bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EEG Identity Authentication in Multi-Domain Features: A Multi-Scale 3D-CNN Approach
Authors: Zhang Rongkai , Zeng Ying , Tong Li , Shu Jun , Lu Runnan , Li Zhongrui , Yang Kai , Yan Bin
Published: June 2022

Electroencephalogram (EEG) authentication has become a research hotspot in the field of information security due to its advantages of living, internal, and anti-stress. However, the performance of identity authentication system is limited by the inherent attributes of EEG, such as low SNR, low stability, and strong randomness. Researchers generally believe that the in-depth fusion of features can improve the performance of identity authentication and have explored among various feature domains. This experiment invited 70 subjects to participate in the EEG identity authentication task, and the experimental materials were visual stimuli of the self and non-self-names. This paper proposes an innovative EEG authentication framework, including efficient three-dimensional representation of EEG signals, multi-scale convolution structure, and the combination of multiple authentication strategies. In this work, individual EEG signals are converted into spatial–temporal–frequency domain three-dimensional forms to provide multi-angle mixed feature representation. Then, the individual identity features are extracted by the various convolution kernel of multi-scale vision, and the strategy of combining multiple convolution kernels is explored. The results show that the small-size and long-shape convolution kernel is suitable for ERP tasks, which can obtain better convergence and accuracy. The experimental results show that the classification performance of the proposed framework is excellent, and the multi-scale convolution method is effective to extract high-quality identity characteristics across feature domains. The results show that the branch number matches the EEG component number can obtain the excellent cost performance. In addition, this paper explores the network training performance for multi-scale module combination strategy and provides reference for deep network construction strategy of EEG signal processing.
Titrating the Translational Relevance of a Low-Level Repetitive Head Impact Model
Authors: Boucher Masen L. , Conley Grace , Nowlin Jordan , Qiu Jianhua , Kawata Keisuke , Bazarian Jeffrey J. , Meehan William P. , Mannix Rebekah
Published: June 2022

Recently, there has been increased attention in the scientific community to the phenomenon of sub-concussive impacts, those hits to the head that do not cause the signs and symptoms of a concussion. Some authors suggest that sub-concussive impacts may alter behavior and cognition, if sustained repetitively, but the mechanisms underlying these changes are not well-defined. Here, we adapt our well-established weight drop model of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI) to attempt to produce a model of low-level repetitive head impacts (RHI). The model was modified to eliminate differences in latency to right following impact and gross behavioral changes after a single cluster of hits. Further, we varied our model in terms of repetition of impact over a 4-h span to mimic the repeated sub-concussive impacts that may be experienced by an athlete within a single day of play. To understand the effects of a single cluster of RHIs, as well as the effect of an increased impact frequency within the cluster, we evaluated classical behavioral measures, serum biomarkers, cortical protein quantification, and immunohistochemistry both acutely and sub-acutely following the impacts. In the absence of gross behavioral changes, the impact protocol did generate pathology, in a dose-dependent fashion, in the brain. Evaluation of serum biomarkers revealed limited changes in GFAP and NF-L, which suggests that their diagnostic utility may not emerge until the exposure to low-level head impacts reaches a certain threshold. Robust decreases in both IL-1β and IL-6 were observed in the serum and the cortex, indicating downregulation of inflammatory pathways. These experiments yield initial data on pathology and biomarkers in a mouse model of low-level RHIs, with relevance to sports settings, providing a starting point for further exploration of the potential role of anti-inflammatory processes in low-level RHI outcomes, and how these markers may evolve with repeated exposure.
A Novel Approach to Estimating the Cortical Sources of Sleep Spindles Using Simultaneous EEG/MEG
Authors: Mylonas Dimitrios , Sjøgård Martin , Shi Zhaoyue , Baxter Bryan , Hämäläinen Matti , Manoach Dara S. , Khan Sheraz
Published: June 2022

Sleep spindles, defining oscillations of stage II non-rapid eye movement sleep (N2), mediate sleep-dependent memory consolidation. Spindles are disrupted in several neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders characterized by cognitive impairment. Increasing spindles can improve memory suggesting spindles as a promising physiological target for the development of cognitive enhancing therapies. This effort would benefit from more comprehensive and spatially precise methods to characterize spindles. Spindles, as detected with electroencephalography (EEG), are often widespread across electrodes. Available evidence, however, suggests that they act locally to enhance cortical plasticity in the service of memory consolidation. Here, we present a novel method to enhance the spatial specificity of cortical source estimates of spindles using combined EEG and magnetoencephalography (MEG) data constrained to the cortex based on structural MRI. To illustrate this method, we used simultaneous EEG and MEG recordings from 25 healthy adults during a daytime nap. We first validated source space spindle detection using only EEG data by demonstrating strong temporal correspondence with sensor space EEG spindle detection (gold standard). We then demonstrated that spindle source estimates using EEG alone, MEG alone and combined EEG/MEG are stable across nap sessions. EEG detected more source space spindles than MEG and each modality detected non-overlapping spindles that had distinct cortical source distributions. Source space EEG was more sensitive to spindles in medial frontal and lateral prefrontal cortex, while MEG was more sensitive to spindles in somatosensory and motor cortices. By combining EEG and MEG data this method leverages the differential spatial sensitivities of the two modalities to obtain a more comprehensive and spatially specific source estimation of spindles than possible with either modality alone.
Case Report: Semantic Variant Primary Progressive Aphasia With Impaired Verbal Word Discrimination
Authors: Kawakami Nobuko , Morita Ayumi , Kanno Shigenori , Ogawa Nanayo , Kakinuma Kazuo , Saito Yumiko , Kobayashi Erena , Narita Wataru , Suzuki Kyoko
Published: June 2022

Some patients with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) present with various types of hearing deficits. Research on the auditory function and speech sounds in PPA, including temporal, phonemic, and prosodic processing, revealed impairment in some of these auditory processes. Many patients with PPA who present with impaired word recognition subsequently developed non-fluent variant PPA. Herein, we present a patient with semantic variant PPA (svPPA) who demonstrated impaired verbal word discrimination. Audiological examinations revealed normal auditory brainstem responses and slightly impaired pure-tone perception. By contrast, verbal word discrimination and monosyllable identification were impaired, and temporal auditory acuity deteriorated. Analyses of brain magnetic resonance images revealed a significant decrease in the gray matter volume in bilateral superior temporal areas, predominantly on the left, compared with those of patients with typical svPPA, which appeared to be associated with impaired word recognition in our patient.
The Routine Application of Tumor-Treating Fields in the Treatment of Glioblastoma WHO° IV
Authors: Krigers Aleksandrs , Pinggera Daniel , Demetz Matthias , Kornberger Lisa-Marie , Kerschbaumer Johannes , Thomé Claudius , Freyschlag Christian F.
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Tumor-treating fields (TTFs) are a specific local oncological treatment modality in glioblastoma multiforme WHO° IV (GBM). Their mechanism of action is based on the effect of electrical fields interfering with the mitotic activity of malignant cells. Prospective studies have demonstrated efficacy, but TTF benefits are still controversially discussed. This treatment was implemented in our center as the standard of care in January 2016. We thus discuss the current state of the art and our long-term experience in the routine application of TTF.

Methods

The data of 48 patients suffering from GBM and treated with TTF were assessed and compared with previously published studies. Up-to-date information from open sources was evaluated.

Results

A total of 31 males and 17 females harboring a GBM were treated with TTF, between January 2016 and August 2021, in our center. In 98% of cases, TTFs were started within 6 weeks after concomitant radiochemotherapy (Stupp protocol). Mean overall survival was 22.6 months (95% CI: 17.3–27.9). Current indications, benefits, and restrictions were evaluated. Future TTF opportunities and ongoing studies were reviewed.

Conclusion

TTFs are a feasible and routinely applicable specific oncological treatment option for glioblastoma multiforme WHO° IV. Further research is ongoing to extend the indications and the efficacy of TTF.
Electromagnetism’s Bridge Across the Explanatory Gap: How a Neuroscience/Physics Collaboration Delivers Explanation Into All Theories of Consciousness
Authors: Hales Colin G. , Ericson Marissa
Published: June 2022

A productive, informative three decades of correlates of phenomenal consciousness (P-Consciousness) have delivered valuable knowledge while simultaneously locating us in a unique and unprecedented explanatory cul-de-sac. Observational correlates are demonstrated to be intrinsically very unlikely to explain or lead to a fundamental principle underlying the strongly emergent 1st-person-perspective (1PP) invisibly stowed away inside them. That lack is now solidly evidenced in practice. To escape our explanatory impasse, this article focuses on fundamental physics (the standard model of particle physics), which brings to light a foundational argument for how the brain is an essentially electromagnetic (EM) field object from the atomic level up. That is, our multitude of correlates of P-Consciousness are actually descriptions of specific EM field behaviors that are posed (hypothesized) as “the right” correlate by a particular theory of consciousness. Because of this, our 30 years of empirical progress can be reinterpreted as, in effect, the delivery of a large body of evidence that the standard model’s EM quadrant can deliver a 1PP. That is, all theories of consciousness are, in the end, merely recipes that select a particular subset of the totality of EM field expression that is brain tissue. With a universal convergence on EM, the science of P-Consciousness becomes a collaborative effort between neuroscience and physics. The collaboration acts in pursuit of a unified explanation applicable to all theories of consciousness while remaining mindful that the process still contains no real explanation as to why or how EM fields deliver a 1PP. The apparent continued lack of explanation is, however, different: this time, the way forward is opened through its direct connection to fundamental physics. This is the first result (Part I). Part II posits, in general terms, a structural (epistemic) add-on/upgrade to the standard model that has the potential to deliver the missing route to an explanation of how subjectivity is delivered through EM fields. The revised standard model, under the neuroscience/physics collaboration, intimately integrates with the existing “correlates of-” paradigm, which acts as its source of empirical evidence. No existing theory of consciousness is lost or invalidated.
Integrated Analysis of Expression Profile and Potential Pathogenic Mechanism of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy With Hippocampal Sclerosis
Authors: Wang Zhi-Bin , Qu Jian , Yang Zhuan-Yi , Liu Ding-Yang , Jiang Shi-Long , Zhang Ying , Yang Zhi-Quan , Mao Xiao-Yuan , Liu Zhao-Qian
Published: June 2022

Objective

To investigate the potential pathogenic mechanism of temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE+HS) by analyzing the expression profiles of microRNA/ mRNA/ lncRNA/ DNA methylation in brain tissues.

Methods

Brain tissues of six patients with TLE+HS and nine of normal temporal or parietal cortices (NTP) of patients undergoing internal decompression for traumatic brain injury (TBI) were collected. The total RNA was dephosphorylated, labeled, and hybridized to the Agilent Human miRNA Microarray, Release 19.0, 8 × 60K. The cDNA was labeled and hybridized to the Agilent LncRNA+mRNA Human Gene Expression Microarray V3.0,4 × 180K. For methylation detection, the DNA was labeled and hybridized to the Illumina 450K Infinium Methylation BeadChip. The raw data was extracted from hybridized images using Agilent Feature Extraction, and quantile normalization was performed using the Agilent GeneSpring. P-value < 0.05 and absolute fold change >2 were considered the threshold of differential expression data. Data analyses were performed using R and Bioconductor. BrainSpan database was used to screen for signatures that were not differentially expressed in normal human hippocampus and cortex (data from BrainSpan), but differentially expressed in TLE+HS’ hippocampus and NTP’ cortex (data from our cohort). The strategy “Guilt by association” was used to predict the prospective roles of each important hub mRNA, miRNA, or lncRNA.

Results

A significantly negative correlation (r < −0.5) was found between 116 pairs of microRNA/mRNA, differentially expressed in six patients with TLE+HS and nine of NTP. We examined this regulation network’s intersection with target gene prediction results and built a lncRNA-microRNA-Gene regulatory network with structural, and functional significance. Meanwhile, we found that the disorder of FGFR3, hsa-miR-486-5p, and lnc-KCNH5-1 plays a key vital role in developing TLE+HS.
Potential for Ketotherapies as Amyloid-Regulating Treatment in Individuals at Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Taylor Matthew K. , Sullivan Debra K. , Keller Jessica E. , Burns Jeffrey M. , Swerdlow Russell H.
Published: June 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by clinical decline in memory and other cognitive functions. A classic AD neuropathological hallmark includes the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, which may precede onset of clinical symptoms by over a decade. Efforts to prevent or treat AD frequently emphasize decreasing Aβ through various mechanisms, but such approaches have yet to establish compelling interventions. It is still not understood exactly why Aβ accumulates in AD, but it is hypothesized that Aβ and other downstream pathological events are a result of impaired bioenergetics, which can also manifest prior to cognitive decline. Evidence suggests that individuals with AD and at high risk for AD have functional brain ketone metabolism and ketotherapies (KTs), dietary approaches that produce ketone bodies for energy metabolism, may affect AD pathology by targeting impaired brain bioenergetics. Cognitively normal individuals with elevated brain Aβ, deemed “preclinical AD,” and older adults with peripheral metabolic impairments are ideal candidates to test whether KTs modulate AD biology as they have impaired mitochondrial function, perturbed brain glucose metabolism, and elevated risk for rapid Aβ accumulation and symptomatic AD. Here, we discuss the link between brain bioenergetics and Aβ, as well as the potential for KTs to influence AD risk and progression.
Current Status of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells for Treatment of Neurological Diseases
Authors: Soares Milena B. P. , Gonçalves Renata G. J. , Vasques Juliana F. , da Silva-Junior Almir J. , Gubert Fernanda , Santos Girlaine Café , de Santana Thaís Alves , Almeida Sampaio Gabriela Louise , Silva Daniela Nascimento , Dominici Massimo , Mendez-Otero Rosalia
Published: June 2022

Neurological disorders include a wide spectrum of clinical conditions affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. For these conditions, which affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, generally limited or no treatments are available, and cell-based therapies have been intensively investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. Among the available cell types, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been widely studied but as yet no cell-based treatment exists for neurological disease. We review current knowledge of the therapeutic potential of MSC-based therapies for neurological diseases, as well as possible mechanisms of action that may be explored to hasten the development of new and effective treatments. We also discuss the challenges for culture conditions, quality control, and the development of potency tests, aiming to generate more efficient cell therapy products for neurological disorders.
Little Impact of NaCl Reduction in Swiss-Type Cheese
Authors: Gagnaire Valérie , Lecomte Xavier , Richoux Romain , Genay Magali , Jardin Julien , Briard-Bion Valérie , Kerjean Jean-René , Thierry Anne
Published: June 2022

Reducing salt intake can mitigate the prevalence of metabolic disorders. In fermented foods such as cheeses, however, salt can impact the activity of desirable and undesirable microorganisms and thus affect their properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of salt level on Swiss-type cheese ripening. Since proteolysis is a major event in cheese ripening, three strains of Lactobacillus helveticus were selected on the cell-envelope proteinase (CEP) they harbor. Their proteolytic activity on caseins was studied at six salt levels (0–4.5%) at pH 7.5 and 5.2. Swiss-type cheeses were manufactured at regular, increased, and decreased salt concentrations, and characterized for their composition and techno-functional properties. L. helveticus strains possessed and expressed the expected CEPs, as shown by PCR and shaving experiments. The two strains of L. helveticus that possessed at least the CEP PrtH3 showed the greatest proteolytic activity. Casein hydrolysis in vitro was similar or higher at pH 5.2, i.e., cheese pH, compared to pH 7.5, and slightly decreased at the highest salt concentrations (3.0 and 4.4%). Similarly, in ripened cheeses, these L. helveticus strains showed 1.5–2.4 more proteolysis, compared to the cheeses manufactured without L. helveticus. Regarding the salt effect, the 30% salt-reduced cheeses showed the same proteolysis as regular cheeses, while the upper-salted cheeses showed a slight decrease (−14%) of the non-protein fraction. The microbial and biochemical composition remained unchanged in the 30%-reduced cheeses. In contrast, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, used as ripening bacteria in Swiss cheese, grew more slowly in upper-salted (1.14%, w/w) cheeses, which induced concomitant changes in the metabolites they consumed (−40% lactic acid) or produced (fivefold decrease in propionic acid). Some cheese techno-functional properties were slightly decreased by salt reduction, as extrusion (−17%) and oiling off (−4%) compared to regular cheeses. Overall, this study showed that a 30% salt reduction has little impact in the properties of Swiss-type cheeses, and that starters and ripening cultures strains could be chosen to compensate changes induced by salt modifications in Swiss-type and other hard cheeses.
Prognostic Characteristics of Immune-Related Genes and the Related Regulatory Axis in Patients With Stage N+M0 Breast Cancer
Authors: Tian Chonglin , Wang Yongsheng , Song Xianrang
Published: June 2022

Breast cancer (BRCA) has the highest incidence rate among female tumours. The function of the immune system affects treatment efficacy and prognosis in patients with BRCA. However, the exact role of immune-related genes (IRGs) in stage N+M0 BRCA is unknown. We constructed a predictive risk scoring model with five IRGs (CDH1, FGFR3, INHBA, S100B, and SCG2) based on the clinical, mutation, and RNA sequencing data of individuals with stage N+M0 BRCA sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Results from the Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute validation cohort suggested that regardless of clinical stage, tumour size, or the number of lymph node metastases, this model was able to reliably discriminate low-risk patients from high-risk ones and assess the prognosis of patients with stage N+M0 BRCA, and low-risk patients could benefit more from immunotherapy than high-risk patients. In addition, significant inter-group variations in immunocyte infiltration and the tumour microenvironment were observed. Moreover, risk score and age were found to be independent factors in multivariate COX regression analysis, which influenced the outcome of patients with stage N+M0 BRCA. Based on the above findings, we plotted a prognostic nomogram. Finally, we constructed a lncRNA KCNQ1OT1-LINC00665-TUG1/miR-9-5p/CDH1 regulatory axis of the ceRNA network to explore the mechanism of BRCA progression. In summary, we conducted a systemic and extensive bioinformatics investigation and established an IRG-based prognostic scoring model. Finally, we constructed a ceRNA regulatory axis that might play a significant role in BRCA development. More research is required to confirm this result. Scoring system-based patient grouping can help predict the outcome of patients with stage N+M0 BRCA more effectively and determine their sensitivity to immunotherapies, which will aid the development of personalised therapeutic strategies and inspire the research and development of novel medications.
Surgical Management of Cardiac Masses in Right Atrium Among Bone Sarcoma Pediatric Patients With Totally Implanted Ports
Authors: Zhou Chenliang , Wang Yiyun , Chen Zonghui , Qian Guowei , Yu Wenxi , Wang Yong , Zheng Shuier , Shen Zan , Li Hongtao , Wang Yonggang
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Totally implanted ports (PORTs) have been widely used among patients with malignancy. Cardiac metastasis secondary to bone sarcoma and catheter-related right atrial thrombosis (CRAT) can be both present as cardiac masses. However, these two cardiac masses share very similar imaging characteristics.

Methods

The features, treatments, and outcomes of 5 bone sarcoma pediatric patients with PORTs who suffered from cardiac masses in the right atrium were analyzed. Clinical data and histological characteristics of cardiac masses were also recorded.

Results

Among 928 patients with malignancy and PORTs, 5 bone sarcoma pediatric patients were found to have cardiac masses in the right atrium. The catheter tips were located in the right atrium of 4 patients and the superior vena cava-right atrium junction (CAJ) of 1 patient. Four patients with good response to anti-tumor treatment had received surgical lumpectomies for pathologic identification and mass excision, with cardiac metastases among 1 patient and thromboses among 3 patients. The median time from venous access port implantation to cardiac mass detection for CRAT was 6.3 months (range: 4.7–6.8 months) and to diagnosis of or possible cardiac metastasis was 13.3 months (range: 11.2–15.4 months).

Conclusion

The placement of a catheter tip into the right atrium should be avoided. The time from PORTs implantation to cardiac mass detection might serve as a potential tool to differentiate cardiac metastasis from CRAT. Surgical management may be an effective treatment for bone sarcoma pediatric patients who had good response to anti-tumor treatment and suffered from cardiac masses in the right atrium.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Publication Patterns in Pediatric Neurology
Authors: Wilson Mitch , Sampson Margaret , Barrowman Nick , Sucha Ewa , Doja Asif
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To examine the publication patterns of pediatric neurology articles in general pediatric, general neurology, and neurology subspecialty journals using a bibliometric approach.

Methods

The top 5 journals in general pediatrics, general neurology and neurology subspecialties were identified using the 2017 Journal Citations Report (JCR). For general pediatric journals, we selected 4 pediatric subspecialties for comparison of publication patterns with neurology: immunology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and respirology. For general neurology and neurology subspecialty journals, we searched both the top 5 neurology and neurology subspecialty journals for pediatric articles. Using Ovid Medline, we identified articles published between 2009–2017.

Results

With regards to child neurology-based articles, 1501 were published in general pediatrics journals, 643 in general neurology journals and 685 in neurology subspecialty journals. Examination of the top pediatric journals revealed that Pediatrics published the most neurology-based articles. Neurology-based studies were published more frequently than other pediatric subspecialty studies. Of the top general neurology Neurology published the most child neurology-based articles, while Epilepsia published the most child neurology-based articles out of neurology subspecialty journals. Cohort studies were the most frequent study type across all journals.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that child neurology articles are published more often in pediatric journals as opposed to general neurology and neurology subspecialty journals. We also found that in general pediatric journals, neurology-based articles are published more frequently compared to other specialties. Our results provide guidance to authors when considering submission of their pediatric neurology research.
Factors Associated With Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Among Chinese Students Aged 6–14 Years
Authors: Xue Mei , Wang Qiong , Zhang Yicheng , Pang Bo , Yang Min , Deng Xiangling , Zhang Zhixin , Niu Wenquan
Published: June 2022

Aims

We employed machine-learning methods to explore data from a large survey on students, with the goal of identifying and validating a thrifty panel of important factors associated with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI).

Methods

Cross-sectional cluster sampling was performed for a survey of students aged 6–14 years who attended primary or junior high school in Beijing within January, 2022. Data were collected via electronic questionnaires. Statistical analyses were completed using the PyCharm (Edition 2018.1 x64) and Python (Version 3.7.6).

Results

Data from 11,308 students (5,527 girls and 5,781 boys) were analyzed, and 909 of them had LRTI with the prevalence of 8.01%. After a comprehensive evaluation, the Gaussian naive Bayes (gNB) algorithm outperformed the other machine-learning algorithms. The gNB algorithm had accuracy of 0.856, precision of 0.140, recall of 0.165, F1 score of 0.151, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.652. Using the optimal gNB algorithm, top five important factors, including age, rhinitis, sitting time, dental caries, and food or drug allergy, had decent prediction performance. In addition, the top five factors had prediction performance comparable to all factors modeled. For example, under the sequential deep-learning model, the accuracy and loss were separately gauged at 92.26 and 25.62% when incorporating the top five factors, and 92.22 and 25.52% when incorporating all factors.

Conclusions

Our findings showed the top five important factors modeled by gNB algorithm can sufficiently represent all involved factors in predicting LRTI risk among Chinese students aged 6–14 years.
Panax notoginseng Saponins Alleviate Coronary Artery Disease Through Hypermethylation of the miR-194-MAPK Pathway
Authors: Duan Lian , Liu Yongmei , Li Jun , Zhang Yun , Dong Yan , Liu Chao , Wang Jie
Published: June 2022

Background:Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) may have an inhibitory effect against coronary artery disease (CAD); however, the mechanism is unclear. Recent research has begun to evaluate the role of epigenetics in CAD. Our team found that hypomethylation of miR-194 could be an important mechanism of CAD.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PNS against CAD and evaluate whether the mechanism is related to methylation of mi-R194.

Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial with a double-blind placebo design on 84 patients with CAD. Treatment was continued for 4 weeks, and the clinical effect of PNS on CAD was observed. Methylation of miR-194, its promoter, and the key nodes of the MAPK pathway were measured by pyrosequencing and qRT-PCR. We then conducted a pharmacological analysis of the active components of PNS. The effects of PNS on oxidized human umbilical vein endothelial cells and the methylation of miR-194, its promoter, and the key nodes of the MAPK pathway were measured in vitro through methylation-specific PCR (MSPCR), qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and annexin V/propidium iodide apoptosis assay.

Results: PNS improved symptoms of CAD. High-density lipoprotein and white blood cell count demonstrated significant changes after treatment in the PNS group. No significant difference was observed between miR-194 and mRNA MAPK, FAS, RAS, and FOS in the PNS group after treatment. However, some notable trends were observed in these genes. The targets of PNS were predicted by the pharmacological components. Some targets were found to be differentially expressed genes in CAD sequencing. Six genes, including MAPK1, RAS, and FASL, were common targets of PNS in CAD sequencing. Correlations were observed between genes in the interaction network and clinical parameters. In vitro experiments confirmed that PNS could change the methylation of miR-194, its promoter, and MAPK, FAS, RAS, and FOS. Intervention with PNS is likely to improve apoptosis.

Conclusion: We reported the regulation of miR-194 promoter, miR-194, and MAPK methylation by PNS through cell experiments and a randomized controlled trial. PNS can be used for intervention in CAD by targeting the miR-194 promoter-miR-194-MAPK signaling pathway.

Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/, NCT03083119.
Neuroprotective Potency of Neolignans in Magnolia officinalis Cortex Against Brain Disorders
Authors: Zhu Shun , Liu Fang , Zhang Ruiyuan , Xiong Zongxiang , Zhang Qian , Hao Li , Chen Shiyin
Published: June 2022

In recent years, neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and stroke are one of the main causes of death in the world. At the same time, the incidence of psychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety has been increasing. Accumulating elderly and stressed people suffer from these brain disorders, which is undoubtedly a huge burden on the modern aging society. Neolignans, the main active ingredients in Magnolia officinalis cortex, were reported to have neuroprotective effects. In addition, the key bioactive ingredients of neolignans, magnolol (1) and honokiol (2), were proved to prevent and treat neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders by protecting nerve cells and brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Furthermore, neolignans played a role in protecting nerve cells via regulation of neuronal function, suppression of neurotoxicity, etc. This review summarizes the neuroprotective effect, primary mechanisms of the leading neolignans and provides new prospects for the treatment of brain disorders in the future.
Phyllanthus Niruri L. Exerts Protective Effects Against the Calcium Oxalate-Induced Renal Injury via Ellgic Acid
Authors: Li Mao-Ting , Liu Lu-Lu , Zhou Qi , Huang Lin-Xi , Shi Yu-Xuan , Hou Jie-Bin , Lu Hong-Tao , Yu Bing , Chen Wei , Guo Zhi-Yong
Published: June 2022

Background: Urolithiasis or kidney stones is a common and frequently occurring renal disease; calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals are responsible for 80% of urolithiasis cases. Phyllanthus niruri L. (PN) has been used to treat urolithiasis. This study aimed to determine the potential protective effects and molecular mechanism of PN on calcium oxalate-induced renal injury.

Methods: Microarray data sets were generated from the calcium oxalate-induced renal injury model of HK-2 cells and potential disease-related targets were identified. Network pharmacology was employed to identify drug-related targets of PN and construct the active ingredient-target network. Finally, the putative therapeutic targets and active ingredients of PN were verified in vitro and in vivo.

Results: A total of 20 active ingredients in PN, 2,428 drug-related targets, and 127 disease-related targets were identified. According to network pharmacology analysis, HMGCS1, SQLE, and SCD were identified as predicted therapeutic target and ellagic acid (EA) was identified as the active ingredient by molecular docking analysis. The increased expression of SQLE, SCD, and HMGCS1 due to calcium oxalate-induced renal injury in HK-2 cells was found to be significantly inhibited by EA. Immunohistochemical in mice also showed that the levels of SQLE, SCD, and HMGCS1 were remarkably restored after EA treatment.

Conclusion: EA is the active ingredient in PN responsible for its protective effects against CaOx-induced renal injury. SQLE, SCD, and HMGCS1 are putative therapeutic targets of EA.
Construction of Biocompatible Hydrogel Scaffolds With a Long-Term Drug Release for Facilitating Cartilage Repair
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chen Rui , Xu Xiong , Zhu Liang , Liu Yanbin , Yu XiaoJie , Tang GuoKe
Published: June 2022

In tissue engineering, hydrogel scaffolds allow various cells to be cultured and grown in vitro and then implanted to repair or replace the damaged areas. Here in this work, kartogenin (KGN), an effectively chondro-inductive non-protein bioactive drug molecule, was incorporated into a composite hydrogel comprising the positively charged chitosan (CS) and methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) polymers to fabricate appropriate microenvironments of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for cartilage regeneration. Based on the combination of physical chain entanglements and chemical crosslinking effects, the resultant GelMA-CS@KGN composite hydrogels possessed favorable network pores and mechanical strength. In vitro cytotoxicity showed the excellent biocompatibility for facilitating the cell growth, adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. The long-term sustainable KGN release from the hydrogel scaffolds in situ promoted the chondrogenic differentiation that can be employed as an alternative candidate for cartilage tissue regeneration.
CD73-Adenosine A1R Axis Regulates the Activation and Apoptosis of Hepatic Stellate Cells Through the PLC-IP3-Ca2+/DAG-PKC Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Zhenni , Wu Xue , Wang Qi , Li Zixuan , Liu Xueqi , Sheng Xiaodong , Zhu Hong , Zhang Mengda , Xu Junrui , Feng Xiaowen , Wu Baoming , Lv Xiongwen
Published: June 2022

Alcohol-related liver fibrosis (ALF) is a form of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) that generally occurs in response to heavy long-term drinking. Ecto-5′-nucleotidase (NT5E), also known as CD73, is a cytomembrane protein linked to the cell membrane via a GPI anchor that regulates the conversion of extracellular ATP to adenosine. Adenosine and its receptors are important regulators of the cellular response. Previous studies showed that CD73 and adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) were important in alcohol-related liver disease, however the exact mechanism is unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role and mechanism of the CD73-A1R axis in both a murine model of alcohol and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced ALF and in an in vitro model of fibrosis induced by acetaldehyde. The degree of liver injury was determined by measuring serum AST and ALT levels, H & E staining, and Masson’s trichrome staining. The expression levels of fibrosis indicators and PLC-IP3-Ca2+/DAG-PKC signaling pathway were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, ELISA, and calcium assay. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) apoptosis was detected using the Annexin V-FITC/PI cell apoptosis detection kit. Knockdown of CD73 significantly attenuated the accumulation of α-SMA and COL1a1 damaged the histological architecture of the mouse liver induced by alcohol and CCl4. In vitro, CD73 inhibition attenuated acetaldehyde-induced fibrosis and downregulated A1R expression in HSC-T6 cells. Inhibition of CD73/A1R downregulated the expression of the PLC-IP3-Ca2+/DAG-PKC signaling pathway. In addition, silencing of CD73/A1R promoted apoptosis in HSC-T6 cells. In conclusion, the CD73-A1R axis can regulate the activation and apoptosis of HSCs through the PLC-IP3-Ca2+/DAG-PKC signaling pathway.
The Role of m6A RNA Methylation in Cancer: Implication for Nature Products Anti-Cancer Research
Authors: Song Na , Cui Kai , Zhang Ke , Yang Jie , Liu Jia , Miao Zhuang , Zhao Feiyue , Meng Hongjing , Chen Lu , Chen Chong , Li Yushan , Shao Minglong , Zhang Jinghang , Wang Haijun
Published: June 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is identified as the most common, abundant and reversible RNA epigenetic modification in messenger RNA (mRNA) and non-coding RNA, especially within eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which post-transcriptionally directs many important processes of RNA. It has also been demonstrated that m6A modification plays a pivotal role in the occurrence and development of tumors by regulating RNA splicing, localization, translation, stabilization and decay. Growing number of studies have indicated that natural products have outstanding anti-cancer effects of their unique advantages of high efficiency and minimal side effects. However, at present, there are very few research articles to study and explore the relationship between natural products and m6A RNA modification in tumorigenesis. m6A is dynamically deposited, removed, and recognized by m6A methyltransferases (METTL3/14, METTL16, WTAP, RBM15/15B, VIRMA, CBLL1, and ZC3H13, called as “writers”), demethylases (FTO and ALKBH5, called as “erasers”), and m6A-specific binding proteins (YTHDF1/2/3, YTHDC1/2, IGH2BP1/2/3, hnRNPs, eIF3, and FMR1, called as “readers”), respectively. In this review, we summarize the biological function of m6A modification, the role of m6A and the related signaling pathway in cancer, such as AKT, NF-kB, MAPK, ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, STAT, p53, Notch signaling pathway, and so on. Furthermore, we reviewed the current research on nature products in anti-tumor, and further to get a better understanding of the anti-tumor mechanism, thus provide an implication for nature products with anti-cancer research by regulating m6A modification in the future.
Multi Gigabit Wireless Data Transfer in Detectors at Future Colliders
Authors: Brenner R. , Dehos C. , Locci E.
Published: June 2022

The WADAPT (Wireless Allowing Data And Power Transmission) consortium has been formed to identify the specific needs of different projects that might benefit from wireless communication technologies with the objective of providing a common platform for research and development in order to optimize effectiveness and cost. Wireless technologies have developed extremely fast over the last decade and are now mature enough to be a promising alternative to cables and optical links, with a possibility of revolutionizing detector design. Although wireless readout has the qualities and properties to be used in many collider detectors, this article focuses on the transmission of large amount of data from vertex detectors at high rate, low power budget and in potential high radiation environment. For vertex detectors, the 60 GHz band has proven to be adequate and commercial products are already available, providing 6 Gbps data links. This technology allows efficient partitioning of detectors in topological regions of interest, with the possibility of adding intelligence on the detector to perform four-dimensional reconstruction of the tracks and vertices online, in order to attach the tracks to their vertex with great efficiency even in difficult experimental conditions, and conveniently substitutes a mass of materials (cables and connectors). Early transceiver module products have been successfully tested for signal confinement, crosstalk, electromagnetic immunity and resistance to radiation. In the long run, emerging 140 GHz bands could also be used for higher data rates (>100 Gbps) at future high energy and luminosity hadron colliders.
A Dynamical Systems Perspective to Characterize the El Niño Diversity in Spatiotemporal Patterns
Authors: Huang Yu , Shi Ming , Fu Zuntao
Published: June 2022

El Niño is the long-lasting anomalous warming of sea surface temperature (SST) and surface air temperature (SAT) over the tropical Pacific. Each El Niño event has its unique impact on the overlaying atmosphere, where the warming exhibits diversity in spatiotemporal patterns. It still remains an open question for discriminating the El Niño diversity, since the single area-averaging SST index often fails to distinguish the impact of the event diversity, which is partially due to the nonlinear and non-uniform variations of the warming patterns. Here, we introduced the Dynamical Systems metrics (DSMs) to measure instantaneous dimensions and persistence of the SAT warming patterns over the tropical Pacific. Our results show that different SAT warming patterns can be discriminated by their corresponding values of dimension and persistence, then the central Pacific and eastern Pacific El Niño events can be discriminated by DSM. Particularly, through the analyses of El Niño events, we can interpret the physical meaning of DSM parameters applied to the space-time SAT field: an instantaneous dimension reflects whether the sub-regions of the SAT field are consistently varying and to what degree the spatial pattern of anomalies is homogeneous, while the instantaneous persistence indicates how long an anomalous SAT pattern can be maintained. This work analyzes the spatiotemporal variability of El Niño from a dynamical system perspective, and DSM may also serve as a useful tool to study extreme events related to SST anomalies.
The Application of Recovery Strategies in Basketball: A Worldwide Survey
Authors: Pernigoni Marco , Conte Daniele , Calleja-González Julio , Boccia Gennaro , Romagnoli Marco , Ferioli Davide
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to assess the perceived usefulness, actual use and barriers to the implementation of recovery strategies among basketball practitioners. 107 participants (strength and conditioning coaches, sport scientists, performance specialists) from different countries and competitive levels completed an online survey. Most participants rated recovery strategies as either extremely (46%) or very important (49%). Active recovery, massage, foam rolling, and stretching were perceived as most useful (80, 73, 72 and 59% of participants, respectively) and were most frequently adopted (68, 61, 72 and 67%, respectively). Participants mentioned lack of devices and facilities (51%), excessive cost (51%), lack of time (27%), players’ negative perception (25%) and lack of sufficient evidence (16%) as barriers to the implementation of recovery strategies. The present findings reveal that some dissociation between scientific evidence and perceived effectiveness was present among the study participants. A possible solution would be to ensure that scientific evidence-based guidelines are followed when considering the application of recovery strategies. Regarding actual use, participants favored easily implementable strategies (e.g. active recovery, stretching), rather than evidence-supported, but expensive and/or impractical strategies (e.g. whole-body cryotherapy). Possible solutions may include the use of practical tools that don’t need specific facilities, the development and validation of new low-cost recovery devices, the promotion of players education regarding recovery strategies, and conducting further research to increase the scientific knowledge in the area.
Constitutive Active CPK30 Interferes With Root Growth and Endomembrane Trafficking in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Ren , Himschoot Ellie , Chen Jian , Boudsocq Marie , Geelen Danny , Friml Jiří , Beeckman Tom , Vanneste Steffen
Published: June 2022

Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CPK) are key components of a wide array of signaling pathways, translating stress and nutrient signaling into the modulation of cellular processes such as ion transport and transcription. However, not much is known about CPKs in endomembrane trafficking. Here, we screened for CPKs that impact on root growth and gravitropism, by overexpressing constitutively active forms of CPKs under the control of an inducible promoter in Arabidopsis thaliana. We found that inducible overexpression of an constitutive active CPK30 (CA-CPK30) resulted in a loss of root gravitropism and ectopic auxin accumulation in the root tip. Immunolocalization revealed that CA-CPK30 roots have reduced PIN protein levels, PIN1 polarity defects and impaired Brefeldin A (BFA)-sensitive trafficking. Moreover, FM4-64 uptake was reduced, indicative of a defect in endocytosis. The effects on BFA-sensitive trafficking were not specific to PINs, as BFA could not induce aggregation of ARF1- and CHC-labeled endosomes in CA-CPK30. Interestingly, the interference with BFA-body formation, could be reverted by increasing the extracellular pH, indicating a pH-dependence of this CA-CPK30 effect. Altogether, our data reveal an important role for CPK30 in root growth regulation and endomembrane trafficking in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Do Internet Search Data Help Forecast Air Passenger Demand? Evidence From China’s Airports
Authors: Liang Xiaozhen , Zhang Qing , Hong Chenxi , Niu Weining , Yang Mingge
Published: June 2022

Before making travel plans, people often use the Internet to collect relevant information to help themselves make better decisions. Among the numerous information search channels, Internet search engine is used by the vast number of travelers because of its low cost and high efficiency. To a large extent, Internet search behavior is the external manifestation of users’ psychological activities, reflecting their concerns, needs and preferences. Therefore, Internet search data can reflect the air passenger demand information to a certain extent. In this manuscript, a novel decomposition ensemble model is proposed to discuss the role of Internet search data in air passenger demand forecasting. In the empirical study, the relevant data of Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport are taken as samples. The results show that the proposed forecasting model can integrate the advantages of decomposition-ensemble strategy and deep learning algorithm, and achieve more accurate and reliable prediction results than all benchmark models. This further indicates that adding Internet search data into the forecasting model can effectively improve the prediction performance of air passenger demand, and can provide scientific and reliable decision support for air transport management.