bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Students’ Listening Comprehension in Foreign Language Classes through Subtitled Videos
Authors: Shayeb Ahmad , Abu-Zahra Majdi
Published: October 2023

This research sets out to investigate the importance of video subtitling in improving foreign language students’ listening comprehension. The researchers employed a pre-post test to measure the impact of video subtitling on foreign language learners' listening comprehension achievement at the end of each six units used in the experiment. The study was carried out on five groups representing the five Unlock Cambridge levels taught at Birzeit University in Palestine. These levels include A1, A2, B1, B2 and C. Students are placed in these levels in accordance with their results in the  English Placement test. Results of the study clearly show that the remedial (A1) and the intermediate level (A2 and B1) students have significantly improved their listening comprehension after watching the subtitled video. On the other hand, the advanced level (B2) students showed modest progress in their listening comprehension. The last group (C level ) students showed almost no enhancement in their listening comprehension skills.
Sleep Quality and Chronotype of Young Athletes Addicted to Smartphones During Ramadan Observance
Authors: El-Jaziz Anas , Lotfi Said
Published: October 2023

Objective: Problematic smartphone use is associated with social, physical, and mental health issues, including chronotype and sleep patterns. During Ramadan intermittent fasting, these factors were more affected. However, no study explored problematic smartphone use and sleep patterns during Ramadan. Thus, the present study explored problematic smartphone use, sleep patterns, and chronotypes among athletic sample during Ramadan and assessed their relationship.Methods: Fifty athlete students (18.44±0.79 years) were voluntarily involved in this prospective cohort study. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) were used to collect information on sleep quality and circadian preferences, respectively, before one week of Ramadan (baseline). Then, the participants repeated the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and completed the Arabic version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale short version (SAS-sv) at the end of Ramadan.Results: Of the 50 patients, 38% of the participants demonstrated problematic smartphone use. Ramadan showed no significant impact on sleep quality. Problematic smartphone use was not associated with sleep quality or chronotype. Nevertheless, it was negatively correlated with chronotype.Conclusion: High prevalence of smartphones and sleep quality was reported during Ramadan. The associations between sleep quality and problematic smartphone use were not confirmed. However, there is a negative relationship between chronotype and problematic smartphone use. The study suggests more focus on how athlete students can exploit physical exercise as a healthy alternative to keep control of excessive use of smartphones.
Efficacy and Safety of Prolonged-Release Melatonin for Primary Insomnia in Elderly Patients
Authors: Park Young-Min , Lee So-Jin , Lee Jin-Seong , Na Kyoung-Sae , Kang Seung-Gul , Lee Bun-Hee , Yoon Ho-Kyoung , Kim Eui-Joong
Published: October 2023

Objective: Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder affecting the elderly, necessitates effective and safe treatment options. This study explores the potential of the prolonged-release melatonin (Circadin®) addressing insomnia in elderly patients.Methods: The 8-week prospective observational study involved 115 participants, assessing sleep parameters using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and WHO-5 Well-being Index. The prolonged-release melatonin (2 mg) was administered nightly, and assessments were conducted at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks.Results: Both per protocol and last observation carried forward (LOCF) analyses consistently revealed significant improvements in sleep latency, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and overall well-being. Notably, sleep latency decreased after 4 and 8 weeks, while total sleep time and sleep efficiency increased, reflecting longer and more restful sleep. The WHO-5 Well-being Index exhibited noticeable enhancement. Adverse events, including dizziness and heartburn, were manageable. Despite a high dropout rate, this drug’s potential as an efficacious and safe treatment option for elderly insomnia patients was evident, aligned with prior research.Conclusion: The prolonged-release formulation’s resemblance to the natural circadian rhythm of melatonin release offers advantages over conventional medications. This study contributes to understanding the prolonged-release melatonin’s promise as a valuable therapeutic alternative, encouraging further investigation into its longterm effects and optimal implementation.
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Tipe Talking Stick Berbantuan Media Mystery Box Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa Tema Sistem Sonar Pada Hewan
Authors: Fajeri Latifah , Berlian Liska , Tunjung Biru Lulu
Published: October 2023

Peserta didik kelas VIII di SMP Negeri 2 Ciruas masih memiliki hasil belajar IPA yang rendah dengan ditandai dari pembelajaran yang masih berpusat pada guru. Dilakukannya penelitian ini untuk mengetahui bagaimana model pembelajaran Talking Stick berbantuan mystery box dapat mempengaruhi hasil belajar siswa tentang tema Sistem Sonar pada Hewan. Jenis penelitian ini menggunakan kuasi eksperimen dengan Nonequivalent Control Group Design. Model model pembelajaran kooperatif Talking Stick dilakukan pada kelas eksperimen, sedangkan model pembelajaran langsung digunakan pada kelas kontrol. Tes pretest-posttest digunakan untuk mengukur kemampuan kognitif, sedangkan non-tes digunakan untuk mengukur kemampuan afektif (angket) dan psikomotorik (lembar observasi). Kesimpulan dari penelitian yang telah dilakukan didapatkan yaitu, adanya pengaruh dari model pembelajaran yang diajarkan dengan tipe talking stick berbantuan media mystery box terhadap hasil belajar siswa pada tema siswa sonar pada hewan. Hal ini dibuktikan dari perolehan nilai rata dari kedua kelas yang dilakukan uji coba. Pada aspek kognitif di dapatkan nilai 54,9 untuk kelas kontrol dan nilai rata-rata 72,3 untuk kelas eksperimen. Pada aspek psikomotorik memperoleh nilai 77,8 di kelas kontrol dan 88,2 di kelas eksperimen. Selain itu, pada aspek afektif didapatkannya nilai 75,9 pada kelas kontrol dan 84,1 pada kelas eksperimen. Data tersebut menunjukan peroleh dari setiap aspek kognitif, psikomotorik dan afektif mendapatkan skor terbesar pada kelas eksperimen.
Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Dalam Pemilihan Supplier Kopi Menerapkan Metode OCRA Dengan Pembobotan ROC
Authors: Chandra Novyanti , Trista Ayunda Afifah
Published: October 2023

Perkembangan bisnis kopi terus berkembang pesat sehingga membuat pelaku bisnis kopi untuk mencari supplier kopi yang berkualitas dan dapat memenuhi kebutuhan para konsumennya. Dalam pemilihan supplier kopi, penting untuk dilakukan dengan baik karena dapat mempertahankan keberadaan para pelanggannya. Namun, seringkali dalam pemilihan supplier kopi ditemukan sebuah masalah dalam proses seleksinya, seperti dalam mengelola informasi yang kompleks, dan melakukan evaluasi, serta pemilihan calon supplier tidak dilakukan secara tersistem. Maka dari itu, diperlukan sistem pendukung keputusan dalam memberikan sebuah keputusan yang akurat dan cepat dengan menggunakan metode OCRA dan proses pembobotan yang dihasilkan dari metode ROC. Penentuan supplier kopi ini, memiliki 5 kriteria, yaitu harga, kualitas kopi, variasi roasted level, aroma, dan lokasi. Hasil dari penilaian menggunakan metode ROC dan metode OCRA menghasilkan alternatif terbaik sebagai supplier kopi adalah  bernama The Cold Crafters dengan nilai preferensi 1.2453
Changes in Disc Height as a Prognostic Factor in Patients Undergoing Microscopic Discectomy
Authors: Kweon Myeonggeon , Bak Koang-Hum , Yi Hyeong-Joong , Choi Kyu-Sun , Han Myung-Hoon , Na Min-Kyun , Chun Hyoung-Joon
Published: October 2023

Objective : Some patients with disc herniation who underwent discectomy complain of back pain after surgery and are unsatisfied with the surgical results. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between preoperative disc height (DH), postoperative DH, and pain score 12 months after surgery in patients who underwent microdiscectomy for herniated lumbar disc.Methods : This study enrolled patients who underwent microdiscectomy at a medical center between January 2012 and December 2020. Patients with X-ray or computed tomography and pain score assessment (visual analog scale score) prior to surgery, immediately post-op, and at 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery were included. The DH index was defined as DH/overlying vertebral width. The DH ratio was defined as the postoperative DH/preoperative DH. Simple linear regression and multivariate linear regression analyses were applied to assess the correlation between DHs and leg pain scores 12 months after surgery.Results : A total of 118 patients who underwent microdiscectomy were included. DH decreased up to 12 months after surgery. The DH ratio at 1, 6, and 12 months after discectomy showed a significant positive correlation with the pain scores at 12 months after discectomy (1 month : p=0.045, B=0.52; 6 months : p=0.008, B=0.78; 12 months : p=0.005, B=0.69). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the level of surgery, sex, age, and body mass index had no significant relationship with back pain scores after 12 months.Conclusion : In patients who underwent microdiscectomy, the DH ratios at 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery were prognostic factors for back pain scores at 12 months after surgery. Aggressive discectomy is recommended for lower postoperative DH ratios and Visual analog scale scores, leading to improved patient satisfaction.
Real-World Impact of Modern Reperfusion Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke : A Nationwide Population-Based Data Study in Korea
Authors: Park Yung Ki , Yoon Byul-Hee , Won Yu Deok , Kim Jae Hoon , Kang Hee In
Published: October 2023

Objective : The treatment paradigm for acute ischemic stroke has undergone several major changes in the past decade, contributing to improved patient prognosis in clinical practice. However, the extent to which these changes have affected patient prognosis in the real-world is yet to be clarified. This study aimed to evaluate the real-world impact of modern reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke using data from the National Health Insurance Service in Korea.Methods : This study included patients aged 18–80 years who were admitted via the emergency room with an I63 code between 2011 and 2020. The rates of intravenous thrombolysis use and endovascular treatment according to the year of admission were investigated. Furthermore, the rates of decompressive craniectomy and 3-month mortality were also analyzed. The 10-year observational period was divided into three periods based on the 2015 guideline change as follows : prior, 2011–2014; transitional, 2015–2016; and modern, 2017–2020.Results : A total of 307117 patients (mean age, 65.7±10.9 years) were included, and most patients were male (59.7%). The rate of endovascular treatment gradually increased during the study period from 0.71% in the prior period to 1.32% in the transitional period and finally to 1.85% in the modern period. Meanwhile, the 3-month mortality rate gradually decreased from 4.78% in the prior period to 4.03% in the transitional period and to 3.71% in the modern period.Conclusion : In Korea, the mortality rate decreased as the rate of modern reperfusion therapy increased in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Overall, technical and scientific advances in reperfusion therapy have improved the outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke in Korea.
Implantação do Plano Terapêutico Singular na Atenção Básica: Fortalezas e possíveis obstáculos
Authors: Guimarães Ana Clara Ribeiro , Pereira Queli Lisiane Castro , Ferreira Adriano Borges
Published: October 2023

O presente artigo busca relatar fatores potencializadores e dificultadores à implementação do Plano Terapêutico Singular na Atenção Básica na percepção dos profissionais de saúde. É exploratório, descritivo e transversal com abordagem qualitativa. Realizado com 15 preceptores/ profissionais de saúde da Atenção Básica de Pontal do Araguaia (MT). Da análise temática emergiram as categorias: fortalezas para implementação do PTS e possíveis obstáculos. Frente ao processo de trabalho em saúde em seus territórios, os profissionais dos serviços de saúde identificaram resolutividade, vínculo, integralidade, prática interprofissional colaborativa e a centralidade no usuário como dispositivos motivadores à implementação. Enquanto a falta de pertencimento /comprometimento, a escassez de planejamento e sobrecarga de trabalho poderão ser obstáculos, na percepção dos profissionais.  Em síntese, os resultados obtidos servirão como base para nortear a implementação do PTS na AB do município e em outras Secretarias de Saúde visto que se identificou elementos facilitadores a sua efetivação assim como os obstáculos.
Rediscovery of the giant featherback Chitala lopis (Notopteridae) in its type locality resolves decades of taxonomic confusion
Authors: Wibowo A , Haryono H , Kurniawan K , Prakoso VA , Dahruddin H , Lestari Surbani I , Jaya YYP , Sudarsono S , Rochman F , Muslimin B , Sukmono T , Rourke ML , Ahnelt H , Funge-Smith S , Hubert N
Published: October 2023

Unresolved taxonomy poses a significant challenge for conservation and recovery efforts of freshwater fishes in Indonesia. Asian featherbacks of the genus Chitala are found in Java, Sumatra and Borneo, and currently thought to comprise 3 of 6 species: C. lopis, C. hypselonotus, and C. borneensis. According to the IUCN, Chitala species are of Least Concern in Indonesia, except for C. lopis, which is considered Extinct. However, the taxonomy of Chitala species is unclear, with 3 nominal species (C. lopis, C. hypselonotus and C. borneensis) historically synonymized under a single name (C. lopis), but more recently tentatively considered as a valid species. The recent rediscovery of C. lopis in its type locality (Java) since last recorded in 1851 enabled a comprehensive genetic and morphological study of the 3 nominal species to clarify their status. We examined 151 mitochondrial sequences from all known species of Chitala, including sequences from the type localities of the 3 taxa in question. We identified 3 well-supported clades corresponding to C. lopis, C. hypselonotus, and C. borneensis. The analyses of 22 measurements identified several diagnostic characters between C. lopis and C. borneensis. We provide evidence that C. lopis is not extinct and is widespread across Java, Sumatra and Borneo. In contrast, C. hypselonotus has a more restricted distribution to Central Sumatra and may be at risk of extinction given it has not been collected from the Musi River since 2015. We argue for an urgent revision of the IUCN conservation status of the 3 species and recommend an expansion of molecular-based inventories to all freshwater fishes in Indonesia.
Biomaterial Artistry: Investigating the aesthetic expressions of voluminous form-giving applied to knit-bacterial cellulose composite textiles derived from material development in the context of footwear
Authors: De Lara Carolina
Published: October 2023

Present times are ablaze with environmental change, with fashion being no stranger to controversy as it struggles not only with keeping up with market demand, but making material production more efficient. Living materials and biocomposites, due to being easy, relatively inexpensive and quick to produce offer a biodegradable alternative to traditional materials. This project speculates how bacterial cellulose combined with knitted structures can occupy a prominent place in fashion and design thinking by visually discussing the morphology and role of volume as conforming components intended to develop footwear prototypes. Making methods are reassessed to accommodate the properties of Pemotex and bacterial cellulose, offering visual cues to revamp established methods of assembling shoes. Throughout the concept narrative, object and shoe are challenged by reconsidering the use of the last, aiming to initiate a dialogue to speculate about what shoes could be, as well as what and how they could become.
Technical report: liquid overlay technique allows the generation of homogeneous osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, lung and prostate adenocarcinoma spheroids that can be used for drug cytotoxicity measurements
Authors: Jubelin Camille , Muñoz-Garcia Javier , Cochonneau Denis , Ollivier Emilie , Vallette François , Heymann Marie-Françoise , Oliver Lisa , Heymann Dominique
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The mechanisms involved in cancer initiation, progression, drug resistance, and disease recurrence are traditionally investigated through in vitro adherent monolayer (2D) cell models. However, solid malignant tumor growth is characterized by progression in three dimensions (3D), and an increasing amount of evidence suggests that 3D culture models, such as spheroids, are suitable for mimicking cancer development. The aim of this report was to reaffirm the relevance of simpler 3D culture methods to produce highly reproducible spheroids, especially in the context of drug cytotoxicity measurements.

Methods: Human A549 lung adenocarcinoma, LnCaP prostate adenocarcinoma, MNNG/HOS osteosarcoma and U251 glioblastoma cell lines were grown into spheroids for 20 days using either Liquid Overlay Technique (LOT) or Hanging Drop (HD) in various culture plates. Their morphology was examined by microscopy. Sensitivity to doxorubicin was compared between MNNG/HOS cells grown in 2D and 3D.

Results: For all cell lines studied, the morphology of spheroids generated in round-bottom multiwell plates was more repeatable than that of those generated in flat-bottom multiwell plates. HD had no significant advantage over LOT when the spheroids were cultured in round-bottom plates. Finally, the IC50 of doxorubicin on MNNG/HOS cultured in 3D was 18.8 times higher than in 2D cultures (3D IC50 = 15.07 ± 0.3 µM; 2D IC50 = 0.8 ± 0.4 µM; *p < 0.05).

Discussion: In conclusion, we propose that the LOT method, despite and because of its simplicity, is a relevant 3D model for drug response measurements that could be scaled up for high throughput screening.
Echocardiography and laboratory outcomes of COVID-19 in children with a history of Kawasaki disease: a preliminary observation
Authors: Guo Mindy Ming-Huey , Chang Ling-Sai , Chen Yu-Jhen , Kuo Ho-Chang
Published: October 2023

Background

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus has been associated with cardiovascular sequelae including multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children. Patients with a prior history of Kawasaki disease, may be more susceptible to changes in echocardiographic or laboratory findings after COVID-19. The objective of this study was to investigate the echocardiographic and laboratory findings in children with a prior history of Kawasaki disease after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Materials and methods

In this study, we performed a retrospective chart review of 41 children younger than 18 years old who were diagnosed with COVID-19 from April to August of 2022 and had a prior history KD. We included echocardiography and blood draw data obtained at the last outpatient follow-up at our hospital for KD, and within 4 months of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Echocardiographic data obtained from 82 age-matched and gender matched controls were also included for comparison.

Results

We found that COVID-19 resulted in slightly higher RCA Z-scores within the first month after infection (mean ± SE, 1.20 ± 0.18 vs. 0.83 ± 0.18, p = 0.030), although this increase did not result in coronary artery dilatation, defined as a Z-score of at least 2.5. In addition, we found that degree of RCA dilatation after COVID-19 infection was negatively correlated with the change in monocyte percentage (Pearson's correlation coefficient—0.363, p = 0.020). Moreover, RCA Z-score changes were lower in patients who received at least one dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine when compared those who did not receive any (mean ± SE, −0.23 ± 0.16 vs. 0.39 ± 0.17, p = 0.031).

Conclusion

In this pilot study we found that COVID-19 infection resulted in slightly higher RCA Z-scores in children with a prior history of KD, although not large enough to be classified as coronary aneurysms. While these changes could be the result of measurement imprecision or interobserver variation, further study of the cardiac outcomes of COVID-19 infection in children with a prior history of KD are needed in the future.
Abductive reasoning in modeling biological phenomena as complex systems
Authors: Engelschalt Paul , Röske Maxime , Penzlin Johanna , Krüger Dirk , Upmeier zu Belzen Annette
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Abductive reasoning is a type of reasoning that is applied to generate causal explanations. Modeling for inquiry is an important practice in science and science education that involves constructing models as causal explanations for scientific phenomena. Thus, abductive reasoning is applied in modeling for inquiry. Biological phenomena are often best explained as complex systems, which means that their explanations ideally include causes and mechanisms on different organizational levels. In this study, we investigate the role of abductive reasoning in modeling for inquiry and its potential for explaining biological phenomena as complex systems.

Methods

Eighteen pre-service science teachers were randomly assigned to model one of two biological phenomena: either a person's reddened face, for which participants knew of explanations from their everyday lives, or a clownfish changing its sex, for which participants did not know about explanations. Using the think-aloud method, we examined the presence of abductive reasoning in participants' modeling processes. We also analyzed modeling processes in terms of participants' ability to model the phenomena as complex systems.

Results

All participants reasoned abductively when solving the modeling task. However, modeling processes differed depending on the phenomenon. For the reddened face, participants generated simple models that they were confident with. In contrast, for the clownfish, participants generated more complex models that they were insecure about. Extensive engagement in abductive reasoning alone did not lead to the generation of models that explained the phenomena as complex systems.

Discussion

Based on the findings, we conclude that engagement in abductive reasoning will not suffice to explain phenomena as complex systems. We suggest examining in future studies how abductive reasoning is combined with systems thinking skills to explain phenomena as complex systems in biological model construction.
The miR-668 binding site variant rs1046322 on WFS1 is associated with obesity in Southeast Asians
Authors: Hammad Maha M. , Abu-Farha Mohamed , Hebbar Prashantha , Anoop Emil , Chandy Betty , Melhem Motasem , Channanath Arshad , Al-Mulla Fahd , Thanaraj Thangavel Alphonse , Abubaker Jehad
Published: October 2023

The Wolfram syndrome 1 gene (WFS1) is the main causative locus for Wolfram syndrome, an inherited condition characterized by childhood-onset diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, and deafness. Global genome-wide association studies have listed at least 19 WFS1 variants that are associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic traits. It has been suggested that miRNA binding sites on WFS1 play a critical role in the regulation of the wolframin protein, and loss of WFS1 function may lead to the pathogenesis of diabetes. In the Hungarian population, it was observed that a 3’ UTR variant from WFS1, namely rs1046322, influenced the affinity of miR-668 to WFS1 mRNA, and showed a strong association with T2D. In this study, we genotyped a large cohort of 2067 individuals of different ethnicities residing in Kuwait for the WFS1 rs1046322 polymorphism. The cohort included 362 Southeast Asians (SEA), 1045 Arabs, and 660 South Asians (SA). Upon performing genetic association tests, we observed significant associations between the rs1046322 SNP and obesity traits in the SEA population, but not in the Arab or SA populations. The associated traits in SEA cohort were body mass index, BMI (β=1.562, P-value=0.0035, Pemp=0.0072), waist circumference, WC (β=3.163, P-value=0.0197, Pemp=0.0388) and triglyceride, TGL (β=0.224, P-value=0.0340). The association with BMI remained statistically significant even after multiple testing correction. Among the SEA individuals, carriers of the effect allele at the SNP had significantly higher BMI [mean of 27.63 (3.6) Kg/m2], WC [mean of 89.9 (8.1) cm], and TGL levels [mean of 1.672 (0.8) mmol/l] than non-carriers of the effect allele. Our findings suggest a role for WFS1 in obesity, which is a risk factor for diabetes. The study also emphasizes the significant role the ethnic background may play in determining the effect of genetic variants on susceptibility to metabolic diseases.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 with Zollinger–Ellison syndrome: clinicopathological analysis of a Japanese family with focus on menin immunohistochemistry
Authors: Kimura Noriko , Hirata Yasuji , Iwashiro Nozomu , Kijima Hiroshi , Takayasu Shinobu , Yamagata Satoshi , Sakihara Satoru , Uchino Shinya , Ohara Masanori
Published: October 2023

Background

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the occurrence of multiple epithelial neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and non-NETs in various organs. MEN1 encodes a 610-amino acid-long tumor suppressor protein, menin. The optimal treatment for multiple tumors, identification of the most critical tumors for patient prognosis, and menin immunohistochemistry findings remain controversial. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate these issues through a histological analysis of tumors and tumor-like lesions in a Japanese family, comprising a father and his two sons, who had MEN1 with Zollinger–Ellison syndrome (ZES).

Patients and methods

All family members had a germline alteration in exon 10, c.1714-1715 del TC of MEN1, and exhibited multiple synchronous and metachronous tumors. The patients had pulmonary NETs, hyperparathyroidism, hypergastrinemia, pituitary adenomas, pancreaticoduodenal NETs, adrenocortical adenoma with myelolipoma, nodular goiter of the thyroid, lipomas, and angiofibroma. Most tumors were resected and histologically examined. We compared their clinical courses and tumor histology, and conducted menin immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

Two patients died of pulmonary NET G2. One patient who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy was cured of ZES; however, the two other patients who did not undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy suffered persistent ZES despite treatment with octreotide. Menin IHC revealed varying NET intensities, ranging from positive to negative stains.

Conclusion

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the most effective treatment for ZES. Long-term follow-up is essential for pulmonary NET G2 owing to the risk of distant metastasis and/or multiplicity. Moreover, the variability of menin IHC in MEN1-related tumors may indicate the pattern of tumor formation rather than the diagnostic utility of menin in MEN1.
Copeptin analysis in endocrine disorders
Authors: Moodley Nareshni
Published: October 2023

Copeptin is cleaved from the same precursor as arginine vasopressin and is released in equimolar amounts with arginine vasopressin from the posterior pituitary in response to the same stimuli. Its level of stability in the blood, quick and simple analysis, and ease of automation make it much easier to analyze than arginine vasopressin, thereby offering a suitable alternative to measuring arginine vasopressin in endocrine disorders. Research has demonstrated the suitability of copeptin in adults for the differentiation of arginine vasopressin resistance and arginine vasopressin deficiency from primary polydipsia, in addition to the early identification of arginine vasopressin deficiency following pituitary surgery; however, further research is still required in the Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) and the pediatric population.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress related genome-wide Mendelian randomization identifies therapeutic genes for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
Authors: Zou Menglong , Liang Qiaoli , Zhang Wei , Zhu Ying , Xu Yin
Published: October 2023

Background: Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is an important pathophysiological mechanism in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). ERS-related genes may be influenced by genetic factors and intestinal inflammation. However, the role of ERS as a trigger or potential etiological factor for UC and CD is unclear, as the expression of ERS-related genes in UC and CD may be the cause or subsequent changes in intestinal inflammation. Here, we used a three-step summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) approach integrating multi-omics data to identify putative causal effects of ERS-related genes in UC and CD.

Methods: Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data for UC (6,968 cases and 20,464 controls) and CD (5,956 cases and 14,927 controls) were extracted as outcome, and DNA methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTL, 1,980 participants) data and expression QTL data (eQTL, 31,684 participants) from the blood were obtained as exposure. The ERS-related genes were extracted from the GeneCards database, and then the GWAS summary data were integrated with the mQTL and eQTL data associated with ERS genes by SMR. Sensitivity analysis included two-sample MR analysis, power calculations, Bayesian co-localization analysis, and phenotype scanning were performed to evaluate the robustness of the results.

Results: A total of 1,193 ERS-related genes were obtained. The three-step SMR analysis showed that cg24011261 CpG site regulating GPX1 expression was associated with a low risk of UC, whereas GPX1 expression regulated by a combination of cg05055782, cg24011261, and cg05551922 CpG sites was associated with a low risk of CD. Sensitivity analysis further supports these findings.

Conclusion: This multi-omics integration study identifies a causal relationship between the role of ERS in UC and CD and suggests potential new therapeutic targets for clinical practice.
Listeria monocytogenes: a promising vector for tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Ding Yi-Dan , Shu Lin-Zhen , He Rui-Shan , Chen Kai-Yun , Deng Yan-Juan , Zhou Zhi-Bin , Xiong Ying , Deng Huan
Published: October 2023

Cancer receives enduring international attention due to its extremely high morbidity and mortality. Immunotherapy, which is generally expected to overcome the limits of traditional treatments, serves as a promising direction for patients with recurrent or metastatic malignancies. Bacteria-based vectors such as Listeria monocytogenes take advantage of their unique characteristics, including preferential infection of host antigen presenting cells, intracellular growth within immune cells, and intercellular dissemination, to further improve the efficacy and minimize off-target effects of tailed immune treatments. Listeria monocytogenes can reshape the tumor microenvironment to bolster the anti-tumor effects both through the enhancement of T cells activity and a decrease in the frequency and population of immunosuppressive cells. Modified Listeria monocytogenes has been employed as a tool to elicit immune responses against different tumor cells. Currently, Listeria monocytogenes vaccine alone is insufficient to treat all patients effectively, which can be addressed if combined with other treatments, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, reactivated adoptive cell therapy, and radiotherapy. This review summarizes the recent advances in the molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of Listeria monocytogenes vaccine in anti-tumor immunity, and discusses the most concerned issues for future research.
Flowering variabilities in subtropical intertidal Zostera muelleri meadows of Australia
Authors: Lekammudiyanse Manuja U. , Saunders Megan I. , Flint Nicole , Irving Andrew , Jackson Emma L.
Published: October 2023

Flowering is an integral feature of the life history of seagrasses, and it contributes to the genetic diversity and resilience of meadows. There is some evidence that seagrass flowering is influenced by tidal depth; however, the effects of tidal exposure on the flowering variabilities in patchy intertidal meadows are largely unknown. In the present study, inter and intra-annual variability of flowering was examined using a line transect sampling method across two subtropical intertidal meadows (i.e., Lilley’s Beach and Pelican Banks) of Zostera muelleri on Australia’s east coast. Along each transect, the depth was measured using Leica Geosystems AGS14 RTK, and the plant cover was estimated using a standard scale. The duration of exposure at each depth was computed based on the tidal data and categorised exposure duration by hours. The abundance (i.e., the density of flowering shoots and density of spathes) and the ratio of flowering (i.e., flowering frequency) and morphology of flowering (i.e., the number of spathes per flowering shoot) were estimated at every 10 m along three 100 m fixed transects established perpendicular to the tide monthly in 2020 and 2021. Flowering started in July and extended for approximately six months, with peak flowering observed in September-October at both sites. Generalised linear mixed-effect models showed that approximately 39% of the density of flowering shoots, 36% of the density of spathes and 28% of flowering frequency were explained by plant cover and exposure duration. Similar variation in the spathes per flowering shoot was explained by plant cover only (40%). The density of spathes during peak flowering months was significantly different among exposure categories (3-4 hrs and 5-6 hrs in Lilley’s Beach and 5-6 hrs and 6-7 hrs in Pelican Banks in 2021), where significantly different interannual variability was observed only between the same exposure categories in Pelican Banks. The study offers valuable insights into seed-based restoration projects, including optimal seed harvesting times and the average quantity of harvestable flowers, although some inter-annual variations should be anticipated.
Generative adversarial networks with multi-scale and attention mechanisms for underwater image enhancement
Authors: Wang Ziyang , Zhao Liquan , Zhong Tie , Jia Yanfei , Cui Ying
Published: October 2023

The images captured underwater are usually degraded due to the effects of light absorption and scattering. Degraded underwater images exhibit color distortion, low contrast, and blurred details, which in turn reduce the accuracy of marine biological monitoring and underwater object detection. To address this issue, a generative adversarial network with multi-scale and an attention mechanism is proposed to improve the quality of underwater images. To extract more effective features within the generative network, several modules are introduced: a multi-scale dilated convolution module, a novel attention module, and a residual module. These modules are utilized to design a generative network with a U-shaped structure. The multi-scale dilated convolution module is designed to extract features at multiple scales and expand the receptive field to capture more global information. The attention module directs the network’s focus towards important features, thereby reducing the interference from redundant feature information. To improve the discriminative power of the adversarial network, a multi-scale discriminator is designed. It has two output feature maps with different scales. Additionally, an improved loss function for the generative adversarial network is proposed. This improvement involves incorporating the total variation loss into the traditional loss function. The performance of different methods for enhancing underwater images is evaluated using the EUVP dataset and UIEB dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that the enhanced underwater images exhibit better quality and visual effects compared to other methods.
Causal relationship between Butyricimonas and allergic asthma: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wan Wei , Qiu Yi , Huang Xinyi , Ren Yingxiang , Peng Andi , Yang Chunping
Published: October 2023

Background

Growing evidence has well documented the close association between the gut microbiome and allergic respiratory disease, which has been notably represented by allergic asthma. However, it is unclear whether this association is a causal link. Therefore, we investigated the potential causal associations between the gut microbiome and allergic asthma or other allergic diseases.

Methods

In this study, we performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses by using the publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that significantly correlated were selected as instrumental variables. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used to examine the potential causal gut microbial genera for allergic asthma and other allergic diseases. The robustness of the primary findings of the MR analyses was ensured by using different sensitivity analyses.

Results

Combining the findings from multiple analyses, the host genetic-driven increases in Butyricimonas at the genus level were positively correlated with the risk of allergic asthma. In addition, phylum Bacteroidetes and class Bacteroidia were also found to have negative associations with the risk of allergic asthma; genus Slackia was identified as having potential causal effects with allergic asthma. No clear evidence of pleiotropy and heterogeneity was observed in genus Butyricimonas. Butyricimonas was also found to have an association with allergic rhinitis, but not with other allergic diseases.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that there are new gut microbial genera that were causally associated with the risk of allergic asthma and other allergic diseases, and offer novel insights into the pathogenesis of allergic respiratory diseases.
Reliability of human retina organoid generation from hiPSC-derived neuroepithelial cysts
Authors: Carido Madalena , Völkner Manuela , Steinheuer Lisa Maria , Wagner Felix , Kurth Thomas , Dumler Natalie , Ulusoy Selen , Wieneke Stephanie , Norniella Anabel Villanueva , Golfieri Cristina , Khattak Shahryar , Schönfelder Bruno , Scamozzi Maria , Zoschke Katja , Canzler Sebastian , Hackermüller Jörg , Ader Marius , Karl Mike O.
Published: October 2023

The possible applications for human retinal organoids (HROs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) rely on the robustness and transferability of the methodology for their generation. Standardized strategies and parameters to effectively assess, compare, and optimize organoid protocols are starting to be established, but are not yet complete. To advance this, we explored the efficiency and reliability of a differentiation method, called CYST protocol, that facilitates retina generation by forming neuroepithelial cysts from hiPSC clusters. Here, we tested seven different hiPSC lines which reproducibly generated HROs. Histological and ultrastructural analyses indicate that HRO differentiation and maturation are regulated. The different hiPSC lines appeared to be a larger source of variance than experimental rounds. Although previous reports have shown that HROs in several other protocols contain a rather low number of cones, HROs from the CYST protocol are consistently richer in cones and with a comparable ratio of cones, rods, and Müller glia. To provide further insight into HRO cell composition, we studied single cell RNA sequencing data and applied CaSTLe, a transfer learning approach. Additionally, we devised a potential strategy to systematically evaluate different organoid protocols side-by-side through parallel differentiation from the same hiPSC batches: In an explorative study, the CYST protocol was compared to a conceptually different protocol based on the formation of cell aggregates from single hiPSCs. Comparing four hiPSC lines showed that both protocols reproduced key characteristics of retinal epithelial structure and cell composition, but the CYST protocol provided a higher HRO yield. So far, our data suggest that CYST-derived HROs remained stable up to at least day 200, while single hiPSC-derived HROs showed spontaneous pathologic changes by day 200. Overall, our data provide insights into the efficiency, reproducibility, and stability of the CYST protocol for generating HROs, which will be useful for further optimizing organoid systems, as well as for basic and translational research applications.
Graph analysis of cortical reorganization after virtual reality-based rehabilitation following stroke: a pilot randomized study
Authors: Feitosa Jamille Almeida , Casseb Raphael Fernandes , Camargo Alline , Brandao Alexandre Fonseca , Li Li Min , Castellano Gabriela
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Stroke is the leading cause of functional disability worldwide. With the increase of the global population, motor rehabilitation of stroke survivors is of ever-increasing importance. In the last decade, virtual reality (VR) technologies for rehabilitation have been extensively studied, to be used instead of or together with conventional treatments such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy. The aim of this work was to evaluate the GestureCollection VR-based rehabilitation tool in terms of the brain changes and clinical outcomes of the patients.

Methods

Two groups of chronic patients underwent a rehabilitation treatment with (experimental) or without (control) complementation with GestureCollection. Functional magnetic resonance imaging exams and clinical assessments were performed before and after the treatment. A functional connectivity graph-based analysis was used to assess differences between the connections and in the network parameters strength and clustering coefficient.

Results

Patients in both groups showed improvement in clinical scales, but there were more increases in functional connectivity in the experimental group than in the control group.

Discussion

The experimental group presented changes in the connections between the frontoparietal and the somatomotor networks, associative cerebellum and basal ganglia, which are regions associated with reward-based motor learning. On the other hand, the control group also had results in the somatomotor network, in its ipsilateral connections with the thalamus and with the motor cerebellum, which are regions more related to a purely mechanical activity. Thus, the use of the GestureCollection system was successfully shown to promote neuroplasticity in several motor-related areas.
Neuromodulation-induced prehabilitation to leverage neuroplasticity before brain tumor surgery: a single-cohort feasibility trial protocol
Authors: Boccuni Leonardo , Abellaneda-Pérez Kilian , Martín-Fernández Jesús , Leno-Colorado David , Roca-Ventura Alba , Prats Bisbe Alba , Buloz-Osorio Edgar Antonio , Bartrés-Faz David , Bargalló Nuria , Cabello-Toscano María , Pariente José Carlos , Muñoz-Moreno Emma , Trompetto Carlo , Marinelli Lucio , Villalba-Martinez Gloria , Duffau Hugues , Pascual-Leone Álvaro , Tormos Muñoz Josep María
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Neurosurgery for brain tumors needs to find a complex balance between the effective removal of targeted tissue and the preservation of surrounding brain areas. Neuromodulation-induced cortical prehabilitation (NICP) is a promising strategy that combines temporary inhibition of critical areas (virtual lesion) with intensive behavioral training to foster the activation of alternative brain resources. By progressively reducing the functional relevance of targeted areas, the goal is to facilitate resection with reduced risks of neurological sequelae. However, it is still unclear which modality (invasive vs. non-invasive neuromodulation) and volume of therapy (behavioral training) may be optimal in terms of feasibility and efficacy.

Methods and analysis

Patients undertake between 10 and 20 daily sessions consisting of neuromodulation coupled with intensive task training, individualized based on the target site and neurological functions at risk of being compromised. The primary outcome of the proposed pilot, single-cohort trial is to investigate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a non-invasive NICP protocol on neuroplasticity and post-surgical outcomes. Secondary outcomes investigating longitudinal changes (neuroimaging, neurophysiology, and clinical) are measured pre-NICP, post-NICP, and post-surgery.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the Research Ethical Committee of Fundació Unió Catalana d'Hospitals (approval number: CEI 21/65, version 1, 13/07/2021). The results of the study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and presented at scientific congresses.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05844605.
Vestibular perceptual testing from lab to clinic: a review
Authors: Grove Colin R. , Klatt Brooke N. , Wagner Andrew R. , Anson Eric R.
Published: October 2023

Not all dizziness presents as vertigo, suggesting other perceptual symptoms for individuals with vestibular disease. These non-specific perceptual complaints of dizziness have led to a recent resurgence in literature examining vestibular perceptual testing with the aim to enhance clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. Recent evidence supports incorporating rehabilitation methods to retrain vestibular perception. This review describes the current field of vestibular perceptual testing from scientific laboratory techniques that may not be clinic friendly to some low-tech options that may be more clinic friendly. Limitations are highlighted suggesting directions for additional research.
The many faces of gastrointestinal dysfunction in stiff person syndrome spectrum disorders
Authors: Koshorek Jacqueline , Wang Yujie , Maldonado Daniela Pimentel , Reyes-Mantilla Maria I. , Obando Danielle , Balshi Alexandra , Comisac Michael , Pasricha Pankaj Jay , Newsome Scott D.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The effect of stiff person syndrome spectrum disorders (SPSD) on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is unknown. This case series aims to characterize the prevalence and types of GI dysfunction in individuals with SPSD.

Methods

A retrospective chart review included individuals diagnosed with SPSD with descriptors of GI symptoms in their medical records. SPSD phenotypes, type of motility test performed, and dysmotility pattern (upper, lower, or diffuse) were assessed. Descriptive statistics and univariate chi-square analyses were utilized.

Results

Of 240 individuals with SPSD, 32% reported GI symptoms, most were female (83.1%), and white (74%), with a median age at time of GI symptom onset of 50 ± 13 years. Most common symptoms reported were dysphagia (45%), constipation (40%), and nausea/vomiting (23%). Most individuals had classic SPS (47%) followed by SPS-plus (29%) and 82.9% were positive for serum antiGAD65 antibodies. Of 36 patients that underwent at least one GI motility test, 26 had evidence of upper, lower, or diffuse GI dysmotility (44.4%, 17%, and 4%, respectively). The group who did not undergo testing had a higher proportion of patients with DM.

Discussion

There is a high prevalence of GI symptoms and transit abnormalities in patients with SPSD. Future prospective, longitudinal studies are warranted to further assess GI symptoms in the context of SPSD and to determine if individuals with GI symptoms differ in prognosis or treatment response from those without GI symptoms. In the meantime, there should be a low threshold for motility testing in patients with SPSD.