bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPERIÊNCIA ESTÉTICA NOS VIDEOGAMES
Authors: Foscolo Guilherme
Published: October 2023

Trata-se de refletir sobre a experiência estética nos videogames a partir da fricção de duas polêmicas – a dos videogames como esportes, recentemente reavivada no Brasil pela declaração da Ministra dos Esportes Ana Moser de que ESports não são esportes, e a dos videogames enquanto arte, e que repercutiu entre os anos de 2005-2010 a partir das declarações de Roger Ebert, crítico de cinema do Chicago Sun-Times, de que videogames jamais poderiam ser arte. A sobreposição das polêmicas permite, por um lado, perceber como o problema do estatuto estético dos videogames não se resolve sem uma compreensão daquilo que eles operam, o que nos conduz, em parte, para a discussão do seu estatuto enquanto esportes; por outro, produz a ocasião para investigarmos como os elementos formais dos videogames podem engendrar um tipo específico de experiência estética – e que não se encontra nos esportes “tradicionais” ou mesmo nas performances artísticas. Conceitos tais quais interatividade, agência, praticalidade, virtualidade e disputa/superação ganham relevância a partir da análise da relação que se estabelece entre os elementos formais dos videogames (gráfico, som, engine e user interface), os dispositivos físicos de input/output, e a jogabilidade/experiência dos jogadores.
The Red and Yellow Flag Awareness Level of Family Physicians in Low Back Pain
Authors: Karpuz Savas , Yilmaz Ramazan , Solak Ibrahim , Yilmaz Halim
Published: October 2023

Aim: This study aims to determine the level of attitude and awareness of family physicians about red and yellow flags in patients with low back pain.

Methods: A total of 395 family physicians were included in the study between February 2022 and April 2022. A questionnaire that evaluates the physicians’ non-mechanical causes of low back pain, red flag symptoms and findings, yellow flag signs, and the rate of questioning them in clinical practice was created and used.

Results: Although 70.1% of the participants specified cauda equina symptoms, 65.3% non-mechanical nature of pain, 63.5% systemic illness findings, 62.5% history of severe trauma and malignancy as red flag symptoms and findings, 71.1% the presence of catastrophic thoughts as a yellow flag sign in low back pain, they could not achieve the same success in other red and yellow flag signs. The rate of questioning red and yellow flags in patients who applied to family physicians with low back pain was 60.7% and 34.5%, respectively.

Conclusion: The results of our study show that family physicians have a deficiency in questioning the red and yellow flags. When it is considered that patients with low back pain consult family physicians frequently, we think that training family physicians on red and yellow flags may help to the quick determination of non-mechanical causes of low back pain and to prevent low back pain from becoming chronic.

Keywords: low back pain, awareness, physicians, family
Social Skills and Empathy Levels of Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Cilingir Aylin , Bilmenoglu Caglar
Published: October 2023

Aim: This study aimed to determine the social skills and empathic levels of students of Trakya University Faculty of Dentistry.

Methods: A questionnaire including sociodemographic questions, a social skill inventory, and an empathy scale was administered to 293 students.

Results: The empathy score ranged from 17 to 70, with a mean of 42.20±10.40. Empathy scores of 3rd grades were significantly lower than 1st grades, 2nd grades, and 4th grades. There was no statistically significant difference between the 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades regarding empathy scores. The empathy scores of females were statistically significantly higher than males. According to The Social Skills Inventory, the total inventory score was 283.90±24.50. 3rd grade students had lower total inventory scores than 4th grade students. There was no statistically significant difference between the other grades. Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive, moderate (48.6%), and statistically significant relationship between empathy score and emotional sensitivity and the total inventory scores.

Conclusions: Results suggest that dental students had the most social control and the least social sensitivity. The empathy scores of females were higher than males, and both emotional and social 'sensitivity' subgroups were positively correlated with the empathy scale.

Keywords: dental education, dental students, empathy, social skills
The Burden of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study of Symptoms and Quality of Life in a Turkish Sample
Authors: Gursoy Ersan , Eren Salih
Published: October 2023

Aim: Post-COVID-19 refers to the period of symptoms and health problems that last longer than 12 weeks after being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and cannot be explained by other diagnoses. This study aims to determine the symptoms experienced by patients in the post-COVID-19 period and how these symptoms affect their quality of life.

Methods: The study was cross-sectional and descriptive, and it was conducted at a tertiary hospital's COVID-19 follow-up outpatient clinic between November 2021 and October 2022. Due to the clinic's policy of accepting only inpatients previously, only patients with proven polymerase chain reaction positivity, inpatient treatment and between 12-52 weeks post-infection were included in the study. The study assessed 77 different symptoms in 145 participants using a comprehensive symptom questionnaire and the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version Scale.

Results: The study included 145 participants with an average age of 62.39±14.71 years. Of the total participants, 56.6% (n=86) were male and 43.4% (n=63) were female. The most common symptom among the participants was fatigue (53.1%), followed by forgetfulness (40%) and dyspnea (26.9%). The study found that the patient's overall quality of life was negatively affected by the symptoms they experienced (p<0.001). The symptoms that most affected the quality of life were sleeping disorder and muscle pain (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Even long after infection with COVID-19, patients may be symptomatic, and this may affect their quality of life.

Keywords: post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, long-COVID, quality of life, COVID-19
Porous biomaterial scaffolds for skeletal muscle tissue engineering
Authors: Kozan Natalie G. , Joshi Mrunmayi , Sicherer Sydnee T. , Grasman Jonathan M.
Published: October 2023

Volumetric muscle loss is a traumatic injury which overwhelms the innate repair mechanisms of skeletal muscle and results in significant loss of muscle functionality. Tissue engineering seeks to regenerate these injuries through implantation of biomaterial scaffolds to encourage endogenous tissue formation and to restore mechanical function. Many types of scaffolds are currently being researched for this purpose. Scaffolds are typically made from either natural, synthetic, or conductive polymers, or any combination therein. A major criterion for the use of scaffolds for skeletal muscle is their porosity, which is essential for myoblast infiltration and myofiber ingrowth. In this review, we summarize the various methods of fabricating porous biomaterial scaffolds for skeletal muscle regeneration, as well as the various types of materials used to make these scaffolds. We provide guidelines for the fabrication of scaffolds based on functional requirements of skeletal muscle tissue, and discuss the general state of the field for skeletal muscle tissue engineering.
Regulation of astrocyte activity and immune response on graphene oxide-coated titanium by electrophoretic deposition
Authors: Han Yong-Soo , Jang Jun-Hwee , Lee Won-Seok , Oh Jun-Sung , Lee Eun-Jung , Yoon Bo-Eun
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Astrocytes play crucial role in modulating immune response in the damaged central nervous system. Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between immune responses in astrocytes and brain diseases. However, the potential application of nanomaterials for alleviating neuroinflammation induced by astrocytes remains unexplored.

Method: In this study, we utilized electrophoretic deposition (EPD) to coat graphene oxide (GO) onto titanium (Ti) to enhance the bioactivity of Ti.

Results: We confirmed that GO-Ti could improve cell adhesion and proliferation of astrocytes with upregulated integrins and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. Moreover, we observed that astrocytes on GO-Ti exhibited a heightened immune response when exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Although pro-inflammatory cytokines increased, anti-inflammatory cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factors involved in neuroprotective effects were also augmented through nuclear localization of the yes-associated protein (YAP) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB).

Discussion: Taken together, GO-Ti could enhance the neuroprotective function of astrocytes by upregulating the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and neuroprotective factors with improved cell adhesion and viability. Consequently, our findings suggest that GO-Ti has the potential to induce neuroprotective effects by regulating cell activity.
Sec8 specifically interacts with the PDZ2 domain of synapse associated protein 102 (SAP102)
Authors: Korbula Katharina , Hammerschmid Iana , Lesigang Johannes , Dong Gang
Published: October 2023

The exocyst is an evolutionarily conserved protein complex tethering secretory vesicles before their docking and fusion with the plasma membrane. The complex also plays important roles in cell migration, synaptogenesis, and neurite outgrowth. One of its subunits, Sec8, was reported to interact with two major synaptic scaffolding proteins SAP102 and PSD-95 that share high sequence homology and contain three PDZ domains at their N-terminal region. The interaction is via the binding of the C-terminal ITTV motif in Sec8 to the PDZ domains of the two synaptic proteins. However, it remains elusive to which PDZ domain(s) Sec8 binds and how their interaction occurs. Here we reported a 2.5 Å resolution crystal structure of the C-terminal half of rat Sec8 containing the ITTV motif. The structure shows that Sec8 contains an enormously long helix at its C-terminus, which bears a unique long “spacer” of 14 residues to bridge the ITTV motif to the compact core of Sec8. We found that Sec8 preferentially binds PDZ2 over PDZ1 and PDZ3 of SAP102. Deletion of the spacer completely abolished the binding of Sec8 to SAP102. Overall, our structural studies, biochemical data and modeling analyses altogether provide an explanation for how Sec8 interacts with SAP102.
Selective targeting of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor by synthetic peptide mimicking loop I of human SLURP-1 provides efficient and prolonged therapy of epidermoid carcinoma in vivo
Authors: Shlepova O. V. , Shulepko M. A. , Shipunova V. O. , Bychkov M. L. , Kukushkin I. D. , Chulina I. A. , Azev V. N. , Shramova E. I. , Kazakov V. A. , Ismailova A. M. , Palikova Y. A. , Palikov V. A. , Kalabina E. A. , Shaykhutdinova E. A. , Slashcheva G. A. , Tukhovskaya E. A. , Dyachenko I. A. , Murashev A. N. , Deyev S. M. , Kirpichnikov M. P. , Shenkarev Z. O. , Lyukmanova E. N.
Published: October 2023

α7-Type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) promotes the growth and metastasis of solid tumors. Secreted Ly6/uPAR-Related Protein 1 (SLURP-1) is a specific negative modulator of α7-nAChR produced by epithelial cells. Here, we investigated mechanisms of antiproliferative activity of recombinant SLURP-1 in epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells and activity of SLURP-1 and synthetic 21 a.a. peptide mimicking its loop I (Oncotag) in a xenograft mice model of epidermoid carcinoma. SLURP-1 inhibited the mitogenic pathways and transcription factors in A431 cells, and its antiproliferative activity depended on α7-nAChR. Intravenous treatment of mice with SLURP-1 or Oncotag for 10 days suppressed the tumor growth and metastasis and induced sustained changes in gene and microRNA expression in the tumors. Both SLURP-1 and Oncotag demonstrated no acute toxicity. Surprisingly, Oncotag led to a longer suppression of pro-oncogenic signaling and downregulated expression of pro-oncogenic miR-221 and upregulated expression of KLF4 protein responsible for control of cell differentiation. Affinity purification revealed SLURP-1 interactions with both α7-nAChR and EGFR and selective Oncotag interaction with α7-nAChR. Thus, the selective inhibition of α7-nAChRs by drugs based on Oncotag may be a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
Zmym4 is required for early cranial gene expression and craniofacial cartilage formation
Authors: Jourdeuil Karyn , Neilson Karen M. , Cousin Helene , Tavares Andre L. P. , Majumdar Himani D. , Alfandari Dominique , Moody Sally A.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The Six1 transcription factor plays important roles in the development of cranial sensory organs, and point mutations underlie craniofacial birth defects. Because Six1’s transcriptional activity can be modulated by interacting proteins, we previously screened for candidate interactors and identified zinc-finger MYM-containing protein 4 (Zmym4) by its inclusion of a few domains with a bona fide cofactor, Sine oculis binding protein (Sobp). Although Zmym4 has been implicated in regulating early brain development and certain cancers, its role in craniofacial development has not previously been described.

Methods: We used co-immunoprecipitation and luciferase-reporter assays in cultured cells to test interactions between Zmym4 and Six1. We used knock-down and overexpression of Zmym4 in embryos to test for its effects on early ectodermal gene expression, neural crest migration and craniofacial cartilage formation.

Results: We found no evidence that Zmym4 physically or transcriptionally interacts with Six1 in cultured cells. Nonetheless, knockdown of endogenous Zmym4 in embryos resulted in altered early cranial gene expression, including those expressed in the neural border, neural plate, neural crest and preplacodal ectoderm. Experimentally increasing Zmym4 levels had minor effects on neural border or neural plate genes, but altered the expression of neural crest and preplacodal genes. At larval stages, genes expressed in the otic vesicle and branchial arches showed reduced expression in Zmym4 morphants. Although we did not detect defects in neural crest migration into the branchial arches, loss of Zmym4 resulted in aberrant morphology of several craniofacial cartilages.

Discussion: Although Zmym4 does not appear to function as a Six1 transcriptional cofactor, it plays an important role in regulating the expression of embryonic cranial genes in tissues critical for normal craniofacial development.
The influence of substituents in governing the strength of the P–X bonds of substituted halophosphines R1R2P–X (X = F and Cl)
Authors: O’Reilly Robert J. , Karton Amir
Published: October 2023

In this study, the gas-phase homolytic P–F and P–Cl bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of a set of thirty fluorophosphine (R1R2P–F) and thirty chlorophosphine-type (R1R2P–Cl) molecules have been obtained using the high-level W2 thermochemical protocol. For the R1R2P–F species, the P–F BDEs (at 298 K) differ by up to 117.0 kJ mol−1, with (H3Si)2P–F having the lowest BDE (439.5 kJ mol−1) and F2P–F having the largest BDE (556.5 kJ mol−1). In the case of the chlorophosphine-type molecules, the difference in BDEs is considerably smaller (i.e., 72.6 kJ mol−1), with (NC)2P–Cl having the lowest P–Cl BDE (299.8 kJ mol−1) and (HO)2P–Cl having the largest (372.4 kJ mol−1). We have further analyzed the effect of substituents in governing the P–F and P–Cl BDEs by considering the effect of substituents in the parent halogenated precursors (using molecule stabilization enthalpies) and the effect of substituents in the product radicals (using radical stabilization enthalpies). Finally, we have also assessed the performance of a wide range of DFT methods for their ability to compute the gas-phase P–F and P–Cl BDEs contained in this dataset. We find that, overall, the double hybrid functional DSD-PBEB95 offers the best performance for both bond types, with mean absolute deviations of just 2.1 (P–F BDEs) and 2.2 (P–Cl BDEs) kJ mol−1.
Specific genetic aberrations of parathyroid in Chinese patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism using whole-exome sequencing
Authors: Li Lei , Sheng Qixuan , Zeng Huajin , Li Wei , Wang Qiang , Ma Guanjun , Xu Xinyun , Qiu Ming , Zhang Wei , Shan Chengxiang
Published: October 2023

Background

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism (THPT) is a peculiar subtype of hyperparathyroidism that usually develops from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and persists even after kidney transplantation. Unlike its precursor, secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), THPT is characterized by uncontrolled high levels of calcium in the blood, which suggests the monoclonal or oligoclonal proliferation of parathyroid cells. However, the molecular abnormalities leading to THPT have not yet been fully understood.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed DNA samples from hyperplastic parathyroid and corresponding blood cells of 11 patients with THPT using whole-exome sequencing (WES). We identified somatic single nucleotide variants (SNV) and insertions or deletions variants (INDEL) and performed driver mutation analysis, KEGG pathway, and GO functional enrichment analysis. To confirm the impact of selected driver mutated genes, we also tested their expression level in these samples using qRT-PCR.

Results

Following quality control and mutation filtering, we identified 17,401 mutations, comprising 6690 missense variants, 3078 frameshift variants, 2005 stop-gained variants, and 1630 synonymous variants. Copy number variants (CNV) analysis showed that chromosome 22 copy number deletion was frequently observed in 6 samples. Driver mutation analysis identified 179 statistically significant mutated genes, including recurrent missense mutations on TBX20, ATAD5, ZNF669, and NOX3 genes in 3 different patients. KEGG pathway analysis revealed two enriched pathways: non-homologous end-joining and cell cycle, with a sole gene, PRKDC, involved. GO analysis demonstrated significant enrichment of various cellular components and cytobiological processes associated with four genes, including GO items of positive regulation of developmental growth, protein ubiquitination, and positive regulation of the apoptotic process. Compared to blood samples, THPT samples exhibited lower expression levels of PRKDC, TBX20, ATAD5, and NOX3 genes. THPT samples with exon mutations had relatively lower expression levels of PRKDC, TBX20, and NOX3 genes compared to those without mutations, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive landscape of the genetic characteristics of hyperplastic parathyroids in THPT, highlighting the involvement of multiple genes and pathways in the development and progression of this disease. The dominant mutations identified in our study depicted new insights into the pathogenesis and molecular characteristics of THPT.
Association of selenium intake with bone mineral density and osteoporosis: the national health and nutrition examination survey
Authors: Peng Shiyu , Zhang Gaoxiang , Wang Decheng
Published: October 2023

Background

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic metabolic skeletal disorder characterized by a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and an increase in the risk of fracture. The level of selenium (Se) in serum is associated with BMD. However, the relationship between dietary and total selenium intake and parameters such as osteoporosis and BMD is unclear. By conducting National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (NHANES), in this study, we assessed the association of Se intake with BMD and the risk of OP among general middle-aged and elderly people.

Methods

The data were collected from three cycles of NHANES [2009–2010, 2013–2014, and 2017–2020]. Information on the dietary and supplementary Se intake was obtained from 24-h dietary recall interviews. Additionally, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed to measure BMD, which was later transformed into T-scores; OP was diagnosed when the T-score was ≤ -2.5. We constructed a logistic regression model for the association between selenium intake and the risk of OP based on the estimated odds ratios (ORs) and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We also constructed a multivariable linear regression model to analyze the relationship between selenium intake and BMD.

Results

In this study, 3,250 individuals (average age: 60.01 ± 10.09 years; 51.88% females) participated. The incidence of OP was 9.35% (3.30% for males and 17.75% for females). In the logistic regression model adjusted for every interested covariate, a higher quartile of dietary Se intake (OR for quartile 4 vs. quartile 1: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.41–0.96; P for trend = 0.027) was related to a lower risk of OP relative to the lowest quartile. The total selenium intake also exhibited a consistent trend (OR for quartile 4 vs. quartile 1: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.44–1.01; P for trend = 0.049). The results of the adjusted multivariate linear regression model showed that the participants with the highest quartile of dietary Se intake (Q4) had higher BMD in the total femur (β = 0.069, P = 0.001; P for trend = 0.001), femoral neck (β = 0.064, P = 0.001; P for trend = 0.001), and total spine (β = 0.030, P = 0.136; P for trend = 0.064) compared to those in quintile 1 (Q1). A similar trend of associations was observed for the total selenium intake with BMD, which was more prominent among females, as determined by the subgroup analysis.

Conclusion

In this study, the dietary intake and total intake of selenium were positively associated with BMD, whereas they were negatively associated with the risk of OP among adults in the US. Further studies are required to verify our results and elucidate the associated biological mechanism.
A matlab-based modelling to study and enhance the performance of photovoltaic panel configurations during partial shading conditions
Authors: Ali Sadaquat , El Iysaouy Lahcen , Lahbabi Mhammed , Boujoudar Younes , Alharbi Sultan J. , Azeroual Mohamed , Bassine Fatima Zahra , Aljarbouh Ayman , Knyazkov Alexey , Albarakati Aiman , Rele Mayur , Ness Stephanie
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The utilization of solar energy in large-scale photovoltaic arrays has gained immense popularity on a global scale. However, shadows in the array lead to significant reductions in power output and create multiple power peaks in the P-V characteristics. To address this issue, the Total Cross Tie (TCT) interconnection pattern is commonly employed to minimize mismatch loss. Additionally, physical relocation methods have proven effective in dispersing shadows.

Method: In this context, the Magic Square View (MSV) offers a physical rearrangement of PV modules within a TCT scheme, effectively scattering shadows across the entire photovoltaic array.

Results: Simulation results confirm the MSV efficacy in enhancing the PV array’s output power under various Partial Shading Conditions (PSCs) patterns. Four PSCs patterns (Short and Wide, Long and Wide, Long and Narrow, and Short and Narrow) are considered and compared to the TCT and the recently validated Competence Square (CS) techniques. The MSV method is vital in improving the PV array’s power output, especially when confronted with Long and Wide shading patterns. The outcomes demonstrate that adopting the MSV configuration leads to a substantial increase of 33.78% and 29.83% in power output for LW and SW shading patterns, respectively, compared to the TCT setup. Even under LN and SN shading patterns, there is a notable power enhancement, achieving a remarkable 25.15% increase for the LW shading pattern compared to the TCT, surpassing enhancements achieved by SuDoKu, DS, and CS methods, which improved by 20.5%, 18.2%, and 21.6%, respectively. Overall, the MSV configuration presents a promising solution for enhancing the performance of photovoltaic arrays under shading conditions.
Besnoitia besnoiti-induced neutrophil clustering and neutrophil extracellular trap formation depend on P2X1 purinergic receptor signaling
Authors: Espinosa Gabriel , Conejeros Iván , Rojas-Barón Lisbeth , Hermosilla Carlos Rodrigo , Taubert Anja
Published: October 2023

Bovine besnoitiosis is a re-emerging cattle disease caused by the cyst-forming apicomplexan parasite Besnoitia besnoiti. Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation represents an efficient innate immune mechanism of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) against apicomplexan parasites, including B. besnoiti. PMN purinergic signaling was proposed as a critical factor for NET formation. One important purinergic ligand is ATP, which is recognized as a danger signal and released into the extracellular space acting as an autocrine/paracrine signaling molecule. ATP-driven effects on PMN via the nucleotide P2 receptor family include chemotaxis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and NET formation. So far, data on both PMN ATP concentrations and the role of ATP as a key modulator of purinergic signaling in B. besnoiti tachyzoite-triggered bovine NETosis is scarce. Current data showed that B. besnoiti tachyzoite exposure to bovine PMN neither changed total PMN ATP nor extracellular ATP quantities even though it significantly triggered NET formation. Moreover, B. besnoiti tachyzoite-exposed PMN revealed enhanced oxygen consumption rates (OCR) as quantified by the Seahorse metabolic analyzer. Exogenous supplementation of ATP or non-hydrolizable ATP (ATPγS) led to increased extracellular acidification rates (ECAR) but failed to alter tachyzoite-induced oxidative responses (OCR) in exposed PMN. In addition, exogenous supplementation of ATPγS, but not of ATP, boosted B. besnoiti tachyzoite-induced anchored NET formation. Referring to purinergic signaling, B. besnoiti tachyzoite-triggered anchored NET formation revealed P2X1 purinergic as receptor-dependent since it was blocked by the P2X1 inhibitor NF449 at an IC50 of 1.27 µM. In contrast, antagonists of P2Y2, P2Y6, P2X4, and P2X7 purinergic receptors all failed to affect parasite-driven NETosis. As an interesting finding, we additionally observed that B. besnoiti tachyzoite exposure induced PMN clustering in a P2X1-dependent manner. Thus, we identified P2X1 purinergic receptor as a pivotal molecule for both B. besnoiti tachyzoite-induced PMN clustering and anchored NET formation.
Endothelial cell activation and glycocalyx shedding - potential as biomarkers in patients with lupus nephritis
Authors: Yung Susan , Chan Tak Mao
Published: October 2023

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common and severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus and an important cause of acute and chronic kidney injury. Early diagnosis of LN and preventing relapses are key to preserving renal reserve. However, due to the complexity and heterogeneity of the disease, clinical management remains challenging. Kidney biopsy remains the gold standard for confirming the diagnosis of LN and subsequent assessment of kidney histopathology, but it is invasive and cannot be repeated frequently. Current clinical indicators of kidney function such as proteinuria and serum creatinine level are non-specific and do not accurately reflect histopathological changes, while anti-dsDNA antibody and C3 levels reflect immunological status but not kidney injury. Identification of novel and specific biomarkers for LN is prerequisite to improve management. Renal function deterioration is associated with changes in the endothelial glycocalyx, a delicate gel-like layer located at the interface between the endothelium and bloodstream. Inflammation induces endothelial cell activation and shedding of glycocalyx constituents into the circulation. This review discusses the potential role of soluble glycocalyx components as biomarkers of active LN, especially in patients in whom conventional serological and biochemical markers do not appear helpful.
Deucravacitinib, a tyrosine kinase 2 pseudokinase inhibitor, protects human EndoC-βH1 β-cells against proinflammatory insults
Authors: Dos Santos Reinaldo S. , Guzman-Llorens Daniel , Perez-Serna Atenea A. , Nadal Angel , Marroqui Laura
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by pancreatic islet inflammation and autoimmune-driven pancreatic β-cell destruction. Interferon-α (IFNα) is a key player in early human type 1 diabetes pathogenesis. IFNα activates the tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, leading to inflammation, HLA class I overexpression, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and β-cell apoptosis (in synergy with IL-1β). As TYK2 inhibition has raised as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention or treatment of type 1 diabetes, we investigated whether the selective TYK2 inhibitor deucravacitinib could protect β-cells from the effects of IFNα and other proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., IFNγ and IL-1β).

Methods

All experiments were performed in the human EndoC-βH1 β-cell line. HLA class I expression, inflammation, and ER stress were evaluated by real-time PCR, immunoblotting, and/or immunofluorescence. Apoptosis was assessed by the DNA-binding dyes Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide or caspase 3/7 activity. The promoter activity was assessed by luciferase assay.

Results

Deucravacitinib prevented IFNα effects, such as STAT1 and STAT2 activation and MHC class I hyperexpression, in a dose-dependent manner without affecting β-cell survival and function. A comparison between deucravacitinib and two Janus kinase inhibitors, ruxolitinib and baricitinib, showed that deucravacitinib blocked IFNα- but not IFNγ-induced signaling pathway. Deucravacitinib protected β-cells from the effects of two different combinations of cytokines: IFNα + IL-1β and IFNγ + IL-1β. Moreover, this TYK2 inhibitor could partially reduce apoptosis and inflammation in cells pre-treated with IFNα + IL-1β or IFNγ + IL-1β.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that, by protecting β-cells against the deleterious effects of proinflammatory cytokines without affecting β-cell function and survival, deucravacitinib could be repurposed for the prevention or treatment of early type 1 diabetes.
Development and validation of diagnostic and activity-assessing models for relapsing polychondritis based on laboratory parameters
Authors: Liu Yongmei , Cheng Linlin , Zhao Mengzhu , Zhan Haoting , Li Xiaomeng , Huang Yuan , Li Haolong , Hou Yong , Li Yongzhe
Published: October 2023

Background

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) as a rare autoimmune disease is characterized by recurrent inflammation of the organs containing cartilage. Currently, no biomarkers have been integrated into clinical practice. This study aimed to construct and evaluate models based on laboratory parameters to aid in RP diagnosis, assess activity assessment, and explore associations with the pathological process.

Methods

RP patients and healthy controls (HCs) were recruited at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from July 2017 to July 2023. Clinical data including Relapsing Polychondritis Disease Activity Index (RPDAI) score and laboratory tests were collected. Differences in laboratory data between RP patients and HCs and active and inactive patients were analyzed.

Results

The discovery cohort (cohort 1) consisted of 78 RP patients and 94 HCs. A model based on monocyte counts and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could effectively distinguish RP patients from HCs with an AUC of 0.845. Active RP patients exhibited increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, complement 3, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), NLR, and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) compared with stable patients, which were also positively correlated with RPDAI. Notably, CAR emerged as an independent risk factor of disease activity (OR = 4.422) and could identify active patients with an AUC of 0.758. To confirm the reliability and stability of the aforementioned models, a replication cohort (cohort 2) was enrolled, including 79 RP patients and 94 HCs. The monocyte-combined NLR and CAR showed a sensitivity of 0.886 and 0.577 and a specificity of 0.830 and 0.833 in RP diagnosis and activity prediction, respectively. Furthermore, lower natural killer cell levels in RP patients and higher B-cell levels in active patients may contribute to elucidating the pathological mechanisms of disease occurrence and exacerbation.

Conclusions

The utilization of laboratory parameters provides cost-effective and valuable markers that can assist in RP diagnosis, identify disease activity, and elucidate pathogenic mechanisms.
Research trends and content analysis of ocean literacy studies between 2017 and 2021
Authors: Cavas Bulent , Acık Sermin , Koc Simge , Kolac Mısra
Published: October 2023

Ocean literacy (OL) refers to the ability of citizens to understand and explain the concepts and phenomena related to the oceans, and leads them to positive behavioral change for the protection and sustainability of the oceans. The study presents a bibliometric analysis of ocean literacy-based studies published between 2017 and 2021, in order to provide more meaningful information about (a) the academic journals that mostly publish ocean literacy studies, (b) the content analysis of the articles, (c) country rankings over the years (d) the keywords mostly used and (e) the funding source. The Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases were used to find ocean literacy-based articles. Seventy-nine articles from forty ocean literacy academic journals covered by WoS and Scopus were carefully selected using predefined criteria. The results revealed that most of ocean literacy-based articles were published in the Frontiers in Marine Science journal (n=23). The countries that published the most ocean literacy-based articles were UK, Italy, Canada, USA, and Portugal. Most of the studies were supported by governmental budgets (n=44). The most popular concepts in ocean literacy-based studies included “Global OL Perspectives’’, “Sustainability”, “Citizen Science”, “Students’ OL Improvement”, “Measuring and Evaluating Students and Teachers’ OL”, “Stakeholders’ Effects on OL”, “OL Based Books-iBooks-Textbooks” and “Individuals’ Affective Domain on OL”. By considering the large number of ocean literacy-based articles published in academic journals indexed in WoS and Scopus, this article can contribute significantly to ocean literacy studies and informed and responsible research, as well as to citizen input to policy development on ocean literacy.
Enhancing surgical precision and efficiency: a study and comparison of a three-dimensional surgical video system in proliferative diabetic retinopathy surgery
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Zhu Danni , Li Wenbo , Hu Hanling , Nie Zetong , Guo Haoxin , Wang Zhaoxiong , Li Xiaorong , Hu Bojie
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) surgical video systems for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Methods

This retrospective clinical case study included 30 patients (30 eyes) with PDR. Patients were divided into two groups: one underwent surgery using a 3D surgical video system (14 cases, 14 eyes), while the other underwent traditional microscope surgery (16 cases, 16 eyes). Safety and efficacy were assessed through predetermined surgical parameters, including surgical duration, intraoperative membrane removal rate, and occurrences during intraoperative and postoperative phases.

Results

Our study revealed noteworthy differences in various aspects between the 3D surgical video system group and the traditional microscope surgery group. Specifically, the mean surgical time was 30.25 ± 14.43 mins in the 3D surgical video system group, while it was 38.56 ± 18.71 mins in the traditional microscope surgery group (p = 0.051). Furthermore, the mean membrane removal time was significantly shorter in the 3D group at 2.53 ± 1.52 mins, as compared to 3.23 ± 1.76 mins in the traditional group (p = 0.042). Importantly, the membrane removal rate also displayed a significant difference, with the 3D group at 0.55 ± 0.07 and the traditional group at 0.41 ± 0.11 (p = 0.018). However, no notable differences were observed between the two groups in terms of intraoperative and postoperative incidences.

Conclusion

The safety and efficacy obtained using the 3D surgical video system in PDR surgery were comparable to those obtained in traditional microscopic surgery.
“Get the best out of what comes in” – adaptation of the microbiota of chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) to seasonal forage availability in the Bavarian Alps
Authors: Dahl Sarah-Alica , Seifert Jana , Camarinha-Silva Amélia , Hernández-Arriaga Angélica , Windisch Wilhelm , König Andreas
Published: October 2023

As an inhabitant of the Alps, chamois are exposed to significant climatic changes throughout the year and are also strongly confronted with changing forage availability. Besides horizontal and vertical migratory movements as an adaptation, it undergoes physiological transformations and dynamic changes in the ruminal microbiota.

The following study used 48 chamois of different ages and genders to investigate to which extent the ingested food plants, the resulting crude nutrients in the rumen (reticulorumen) contents, and the bacterial microbiota in the rumen and their fermentation products were influenced by the changes over the seasons. Very little is known about the microbiota of wild ruminants, and many bacterial taxa could only be determined to certain taxonomic levels in this study. However, adapted microbiota reflects the significant changes in the ingested forage and the resulting crude nutrients. For some taxa, our results indicated potential functional relationships. In addition, 15 genera were identified, representing almost 90% of the relative abundance, forming the central part of the microbial community throughout the year. The successful and flexible adaptation of chamois is reflected in the chamois rumen’s nutrient and microbial profile. This is also the first study that analyzes the microbiota of the chamois using rumen samples and considers the microbiota in a seasonal comparison.
Increased diversity of Malassezia species on the skin of Parkinson’s disease patients
Authors: Han Xinyu , Bedarf Janis , Proske-Schmitz Sabine , Schmitt Ina , Wüllner Ullrich
Published: October 2023

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by motor disorders and the composition of Lewy bodies (LBs) in the substantia nigra. Due to the lack of a definitive biomarker, the current treatments do not modify the progression of PD. Recently, researchers revealed lipid dysregulation and some potential volatile biomarkers of PD related to a unique odor from PD patients by metabolomics of sebum, which is supposed to cause a potential change for skin microflora. In this study, we identified the 4 Malassezia species in PD patients and compared them with healthy controls.

Methods

We collected 95 sebum samples (47 PDs and 48 Controls) by cotton swabs and extracted the DNA. The identification of Malassezia species was performed by Nested PCR. Specific primers for each species were used to amplify corresponding yeasts in each sample.

Results

M. restricta and M. globosa are the most common species for both groups. The prevalence of M. slooffiae and M. sympodialis were significantly higher in the PD group compared with controls (63.8% vs. 29.1 and 74.5% vs. 54.2% respectively), the binary logistic regression model further indicated that M. slooffiae (OR = 9.358, p < 0.001) was associated with PD. Moreover, the diversity of Malassezia species was significantly greater (3.5 vs. 2.9 species per individual, p = 0.002) in the PD group.

Conclusion

Based on our results, we preliminarily observed a change in Malassezia species incidence and diversity on the skin of PD patients, which could be associated with lipid dysregulation; meanwhile, it might also be a noninvasive biomarker for PD.
Direct quantification of hydrophobicity: a case study of environmentally relevant silver nanoparticles
Authors: Roncari Francesco , Cordero Salimar , Desmet Cloé , Colpo Pascal , Lau Boris L. T. , Valsesia Andrea
Published: October 2023

Among the physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials, hydrophobicity is considered to play a key role in their impact on the environment. Changes in hydrophobicity resulting from abiotic and biotic processes can be used to predict the behaviours of nanoparticles (NPs) in the environment (e.g., aggregation, toxicity, and bioaccumulation). Hydrophobicity changes induced by sulfidation and natural organic matter (NOM) corona formation were evaluated by monitoring the binding rate of silver (Ag) NPs on engineered surfaces using dark-field microscopy (DFM). It was found that this DFM-based method was more capable of distinguishing the hydrophobicity of environmentally relevant AgNPs than the dye adsorption method. Under the conditions tested in this study, sulfidation and adsorption of sulfidized NOM/“lipid-free” (LF-)NOM increased the hydrophobicity of AgNPs. Both methods demonstrate the tendency of AgNPs to become more hydrophobic after sulfidation. This study shows that DFM-based methods can effectively measure the hydrophobicity of environmentally relevant NPs and have the potential to be widely used as fate predictors in the future.
Evidence for human-centric in-vehicle lighting: part 3—Illumination preferences based on subjective ratings, eye-tracking behavior, and EEG features
Authors: Weirich Christopher , Lin Yandan , Khanh Tran Quoc
Published: October 2023

Within this third part of our mini-series, searching for the best and worst automotive in-vehicle lighting settings, we aim to extend our previous finding about white light illumination preferences by adding local cortical area activity as one key indicator. Frontal electrical potential asymmetry, measured using an electroencephalogram (EEG), is a highly correlated index for identifying positive and negative emotional behavior, primarily in the alpha band. It is rarely understood to what extent this observation can be applied to the evaluation of subjective preference or dislike based on luminaire variations in hue, chroma, and lightness. Within a controlled laboratory study, we investigated eight study participants who answered this question after they were shown highly immersive 360° image renderings. By so doing, we first subjectively defined, based on four different external driving scenes varying in location and time settings, the best and worst luminaire settings by changing six unlabeled luminaire sliders. Emotional feedback was collected based on semantic differentials and an emotion wheel. Furthermore, we recorded 120 Hz gaze data to identify the most important in-vehicle area of interest during the luminaire adaptation process. In the second study session, we recorded EEG data during a binocular observation task of repeated images arbitrarily paired by previously defined best and worst lighting settings and separated between all four driving scenes. Results from gaze data showed that the central vehicle windows with the left-side orientated colorful in-vehicle fruit table were both significantly longer fixed than other image areas. Furthermore, the previously identified cortical EEG feature describing the maximum power spectral density could successfully separate positive and negative luminaire settings based only on cortical activity. Within the four driving scenes, two external monotonous scenes followed trendlines defined by highly emotionally correlated images. More interesting external scenes contradicted this trend, suggesting an external emotional bias stronger than the emotional changes created by luminaires. Therefore, we successfully extended our model to define the best and worst in-vehicle lighting with cortical features by touching the field of neuroaesthetics.
Transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation improved motor cortex excitability in healthy adults: a randomized, single-blind, self-crossover design study
Authors: Wang Meng-Xin , Wumiti Aihaiti , Zhang Yao-Wen , Gao Xue-Sheng , Huang Zi , Zhang Meng-Fei , Peng Zhi-Yong , Oku Yoshitaka , Tang Zhi-Ming
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To investigate the effect of transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation (tcVNS) on motor cortex excitability in healthy adults.

Method

Twenty eight healthy subjects were assigned to receive real and sham tcVNS for 30 min. The interval between the real and sham conditions was more than 24 h, and the sequence was random. The central and peripheral motor-evoked potential (MEP) of the right first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle was measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) before and after stimulation. MEP latency, MEP amplitude and rest motor threshold (rMT) were analyzed before and after stimulation.

Results

MEP amplitude, MEP latency and rMT had significant interaction effect between time points and conditions (p < 0.05). After real stimulation, the MEP amplitude was significantly increased (p < 0.001). MEP latency (p < 0.001) and rMT (p = 0.006) was decreased than that of baseline. The MEP amplitude on real condition was higher than that of sham stimulation after stimulation (p = 0.027). The latency after the real stimulation was significantly shorter than that after sham stimulation (p = 0.005). No significantly difference was found in rMT after stimulation between real and sham conditions (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

tcVNS could improve motor cortex excitability in healthy adults.
Prognostic role of preoperative lymphocyte/C-reactive protein associated with upper gastrointestinal cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Ye Yongjuan , Wu Guozhi , Yuan Hao , Zheng Ya , Wang Yuping , Guo Qinghong
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The lymphocyte/C-reactive protein (LCR) is a novel immunoinflammatory score and prognostic marker, but the relationship between lymphocyte/C-reactive proteins and clinical outcomes in patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between LCR and the prognosis of upper gastrointestinal cancer by systematic evaluation and meta-analysis.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases to obtain related studies on the relationship between LCR and esophageal cancer (EC), gastric cancer (GC), and esophagogastric junction cancers (EGJ), and used hazard ratio (HR), 95% confidence interval (95%CI) to evaluate the prognostic value of LCR. Outcome measures included overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

Results

Eight retrospective cohort studies with 2838 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that patients with low LCR cancers had poor overall survival OS and disease-free survival DFS (HR=2.18, 95%CI=1.87-2.55; HR=1.88, 95%CI=1.56-2.26). Subgroup analysis based on cancer type, treatment modality, gender, T stage, TNM stage, country, and LCR threshold showed that lower LCR levels were all associated with worse OS and DFS (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The LCR can be used as a prognostic marker for patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers, and patients with a lower LCR may have a poor prognosis. Due to the limited number of studies included and mostly retrospective studies, the above findings require validation by more high-quality studies.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk, identifier CRD42023392433.