bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efektivitas Penyuluhan Kesehatan Dalam Peningkatan Pengetahuan Remaja Tentang HIV/AIDS
Authors: Gusrianti Gusrianti , Ulva Fadillah , Azkha Nizwardi
Published: November 2023

Peningkatan kasus HIV/AIDS di Indonesia cenderung meningkat dari tahun ke tahun. Sejak sebelas tahun terakhir, jumlah kasus HIV di Indonesia mencapai puncaknya pada tahun 2019 sebanyak 50.282 kasus dan AIDS sebanyak 7.036 kasus. Provinsi Sumatera Barat berada pada urutan ke 20 dari 33 provinsi di Indonesia yang memiliki kasus HIV sebanyak 474 kasus dan AIDS berada pada urutan ke 7 sebanyak 258 kasus. Kota Padang juga menjadi peringkat tertinggi dengan angka 145 kasus. Tujuan Penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui efektivitas penyuluhan dengan metode video dan leaflet terhadap tingkat pengetahuan komprehensif HIVD/AIDS pada Remaja di Kota Padang. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah kuantitatif dengan desain quasi-eksperimen. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Sekolah Menengah Atas X di Kota Padang. Penelitian dilakukan pada bulan Juli – Agustus tahun 2023. Sampel pada penelitian ini berjumlah 58 orang. Pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik simple random sampling. Data yang digunakan adalah data primer dan data sekunder. Alat ukur yang digunakan yaitu kuesioner. Data di analisis secara univariat dan bivariat dengan menggunakan uji Chi Square. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian diketahui rata-rata tingkat pengetahuan siswa sebelum diberikan penyuluhan kesehatan menggunakan video sebesar 52,59 dan sesudah diberikan penyuluhan kesehatan yaitu 95,69. Rata-rata tingkat pengetahuan siswa sebelum diberikan penyuluhan kesehatan dengan media leaflet sebesar 47,93 dan sesudah diberikan penyuluhan kesehatan yaitu 84,14. Hasil uji statistik menunjukkan terdapat perbedaan tingkat pengetahuan sebelum dan sesudah diberikan penyuluhan kesehatan dengan menggunakan media video dan leaflet dengan nilai p value 0,0001.
ШЕНГАВИТСКИЙ НЕКРОПОЛЬ: АРХЕОЛОГИЯ И АНТРОПОЛОГИЯ
Authors: Симонян Акоп , Фризен Сергей , Боруцкая Светлана , Васильев Сергей
Published: November 2023

Цель статьи – публикация краниологических материалов Шенгавит-ского некрополя из фондов НИИ и Музея антропологии МГУ. Приводятся археологические данные о могильнике, индивидуальные данные черепов и результаты палеопатологического исследования. К сожалению, малочис-ленность материала не дает возможности проведения межгруппового ана-лиза, но, на наш взгляд, черепам из Шенгавита можно найти аналогии как в синхронных, так и в более поздних сериях Кавказа и степных регионов.
ДИАХРОННАЯ ИЗМЕНЧИВОСТЬ ФЕНОФОНДА НАСЕЛЕНИЯ ГОРОДА АЗОВА ЗА ПОСЛЕДНИЕ ПЯТЬ СТОЛЕТИЙ
Authors: Кашибадзе Вера
Published: November 2023

Целью исследования является изучение диахронной изменчивости фенофонда популяций Нижнего Подонья на протяжении последних пяти-сот лет в условиях пространственной константы (территория города Азова, пережившего сложную историю на обозначенном отрезке времени). Объек-том исследования являлись одонтологические данные по четырем кранио-логическим сериям разных исторических периодов (золотоордынское вре-мя, петровское и постпетровское время, начало ХХ в.) общей численностью 232 индивидуума с территории города Азова. Использован разработанный автором феногеографический метод и его раздел графической оценки ди-ахронной изменчивости отдельных маркеров. Основу одонтологического статуса изученных популяций составляет комплекс характеристик степного населения юга России, прослеживающийся в той или иной мере с эпохи бронзы до Нового времени. Межгрупповой диапазон вариаций частот при-знаков невелик и находится в пределах ошибки выборки. Полученные ре-зультаты позволяют предположить определенную стабильность фенофон-да населения города и преемственность его физических характеристик на протяжении последних пяти столетий. Сделан вывод, что сложение популя-ционной структуры народонаселения – длительный процесс, не связанный напрямую с отдельными историческими событиями.
Analysis of the correlation between heart rate variability and palpitation symptoms in female patients with long COVID
Authors: Jiang Yu , Cheng Yan , Xiao Jingwen , Wang Yicheng , Chen Geng , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To analyze the correlation between heart rate variability (HRV) and palpitation symptoms in female patients with long COVID.

Methods

A total of 272 female healthcare workers who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 for the first time in December 2022 at Fuzhou First Hospital affiliated with Fujian Medical University, were selected as study subjects. These subjects were divided into three groups based on their symptoms: a group with palpitations (70 cases), a group without palpitations but with other symptoms (124 cases), and a group consisting of asymptomatic cases (78 cases). The study compared the general information, COMPASS-31 scores, quality of life scores, and HRV parameters among the three groups. Furthermore, it analyzed the factors influencing palpitation symptoms in female patients with long COVID.

Results

Compared to the other two groups, the HRV parameters SDNN, HRVIndex, LF, and TP were significantly reduced in the group with palpitations (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that HRVIndex (p = 0.016; OR: 0.966, 95% CI: 0.940∼0.994) had a significant impact on palpitation symptoms in female patients with long COVID.

Conclusions

The symptoms of palpitations in female patients with long COVID were found to be related to HRV parameters. Autonomic dysfunction may be connected to the occurrence of palpitation symptoms in long COVID.
Power stability control of wind-PV-battery AC microgrid based on two-parameters fuzzy VSG
Authors: Zhou Wenwei , Wang Binjie , Gu Jipeng , Zhang Youbing , Wang Shuyi , Wu Yixuan
Published: November 2023

Virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control addresses the issue of decreasing microgrid standby inertia caused by the rise in wind turbines and photovoltaic (PV) penetration. However, various types of perturbations occur frequently making the traditional constant parameter VSG control unable to meet the system performance requirements, and thus a two-parameters fuzzy VSG control is proposed to ensure that microgrid inertia and damping. Firstly, the device-level control of each generation unit in the microgrid is designed based on the wind-PV-battery alternating current (AC) microgrid architecture. Secondly, fuzzy VSG control uses fuzzy rules written in plain language to represent the relationship between the main VSG factors and the power and frequency. Then, the influence of virtual inertia and damping coefficient on the dynamic performance of the system is analyzed through the theory of small-signal model, and a reasonable variation range of VSG parameters are given. Finally, the simulation model of wind-PV-battery AC microgrid is built in MATLAB/Simulink, and compared with other improved VSG control strategies, the fuzzy VSG control proposed in this paper has better dynamic performance and safety stability. This research emphasizes the practicality and importance of utilizing fuzzy control to adjust VSG techniques for developing microgrid configurations incorporating more renewable energy sources to guarantee the reliability and efficiency of microgrid.
Evaluating energy justice metrics in early-stage science and technology research using the JUST-R metrics framework
Authors: Arkhurst Bettina K. , Houghteling Clara R. , Dutta Nikita S. , Clarke Ardelia , Fu Katherine , Anderson Kate , Gill Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

Embedding principles of energy justice throughout all aspects of clean energy technology research and development (R&D) can facilitate a more just energy transition; yet gaps remain in our understanding of how to best integrate energy justice from the earliest R&D stages. The Justice Underpinning Science and Technology Research (JUST-R) metrics framework has been developed to enable early-stage energy researchers to assess and address justice considerations associated with their research, but the impacts of the framework, and others like it, have yet to be evaluated. This study seeks to evaluate the JUST-R metrics framework in terms of its effectiveness and appeal to researchers engaged in early-stage technical R&D using qualitative analyses of documents and workshop transcripts. We find that the metrics framework helps researchers identify problems and potential solutions surrounding the energy justice implications of their work and spurs a change in perspective for researchers, but, simultaneously, there is no evidence of solution follow-through within the evaluation timeframe. Greater institutional support, specialization to research areas, knowledge of energy justice fundamentals, and earlier incorporation of energy justice considerations in research projects arise as factors needed to aid continued use of the framework and pursuit of identified solutions. This evaluation protocol and these findings can serve as a guide for improving other frameworks with similar goals of encouraging sociotechnical engagement in early-stage energy R&D.
Mucosal DNA methylome alteration in Crohn’s disease: surgical and non-surgical groups
Authors: Ahmad Saeed , Sands Mia , Greenberg Eugene , Tangen Lyn , Huang Jiacheng , Irudayaraj Joseph Maria Kumar
Published: November 2023

Crohn’s disease (CD) is characterized as a chronic, relapsing, and progressive disorder with a complex etiology involving interactions between host, microbiome, and the external environment. Genome wide association studies (GWAS) suggest several genetic variations in the diseased individuals but that explains only a small proportion of susceptibility to disease conditions. This indicates the possible role of epigenome which links environmental factors to the genetic variation in the disease etiology. The current study is focused on the DNA methylome evolution with disease progression. We performed Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing (RRBS) to analyze differential DNA methylation in the diseased and healthy mucosal tissues of 2 different groups of CD patients: non-surgical and surgical, categorized based on the severity of disease and standard of care needed. Patients in both groups have unique DNA methylation signature compared to the healthy tissue. After removing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 1,671 differentially methylated loci were found in the non-surgical and 3,334 in the surgical group of which only 206 were found overlapping in both groups. Furthermore, differential DNA methylation was noted in some of the GWAS associated genes implicated in CD. Also, functional enrichment analysis showed high representation of several key pathways where differential methylations were observed, and these can be implicated in CD pathogenesis. We identified specific DNA methylation patterns in the mucosal DNA of surgical and non-surgical CD patients which indicates evolution of the methylome as the disease progresses from initial to the advance stage. These unique patterns can be used as DNA methylation signatures to identify different stages of the disease.
Extramedullary hematopoiesis contributes to enhanced erythropoiesis during pregnancy via TGF-β signaling
Authors: Fu Yao , Li Zhengjuan , Lin Wen , Yao Jingxin , Jiang Xiang , Shu Qun , Mao Xiaoyuan , Tu Jiaoqin , Liang Xinyuan , Li Liping
Published: November 2023

Red blood cells are the predominant cellular component in human body, and their numbers increase significantly during pregnancy due to heightened erythropoiesis. CD71+ erythroid cells (CECs) are immature red blood cells, encompassing erythroblasts and reticulocytes, constitute a rare cell population primarily found in the bone marrow, although they are physiologically enriched in the neonatal mouse spleen and human cord blood. Presently, the mechanisms underlying the CECs expansion during pregnancy remain largely unexplored. Additionally, the mechanisms and roles associated with extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) of erythroid cells during pregnancy have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, our objective was to examine the underlying mechanisms of erythroid-biased hematopoiesis during pregnancy. Our findings revealed heightened erythropoiesis and elevated CECs in both human and mouse pregnancies. The increased presence of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β during pregnancy facilitated the differentiation of CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) into CECs, without impacting HSPCs proliferation, ultimately leading to enhanced erythropoiesis. The observed increase in CECs during pregnancy was primarily attributed to EMH occurring in the spleen. During mouse pregnancy, splenic stromal cells were found to have a significant impact on splenic erythropoiesis through the activation of TGF-β signaling. Conversely, splenic macrophages were observed to contribute to extramedullary erythropoiesis in a TGF-β-independent manner. Our results suggest that splenic stromal cells play a crucial role in promoting extramedullary erythropoiesis and the production of CECs during pregnancy, primarily through TGF-β-dependent mechanisms.
Exploring environmental and biological drivers of cetacean occurrence in the cross-border region of the Malin Shelf using data from a European fishery survey
Authors: Pommier Morgane , O’Donnell Ciaran , Barile Cynthia , McGill Ross , Berrow Simon , O’Brien Joanne
Published: November 2023

Irish and Scottish waters are important habitats for cetaceans in Europe. Yet, little data is available for the region of the Malin Shelf, north of Ireland. Despite a rich species diversity, relative cetacean abundance appears low compared to hotspots documented west of Scotland and Ireland. Whether this perceived low prevalence accurately portrays an ecological discontinuity or arises from a lack of published results and low survey effort in that transborder area remains unclear. Here, we used sighting records from a multi-disciplinary fisheries survey, the Western European Shelf Pelagic Acoustic Survey (WESPAS), to explore cetacean habitat preferences over the Malin and Hebridean shelves. Northern minke whale and common dolphin occurrence was modelled within a Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) framework, against selected environmental and biological variables. No correlation was observed between cetacean presence and in-situ prey biomass. Minke whales distribution was better explained by oceanography, notably proxies for frontal activity, and primary productivity. Common dolphins similarly showed preferences for shelf waters within 5-25km of fronts, but also affinities for fine substrates. Favourable habitats identified by the models were consistent with literature around the Hebrides and shed light on potentially important areas along the Islay front and north of Donegal, so far unreported due to data deficiency. Results will contribute towards informing future monitoring, strategic management and conservation efforts in this cross-border region.
S-SCAM is essential for synapse formation
Authors: Wittenmayer Nina , Petkova-Tuffy Andonia , Borgmeyer Maximilian , Lee Chungku , Becker Jürgen , Böning Andreas , Kügler Sebastian , Rhee JeongSeop , Viotti Julio S. , Dresbach Thomas
Published: November 2023

Synapse formation is critical for the wiring of neural circuits in the developing brain. The synaptic scaffolding protein S-SCAM/MAGI-2 has important roles in the assembly of signaling complexes at post-synaptic densities. However, the role of S-SCAM in establishing the entire synapse is not known. Here, we report significant effects of RNAi-induced S-SCAM knockdown on the number of synapses in early stages of network development in vitro. In vivo knockdown during the first three postnatal weeks reduced the number of dendritic spines in the rat brain neocortex. Knockdown of S-SCAM in cultured hippocampal neurons severely reduced the clustering of both pre- and post-synaptic components. This included synaptic vesicle proteins, pre- and post-synaptic scaffolding proteins, and cell adhesion molecules, suggesting that entire synapses fail to form. Correspondingly, functional and morphological characteristics of developing neurons were affected by reducing S-SCAM protein levels; neurons displayed severely impaired synaptic transmission and reduced dendritic arborization. A next-generation sequencing approach showed normal expression of housekeeping genes but changes in expression levels in 39 synaptic signaling molecules in cultured neurons. These results indicate that S-SCAM mediates the recruitment of all key classes of synaptic molecules during synapse assembly and is critical for the development of neural circuits in the developing brain.
Effectiveness of acupuncture for pain relief in shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke: a systematic evaluation and Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Ting , Yao Hongfang , Huang Junneng , Wang Ning , Zhou Chunjun , Huang Xuyang , Tan Xiangyuan , Li Yanyan , Jie Yuyu , Wang Xiang , Yang Yu , Liang Yingye , Yue Siqian , Mao Yawen , Lai Songxian , Zheng Jingyiqi , He Yufeng
Published: November 2023

Background

Shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) is a common complication after stroke, and SHS-induced pain significantly hampers patients’ overall recovery. As an alternative therapy for pain relief, acupuncture has certain advantages in alleviating pain caused by SHS after stroke. However, choosing the best treatment plan from a variety of acupuncture options is still a serious challenge in clinical practice. Therefore, we conducted this Bayesian network meta-analysis to comprehensively compare the effectiveness of various acupuncture treatment methods.

Methods

We systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture treatment in patients with post-stroke SHS published in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science until 9 March 2023. We used the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool to assess the bias risk in the included original studies.

Results

A total of 50 RCTs involving 3,999 subjects were included, comprising 19 types of effective acupuncture interventions. Compared to single rehabilitation training, the top three interventions for VAS improvement were floating needle [VAS = −2.54 (95% CI: −4.37 to −0.69)], rehabilitation + catgut embedding [VAS = −2.51 (95% CI: −4.33 to −0.68)], and other multi-needle acupuncture combinations [VAS = −2.32 (95% CI: −3.68 to −0.94)]. The top three interventions for improving the Fugl–Meyer score were eye acupuncture [Meyer = 15.73 (95% CI: 3.4627.95)], other multi-needle acupuncture combinations [Meyer = 12.22 (95% CI: 5.1919.34)], and traditional western medicine + acupuncture + traditional Chinese medicine [Meyer = 11.96 (95% CI: −0.59 to 24.63)].

Conclusion

Multiple acupuncture methods are significantly effective in improving pain and upper limb motor function in post-stroke SHS, with relatively few adverse events; thus, acupuncture can be promoted.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, CRD42023410957.
Acupuncture for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Luolin , Wu Tong , Zhong Zhishan , Yi Lichen , Li Yuemei
Published: November 2023

Background

Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (PDPN) is a common complication of diabetes, it severely affects the quality of life of patients. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in the treatment of PDPN. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for pain relief in patients diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Method

We thoroughly searched specific databases, which included PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database and the Wanfang Data. All randomized controlled trials of acupuncture therapy for PDPN with pain change scales were included. Included studies were assessed for methodological quality according to the risk of bias from the Cochrane handbook. Meta-analyses were carried out to analyze the outcomes, subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and funnel plot analyses were undertaken.

Results

This systematic review evaluated a total of 25 trials of acupuncture therapy in combination with conventional treatment, involving a total of 1,561 patients with PDPN. According to the results, among 16 trials using VAS scores with a total of 1,552 patients, 2 acupoint injection trials (MD −2.38, 95% CI: −2.76 to −2.01, p < 0.00001), 12 acupuncture trials (MD −1. 31, 95% CI: −1.60 to −1.02, p < 0.00001) and 2 moxibustion trials showed that acupuncture therapy combined with conventional treatment improved pain better than conventional treatment (MD −2.50, 95% CI: −2.76 to −2.24, p < 0.00001). In the subgroup analysis of the acupuncture group, the results of the 5 trials in which the location of acupuncture was only in the limbs (MD −1.27, 95% CI: −1.54 to −1.01, p < 0.00001) and the 7 trials both in limbs and torso (MD −1.38, 95% CI: −1.81 to −0.95, p < 0.00001) also demonstrated that acupuncture was effective in pain improvement.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis analyzed the possible efficacy of acupuncture in combination with conventional treatment for pain in diabetic peripheral neuropathy, particularly when acupoints are located in the limbs. However, there are limitations to this meta-analysis and future clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023449447, identifier (CRD42023449447).
Evaluation of the use of Idesia polycarpa Maxim protein coating to extend the shelf life of European sweet cherries
Authors: Yang Wenqing , Zhang Zimu , Chen Yaobing , Luo Kai
Published: November 2023

Idesia polycarpa Maxim protein was used as a substrate to prepare a novel food packaging material with bioactive functions for encapsulating and extending the postharvest shelf life of sweet cherries. The film-forming solution was prepared from a mixture of Idesia polycarpa Maxim protein, glycerol, and gelatin, and was cast to form a film at room temperature and evaluated for mechanical, optical, structural, crystallinity, thermal properties, morphology, and antioxidant activity. Idesia polycarpa Maxim protein composite film solution was applied as an edible coating on sweet cherries and evaluated for changes in physical and biochemical parameters of sweet cherries in storage at 20°C and 50% relative humidity for 9 days. The results showed that the film tensile strength increased from 0.589 to 1.981 Mpa and the elongation at break increased from 42.555% to 58.386% with the increase of Idesia polycarpa Maxim protein concentration. And in the in vitro antioxidant assay, IPPF-4.0% was found to have the best antioxidant activity, with scavenging rates of 65.11% ± 1.19%, 70.74% ± 0.12%, and 90.96% ± 0.49% for DPPH radicals, ABTS radicals, and hydroxyl radicals, respectively. Idesia polycarpa Maxim protein coating applied to sweet cherries and after storage at 20°C and 50% relative humidity for 9 days, it was found that the Idesia polycarpa Maxim protein coating significantly reduced the weight loss (54.82% and 34.91% in the Control and Coating-2.5% groups, respectively) and the loss of ascorbic acid content (16.47% and 37.14% in the Control and Coating-2.5% groups, respectively) of the sweet cherries, which can effectively extend the aging of sweet cherry fruits and prolong their shelf life. The developed protein film of Idesia polycarpa Maxim with antioxidant activity can be used as a new food packaging material in the food industry.
Similarities and divergences in the metabolism of immune cells in cancer and helminthic infections
Authors: Esperante Diego , Gutiérrez Mónica Itzel Martínez , Issa Mark E. , Schcolnik-Cabrera Alejandro , Mendlovic Fela
Published: November 2023

Energetic and nutritional requirements play a crucial role in shaping the immune cells that infiltrate tumor and parasite infection sites. The dynamic interaction between immune cells and the microenvironment, whether in the context of tumor or helminth infection, is essential for understanding the mechanisms of immunological polarization and developing strategies to manipulate them in order to promote a functional and efficient immune response that could aid in the treatment of these conditions. In this review, we present an overview of the immune response triggered during tumorigenesis and establishment of helminth infections, highlighting the transition to chronicity in both cases. We discuss the energetic demands of immune cells under normal conditions and in the presence of tumors and helminths. Additionally, we compare the metabolic changes that occur in the tumor microenvironment and the infection site, emphasizing the alterations that are induced to redirect the immune response, thereby promoting the survival of cancer cells or helminths. This emerging discipline provides valuable insights into disease pathogenesis. We also provide examples of novel strategies to enhance immune activity by targeting metabolic pathways that shape immune phenotypes, with the aim of achieving positive outcomes in cancer and helminth infections.
Case Report: Case series: association between blood concentration and side effects of sotorasib
Authors: Shigaki Ryota , Yoshida Ryohei , Yagita Akari , Nagasue Kazunori , Naraoka Taeka , Nitanai Kiichi , Yanada Hiraku , Tenma Toshiyuki , Kida Ryotaro , Umekage Yasuhiro , Mori Chie , Minami Yoshinori , Sato Hideki , Iwayama Kuninori , Hashino Yasuhisa , Fukudo Masahide , Sasaki Takaaki
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Sotorasib is a crucial therapeutic agent for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring the KRAS p.G12C mutation. Despite its efficacy, the relationship between blood sotorasib concentrations and side effects remains largely unexplored.

Methods

This study enrolled five patients with KRAS p.G12C-positive NSCLC treated with sotorasib (LUMAKRAS® Tablets, Amgen, Japan) between July 2022 and February 2023 at Asahikawa Medical University Hospital. Blood sotorasib levels were monitored, and their association with adverse events was examined, with no adjustments made to drug dosages based on these levels.

Results

Variable blood sotorasib levels were observed among the participants. Notably, one patient developed interstitial pneumonitis, although a definitive attribution to sotorasib was uncertain due to prior pembrolizumab treatment. The study revealed no consistent association between blood sotorasib levels and adverse events or therapeutic outcomes, with some patients experiencing severe side effects at higher concentrations, while others did not.

Conclusion

Preliminary findings suggested that monitoring blood sotorasib levels may aid in anticipating adverse events in this small cohort. However, future studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods are required to validate these initial observations. Such studies could potentially offer insights into personalized dosing strategies, thereby mitigating adverse effects and enhance patient care for individuals with KRAS p.G12C-positive NSCLC.
When microscopy and electrophysiology meet connectomics—Steve Massey’s contribution to unraveling the structure and function of the rod/cone gap junction
Authors: Ribelayga Christophe P. , O’Brien John
Published: November 2023

Electrical synapses, formed of gap junctions, are ubiquitous components of the central nervous system (CNS) that shape neuronal circuit connectivity and dynamics. In the retina, electrical synapses can create a circuit, control the signal-to-noise ratio in individual neurons, and support the coordinated neuronal firing of ganglion cells, hence, regulating signal processing at the network, single-cell, and dendritic level. We, the authors, and Steve Massey have had a long interest in gap junctions in retinal circuits, in general, and in the network of photoreceptors, in particular. Our combined efforts, based on a wide array of techniques of molecular biology, microscopy, and electrophysiology, have provided fundamental insights into the molecular structure and properties of the rod/cone gap junction. Yet, a full understanding of how rod/cone coupling controls circuit dynamics necessitates knowing its operating range. It is well established that rod/cone coupling can be greatly reduced or eliminated by bright-light adaptation or pharmacological treatment; however, the upper end of its dynamic range has long remained elusive. This held true until Steve Massey’s recent interest for connectomics led to the development of a new strategy to assess this issue. The effort proved effective in establishing, with precision, the connectivity rules between rods and cones and estimating the theoretical upper limit of rod/cone electrical coupling. Comparing electrophysiological measurements and morphological data indicates that under pharmacological manipulation, rod/cone coupling can reach the theoretical maximum of its operating range, implying that, under these conditions, all the gap junction channels present at the junctions are open. As such, channel open probability is likely the main determinant of rod/cone coupling that can change momentarily in a time-of-day- and light-dependent manner. In this article we briefly review our current knowledge of the molecular structure of the rod/cone gap junction and of the mechanisms behind its modulation, and we highlight the recent work led by Steve Massey. Steve’s contribution has been critical toward asserting the modulation depth of rod/cone coupling as well as elevating the rod/cone gap junction as one of the most suitable models to examine the role of electrical synapses and their plasticity in neural processing.
Risk factors for drug-related acute pancreatitis: an analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS)
Authors: Zhang Lin , Mao Wei , Liu Dan , Hu Bin , Lin Xiaofang , Ran Jie , Li Xingxing , Hu Jing
Published: November 2023

Objective: While several drugs have been linked to acute pancreatitis (AP), the AP-related risk of most drugs remains unclear. This study investigated the risk factors for drug-induced AP by analyzing a large dataset from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods: The reporting odds ratios (ROR) were used to assess the reports of drug-induced AP from the first quarter of 2004 to the second quarter of 2022. Single-factor, LASSO, and multi-factor regression analysis were performed to explore drug-related AP-related risk factors. Bonferroni correction was applied for the multiple comparisons performed.

Results: A total of 264 drugs associated with AP, including antineoplastic drugs (35/264), antidiabetic drugs (28/264), antibacterial drugs (24/264), immunomodulatory drugs (11/264), antipsychotic drugs (6/264), and other drugs (160/264) were retrieved. Multi-factor analysis showed that males, age 41–54 years old, and 36 drugs, including Tigecycline, were risk factors for drug-related AP. The median time to drug-related AP onset was 31 days (interquartile range [IQR] 7–102 days) and about 75% of adverse events occurred within 100 days.

Conclusion: These findings may help clinicians to identify drug-related AP at the early stage and can be used to inform future studies of drug-related AP pathogenesis.
Interception of vertically approaching objects: temporal recruitment of the internal model of gravity and contribution of optical information
Authors: Delle Monache Sergio , Paolocci Gianluca , Scalici Francesco , Conti Allegra , Lacquaniti Francesco , Indovina Iole , Bosco Gianfranco
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Recent views posit that precise control of the interceptive timing can be achieved by combining on-line processing of visual information with predictions based on prior experience. Indeed, for interception of free-falling objects under gravity’s effects, experimental evidence shows that time-to-contact predictions can be derived from an internal gravity representation in the vestibular cortex. However, whether the internal gravity model is fully engaged at the target motion outset or reinforced by visual motion processing at later stages of motion is not yet clear. Moreover, there is no conclusive evidence about the relative contribution of internalized gravity and optical information in determining the time-to-contact estimates.

Methods: We sought to gain insight on this issue by asking 32 participants to intercept free falling objects approaching directly from above in virtual reality. Object motion had durations comprised between 800 and 1100 ms and it could be either congruent with gravity (1 g accelerated motion) or not (constant velocity or -1 g decelerated motion). We analyzed accuracy and precision of the interceptive responses, and fitted them to Bayesian regression models, which included predictors related to the recruitment of a priori gravity information at different times during the target motion, as well as based on available optical information.

Results: Consistent with the use of internalized gravity information, interception accuracy and precision were significantly higher with 1 g motion. Moreover, Bayesian regression indicated that interceptive responses were predicted very closely by assuming engagement of the gravity prior 450 ms after the motion onset, and that adding a predictor related to on-line processing of optical information improved only slightly the model predictive power.

Discussion: Thus, engagement of a priori gravity information depended critically on the processing of the first 450 ms of visual motion information, exerting a predominant influence on the interceptive timing, compared to continuously available optical information. Finally, these results may support a parallel processing scheme for the control of interceptive timing.
Pest recognition based on multi-image feature localization and adaptive filtering fusion
Authors: Chen Yanan , Chen Miao , Guo Minghui , Wang Jianji , Zheng Nanning
Published: November 2023

Accurate recognition of pest categories is crucial for effective pest control. Due to issues such as the large variation in pest appearance, low data quality, and complex real-world environments, pest recognition poses challenges in practical applications. At present, many models have made great efforts on the real scene dataset IP102, but the highest recognition accuracy is only 75%. To improve pest recognition in practice, this paper proposes a multi-image fusion recognition method. Considering that farmers have easy access to data, the method performs fusion recognition on multiple images of the same pest instead of the conventional single image. Specifically, the method first uses convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract feature maps from these images. Then, an effective feature localization module (EFLM) captures the feature maps outputted by all blocks of the last convolutional stage of the CNN, marks the regions with large activation values as pest locations, and then integrates and crops them to obtain the localized features. Next, the adaptive filtering fusion module (AFFM) learns gate masks and selection masks for these features to eliminate interference from useless information, and uses the attention mechanism to select beneficial features for fusion. Finally, the classifier categorizes the fused features and the soft voting (SV) module integrates these results to obtain the final pest category. The principle of the model is activation value localization, feature filtering and fusion, and voting integration. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method can train high-performance feature extractors and classifiers, achieving recognition accuracy of 73.9%, 99.8%, and 99.7% on IP102, D0, and ETP, respectively, surpassing most single models. The results also show that thanks to the positive role of each module, the accuracy of multi-image fusion recognition reaches the state-of-the-art level of 96.1%, 100%, and 100% on IP102, D0, and ETP using 5, 2, and 2 images, respectively, which meets the requirements of practical applications. Additionally, we have developed a web application that applies our research findings in practice to assist farmers in reliable pest identification and drive the advancement of smart agriculture.
The impact of adverse childhood experiences and posttraumatic stress symptoms on chronic pain
Authors: Stapleton Peta , Kang Yage , Schwarz Robert , Freedom John
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Chronic pain is a prevalent worldwide health condition. The current study aimed to extend previous research that investigated the dynamics between chronic pain, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS).

Method

Adult participants worldwide with chronic pain were recruited for this study (N = 199; 89% females). Three hypotheses were proposed: (a) a high ACEs score would result in more severe pain intensity and interference compared to no ACEs; (b) a low ACEs score would result in more severe pain intensity and interference compared to no ACEs; and (c) PTSS would fully mediate the ACEs-pain relationship.

Results

Initially results indicated individuals with high ACEs reported more pain interference than those with no ACEs, although pain intensity did not differ between high and no ACEs. However, after controlling for age, socioeconomic status (SES), and pain duration, low and high ACEs were not significantly associated with pain intensity or interference compared to no ACEs. However, SES status was associated with pain intensity and interference, although not with pain interference after adding low and high ACEs to the model. Because of this the mediation exploration of PTSS was not viable.

Discussion

Implications for practice, limitations and future research outcomes are outlined.
Prevention and management of health products shortages by the French national agency (ANSM), 10 years of experience
Authors: Belgodère Laëtitia , Emmerich Joseph , Albin Nicolas , Bacon Trystan , Daynes Pascale , Vignot Stéphane , Vial Thierry , Renaud Guillaume , Le Saulnier Carole , Maillard-Couvreur Corine , Cachet Mélanie , Veyries Marie-Laure , Youdarene Rym , Oualikene-Gonin Wahiba , Ratignier-Carbonneil Christelle , Maison Patrick
Published: November 2023

Shortages of drugs and medical devices have tended to increase in France and worldwide, with consequences for patients and healthcare professionals. Preventing shortages of health products has become a priority for regulatory authorities, including the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM). To highlight perspectives for a better prevention, we described and analyzed the management of shortages in the availability of health products in France over the last 10 years. The supply chain was mapped to identify the main causes of shortages and stakeholders involved in managing shortages throughout the supply chain. National and European initiatives and regulatory measures were reviewed. A retrospective nationwide data analysis from the French reporting system of health product shortage reports was conducted over 10 years for drugs (2013–2022) and over an 18-month period for medical devices, from 1st March 2022 to 31st August 2023. An increase in drug shortage reports was observed, rising from 404 in 2013 to 3,761 in 2022 for drugs, with a relatively constant distribution of affected therapeutic classes. In 2022, the main reported causes of drug shortage risk were insufficient production capacity (27.1%), increased sales volume (21.5%), or lack of supply (13.6%). Over half of the reports on medical devices (55.4%) were objectified as indispensable, and their causes were mainly due to a lack of supply (48.2%), discontinuation of marketing (14.9%), increased sales volume (13.2%), and regulatory reasons (9.6%). ANSM and French authorities have engaged a public health policy for prevention and management of health product shortages including financial penalties, minimum safety stocks for Major Therapeutic Interest drugs, and a shortage management plan. Based on 10 years of experience, four priority measures have been identified to anticipate the risk of heath products shortages based: the importance of a national coordination from raw materials to local market, the implementation of new prevention and management actions in the supply chain, strengthening European cooperation and regulation including the establishment of a list of critical drugs, and promoting transparency and information.
Prospective comparison of liver stiffness measurement methods in surveillance biopsies after liver transplantation
Authors: Bosselmann Emily A. , Engel Bastian , Hartleben Björn , Wedemeyer Heiner , Jaeckel Elmar , Maasoumy Benjamin , Potthoff Andrej , Zender Steffen , Taubert Richard
Published: November 2023

Background

Liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) have proven useful for non-invasive detection of fibrosis. Previous studies of LSMs after transplantation were performed in cohorts dominated by hepatitis C reinfections and indication biopsies for the evaluation of graft dysfunction. However, the diagnostic fidelity of LSMs for fibrosis is biased by inflammation e.g., during replicative hepatitis C or rejection.

Materials and methods

The current study aimed for a head-to-head comparison of two different LSMs, acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) and transient elastography (TE), and a determination of cut-off values for the detection of advanced fibrosis (any LAF score component ≥2) in grafts undergoing surveillance biopsies (svLbx) without recurrent hepatitis C.

Results

103 svLbx were paired with valid LSMs at time of biopsy. AUROC analyses showed significant positive correlation with fibrosis for both methods (TE: AUROC = 0.819 (p < 0.001; 95%CI: 0.717–0.921); ARFI: AUROC = 0.771 (p = 0.001; 95%CI: 0.652–0.890). Patients were randomly assigned to training and validation cohorts for both LSM methods. Cut-off values were determined at 1.29 m/s (ARFI) and at 7.5 kPa (TE) in training cohorts. Sensitivity and specificity in training and validation cohorts were: TE: SEN 0.818 and 0.5; SPE 0.742 and 0.885; ARFI: SEN 0.818 and 1.0; SPE 0.75 and 0.586. LSMs were not associated with BANFF criteria for relevant graft injury.

Conclusion

LSM is a good non-invasive tool to screen for advanced graft fibrosis but not for relevant graft injury in patients with (near) normal liver enzymes. Fibrosis cut-off values identified and validated in svLbx were lower than in previous cohorts using indication biopsies.
Preoperative nutritional support in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery affects PREPARE score accuracy
Authors: Skalicky Pavel , Knapkova Katerina , Tesarikova Jana , Gregorik Michal , Klos Dusan , Lovecek Martin
Published: November 2023

Background

This study aimed to validate the accuracy of the Preoperative Pancreatic Resection (PREPARE) risk score in pancreatic resection patients.

Patients and methods

This prospective study included 216 patients who underwent pancreatic resection between January 2015 and December 2018. All patients in our cohort with weight loss or lack of appetite received dietary advice and preoperative oral nutritional supplementation (600 kcal/day). Demographic, clinicopathological, operative, and postoperative data were collected prospectively. The PREPARE score and the predicted risk of major complications were computed for each patient. Differences in major postoperative complications were analyzed using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. The predicted and observed risks of major complications were tested using the C-statistic.

Results

The study included 216 patients [117 men (54.2%)] with a median age of 65.0 (30.0–83.0) years. The majority of patients were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)’ Physical Status score II (N = 164/216; 75.9%) and as “low risk” PREPARE score (N = 185/216; 85.6%) before the surgery. Only 4 (1.9%) patients were malnourished, with albumin levels of less than 3.5 g/dl. The most common type of pancreatic resection was a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (N = 122/216; 56.5%). Major morbidity and 30-day mortality rates were 11.1% and 1.9%, respectively. The type of surgical procedure (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.849; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.208–12.264) and ASA score (HR: 3.089; 95% CI: 1.067–8.947) were significantly associated with the incidence of major postoperative complications in multivariate analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.657 for incremental values and 0.559 for risk categories, indicating a weak predictive model.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggest that the PREPARE risk score has low accuracy in predicting the risk of major complications in patients with consistent preoperative nutritional support. This limits the use of PREPARE risk score in future preoperative clinical routines.
Short-term transplantation effect of a tissue-engineered meniscus constructed using drilled allogeneic acellular meniscus and BMSCs
Authors: Dai Pengxiu , Zou Tong , Zhao Wen , Lv Yangou , Gao Dengke , Ruan Chenmei , Zhang Xia , Zhang Xinke , Zhang Yihua
Published: November 2023

During the construction of tissue-engineered meniscus, the low porosity of extracellular matrix restricts the flow of nutrient solution and the migration and proliferation of cells, thus affecting the tissue remodeling after transplantation. In this study, the canine allogeneic meniscus was drilled first and then decellularized. The drilled tissue-engineered menisci (Drilled Allogeneic Acellular Meniscus + Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells, BMSCs) were transplanted into the knee joints of model dogs. On the basis of ensuring the mechanical properties, the number of the porosity and the cells implanted in allogeneic acellular meniscus was significantly increased. The expression levels of glycosaminoglycans and type II collagen in the drilled tissue-engineered meniscus were also improved. It was determined that the animals in the experimental group recovered well-compared with those in the control group. The graft surface was covered with new cartilage, the retraction degree was small, and the tissue remodeling was good. The surface wear of the femoral condyle and tibial plateau cartilage was light. The results of this study showed that increasing the porosity of allogeneic meniscus by drilling could not only maintain the mechanical properties of the meniscus and increase the number of implanted cells but also promote cell proliferation and differentiation. After transplantation, the drilled tissue-engineered meniscus provided a good remodeling effect in vivo and played a positive role in repairing meniscal injury, protecting articular cartilage and restoring knee joint function.