bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leg restlessness and hyperparathyroidism in Parkinson's disease, a further clue to RLS pathogenesis?
Authors: Marano Massimo , Pozzilli Valeria , Magliozzi Alessandro , Tabacco Gaia , Naciu Anda Mihaela , Palermo Andrea , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo
Published: February 2023

Background

Non-motor manifestations are the main features of Parkinson's disease (PD). These have been associated with vitamin D abnormalities, but the role of parathormone (PTH) is still obscure. Among the non-motor symptoms of PD, the pathogenesis of restless leg syndrome (RLS) is still debated, but it has been associated with the vitamin D/PTH axis in other disease models. Our study deepens the association between vitamin D and PTH with the prevalence of non-motor symptoms of PD and explores such a relationship in patients reporting leg restlessness.

Methods

Fifty patients with PD were extensively investigated with motor and non-motor scales. Data on serum levels of vitamin D, PTH, and related metabolites were obtained, and patients were stratified as having vitamin D deficiency or hyperparathyroidism according to standardized criteria.

Results

Overall, 80% of patients with PD exhibited low vitamin D levels, and hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed in 45%. The analysis of the non-motor symptoms profile using the non-motor symptom questionnaire (NMSQ) revealed 36% of leg restlessness, a main feature of RLS. This was significantly associated with worse motor symptoms, quality of sleep, and quality of life. Moreover, it was associated with hyperparathyroidism (OR: 3.48) and with PTH levels, independent of vitamin D, calcium/phosphate levels, and motor status.

Conclusion

Our results suggest a significant association between the vitamin D/PTH axis and leg restlessness in PD. PTH has a putative role in nociceptive modulation, and previous evidence on hyperparathyroidism has suggested a possible interrelation with RLS. Further investigations are necessary to add PTH to the non-dopaminergic non-motor landscape of PD.
Development of running is not related to time since onset of independent walking, a longitudinal case study
Authors: Bach Margit M. , Zandvoort Coen S. , Cappellini Germana , Ivanenko Yury , Lacquaniti Francesco , Daffertshofer Andreas , Dominici Nadia
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Children start to run after they master walking. How running develops, however, is largely unknown.

Methods

We assessed the maturity of running pattern in two very young, typically developing children in a longitudinal design spanning about three years. Leg and trunk 3D kinematics and electromyography collected in six recording sessions, with more than a hundred strides each, entered our analysis. We recorded walking during the first session (the session of the first independent steps of the two toddlers at the age of 11.9 and 10.6 months) and fast walking or running for the subsequent sessions. More than 100 kinematic and neuromuscular parameters were determined for each session and stride. The equivalent data of five young adults served to define mature running. After dimensionality reduction using principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis based on the average pairwise correlation distance to the adult running cluster served as a measure for maturity of the running pattern.

Results

Both children developed running. Yet, in one of them the running pattern did not reach maturity whereas in the other it did. As expected, mature running appeared in later sessions (>13 months after the onset of independent walking). Interestingly, mature running alternated with episodes of immature running within sessions. Our clustering approach separated them.

Discussion

An additional analysis of the accompanying muscle synergies revealed that the participant who did not reach mature running had more differences in muscle contraction when compared to adults than the other. One may speculate that this difference in muscle activity may have caused the difference in running pattern.
From childhood trauma to hyperarousal in adults: The mediating effect of maladaptive shame coping and insomnia
Authors: Schalkwijk Frans , Van Someren Eus J. W. , Nicolai Nelleke J. , Uijttewaal Julia L. , Wassing Rick
Published: February 2023

Introduction

A new line of insomnia research focuses on the developmental trajectories from early live stress to insomnia in adulthood. Adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s) might create a vulnerability for later maladaptive coping with distress, as seen in chronic hyperarousal or insomnia. In an functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, failure to dissociate the neurobiological components of shame from autobiographical shameful memories in insomnia was reflected by continued activation of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), which may be a result of maladaptive coping in the wake of ACE’s. Following up on that study, the current pilot study explores the relation between ACE’s, shame coping-styles, adult insomnia, hyperarousal, and neurobiology of autobiographical memory.

Methods

We used existing data (N = 57) from individuals with insomnia (N = 27) and controls (N = 30), and asked these participants to complete the childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ). Two structural equation models were used to test the hypotheses that shame-coping styles and insomnia symptom severity mediate the association between ACE’s and (1) self-rated hyperarousal symptoms and (2) dACC activation to recall of autobiographical memories.

Results

For the association between ACE’s and hyperarousal, there was a significant mediation of shame-coping style (p < 0.05). This model also indicated worse shame coping with more ACE’s (p < 0.05) and worse insomnia symptoms with more ACES’s (p < 0.05), but no association between shame coping and insomnia symptoms (p = 0.154). In contrast, dACC activation to recall of autobiographical memories could only be explained by its direct association with ACE’s (p < 0.05), albeit that in this model more ACE’s were also associated with worse insomnia symptoms.

Discussion

These findings could have an implication for the approach of treatment for insomnia. It could be focused more on trauma and emotional processing instead of conventional sleep interventions. Future studies are recommended to investigate the relationship mechanism between childhood trauma and insomnia, with additional factors of attachment styles, personality, and temperament.
Object stiffness recognition and vibratory feedback without ad-hoc sensing on the Hannes prosthesis: A machine learning approach
Authors: Bruni Giulia , Marinelli Andrea , Bucchieri Anna , Boccardo Nicolò , Caserta Giulia , Di Domenico Dario , Barresi Giacinto , Florio Astrid , Canepa Michele , Tessari Federico , Laffranchi Matteo , De Michieli Lorenzo
Published: February 2023

Introduction

In recent years, hand prostheses achieved relevant improvements in term of both motor and functional recovery. However, the rate of devices abandonment, also due to their poor embodiment, is still high. The embodiment defines the integration of an external object – in this case a prosthetic device – into the body scheme of an individual. One of the limiting factors causing lack of embodiment is the absence of a direct interaction between user and environment. Many studies focused on the extraction of tactile information via custom electronic skin technologies coupled with dedicated haptic feedback, though increasing the complexity of the prosthetic system. Contrary wise, this paper stems from the authors' preliminary works on multi-body prosthetic hand modeling and the identification of possible intrinsic information to assess object stiffness during interaction.

Methods

Based on these initial findings, this work presents the design, implementation and clinical validation of a novel real-time stiffness detection strategy, without ad-hoc sensing, based on a Non-linear Logistic Regression (NLR) classifier. This exploits the minimum grasp information available from an under-sensorized and under-actuated myoelectric prosthetic hand, Hannes. The NLR algorithm takes as input motor-side current, encoder position, and reference position of the hand and provides as output a classification of the grasped object (no-object, rigid object, and soft object). This information is then transmitted to the user via vibratory feedback to close the loop between user control and prosthesis interaction. This implementation was validated through a user study conducted both on able bodied subjects and amputees.

Results

The classifier achieved excellent performance in terms of F1Score (94.93%). Further, the able-bodied subjects and amputees were able to successfully detect the objects' stiffness with a F1Score of 94.08% and 86.41%, respectively, by using our proposed feedback strategy. This strategy allowed amputees to quickly recognize the objects' stiffness (response time of 2.82 s), indicating high intuitiveness, and it was overall appreciated as demonstrated by the questionnaire. Furthermore, an embodiment improvement was also obtained as highlighted by the proprioceptive drift toward the prosthesis (0.7 cm).
Secondary urethral sphincter function of the rabbit pelvic and perineal muscles
Authors: Hernandez-Reynoso Ana G. , Rahman Farial S. , Hedden Brian , Castelán Francisco , Martínez-Gómez Margarita , Zimmern Philippe , Romero-Ortega Mario I.
Published: February 2023

Perineal and pelvic floor muscles play an important role in continence by providing mechanical support to pelvic organs. It is also known that the pubococcygeus muscle (PcM) contracts in the storage phase and is inactive during voiding, while the bulbospongiosus muscle (BsM) is active during the voiding phase. Recent evidence suggested an additional role of these muscles in supporting urethral closure in rabbits. However, the individual role of perineal and pelvic muscles as urethral sphincters is not well-defined. Here we evaluated the individual, sequential and synergistic roles of the PcM and BsM in assisting urethral closure and defined the optimal electrical stimulation parameters that can effectively contract these muscles and increase the urethral pressure (Pura) in young nulliparous animals (n = 11). Unilateral stimulation of either the BsM or PcM at 40 Hz induced modest increases in average Pura (0.23 ± 0.10 and 0.07 ± 0.04 mmHg, respectively). Investigation on the changes in Pura evoked by stimulation frequencies between 5 and 60 Hz show that sequential contralateral PcM-BsM activation at 40 Hz induced a 2-fold average Pura increase (0.23 ± 0.07 mmHg) compared to that evoked by PcM stimulation. Simultaneous activation of PcM and BsM at 40 Hz also showed an increased average Pura (0.26 ± 0.04 mmHg), with a 2-fold increase in average Pura observed during the unilateral sequential PcM-BsM stimulation at 40 Hz (0.69 ± 0.2 mmHg). Finally, stimulation at 40 Hz of the bulbospongiosus nerve (BsN) induced an approximate 4-fold increase in average Pura (0.87 ± 0.44 mmHg; p < 0.04) compared to that elicited by BsM stimulation, confirming that direct nerve stimulation is more effective. Together, this study shows that in the female rabbit, both perineal and pelvic muscles support of the urethral function during continence, and that unilateral stimulation of the BsN at 40–60 Hz is sufficient to achieve maximal secondary sphincter activity. The results also support the potential clinical value of neuromodulation of pelvic and perineal nerves as bioelectronic therapy for stress urinary incontinence.
Uptake of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike protein mediated by angiotensin converting enzyme 2 and ganglioside in human cerebrovascular cells
Authors: McQuaid Conor , Solorzano Alexander , Dickerson Ian , Deane Rashid
Published: February 2023

Introduction

There is clinical evidence of neurological manifestations in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). However, it is unclear whether differences in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)/spike protein (SP) uptake by cells of the cerebrovasculature contribute to significant viral uptake to cause these symptoms.

Methods

Since the initial step in viral invasion is binding/uptake, we used fluorescently labeled wild type and mutant SARS-CoV-2/SP to study this process. Three cerebrovascular cell types were used (endothelial cells, pericytes, and vascular smooth muscle cells), in vitro.

Results

There was differential SARS-CoV-2/SP uptake by these cell types. Endothelial cells had the least uptake, which may limit SARS-CoV-2 uptake into brain from blood. Uptake was time and concentration dependent, and mediated by angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2), and ganglioside (mono-sialotetrahexasylganglioside, GM1) that is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system and the cerebrovasculature. SARS-CoV-2/SPs with mutation sites, N501Y, E484K, and D614G, as seen in variants of interest, were also differentially taken up by these cell types. There was greater uptake compared to that of the wild type SARS-CoV-2/SP, but neutralization with anti-ACE2 or anti-GM1 antibodies was less effective.

Conclusion

The data suggested that in addition to ACE2, gangliosides are also an important entry point of SARS-CoV-2/SP into these cells. Since SARS-CoV-2/SP binding/uptake is the initial step in the viral penetration into cells, a longer exposure and higher titer are required for significant uptake into the normal brain. Gangliosides, including GM1, could be an additional potential SARS-CoV-2 and therapeutic target at the cerebrovasculature.
A public data set of walking full-body kinematics and kinetics in individuals with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Shida Thiago Kenzo Fujioka , Costa Thaisy Moraes , de Oliveira Claudia Eunice Neves , de Castro Treza Renata , Hondo Sandy Mikie , Los Angeles Emanuele , Bernardo Claudionor , dos Santos de Oliveira Luana , de Jesus Carvalho Margarete , Coelho Daniel Boari
Published: February 2023

Background

To our knowledge, there is no Parkinson’s disease (PD) gait biomechanics data sets available to the public.

Objective

This study aimed to create a public data set of 26 idiopathic individuals with PD who walked overground on ON and OFF medication.

Materials and methods

Their upper extremity, trunk, lower extremity, and pelvis kinematics were measured using a three-dimensional motion-capture system (Raptor-4; Motion Analysis). The external forces were collected using force plates. The results include raw and processed kinematic and kinetic data in c3d and ASCII files in different file formats. In addition, a metadata file containing demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data is provided. The following clinical scales were employed: Unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale motor aspects of experiences of daily living and motor score, Hoehn & Yahr, New Freezing of Gait Questionnaire, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Tests, Fall Efficacy Scale-International–FES-I, Stroop test, and Trail Making Test A and B.

Results

All data are available at Figshare (https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/A_dataset_of_overground_walking_full-body_kinematics_and_kinetics_in_individuals_with_Parkinson_s_disease/14896881).

Conclusion

This is the first public data set containing a three-dimensional full-body gait analysis of individuals with PD under the ON and OFF medication. It is expected to contribute so that different research groups worldwide have access to reference data and a better understanding of the effects of medication on gait.
Resveratrol suppresses neuroinflammation to alleviate mechanical allodynia by inhibiting Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway in a rat model of spinal cord injury
Authors: Han Jie , Hua Zhen , Yang Wen-jie , Wang Shu , Yan Fang , Wang Jun-nan , Sun Tao
Published: February 2023

Background

Neuropathic pain (NP) is one of intractable complications of spinal cord injury (SCI) and lacks effective treatment. Resveratrol (Res) has been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects. In this study, we investigated the analgesic effect of Res and its underlying mechanism in a rat model of SCI.

Methods

The rat thoracic (T10) spinal cord contusion injury model was established, and mechanical thresholds were evaluated during an observation period of 21 days. Intrathecal administration with Res (300 μg/10 μl) was performed once a day for 7 days after the operation. On postoperative day 7, the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), the expression of Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway was determined by western blot and RT-qPCR, and the co-labeled phospho-STAT3 (p-STAT3) with neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) were explored by double immunofluorescence staining in the lumbar spinal dorsal horns. The temporal changes of p-STAT3 were investigated by western blot on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days after the operation.

Results

Intrathecal administration with Res for 7 successive days alleviated mechanical allodynia of rats during the observation period. Meanwhile, treatment with Res suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and inhibited the expressions of phospho-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in the lumbar spinal dorsal horns on postoperative day 7. Additionally, the protein expression of p-STAT3 was significantly increased on the 1st day following the operation and remained elevated during the next 21 days, immunofluorescence suggested that the up-regulated p-STAT3 was co-located with glial cells and neurons.

Conclusion

Our current results indicated that intrathecal administration with Res effectively alleviated mechanical allodynia after SCI in rats, and its analgesic mechanism might be to suppress neuroinflammation by partly inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Advances in health-promoting effects of natural polysaccharides: Regulation on Nrf2 antioxidant pathway
Authors: Luo Jiang-Hong , Li Jing , Shen Zi-Chun , Lin Xiao-Fan , Chen Ao-Qiu , Wang Yi-Fei , Gong Er-Sheng , Liu Dan , Zou Qi , Wang Xiao-Yin
Published: February 2023

Natural polysaccharides (NPs) possess numerous health-promoting effects, such as liver protection, kidney protection, lung protection, neuroprotection, cardioprotection, gastrointestinal protection, anti-oxidation, anti-diabetic, and anti-aging. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant pathway is an important endogenous antioxidant pathway, which plays crucial roles in maintaining human health as its protection against oxidative stress. Accumulating evidence suggested that Nrf2 antioxidant pathway might be one of key regulatory targets for the health-promoting effects of NPs. However, the information concerning regulation of NPs on Nrf2 antioxidant pathway is scattered, and NPs show different regulatory behaviors in their different health-promoting processes. Therefore, in this article, structural features of NPs having regulation on Nrf2 antioxidant pathway are overviewed. Moreover, regulatory effects of NPs on this pathway for health-promoting effects are summarized. Furthermore, structure-activity relationship of NPs for health-promoting effects by regulating the pathway is preliminarily discussed. Otherwise, the prospects on future work for regulation of NPs on this pathway are proposed. This review is beneficial to well-understanding of underlying mechanisms for health-promoting effects of NPs from the view angle of Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, and provides a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of NPs in promoting human health.
Gut microbiota modulation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Effects of current treatments and future strategies
Authors: Maestri Marta , Santopaolo Francesco , Pompili Maurizio , Gasbarrini Antonio , Ponziani Francesca Romana
Published: February 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is frequently associated with metabolic disorders, being highly prevalent in obese and diabetic patients. Many concomitant factors that promote systemic and liver inflammation are involved in NAFLD pathogenesis, with a growing body of evidence highlighting the key role of the gut microbiota. Indeed, the gut-liver axis has a strong impact in the promotion of NAFLD and in the progression of the wide spectrum of its manifestations, claiming efforts to find effective strategies for gut microbiota modulation. Diet is among the most powerful tools; Western diet negatively affects intestinal permeability and the gut microbiota composition and function, selecting pathobionts, whereas Mediterranean diet fosters health-promoting bacteria, with a favorable impact on lipid and glucose metabolism and liver inflammation. Antibiotics and probiotics have been used to improve NAFLD features, with mixed results. More interestingly, medications used to treat NAFLD-associated comorbidities may also modulate the gut microbiota. Drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), such as metformin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitors, are not only effective in the regulation of glucose homeostasis, but also in the reduction of liver fat content and inflammation, and they are associated with a shift in the gut microbiota composition towards a healthy phenotype. Even bariatric surgery significantly changes the gut microbiota, mostly due to the modification of the gastrointestinal anatomy, with a parallel improvement in histological features of NAFLD. Other options with promising effects in reprogramming the gut-liver axis, such as fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) and next-generation probiotics deserve further investigation for future inclusion in the therapeutic armamentarium of NAFLD.
Maternal hemoglobin concentrations across pregnancy and child health and development from birth through 6–7 years
Authors: Young Melissa F. , Nguyen Phuong , Tran Lan Mai , Khuong Long Quynh , Tandon Sonia , Martorell Reynaldo , Ramakrishnan Usha
Published: February 2023

Background

The role of changes in maternal hemoglobin (Hb) across pregnancy on child health and development (CHD) remains unclear.

Objective

We examined the association between maternal Hb trajectories and CHD outcomes: (a) birth outcomes (birth weight, length, gestational age, preterm, and small for gestational age); (b) child Hb at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months; and (c) motor and mental development at 12 and 24 months and cognitive functioning at age 6–7 years.

Methods

We used data from a randomized controlled trial (PRECONCEPT) conducted in Vietnam (N= 1,175 women enrolled during preconception with offspring follow-up through 6–7 years). Maternal Hb trajectories were developed using latent class analysis with Hb data at preconception, early (≤20 weeks), mid (21–29 weeks), and late (≥30 weeks) pregnancy. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between maternal Hb trajectories on CHD outcomes, adjusting for confounding variables at the maternal, child and household levels.

Results

Four distinct maternal Hb trajectories were identified. Track 1 (low initial Hb-decline) was associated with lower child Hb at 3 months (β [95% CI] −0.52 [−0.87, −0.16]), 6 months (−0.36 [−0.68, −0.05]), 12 months (−0.46 [−0.79, −0.13]), and 24 months (−0.44 [−0.72, −0.15]) and motor development at 12 months (−3.58 [−6.76, −0.40]) compared to track 4 (high initial Hb-decline). After adjustment for multiple testing, relationships remained robust with the exception of associations with child Hb at 6 months and motor development at 12 months. Track 2 (low initial Hb-improve) was the only Hb trajectory to increase across pregnancy; however, it was insufficiently powered. Track 3 (mid Hb-decline) was associated with lower child Hb at 12 months (−0.27 [−0.44, −0.10]) and 24 months (−0.20 [−0.34, −0.05]) compared to track 4 (high initial Hb-decline). Maternal Hb trajectories were not associated with birth outcomes or child development at 24 months or 6–7 years.

Conclusion

Maternal Hb trajectories during pregnancy are associated with child Hb concentrations across the first 1,000 days, but not with birth outcomes or later cognitive functioning. More work is needed to better understand and interpret changes in Hb levels during pregnancy especially in resource poor settings.
Medicinal and therapeutic properties of garlic, garlic essential oil, and garlic-based snack food: An updated review
Authors: Verma Tarun , Aggarwal Ankur , Dey Priya , Chauhan Anil Kumar , Rashid Summya , Chen Kow-Tong , Sharma Rohit
Published: February 2023

Garlic (Allium sativum) is an edible tuber belonging to the family Liliaceae. It has been used since ancient times as a spice to enhance the sensory characteristics of food and as a household remedy for the treatment of a variety of ailments. Garlic has been studied for its medicinal and therapeutic effects in the treatment of various human diseases for a long time. Health benefits associated with the consumption of garlic are attributed to the various sulfur compounds present in it such as allicin, ajoene, vinyl-dithiin, and other volatile organosulfur compounds which are all metabolized from alliin. Several researches in the literature have shown evidence that garlic exhibits antioxidant, antiviral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antihypertensive, anti-anemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anticarcinogenic, antiaggregant, and immunomodulatory properties. The present review identifies and discusses the various health benefits associated with the consumption of garlic, its essential oil, and bioactive constituents, along with exploring the various snack-food products developed by incorporating garlic.
Association of a low vitamin D status with risk of post-stroke depression: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Hung Kuo-Chuan , Wu Jheng-Yan , Illias Amina M. , Chiu Chong-Chi , Chang Ying-Jen , Liao Shu-Wei , Wang Kuei-Fen , Chen I-Wen , Sun Cheuk-Kwan
Published: February 2023

Background

Although post-stroke depression (PSD) affects one-third of patients following an acute stroke, pooled evidence addressing the correlation between a low vitamin D status and the risk of PSD remains inconclusive.

Methods

Comprehensive database search of Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar was performed from inception to December 2022. The primary outcome was the association of PSD risk with a low vitamin D status, while the secondary outcomes included the relationship between PSD and other risk factors.

Results

Analysis of seven observational studies published between 2014 and 2022 with 1,580 patients showed pooled incidences of vitamin D deficiency (defined as 25[OH] D levels < 50 nmol/L) and PSD of 60.1 and 26.1%, respectively. Patients with PSD had a lower circulating vitamin D concentration compared to those without [mean difference (MD) =−13.94 nmol/L, 95% CI: −21.83 to −6.05,p= 0.0005,I2= 91%, six studies, 1,414 patients]. Meta-analysis also demonstrated a correlation between a low vitamin D level and an increased PSD risk [odd ratio (OR) = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.57–6.69,p= 0.001,I2= 78.7%, 1,108 patients], the heterogeneity of which was found to be associated with the incidence of vitamin D deficiency but not female proportion on meta-regression. Besides, female gender (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.3–2.44,p= 0.003,I2= 31%, five studies, 1,220 patients), hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.01–2.36,p= 0.04,I2= 0%, four studies, 976 patients), and high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (MD = 1.45, 95% CI: 0.58–2.32,p= 0.001,I2= 82%, five studies, 1,220 patients) were potential risk factors for PSD. For the primary outcome, the certainty of evidence was very low. Regarding secondary outcomes, the certainty of evidence was low for BMI, female gender, hypertension, diabetes, and stroke history, and very low for age, level of education, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and NIHSS scores.

Conclusion

The results suggested an association of a low circulating vitamin D level with an increased risk of PSD. Besides, female gender, hyperlipidemia, high NIHSS score were related to an increased risk or occurrence of PSD. The current study may imply the necessity of routine circulating vitamin D screening in this population.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022381580.
Propensity score matching comparisons of postoperative complications and morbidity between digestive tract reconstruction methods after gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients with visceral obesity
Authors: Mao Chenchen , Xiao Miaofang , Chen Jian , Wen Jian , Yang Hui , Cai Wentao , Zheng Jingwei , Chen Xinxin , Xing Xiaofeng , Xue Xiangyang , Shen Xian , Wang Sini
Published: February 2023

Background

Few studies have compared the prognosis of different reconstruction methods after gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC) patients with obesity. The aim of the present study was to compare postoperative complications and overall survival (OS) between the following reconstruction methods: Billroth I (B-I), Billroth II (B-II), and Roux-en-Y (R-Y) after gastrectomy for GC patients with visceral obesity (VO).

Methods

We performed a double-institutional dataset study of 578 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy with B-I, B-II, and R-Y reconstructions between 2014 and 2016. VO was defined as a visceral fat area at the level of the umbilicus greater than 100 cm2. Propensity score-matching analysis was performed to balance the significant variables. Postoperative complications and OS were compared between the techniques.

Results

VO was determined in 245 patients, of which 95, 36, and 114 underwent B-I, B-II, and R-Y reconstructions, respectively. B-II and R-Y were fused into the Non-B-I group due to the similar incidence of overall postoperative complications and OS. Therefore, 108 patients were enrolled after matching. The overall postoperative complications incidence and overall operative time in the B-I group were significantly lower than those in the non-B-I group. Further, multivariable analysis showed that B-I reconstruction was an independent protective factor for overall postoperative complications (odds ratio (OR) 0.366, P=0.017). However, no statistical difference in OS was found between the two groups (hazard ratio (HR) 0.644, P=0.216).

Conclusions

B-I reconstruction was associated with decreased overall postoperative complications, rather than OS, in GC patients with VO who underwent gastrectomy.
Epigenetic reprogramming in pancreatic premalignancy and clinical implications
Authors: Zhang Wei , Jiang Tingting , Xie Keping
Published: February 2023

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the most lethal human cancer, with less than 10% 5-year survival. Pancreatic premalignancy is a genetic and epigenomic disease and is linked to PC initiation. Pancreatic premalignant lesions include pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), and mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), with pancreatic acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) as the major source of pancreatic premalignant lesions. Emerging evidence reveals that an epigenetic dysregulation is an early event in pancreatic tumorigenesis. The molecular mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance include chromatin remodeling; modifications in histone, DNA, and RNA; non-coding RNA expression; and alternative splicing of RNA. Changes in those epigenetic modifications contribute to the most notable alterations in chromatin structure and promoter accessibility, thus leading to the silence of tumor suppressor genes and/or activation of oncogenes. The expression profiles of various epigenetic molecules provide a promising opportunity for biomarker development for early diagnosis of PC and novel targeted treatment strategies. However, how the alterations in epigenetic regulatory machinery regulate epigenetic reprogramming in pancreatic premalignant lesions and the different stages of their initiation needs further investigation. This review will summarize the current knowledge of epigenetic reprogramming in pancreatic premalignant initiation and progression, and its clinical applications as detection and diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in PC.
Increased oxygen uptake in well-trained runners during uphill high intensity running intervals: A randomized crossover testing
Authors: Held Steffen , Rappelt Ludwig , Giesen René , Wiedenmann Tim , Deutsch Jan-Philip , Wicker Pamela , Donath Lars
Published: February 2023

The time spent above 90% of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions is intended to be maximized to improve V̇O2max. Since uphill running serves as a promising means to increase metabolic cost, we compared even and moderately inclined running in terms of time ≥90% V̇O2max and its corresponding physiological surrogates. Seventeen well-trained runners (8 females & 9 males; 25.8 ± 6.8yrs; 1.75 ± 0.08m; 63.2 ± 8.4kg; V̇O2max: 63.3 ± 4.2 ml/min/kg) randomly completed both a horizontal (1% incline) and uphill (8% incline) HIIT protocol (4-times 5min, with 90s rest). Mean oxygen uptake (V̇O2mean), peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak), lactate, heart rate (HR), and perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. Uphill HIIT revealed higher (p ≤ 0.012; partial eta-squared (pes) ≥ 0.351) V̇O2mean (uphill: 3.3 ± 0.6 vs. horizontal: 3.2 ± 0.5 L/min; standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.15), V̇O2peak (uphill: 4.0 ± 0.7 vs. horizontal: 3.8 ± 0.7 L/min; SMD = 0.19), and accumulated time ≥90% V̇O2max (uphill: 9.1 ± 4.6 vs. horizontal: 6.4 ± 4.0 min; SMD = 0.62) compared to even HIIT. Lactate, HR, and RPE responses did not show mode*time rANOVA interaction effects (p ≥ 0.097; pes ≤0.14). Compared to horizontal HIIT, moderate uphill HIIT revealed higher fractions of V̇O2max at comparable perceived efforts, heartrate and lactate response. Therefore, moderate uphill HiiT notably increased time spent above 90% V̇O2max.
Durability is improved by both low and high intensity endurance training
Authors: Matomäki Pekka , Heinonen Olli J. , Nummela Ari , Laukkanen Jari , Auvinen Eero-Pekka , Pirkola Leena , Kyröläinen Heikki
Published: February 2023

Introduction: This is one of the first intervention studies to examine how low- (LIT) and high-intensity endurance training (HIT) affect durability, defined as ‘time of onset and magnitude of deterioration in physiological-profiling characteristics over time during prolonged exercise’.

Methods: Sedentary and recreationally active men (n = 16) and women (n = 19) completed either LIT (average weekly training time 6.8 ± 0.7 h) or HIT (1.6 ± 0.2 h) cycling for 10 weeks. Durability was analyzed before and after the training period from three factors during 3-h cycling at 48% of pretraining maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max): 1) by the magnitude and 2) onset of drifts (i.e. gradual change in energy expenditure, heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, ventilation, left ventricular ejection time, and stroke volume), 3) by the ‘physiological strain’, defined to be the absolute responses of heart rate and its variability, lactate, and rate of perceived exertion.

Results: When all three factors were averaged the durability was improved similarly (time x group p = 0.42) in both groups (LIT: p = 0.03, g = 0.49; HIT: p = 0.01, g = 0.62). In the LIT group, magnitude of average of drifts and their onset did not reach statistically significance level of p < 0.05 (magnitude: 7.7 ± 6.8% vs. 6.3 ± 6.0%, p = 0.09, g = 0.27; onset: 106 ± 57 min vs. 131 ± 59 min, p = 0.08, g = 0.58), while averaged physiological strain improved (p = 0.01, g = 0.60). In HIT, both magnitude and onset decreased (magnitude: 8.8 ± 7.9% vs. 5.4 ± 6.7%, p = 0.03, g = 0.49; onset: 108 ± 54 min vs. 137 ± 57 min, p = 0.03, g = 0.61), and physiological strain improved (p = 0.005, g = 0.78). VO2max increased only after HIT (time x group p < 0.001, g = 1.51).

Conclusion: Durability improved similarly by both LIT and HIT based on reduced physiological drifts, their postponed onsets, and changes in physiological strain. Despite durability enhanced among untrained people, a 10-week intervention did not alter drifts and their onsets in a large amount, even though it attenuated physiological strain.
Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate regeneration in the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle: Focus on the last three enzymatic steps that allow the formation of Rubisco substrate
Authors: Meloni Maria , Gurrieri Libero , Fermani Simona , Velie Lauren , Sparla Francesca , Crozet Pierre , Henri Julien , Zaffagnini Mirko
Published: February 2023

The Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle comprises the metabolic phase of photosynthesis and is responsible for carbon fixation and the production of sugar phosphates. The first step of the cycle involves the enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) which catalyzes the incorporation of inorganic carbon into 3-phosphoglyceric acid (3PGA). The following steps include ten enzymes that catalyze the regeneration of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP), the substrate of Rubisco. While it is well established that Rubisco activity acts as a limiting step of the cycle, recent modeling studies and experimental evidence have shown that the efficiency of the pathway is also impacted by the regeneration of the Rubisco substrate itself. In this work, we review the current understanding of the structural and catalytic features of the photosynthetic enzymes that catalyze the last three steps of the regeneration phase, namely ribose-5-phosphate isomerase (RPI), ribulose-5-phosphate epimerase (RPE), and phosphoribulokinase (PRK). In addition, the redox- and metabolic-based regulatory mechanisms targeting the three enzymes are also discussed. Overall, this review highlights the importance of understudied steps in the CBB cycle and provides direction for future research aimed at improving plant productivity.
The production of Newcastle disease virus-like particles in Nicotiana benthamiana as potential vaccines
Authors: Smith Tanja , O’Kennedy Martha M. , Ross Craig S. , Lewis Nicola S. , Abolnik Celia
Published: February 2023

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral respiratory and neurological disease that has a severe impact on poultry production worldwide. In the present study, an expression platform was established for the transient production in N.bethamiana of ND virus-like particles (VLPs) for use as vaccines against ND. The expression of the ND Fusion (F) and/or Hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) proteins of a genotype VII.2 strain formed ND VLPs in planta as visualized under the transmission electron microscope, and HN-containing VLPs agglutinated chicken erythrocytes with hemagglutination (HA) titres of up to 13 log2.The immunogenicity of the partially-purified ND VLPs was confirmed in specific-pathogen-free White leghorn chickens. Birds receiving a single intramuscular immunization with 1024 HA units (10 log2) of the F/HN ND VLPs administered with 20% [v/v] Emulsigen®-P adjuvant, seroconverted after 14 days with F- and HN-specific antibodies at ELISA titres of 5705.17 and HI geometric mean titres (GMTs) of 6.2 log2, respectively. Furthermore, these ND-specific antibodies successfully inhibited viral replication in vitro of two antigenically closely-related ND virus isolates, with virus-neutralization test GMTs of 3.47 and 3.4, respectively. Plant-produced ND VLPs have great potential as antigen-matched vaccines for poultry and other avian species that are highly immunogenic, cost-effective, and facilitate prompt updating to ensure improved protection against emerging ND field viruses.
Salicylic acid had the potential to enhance tolerance in horticultural crops against abiotic stress
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Zhao Chun-Bo , Ren Rui-Min , Jiang Jun-Hai
Published: February 2023

Horticultural crops are greatly disturbed by severe abiotic stress conditions. This is considered one of the major threats to the healthy lives of the human population. Salicylic acid (SA) is famous as one of the multifunctional phytohormones that are widely found in plants. It is also an important bio-stimulator involved in the regulation of growth and the developmental stages of horticultural crops. The productivity of horticultural crops has been improved with the supplemental use of even small amounts of SA. It has good capability to reduce oxidative injuries that occur from the over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), potentially elevated photosynthesis, chlorophyll pigments, and stomatal regulation. Physiological and biochemical processes have revealed that SA enhances signaling molecules, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, osmolytes, and secondary metabolites activities within the cell compartments of plants. Numerous genomic approaches have also explored that SA regulates transcriptions profiling, transcriptional apprehensions, genomic expression, and metabolism of stress-related genes. Many plant biologists have been working on SA and its functioning in plants; however, its involvement in the enhancement of tolerance against abiotic stress in horticultural crops is still unidentified and needs more attention. Therefore, the current review is focused on a detailed exploration of SA in physiological and biochemical processes in horticultural crops subjected to abiotic stress. The current information is comprehensive and aims to be more supportive of the development of higher-yielding germplasm against abiotic stress.
The status quo, contributors, consequences and models of digital overuse/problematic use in preschoolers: A scoping review
Authors: Wang Chenggong , Qian Haoyue , Li Hui , Wu Dandan
Published: February 2023

Digital devices play a critical role in preschoolers’ learning and development. Despite the evidence that digital devices use may facilitate preschoolers’ learning and development, their overuse/problematic use has become a global concern as the popularity and widespread use of digital devices. This scoping review aims to synthesize the empirical evidence to identify the status quo, influential factors, developmental outcomes, and models of overuse/problematic use in preschoolers. This search has identified 36 studies published in international peer-reviewed journals during 2001–2021, converging into four common topics: the current situation, the influential factors, the consequences, and the models. First, the average percentages of overuse and problematic use across the studies collected in this research were 48.34%, and 26.83%, separately. Second, two influential factors were identified: (1) children’s characteristics and (2) parental and family factors. Third, early digital overuse/problematic use was found to have a negative impact on the following domains: (1) physical health, (2) psychosocial health, (3) problematic behaviors, and (4) cognitive development; Fourth, most relevant studies adopted general linear models, while few of them adopted experimental designs. Finally, the implications for future studies and practical improvements are also addressed.
An analysis of inclusive education practices in East Java Indonesian preschools
Authors: Yasin Mohd Hanafi Mohd , Susilawati Sinta Yuni , Tahar Mohd Mokhtar , Jamaludin Khairul Azhar
Published: February 2023

Poor access to quality education among preschool students in Indonesia is a cause for concern. To address this issue, the first step is to identify the current level of inclusive education practises in these institutions. Thus, this study is aimed at identifying the level of inclusivity of Indonesian preschools, particularly in East Java, from the perspective of education practitioners. This study employed a sequential explanatory mix design. A survey questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were utilised in collecting the data. A total of 277 education practitioners, including principals and teachers at the preschool level, were randomly sampled to answer the questionnaire. As interview respondents, 12 teachers and principals were recruited via purposive sampling. Generally, the findings indicated that community building for inclusive education was found to be at an average level (M = 3.418, SD = 0.323), whereas building inclusive values in preschools was found to be at a high level (M = 4.020, SD = 0.414). In support of this, the findings of the semi-structured interviews suggested that the school community was aware of the differences among students and that respecting each other was generally practised among the school community. However, poor community involvement to support inclusive education was a challenge in most Indonesian preschools. These findings are crucial for stakeholders and policymakers to continue promoting community awareness and supporting inclusive education in these institutions.
Compassionate pedagogy for neurodiversity in higher education: A conceptual analysis
Authors: Hamilton Lorna G. , Petty Stephanie
Published: February 2023

The neurodiversity paradigm challenges pathologising accounts of neurodevelopmental differences, including autism, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, developmental language disorder (DLD) and others. From a neurodiversity perspective, these differences in the way people perceive, learn about and interact with the world are conceptualised as naturally occurring cognitive variation, akin to biodiversity in the natural environment, which may bring unique strengths and challenges for individuals. An implication of this approach is that interventions designed to create contexts in which neurodivergent people can thrive are needed, in addition to those that seek to ameliorate individual-level difficulties. In this conceptual review, we consider how higher education can offer a context in which cognitive diversity can be noticed, welcomed and accepted with warmth. In universities, neurodiversity is one dimension of difference within an increasingly diverse student population, which overlaps – but is not synonymous – with disability. We argue that improving experience and outcomes for neurodivergent students should be a priority for universities aiming to produce graduates equipped to tackle the complex problems of contemporary society. Drawing on the foundational principles of compassion-focused psychological therapies, we consider how compassion can be enacted within interpersonal interaction, curriculum design, and leadership culture in universities. We apply the insights of double empathy theory to the problem of overcoming barriers of difference in the classroom. Finally, we make recommendations for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and strengths-based pedagogical approaches, which create a fit-for-purpose educational environment for the widest possible range of learners. This realignment with the neurodiversity paradigm offers an antidote to bolt-on provisions for students who differ from the neuro-normative, and might enable neurodivergent thinkers to flourish within and beyond higher education.