditional assessment barriers, challenges remain in aligning these digital measures with clinical ratings and ensuring data security. Equally important is patient acceptance, as the success of remote digital phenotyping relies on the willingness of patients to use these technologies. This review provides a critical overview of both second-generation scales and remote digital phenotyping for assessing negative symptoms, highlighting future research needs.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Cibisatamab Using Adult Stem Cell-Derived Organoids and Colorectal Cancer Spheroids
Authors: Anstett Victor , Heinzelmann Elisa , Piraino Francesco , Roch Aline , Chrisnandy Antonius , Norkin Maxim , Garnier Virginie , Homicsko Krisztian , Hoehnel-Ka Sylke , Brandenberg Nathalie
Published: January 2025

Objectives: Developing ex vivo models that replicate immune–tumor interactions with high fidelity is essential for advancing immunotherapy research, as traditional two-dimensional in vitro systems often lack the complexity required to fully represent these interactions. Methods: In this study, we establish a comprehensive 3D redirect lysis (3D-RDL) assay using colorectal cancer spheroids and adult stem cell-derived, healthy human organoids to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of Cibisatamab, a bispecific antibody targeting carcinoembryonic antigens (CEAs) on cancer cells and CD3 on T cells. This model allows us to assess cytotoxic activity and immune responses, capturing variations in therapeutic response not observable in simpler systems. Our model integrates live imaging and cytotoxicity analyses to enable precise, real-time tracking of antibody effects on CEA-expressing tumor cells compared to healthy cells. Additionally, by standardizing effector-to-target cell ratios in each co-culture, we establish a reproducible workflow that enhances data accuracy and comparability across assays. Flow cytometry and Granzyme B release profiling further allow us to characterize immune cell activation, revealing distinct T cell activation markers and Granzyme B release patterns tied to Cibisatamab treatment. Results: Our results show that Cibisatamab effectively induces cell death in cancer spheroids with high CEA expression while being dose-dependent on target, off-tumor binding and killing on non-cancerous cells of healthy organoids with intermediate CEA levels. This highlights our model’s potential to predict clinical immunotherapy outcomes, capturing complex responses like immune activation, therapeutic selectivity, and potential resistance mechanisms. Conclusions: These findings underscore the utility of our model as a reliable, physiologically relevant tool for screening new immunotherapies and advancing our understanding of tumor-immune dynamics.
Precision in Motion Management: Long-Term Local Control and Prognostic Insights in SBRT for Oligometastatic Lung and Liver Metastases
Authors: Dirkx Silke , Van Laere Sven , Gevaert Thierry , De Ridder Mark
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Inadequate dosing and respiratory motion contribute to local recurrence for oligometastatic disease (OMD). While short-term LC rates are well-documented, data on long-term LC remain limited. This study investigated long-term LC after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), using respiratory motion management techniques. Methods: This retrospective study took place at UZ Brussel with follow-up until Oct 2024. It analyzed oligometastatic patients treated with SBRT between Jul 2012 and Feb 2017. Treatment involved delivering 50 Gy in 10 fractions on the 80% isodose line, building on data from a prior prospective study. Lesion movement was managed using internal target volume (ITV) or dynamic tumor tracking (DTT) with marker. The primary endpoint of the study was long-term LC and identifying variables associated with it using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results: A total of 100 patients were treated for a total of 211 metastatic lesions. Lesions were predominantly in the lungs (74%) and treated using ITV (88%). LC rates at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 76.5%, 53.8%, 38.1%, and 36.3%, respectively. Improved LC was observed in locations other than lung and liver (HR: 0.309; p = 0.024) and with increasing age (HR: 0.975; p < 0.010). Worse LC was seen in liver lesions (HR: 1.808; p = 0.103) and systemic therapy post-radiotherapy (HR: 3.726; p < 0.001). No significant associations were found with tumor size or tumor motion, nor between the two motion management strategies used (DTT and ITV). Conclusions: Appropriate motion management is key in LC for OMD. No significant difference in LC was found between both techniques. Lesion location, patient age, and systemic therapy post-radiotherapy were prognostic factors for LC.
The Development of the Radial Bow in Children: Normative Values
Authors: Kass Samara F. , Conroy Julia L. , Forsberg Alisa , Li Rebecca S. , May Catherine C. , McKibben Natasha S. , Jauregui Julio J. , Lui Raymond W. , Abzug Joshua M.
Published: January 2025

Background: Radial bowing is necessary for forearm rotation. Fractures or deformities of the forearm that affect the radial bow may disrupt normal forearm rotation. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the development and establish normative values for the pediatric and adolescent radial bow. Methods: A retrospective review of radiographs from children aged 0–17 years with no previous history of an upper extremity fracture or condition was performed. Patient demographics, maximal radial bow location, and depth were recorded in millimeters and as percentages of the total radial length. The proximal, middle, and distal third radial bows were measured. Means and standard deviations were utilized to establish average measurements by age group. Pearson correlation coefficients assessed the relationship between radial bowing and age. Results: A total of 505 forearm radiographs were measured. The average age of the patients was 10.0 years (SD: 5.2). The maximal radial bow location remained consistent with age, with a mean value of 61.7%. The maximal radial bow depth marginally decreased with age, with a mean value of 7.7%. The proximal, middle, and distal third maximal radial bows (measured in millimeters) increased with age. Conclusions: The maximal radial bow depth marginally decreases with increasing age, while the location of the maximal radial bow remains consistent as age increases. These measurements may be used to assess fracture reduction to ensure proper restoration of the radial bow during fracture and congenital condition treatment. Furthermore, they can aid in the detection of subtle fractures of the radius, including plastic deformations and greenstick fractures.
Attitudes of Adolescents Toward Addictive Substances: Hope and Self-Control as Protective Factors
Authors: Cengiz Serkan , Turan Mehmet Emin , Çelik Eyüp
Published: January 2025

Background: Experiences of ostracism may be related to attitudes toward substance abuse. However, the protective factors underlying this relationship are still unclear. Therefore, based on the Need-threat and Self-control theory, we aimed to test a model in which self-control and hope mediate the relationship between ostracism and attitudes toward addictive substances. Methods: In this model, we highlighted risk factors (ostracism) and protective factors (self-control and hope). This study was a cross-sectional data analysis of 787 students (52.50% boys, 47.50% girls; Mage = 15.69, SD = 1.12). Results: The results revealed that ostracism was positively associated with attitudes toward addictive substances, and evidence was provided that this relationship was mediated by hope and self-control. Ultimately, the research highlights the link between ostracism and attitudes toward addictive substances, identifying hope and self-control as mediators. Conclusions: This study highlights individual risk and protective factors related to attitudes toward addictive substances and offers new perspectives on ways to prevent and reduce adolescents’ positive attitudes toward substance use. School counselors and educators should help students strengthen skills such as hope and self-control to prevent them from developing positive attitudes toward substance use in the future.