bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the impact of investor sentiment on stock price using the latent dirichlet allocation topic model
Authors: Chen Meilan , Guo Zhiying , Abbass Kashif , Huang Wenfeng
Published: December 2022

Investor sentiment has always been an active research topic in finance. In recent years, text mining, machine learning and sentiment analysis have been very fruitful, and researchers can extract valuable information from social platforms more promptly and accurately. Unsupervised learning avoids the subjective human selection of data while reducing the workload. This paper uses the primary model for the unsupervised learning total probability generative model LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation). Natural language processing and word-splitting tools empirically analyze text data from a well-known financial and stock information website. An attempt is made to explore the correlation with stock excess return. The significant findings are as follows. First, investor sentiment classified by theme is positively correlated with excess return. Second, different themes have different degrees of influence, with “broad market sentiment” affecting the short term, corporate development involving a long time, and “corporate dividends” affecting both. Third, there is an asymmetric effect of investor sentiment on excess return.
Limited role of shifting cultivation in soil carbon and nutrients recovery in regenerating tropical secondary forests
Authors: Mukul Sharif A. , Herbohn John , Ferraren Angela , Congdon Robert
Published: December 2022

Shifting cultivation is a dominant land-use in the tropical forest-agriculture frontier in Southeast Asia and is blamed for much of the environmental degradation in the region. We examined the distribution and availability of four soil macronutrients—i.e., soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), in secondary forests regenerating after shifting cultivation abandonment. Soil samples were collected along an upland fallow gradient on Leyte Island in the Philippines. The effect of site environmental attributes on the availability of SOC and nutrients was investigated using linear mixed-effect models. We found relatively higher concentrations of SOC and P in the oldest fallows and higher N concentration in the youngest fallow secondary forest. There was no significant difference in SOC and other macronutrients within sites of different fallow categories and soil depths, except in the case of soil K, which was highest in our control old-growth forest. Patch size together with slope of the site and fallow age were the most influential factors in explaining the variability in SOC and nutrients availability in secondary forests recovering after shifting cultivation abandonment. Our study suggests that shifting cultivation may not be detrimental to soil quality, at least on the soil parameters and soil type we studied in the Philippines upland.
A new development algorithm for permeability prediction: A new milestone
Authors: Sun Kai , Dong Liqin
Published: December 2022

Permeability is one of the most important reservoir rock parameters in petroleum engineering, reservoir, and exploitation. This parameter causes the movement of hydrocarbon reserves in the reservoir rock. Therefore, it is an important parameter from the economic point of view because it greatly impacts the amount of extraction from the reservoir rock. In this study, the combined RBFNN-GA algorithm and 200 data sets collected from a field in the Middle East were used to predict permeability. Water saturation, porosity, and specific surface are the input variables used in this study. GA has advantages such as solving complex optimization problems of continuous functions and multi-objective problems. The advantages of RBF neural networks are that they are easy to design, strongly tolerant to input noise, and have good generalization. The RBFNN-GA model has the advantages of both algorithms. RBFNN-GA algorithm and experimental models have been compared in terms of performance accuracy. The results show that RBFNN-GA with STD = 89.8 and R-square = 0.9011 for the total data set obtained from a field in the Middle East has better accuracy and performance in predicting permeability than experimental models. Compared to other neural network methods, the RBFNN-GA model has a higher performance accuracy and is efficient for predicting other parameters. Oil researchers and engineers can use this method to predict other parameters in their studies and research.
m5C regulator-mediated modification patterns and tumor microenvironment infiltration characterization in colorectal cancer: One step closer to precision medicine
Authors: Chen Baoxiang , Xi Yiqing , Zhao Jianhong , Hong Yuntian , Tian Shunhua , Zhai Xiang , Chen Quanjiao , Ren Xianghai , Fan Lifang , Xie Xiaoyu , Jiang Congqing
Published: December 2022

Background

The RNA modification 5-methylcytosine (m5C) is one of the most prevalent post-transcriptional modifications, with increasing evidence demonstrating its extensive involvement in the tumorigenesis and progression of various cancers. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, the role of m5C modulators in shaping tumor microenvironment (TME) heterogeneity and regulating immune cell infiltration in CRC requires further clarification.

Results

The transcriptomic sequencing data of 18 m5C regulators and clinical data of patients with CRC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and systematically evaluated. We found that 16 m5C regulators were differentially expressed between CRC and normal tissues. Unsupervised cluster analysis was then performed and revealed two distinct m5C modification patterns that yielded different clinical prognoses and biological functions in CRC. We demonstrated that the m5C score constructed from eight m5C-related genes showed excellent prognostic performance, with a subsequent independent analysis confirming its predictive ability in the CRC cohort. Then we developed a nomogram containing five clinical risk factors and the m5C risk score and found that the m5C score exhibited high prognostic prediction accuracy and favorable clinical applicability. Moreover, the CRC patients with low m5C score were characterized by “hot” TME exhibiting increased immune cell infiltration and higher immune checkpoint expression. These characteristics were highlighted as potential identifiers of suitable candidates for anticancer immunotherapy. Although the high m5C score represented the non-inflammatory phenotype, the CRC patients in this group exhibited high level of sensitivity to molecular-targeted therapy.

Conclusion

Our comprehensive analysis indicated that the novel m5C clusters and scoring system accurately reflected the distinct prognostic signature, clinicopathological characteristics, immunological phenotypes, and stratifying therapeutic opportunities of CRC. Our findings, therefore, offer valuable insights into factors that may be targeted in the development of precision medicine-based therapeutic strategies for CRC.
Canagliflozin reverses Th1/Th2 imbalance and promotes podocyte autophagy in rats with membranous nephropathy
Authors: Lv Xin , Wang Jian , Zhang Li , Shao Xian , Lin Yao , Liu Hongyan , Ma Guangyang , Li Jing , Zhou Saijun , Yu Pei
Published: December 2022

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy is the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Studies have shown sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors significantly delay renal outcomes in patients with CKD, but the exact mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which the SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin attenuates podocyte injury by reversing the imbalance in Helper T cell 1 (Th1)/Helper T cell 2 (Th2) in peripheral blood of rats with membranous nephropathy (MN). MN rats were gavaged with canagliflozin (10 mg/kg/d) and losartan (10 mg/kg/d), respectively, for eight weeks. Compared with the MN group, the urinary ratio of total protein and the creatinine levels of the canagliflozin group decreased significantly. Canagliflozin improved the glomerulus pathological damage, increased the expression levels of podocyte marker proteins. The protective effect of canagliflozin on kidneys was more obvious than that of losartan. Treatment with canagliflozin increased the proportion of Th1 cells by 2.3 times, decreased the proportion of Th2 cells by 68.5%, and significantly restrained the synthesis of immunoglobulin G1 in B-cells and glomerulus subepithelial immune complex deposition. Co-culture of B-cells derived from MN rats with podocytes triggered the activation of phosphorylation of mTOR and ULK1 of podocytes, inhibited podocyte autophagy and resulted in podocyte injury. B-cells derived from canagliflozin treatment rats reversed these effects above. In conclusion, canagliflozin exerts a protective effect on kidneys by reversing the imbalance in Th1/Th2 cells in MN rats and restoring the autophagy of podocytes inhibited by the abnormal immunoglobulin G secretion from B-cells.
A dual stream hierarchical transformer for starvation grading of golden pomfret in marine aquaculture
Authors: Zheng Kaijian , Yang Renyou , Li Rifu , Yang Liang , Qin Hao , Li Ziyun
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Fish starvation grading can provide feeding information for aquaculture, reducing the cost of lures and helping to promote the unmanned and intelligent process of offshore aquaculture.

Methods

In this study, we used golden pompano as the experimental object to address the fish starvation grading problem in the marine culture vessel environment, and proposed the dual stream hierarchical transformer to provide additional temporal information for the starvation grading task, which improved the grading accuracy. We first built a dual stream dataset with both spatial and temporal channel, and divided the fish school starvation status into five levels (very bloated, a little bloated, modest, a little starving, very starving) according to the feeding time and experience. Based on the marine image characteristics, we proposed a dual stream hierarchical transformer with hierarchical convolutional network, composite fusion convolution and transformer.

Results and discussion

We finally evaluated the efficacy of the model based on qualitative and quantitative analyses, revealing that the proposed dual stream hierarchical transformer achieved the state-of-the-art starvation grading performance with a test accuracy of 98.05%. Our model outperformed other mainstream models, including VGG, ResNet, attentionbased model and other fish status grading related model. Field tests on the vessel further suggested that the model can be applied to the mariculture environment of golden pomfret.
Use of trained scent dogs for detection of COVID-19 and evidence of cost-saving
Authors: Mutesa Leon , Misbah Gashegu , Remera Eric , Ebbers Hans , Schalke Esther , Tuyisenge Patrick , Sindayiheba Reuben , Igiraneza Clement , Uwimana Jeanine , Mbabazi Diane , Kayonga Epimaque , Twagiramungu Michel , Mugwaneza Denyse , Ishema Leandre , Butera Yvan , Musanabaganwa Clarisse , Rwagasore Edson , Twele Friederike , Meller Sebastian , Tuyishime Albert , Rutayisire Robert , Murindahabi Marilyn Milumbu , Wilson Lindsay A. , Bigirimana Noella , Volk Holger A. , Ndahindwa Vedaste , Kayijuka Benoit , Mills Edward J. , Muvunyi Claude Mambo , Nsanzimana Sabin
Published: December 2022

Background

One of the lessons learned from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is the importance of early, flexible, and rapidly deployable disease detection methods. Currently, diagnosis of COVID-19 requires the collection of oro/nasopharyngal swabs, nasal turbinate, anterior nares and saliva but as the pandemic continues, disease detection methods that can identify infected individuals earlier and more quickly will be crucial for slowing the spread of the virus. Previous studies have indicated that dogs can be trained to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced during respiratory infections. We sought to determine whether this approach could be applied for detection of COVID-19 in Rwanda and measured its cost-saving.

Methods

Over a period of 5 months, four dogs were trained to detect VOCs in sweat samples collected from human subjects confirmed positive or negative for COVID-19 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. Dogs were trained using a detection dog training system (DDTS) and in vivo diagnosis. Samples were collected from 5,253 participants using a cotton pad swiped in the underarm to collect sweat samples. Statistical analysis was conducted using R statistical software.

Findings

From August to September 2021 during the Delta wave, the sensitivity of the dogs’ COVID-19 detection ranged from 75.0 to 89.9% for the lowest- and highest-performing dogs, respectively. Specificity ranged from 96.1 to 98.4%, respectively. In the second phase coinciding with the Omicron wave (January–March 2022), the sensitivity decreased substantially from 36.6 to 41.5%, while specificity remained above 95% for all four dogs. The sensitivity and specificity by any positive sample detected by at least one dog was 83.9, 95% CI: 75.8–90.2 and 94.9%; 95% CI: 93.9–95.8, respectively. The use of scent detection dogs was also found to be cost-saving compared to antigen rapid diagnostic tests, based on a marginal cost of approximately $14,000 USD for testing of the 5,253 samples which makes 2.67 USD per sample. Testing turnaround time was also faster with the scent detection dogs, at 3 h compared to 11 h with routine diagnostic testing.

Conclusion

The findings from this study indicate that trained dogs can accurately identify respiratory secretion samples from asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 patients timely and cost-effectively. Our findings recommend further uptake of this approach for COVID-19 detection.
Harnessing DLL3 inhibition: From old promises to new therapeutic horizons
Authors: Cortinovis Diego Luigi , Colonese Francesca , Abbate Maria Ida , Sala Luca , Meazza Prina Marco , Cordani Nicoletta , Sala Elisa , Canova Stefania
Published: December 2022

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine tumor with a high relapse rate, limited therapeutic options, and poor prognosis. The combination of chemotherapy and immune-checkpoint inhibitors brings a new therapeutic era, although the lack of predictive biomarkers of response reduces the efficacy of applying the treatment to the entire population of patients with SCLC. The lack of treatments able to bind to a specific target has always been a substantial difference to the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) counterpart. Delta-like canonical Notch ligand 3 is a protein frequently overexpressed in SCLC and is therefore being explored as a potentially promising therapeutic target in high-grade neuroendocrine lung cancer. In this article, we critically review the activity and efficacy of old DLL3 inhibitors antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) and their failures through new compounds and their possible applications in clinical practice, with a focus on new molecular classification of SCLC.
A newly identified interaction between nucleolar NPM1/B23 and the HTLV-I basic leucine zipper factor in HTLV-1 infected cells
Authors: Liu Zhenlong , Larocque Émilie , Xie Yongli , Xiao Yong , Lemay Guy , Peloponese Jean-Marie , Mesnard Jean-Michel , Rassart Éric , Lin Rongtuan , Zhou Shuang , Zeng Yiming , Gao Hongzhi , Cen Shan , Barbeau Benoit
Published: December 2022

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 is the causative agent of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis and adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL). The HTLV-1 basic leucine zipper factor (HBZ) has been associated to the cancer-inducing properties of this virus, although the exact mechanism is unknown. In this study, we identified nucleophosmin (NPM1/B23) as a new interaction partner of HBZ. We show that sHBZ and the less abundant uHBZ isoform interact with nucleolar NPM1/B23 in infected cells and HTLV-1 positive patient cells, unlike equivalent antisense proteins of related non-leukemogenic HTLV-2, −3 and-4 viruses. We further demonstrate that sHBZ association to NPM1/B23 is sensitive to RNase. Interestingly, sHBZ was shown to interact with its own RNA. Through siRNA and overexpression experiments, we further provide evidence that NPM1/B23 acts negatively on viral gene expression with potential impact on cell transformation. Our results hence provide a new insight over HBZ-binding partners in relation to cellular localization and potential function on cell proliferation and should lead to a better understanding of the link between HBZ and ATL development.
The potential of PARP inhibitors in targeted cancer therapy and immunotherapy
Authors: Hunia Jaromir , Gawalski Karol , Szredzka Aleksandra , Suskiewicz Marcin J. , Nowis Dominika
Published: December 2022

DNA damage response (DDR) deficiencies result in genome instability, which is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes take part in various DDR pathways, determining cell fate in the wake of DNA damage. PARPs are readily druggable and PARP inhibitors (PARPi) against the main DDR-associated PARPs, PARP1 and PARP2, are currently approved for the treatment of a range of tumor types. Inhibition of efficient PARP1/2-dependent DDR is fatal for tumor cells with homologous recombination deficiencies (HRD), especially defects in breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein 1 or 2 (BRCA1/2)-dependent pathway, while allowing healthy cells to survive. Moreover, PARPi indirectly influence the tumor microenvironment by increasing genomic instability, immune pathway activation and PD-L1 expression on cancer cells. For this reason, PARPi might enhance sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as anti-PD-(L)1 or anti-CTLA4, providing a rationale for PARPi-ICI combination therapies. In this review, we discuss the complex background of the different roles of PARP1/2 in the cell and summarize the basics of how PARPi work from bench to bedside. Furthermore, we detail the early data of ongoing clinical trials indicating the synergistic effect of PARPi and ICIs. We also introduce the diagnostic tools for therapy development and discuss the future perspectives and limitations of this approach.
The comparative effects of exercise type on motor function of patients with Parkinson’s disease: A three-arm randomized trial
Authors: Li Fang , Wang Dongyu , Ba Xiaohong , Liu Zhan , Zhang Meiqi
Published: December 2022

Background

Yang-ge dancing is a culturally specific exercise in which people are required to perform motor skills in coordination with rhythmic music. As an integrated exercise with both physical (decelerating the progression of aged-related motor function degeneration) and mental benefits, it has gained great popularity in China, especially among middle-aged and older adults. It remains largely unknown whether Yang-ge dancing (YG) can effectively improve main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), while conventional exercise rehabilitation program has been recommended in the hospital setting. To this end, this study aimed to investigate the comparative effects of exercise therapy on motor function of PD patients.

Materials and methods

A sample of 51 PD patients were randomly assigned to Yang-ge dancing, conventional exercise, or conventional exercise with music. Participants in each group performed 60 min per session, five sessions per week of interventions for 4 weeks. All the participants were assessed using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale—motor examination, Berg balance test, timed up and go test, and Purdue pegboard test. Motor performances were examined before and after intervention.

Results

All the three groups were benefited from exercise. Compared to conventional exercise, the Yang-ge dancing and conventional exercise with music had additional positive effects in mobility with reference to baseline.

In addition, compared to the two conventional exercise groups (either with/without music), the Yang-ge dancing further enhanced manual dexterity.

Conclusion

Exercise with rhythmic auditory stimulation optimized mobility in PD, while YG dance specifically contributed to improvement in manual dexterity.

Clinical trial registeration

[https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [ChiCTR2200061252].
Implicit spatial sequential learning facilitates attentional selection in covert visual search. An event-related potentials study
Authors: Szewczyk Marta , Augustynowicz Paweł , Szubielska Magdalena
Published: December 2022

Introduction

While most studies on implicit sequential learning focus on object learning, the hidden structure of target location and onset time can also be a subject of implicitly gathered knowledge. In our study, we wanted to investigate the effect of implicitly learned spatial and temporal sequential predictability on performance in a localization task in a paradigm in which covert selective attention is engaged. We were also interested in the neural mechanism of the facilitating effect of the predictable spatio-temporal context on visual search processes. Specifically, with the use of an event-related potential technique, we wanted to verify whether perceptual, attentional, and motor processes can be enhanced by the predictive spatio-temporal context of visual stimuli.

Methods

We analyzed data from 15 young, healthy adults who took part in an experimental electroencephalographic (EEG) study and performed a visual search localization task. Predictable sequences of four target locations and/or target onset times were presented in separate blocks of trials that formed the Space, Space- Time, and Time conditions. One block of trials with randomly presented stimuli served as a control condition.

Results

The behavioral results revealed that participants successfully learned only the spatial dimension of target predictability. Although spatial predictability was a response-relevant dimension, we found that attentional selection–instead of motor preparation–was the facilitation mechanism in this type of visual search task. This was manifested by a shorter latency and more negative amplitude of the N2pc component and the lack of an effect on the sLRP component. We observed no effect of predictability on perceptual processing (P1 component).

Discussion

We discuss these results with reference to the current knowledge on sequential learning. Our findings also contribute to the current debate on the predictive coding theory.
Tackling the challenges of group network inference from intracranial EEG data
Authors: Pidnebesna Anna , Sanda Pavel , Kalina Adam , Hammer Jiri , Marusic Petr , Vlcek Kamil , Hlinka Jaroslav
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Intracranial EEG (iEEG) data is a powerful way to map brain function, characterized by high temporal and spatial resolution, allowing the study of interactions among neuronal populations that orchestrate cognitive processing. However, the statistical inference and analysis of brain networks using iEEG data faces many challenges related to its sparse brain coverage, and its inhomogeneity across patients.

Methods

We review these challenges and develop a methodological pipeline for estimation of network structure not obtainable from any single patient, illustrated on the inference of the interaction among visual streams using a dataset of 27 human iEEG recordings from a visual experiment employing visual scene stimuli. 100 ms sliding window and multiple band-pass filtered signals are used to provide temporal and spectral resolution. For the connectivity analysis we showcase two connectivity measures reflecting different types of interaction between regions of interest (ROI): Phase Locking Value as a symmetric measure of synchrony, and Directed Transfer Function—asymmetric measure describing causal interaction. For each two channels, initial uncorrected significance testing at p < 0.05 for every time-frequency point is carried out by comparison of the data-derived connectivity to a baseline surrogate-based null distribution, providing a binary time-frequency connectivity map. For each ROI pair, a connectivity density map is obtained by averaging across all pairs of channels spanning them, effectively agglomerating data across relevant channels and subjects. Finally, the difference of the mean map value after and before the stimulation is compared to the same statistic in surrogate data to assess link significance.

Results

The analysis confirmed the function of the parieto-medial temporal pathway, mediating visuospatial information between dorsal and ventral visual streams during visual scene analysis. Moreover, we observed the anterior hippocampal connectivity with more posterior areas in the medial temporal lobe, and found the reciprocal information flow between early processing areas and medial place area.

Discussion

To summarize, we developed an approach for estimating network connectivity, dealing with the challenge of sparse individual coverage of intracranial EEG electrodes. Its application provided new insights into the interaction between the dorsal and ventral visual streams, one of the iconic dualities in human cognition.
Single-vesicle intensity and colocalization fluorescence microscopy to study lipid vesicle fusion, fission, and lipid exchange
Authors: Andersson Alexandra , Fornasier Marco , Makasewicz Katarzyna , Pálmadóttir Tinna , Linse Sara , Sparr Emma , Jönsson Peter
Published: December 2022

Interactions of lipid vesicles play important roles in a large variety of functions and dysfunctions in the human body. Vital for several biochemical functions is the interaction between monomeric proteins and lipid membranes, and the induced phenomena such as fusion between vesicles and cell membranes, lipid exchange between the membranes, or vesicle fission. Identification of single events and their frequency of occurrence would provide valuable information about protein-lipid interactions in both healthy and degenerative pathways. In this work, we present a single-vesicle intensity and colocalization fluorescence microscopy assay with a custom-written MATLAB analysis program. The assay can be used to study lipid exchange as well as vesicle fusion and fission between two vesicle populations labeled with different fluorescent dyes. Vesicles from the two populations are first mixed and docked to a glass surface. The sample is then simultaneously imaged using two separate wavelength channels monitoring intensity changes and colocalization of vesicles from the two populations. The monomeric pre-synaptic protein α-synuclein (α-syn) and small unilamellar vesicles consisting of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine, (DOPS), and monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (GM1) were used as a model system to evaluate the method. From our analysis, neither α-syn induced fusion nor lipid exchange was observed for vesicles consisting of DOPC:DOPS (7:3). However, including 10% GM1 in the vesicles resulted in a 91% increase of the number of vesicles within 10 min, combined with a 57% decrease in the average fluorescence intensity per vesicle, indicating that approximately half of the vesicles underwent fission. The method facilitates the study of lipid vesicle fusion, fission, and lipid exchange under controlled conditions. It also allows these events to be studied for systems with more complex composition including exosomes and lipid-based drug carriers, to enable a better understanding of their physicochemical properties.
A steroid receptor coactivator small molecule “stimulator” attenuates post-stroke ischemic brain injury
Authors: McClendon Lisa K. , Garcia Roberto L. , Lazaro Tyler , Robledo Ariadna , Vasandani Viren , Luna Zean Aaron Evan , Rao Abhijit S. , Srivatsan Aditya , Lonard David M. , Dacso Clifford C. , Kan Peter , O’Malley Bert W.
Published: December 2022

Introduction:Pathologic remodeling of the brain following ischemic stroke results in neuronal loss, increased inflammation, oxidative stress, astrogliosis, and a progressive decrease in brain function. We recently demonstrated that stimulation of steroid receptor coactivator 3 with the small-molecule stimulator MCB-613 improves cardiac function in a mouse model of myocardial ischemia. Since steroid receptor coactivators are ubiquitously expressed in the brain, we reasoned that an MCB-613 derivative (MCB-10-1), could protect the brain following ischemic injury. To test this, we administered MCB-10-1 to rats following middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion.

Methods:Neurologic impairment and tissue damage responses were evaluated on day 1 and day 4 following injury in rats treated with control or 10-1.

Results:We show that 10-1 attenuates injury post-stroke. 10-1 decreases infarct size and mitigates neurologic impairment. When given within 30 min post middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion, 10-1 induces lasting protection from tissue damage in the ischemic penumbra concomitant with: (1) promotion of reparative microglia; (2) an increase in astrocyte NRF2 and GLT-1 expression; (3) early microglia activation; and (4) attenuation of astrogliosis.

Discussion:Steroid receptor coactivator stimulation with MCB-10-1 is a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing inflammation and oxidative damage that cause neurologic impairment following an acute ischemic stroke.
Is transcranial direct current stimulation beneficial for treating pain, depression, and anxiety symptoms in patients with chronic pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wen Yu-Rong , Shi Jian , Hu Zheng-Yu , Lin Yang-Yang , Lin You-Tian , Jiang Xue , Wang Rui , Wang Xue-Qiang , Wang Yu-Ling
Published: December 2022

Background

Chronic pain is often accompanied by emotional dysfunction. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used for reducing pain, depressive and anxiety symptoms in chronic pain patients, but its therapeutic effect remains unknown.

Objectives

To ascertain the treatment effect of tDCS on pain, depression, and anxiety symptoms of patients suffering from chronic pain, and potential factors that modulate the effectiveness of tDCS.

Methods

Literature search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to July 2022. Randomized controlled trials that reported the effects of tDCS on pain and depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with chronic pain were included.

Results

Twenty-two studies were included in this review. Overall pooled results indicated that the use of tDCS can effectively alleviate short-term pain intensity [standard mean difference (SMD): −0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.75 to −0.12, P = 0.007] and depressive symptoms (SMD: −0.31, 95% CI, −0.47 to −0.14, P < 0.001), middle-term depressive symptoms (SMD: −0.35, 95% CI: −0.58 to −0.11, P = 0.004), long-term depressive symptoms (ES: −0.38, 95% CI: −0.64 to −0.13, P = 0.003) and anxiety symptoms (SMD: −0.26, 95% CI: −0.51 to −0.02, P = 0.03) compared with the control group.

Conclusion

tDCS may be an effective short-term treatment for the improvement of pain intensity and concomitant depression and anxiety symptoms in chronic pain patients. Stimulation site, stimulation frequency, and type of chronic pain were significant influence factors for the therapeutic effect of tDCS.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=297693, identifier: CRD42022297693.
Transient equilibrium determination of dopamine D2/D3 receptor densities and affinities in brain
Authors: Phan Jenny-Ann , Wong Dean F. , Chang Natalie H. S. , Kumakura Yoshitaka , Bauer William R. , Gjedde Albert
Published: December 2022

Long-term alteration of dopaminergic neurotransmission is known to modulate the D2/D3 receptor expression in the brain. The modulation can occur as a response to pathological processes or pharmacological intervention. The receptor density can be monitored by in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) of [C11] raclopride. To obtain accurate measurements of receptor-ligand interaction, it is essential to estimate binding parameters at true (if transient) equilibrium of bound and unbound ligand quantities. We designed this study as a comparison of two quantitative approaches to transient equilibrium, the TRansient EquilibriuM BoLus Estimation (TREMBLE) method and the Transient Equilibrium Model (TEM) method, to determine binding parameters at transient equilibrium with bolus injection of the radioligand. The data demonstrates that TREMBLE unlike TEM identified the time at which equilibrium existed. TREMBLE revealed that equilibrium prevailed at one or more times after bolus injection and identified differences of receptor density among regions such as putamen and caudate nucleus. We demonstrated that TREMBLE is a quantitative approach suitable for the study of pathophysiological conditions of certain types of neurotransmission the brain.
Can probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation modulate the gut-liver axis in type 2 diabetes? A narrative and systematic review of clinical trials
Authors: Al-Najjar Yousef , Arabi Maryam , Paul Pradipta , Chaari Ali
Published: December 2022

Background

Type 2 diabetes, one of the most common noncommunicable diseases, is a metabolic disorder that results in failed homeostatic control in several body systems, including hepatic function. Due to the gut microbiome’s potential role in diabetes’ pathogenesis, prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics have been proposed as complimentary therapeutic approaches aimed at microbiota readjustment.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library examining the effect of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on hepatic biomarkers in patients with diabetes.

Results

From 9,502 search hits, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. A total of 816 participants (460 intervention and 356 control) were investigated for the effects of nine different hepatic biomarker measurements including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, bilirubin, liver steatosis, liver stiffness, fatty liver index, and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels. Of the 13 intervention groups analyzed from the 10 studies, 3 were prebiotic interventions, 3 were single species probiotic interventions, 3 were multi-species probiotic interventions, and 4 were synbiotic interventions. Nutraceuticals used in these trials included six genera of bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Acetobacter, Lactococcus, and Propionibacterium), five different prebiotic formulations (inulin, inulin and beta carotene, chicory inulin enriched with oligofructose, galacto-oligosaccharides syrup, and powdered cinnamon), or a combination of these to form multi-species probiotics or synbiotics.

Conclusion

Although some studies showed insignificant changes in hepatic biomarkers, generally the results yielded a decrease in liver damage due to reduced oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, gut dysbiosis, and insulin resistance which led to improvements in hepatic biomarker levels.
Preparation of antioxidant peptides from Moringa oleifera leaves and their protection against oxidative damage in HepG2 cells
Authors: Tao Liang , Gu Fan , Liu Yan , Yang Min , Wu Xing-Zhong , Sheng Jun , Tian Yang
Published: December 2022

Moringa oleifera leaves are a kind of new food raw materials, rich in functional factors, M. oleifera leaves aqueous extract have antioxidant activity and M. oleifera leave protein is an important active ingredient in the aqueous extract. Numerous studies have shown that peptides have strong antioxidant activity. To reveal the antioxidant effects of M. oleifera (MO) leaves peptides, MO leave antioxidant peptides were isolated and prepared to clarify their antioxidant activity. MLPH1 (<1 kDa), MLPH3 (1~3 kDa), MLPH5 (3~5 kDa), and MLPH10 (5~10 kDa) fractions were obtained by the membrane ultrafiltration classification of MO leaves proteolytic hydrolysate (MLPH). MLPH1 was further separated by centrifugal filters, and the fraction separated by <1 kDa (MLPH1-1) was identified and analyzed by LC–MS/MS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of MO leaves antioxidant peptide pretreatment on H2O2-treated HepG2 cells and to refine the antioxidant activity. The results showed that MLPH1 had the strongest antioxidant activity, and three MO leaves antioxidant peptides (LALPVYN, LHIAALVFQ, and FHEEDDAKLF) were obtained. The peptide with the sequence LALPVYN and a molecular weight of 788.44 Da had the strongest antioxidant activity. After 24 h of LALPVYN pretreatment, the cell viability and the CAT, GSH-Px, and SOD enzyme activity were significantly increased, and the MDA, ROS, and apoptosis rates were significantly decreased. These results provide a theoretical basis for further research on the antioxidant mechanism of MO leaves peptides.
Transcriptomic and physiological analysis reveals the possible mechanism of ultrasound inhibiting strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) postharvest softening
Authors: Zhang Junyi , Jiang Hui , Li Yutong , Wang Shaojia , Wang Bei , Xiao Junsong , Cao Yanping
Published: December 2022

Ultrasound effectively inhibited strawberry softening but the mechanism was not clear. In this study, physical data including firmness, soluble pectin (SP) contents, pectin esterase (PE), polygalacturonase (PG) activity and transcriptome sequencing data were analyzed to explore the mechanism of strawberry response to ultrasonic treatment. After 24 days storage, the firmness reduction rate and soluble contents (SP) increased rate of the strawberry treated with ultrasound (25 kHz, 0.15 W/cm2) for 3 min decreased 41.70 and 63.12% compared with the control, respectively. While the PG and PE enzyme activities of ultrasound-treated strawberries were significantly lower than control after storage for 18 days. A total of 1,905 diferentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between ultrasound-treated and control, with 714 genes upregulated and 1,254 genes downregulated, including 56 genes in reactive oxygen species (ROS), auxin (AUX), ethylene (ETH) and jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathways. At 0 h, 15 genes including LOX, JMT, ARP, SKP, SAUR, IAA, ARF, and LAX were significantly upregulated compared with the control group, which means reactive oxygen specie, auxin, ethylene and jasmonic acid-mediated signaling pathway respond to ultrasound immediately. ERF109, ERF110, and ACS1_2_6 downregulated before 2 days storage indicated ethylene signaling pathway was inhibited, while after 2 days, 9 genes including ERF027, ERF109, and ERF110 were significantly upregulated indicating that the response of the ethylene signaling pathway was lagging. Therefore, in strawberry ultrasound enhanced ROS scavenging and activated JA biosynthesis, which acts as a signal for delaying the activation of ET signaling pathway, thus suppressing the activity of pectin-degrading enzymes PE and PG, and ultimately inhibiting postharvest softening.
Healthy adult gut microbiota sustains its own vitamin B12 requirement in an in vitro batch fermentation model
Authors: Kundra Palni , Geirnaert Annelies , Pugin Benoit , Morales Martinez Paola , Lacroix Christophe , Greppi Anna
Published: December 2022

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is present in the human lower gastrointestinal tract either coming from the unabsorbed dietary fraction or from in situ production of the gut microbiota. However, it is unclear whether the gut microbial communities need exogenous B12 for growth and metabolism, or whether B12 in low and high levels could affect gut community composition and metabolite production. Here, we investigated in vitro B12 production of human fecal microbiota and the effects of different levels of B12 (as cyanocobalamin) on composition and activity. Eight fecal communities from healthy human adults distributed over three enterotypes, dominated by Firmicutes (n = 5), Bacteroides (n = 1) or Prevotella (n = 2) were used to perform batch fermentations in Macfarlane medium supplemented with low B12 medium (Control, 5 ng/ml, within the tested fecal range), no B12 addition (NB12), and high B12 addition (ExtraB12, 2500 ng/ml). The microbiota community composition (qPCR, 16S rRNA metabarcoding), metabolic activity (HPLC-RI), and B12 levels (UHPLC-DAD) were measured after 24 h incubation at 37°C under strict anaerobic conditions. All fecal microbial communities produced B12 in the NB12 condition after 24 h, in the range from 152 ± 4 to 564 ± 25 ng/ml. None of the B12 treatments had an impact on total bacterial growth, community richness, diversity and total metabolite production, compared to the low B12 control. However, a significant increase of propionate was measured in ExtraB12 compared to NB12. Most taxonomic and metabolite changes compared to control incubations were donor-dependent, implying donor-microbiota-specific changes upon B12 treatments. Our in vitro data suggest that healthy human adult gut microbial communities have the capacity to produce B12 at levels fulfilling their own requirements, independently of the initial B12 content tested in the donor’s feces. Further, supplementation of exogenous dietary B12 may have limited impact on the healthy human gut microbial community composition and function.
Segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis for Korean older population with cold pattern
Authors: Doan Dieu Ni Thi , Kim Kahye , Kim Seul Gee , Lee Siwoo , Lee Kun Ho , Kim Jaeuk
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study examined the association of whole-body composition and segmental bioimpedance variables with cold pattern (CP) in different sexes.

Methods

We assigned 667 older individuals to a CP group (n = 488) and a non-CP group (n = 179) by using an eight-item self-administered questionnaire. Seven body composition variables and three pairs of segmental bioimpedance variables for the upper and lower extremities, which were obtained from a segmental multifrequency bioimpedance analyzer, were employed to investigate their association with CP. Participants’ characteristics were first described. Then we compared the selected body composition and bioimpedance variables between the CP and non-CP groups. Finally, their association with CP was investigated using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. All analyses were performed separately for women and men.

Results

Both women and men exhibited a comparable mean age in the CP and non-CP groups; however, women with CP had significantly lower blood pressures, whereas men with CP showed a higher proportion of osteoarthritis than those without CP. Compared with the non-CP group, individuals with CP exhibited significantly smaller body sizes indicated by shorter height and smaller weight, lower body mass index, and smaller volume-to-body surface area ratio in both sexes. After controlling for age, height, weight, and other covariates, we found significant reductions in body lean mass such as fat-free mass and body cell mass, basal metabolic rate per unit mass, total body water, and intra-to-extracellular water ratio in the CP group. With regard to segmental bioimpedance analysis, the resistance ratios and phase angles in the upper and lower extremities yield significant associations with CP incidence, as demonstrated by the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.72 (1.16–2.57), 1.69 (1.18–2.48), 0.60 (0.40–0.89), and 0.57 (0.39–0.82), respectively. However, these results did not emerge in men.

Conclusion

Abnormal cellular water distribution and deterioration in body cell mass and/or cell strength are associated with CP prevalence, regardless of age, height, weight. These findings are similar in the upper and lower extremities and are more pronounced in women. The abovementioned patterns may be considered effective indicators for identifying CP in the older adult population.
The effect of food packaging elements on children’s food choices and intake: A systematic review
Authors: Arraztio-Cordoba Alazne , Araque-Padilla Rafael A. , Montero-Simo Maria Jose , Olarte-Sanchez Cristian M.
Published: December 2022

Little can be added about the worldwide concern over the exponential increase in obesity and child overweight problems. Much of the unhealthy eating habits occur at the time of food choice. The enormous influence of marketing strategies in general, and packaging in particular, has been highlighted here. In this respect, public policies that tend to direct choices toward healthier options have been developed. However, the usefulness of such policies will depend on evidence of how different packaging elements can influence children. This systematic review (SR) aims to compile the knowledge available to date on the influence of packaging on food choices and eating behaviours in children. Methodologically, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines have been followed to select papers. We also assessed the risk of bias in the studies analysed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). The initial search strategy found 2,627 articles, although only 20 of them met the eligibility criteria. Data from the studies were extracted, categorised, and analysed. The results indicate that most of the packaging elements have some effect on children’s food choices or food intake. The use of Cartoon is the element with the most consistent evidence of influence. Despite the number of studies and public initiatives developed to promote this informative and persuasive element, less consistency has been found regarding the effect of Nutrition Labelling. Therefore, the results found should be considered by both governments and organisations when promoting public policies that work for the wellbeing of children.
Predictive factors for relapse in triple-negative breast cancer patients without pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Toss Angela , Venturelli Marta , Civallero Monica , Piombino Claudia , Domati Federica , Ficarra Guido , Combi Francesca , Cabitza Eleonora , Caggia Federica , Barbieri Elena , Barbolini Monica , Moscetti Luca , Omarini Claudia , Piacentini Federico , Tazzioli Giovanni , Dominici Massimo , Cortesi Laura
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients who do not obtain pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) present higher rate of relapse and worse overall survival. Risk factors for relapse in this subset of patients are poorly characterized. This study aimed to identify the predictive factors for relapse in TNBC patients without pCR after NACT.

Methods

Women with TNBC treated with NACT from January 2008 to May 2020 at the Modena Cancer Center were included in the analysis. In patients without pCR, univariate and multivariable Cox analyses were used to determine factors predictive of relapse.

Results

We identified 142 patients with a median follow-up of 55 months. After NACT, 62 patients obtained pCR (43.9%). Young age at diagnosis (<50 years) and high Ki-67 (20%) were signi!cantly associated with pCR. Lack of pCR after NACT resulted in worse 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). Factors independently predicting EFS in patients without pCR were the presence of multifocal disease [hazard ratio (HR), 3.77; 95% CI, 1.45–9.61; p=0.005] and residual cancer burden (RCB) III (HR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.09–9.9; p=0.04). Neither germline BRCA status nor HER2-low expression were associated with relapse.

Discussion

These data can be used to stratify patients and potentially guide treatment decision-making, identifying appropriate candidates for treatment intensi!cation especially in neo-/adjuvant setting.