bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroimaging mechanisms of acupuncture on functional reorganization for post-stroke motor improvement: a machine learning-based functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Lu Mengxin , Du Zhongming , Zhao Jiping , Jiang Lan , Liu Ruoyi , Zhang Muzhao , Xu Tianjiao , Wei Jingpei , Wang Wei , Xu Lingling , Guo Haijiao , Chen Chen , Yu Xin , Tan Zhongjian , Fang Jiliang , Zou Yihuai
Published: May 2023

Objective

Motor recovery is crucial in stroke rehabilitation, and acupuncture can influence recovery. Neuroimaging and machine learning approaches provide new research directions to explore the brain functional reorganization and acupuncture mechanisms after stroke. We applied machine learning to predict the classification of the minimal clinically important differences (MCID) for motor improvement and identify the neuroimaging features, in order to explore brain functional reorganization and acupuncture mechanisms for motor recovery after stroke.

Methods

In this study, 49 patients with unilateral motor pathway injury (basal ganglia and/or corona radiata) after ischemic stroke were included and evaluated the motor function by Fugl–Meyer Assessment scores (FMA) at baseline and at 2-week follow-up sessions. Patients were divided by the difference between the twice FMA scores into one group showing minimal clinically important difference (MCID group, n = 28) and the other group with no minimal clinically important difference (N-MCID, n = 21). Machine learning was performed by PRoNTo software to predict the classification of the patients and identify the feature brain regions of interest (ROIs). In addition, a matched group of healthy controls (HC, n = 26) was enrolled. Patients and HC underwent magnetic resonance imaging examination in the resting state and in the acupuncture state (acupuncture at the Yanglingquan point on one side) to compare the differences in brain functional connectivity (FC) and acupuncture effects.

Results

Through machine learning, we obtained a balance accuracy rate of 75.51% and eight feature ROIs. Compared to HC, we found that the stroke patients with lower FC between these feature ROIs with other brain regions, while patients in the MCID group exhibited a wider range of lower FC. When acupuncture was applied to Yanglingquan (GB 34), the abnormal FC of patients was decreased, with different targets of effects in different groups.

Conclusion

Feature ROIs identified by machine learning can predict the classification of stroke patients with different motor improvements, and the FC between these ROIs with other brain regions is decreased. Acupuncture can modulate the bilateral cerebral hemispheres to restore abnormal FC via different targets, thereby promoting motor recovery after stroke.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=37359, ChiCTR1900022220.
Gliosis, misfolded protein aggregation, and neuronal loss in a guinea pig model of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Latham Amanda S. , Geer Charlize E. , Ackart David F. , Anderson Isla K. , Vittoria Kaley M. , Podell Brendan K. , Basaraba Randall J. , Moreno Julie A.
Published: May 2023

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, is an ongoing epidemic with an estimated ten million active cases of the disease worldwide. Pulmonary tuberculosis is associated with cognitive and memory deficits, and patients with this disease are at an increased risk for Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Although epidemiological data correlates neurological effects with peripheral disease, the pathology in the central nervous system is unknown. In an established guinea pig model of low-dose, aerosolized Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, we see behavior changes and memory loss in infected animals. We correlate these findings with pathological changes within brain regions related to motor, cognition, and sensation across disease progression. This includes microglial and astrocytic proliferation and reactivity. These cellular changes are followed by the aggregation of neurotoxic amyloid β and phosphorylated tau and, ultimately, neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus. Through these data, we have obtained a greater understanding of the neuropathological effects of a peripheral disease that affects millions of persons worldwide.
Scanner agnostic large-scale evaluation of MS lesion delineation tool for clinical MRI
Authors: Hindsholm Amalie Monberg , Andersen Flemming Littrup , Cramer Stig Præstekjær , Simonsen Helle Juhl , Askløf Mathias Gæde , Magyari Melinda , Madsen Poul Nørgaard , Hansen Adam Espe , Sellebjerg Finn , Larsson Henrik Bo Wiberg , Langkilde Annika Reynberg , Frederiksen Jette Lautrup , Højgaard Liselotte , Ladefoged Claes Nøhr , Lindberg Ulrich
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Patients with MS are MRI scanned continuously throughout their disease course resulting in a large manual workload for radiologists which includes lesion detection and size estimation. Though many models for automatic lesion segmentation have been published, few are used broadly in clinic today, as there is a lack of testing on clinical datasets. By collecting a large, heterogeneous training dataset directly from our MS clinic we aim to present a model which is robust to different scanner protocols and artefacts and which only uses MRI modalities present in routine clinical examinations.

Methods

We retrospectively included 746 patients from routine examinations at our MS clinic. The inclusion criteria included acquisition at one of seven different scanners and an MRI protocol including 2D or 3D T2-w FLAIR, T2-w and T1-w images. Reference lesion masks on the training (n = 571) and validation (n = 70) datasets were generated using a preliminary segmentation model and subsequent manual correction. The test dataset (n = 100) was manually delineated. Our segmentation model https://github.com/CAAI/AIMS/ was based on the popular nnU-Net, which has won several biomedical segmentation challenges. We tested our model against the published segmentation models HD-MS-Lesions, which is also based on nnU-Net, trained with a more homogenous patient cohort. We furthermore tested model robustness to data from unseen scanners by performing a leave-one-scanner-out experiment.

Results

We found that our model was able to segment MS white matter lesions with a performance comparable to literature: DSC = 0.68, precision = 0.90, recall = 0.70, f1 = 0.78. Furthermore, the model outperformed HD-MS-Lesions in all metrics except precision = 0.96. In the leave-one-scanner-out experiment there was no significant change in performance (p < 0.05) between any of the models which were only trained on part of the dataset and the full segmentation model.

Conclusion

In conclusion we have seen, that by including a large, heterogeneous dataset emulating clinical reality, we have trained a segmentation model which maintains a high segmentation performance while being robust to data from unseen scanners. This broadens the applicability of the model in clinic and paves the way for clinical implementation.
In-depth mining of single-cell transcriptome reveals the key immune-regulated loops in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Wang Wencan , Lin Peng , Wang Siyu , Zhang Guosi , Chen Chong , Lu Xiaoyan , Zhuang Youyuan , Su Jianzhong , Wang Hong , Xu Liangde
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an ever-increasing ocular disease, has become one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. Recent advances in single-cell genomics are improving our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of AMD. However, the pathophysiology of this multifactorial disease is complicated and still an ongoing challenge. To better understand disease pathogenesis and identify effective targets, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the single-cell transcriptome of AMD.

Methods

The cell expression specificity of the gene (CESG) was selected as an index to identify the novel cell markers. A computational framework was designed to explore the cell-specific TF regulatory loops, containing the interaction of gene pattern signatures, transcription factors regulons, and differentially expressed genes.

Results

Three potential novel cell markers were DNASE1L3 for endothelial cells, ABCB5 for melanocytes, and SLC39A12 for RPE cells detected. We observed a notable change in the cell abundance and crosstalk of fibroblasts cells, melanocytes, schwann cells, and T/NK cells between AMD and controls, representing a complex cellular ecosystem in disease status. Finally, we identified six cell type related and three disease-associated ternary loops and elaborated on the robust association between key immune-pathway and AMD.

Discussion

In conclusion, this study facilitates the optimization of screening for AMD-related receptor ligand pathways and proposes to further improve the interpretability of disease associations from single-cell data. It illuminated that immune-related regulation paths could be used as potential diagnostic markers for AMD, and in the future, also as therapeutic targets, providing insights into AMD diagnosis and potential interventions.
The Nutrient Rich Food Price Index: a nutrition-relevant adaptation of the Laspeyres price index to track the cost of affordable nutrient density
Authors: Mendoza-Velázquez Alfonso , Guzmán-Rodríguez Mariano , Lara-Arévalo Jonathan , Drewnowski Adam
Published: May 2023

Background

The Laspeyres price index is the ratio of the current cost of a market basket of commodities or food groups relative to base period prices.

Objective

To develop a nutrition-relevant version of the Laspeyres price index, using market baskets based on tertiles of the nutrient rich food (NRF9.3) nutrient density metric.

Methods

Nutrient composition data for 151 foods from the 2012 Mexico national health and nutrition survey (ENSANUT) were merged with food prices and price indices from the national institute of geography and statistics (INEGI). Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRF9.3) was the measure of nutrient density. May 2012 was the base period. Nutrient rich food price index (NRFPI) values were calculated for each tertile of NRF nutrient density scores for each month between June 2011 and March 2022.

Results

The market basket of foods in the top tertile of NRF nutrient density scores cost more per 100 kcal and had higher NRFPI values compared to foods in the bottom tertile. Higher NRF9.3 scores were correlated with greater monthly inflation. The NRFPI for foods in the top tertile of NRF9.3 scores was marked by seasonal price spikes, and greater volatility compared to foods in the bottom tertile.

Conclusion

The present adaptation of the Laspeyres Index used market baskets defined by nutrient density tertiles instead of commodity groups. This approach allows for easier tracking of the cost of nutrient dense foods and healthful diets across geographic regions and over time. Applied to Mexico food prices prior to and during the Covid-19 pandemic, the NRFPI was sensitive to time trends, seasonality, and price fluctuations. The new tool may be useful in monitoring the rising cost of healthy foods worldwide.
Case Report: Gastric cancer with chondromyxoid matrix similar matrix-producing metaplastic breast carcinoma: report of an undescribed entity
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , He Huihua , Zhao Lina , Zeng Zhi , Yuan Jingping
Published: May 2023

Gastric cancer is a malignant epithelial neoplasm of the stomach, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, gastroblastoma and neuroendocrine neoplasms, without gastric metaplastic carcinoma. We describe a 69-year-old male patient with gastric cancer who presented with a novel, biphasic histologic morphology with one component consisting of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and the other component consisting of chondromyxoid matrix with adenocarcinoma transition to, between the two components without a spindle cell component. The histological morphology of this case is similar to matrix-producing metaplastic breast carcinoma. Therefore, we diagnose this case as gastric carcinoma with chondromyxoid matrix similar matrix-producing metaplastic breast carcinoma.
Clinicopathological characteristics and cancer-specific prognosis of primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma: a population study of the US SEER database and a Chinese hospital
Authors: Zhang Qun , Dai Yuan , Jin Linling , Shi Shuangshuang , Liu Chang , Rong Rong , Sun Wenkui , Dai Shanlin , Kong Hui , Xie Weiping
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (PPLELC) is a rare histological type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for less than 1% of NSCLC. Currently, there is no well-recognized treatment guideline for PPLELC.

Methods

We identified PPLELC patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) dataset between 2000 and 2015 (n = 72) as well as from our medical center between 2014 and 2020 (n = 16). All diagnoses were confirmed by pathological testing, and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients were retrieved and summarized. Survival analyses were conducted using the Kaplan–Meier analysis and log-rank tests. Multivariate survival analysis was performed with the Cox regression hazards model.

Results

The median age at diagnosis of the PPLELC cohort was 64 years, ranging from 15 to 86 years. The percentages of patients with TNM stages I, II, III, and IV were 52.3%, 10.2%, 20.5%, and 17.0%, respectively. Among the 88 cases, lesion resection was performed in 69 cases (78.4%), 16 cases (18.1%) received beam radiation, and 40 cases (45.5%) underwent chemotherapy. In the SEER dataset of lung cancer, the percentage of PPLELC in the Asian race (0.528‰) was almost 10 times higher than that in the white (0.065‰) and black (0.056‰) races. Patients with TNM stage III–IV exhibited a worse prognosis than those with TNM stage I–II (p = 0.008), with a 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate of 81.8% for TNM stage I–II and 56.2% for TNM stage III–IV. Specifically, the N stage and M stage were the leading prognostic factors, not the T stage and tumor size. Moreover, patients who underwent surgery had significantly better outcomes than those who did not (p = 0.014). Additional multivariate analysis indicated that the TNM stage was an independent prognosis factor for CSS (HR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.08–10.14).

Conclusion

PPLELC is a rare tumor with Asian susceptibility. Although the prognosis of PPLELC is better than that of other subtypes of NSCLC, it remains unsatisfactory for advanced-stage disease. The current treatment options for PPLELC include surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immune therapy. Among these options, patients with surgical resection have better survival rates in this study. However, large-scale clinical research trials will be necessary to develop effective treatment guidelines for PPLELC.
Case report: Iliac vein rupture during endovascular stenting in radiation-induced iliac venous stenosis
Authors: Xiang Qilin , Tian Jinbo , Zhu Xiaoling , He Chunshui , Huang Shan
Published: May 2023

Only a few case reports in the medical literature describe radiation-induced iliac vein stenosis and endovascular therapy. We present a case of left external iliac vein stenosis resulting from radiotherapy for cervical cancer in which the iliac vein ruptured during the standard iliac vein stenting procedure. The emergency condition was resolved with the implantation of a covered stent and resuscitation with crystalloid and blood transfusion. The patient recovered without additional complications and was discharged eight days after endovascular therapy. At the six-month follow-up, the left lower limb edema had resolved completely, and the deep vein remained patent. This case might raise concerns regarding the potential risk of treating radiation-induced iliac venous stenosis, which may differ from that of a patient without a history of radiation therapy. Iliac vein rupture, iliac vein stenting, radiation-induced venous stenosis, case report
Frequency and characterization of cognitive impairments in patients diagnosed with paediatric central nervous system tumours: a systematic review
Authors: Sciancalepore Francesco , Fabozzi Francesco , Albino Giulia , Del Baldo Giada , Di Ruscio Valentina , Laus Beatrice , Menegatti Danilo , Premuselli Roberto , Secco Domitilla Elena , Tozzi Alberto Eugenio , Lacorte Eleonora , Vanacore Nicola , Carai Andrea , Mastronuzzi Angela ,   Allena-Mente Study Group
Published: May 2023

Background

This systematic review has been conducted with the aim of characterizing cognitive deficits and analyzing their frequency in survivors of paediatric Central Nervous System tumours.

Materials and methods

All literature published up to January 2023 was retrieved searching the databases “PubMed”, “Cochrane”, “APA PsycInfo” and “CINAHL”. The following set of pre-defined inclusion criteria were then individually applied to the selected articles in their full-text version: i) Retrospective/prospective longitudinal observational studies including only patients diagnosed with primary cerebral tumours at ≤ 21 years (range 0-21); ii) Studies including patients evaluated for neuro-cognitive and neuro-psychological deficits from their diagnosis and/or from anti-tumoral therapies; iii) Studies reporting standardized tests evaluating patients’ neuro-cognitive and neuro-psychological performances; iv) Patients with follow-ups ≥ 2 years from the end of their anti-tumoral therapies; v) Studies reporting frequencies of cognitive deficits.

Results

39 studies were included in the analysis. Of these, 35 assessed intellectual functioning, 30 examined memory domains, 24 assessed executive functions, 22 assessed attention, 16 examined visuo-spatial skills, and 15 explored language. A total of 34 studies assessed more than one cognitive function, only 5 studies limited their analysis on a single cognitive domain. Attention impairments were the most recurrent in this population, with a mean frequency of 52.3% after a median period post-treatment of 11.5 years. The other cognitive functions investigated in the studies showed a similar frequency of impairments, with executive functions, language, visuospatial skills and memory deficits occurring in about 40% of survivors after a similar post-treatment period. Longitudinal studies included in the systematic review showed a frequent decline over time of intellectual functioning.

Conclusions

Survivors of paediatric Central Nervous System tumours experience cognitive sequelae characterized by significant impairments in the attention domain (52.3%), but also in the other cognitive functions. Future studies in this research field need to implement more cognitive interventions and effective, but less neurotoxic, tumour therapies to preserve or improve neurocognitive functioning and quality of life of this population.
A holistic approach to maximise diagnostic output in trio exome sequencing
Authors: von Hardenberg Sandra , Wallaschek Hannah , Du Chen , Schmidt Gunnar , Auber Bernd
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Rare genetic diseases are a major cause for severe illness in children. Whole exome sequencing (WES) is a powerful tool for identifying genetic causes of rare diseases. For a better and faster assessment of the vast number of variants that are identified in the index patient in WES, parental sequencing can be applied (“trio WES”).

Methods

We assessed the diagnostic rate of routine trio WES including analysis of copy number variants in 224 pediatric patients during an evaluation period of three years.

Results

Trio WES provided a diagnosis in 67 (30%) of all 224 analysed children. The turnaround time of trio WES analysis has been reduced significantly from 41 days in 2019 to 23 days in 2021. Copy number variants could be identified to be causative in 10 cases (4.5%), underlying the importance of copy number variant analysis. Variants in three genes which were previously not associated with a clinical condition (GAD1, TMEM222 and ZNFX1) were identified using the matching tool GeneMatcher and were part of the first description of a new syndrome.

Discussion

Trio WES has proven to have a high diagnostic yield and to shorten the process of identifying the correct diagnosis in paediatric patients. Re-evaluation of all 224 trio WES 1–3 years after initial analysis did not establish new diagnoses. Initiating (trio) WES as a first-tier diagnostics including copy number variant detection should be considered as early as possible, especially for children treated in ICU, if a monogenetic disease is suspected.
Herb-symptom analysis of Erchen decoction combined with Xiebai powder formula and its mechanism in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ye Hua , He Beibei , Zhang Yujie , Yu Ziwei , Feng Yifan , Wen Chuanbiao , Xi Chongcheng , Feng Quansheng
Published: May 2023

Background: In recent years, the incidence and mortality rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have increased significantly. Erchen Decoction combined with Xiebai Powder (ECXB) formula is mainly used to treat lung diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the active ingredients of ECXB formula, COPD treatment-related molecular targets, and the mechanisms are still unclear. To reveal its underlying action of mechanism, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation approaches were used to predict the active ingredients and potential targets of ECXB formula in treating COPD. As a result, Herb-Symptom analysis showed that the symptoms treated by both TCM and modern medicine of ECXB formula were similar to the symptoms of COPD. Network pharmacology identified 170 active ingredients with 137 targets, and 7,002 COPD targets was obtained. 120 targets were obtained by intersection mapping, among which the core targets include MAPK8, ESR1, TP53, MAPK3, JUN, RELA, MAPK1, and AKT1. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that ECXB formula might exert its treat COPD pharmacological effects in multiple biological processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammatory response, and synaptic connections, and ECXB formula treated COPD of the KEGG potential pathways might be associated with the TNF signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, and VEGF signaling pathway. Molecular docking showed that ECXB formula treatment COPD core active ingredients can bind well to core targets. MD simulations showed that the RELA-beta-sitosterol complex and ESR1-stigmasterol complex exhibited higher conformational stability and lower interaction energy, further confirming the role of ECXB formula in the treatment of COPD through these core components and core targets. Our study analyzed the medication rule of ECXB formula in the treatment of COPD from a new perspective and found that the symptoms treated by both TCM and modern medicine of ECXB formula were similar to the symptoms of COPD. ECXB formula could treat COPD through multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway synergistic effects, providing a scientific basis for further study on the mechanism of ECXB formula treatment of COPD. It also provides new ideas for drug development.
Profile and potential role of novel metabolite biomarkers, especially indoleacrylic acid, in pathogenesis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Bian Jiangping , Sun Jiali , Chang Haoxiao , Wei Yuzhen , Cong Hengri , Yao Mengyuan , Xiao Fuyao , Wang Huabing , Zhao Yaobo , Liu Jianghong , Zhang Xinghu , Yin Linlin
Published: May 2023

Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory and demyelinating disorder that can lead to serious disability and mortality. Humoral fluid biomarkers with specific, convenient, and efficient profiles that could characterize and monitor disease activity or severity are very useful. We aimed to develop a sensitive and high-throughput liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS)/MS-based analytical method for novel biomarkers finding in NMOSD patients and verified its function tentatively.

Methods: Serum samples were collected from 47 NMOSD patients, 18 patients with other neurological disorders (ONDs), and 35 healthy controls (HC). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from 18 NMOSD and 17 OND patients. Three aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan) and nine important metabolites that included phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln), indoleacrylic acid (IA), 3-indole acetic acid (IAA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (HIAA), hippuric acid (HA), I-3-carboxylic acid (I-3-CA), kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), and quinine (QUIN) were analyzed by using the liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based method. The profile of IA was further analyzed, and its function was verified in an astrocyte injury model stimulated by NMO-IgG, which represents important events in NMOSD pathogenesis.

Results: In the serum, tyrosine and some of the tryptophan metabolites IA and I-3-CA decreased, and HIAA increased significantly in NMOSD patients. The CSF levels of phenylalanine and tyrosine showed a significant increase exactly during the relapse stage, and IA in the CSF was also increased markedly during the relapse and remission phases. All conversion ratios had similar profiles with their level fluctuations. In addition, the serum IA levels negatively correlated with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light (NfL) levels in the serum of NMOSD patients were measured by using ultra-sensitive single-molecule arrays (Simoa). IA showed an anti-inflammatory effect in an in vitro astrocyte injury model.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that essential aromatic amino acid tryptophan metabolites IA in the serum or CSF may serve as a novel promising biomarker to monitor and predict the activity and severity of NMOSD disease. Supplying or enhancing IA function can promote anti-inflammatory responses and may have therapeutic benefits.
Comparison of the physiological responses and time-motion characteristics during football small-sided games: effect of pressure on the ball
Authors: Chen Xiaohu , Zheng Rui , Xiong Bo , Huang Xiaoling , Gong Bingnan
Published: May 2023

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effects of pressure on the ball on physiological responses and time-motion characteristics during football small-sided games between elite youth male players.

Methods: 56 elite male youth football players (age: 15.43 ± 0.52 years) performed a 2+GK vs. 2+GK game on a 30 m × 15 m pitch area with two playing conditions: 1) free play (FP), the player has no limitation to play; 2) pressure on the ball (PB), the player has directly and aggressively closed down space (located within 1.5 m) between themselves and the opposition player with the ball and can compete for possession. The percentage of time spent in different maximum heart rate (HRmax) zones, mean heart rate, blood lactate acid concentration, total distance covered, distance covered in three speed zones (sprint, high speed, and moderate speed), number of high speed runs, number of sprint runs, top speed, number of direction changes, and ball recovery time were monitored.

Results: We found very significantly higher number of high speed runs (p < 0.001; ES = 1.154), number of direction changes (p < 0.001; ES = 2.347), ball recovery time (p < 0.001; ES = 3.529), percentage of time spent in 90%–100% HRmax (p < 0.001; ES = 3.033), mean heart rate (p < 0.001; ES = 1.940), blood lactate acid concentration (p < 0.001; ES = 2.245) and significantly higher high speed running distance covered (p = 0.004; ES = 0.520) in the PB condition. Conversely, the FP condition showed very significantly higher moderate speed running distance covered (p < 0.001; ES = 1.814) and significantly higher percentage of time spent in 80%–90% HRmax (p = 0.012; ES = 0.440). No significant differences were revealed on sprint running distance covered (p = 0.407; ES = 0.140), number of sprint runs (p = 0.103; ES = 0.279), top speed (p = 0.130; ES = 0.258) and percentage of time spent in 60%–70% HRmax (p = 0.106; ES = 0.276), 70%–80% HRmax (p = 0.358; ES = 0.155).

Discussion: We found that pressure on the ball had a substantial impact on the intensity of training, as evidenced by a significantly increased high speed running performance, number of directional changes, percentage of time spent at 90%–100% of maximum heart rate, mean heart rate, and blood lactate acid concentration. Additionally, ball recovery time decreased significantly.
Association between the SLC6A11 rs2304725 and GABRG2 rs211037 polymorphisms and drug-resistant epilepsy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Xuemei , Zhao Mingyang , Yang Xue , Wang Dongsen , Wu Qingjian
Published: May 2023

Background: Previous studies have shown that SLC6A11 and GABRG2 are linked to drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), although there have been conflicting results in the literature. In this study, we systematically assessed the relationship between DRE and these two genes.

Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Wanfang Data, CNKI, and VIP databases. To clarify whether heterogeneity existed between studies, tools such as the Q-test and I2 statistic were selected. According to study heterogeneity, we chose fixed- or random-effects models for analysis. We then used the chi-squared ratio to evaluate any bias of the experimental data.

Results: In total, 11 trials and 3,813 patients were selected. To investigate the relationship with DRE, we performed model tests on the two genes separately. The results showed that SLC6A11 rs2304725 had no significant correlation with DRE risk in the allele, dominant, recessive, and additive models in a pooled population. However, for the over-dominant model, DRE was correlated with rs2304725 (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.92–1.27, p = 0.33) in a pooled population. Similarly, rs211037 was weakly significantly correlated with DRE for the dominant, recessive, over-dominant, and additive models in a pooled population. The subgroup analysis results showed that rs211037 expressed a genetic risk of DRE in allele (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.76–1.35, p = 0.94), dominant (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.77–1.50, p = 0.65), and additive models (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.62–2.09, p = 0.67) in an Asian population.

Conclusion: In this meta-analysis, our results showed that SLC6A11 rs2304725 and GABRG2 rs211037 are not significantly correlated with DRE. However, in the over-dominant model, rs2304725 was significantly correlated with DRE. Likewise, rs211037 conveyed a genetic risk for DRE in an Asian population in the allele, dominant, and additive models.
Impacts of heat, drought, and combined heat–drought stress on yield, phenotypic traits, and gluten protein traits: capturing stability of spring wheat in excessive environments
Authors: Lama Sbatie , Leiva Fernanda , Vallenback Pernilla , Chawade Aakash , Kuktaite Ramune
Published: May 2023

Wheat production and end-use quality are severely threatened by drought and heat stresses. This study evaluated stress impacts on phenotypic and gluten protein characteristics of eight spring wheat genotypes (Diskett, Happy, Bumble, SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, and SW5) grown to maturity under controlled conditions (Biotron) using RGB imaging and size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC). Among the stress treatments compared, combined heat–drought stress had the most severe negative impacts on biomass (real and digital), grain yield, and thousand kernel weight. Conversely, it had a positive effect on most gluten parameters evaluated by SE-HPLC and resulted in a positive correlation between spike traits and gluten strength, expressed as unextractable gluten polymer (%UPP) and large monomeric protein (%LUMP). The best performing genotypes in terms of stability were Happy, Diskett, SW1, and SW2, which should be further explored as attractive breeding material for developing climate-resistant genotypes with improved bread-making quality. RGB imaging in combination with gluten protein screening by SE-HPLC could thus be a valuable approach for identifying climate stress–tolerant wheat genotypes.
Four attachment-based categories of emotion regulation in adolescent psychic troubles
Authors: Robin Marion , Surjous Luc , Belbèze Jean , Bonnardel Lucile , Lamas Claire , Silva Jérôme , Peres Victoire , Corcos Maurice
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Emotion regulation is altered in many psychiatric disorders in adolescence, but the understanding of mechanisms that underlie this alteration is still poor.

Methods

The PERCEPT study explores alexithymia, empathy, facial emotion recognition (FER) and defence mechanisms in a sample of adolescents in psychiatric care (n = 61, 74% of girls, mean age = 15.03 y.o.), in relation with participants’ attachment styles.

Results

Results revealed correlations between attachment dimensions and all of the emotion regulation variables, suggesting that attachment modalities have functional links with emotional regulation at its different levels: FER accuracy was inversely correlated with avoidant attachment, while affective empathy, difficulty in identifying feelings (alexithymia) and immature as well as neurotic defence mechanisms were positively correlated with anxious attachment. Moreover, attachment categories delineated distinct emotional perception profiles. In particular, preoccupied attachment included adolescents with the highest levels of facial emotion perception (sensitivity and accuracy) and of affective empathy, whereas detached attachment included adolescents with the lowest levels of these variables. Neurotic defence mechanisms and difficulty to identify feelings were correlated with preoccupied attachment; immature defence mechanisms and difficulty to describe feelings to others characterized fearful attachment.

Discussion

These results suggest that attachment categories underlie emotion regulation processes in psychiatric disorders in adolescence. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
Bridging science and spirituality: the intersection of religion and public health in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ayub Shahana , Anugwom Gibson O. , Basiru Tajudeen , Sachdeva Vishi , Muhammad Nazar , Bachu Anil , Trudeau Maxwell , Gulati Gazal , Sullivan Amanda , Ahmed Saeed , Jain Lakshit
Published: May 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had global impacts on social interactions and religious activities, leading to a complex relationship between religion and public health policies. This article reviews impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religious activities and beliefs in relation to the spread of the virus, as well as the potential of religious leaders and faith communities in mitigating the impact of the pandemic through public health measures and community engagement.

Methods

A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, with search terms including “religion,” “COVID-19,” “pandemic,” “coronavirus,” and “spirituality.” We included English articles published between January 2020 and September 2022, focusing on intersection of religion and COVID-19.

Results

We identified two main themes emerging, with the selected 32 studies divided in 15 studies focused on the relationship between religious practices, beliefs, and the spread of COVID-19, while 17 studies explored the role of religious leaders and faith communities in coping with and mitigating the impact of COVID-19. Religious activities were found to correlate with virus spread, particularly in early days of the pandemic. The relationship between religiosity and adherence to government guidelines was mixed, with some studies suggesting increased religiosity contributed to misconceptions about the virus and resistance to restrictions. Religious beliefs were also associated with vaccine hesitancy, particularly conservative religious beliefs. On the other hand, religious leaders and communities played a crucial role in adapting to COVID-19 measures, maintaining a sense of belonging, fostering emotional resilience, and upholding compliance with public health measures. The importance of collaboration between religious leaders, institutions, and public health officials in addressing the pandemic was emphasized.

Conclusions

This review highlights the essential role of religious leaders, faith-based organizations, and faith communities in promoting education, preparedness, and response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Engaging with religious leaders and communities can improve pandemic control and prevention efforts. Collaboration between religious leaders, governments, and healthcare professionals is necessary to combat vaccine hesitancy and ensure successful COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. The insights from this review can guide future research, policy development, and public health interventions to minimize the impact of the pandemic and improve outcomes for individuals and communities affected.
Preventing and fighting stigma: a lesson from the first Mpox in Veneto region of Northeast Italy—A case report
Authors: Baldovin Tatjana , Girolametto Gloria , Geppini Ruggero , Bordignon Matteo , Alaibac Mauro
Published: May 2023

Since the 1970s, human monkeypox (Mpox) has been referred to as a zoonotic endemic disease of specific regions of Africa until early 2022, when a worldwide epidemic outbreak developed. There are many hypotheses on how Mpox could spread to non-endemic regions; the dominant theory is that it spread from the UK and Spain among men who have sex with men (MSM). Therefore, the first clinical case in the Veneto region (Northeast of Italy) was analyzed—which represented a typical case report of the ongoing outbreak—with lesions located mainly in the areas associated with sexual behaviors (genital and oral). This case report highlights the new challenges of Mpox, as it seems to differ from the previous classic manifestation. Indeed, although the patient achieved restitution ad integrum of lesions and complete recovery from the disease, it is deemed necessary to offer communication strategies to involve a heterogeneous audience based on different risks of exposure but without stigmatizing attitudes, avoiding the mistakes made with HIV. The need for broad public involvement is demonstrated by identifying Mpox even in “anomalous cases.” Stigma could be an obstacle in engaging patients in proper care and in getting honest answers while contact tracing, as happened in our patient's case; thus, WHO recently renamed monkeypox as Mpox. Abnormal outbreaks in non-endemic countries, with no causal links, must become a warning signal for governments and health policies to design national plans for managing unexpected outbreaks. For an effective public health response, health institutions must communicate effectively, focus on changes and prevention measures, and formulate a plan based on equity and inclusion of the most vulnerable groups.
Social effects of HIV disclosure, an ongoing challenge in young adults living with perinatal HIV: a qualitative study
Authors: Aurpibul Linda , Tangmunkongvorakul Arunrat , Detsakunathiwatchara Chanidapa , Masurin Supunnee , Srita Angkana , Meeart Patcharaporn , Chueakong Walailak
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Young adults with perinatal HIV (YAPHIV) have survived the long journey of life while living with HIV since early childhood. We explore the HIV disclosure experience and its social effects from their perspectives.

Methods

The qualitative study was conducted from June to November 2022 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Data were collected through individual in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 YAPHIV at the median age of 25 years. Content analysis was used to identify themes from the interview transcripts.

Results

Most participants learned their HIV status from their parents, caregivers, healthcare providers, or other people in community during their childhood. Some were disclosed later in adolescent years. HIV disclosure to others was associated with various experiences in different stages of life. While some YAPHIV decided not to disclose their HIV status to anyone, it also had social effects. Three major themes were identified: (1) positive social effects of HIV disclosure (perceived social acceptance, perceived social support); (2) negative social effects of HIV disclosure (effects on child rearing, schooling, and family relationship); and (3) HIV non-disclosure (anticipated stigma, negative effects on the quality of employment, and relationships). An emerging theme was a need for peer support mentioned by several YAPHIV as they would like to discuss with somebody and share their feelings while living with HIV.

Conclusion

HIV disclosure remains challenging for YAPHIV while growing up and moving toward adult milestones. Better understanding their situations and perspectives would allow healthcare providers to provide them with updated HIV knowledge, coping skills, and psychosocial support.
Who are the haters? A corpus-based demographic analysis of authors of hate speech
Authors: Hilte Lisa , Markov Ilia , Ljubešić Nikola , Fišer Darja , Daelemans Walter
Published: May 2023

Introduction

We examine the profiles of hate speech authors in a multilingual dataset of Facebook reactions to news posts discussing topics related to migrants and the LGBT+ community. The included languages are English, Dutch, Slovenian, and Croatian.

Methods

First, all utterances were manually annotated as hateful or acceptable speech. Next, we used binary logistic regression to inspect how the production of hateful comments is impacted by authors' profiles (i.e., their age, gender, and language).

Results

Our results corroborate previous findings: in all four languages, men produce more hateful comments than women, and people produce more hate speech as they grow older. But our findings also add important nuance to previously attested tendencies: specific age and gender dynamics vary slightly in different languages or cultures, suggesting that distinct (e.g., socio-political) realities are at play.

Discussion

Finally, we discuss why author demographics are important in the study of hate speech: the profiles of prototypical “haters” can be used for hate speech detection, for sensibilization on and for counter-initiatives to the spread of (online) hatred.
Case report: training neck and head control in children with chronic paralysis due to acute flaccid myelitis
Authors: Noonan-Eaton Kathryn , Stout Danielle , Goode-Roberts MacKenzie , Leon Machado Laura , Davis Matthew , Behrman Andrea L.
Published: May 2023

Background

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) occurs rarely in children and adolescents when damage to spinal motor neurons rapidly causes flaccid paralysis of limb, trunk, and neck muscles and potentially respiratory failure. When neck muscles are weakened or paralyzed, a child loses head control, severely compromising engagement with their environment. Compensation for lack of head control is achieved with external support devices attached to a wheelchair, but there is no indication in the AFM literature of therapeutic efforts to restore head control. In this case series, we explore the possibility of the recovery of head control when children with AFM received activity-based restorative therapies (ABRTs) guided by principles targeting motor control.

Case description

Three children, two male and one female, aged 6, 9, and 7, with a history of AFM-onset at 5, 7, and 4 years respectively, enrolled in an activity-based restorative therapies outpatient program targeting activation of the neuromuscular system below the lesion. Each of them lacked head control, was either ventilator-dependent or had a tracheostomy, and was a power wheelchair user via hand/foot control.

Methods

Activity-based restorative therapies were provided 5 days/week: 1.5 h of activity-based locomotor training and 1.5 h of activity-based neuromuscular electrical stimulation.

Results

An approach to addressing head/neck control developed iteratively across disciplines, from complete compensation with passive external head support to emerging head control during diverse tasks, e.g., sitting, reaching, driving a power chair, sit-to-stand, standing, stepping on a treadmill, and walking. Key principles identified and employed were (a) passive facilitation, (b) external head support, (c) posterior head support, (d) graded manual facilitation, and (e) independent head control.

Discussion

The recovery of head control in children with paralysis due to AFM may be accelerated when executing a step-wise progression to effectively target and challenge head control in parallel with activity-based restorative therapies. In treating three children with a chronic lack of head control, a therapeutic strategy was iteratively developed guided by scientific principles, e.g., segmental assessment of control, to promote recovery of head control. While this strategy is encouraging, gaps in sensitive and responsive measurement instruments and treatment technologies persist in guiding assistance, challenging, and promoting independent head control.
Participation in everyday life for young people with chronic pain in Saudi Arabia: “you feel lacking in life and you feel that time is flying by”
Authors: Alsaggaf Fatimah , Coyne Imelda
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Chronic pain is a common health problem that can have a significant impact on children and young people's daily life. Although research on pediatric chronic pain has been a priority globally, little is known about young people's experience of chronic pain in Saudi Arabia. Thus, this article reports on young people's experience of chronic pain and the impact on their lives in Saudi Arabia which forms part of a larger study.

Methods

Multiple case study design following Yin's (2018) approach was used. Purposeful and theoretical sampling were used to recruit young people aged 12 to 18 who had experienced chronic pain for at least three months, their parents, and their school personnel. The young people and their parents were recruited from a tertiary hospital located on the western side of Saudi Arabia while school personnel were recruited from the schools that young people attended. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured face-to-face (n = 15) and telephone interviews (n = 25) from 40 participants (10 young people, 10 parents, and 20 school personnel). Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated from Arabic to English. Data were analyzed following two phases: (1) constant comparative analysis; and (2) cross-case analysis based on the work of Charmaz (2014) and Yin (2018) respectively.

Findings

Young people's experiences of chronic pain were categorized into three themes: (1) experiencing chronic pain; (2) impact of pain on quality of life; and (3) everyday strategies to manage chronic pain. All young people reported that their pain was caused by a chronic condition, where the most prevalent pains were musculoskeletal/joint pain, abdominal pain, and headache/migraine. Most young people had encountered challenges with misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis as to the cause of their chronic pain. They described how their chronic pain interfered with their physical, psychological, and social functioning. They primarily managed their pain with medications and through self-care techniques. The findings also indicated that young people's generally positive attitude to their pain reflected their beliefs in Allah's power and the belief that such suffering should be borne according to their Islamic culture.

Conclusion

Chronic pain is a significant health phenomenon that tends to restrict the participation of young people in everyday life. However young people used a range of strategies to normalize the pain so that they could continue with their everyday activities like their peers.