bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medial and lateral vestibulospinal projections to the cervical spinal cord of the squirrel monkey
Authors: Boyle Richard
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The brainstem vestibular nuclei neurons receive synaptic inputs from inner ear acceleration-sensing hair cells, cerebellar output neurons, and ascending signals from spinal proprioceptive-related neurons. The lateral (LVST) and medial (MVST) vestibulospinal (VS) tracts convey their coded signals to the spinal circuits to rapidly counter externally imposed perturbations to facilitate stability and provide a framework for self-generated head movements.

Methods

The present study describes the morphological characteristics of intraaxonally recorded and labeled VS neurons monosynaptically connected to the 8th nerve. The visualization of axon location in the descending medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF) differentiated ipsi- (i) and contralateral (c)-projecting MVST neurons. Vestibuloocular collic (VOC) neurons were comparably typed as cMVST cells but were also antidromically activated from the rostral MLF. Cervical-only LVST neurons projected ipsilaterally in the lateral to ventrolateral funiculi. Targets of VS axons, such as central cervical nucleus neurons, sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, and splenius motoneurons, were identified using anti- and orthodromic electrical stimuli and intra-somatically labeled to describe their local spinal morphology.

Results

Thirty-five VS neurons (26% of the 134 attempted samples) were successfully labeled to permit a moderate to (near) complete reconstruction of their trajectories and synaptic innervations. VOC neurons exhibited a prolific innervation of caudal brainstem nuclei, extensively innervated laminae VII and VIII, and, to a lesser extent, lateral and ventromedial lamina IX, from C1 to C8, and on average issued 15 branches along their trajectory with 92 terminal and en passant boutons per branch. The VOC innervation was either uniformly distributed among the cervical segments, indicating a more global control of head and neck movement, or restricted specific spinal segments, indicating a more precise motor control strategy. The innervation pattern of iMVST axons resembled that of VOC and cMVST axons but was less extensive and supplied mostly the upper two cervical segments. LVST and cMVST neurons exhibited a predominantly equally weighted innervation of separate and joint moto- and inter-neuronal spinal circuits along their cervical trajectory.

Discussion

Their extensive axon branching distribution in the ventral horn provides a redundant and variable synaptic input to spinal cell groups. This suggests a common and site-specific control of the head and neck reflexes.
Dietary diversity and its associated factors among school children in conflict affected communities of southern Ethiopia
Authors: Yakob Tagese , Israel Eskinder , Yakob Begidu , Meshesha Mekdes , Jambo Endale , Utalo Tadewos , Abraham Awoke
Published: January 2025

Background

Globally, more than 815 million estimated people worldwide suffer from malnutrition or are unable to access enough food due to malnutrition. Conflict remains the single most fundamental factor contributing to chronic malnutrition in the conflict-affected areas. Developing a healthy and balanced dietary pattern is essential for school children because their habits in this period may last longer. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess dietary adequacy level and factors associated among school children in conflicts affected communities of southern Ethiopia.

Method and materials

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 616 schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years with their caregivers using a multistage sampling method. The data were collected by using a structured questionnaire. The data were collected and entered into Epi-data version 4.6.0.2 and exported to STATA software version 14 for analysis. Adequate dietary diversity was defined as the consumption of at least five food groups. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were performed. A p-value less than 0.05 on multivariate logistic regression indicated a statistically significant association.

Results

The overall response rate of this study was 98.5%. The median [inter quartile range (IQR)] dietary diversity score of the studies was 4(3–5) with the prevalence of inadequate dietary diversity among the school children of current study was 59.4% (95% CI, 55.17–62.99). In this study, schoolchildren with no near-health care facility (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI; 1.35–2.82), a family size greater than five (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI; 1.01–2.05), and the absence of a family home garden (AOR = 1.55, CI: 1.35–1.83) were significantly associated with low dietary diversity in school children.

Conclusion

When compared with other studies, dietary diversity in the current study area was low. This emphasizes the need to encourage mothers to use family planning and implementing focused public health interventions, such school lunch programs and community gardening projects, to improve children’s nutritional outcomes and dietary diversity.
Improve the quality of end-of-life in cancer patients using social representations of nutrition
Authors: Llinares-Insa Lucia Inmaculada , Chisbert-Alapont Encarna , Benedito-Monleón María Amparo , González-Navarro Pilar
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The problems related to nutrition generate great concern in palliative cancer patients and their caregivers. Literature has analyzed the psychological and social problems that nutrition causes. From patient-centered orientation, there are protocols for nutritional care. This psycho-health information is a source of discomfort among patients and families and its absence generates many problems related to nutrition with negative clinical repercussions. Thus, this study aims to analyze the concept of nutrition in advanced cancer patients with palliative care and their caregivers. Furthermore, given that food has an important cultural component as important as it is nutrition, the sociocultural influence on the social representation of nutrition will also be analyzed.

Methods

The study design was qualitative and cross-sectional with a recruitment period lasting 18 months. After the informed consent, a sample of advanced cancer patients (N=57) and their caregivers (N=57) were interviewed individually. The data was analyzed using content analysis and descriptive analysis. The existence of statistical differences between groups (patients and caregivers) was tested by Chi-Square statistics.

Results

Results showed that the perception of nutrition was structured in five categories: health/survival/life (e.g. “healthy”), social relationship (e.g. “intimate relationship”), care (e.g. “care role”), foodstuff (e.g. “vegetables”), and others (“anything”). There were significant differences (p-Value>0.05) in the uses of nutrition between patients and their caregivers and caregivers had higher scores. Then, nutrition was perceived as an act of care and, therefore, patients were expected to strive to eat despite the loss of appetite.

Discussion

This study is one of the first to explore the perception of nutrition emphasize the insufficient consideration of patients’ and caregivers’ needs and perceptions regarding food, as well as the significance of this knowledge in patient-centered care approaches. In this way, it could intervene by first understanding the behavior concerning food and, secondly, redirecting the behavior if it is harmful to the patient or family relationships regarding the health care and well-being of patients with advanced cancer with palliative care.
Abdominal synthetic CT generation for MR-only radiotherapy using structure-conserving loss and transformer-based cycle-GAN
Authors: Lee Chanwoong , Yoon Young Hun , Sung Jiwon , Kim Jun Won , Cho Yeona , Kim Jihun , Chun Jaehee , Kim Jin Sung
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Recent deep-learning based synthetic computed tomography (sCT) generation using magnetic resonance (MR) images have shown promising results. However, generating sCT for the abdominal region poses challenges due to the patient motion, including respiration and peristalsis. To address these challenges, this study investigated an unsupervised learning approach using a transformer-based cycle-GAN with structure-preserving loss for abdominal cancer patients.

Method

A total of 120 T2 MR images scanned by 1.5 T Unity MR-Linac and their corresponding CT images for abdominal cancer patient were collected. Patient data were aligned using rigid registration. The study employed a cycle-GAN architecture, incorporating the modified Swin-UNETR as a generator. Modality-independent neighborhood descriptor (MIND) loss was used for geometric consistency. Image quality was compared between sCT and planning CT, using metrics including mean absolute error (MAE), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structure similarity index measure (SSIM) and Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence. Dosimetric evaluation was evaluated between sCT and planning CT, using gamma analysis and relative dose volume histogram differences for each organ-at-risks, utilizing treatment plan. A comparison study was conducted between original, Swin-UNETR-only, MIND-only, and proposed cycle-GAN.

Results

The MAE, PSNR, SSIM and KL divergence of original cycle-GAN and proposed method were 86.1 HU, 26.48 dB, 0.828, 0.448 and 79.52 HU, 27.05 dB, 0.845, 0.230, respectively. The MAE and PSNR were statistically significant. The global gamma passing rates of the proposed method at 1%/1 mm, 2%/2 mm, and 3%/3 mm were 86.1 ± 5.9%, 97.1 ± 2.7%, and 98.9 ± 1.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

The proposed method significantly improves image metric of sCT for the abdomen patients than original cycle-GAN. Local gamma analysis was slightly higher for proposed method. This study showed the improvement of sCT using transformer and structure preserving loss even with the complex anatomy of the abdomen.
The trends of lung cancer burden in BRICS from 1990 to 2021 and its projection to 2035
Authors: Wang Yifan , Zhu Jingwen , Wang Shaoqiang , Zhou Jihong
Published: January 2025

Background

Lung cancer has become the malignant tumor with the highest morbidity and mortality in the world. This study aims to analyze the burden of lung cancer and risk factors associated with lung cancer in the BRICS from 1990-2021 and to project the burden of lung cancer in the BRICS from 2021-2035.

Methods

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database was searched to collect the incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and risk factors of lung cancer in the BRICS. Trends in lung cancer burden from 1990-2021 were analyzed using Joinpoint 4.9.1.0, and Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) analyses were performed using R4.4.1 to project the disease burden of lung cancer from 2021-2035.

Results

AAPC(average annual percentage change) and EAPC(estimated average percentage change) of ASIR(age-standardized incidence), ASPR(age-standardized prevalence), ASMR(age-standardized mortality), and ASDR(age-standardized disability-adjusted life year) for lung cancer in Brazil, Russia, and Ethiopia 1990-2021 were less than 0. Egypt’s AAPC and EAPC for ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR were all greater than 0 for 1990-2021, and China’s ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR were all at the top of the BRICS in 2021. According to BAPC projection Brazil, Iran, Russia, and South Africa will have a decreasing trend in ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR from 2021-2035. Egypt will have an increasing trend in ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR from 2021-2035. With the exception of Ethiopia, the top tier level 1 and level 2 risk factors in the rest of the BRICS were behavioral factors and smoking factors, respectively.

Conclusion

The BRICS still have a heavy burden of lung cancer, and there are significant differences in the burden of lung cancer among the BRICS. At the same time, many BRICS lung cancer prevention and control measures are worth learning from other developing countries.
Prediction of early postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma by habitat analysis based on different sequence of contrast-enhanced CT
Authors: Zhang Yubo , Ma Hongyan , Lei Peng , Li Zhiyuan , Yan Zhao , Wang Xinqing
Published: January 2025

Aim

To develop a habitat imaging method for preoperative prediction of early postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to collect data on 344 patients who underwent liver resection for HCC. The internal subregion of the tumor was objectively delineated and the clinical features were also analyzed to construct clinical models. Radiomics feature extraction was performed on tumor subregions of arterial and portal venous phase images. Machine learning classification models were constructed as a fusion model combining the three different models, and the models were assessed.

Results

A comprehensive retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 344 patients who underwent hepatic cancer resection at one of the two centers. it was found that the combined SVM model yielded superior results after comparing various metrics, such as the AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and DCA.

Conclusions

Habitat analysis of sequential CT images can delineate distinct subregions within a tumor, offering valuable insights for early prediction of postoperative HCC recurrence.
Inappropriate prescribing of drugs for peptic ulcer and gastro-esophageal reflux disease remains a matter of concern: Results from the LAPTOP-PPI cluster randomized trial
Authors: Casula Manuela , Ardoino Ilaria , Pierini Laura , Perrella Lara , Scotti Stefano , Mucherino Sara , Orlando Valentina , Menditto Enrica , Franchi Carlotta
Published: January 2025

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most commonly and inappropriately prescribed drugs by general practitioners (GPs), resulting in increased risk of adverse outcomes for patients and in avoidable costs for Italy’s National Health Service (NHS). This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a low-cost and easily implementable informative intervention directed at GPs to enhance the appropriate prescription of PPIs.

Methods

The LAPTOP-PPI study is a pragmatic, cluster-randomized controlled trial designed to improve the appropriateness of PPI prescriptions among community-dwelling individuals aged ≥65 years. In June 2021, GPs in the Local Health Units (LHUs) of Bergamo (Northern Italy) and Caserta (Southern Italy) were randomly allocated to either an intervention group (summary reports on prescribing habits, scientific documents on the Italian Medicine Agency’s therapeutic indications, strategies for PPI de-prescribing, along with educational materials for patients), and a control group (standard practice). PPI appropriateness was assessed through an algorithm specifically designed and based on NHS prescription appropriateness and reimbursement criteria. Intervention efficacy was evaluated by comparing data from the baseline period (July 1 to 31 December 2019) with those from the follow-up period (July 1 to 31 December 2021), 6 months after randomization. The analysis was performed on the intention-to-treat principle and according to GP level. To estimate the effectiveness of the intervention, we used a difference-in-differences (DID) approach.

Results

Overall, 942 GPs (540 from Bergamo and 402 from Caserta LHUs) were included in the analysis. At baseline, 171,978 patients aged ≥65 received drug prescriptions for acid-related diseases and were assessable for evaluation of appropriateness. At follow-up, this number was 137,699. The overall inappropriateness rate at baseline among GPs included in the analysis was 57.4% (std.dev. 8.4%) in the intervention arm and 57.6% (std.dev. 8.8%) in the control arm; 6 months after the intervention delivery, they were 59.2% (std.dev. 8.0%) and 58.5% (std.dev. 7.3%), respectively.

Conclusion

Given their widespread use, improving the prescription quality of PPIs is a major concern. Educational interventions for GPs and patients are routine strategies to address inappropriateness, but they appear to be insufficient for independently improving prescribing practice, especially in a critical situation such as the post-pandemic period.
Cardioprotective effects of the electrolyte solution sterofundin and the possible underlying mechanisms
Authors: Chen Min , Xiao Yingying , Zheng Jijian , Zhao Peibin , Cheng Lin , Jiang Chuan , Zheng Sixie , Wang Zheng , Sun Sijuan , Ye Lincai , Chen Guozhen , Zhang Hao , Huang Yanhui
Published: January 2025

Background

Sterofundin (SF) is one of the most widely used electrolyte solutions in almost all areas of medicine, with particular importance in intensive care. It provides powerful correction of acid-base imbalances, ion fluctuations, and impaired energy metabolism, which are the three most important characteristics after myocardial infarction (MI). However, whether and how SF protects the heart from post-MI damage are largely unknown.

Methods and Results

Pretreating mice with SF before MI surgery reduced the number of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-positive and TUNEL-positive cells. As a result, the infarcted area cardiac fibrosis in the MI mice was reduced and cardiac performance in the MI mice improved. Moreover, RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that SF caused the gene expression profile of MI mice to shift toward that of sham mice, with a significant decrease in apoptosis-, ROS-, and inflammation-associated gene enrichment. RNA-seq analysis also demonstrated that SF induced the upregulation of autophagy-associated gene enrichment. Western blotting confirmed the RNA-seq analysis results, showing that SF induced the upregulation of an autophagic flux. When the autophagic flux was blocked with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine, the protective effect of SF was reduced.

Conclusion

SF protects the heart from post-MI damage, and one of the underlying mechanisms could be its autophagy modifications. This study is the first to reveal a previously unrecognized role of electrolyte solutions in post-MI intensive care.
Mitochondrial quality control: a pathophysiological mechanism and potential therapeutic target for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Xu Mengjiao , Feng Peng , Yan Jun , Li Lei
Published: January 2025

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent chronic respiratory disease worldwide. Mitochondrial quality control mechanisms encompass processes such as mitochondrial biogenesis, fusion, fission, and autophagy, which collectively maintain the quantity, morphology, and function of mitochondria, ensuring cellular energy supply and the progression of normal physiological activities. However, in COPD, due to the persistent stimulation of harmful factors such as smoking and air pollution, mitochondrial quality control mechanisms often become deregulated, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of COPD, contributing toinflammatory response, oxidative stress, cellular senescence. However, therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria remain underexplored. This review highlights recent advances in mitochondrial dysfunction in COPD, focusing on the role of mitochondrial quality control mechanisms and their dysregulation in disease progression. We emphasize the significance of mitochondria in the pathophysiological processes of COPD and explore potential strategies to regulate mitochondrial quality and improve mitochondrial function through mitochondrial interventions, aiming to treat COPD effectively. Additionally, we analyze the limitations and challenges of existing therapeutic strategies, aiming to provide new insights and methods for COPD treatment.
Dihydromyricetin: an emerging compound with comprehensive effects on multiple systems
Authors: He Chengyi , Chen Yunfei , Xie Jiao , Luo Miao , Fisher David , Hien Nguyen Thi Thu , Musabaev Erkin , Dang Yiping , Zhao Lei , Xia Yin
Published: January 2025

Dihydromyricetin (DHM or DMY) is a flavonoid derived from natural sources with a range of confirmed biological benefits. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-viral activities. DHM is recognized for its high biosafety, making it a promising subject for further research. This article offers a comprehensive overview of DHM’s pharmacological properties, mechanisms, and recent research developments in the cardiovascular, urinary, digestive, nervous, and respiratory systems. The review summarizes DHM’s biological effects and associated signaling pathways, providing novel insights for its clinical application.
FGF21 ameliorates diabetic nephropathy through CDK1-dependently regulating the cell cycle
Authors: Zhang Yudie , Wang Fan , Zhang Chongyang , Yao Fan , Zhang Bin , Zhang Yongping , Sun Xiaobo
Published: January 2025

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a prevalent global renal illness and one of the main causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). FGF21 has been shown to ameliorate diabetic nephropathy, and in addition FGF-21-treated mice impeded mitogenicity, whereas it is unclear whether FGF21 can influence DN progression by regulating the cell cycle in diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

In order to create a diabetic model, STZ injections were given to C57BL/6J mice for this investigation. Then, FGF21 was administered, and renal tissue examination and pathological observation were combined with an assessment of glomerular injury, inflammation, oxidative stress, and the fibrinogen system in mice following the administration of the intervention. Furthermore, we used db/db mice and FGF21 direct therapy for 8 weeks to investigate changes in fasting glucose and creatinine expression as well as pathological changes in glomeruli glycogen deposition, fibrosis, and nephrin expression. To investigate the mechanism of action of FGF21 in the treatment of glycolytic kidney, transcriptome sequencing of renal tissues and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of differential genes were performed.

Results

The study’s findings demonstrated that FGF21 intervention increased clotting time, decreased oxidative stress and inflammation, and avoided thrombosis in addition to considerably improving glomerular filtration damage. After 8 weeks of FGF21 treatment, glomerular glycogen deposition, fibrosis, and renin expression decreased in db/db mice. Moreover, there was a notable reduction of creatinine and fasting blood glucose levels. Additionally, the CDK1 gene, a key player in controlling the cell cycle, was discovered through examination of the transcriptome sequencing data. It was also shown that FGF21 dramatically reduces the expression of CDK1, which may help diabetic nephropathy by averting mitotic catastrophe and changing the renal cell cycle.

Conclusion

In short, FGF21 improved the development of diabetic nephropathy in diabetic nephropathy-affected animals by reducing glomerular filtration damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress, inhibiting the formation of thrombus, and controlling the cell cycle through CDK1.
Characterisation of the effects of the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel on neuropathic pain-related behaviour, anxiodepressive behaviour, cognition, and the endocannabinoid system in male and female rats
Authors: Di Marino Chiara , Llorente-Berzal Álvaro , Diego Alba M. , Bella Ariadni , Boullon Laura , Berrocoso Esther , Roche Michelle , Finn David P.
Published: January 2025

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug, however, one of its major adverse effects is chronic neuropathic pain, with the incidence being higher in women than in men. The neurobiological mechanisms behind this sex difference are still largely unclear, and the endocannabinoid system, which exhibits sexual dimorphism and plays a key role in pain regulation, is a promising area for further studies. The present study aimed to characterise pain-, cognition-, anxiety-, and depression-related behaviours in male and female rats following PTX administration, and associated alterations in the endocannabinoid system. After the induction of the model, pain-related behaviours were assessed using von Frey, Acetone Drop and Hargreaves’ tests, Novel Object Recognition and T-Maze Spontaneous Alternation tests were used for cognition-related behaviours, Elevated Plus Maze, Open Field, and Light Dark Box tests were used to assess anxiety-related behaviours, and Sucrose Preference, Sucrose Splash, and Forced Swim tests for depression-related behaviours. At each time point analysed, animals treated with PTX exhibited mechanical and cold hypersensitivity, with females displaying lower hind paw withdrawal thresholds to mechanical stimulation than males. No PTX-induced alterations in the other behavioural tests were detected. Post-mortem measurement of endocannabinoid and related N-acylethanolamine levels in spinal cord and discrete brain regions revealed a PTX-induced increase of 2-Arachidonoyl Glycerol (2-AG), N-Palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) and N-Oleoylethanolamine (OEA) levels in the amygdala of male and female animals, but not in the other areas. Collectively, these results suggest that PTX causes similar long-lasting hypersensitivity to mechanical and cold stimuli, but not heat, in rats of both sexes, effects accompanied by increases in amygdalar levels of endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines.
Assessing the relationships of 1,400 blood metabolites with abdominal aortic aneurysm: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Guo Qian , Xu Xinghua , Li Xiaohui , Mao Yang , Li Shengqiang , Yao Yuxin , Li Xiang , Li Yaxing , Feng Jiayue , Shu Yan , Xu Xingli
Published: January 2025

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is one of the most dangerous types of vascular diseases worldwide. Metabolic disturbance affects disease risk and provide underlying therapeutic targets. Previous studies have reported an association between metabolic disorders and AAA. However, evidence of a causal relationship between blood metabolites and AAA is still lacking at present.

Methods

Using Mendelian randomization (MR), we assessed the causal association between 1,400 serum metabolites and AAA. The inverse variance weighted method (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger regression, simple mode, as well as weighted mode methods were used for evaluating the causality between blood metabolites and AAA. Pleiotropy and heterogeneity tests were further conducted.

Results

Through strict screening, 17 known metabolites, 7 unknown metabolites and 5 metabolite ratios related to AAA were identified. Among all the metabolites, 24 were found to have negative associations, while 5 exhibited positive associations. The top five metabolites associated with an increased risk of AAA were Oleoyl-linoleoyl-glycerol (18:1/18:2) [2], Glycosyl-N-(2-hydroxynervonoyl)-sphingosine (d18:1/24:1(2OH)), Glycochenodeoxycholate 3-sulfate, X-21441 and X-24328. In contrast, the top five metabolites that were linked to a reduced risk of AAA included Uridine to pseudouridine ratio, Octadecanedioate, Phosphate to oleoyl-linoleoyl-glycerol (18:1 to 18:2) [2] ratio, 1-(1-enyl-palmitoyl)-GPE (p-16:0), and 1-stearoyl-GPG (18:0).

Conclusion

Among the 1,400 blood metabolites, we identified 17 known metabolites, 7 unknown metabolites, and 5 metabolite ratios associated with AAA. This MR study may provide a novel significant insight for the screening and prevention of AAA.
Protein-ligand binding affinity prediction using multi-instance learning with docking structures
Authors: Kim Hyojin , Shim Heesung , Ranganath Aditya , He Stewart , Stevenson Garrett , Allen Jonathan E.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Recent advances in 3D structure-based deep learning approaches demonstrate improved accuracy in predicting protein-ligand binding affinity in drug discovery. These methods complement physics-based computational modeling such as molecular docking for virtual high-throughput screening. Despite recent advances and improved predictive performance, most methods in this category primarily rely on utilizing co-crystal complex structures and experimentally measured binding affinities as both input and output data for model training. Nevertheless, co-crystal complex structures are not readily available and the inaccurate predicted structures from molecular docking can degrade the accuracy of the machine learning methods.

Methods

We introduce a novel structure-based inference method utilizing multiple molecular docking poses for each complex entity. Our proposed method employs multi-instance learning with an attention network to predict binding affinity from a collection of docking poses.

Results

We validate our method using multiple datasets, including PDBbind and compounds targeting the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. The results demonstrate that our method leveraging docking poses is competitive with other state-of-the-art inference models that depend on co-crystal structures.

Discussion

This method offers binding affinity prediction without requiring co-crystal structures, thereby increasing its applicability to protein targets lacking such data.
Tumor microenvironment–responsive and modulatory manganese-based nanoenzyme for enhanced tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Yang Qi , Wu Qiong , Liu Haiyan , Wu Jiandong , Ma Feng , Tian Xiaofeng
Published: January 2025

The characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME) have a close and internal correlation with the effect of cancer immunotherapy, significantly affecting the progression and metastasis of cancer. The rational design of nanoenzymes that possess the ability to respond to and regulate the TME is driving a new direction in catalytic immunotherapy. In this study, we designed a multifunctional manganese (Mn)-based nanoenzyme that is responsive to acidic pH and overxpressed H2O2 at tumor site and holds capability of modulating hypoxic and immunosuppressive TME for synergistic anti-tumor photothermal/photodynamic/immunotherapy. We found that this artificial nanoenzyme promoted peroxidase-like and catalase-like activities and catalyzed the in-situ decomposition of H2O2, a metabolic waste product in the TME, into ∙OH and O2, resulting in a ROS burst for killing tumors and relieving hypoxic TME to enhance cancer therapy. Besides the photothermal effect and the enhancement of ROS burst-induced immunogenic cell death, combination of Mn2+ released from Mn-based nanoenzyme in acidic TME and programmed death-ligand 1 blockade triggered a significant anti-tumor immune response. A remarkable in vivo synergistic therapeutic effect was achieved with effective inhibition of primary tumor growth and lung metastasis. Therefore, this TME-responsive Mn-based nanoenzyme offers a safe and efficient platform for reversing the immunosuppressive microenvironment and achieving synergistic anti-tumor immunotherapy.
Dynamics of ultrafast laser introduced breakdown in water and ethanol
Authors: Su Lan , Qiu Xin , Guo Rui , Jing Youbo , Yang Chaosan , Liu Shuhui
Published: January 2025

Femtosecond laser with pulse duration of 35 fs is used to introduce optical breakdown in water and ethanol. The initial dynamics of the laser-introduced break down is investigated with a time resolved shadow imaging method. The motion of the shock wave front at 600 ps, 4 ns, 12 ns, 16 ns, and 20 ns are observed. Experimental results indicate that under the same laser energy, the initial velocity of the shock wave generated in ethanol is slightly lower than that in water. This is mainly determined by liquid properties (viscosity coefficient, density, molecular weight, breakdown threshold). The evolution of the shock wave also indicates that the velocity decreases with time, and the decrease in ethanol is faster than that in water.
Exploring network dynamics in scientific innovation: collaboration, knowledge combination, and innovative performance
Authors: Jia Yangyang , Chen Hongshu , Liu Jingkang , Wang Xuefeng , Guo Rui , Wang Ximeng
Published: January 2025

The system of scientific innovation can be characterized as a complex, multi-layered network of actors, their products and knowledge elements. Despite the progress that has been made, a more comprehensive understanding of the interactions and dynamics of this multi-layered network remains a significant challenge. This paper constructs a multilayer longitudinal network to abstract institutions, products and ideas of the scientific system, then identifies patterns and elucidates the mechanism through which actor collaboration and their knowledge transmission influence the innovation performance and network dynamics. Aside from fostering a collaborative network of institutions via co-authorship, fine-grained knowledge elements are extracted using KeyBERT from academic papers to build knowledge network layer. Empirical studies demonstrate that actor collaboration and their unique and diverse ideas have a positive impact on the performance of the research products. This paper also presents empirical evidence that the embeddedness of the actors, their ideas and features of their research products influence the network dynamics. This study gains a deeper understanding of the driving factors that impact the interactions and dynamics of the multi-layered scientific networks.
A homophilic and dynamic influence maximization strategy based on independent cascade model in social networks
Authors: Wang Gang , Du Shangyi , Jiang Yurui , Li Xianyong
Published: January 2025

Influence maximization (IM) is crucial for recommendation systems and social networks. Previous research primarily focused on static networks, neglecting the homophily and dynamics inherent in real-world networks. This has led to inaccurate simulations of information spread and influence propagation between nodes, with traditional IM algorithms’ selected seed node sets failing to adapt to network evolution. To address this issue, this paper proposes a homophilic and dynamic influence maximization strategy based on independent cascade model (HDIM). Specifically, HDIM consists of two components: the seed node selection strategy that accounts for both homophily and dynamics (SSHD), and the independent cascade model based on influence homophily and dynamics (ICIHD). SSHD strictly constrains the proportions of different node types in the seed node set and can flexibly update the seed node set when the network structure changes. ICIHD redefines the propagation probabilities between nodes, adjusting them in response to changes in the network structure. Experimental results demonstrate HDIM’s excellent performance. Specifically, the influence range of HDIM exceeds that of state-of-the-art methods. Furthermore, the proportions of various activated nodes are closer to those in the original network.
Foliar calcium application reduces fluorine accumulation in tea plant by regulating cell wall structure and gene expression
Authors: Luo Jinlei , Zhang Lintao , Li Daili , Huang Shuangjie , Li Chunlei , Chen Yi , Yin Peng , Liu Wei , Sun Mufang , Guo Guiyi
Published: January 2025

Tea plant can enrich a large amount of fluorine (F) in the cell wall of its mature leaves, thus posing the risk of excessive intake of F for tea consumers. This study investigated the effect of foliar calcium (Ca) application (0.05-1 mM) on F accumulation in tea plant leaves by analyzing the association of F with cell wall materials, pectin methylesterification structure, and cell wall genes. Ca spray could effectively reduce the F level, the content of wall carbohydrates (excluding the chelate pectin fraction) and the pectin methylesterification degree in tea plant leaves. Correlation analysis further revealed that the tea leaf F content was positively correlated with most of the cell wall materials. Transcriptomics analysis indicated that the key genes involved in reorganization of cell wall polysaccharides (such as CslE6, XTH32, PG, PGIP, PME18, PMEU1, and PMEI9) were associated with the variations in F content and cell wall components. All the results suggest that Ca may lessen the tea leaf F level by reducing the accumulation of cell wall materials and intervening the cell wall structure and gene expression. This study provided useful information for reducing the F level and solving the F safety problem in tea plant.
Politainment in the 2024 Indonesian presidential election and positioning in downstream industry
Authors: Satriawan Bismar Harris , Haridison Anyualatha , Sandi Jhon Retei Alfri , Iskandar Dian , Utami Purnama Julia , Irwan Andi Ilmi Utami , Hartaman Nursaleh
Published: January 2025

This research explains how Prabowo Gibran’s politainment strategy and their political positioning on downstream industry issues during the 2024 Indonesian presidential election. It further evaluates voter perceptions of Prabowo-Gibran’s politainment strategy and their political positioning on these issues. This study employed a mixed-method approach using a sequential exploratory strategy model. The qualitative approach was carried out using in-depth interviews and documentation techniques, while the quantitative approach was carried out using a survey method. The results indicate that Prabowo-Gibran’s politainment strategy was highly effective in garnering support and increasing their vote share in the 2024 election. The majority of Prabowo–Gibran voters viewed this strategy positively and highlighted its effectiveness in influencing voter decisions. Additionally, the majority of voters expressed agreement and optimism with Prabowo-Gibran’s political positioning in sustainability policies for the downstream industry. These findings offer valuable insights to candidates and political parties by providing guidance on the effective use of politainment and strategic political positioning to influence final voter decisions in general elections.
The impact of moral judgment on bystanders’ interpersonal trust: the mediating role of trustworthiness
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Cai Xia , Gao Weiwei , Zhang Zengtong , Qi Chunhui
Published: January 2025

Interpersonal trust is the premise and foundation of encouraging cooperation in this age of rapid progress. The purpose of this study was to investigate how moral judgment affects bystanders’ interpersonal trust and its internal mechanisms when there are ethical transgressions. The moral judgment of the evaluators was divided into three categories—opposition, neutrality and approval—on the basis of the moral transgressions of the offenders. Three moral judgment circumstances were randomly assigned to 143 primary school pupils, and the assessors scored the children via trustworthiness and trust scales. According to the findings, interpersonal trust is significantly predicted by moral judgment. Compared with neutral judgment, opposing moral violations significantly improves bystanders’ interpersonal trust in the evaluator, whereas approving moral violations does not significantly predict interpersonal trust. Trustworthiness plays a mediating role in the influence of moral judgment on interpersonal trust. Compared with neutral judgment, trustworthiness mediates the influence of opposed judgment on interpersonal trust rather than the influence of approved judgment on interpersonal trust. The findings demonstrate that moral opposition to transgressions influences interpersonal trust either directly or indirectly through trustworthiness.
The effect of the teacher-student relationship on the academic adjustment of returned migrant children: the chain mediating role of school attitude and resilience
Authors: Wang Chuanyan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Returned migrant children have not received widespread attention in China, and research on their academic adjustment is still limited. Teachers are important individuals who influence the academic development of returned migrant children, and the aim of the study is to analyze the mechanism by which the teacher-student relationship affects their academic adjustment.

Methods

This study followed a sample of 1921 returned migrant children across 8 counties in central and western China, using an academic adjustment scale, a teacher-student relationship scale, a school attitude scale, and a resilience scale. Pearson-moment correlations were used to analyze the the correlations among all variables, and the PROCESS macro (Model 6) in SPSS was used to examine the mediating effects.

Results

The findings indicated that the teacher-student relationship significantly and positively predicted academic adjustment. Furthermore, the relationship indirectly influenced academic adjustment through school attitude and resilience, which acted as chain mediators.

Discussion

The findings highlight the importance of the teacher-student relationship in development outcomes. Moreover, early intervention and prevention efforts should be taken to improve their educational experience.
The novel manualized RELIEVE-group treatment for burdened relatives of cancer patients: a feasibility study
Authors: Neumann Jessica , Beckord Jil , Hesse Helen Samira , Martin Carl , Mons Carlotta , Chur Diana , Hense Jörg , Tewes Mitra , Teufel Martin , Skoda Eva-Maria
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The experience of cancer among relatives is characterized by an increase in anxiety and depression, stress, and a reduction in quality of life. However, there is a paucity of psychosocial support programmes for relatives and a dearth of evidence-based, manualized interventions. Accordingly, the present study aims to assess the acceptability, defined as participant drop-out and satisfaction, and feasibility, in terms of mental health improvement, of a novel manualized psycho-educational group intervention.

Methods

The manual was developed on the basis of previous research into psychotherapy. A total of 33 relatives of cancer patients were recruited from the West German Tumor Center and participated in the five modules of the RELIEVE treatment which included an introduction, communication skills, stress and anxiety management and self-care. The primary outcome was assessed using a range of measures, including anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-8), stress (PSQ), self-efficacy (SES), need for support (SCNSP&C-G), and quality of life (WGOQOL-BREF) before and after the completion of the treatment programme. A paired samples T-test was employed to assess the feasibility of the treatment, with pre- and post-scores being compared. The secondary outcome of treatment acceptance was evaluated by calculating the drop-out rate and scoring a treatment satisfaction questionnaire.

Results

A high level of satisfaction was reported by participants. The drop-out rate for the treatment was minimal, at only 2.86%. Following the completion of the treatment programme, there were significant improvements in anxiety, depression and stress scores, as well as an improvement in quality of life. No significant improvements were observed in self-efficacy, work and social security needs, and quality of life in the social relationships domain.

Discussion

The RELIEVE intervention demonstrated high feasibility and acceptance among emotionally affected relatives of cancer patients, addressing a gap in previous interventions that were often limited in scope and lacked standardised manuals.

Conclusion

This feasibility study on treatment acceptance underlines the importance of measures that are tailored to the specific needs of cancer patients’ relatives, and of integrating them into the general healthcare system.
Personality traits, mindfulness, and perceived stress in Chinese adults: a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach
Authors: Zhao Litang
Published: January 2025

Background

This study explores how personality traits and mindfulness facets interact to influence perceived stress, focusing on a Chinese adult sample. It aims to address gaps in understanding the combined effects of dispositional and mindfulness factors on stress.

Methods

A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. In the quantitative phase, 637 Chinese adults completed surveys measuring personality traits, mindfulness (attention, acceptance), and perceived stress. Hierarchical multiple regression, moderation, and mediation analyses were conducted. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews with selected participants provided deeper insights into the quantitative findings.

Results

Neuroticism (β = 0.29, p < 0.001) and conscientiousness (β = 0.15, p < 0.01) were positively associated with perceived stress, while mindfulness-acceptance (β = −0.25, p < 0.001) was a significant negative predictor. Neuroticism and mindfulness-acceptance uniquely explained 8 and 6% of the variance in stress, respectively. Mindfulness-attention moderated the relationship between agreeableness and stress, amplifying agreeableness’ stress-buffering effect in individuals with low mindfulness-attention. Mediation analysis revealed mindfulness-acceptance partially mediated the agreeableness-stress link. Qualitative interviews underscored the role of personality and mindfulness in shaping stress responses and coping mechanisms.

Conclusion

The findings highlight mindfulness-acceptance as a critical factor in reducing stress, particularly in individuals with agreeable personalities. These results support the development of mindfulness-based interventions targeting acceptance to enhance stress resilience across diverse personality profiles.
Intermittent theta burst stimulation for negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trail
Authors: Li Jing , Mo Xian , Jiang Dan , Huang Xinyu , Wang Xiao , Xia Tingting , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2025

Background

This study aims to evaluate the intervention effect of intermittent Theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on bilateral dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) for negative symptoms in schizophrenia using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to confirm the therapeutic significance of DMPFC in treating negative symptoms and provide new evidence for schizophrenia treatment and research.

Method

Thirty-nine schizophrenia patients with negative symptoms and mild cognitive impairment were randomly divided into a treatment group (n=20) and a control group (n=19). The treatment group received iTBS in bilateral DMPFC. The control group received the sham treatment. Negative symptoms, cognitive function, emotional state, and social function were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, 4-, 8-, and 12-week follow-ups. Brain activation in regions of interest (ROIs) was evaluated through verbal fluency tasks. Changes in scale scores were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA.

Result

After 20 sessions of iTBS, the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) total and sub-scale scores significantly improved in the treatment group, with statistically significant differences. SANS scores differed significantly between pre- and post-treatment in both groups, with post-treatment scores markedly lower than pre-treatment and better efficacy in the treatment group. However, there was no significant difference in cognitive function, emotional state, and social function. ROIs did not differ significantly between groups before intervention. After treatment, prefrontal cortex activation was significantly higher in the treatment group than in controls, with a statistically significant difference. Regarding functional connectivity, the small-world properties Sigma and Gamma were enhanced.

Conclusion

iTBS on bilateral DMPFC can effectively alleviate negative symptoms and enhance prefrontal cortex activation and the small-world properties in patients of schizophrenia.