bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detección, modificación de comportamientos disruptivos y mejora de la autoestima e inteligencia emocional en Educación Infantil
Authors: Lucas Montero Irene
Published: February 2024

Es bastante frecuente enfrentarnos en el aula a diferentes comportamientos que no son adecuados y que interfieren en el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje del alumnado. Algunas de estas conductas pueden ser catalogadas como conductas disruptivas. Las conductas disruptivas pueden deberse a diferentes factores. No obstante, la autoestima y la inteligencia emocional pueden jugar un papel fundamental en el desarrollo de estas conductas antisociales. Es por ello que desde los centros educativos debemos de favorecer que los alumnos tengan una adecuada autoestima, así como que sepan reconocer e identificar las emociones, autorregular las respuestas y controlar sus impulsos. Por ello, en este trabajo de innovación educativa que tendrá como objetivos: 1) detectar conductas disruptivas en el aula; 2) modificar las conductas disruptivas identificadas; y 3) elevar la autoestima e inteligencia emocional de los alumnos. Esta intervención irá destinada a alumnado de segundo ciclo de Educación Infantil, en concreto al tercer curso. La propuesta de innovación educativa consta de 20 sesiones distribuidas entre septiembre y diciembre (primer trimestre), en las que se exponen diferentes actividades para detectar y modificar conductas disruptivas en el aula, así como para mejorar la autoestima e inteligencia emocional de los alumnos. La propuesta, en cuanto a elementos curriculares se refiere, estará regida por el Decreto 98/2022 del 22 de julio por el que se establece la ordenación y el currículo de Educación Infantil para la comunidad autónoma de Extremadura (España).
Educación matemática a través de la virtualidad
Authors: Pérez Quintero Franklin Eduardo , Garrido Bermúdez Emerson , Mosquera Ruiz Elkin , Sastoque Zapata Jairo Andrés
Published: February 2024

El presente texto pretende realizar un análisis de la literatura científica y las evidencias que esta presenta, con relación a la educación matemática mediada por la virtualidad, esto como preámbulo para el diseño y aplicación en colegio y universidad de un modelo pedagógico virtual para la enseñanza de las matemáticas. Con esta intención se ha desarrollado una revisión bibliográfica sistemática siguiendo las directrices PRISMA de los estudios empíricos encontrados en WOS y Scopus, con un refinamiento de análisis bibliométrico bajo paquetes de bibliometría desde el software de estadística R. De esta forma se ha hallado un crecimiento de investigaciones que relacionan estos conceptos, pero encontrando algunas particularidades, como el hecho de que sea la ingeniería y los procesos STEAM los que más están generando contenido al respecto y que las ciencias sociales no presentan una cantidad similar de estudios relacionados con los conceptos propuestos.
Need of belonging, Mexican men's normative socialization, and machismo as the root of couple problems, the role of alcohol use, and intimate partner violence
Authors: Rojo Ornelas Laura , Benjet Miner Corina Lenora , Robles García Rebeca , Lira Mandujano Jennifer
Published: February 2024

This research aims to understand and describe the etiology and mechanisms that maintain the association between alcohol consumption and violence perpetrated by Mexican men against their female partners. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted using the focus group technique, with the participation of 14 men recruited through a marketing campaign in social networks, all with a history of intimate partner violence and alcohol consumption (assessed using the AUDIT and a semi-structured questionnaire). The data analysis was done manually, based on grounded theory, and subjected to three triangulation types. According to the results, the etiology of the association between alcohol consumption and intimate partner violence is the inadequate satisfaction of the need for bonding (attachment), imposed by the normative socialization of being a man, culturally known as machismo; an association that is maintained mainly by emotional dysregulation, lack of cohabitation skills in couples and poor management of the family economy. The results bring to the table a well-known, but little-considered fact: both alcohol consumption and the exercise of violence are strongly influenced by culture, which makes it necessary to investigate the phenomenon, emphasizing the peculiarities of the population under study. These results can be considered an indicator of the components necessary to develop an intervention that addresses both variables in the Mexican population
Conectividad cerebral, empatía, insensibilidad emocional y toma de decisiones en el trastorno de la conducta: Una revisión sistemática.
Authors: Correa Jose , Calderon Delgado Liliana Amparo , Barrera Valencia Mauricio Alberto
Published: February 2024

The deficits in empathy, emotional insensitivity, and decision-making constitute the core of symptoms defining conduct disorder. Although several studies have established some correlates between brain connectivity and symptoms separately, there has been little effort to systematize such information. The current systematic review aimed to describe the findings obtained through analyzing brain connectivity networks by functional magnetic resonance imaging associated with alterations in empathy, emotional insensitivity, and decision-making in subjects with conduct disorder. A systematic search was carried out for original studies published in Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Scielo, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Nature. Articles published between 2000 and 2022 were included; a qualitative synthesis was obtained with the six selected articles at the end of the process. The findings show altered brain connectivity patterns in brain regions associated with empathy and insensitivity in subjects with conduct disorder.
Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice towards Covid-19 outbreak among dental students in Lucknow, India: Is it time for a syllabus revamp?
Authors: George Jiji , Singh Ankita , Shukla Abhilasha
Published: February 2024

Background: Mankind has observed various pandemics, but COVID-19 outbreak has caused unprecedented human health consequences. Since, dentists are highly vulnerable to this infection, KAP of dental students towards the transmission and prevention plays an important role in disease control.

Objectives: To assess andcompare the KAP towards Covid-19 crisis among BDS 1st year (pre-clinical) and 3rd year (clinical) dental students in Lucknow.

Materials and Methods: This online cross-sectional survey was conducted in May 2020, during the initial lockdown phase. 200 students (100 each of BDS 1st year and 3rd year) from Babu Banarasi Das College of Dental Sciences, Lucknow were selected to participate in the study. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was distributed online using google forms. The collected data was statistically analysed.

Results and Conclusion: Third year students undergoing clinical training had better positive response in all terms of KAP towards COVID 19 crisis when compared to the 1st year students in preclinical stage. The findings about lack of basic knowledge about viral infections like common cold and serologic testing methods like RT PCR were highlights of this study and needs to be corrected immediately if we want to contain the spread of COVID-19 infection in India. We probably should sensitise the dental student population as they enter dental schools towards right KAP to corona crisis& ensure preventive methods are followed to remove dental profession from the stigma of being super spreaders. This can be attained by making subtle changes in the current curricula.

Key words: Covid-19, KAP, Dental students, Syllabus revamp
Knowledge, attitude and practice of patients regarding cross infection
and infection control in dental college and hospital, Nashik
Authors: Mahajan Aishwarya , Kale Triveni , Lendhey Shruti
Published: February 2024

Patient safety is an important medical discipline which aims at improving quality of patient care, minimizing treatment mistakes and improving safety. Infectious diseases represent an important public health problem facing health care systems in many countries. Cross infection can occur with transmission of infectious agents between patients and health workers.
The objective of the study was to determine the level of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of patients attended dental clinics at MGV’S KBH Dental College and Hospital, Nasik, regarding cross infection and infection control in dentistry. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1200 patients who attended the dental clinics. A standardized, confidential, anonymous, interviewing questionnaire was used. Knowledge about Dental infection was assessed by 10 MCQs. The attitude parameter was assessed through answering seven statements on a three- point Likert scale. Patient self reported practices were also evaluated. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done.

Results of the study revealed that 48.6%, 29.3% and 22.1% of the participants obtained poor, fair and satisfactory level of knowledge about infection and infection control in dentistry, respectively. Participant's educational level was significantly associated with the level of knowledge about dental infection. Patients had positive attitudes towards infection control in dentistry. Regarding self-reported practice, almost half of the participants would ask dentists about sterilization of dental instruments (45.8%), wearing face mask (24.5%) and gloves (32.3%). In conclusion, our participants had good attitudes towards infection control in dentistry. However, their knowledge and practice need improvements. Awareness should be increased about cross infection and infection control in dentistry through mass media, TV programs, camps, posters, etc.

KeyWords:- Cross infection,Cross-sectional study, Knowledge, Attitudes, Self-reported practice,Awareness
Evaluation of the influence of dentin on radiopacity of retrograde filling materials : An In-vitro study
Authors: Shaik Reshma Parveen , Bandlapally Anila , Lahari Bolla , Basam Ram Chowdary , Vemuri Sayesh , Garlapati Roopadevi
Published: February 2024

Aim: To assess and compare the influence of dentin on radiopacities of five retrograde filling materials and subjecting the samples to radiographic interpretation by various endodontists.

Materials and Methodology: Fifty extracted incisors for non endodontic reasons were selected and sectioned to standardize the working length to 16mm.Root canal treatment was done and rootend resection was carried out with a fissure bur under constant water spray. 3mm deep cavities were prepared on the resected root with a straight fissure bur. Samples were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1- Amalgam, Group 2- GIC, Group 3- MTA (Mineral trioxide aggregate), Group 4- Biodentin, Group 5- Thermoplasticized gutta percha. Retrograde filling was done in the prepared cavities and also packed into plastic straws. Samples were stored at 100% humidity for 24 hrs and the radiodensity was measured using a radiodensity tool.The digitized images were selected randomly and a questionnaire was prepared using google form. This form was circulated among the endodontists and the responses were recorded. The data was Statistically analyzed using one way analysis of variance and post hoc tukey test.

Results: Dentin did not show any influence on the radioopacity of root end filling materials amalgam (P-1.00), thermoplasticized gutta-percha (P- 0.18). radiopacity was significantly reduced for GIC (P- 0.01), MTA (P < 0.001), Biodentin (P- 0.02) Radiodensity of amalgam was highest compared to all other groups tested, and biodentin was found to exhibit lowest radiodensity. 92% of participants interpreted amalgam, 80% interpreted biodentin, 67% identified thermoplasticized gutta-percha, 50% identified MTA and GIC correctly.

Conclusion: The root end filling materials showed varying degree of radiopacity. More number of endoodntists were able to identify amalgam and biodentin correctly. Radiopacity was significantly reduced for GIC, MTA, Biodentin when placed as root end filling materials.

Keywords: Apicoectemy, Radiopacifiers, Root-end filling materials, radiodensity tool.
Cyclodextrin derivatives decrease Transient Receptor Potential vanilloid 1 and Ankyrin 1 ion channel activation via altering the surrounding membrane microenvironment by cholesterol depletion
Authors: Nehr-Majoros Andrea Kinga , Erostyák János , Fenyvesi Éva , Szabó-Meleg Edina , Szőcs Levente , Sétáló György , Helyes Zsuzsanna , Szőke Éva
Published: February 2024

Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) are nonselective cation channels expressed in primary sensory neurons and several other non-neuronal structures such as immune cells, keratinocytes, and vascular smooth muscle cells. They play important roles in nociception, pain processing and their chanellopathies are associated with the development of several pathological conditions. They are located in cholesterol- and sphingolipid-rich membrane lipid raft regions serving as platforms to modulate their activations. We demonstrated earlier that disruption of these lipid rafts leads to decreased TRP channel activation and exerts analgesic effects. Cyclodextrins are macrocyclic molecules able to form host-guest complexes with cholesterol and deplete it from the membrane lipid rafts. The aim of this study was to investigate 8 structurally different (methylated and non-methylated) CD derivatives on cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, membrane composition and activation abilities of the TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels. We showed that non-methylated derivatives have preferable safety profiles compared to methylated ones. Furthermore, methylated derivatives reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. However, all investigated derivatives influence the ordered cell membrane structure depleting membrane cholesterol and inhibit the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin- and the TRPA1 agonist allyl isothiocyanate-induced Ca2+−influx. This mechanism of action might provide novel perspectives for the development of peripherally acting analgesics via indirectly decreasing the generation and transmission of nociceptive signals.
Spontaneous signal generation by an excitable system for cell migration
Authors: Matsuoka Satomi , Iwamoto Koji , Shin Da Young , Ueda Masahiro
Published: February 2024

Eukaryotic cells exhibit random migration in the absence of extracellular directional cues. This random migration acts as basal motility for various migratory responses such as chemotaxis. The self-organization of random motility requires the internal signals that determine the anterior side of the migrating cell be generated spontaneously from the intrinsic activities of intracellular signaling networks. Recent studies have identified an excitable system as the mechanism of the spontaneous signal generation. Here, we discuss how the excitable system of Ras, a small G protein, regulates signaling networks in Dictyostelium discoideum as a model organism. The excitability produces a domain where an active form of Ras is enriched on the cell membrane without extracellular directional cues, such that Ras serves as the anterior signal. The typical spatiotemporal characteristics are mathematically explained by reaction-diffusion models. These models further enable a quantitative analysis of the dynamics that depends on the internal cellular states and surrounding environments. Downstream of the Ras excitable system, a phosphoinositide metabolic network composed of PI3K, PTEN, PI(3,4,5)P3 and PI(4,5)P2 exhibits bistability to discretize the anterior and posterior regions of the cell membrane. Upstream, a local excitation and global inhibition local excitation global inhibition network, which works for gradient sensing in the presence of chemoattractant gradients, spatiotemporally biases the excitability of Ras for chemotaxis. In parallel with the Ras excitable system, the cGMP signaling pathway constitutes another excitable system of its own periodicity to ensure flexible migratory dynamics. In addition to these intracellular signaling networks, an intercellular signaling network activated by secreted cAMP is coupled with the Ras excitable system for collective cell migration. Finally, we discuss how the excitable system of Ras operates as a platform of information integration by receiving multiple intrinsic and extrinsic signals to ensure spontaneous cellular activity and robust responses in eukaryotic cell migration under natural complex environments.
Molecular epidemiology of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, and Escherichia coli outbreak among neonates in Tembisa hospital, South Africa
Authors: Osei Sekyere John , Mmatli Masego , Bosch Anel , Ntsoane Ramathetje Virginia , Naidoo Harishia , Doyisa Sinenhlanhla , Maningi Nontuthuko E. , Mbelle Nontombi Marylucy , Said Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Background

An outbreak of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter cloacae infections in a neonatal ward within a tertiary hospital in South Africa resulted in the mortality of 10 patients within six months. In this work, the genomic epidemiology of and the molecular factors mediating this outbreak were investigated.

Methods

Bacterial cultures obtained from clinical samples collected from the infected neonates underwent phenotypic and molecular analyses to determine their species, sensitivity to antibiotics, production of carbapenemases, complete resistance genes profile, clonality, epidemiology, and evolutionary relationships. Mobile genetic elements flanking the resistance genes and facilitating their spread were also characterized.

Results

The outbreak was centered in two major wards and affected mainly neonates between September 2019 and March 2020. Most isolates (n = 27 isolates) were K. pneumoniae while both E. coli and E. cloacae had three isolates each. Notably, 33/34 isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR), with 30 being resistant to at least four drug classes. All the isolates were carbapenemase-positive, but four blaOXA-48 isolates were susceptible to carbapenems. BlaNDM-1 (n = 13) and blaOXA-48/181 (n = 15) were respectively found on IS91 and IS6-like IS26 composite transposons in the isolates alongside several other resistance genes. The repertoire of resistance and virulence genes, insertion sequences, and plasmid replicon types in the strains explains their virulence, resistance, and quick dissemination among the neonates.

Conclusions

The outbreak of fatal MDR infections in the neonatal wards were mediated by clonal (vertical) and horizontal (plasmid-mediated) spread of resistant and virulent strains (and genes) that have been also circulating locally and globally.
Deep learning techniques for imaging diagnosis and treatment of aortic aneurysm
Authors: Huang Legang , Lu Jiankuan , Xiao Ying , Zhang Xiaofei , Li Cong , Yang Guangchao , Jiao Xiangfei , Wang Zijie
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aims to review the application of deep learning techniques in the imaging diagnosis and treatment of aortic aneurysm (AA), focusing on screening, diagnosis, lesion segmentation, surgical assistance, and prognosis prediction.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing studies that utilized deep learning models such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) in various aspects of AA management. The review covered applications in screening, segmentation, surgical planning, and prognosis prediction, with a focus on how these models improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Results

Deep learning models demonstrated significant advancements in AA management. For screening and diagnosis, models like ResNet achieved high accuracy in identifying AA in non-contrast CT scans. In segmentation, techniques like U-Net provided precise measurements of aneurysm size and volume, crucial for surgical planning. Deep learning also assisted in surgical procedures by accurately predicting stent placement and postoperative complications. Furthermore, models were able to predict AA progression and patient prognosis with high accuracy.

Conclusion

Deep learning technologies show remarkable potential in enhancing the diagnosis, treatment, and management of AA. These advancements could lead to more accurate and personalized patient care, improving outcomes in AA management.
The growth of knowledge and self-perceived competence during long-term internships: comparing preparatory versus accompanying seminars in teacher education programs
Authors: Bauer Max , Traub Silke , Kunina-Habenicht Olga
Published: February 2024

Pedagogical field experiences offer valuable learning opportunities in teacher education programs. While most previous studies have exclusively addressed self-perceived competencies, less is known about the extent to which competence objectively changes during internships. With this in mind, this study aims to examine the development of knowledge on instruction, self-perceived competence, teacher self-efficacy, and their interrelationship during a long- term internship with accompanying or preparatory seminars in educational sciences. Therefore, 275 student teachers were surveyed and structural equation modelling, IRT scaling, and analyses of variances were used as analytical methods. Results of the study revealed a significant change in self- perceived competence and teacher self-efficacy, but only a minimal change in knowledge. The results also showed that accompanying seminars lead to a substantial increase in knowledge relative to preparatory seminars. Furthermore, it turned out that self-perceived competence and its change are less related to knowledge as an objective measure of competence than future teachers’ self- efficacy. Based on these findings, the results from previous studies on student teaching and its effectiveness need to be interpreted more cautiously.
Dynamic surveillance of lymphocyte subsets in patients with non-small cell lung cancer during chemotherapy or combination immunotherapy for early prediction of efficacy
Authors: Zhen Shanshan , Wang Wenqian , Qin Guohui , Lu Taiying , Yang Li , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2024

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Lymphocytes are the primary executors of the immune system and play essential roles in tumorigenesis and development. We investigated the dynamic changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets to predict the efficacy of chemotherapy or combination immunotherapy in NSCLC.

Methods

This retrospective study collected data from 81 patients with NSCLC who received treatments at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2021 to May 2023. Patients were divided into response and non-response groups, chemotherapy and combination immunotherapy groups, and first-line and multiline groups. We analyzed the absolute counts of each lymphocyte subset in the peripheral blood at baseline and after each treatment cycle. Within-group and between-group differences were analyzed using paired Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests, respectively. The ability of lymphocyte subsets to predict treatment efficacy was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curve and logistic regression.

Results

The absolute counts of lymphocyte subsets in the response group significantly increased after the first cycle of chemotherapy or combination immunotherapy, whereas those in the non-response group showed persistent decreases. Ratios of lymphocyte subsets after the first treatment cycle to those at baseline were able to predict treatment efficacy early. Combination immunotherapy could increase lymphocyte counts compared to chemotherapy alone. In addition, patients with NSCLC receiving chemotherapy or combination immunotherapy for the first time mainly presented with elevated lymphocyte levels, whereas multiline patients showed continuous reductions.

Conclusion

Dynamic surveillance of lymphocyte subsets could reflect a more actual immune status and predict efficacy early. Combination immunotherapy protected lymphocyte levels from rapid decrease and patients undergoing multiline treatments were more prone to lymphopenia than those receiving first-line treatment. This study provides a reference for the early prediction of the efficacy of clinical tumor treatment for timely combination of immunotherapy or the improvement of immune status.
Gut microbiota-gonadal axis: the impact of gut microbiota on reproductive functions
Authors: Ashonibare Victory J. , Akorede Bolaji A. , Ashonibare Precious J. , Akhigbe Tunmise M. , Akhigbe Roland Eghoghosoa
Published: February 2024

The influence of gut microbiota on physiological processes is rapidly gaining attention globally. Despite being under-studied, there are available data demonstrating a gut microbiota-gonadal cross-talk, and the importance of this axis in reproduction. This study reviews the impacts of gut microbiota on reproduction. In addition, the possible mechanisms by which gut microbiota modulates male and female reproduction are presented. Databases, including Embase, Google scholar, Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, were explored using relevant key words. Findings showed that gut microbiota promotes gonadal functions by modulating the circulating levels of steroid sex hormones, insulin sensitivity, immune system, and gonadal microbiota. Gut microbiota also alters ROS generation and the activation of cytokine accumulation. In conclusion, available data demonstrate the existence of a gut microbiota-gonadal axis, and role of this axis on gonadal functions. However, majority of the data were compelling evidences from animal studies with a great dearth of human data. Therefore, human studies validating the reports of experimental studies using animal models are important.
Decoding the tumor microenvironment and molecular mechanism: unraveling cervical cancer subpopulations and prognostic signatures through scRNA-Seq and bulk RNA-seq analyses
Authors: Lin Zhiheng , Li Xinhan , Shi Hengmei , Cao Renshuang , Zhu Lijun , Dang Chunxiao , Sheng Yawen , Fan Weisen , Yang Zhenghui , Wu Siyu
Published: February 2024

Background

Cervical carcinoma (CC) represents a prevalent gynecological neoplasm, with a discernible rise in prevalence among younger cohorts observed in recent years. Nonetheless, the intrinsic cellular heterogeneity of CC remains inadequately investigated.

Methods

We utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) transcriptomic analysis to scrutinize the tumor epithelial cells derived from four specimens of cervical carcinoma (CC) patients. This method enabled the identification of pivotal subpopulations of tumor epithelial cells and elucidation of their contributions to CC progression. Subsequently, we assessed the influence of associated molecules in bulk RNA sequencing (Bulk RNA-seq) cohorts and performed cellular experiments for validation purposes.

Results

Through our analysis, we have discerned C3 PLP2+ Tumor Epithelial Progenitor Cells as a noteworthy subpopulation in cervical carcinoma (CC), exerting a pivotal influence on the differentiation and progression of CC. We have established an independent prognostic indicator—the PLP2+ Tumor EPCs score. By stratifying patients into high and low score groups based on the median score, we have observed that the high-score group exhibits diminished survival rates compared to the low-score group. The correlations observed between these groups and immune infiltration, enriched pathways, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), drug sensitivity, among other factors, further underscore their impact on CC prognosis. Cellular experiments have validated the significant impact of ATF6 on the proliferation and migration of CC cell lines.

Conclusion

This study enriches our comprehension of the determinants shaping the progression of CC, elevates cognizance of the tumor microenvironment in CC, and offers valuable insights for prospective CC therapies. These discoveries contribute to the refinement of CC diagnostics and the formulation of optimal therapeutic approaches.
Investigating the ability of deep learning-based structure prediction to extrapolate and/or enrich the set of antibody CDR canonical forms
Authors: Greenshields-Watson Alexander , Abanades Brennan , Deane Charlotte M.
Published: February 2024

Deep learning models have been shown to accurately predict protein structure from sequence, allowing researchers to explore protein space from the structural viewpoint. In this paper we explore whether “novel” features, such as distinct loop conformations can arise from these predictions despite not being present in the training data. Here we have used ABodyBuilder2, a deep learning antibody structure predictor, to predict the structures of ~1.5M paired antibody sequences. We examined the predicted structures of the canonical CDR loops and found that most of these predictions fall into the already described CDR canonical form structural space. We also found a small number of “new” canonical clusters composed of heterogeneous sequences united by a common sequence motif and loop conformation. Analysis of these novel clusters showed their origins to be either shapes seen in the training data at very low frequency or shapes seen at high frequency but at a shorter sequence length. To evaluate explicitly the ability of ABodyBuilder2 to extrapolate, we retrained several models whilst withholding all antibody structures of a specific CDR loop length or canonical form. These “starved” models showed evidence of generalisation across CDRs of different lengths, but they did not extrapolate to loop conformations which were highly distinct from those present in the training data. However, the models were able to accurately predict a canonical form even if only a very small number of examples of that shape were in the training data. Our results suggest that deep learning protein structure prediction methods are unable to make completely out-of-domain predictions for CDR loops. However, in our analysis we also found that even minimal amounts of data of a structural shape allow the method to recover its original predictive abilities. We have made the ~1.5 M predicted structures used in this study available to download at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10280181.
Reactive gliosis in traumatic brain injury: a comprehensive review
Authors: Amlerova Zuzana , Chmelova Martina , Anderova Miroslava , Vargova Lydia
Published: February 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common pathological conditions impacting the central nervous system (CNS). A neurological deficit associated with TBI results from a complex of pathogenetic mechanisms including glutamate excitotoxicity, inflammation, demyelination, programmed cell death, or the development of edema. The critical components contributing to CNS response, damage control, and regeneration after TBI are glial cells–in reaction to tissue damage, their activation, hypertrophy, and proliferation occur, followed by the formation of a glial scar. The glial scar creates a barrier in damaged tissue and helps protect the CNS in the acute phase post-injury. However, this process prevents complete tissue recovery in the late/chronic phase by producing permanent scarring, which significantly impacts brain function. Various glial cell types participate in the scar formation, but this process is mostly attributed to reactive astrocytes and microglia, which play important roles in several brain pathologies. Novel technologies including whole-genome transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses, and unbiased proteomics, show that both astrocytes and microglia represent groups of heterogenic cell subpopulations with different genomic and functional characteristics, that are responsible for their role in neurodegeneration, neuroprotection and regeneration. Depending on the representation of distinct glia subpopulations, the tissue damage as well as the regenerative processes or delayed neurodegeneration after TBI may thus differ in nearby or remote areas or in different brain structures. This review summarizes TBI as a complex process, where the resultant effect is severity-, region- and time-dependent and determined by the model of the CNS injury and the distance of the explored area from the lesion site. Here, we also discuss findings concerning intercellular signaling, long-term impacts of TBI and the possibilities of novel therapeutical approaches. We believe that a comprehensive study with an emphasis on glial cells, involved in tissue post-injury processes, may be helpful for further research of TBI and be the decisive factor when choosing a TBI model.
Effect of high-frequency (5Hz) rTMS stimulating left DLPFC combined with galantamine on cognitive impairment after ischemic stroke and serum homocysteine and neuron-specific enolase
Authors: Hu Guojin , Zhang Li , Sun Xiuli , Wang Lin , Xu Qian , Li Qin , Huang Wei , Xiao Yao
Published: February 2024

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) combined with galantamine in patients with cognitive impairment after stroke and its effect on serum homocysteine (Hcy) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels.

Methods

A total of 90 patients with cognitive impairment after the first ischemic stroke were enrolled. They were randomly divided into rTMS+ cognitive rehabilitation group, Galantamine + cognitive rehabilitation group, and rTMS+ Galantamine + cognitive rehabilitation group. All groups received routine medical treatment and limb rehabilitation treatment. The rTMS stimulation site was the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (left DLPFC), the magnetic stimulation frequency was 5 Hz, the magnetic stimulation intensity was 80% of the motor threshold level, and 3,000 pulses were given every day. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Fugl-Meyer scale, and modified Barthel index, as well as rehabilitation scale and serum NSE and Hcy were evaluated before and after treatment (after 4 weeks).

Results

After 4 weeks of treatment, the scores of MMSE, MoCa scale, Fugl-Meyer scale, and modified Barthel index in the three groups were significantly higher than those before treatment (all p < 0.05), while the serum NSE and Hcy levels of the three groups were decreased. rTMS+ Galantamine + cognitive rehabilitation group had higher scale scores, and the difference between the three groups was statistically significant compared with the other two groups (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Cognitive rehabilitation combined with HF-rTMS and galantamine could improve the cognitive function of patients to the greatest extent, promote the recovery of physical activity, improve the self-care ability of daily life, and effectively reduce the serum HCY and NSE levels in patients with cognitive impairment after stroke. No randomized controlled trials of similar combination treatments have been reported. The better therapeutic effect may be related to the fact that galantamine combined with repetitive transcranial magnetism can activate the brain cholinergic system more extensively, promote brain neural remodeling through long-term potentiation and inhibit local neuroinflammatory responses in brain injury.
Factors affecting driving performance in patients with Multiple Sclerosis – still an open question
Authors: Seddiq Zai Susan , das Nair Roshan , Heesen Christoph , Buhmann Carsten , Pedersen Anya , Pöttgen Jana
Published: February 2024

Background and objectives

Research on driving ability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) suggests that they might be at risk for unsafe driving due to MS-related motor, visual, and cognitive impairment. Our first aim was to investigate differences in driving ability and performance between people with MS (PwMS) and those without any neurologic or psychiatric disease (“controls”). Secondly, we determined disease-related factors influencing driving ability in PwMS.

Methods

We prospectively compared standardized performance in a driving simulator between 97 persons with early MS [mean (SD) = 6.4 (7.3) years since diagnosis, mean (SD) Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) = 2.5 (1.4)] and 94 group-matched controls. Participants completed an extensive examination comprising questionnaires and assessments regarding driving, cognitive and psychological factors, as well as demographic and disease-related measures. Between-group comparisons of driving-relevant neuropsychological tests and driving performance were done. Correlations were performed to define demographic and disease-related factors on driving performance in MS.

Results

In a driving simulator setting, PwMS had more driving accidents [T(188) = 2.762, p = 0.006], reacted slower to hazardous events [T(188) = 2.561, p = 0.011], made more driving errors [T(188) = 2.883, p = 0.004] and had a worse Driving Safety Score (DSS) [T(188) = 3.058, p = 0.003] than controls. The only disease-related measure to be associated with most driving outcomes was the Wechsler Block-Tapping test (WMS-R) backward: number of accidents (r = 0.28, p = 0.01), number of driving errors (r = 0.23, p = 0.05) and DSS (r = −0.23, p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Driving performance in a simulator seems to be reduced in PwMS at an early stage of disease compared to controls, as a result of increased erroneous driving, reduced reaction time and higher accident rate. MS-related impairment in mobility, vision, cognition, and in psychological and demographic aspects showed no or only minimal association to driving ability, but impairment in different areas of cognition such as spatial short-term memory, working memory and selective attention correlated with the number of accidents, and might indicate a higher risk for driving errors and worse performance. These results show that driving ability is a complex skill with involvement of many different domains, which need further research.
Active recharge biphasic stimulation for the intraoperative monopolar review in deep brain stimulation
Authors: Mampre David , Kim Min Jae , Oliver Tucker , Sorrentino Zachary , Chandra Vyshak , Christie Carlton , Zakare-Fagbamila Rasheedat , Hilliard Justin D. , Wong Joshua K.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Charge balancing is used in deep brain stimulation (DBS) to avoid net charge accumulation at the tissue-electrode interface that can result in neural damage. Charge balancing paradigms include passive recharge and active recharge. In passive recharge, each cathodic pulse is accompanied by a waiting period before the next stimulation, whereas active recharge uses energy to deliver symmetric anodic and cathodic stimulation pulses sequentially, producing a net zero charge. We sought to determine differences in stimulation induced side effect thresholds between active vs. passive recharge during the intraoperative monopolar review.

Methods

Sixty-five consecutive patients undergoing DBS from 2021 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Intraoperative monopolar review was performed with both active recharge and passive recharge for all included patients to determine side effect stimulation thresholds. Sixteen patients with 64 total DBS contacts met inclusion criteria for further analysis. Intraoperative monopolar review results were compared with the monopolar review from the first DBS programming visit.

Results

The mean intraoperative active recharge stimulation threshold was 4.1 mA, while the mean intraoperative passive recharge stimulation threshold was 3.9 mA, though this difference was not statistically significant on t-test (p = 0.442). Mean stimulation threshold at clinic follow-up was 3.2 mA. In Pearson correlation, intraoperative passive recharge thresholds had stronger correlation with follow-up stimulation thresholds (Pearson r = 0.5281, p < 0.001) than intraoperative active recharge (Pearson r = 0.340, p = 0.018), however the difference between these correlations was not statistically significant on Fisher Z correlation test (p = 0.294). The mean difference between intraoperative passive recharge stimulation threshold and follow-up stimulation threshold was 0.8 mA, while the mean difference between intraoperative active recharge threshold and follow-up threshold was 1.2 mA. This difference was not statistically significant on a t-test (p = 0.134).

Conclusions

Both intraoperative active recharge and passive recharge stimulation were well-correlated with the monopolar review at the first programming visit. No statistically significant differences were observed suggesting that either passive or active recharge may be utilized intraoperatively.
Anatomical variations of the atlas arches: prevalence assessment, systematic review and proposition for an updated classification system
Authors: Baena-Caldas Gloria P. , Mier-García Juan F. , Griswold Dylan P. , Herrera-Rubio Adriana M. , Peckham Ximara
Published: February 2024

Objective and background

This study focuses on the atlas, a pivotal component of the craniovertebral junction, bridging the cranium and spinal column. Notably, variations in its arches are documented globally, necessitating a thorough assessment and categorization due to their significant implications in clinical, diagnostic, functional, and therapeutic contexts. The primary objective is to ascertain the frequency of these anatomical deviations in the atlas arches among a Colombian cohort using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methodology

Employing a descriptive, cross-sectional approach, this research scrutinizes the structural intricacies of the atlas arches in CBCT scans. Analytical parameters included sex distribution and the nature of anatomical deviations as per Currarino’s classification. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify significant differences, including descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. A systematic review of the literature was conducted in order to enhance the current Currarino’s classification.

Results

The study examined 839 CBCT images, with a nearly equal sex distribution (49.7% female, 50.3% male). Anatomical variations were identified in 26 instances (3%), displaying a higher incidence in females (X2 [(1, N = 839) = 4.0933, p = 0.0430]). The most prevalent variation was Type A (2.5%), followed by Type B (0.4%), and Type G (0.2%) without documenting any other variation. The systematic review yielded 7 studies. A novel classification system for these variations is proposed, considering global prevalence data in the cervical region.

Conclusion

The study highlights a statistically significant predominance of Type A variations in the female subset. Given the critical nature of the craniovertebral junction and supporting evidence, it recommends an amendment to Currarino’s classification to better reflect these clinical observations. A thorough study of anatomical variations of the upper cervical spine is relevant as they can impact important functional aspects such as mobility as well as stability. Considering the intricate anatomy of this area and the pivotal function of the atlas, accurately categorizing the variations of its arches is crucial for clinical practice. This classification aids in diagnosis, surgical planning, preventing iatrogenic incidents, and designing rehabilitation strategies.
Advances in understanding migraine pathophysiology: a bench to bedside review of research insights and therapeutics
Authors: Frimpong-Manson Kofi , Ortiz Yuma T. , McMahon Lance R. , Wilkerson Jenny L.
Published: February 2024

The individual and global burden of migraine is of such significance that there are accelerated efforts to develop new therapies. New migraine therapeutics are needed to address the current deficiencies that exist in the efficacy and adherence rate of approved anti-migraine medications. The recent discovery of the calcitonin gene related peptide as an add-on to the role of serotonin has markedly increased the range of new treatment options for acute and chronic migraine. Despite this, tackling the complexity of migraine disorders requires a complete understanding of its pathophysiology. Preclinical animal models can shed light on disease-related pathophysiology, including migraine. Indeed, the use of animal models has been instrumental in developing many therapeutics. However, an animal model is limited by the predictive and face validity of that model, and this extends to preclinical migraine models. In this review, a summary of the current understanding of the pathophysiology of migraine is given from both a preclinical and clinical perspective, and an emphasis is placed on the animal models of migraine. We will discuss the strengths and pitfalls of common preclinical migraine models as well as experimental research areas to explore further.
Cradle to grave: the importance of the fuel cycle to molten salt reactor sustainability
Authors: McFarlane Joanna
Published: February 2024

Advanced reactor technologies are being considered for the next-generation of nuclear power plants. These plants are designed to have a smaller footprint, run more efficiently at higher temperatures, have the flexibility to meet specific power or heating needs, and have lower construction costs. This paper offers a perspective on molten salt reactors, promoted as having a flexible fuel cycle and close-to-ambient pressure operation. A complexity introduced by reducing the reactor footprint is that it may require low-enriched fuel for efficient operation, available from enrichment of the feed salt or by reusing actinides from existing used nuclear fuel (UNF). Recycling UNF has the potential to reduce high-level waste, if done correctly. Release limits from UNF processing are stringent, and processes for waste reduction, fission gas trapping, and stable waste-form generation are not yet ready for commercial deployment. These complex processes are expensive to develop and troubleshoot because the feed is highly radioactive. Thus, fuel production and supply chain development must keep abreast of reactor technology development. Another aspect of reactor sustainability is the non-fuel waste streams that will be generated during operation and decommissioning. Some molten salt reactor designs are projected to have much shorter operational lifetimes than light-water reactors: less than a decade. A goal of the reactor sustainability effort is to divert these materials from a high-level waste repository. However, processing of reactor components should only be undertaken if it reduces waste. Economic and environmental aspects of sustainability are also important, but are not included in this perspective.