bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schwann cells in the normal and pathological lung microenvironment
Authors: Shurin Michael R. , Wheeler Sarah E. , Shurin Galina V. , Zhong Hua , Zhou Yan
Published: April 2024

The lungs are a key organ in the respiratory system. They are regulated by a complex network of nerves that control their development, structure, function, and response to various pathological stimuli. Accumulating evidence suggests the involvement of a neural mechanism in different pathophysiological conditions in the lungs and the development and progression of common respiratory diseases. Lung diseases are the chief source of death globally. For instance, lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed malignancy, after prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women, and is the most lethal cancer worldwide. However, although airway nerves are accepted as a mechanistically and therapeutically important feature that demands appropriate emphasizing in the context of many respiratory diseases, significantly less is known about the role of the neuroglial cells in lung physiology and pathophysiology, including lung cancer. New data have uncovered some cellular and molecular mechanisms of how Schwann cells, as fundamental components of the peripheral nervous system, may regulate lung cancer cells’ survival, spreading, and invasiveness in vitro and in vivo. Schwann cells control the formation and maintenance of the lung cancer microenvironment and support metastasis formation. It was also reported that the number of lung cancer-associated Schwann cells correlates with patients’ survival. Different factors secreted by Schwann cells, including microRNA, are known to sharpen the lung cancer environment by regulating the tumor-neuro-immune axis. Further clinical and experimental studies are required to elucidate the detailed role of Schwann cells in creating and maintaining pulmonary tumor-neuro-immune axis, which will advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of lung cancer and may inform therapeutic hypotheses aiming neoplasms and metastases in the lung.
Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase: a glymphopathy marker in idiopathic hydrocephalus
Authors: Nishida Namiko , Nagata Nanae , Shimoji Keigo , Jingami Naoto , Uemura Kengo , Ozaki Akihiko , Takahashi Makio , Urade Yoshihiro , Matsumoto Sadayuki , Iwasaki Koichi , Okumura Ryosuke , Ishikawa Masatsune , Toda Hiroki
Published: April 2024

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus in elderly people is considered a form of glymphopathy caused by malfunction of the waste clearance pathway, called the glymphatic system. Tau is a representative waste material similar to amyloid-β. During neurodegeneration, lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS), a major cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein, is reported to act as a chaperone that prevents the neurotoxic aggregation of amyloid-β. L-PGDS is also a CSF biomarker in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus and significantly correlates with tau concentration, age, and age-related brain white matter changes detected by magnetic resonance imaging. To investigate this glymphopathy, we aimed to analyze white matter changes and contributing factors in vivo and their interactions ex vivo. Cerebrospinal tap tests were performed in 60 patients referred for symptomatic ventriculomegaly. Patients were evaluated using an idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus grading scale, mini-mental state examination, frontal assessment battery, and timed up-and-go test. The typical morphological features of high convexity tightness and ventriculomegaly were measured using the callosal angle and Evans index, and parenchymal white matter properties were evaluated with diffusion tensor imaging followed by tract-based spatial statistics. Levels of CSF biomarkers, including tau, amyloid-β, and L-PGDS, were determined by ELISA, and their interaction, and localization were determined using immunoprecipitation and immunohistochemical analyses. Tract-based spatial statistics for fractional anisotropy revealed clusters that positively correlated with mini-mental state examination, frontal assessment battery, and callosal angle, and clusters that negatively correlated with age, disease duration, idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus grading scale, Evans index, and L-PGDS. Other parameters also indicated clusters that correlated with symptoms, microstructural white matter changes, and L-PGDS. Tau co-precipitated with L-PGDS, and colocalization was confirmed in postmortem specimens of neurodegenerative disease obtained from the human Brain Bank. Our study supports the diagnostic value of L-PGDS as a surrogate marker for white matter integrity in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. These results increase our understanding of the molecular players in the glymphatic system. Moreover, this study indicates the potential utility of enhancing endogenous protective factors to maintain brain homeostasis.
The case for neuregulin-1 as a clinical treatment for stroke
Authors: Noll Jessica M. , Sherafat Arya A. , Ford Gregory D. , Ford Byron D.
Published: April 2024

Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability and the 5th leading cause of death in the United States. Revascularization of the occluded cerebral artery, either by thrombolysis or endovascular thrombectomy, is the only effective, clinically-approved stroke therapy. Several potentially neuroprotective agents, including glutamate antagonists, anti-inflammatory compounds and free radical scavenging agents were shown to be effective neuroprotectants in preclinical animal models of brain ischemia. However, these compounds did not demonstrate efficacy in clinical trials with human patients following stroke. Proposed reasons for the translational failure include an insufficient understanding on the cellular and molecular pathophysiology of ischemic stroke, lack of alignment between preclinical and clinical studies and inappropriate design of clinical trials based on the preclinical findings. Therefore, novel neuroprotective treatments must be developed based on a clearer understanding of the complex spatiotemporal mechanisms of ischemic stroke and with proper clinical trial design based on the preclinical findings from specific animal models of stroke. We and others have demonstrated the clinical potential for neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) in preclinical stroke studies. NRG-1 significantly reduced ischemia-induced neuronal death, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in rodent stroke models with a therapeutic window of >13 h. Clinically, NRG-1 was shown to be safe in human patients and improved cardiac function in multisite phase II studies for heart failure. This review summarizes previous stroke clinical candidates and provides evidence that NRG-1 represents a novel, safe, neuroprotective strategy that has potential therapeutic value in treating individuals after acute ischemic stroke.
Adherence to oxidative balance score is inversely associated with the prevalence of stroke: results from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018
Authors: Chen Jiarui , Liu Jianjian , Gu Zhaowen , Fan Jiayong , Lei Shuxin , Zhang Qia , Pan Kai , Wang Yongjie
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The relationship between oxidative balance score (OBS), an emerging integrative metric for assessing individual redox homeostasis, and the prevalence of stroke in the general population remains unknown. We aimed to explore these relationships in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We investigated the relationship between the oxidative balance score (OBS) and stroke prevalence using NHANES data from 1999–2018.

Methods

We included eligible individuals from NHANES 1999–2018. OBS calculations were based on previously validated methods, and stroke diagnoses were based on self-reports in questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine the independent associations of overall, dietary, and lifestyle OBS with stroke prevalence. In addition, restricted cubic spline (RCS), stratified analysis, and sensitivity analysis were used.

Results

We included 25,258 participants aged 20–85 years, in which the prevalence of stroke was 2.66%. After adjusting for all confounders, overall and dietary OBS, but not lifestyle OBS, were inversely associated with the prevalence of stroke [odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of 0.97 (0.96, 0.99) and 0.98 (0.96, 0.99) for overall and dietary OBS, respectively, both p < 0.05]. In addition, there was a dose-response relationship between overall and dietary OBS and stroke prevalence. The RCS showed that these relationships were linear. Stratified analyses indicated that socioeconomic status (SES) significantly influenced the relationship between all OBS and stroke prevalence.

Conclusion

Dietary OBS, but not lifestyle OBS, had an inverse relationship with the prevalence of stroke in the general population. SES significantly influenced the protective effect of OBS against stroke. These findings emphasize the importance of integrated antioxidant properties from diet for stroke prevention.
ParaStell: parametric modeling and neutronics support for stellarator fusion power plants
Authors: Moreno Connor , Bader Aaron , Wilson Paul
Published: April 2024

The three-dimensional variation inherent to stellarator geometries and fusion sources motivates three-dimensional modeling to obtain accurate results from computational modeling in support of design and analysis of first wall, blanket, and shield (FWBS) systems. Manually constructing stellarator fusion power plant geometries in computer-aided design (CAD) and defining the corresponding fusion source can be cumbersome and challenging. The open-source parametric modeling toolset ParaStell has been developed to automate construction of such geometries in low-fidelity. Low-fidelity modeling is useful during the conceptual phase of engineering design as a means of rapidly exploring the design space of a given device. The modeling capability of ParaStell includes in-vessel components and magnets, for any given stellarator configuration, using a parametric definition and plasma equilibrium data. Furthermore, the toolset automates the generation of detailed, tetrahedral neutron source definitions and DAGMC geometries for use in neutronics modeling. ParaStell assists rapid design iteration, parametric study, and design optimization of stellarator fusion cores. As a demonstration of the design iteration capability, the effect of the three-dimensional parameter space on tritium breeding and magnet shielding is investigated, using the WISTELL-D configuration as a design basis. Blanket and shield thicknesses are varied in three dimensions, using the space available between the plasma edge and magnet coils as a constraint. The corresponding effects on tritium breeding ratio and magnet heating are tallied using the open-source Monte Carlo particle transport code OpenMC. The inclusion of additional and higher-fidelity modeling capabilities is planned for ParaStell’s future, as well as its implementation in machine-driven optimization.
Competing risks data in clinical oncology
Authors: Kim Haesook Teresa
Published: April 2024

Competing risks data analysis plays a critical role in the evaluation of clinical utility of specific cancer treatments and can inform the development of future treatment approaches. Although competing risks data are ubiquitous in cancer studies, competing risks data are infrequently recognized and competing risks data analysis is not commonly performed. Consequently, efficacy of specific treatments is often incompletely and inaccurately presented and thus study results may be interpreted improperly. In the present article, we aim to enhance awareness of competing risks data and provide a general overview and guidance on competing risks data and its analysis using cancer clinical studies.
Phytochemical analysis and biological investigation of Cheilanthes tenuifolia (Burm.f.) Swartz
Authors: Juhi Umme Habiba , El-Nashar Heba A. S. , Al Faruq Abdullah , Bhuia Md. Shimul , Sultana Irin , Alam Syedul , Abuyousef Farah , Saleh Na’il , El-Shazly Mohamed , Islam Muhammad Torequl
Published: April 2024

Introduction:Cheilanthes tenuifolia is an evergreen ornamental small fern, belonging to the family Pteridaceae, that grows in warm and rocky regions worldwide. Many species of Cheilanthes genus are evidently endowed with important phytochemicals and bioactivities. This study aimed to perform a preliminary phytochemical analysis of Cheilanthes tenuifolia leaves alongside an evaluation of free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and clot lysis activities of extract fractions.

Materials and methods: A preliminary phytochemical analysis was done after fractionation of ethanolic extract (ECT) with n-hexane (HCT) and chloroform (CCT). Then, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, egg albumin and RBC membrane stabilization tests, disc diffusion, and human blood clot lysis assays were performed.

Results: Phytochemical investigations suggested that the plant is rich in alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, and flavonoids. All obtained fractions exhibited concentration-dependent radical scavenging, inhibition of egg protein denaturation and RBC membrane lysis capacities. Except for antifungal tests, ECT exhibited better DPPH radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and clot lysis capacities than HCT and CCT fractions. However, all fractions exhibited a mild anti-inflammatory activity.

Conclusion:C. tenuifolia might be a good source of antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-atherothrombotic agents. Further studies are required to isolate and characterize the active principles liable for each bioactivity, along with possible molecular interactions.
Intracellular acidity impedes KCa3.1 activation by Riluzole and SKA-31
Authors: Cozzolino Marco , Panyi Gyorgy
Published: April 2024

Background:

The unique microenvironment in tumors inhibits the normal functioning of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, leading to immune evasion and cancer progression. Over-activation of KCa3.1 using positive modulators has been proposed to rescue the anti-tumor response. One of the key characteristics of the tumor microenvironment is extracellular acidity. Herein, we analyzed how intra- and extracellular pH affects K+ currents through KCa3.1 and if the potency of two of its positive modulators, Riluzole and SKA-31, is pH sensitive.

Methods:

Whole-cell patch-clamp was used to measure KCa3.1 currents either in activated human peripheral lymphocytes or in CHO cells transiently transfected with either the H192A mutant or wild-type hKCa3.1 in combination with T79D-Calmodulin, or with KCa2.2.

Results:

We found that changes in the intra- and extracellular pH minimally influenced the KCa3.1-mediated K+ current. Extracellular pH, in the range of 6.0–8.0, does not interfere with the capacity of Riluzole and SKA-31 to robustly activate the K+ currents through KCa3.1. Contrariwise, an acidic intracellular solution causes a slow, but irreversible loss of potency of both the activators. Using different protocols of perfusion and depolarization we demonstrated that the loss of potency is strictly time and pH-dependent and that this peculiar effect can be observed with a structurally similar channel KCa2.2. While two different point mutations of both KCa3.1 (H192A) and its associated protein Calmodulin (T79D) do not limit the effect of acidity, increasing the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration to saturating levels eliminated the loss-of-potency phenotype.

Conclusion:

Based on our data we conclude that KCa3.1 currents are not sensitive the either the intracellular or the extracellular pH in the physiological and pathophysiological range. However, intracellular acidosis in T cells residing in the tumor microenvironment could hinder the potentiating effect of KCa3.1 positive modulators administered to boost their activity. Further research is warranted both to clarify the molecular interactions between the modulators and KCa3.1 at different intracellular pH conditions and to define whether this loss of potency can be observed in cancer models as well.
Improving the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and plasma stability of monobodies
Authors: Dinh-Fricke Adrian Valentin , Hantschel Oliver
Published: April 2024

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Several targeted anticancer drugs entered clinical practice and improved survival of cancer patients with selected tumor types, but therapy resistance and metastatic disease remains a challenge. A major class of targeted anticancer drugs are therapeutic antibodies, but their use is limited to extracellular targets. Hence, alternative binding scaffolds have been investigated for intracellular use and better tumor tissue penetration. Among those, monobodies are small synthetic protein binders that were engineered to bind with high affinity and selectivity to central intracellular oncoproteins and inhibit their signaling. Despite their use as basic research tools, the potential of monobodies as protein therapeutics remains to be explored. In particular, the pharmacological properties of monobodies, including plasma stability, toxicity and pharmacokinetics have not been investigated. Here, we show that monobodies have high plasma stability, are well-tolerated in mice, but have a short half-life in vivo due to rapid renal clearance. Therefore, we engineered monobody fusions with an albumin-binding domain (ABD), which showed enhanced pharmacological properties without affecting their target binding: We found that ABD-monobody fusions display increased stability in mouse plasma. Most importantly, ABD-monobodies have a dramatically prolonged in vivo half-life and are not rapidly excreted by renal clearance, remaining in the blood significantly longer, while not accumulating in specific internal organs. Our results demonstrate the promise and versatility of monobodies to be developed into future therapeutics for cancer treatment. We anticipate that monobodies may be able to extend the spectrum of intracellular targets, resulting in a significant benefit to patient outcome.
BrTTG1 regulates seed coat proanthocyanidin formation through a direct interaction with structural gene promoters of flavonoid pathway and glutathione S-transferases in Brassica rapa L.
Authors: Zhao Wenju , Li Xiaojuan , Wen Junqin , Li Quanhui , Bian Shuanling , Ren Yanjing
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Seed coat color is a significant agronomic trait in horticultural crops such as Brassica rapa which is characterized by brown or yellow seed coat coloration. Previous Brassica rapa studies have shown that BrTTG1 is responsible for seed coat proanthocyanidin formation, which is dependent on the MYB-bHLH-WD40 complex, whereas some studies have reported that TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA 1 (TTG1) directly interacts with the structural gene promoters of the flavonoid pathway.

Methods

Herein, the brown-seeded inbred B147 and ttg1 yellow-seeded inbred B80 mutants were used as plant materials for gene expression level analysis, gene promoter clone and transient overexpression.

Results

The analysis identified eleven structural genes involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, which are potentially responsible for BrTTG1- dependent seed coat proanthocyanidin formation. The promoters of these genes were cloned and cis-acting elements were identified. Yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays confirmed that BrTTG1 directly and independently interacted with proCHS-Bra008792, proDFR-Bra027457, proTT12-Bra003361, proTT19-Bra008570, proTT19-Bra023602 and proAHA10-Bra016610. A TTG1-binding motif (RTWWGTRGM) was also identified. Overexpression of TTG1 in the yellow-seed B. rapa inbred induced proanthocyanidin accumulation by increasing the expression levels of related genes.

Discussion

Our study unveiled, for the first time, the direct interaction between TTG1 and the promoters of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway structural genes and glutathione S-transferases in Brassica rapa. Additionally, we have identified a novel TTG1-binding motif, providing a basis for further exploration into the function of TTG1 and the accumulation of proanthocyanidins in seed coats.
Novel SNP markers and other stress-related genomic regions associated with nitrogen use efficiency in cassava
Authors: Mbe Joseph Okpani , Dzidzienyo Daniel Kwadjo , Abah Simon Peter , Njoku Damian Ndubuisi , Onyeka Joseph , Tongoona Pangirayi , Egesi Chiedozie
Published: April 2024

Cassava productivity is constrained by low soil nitrogen, which is predominant in most cassava-growing regions in the tropics and subtropical agroecology. Improving the low nitrogen tolerance of cassava has become an important breeding objective. The current study aimed to develop cassava varieties with improved nitrogen use efficiency by identifying genomic regions and candidate genes linked to nitrogen use efficiency in cassava. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using the Genome Association and Prediction Integrated Tool (GAPIT). A panel of 265 diverse cassava genotypes was phenotyped for 10 physiological and agronomic traits under optimum and low-nitrogen regimes. Whole-genome genotyping of these cassava cloneswas performed using the Diversity Arrays Technology (DArTseq) sequencing platform. A total of 68,814 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, which were spread across the entire 18 chromosomes of the cassava genome, of which 52 SNPs at various densities were found to be associated with nitrogen use efficiency in cassava and other yield-related traits. The putative genes identified through GWAS, especially those with significant associated SNP markers for NUE and related traits have the potential, if deployed appropriately, to develop cassava varieties with improved nitrogen use efficiency, which would translate to a reduction in the economic and environmental cost of cassava production.
Effect of family resilience on subjective well-being in patients with advanced cancer: the chain mediating role of perceived social support and psychological resilience
Authors: Yang Yating , He Fei , Li Dongfang , Zhao Yuanyuan , Wang Ya , Zhang Haoran , Qiao Chan , Cui Yingfang , Lin Leyun , Guan Hao
Published: April 2024

Purposes

Domestic and international research has found that patients with advanced cancer prioritize increasing their quality of life above extending their lives with simple or intensive treatments. The current study investigates the pathways to improve patients’ sense of well-being from the family, social, and individual levels, that is to say, it investigates the mediating roles of comprehending social support as well as psychological resilience in the relationship between family resilience and subjective well-being, and it also provides references for future intervention.

Method

The Family Resilience Questionnaire (FRQ), General Well-being Schedule (GWB), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and the Chinese version of the Cornor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10-item (CD-RISC) were all completed by 338 patients with advanced cancer who took part in the study.

Results

The study’s findings demonstrated a significant and positive correlation between family resilience, subjective well-being, perceived social support, and psychological resilience. Additionally, there was a significant direct effect of family resilience on subjective well-being as well as a mediating and chain mediating effect between perceived social support and psychological resilience. The findings of this study will be very helpful in the future when it comes to enhancing the quality of life for patients with advanced cancer through intervention.

Conclusion

Subjective well-being can be influenced directly by the family resilience of advanced cancer patients, or indirectly through the psychological resilience and perceived social support.
Perceiving humanness across ages: neural correlates and behavioral patterns
Authors: Saito Toshiki , Nouchi Rui , Ishibashi Ryo , Motoki Kosuke , Matsuzaki Yutaka , Kobayashi Akiko , Sugiura Motoaki , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: April 2024

Humanness perception, which attributes fundamental and unique human characteristics to other objects or people, has significant consequences for people’s interactions. Notably, the failure to perceive humanness in older adults can lead to prejudice. This study investigates the effect of a target’s age on humanness perception in terms of two dimensions: agency (the ability to act and do) and experience (the ability to feel and sense). We also examined brain activity using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner in order to understand the underlying neural mechanisms. Healthy university students viewed the facial images of older and younger individuals and judged the humanness of each individual in terms of agency and experience while inside the MRI scanner. The results indicated that older adults were rated higher on experience, and no difference was found in ratings for agency between younger and older face images. Analysis of brain imaging data indicated that positive functional connectivity between the ventral and dorsal regions of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was greater when judging the humanness of younger faces than older faces. We also found that the negative functional connectivity between the left inferior frontal gyrus and postcentral gyrus was greater when judging the humanness of older faces as compared to that of younger faces. Although the current study did not show distinct brain activities related to humanness perception, it suggests the possibility that different brain connectivities are related to humanness perception regarding targets belonging to different age groups.
Coping as a resource to allow for psychosocial adjustment in fatal disease: results from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Finsel Julia , Rosenbohm Angela , Peter Raphael S. , Bäzner Hansjörg , Börtlein Axel , Dempewolf Silke , Schabet Martin , Hecht Martin , Kohler Andreas , Opherk Christian , Nägele Andrea , Sommer Norbert , Lindner Alfred , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Ludolph Albert C. , Nagel Gabriele , Lulé Dorothée E.
Published: April 2024

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disorder, which imposes a severe emotional burden on patients. Appropriate coping mechanisms may alleviate this burden and facilitate wellbeing, with social support known to be a successful coping strategy. This observational study aimed to determine the interplay of general coping traits of hope for success and fear of failure, coping behavior of social activity, and patients' wellbeing.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, patients with ALS from a clinical-epidemiological registry in Southwestern Germany were interviewed regarding coping traits (achievement-motivated behavior: hope for success and fear of failure), coping behavior of social activity, and psychosocial adjustment, determined using measures of depressiveness, anxiety [both measured by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)], and quality of life [Anamnestic Comparative Self-Assessment (ACSA)]. Demographics, clinical [ALS Functional Rating Scale revised version (ALSFRS-R)], and survival data were recorded.

Results

A total of 868 patients [60.70% male patients, mean age: 64.70 (±10.83) years, mean ALSFRS-R: 37.36 ± 7.07] were interviewed. Anxiety in patients was found to be associated with a high fear of failure. In contrast, a generally positive attitude in patients exemplified in high hopes for success was associated with better wellbeing. Finally, coping behavior of social activity explained up to 65% of the variance of depressiveness among the patients with ALS.

Conclusion

In this study, we present evidence that the wellbeing of patients with ALS is not an immediate fatalistic consequence of physical degradation but rather determined by coping traits and behavior, which may be trained to substantially increase the wellbeing of patients with ALS.
Family psychoeducation in schizophrenia and schizophrenia related disorder, treatment compliance, and suicidal risk reduction: questions about their relationship from a naturalistic observation
Authors: Hode Yann , Padovani Romain , Hikmat Wydad , Guillard-Bouhet Nathalie , Attal Jérome , Bralet Marie-Cecile , Biotteau Mélanie , Chereau Boudet Isabelle , Canceil Olivier , Montagne Larmurier Aurélie , Roussel Céline , Lemestré Stéphanie , Willard Dominique
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The Profamille V3.2 multi-family psycho-educational program directed at caregivers of relatives with schizophrenia or schizophrenia related disorder has been shown to decrease the annual prevalence of suicide attempts. It has been reported that psychoeducation of families can sometimes improve compliance with treatment. This study investigates whether the Profamille program improves compliance and thus reduces the risk of suicide among patients.

Method

This is a retrospective study of 179 groups of family caregivers, encompassing 1946 participants enrolled in Module 1 of the Profamille program and followed up one year after completion of the module. Evaluations were conducted using questionnaires filled out by family caregivers at three distinct times: prior to beginning the program, upon its completion, and again one year following its conclusion. The annual prevalence of suicide attempts was measured both before the program began and one year after its conclusion, while compliance to treatment was evaluated at the start and end of the program.

Result

After the Profamille program, the annual prevalence of suicide attempts fell by a factor of 2 (p-value = 0.00002) and patient compliance improved (p-value <0.000001). This reduction in suicide attempts was observed independently of improved compliance. Compliance seems to have an additional effect, but only after participation in the program.

Conclusion

The Profamille program reduces patients' risk of suicide even when patients are not taking the treatment. When family psychoeducation is not proposed in schizophrenia or schizophrenia related disorder, this can represent a loss of chance for patients.
Weakened effective connectivity between salience network and default mode network during resting state in adolescent depression
Authors: Willinger David , Häberling Isabelle , Ilioska Iva , Berger Gregor , Walitza Susanne , Brem Silvia
Published: April 2024

Adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with altered resting-state connectivity between the default mode network (DMN) and the salience network (SN), which are involved in self-referential processing and detecting and filtering salient stimuli, respectively. Using spectral dynamical causal modelling, we investigated the effective connectivity and input sensitivity between key nodes of these networks in 30 adolescents with MDD and 32 healthy controls while undergoing resting-state fMRI. We found that the DMN received weaker inhibition from the SN and that the medial prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex showed reduced self-inhibition in MDD, making them more prone to external influences. Moreover, we found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) intake was associated with decreased and increased self-inhibition of the SN and DMN, respectively, in patients. Our findings suggest that adolescent MDD is characterized by a hierarchical imbalance between the DMN and the SN, which could affect the integration of emotional and self-related information. We propose that SSRIs may help restore network function by modulating excitatory/inhibitory balance in the DMN and the SN. Our study highlights the potential of prefrontal-amygdala interactions as a biomarker and a therapeutic target for adolescent depression.
Disinfection and hand hygiene knowledge, attitude, and practices among childcare facilities staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Anhui, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Fang , Xu Qing Hua
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding disinfection and hand hygiene, along with associated influencing factors among childcare facilities staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Anhui, and to provide information for developing disinfection and hand hygiene strategies for childcare facilities.

Methods

A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Anhui Province residents in China in September 2020. In this study, 60 childcare facilities in two cities of Anhui Province were selected using the convenient sampling method for questionnaires. The questionnaires were distributed through a web-based platform. The disinfection and hand hygiene KAP scores among childcare facilities staff were calculated, and their influencing factors were analyzed. The accuracy rates of knowledge, attitude, and practice of behavior were calculated and analyzed.

Results

A total of 1,029 participants were included in the study. The disinfection and hand hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice ranged from approximately 5 to 23, 1 to 5, 3 to 13, respectively. The score of urban areas was higher than that of rural areas. Higher education levels and more years of working were associated with higher scores. Additionally, staff who received training or supervision had higher scores than those without. The categories with the lowest knowledge accuracy rate (46.3%), lowest attitude accuracy rate (4.2%), and “always” practice rate (5.3%) among childcare facility staff were all related to the question categories concerning the appropriate range of disinfectants for use. The accuracy rates of hand hygiene knowledge and attitude among the childcare facility staff were high (83.7%-99.6%), but the “always” practice rate was in the middle range (63.0%).

Conclusion

The disinfection and hand hygiene knowledge among childcare facilities staff was inadequate during the COVID-19 pandemic in Anhui. Continuous implementation of education and training, particularly in rural areas, is essential. Establishing a monitoring system to assess usage effectiveness and adverse reactions in China is critical. Interventions should focus on increasing compliance with hand hygiene practices. Further research should explore the training and intervention of disinfection and hand hygiene, the safety of disinfection measures, and more operational hand hygiene methods in childcare facilities.
Unraveling the complexities of early-onset colorectal cancer: a perspective on dietary and microbial influences
Authors: Atchade Axelle Mayode , Williams Jennie L. , Mermelstein Linda , Nemesure Barbara
Published: April 2024

While advances in screening have resulted in declining rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) among adults ≥50 years of age since the mid-2000s, the incidence of early-onset CRC (EOCRC) has steadily increased over the last decade. This increase is not fully accounted for by hereditary factors, and the hypothesis that a sedentary lifestyle and obesity are the primary culprits is not fully supported by recent reports indicating that many affected individuals lead active lifestyles, maintain normal weight, and are otherwise healthy. Attention has shifted toward dietary patterns, notably the consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods found in Western diets, which are suspected of disrupting the gut microbiome balance that potentially leads to EOCRC. The impact of antibiotic use on the gut microbiome is also posited as a contributing factor, given its rising prevalence in medical and agricultural practices. We propose that a paradigm shift is necessary for EOCRC research, moving beyond metabolic factors to a broader exploration of dietary and microbial influences. Future research must prioritize understanding the relationship between dietary habits, particularly processed food intake, antibiotic exposure, and gut microbiome dynamics, to unravel the complex etiology of EOCRC. This will be crucial in developing comprehensive preventive strategies to address the increasing incidence of this malignancy in younger populations.
Dual-channel deep graph convolutional neural networks
Authors: Ye Zhonglin , Li Zhuoran , Li Gege , Zhao Haixing
Published: April 2024

The dual-channel graph convolutional neural networks based on hybrid features jointly model the different features of networks, so that the features can learn each other and improve the performance of various subsequent machine learning tasks. However, current dual-channel graph convolutional neural networks are limited by the number of convolution layers, which hinders the performance improvement of the models. Graph convolutional neural networks superimpose multi-layer graph convolution operations, which would occur in smoothing phenomena, resulting in performance decreasing as the increasing number of graph convolutional layers. Inspired by the success of residual connections on convolutional neural networks, this paper applies residual connections to dual-channel graph convolutional neural networks, and increases the depth of dual-channel graph convolutional neural networks. Thus, a dual-channel deep graph convolutional neural network (D2GCN) is proposed, which can effectively avoid over-smoothing and improve model performance. D2GCN is verified on CiteSeer, DBLP, and SDBLP datasets, the results show that D2GCN performs better than the comparison algorithms used in node classification tasks.
Heartbeats and high scores: esports triggers cardiovascular and autonomic stress response
Authors: Ketelhut Sascha , Nigg Claudio R.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Gaming is often labeled as sedentary behavior. However, competitive gaming, also known as esports, involves significant cognitive demands and may induce stress. This study aims to investigate whether the psychophysical demands during esports elicit a physiological stress response.

Methods

Fourteen FIFA 21 and thirteen League of Legends players (23.3 ± 2.8 years) were recruited for the study. Heart rate (HR), root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD), peripheral and central blood pressure (BP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and energy expenditure (EE) were assessed during supine rest, seated rest, and competitive FIFA or League of Legends matches.

Results

No significant group × condition interactions were observed for any of the outcomes. However, there were significant increases in mean HR (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.383), RMSSD (p = 0.019, ηp2 = 0.226), peripheral systolic BP (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.588), peripheral diastolic BP (p = 0.005, ηp2 = 0.272), central systolic BP (p = 0.005; ηp2 = 0.369), central diastolic BP (p = 0.016, ηp2 = 0.313), PWV (p = 0.004, ηp2 = 0.333), and EE (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.721) during both games compared to the seated rest condition.

Conclusion

Despite the sedentary nature of esports, the psychophysical demands appear to elicit physiological responses. Interestingly, no significant differences were found between the different game genres.
Food safety risk assessment and countermeasures in China based on risk matrix method
Authors: Yu Huiqin , Song Yinghua , Lv Wei , Liu Dan , Huang Haining
Published: April 2024

Background

Food safety has always been a major concern for people, and frequent food safety incidents pose a serious threat to people’s health and safety. To identify high-risk patterns in the field of food safety and assist regulatory authorities in scientifically managing food safety risks, this study aims to evaluate food safety risks from multiple dimensions and provide a scientific basis for formulating targeted food safety management measures.

Methods

The risk matrix method, along with the Borda method, is used to evaluate food safety risks. Based on the constructed food safety incident database, the risk matrix method is applied for static risk assessment from seven aspects: food categories, years, provinces, incident entities, causes, pollution sources, and links, and for dynamic risk assessment in different provinces.

Results

The top five food categories in risk ranking are meat and meat products, fruits and vegetables, grain and grain products, other category, and aquatic products. Food safety risks show an increasing trend year by year, with the years 2006, 2012-2015 and 2019 having higher risk rankings. The top three provinces in risk ranking are Hunan, Guangdong, and Shaanxi. The top four entities in risk ranking are restaurants, enterprises, households, and canteens. The top four causes in risk ranking are human intention, human error, mismanagement, and production and social environment. The top four pollution sources in risk ranking include chemical pollution, other pollution, biological pollution, and food additives. The top three links in risk ranking include production and processing link, catering link, and agricultural production link. Across provinces, food safety risks in the years 2012-2015 are generally higher compared to other years, with the highest number of high-risk provinces in 2014.

Implication

The findings of this study have significant implications for food safety management in China. By implementing food safety risk prevention and control countermeasures proposed, China can strengthen its food safety management framework, reduce the incidence of food safety incidents, and safeguard the health and well-being of its population.
Cross-sectional United Kingdom surveys demonstrate that owners and veterinary professionals differ in their perceptions of preventive and treatment healthcare needs in ageing dogs
Authors: Wallis Lisa J. , Radford Alan D. , Belshaw Zoe , Jackson Jodie , Kubinyi Eniko , German Alexander J. , Westgarth Carri
Published: April 2024

Perceptions of dog owners and veterinary professionals (surgeons/nurses) can influence the preventive healthcare and treatment provided to dogs, especially at the senior life-stage, when chronic diseases become more common. This study compared perceptions of healthcare of dogs as they age between dog owners and veterinary professionals. Data from two online surveys (owners: N = 633, veterinary professionals: N = 305) examined perceived need for veterinary visits and vaccinations. In addition, 48 clinical signs were rated on perceived prevalence (whether owners’ dogs had experienced them) and how urgently they should seek veterinary advice. Groups were compared using descriptive statistics and chi-square. Owners most often believed a ‘healthy’ senior dog (>7 years) should go to the vet once a year (47% owners vs. 25% veterinary professionals, p < 0.001), compared with veterinary professionals every 6 months (39 vs. 73%). A minority (14%) of owners would just take the dog ‘if they got sick’ but only 2% of veterinary professionals advised this, and 16% of owners of dogs of all ages had not had any contact with their veterinary practise in the previous year. Nearly all veterinary professionals (92%) believed that senior/geriatric dogs should receive yearly vaccinations. However, 28% of owners’ dogs of all ages were not vaccinated in the previous year and, of these, 33% did not believe that older dogs need vaccinations. Only 10% of dogs considered ‘old’ by their owners had attended a senior wellness clinic or examination, despite 14% of practises offering them. The three most common clinical signs reported by owners were slowing down on walks (57%), dental tartar (53%) and being stiff on rising (50%). Owners perceived urgency to seek veterinary care was lower if they had experienced the clinical sign before. In the current study, dog owners and veterinary professionals differed in their opinions about the need for veterinary care, suggesting new educational initiatives, and more effective communication is required.
Practical System Identification and Incremental Control Design for a Subscale Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Authors: Steffensen Rasmus , Ginnell Kilian , Holzapfel Florian
Published: April 2024

An incremental differential proportional integral (iDPI) control law using eigenstructure assignment gain design is tested in flight on a subscale platform to validate its suitability for fixed-wing flight control. A kinematic relation for the aerodynamic side-slip angle rate is developed to apply a pseudo full state feedback. In order to perform the gain design and assessment, a plant model is estimated using flight test data from gyro, accelerometer, airspeed and surface deflection measurements during sine-sweep excitations. Transfer function models for the actuators and surface deflections are identified both in-flight and on the ground for several different actuators and control surfaces using hall sensor surface deflection measurements. The analysis reveals a large variation in bandwidth between the different types of servo motors. Flight test results are presented which demonstrates that the plant model estimates based on tests with good frequency excitation, high bandwidth actuators and surface deflection measurements can be used to reasonably predict the closed-loop dynamic behavior of the aircraft. The closed-loop flight test results of the iDPi control law show good performance and lays the groundwork for further development.
Modeling Stability of Alfalfa Yield and Main Quality Traits
Authors: Greveniotis Vasileios , Bouloumpasi Elisavet , Skendi Adriana , Korkovelos Athanasios , Kantas Dimitrios , Zotis Stylianos , Ipsilandis Constantinos G.
Published: April 2024

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is used to support livestock. A stability study was carried out over three years. The stability indices for yield and main quality characteristics such as plant height, number of nodes, the yield of green mass and dry matter, crude protein and fiber (%), and ash (%), were examined. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences that indicated the presence of high genotype–year interactions. Heritability was higher in the case of qualitative traits than quantitative traits. The most intriguing correlation was between green mass yield and crude protein content because positive correlations may lead to indirect and simultaneous selection. According to the statistical biplot models AMMI and GGE, the best genotypes for almost all traits to use, regardless of the environment and cultivation type, were the G8 (Population 2) followed by cultivar G3 (Yliki). Despite the high index values shown by the parameter number of nodes, the latter and yield showed low heritability.
Elucidating the Etiology and Temporal Progress of Rust on Physic Nut Genotypes and Their Relationship with Environmental Conditions in Ecuador
Authors: Donoso-Alvarado Anthony Omar , Flores-Anchundia Carmen Cruz , Mendoza Alma , Moya-Elizondo Ernesto A. , Portalanza Diego , Zambrano-Gavilanes Freddy , Garcés-Fiallos Felipe R.
Published: April 2024

Physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) has emerged as a promising fruit crop in Ecuador, but the recent identification of rust poses a potential threat to its productive development. This study focused on elucidating the morphological aspects of the basidiomycete and assessing rust intensity across different canopy levels of physic nut hybrids and genotypes under field and semi-controlled conditions in Manabí, Ecuador. For the first time, this study confirms that Phakopsora arthuriana should be responsible for rust on physic nut in Ecuador based on the characteristics of the fungal structures. Rust incidence was 100% across all canopy layers, with the lower and middle canopies exhibiting higher severity and lesion numbers than the upper canopy. Using the Weibull nonlinear distribution model, we epidemiologically modeled disease progression, revealing that hybrid JAT 001100 displayed the highest temporal progress, recording 15% severity and an area under the disease progression curve of 3228.9 units. Promising genotypes CP-041 and CP-052 demonstrated lower rust intensity. Environmental parameters, including dew point, temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity, were correlated with rust severity and lesion numbers. In greenhouse assays, hybrid JAT 001165 showed higher severity, whereas JAT 001103 and JAT 001164 had more lesions than other genotypes. In contrast, promising genotypes CP-041 and CP-052 consistently exhibited lower rust intensity in both field and greenhouse environments. This study demonstrated that P. arthuriana could be epidemiologically modeled with the Weibull model, providing crucial insights into the dynamic interplay between rust infection and physic nut hybrids and genotypes under diverse conditions in the Manabí region of Ecuador.