bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paleoenvironmental characteristics and organic matter enrichment mechanisms of the upper Ordovician-lower Silurian organic-rich black shales in the Yangtze foreland basin, South China
Authors: Zhao Liang , Li Yong , Zou Chengjie , Zhao Shaoze , Wu Chaorong
Published: September 2023

The Wufeng Formation-Longmaxi Formation (O3w-S1l1) black shales within the Yangtze foreland basin (South China) hold significant potential as unconventional oil and gas resources. However, several challenges, including sluggish sedimentation rates, thin sedimentary layers, and notable homogeneity, hinder a comprehensive grasp of the organic matter enrichment (OME) mechanism within these shales. These challenges impede the exploration of unconventional oil and gas resources. This study aims to identify the O3w-S1l1 black shales in the Weiyuan area through a combined approach of organic and inorganic geochemical analyses. By doing so, it delves into the controlling mechanism behind OME in the black shales of the Yangtze foreland basin. The findings of this research reveal that the O3w-S1l1 black shales primarily consist of sapropelic kerogen and exhibit signs of over-maturation, with TOC content ranging from 0.43% to 8.21%. These shales are classified as organic-rich, mainly composed mixed and siliceous lithofacies. The presence of silica in the shales originates mainly from biogenic sources, and the highest TOC content coincides with a Sixs contribution of around 30% to the total silica content. During the late Katian, a global sea level drop led to an oxic paleoenvironment, transitioning into a euxinic paleoenvironment as sea levels rose in the early Rhuddanian. Notably, TOC content exhibited a significant correlation with paleoceanographic conditions (e.g., V/Cr, Ni/Co) and paleoproductivity levels (e.g., P/Al, Babio), while displaying a negative correlation with paleoclimate conditions (e.g., CIA, C-value), terrigenous detrital input intensity (e.g., Sixs, Ti/Al), and sedimentation rate ((La/Yb)N). Specifically, favourable conditions for OME encompass robust reducing seawater conditions, high paleoproductivity, a humid climate, reduced influx of terrigenous debris, and relatively elevated sedimentation rates. Regional tectonic movements (Guangxi movement) and fluctuations in relative sea levels exert influence over the deposition of O3w-S1l1 black shales. This study provides a valuable case study for exploring and developing shale gas resources within the Yangtze foreland basin.
Perceptions of invited seminar speakers and seminar organizers across university biology departments in virtual formats
Authors: Heim Ashley B. , Hutto Rachel
Published: September 2023

Research seminars are a staple within biology and other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) departments across academic institutions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, academic institutions across the U.S. had to rapidly transition courses, research programs, and other events from in-person to virtual environments—and departmental research seminars were no exception. We explored the perceptions of biology department seminar speakers and organizers regarding the benefits and challenges they experienced in the virtual format. We asked three primary research questions: (1) What challenges and benefits do invited seminar speakers in biology departments perceive regarding presenting seminars in the virtual environment? (2) What challenges and benefits do organizers of biology department seminars perceive regarding organizing seminars in the virtual environment? (3) How did biology department seminars change during the transition from an in-person to virtual format? In total, 39 seminar organizers and 90 seminar speakers completed surveys focused on their perceptions of virtual seminars. Using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, we found that numerous benefits and challenges are perceived by seminar speakers and organizers regarding virtual seminars. Speakers and organizers perceived similar benefits of virtual seminars including accessibility and diversity, while perceived challenges included the loss of professional networking opportunities and academic community. There was overwhelming consensus from speakers and organizers alike that virtual departmental seminars are professionally and academically valuable. However, while speakers’ chief motivator was in furthering their own networks, research collaborations, and research visibility, organizers primarily valued their own students’ or trainees’ career development as well as their own departmental community. Together, these findings demonstrate the potential benefits of continuing virtual seminars outside of the context of the COVID-19 pandemic from an equity perspective while also highlighting issues that must be addressed by organizers and attendees to ensure seminars retain their value.
Exploring the role of macrophages in the progression from atypical hyperplasia to endometrial carcinoma through single-cell transcriptomics and bulk transcriptomics analysis
Authors: Song Xiaolei , Na Re , Peng Nianghai , Cao Wenming , Ke Yan
Published: September 2023

Introduction

In this study, we aimed to identify key genes in endometrial cancer by conducting single-cell analysis of macrophages.

Methods

We sourced clinical data from the TCGA database as well as supplementary datasets GSE201926 and GSE173682. Using bulk-seq data of atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer, we pinpointed key differentially expressed genes. Single-cell RNA sequencing was utilized for further gene expression analysis. Cluster analysis was conducted on TCGA tumor data, identifying two distinct subtypes. Statistical methods employed included LASSO regression for diagnostic modeling and various clustering algorithms for subtype identification.

Results

We found that subtype B was closely related to cellular metabolism. A diagnostic model was established using LASSO regression and was based on the genes CDH18, H19, PAGE2B, PXDN, and THRB. This model effectively differentiated the prognosis of cervical cancer. We also constructed a prognosis model and a column chart based on these key genes.

Discussion

Through CIBERSORT analysis, CDH18 and PAGE2B were found to be strongly associated with macrophage M0. We propose that these genes influence the transformation from atypical endometrial hyperplasia to endometrial cancer by affecting macrophage M0. In conclusion, these key genes may serve as therapeutic targets for endometrial cancer. A new endometrial cancer risk prognosis model and column chart have been constructed based on these genes, offering a reliable direction for future cervical cancer treatment.
Chemical kinetics of near-surface ozone at a suburban location in India
Authors: Sagar Vijay Kumar , Kanchana Asuri Lakshmi , Nayak Rabindra Kumar , Fadnavis Suvarna , Kanawade Vijay P.
Published: September 2023

The spatial gradient in near-surface ozone (O3) is controlled by its production, sink, and net transport (advection/convection and diffusive) in the atmosphere. In this work, we used continuous long-term measurements of O3, oxides of nitrogen (NOx = NO + NO2), and meteorological data in the suburban location of Shadnagar, India. Data analyses were performed to investigate the governing processes that control O3 variability on diurnal and seasonal time scales. The role of chemistry in O3 variability, including both formation and destruction processes, was investigated using known chemical kinetics and a radiative transfer model. The residual between observations and chemical estimation was further analyzed to examine the role of transport and unresolved processes/uncertainty in the dataset. The O3 residual was duly validated using model reanalysis data of O3 and meteorological parameters to further estimate the O3 transport. Our analyses show that the average net production and net transport of near-surface O3 are 3.18 and 0.87 ppbv/h, respectively, while horizontal advection is 0.01 ppbv/h in the daytime. The production of ozone was found to be dominant, indicating the influx of ozone at the site. Overall, our results highlight that spatio-temporal variability in near-surface ozone is strongly controlled by net production in Shadnagar and may be applicable in similar environments globally.
T cell memory revisited using single telomere length analysis
Authors: Roger Laureline , Miners Kelly L. , Leonard Louise , Grimstead Julia W. , Price David A. , Baird Duncan M. , Ladell Kristin
Published: September 2023

The fundamental basis of T cell memory remains elusive. It is established that antigen stimulation drives clonal proliferation and differentiation, but the relationship between cellular phenotype, replicative history, and longevity, which is likely essential for durable memory, has proven difficult to elucidate. To address these issues, we used conventional markers of differentiation to identify and isolate various subsets of CD8+ memory T cells and measured telomere lengths in these phenotypically defined populations using the most sensitive technique developed to date, namely single telomere length analysis (STELA). Naive cells were excluded on the basis of dual expression of CCR7 and CD45RA. Memory subsets were sorted as CD27+CD45RA+, CD27intCD45RA+, CD27−CD45RA+, CD27+CD45RAint, CD27−CD45RAint, CD27+CD45RA−, and CD27−CD45RA− at >98% purity. The shortest median telomere lengths were detected among subsets that lacked expression of CD45RA, and the longest median telomere lengths were detected among subsets that expressed CD45RA. Longer median telomere lengths were also a feature of subsets that expressed CD27 in compartments defined by the absence or presence of CD45RA. Collectively, these data suggested a disconnect between replicative history and CD8+ memory T cell differentiation, which is classically thought to be a linear process that culminates with revertant expression of CD45RA.
Causal associations of gut microbiota and metabolites on sepsis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhao Jian , Pan Xin , Hao Di , Zhao Yi , Chen Yuanzhuo , Zhou Shuqin , Peng Hu , Zhuang Yugang
Published: September 2023

Background

Sepsis stands as a dire medical condition, arising when the body’s immune response to infection spirals into overdrive, paving the way for potential organ damage and potential mortality. With intestinal flora’s known impact on sepsis but a dearth of comprehensive data, our study embarked on a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to probe the causal link between gut microbiota and their metabolites with severe sepsis patients who succumbed within a 28-day span.

Methods

Leveraging data from Genome-wide association study (GWAS) and combining it with data from 2,076 European descendants in the Framingham Heart Study, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were employed as Instrumental Variables (IVs) to discern gene loci affiliated with metabolites. GWAS summary statistics for sepsis were extracted from the UK Biobank consortium.

Results

In this extensive exploration, 93 distinct genome-wide significant SNPs correlated with gut microbial metabolites and specific bacterial traits were identified for IVs construction. Notably, a substantial link between Coprococcus2 and both the incidence (OR of 0.80, 95% CI: 0.68-0.94, P=0.007) and the 28-day mortality rate (OR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.27-0.85, P=0.013) of sepsis was observed. The metabolite α-hydroxybutyrate displayed a marked association with sepsis onset (OR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15, P=0.006) and its 28-day mortality rate (OR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.01-1.36, P=0.029).

Conclusion

This research unveils the intricate interplay between the gut microbial consortium, especially the genus Coprococcus, and the metabolite α-hydroxybutyrate in the milieu of sepsis. The findings illuminate the pivotal role of intestinal microbiota and their metabolites in sepsis’ pathogenesis, offering fresh insights for future research and hinting at novel strategies for sepsis’ diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and prognostic assessments.
Clinical features of myasthenia gravis with neurological and systemic autoimmune diseases
Authors: Zhu Ying , Wang Benqiao , Hao Yuehan , Zhu Ruixia
Published: September 2023

Multiple reports on the co-existence of autoimmune diseases and myasthenia gravis (MG) have raised considerable concern. Therefore, we reviewed autoimmune diseases in MG to explore their clinical presentations and determine whether the presence of autoimmune diseases affects the disease severity and treatment strategies for MG. We reviewed all the major immune-mediated coexisting autoimmune conditions associated with MG. PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies from their inception to January 2023. There is a higher frequency of concomitant autoimmune diseases in patients with MG than in the general population with a marked risk in women. Most autoimmune comorbidities are linked to AChR-MG; however, there are few reports of MuSK-MG. Thyroid disorders, systemic lupus erythematosus, and vitiligo are the most common system autoimmune diseases associated with MG. In addition, MG can coexist with neurological autoimmune diseases, such as neuromyelitis optica (NMO), inflammatory myopathy (IM), multiple sclerosis (MS), and autoimmune encephalitis (AE), with NMO being the most common. Autoimmune diseases appear to develop more often in early-onset MG (EOMG). MS coexists more commonly with EOMG, while IM coexists with LOMG. In addition, MG complicated by autoimmune diseases tends to have mild clinical manifestations, and the coexistence of autoimmune diseases does not influence the clinical course of MG. The clinical course of neurological autoimmune diseases is typically severe. Autoimmune diseases occur most often after MG or as a combined abnormality; therefore, timely thymectomy followed by immunotherapy could be effective. In addition, thymoma-associated AChR MG is associated with an increased risk of AE and IM, whereas NMO and MS are associated with thymic hyperplasia. The co-occurrence of MG and autoimmune diseases could be attributed to similar immunological mechanisms with different targets and common genetic factor predisposition. This review provides evidence of the association between MG and several comorbid autoimmune diseases.
Friedewald formula may be used to calculate non-HDL-C from LDL-C and TG
Authors: Romaszko Jerzy , Gromadziński Leszek , Buciński Adam
Published: September 2023

Background

The Friedewald formula (FF) was originally designed 50 years ago and has been in use to this day despite better methods for estimating LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). Its success was mainly due to its simplicity. Nowadays most laboratories determine or can determine LDL-C by the direct method. The SCORE2 tables, recommended by the European Society of Cardiology, are based on non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C). To calculate its value, one needs to know the values of total cholesterol (TC) and HDL-C. The presented idea is to use the FF to calculate non-HDL-C based on the values of LDL-C and TG instead of TC and HDL-C.

Methods and findings

Based on database of 26,914 laboratory results, covering the complete lipid panel, the error regarding non-HDL-C values calculated in both ways (recommended and proposed) was determined. The average error in the LDL-C value calculated with the FF compared to the LDL-C value measured in the laboratory is 9.77%, while for non-HDL-C the error between the calculated and laboratory-determined value amounts to 8.88%. The proposed transformation of the FF also yields a much lower percentage of error calculations. Both LDL-C and non-HDL-C (calculated) in our material are strongly correlated with LDL-C and non-HDL-C (measured) values of r = 0.965 (p < 0.000) and r = 0.962 (p < 0.000), respectively.

Conclusion

Non-HDL-C may be calculated based on the values of LDL-C and TG (without the need to determine the levels of TC and HDL-C). The proposed calculation may greatly reduce the cost of testing, given the price of a complete lipid profile.
Prospective associations between hand grip strength and subsequent depressive symptoms in men and women aged 50 years and older: insights from the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe
Authors: Mendorf Sarah , Schönenberg Aline , Heimrich Konstantin G. , Prell Tino
Published: September 2023

Introduction

In previous cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, depressive symptoms have been associated with lower hand grip strength (HGS), which is a convenient measure of overall muscular strength and serves as a marker of poor health. Most studies have considered low sample sizes or highly selective patient cohorts.

Methods

We studied the association between depressive symptoms (EURO-D) and HGS in three waves from the cross-national panel dataset Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Linear regressions and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were conducted to determine factors associated with depressive symptoms and investigate whether HGS predicts future depressive symptoms.

Results

Cross-sectional HGS explained 7.0% (Wave 4), 5.7% (Wave 5), and 6.4% (Wave 6) of the EURO-D variance. In the GEE, we analyzed people without depression in Wave 4 (N = 39,572). HGS predicted future EURO-D (B = −0.21, OR = 0.979, 95%CI (0.979, 0.980), p < 0.001) and remained a significant predictor of future depressive symptoms after adjustment for age, sex, psychosocial and physical covariates.

Discussion

Muscle strength is a known marker for physical health, but a relation with mental health has also been proposed previously. This study confirmed the link between HGS and depressive symptoms in men and women aged ≥50 years in a large longitudinal dataset. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms behind this link to determine whether HGS can serve as a specific marker of depressive symptomology, or whether they coexist due to common underlying disease processes.
Prognostic assessment of liver cirrhosis and its complications: current concepts and future perspectives
Authors: Gülcicegi Dilan Elcin , Goeser Tobias , Kasper Philipp
Published: September 2023

Liver cirrhosis is an irreversible stage of chronic liver disease with varying clinical course. Acute decompensation of liver cirrhosis represents a watershed in prognosis and is characterized by the occurrence of clinical complications such as ascites, jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, infections, or portal-hypertensive hemorrhages. Emergent data indicate that an acute decompensation can be subdivided into stable decompensated cirrhosis (SDC), unstable decompensated cirrhosis (UDC), pre-acute-on chronic liver failure (pre-ACLF) and acute-on chronic liver failure (ACLF), while the mortality risk varies greatly between the respective subgroups. ACLF is the most severe form of acutely decompensated cirrhosis and characterized by the development of organ failure(s) and a high short-term mortality. Due to the dynamic disease course of acute decompensation, it is paramount to detect patients at particular risk for severe complications those at high risk for developing ACLF as early as possible in order to initiate optimal management. This review describes new concepts and perspectives in the definition and classification of decompensated cirrhosis and provides on overview on emerging predictive scoring systems, non-invasive measurement methods and new biomarkers, which allow an early identification of patients with acute decompensation at risk.
Characterization of an isolated lactase enzyme produced by Bacillus licheniformis ALSZ2 as a potential pharmaceutical supplement for lactose intolerance
Authors: Amin Alaa A. , Olama Zakia A. , Ali Safaa M.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Lactose intolerance is a widespread problem that affects people of many different races all over the world. The following pharmacological supplements can improve the lives of those who suffer from this issue.

Methods

This work focused on lactase producer isolation and statistical design (Plackett–Burman, and BOX–Behnken) to maximize the effectiveness of environmental factors. A lactase-producing bacterium was chosen from a discovery of 100 strains in soil that had previously been polluted with dairy products. Plackett-Burman investigated fifteen variables.

Results

The most critical variables that lead to increased lactase synthesis are glucose, peptone, and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). The ideal process conditions for the creation of lactase yield among the stated variables were then determined using a BOX-Benken design. To establish a polynomial quadratic relationship between the three variables and lactase activity, the Box–Behnken design level was used. The EXCEL-solver nonlinear optimization technique was used to predict the best form for lactase production. The ideal temperature and pH levels have been determined, both before and after the lactase purification process, to achieve the highest performance of isolated lactase.

Conclusion

According to this study, Bacillus licheniformis is a perfect supply of the lactase enzyme (β -Galactosidase), It can be used as a product to assist people who have health issues due to lactose intolerance.
C500 variants conveying complete mucosal immunity against fatal infections of pigs with Salmonella enterica serovar Choleraesuis C78-1 or F18+ Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Liu Guoping , Li Chunqi , Liao Shengrong , Guo Aizhen , Wu Bin , Chen Huanchun
Published: September 2023

Salmonella enterica serovar Choleraesuis (S. Choleraesuis) C500 strain is a live, attenuated vaccine strain that has been used in China for over 40 years to prevent piglet paratyphoid. However, this vaccine is limited by its toxicity and does not offer protection against diseases caused by F18+ Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), which accounts for substantial economic losses in the swine industry. We recently generated a less toxic derivative of C500 strain with both asd and crp deletion (S. Choleraesuis C520) and assessed its efficacy in mice. In addition, we demonstrate that C520 is also less toxic in pigs and is effective in protecting pigs against S. Choleraesuis when administered orally. To develop a vaccine with a broader range of protection, we prepared a variant of C520 (S. Choleraesuis C522), which expresses rSF, a fusion protein comprised of the fimbriae adhesin domain FedF and the Shiga toxin-producing IIe B domain antigen. For comparison, we also prepared a control vector strain (S. Choleraesuis C521). After oral vaccination of pigs, these strains contributed to persistent colonization of the intestinal mucosa and lymphoid tissues and elicited both cytokine expression and humoral immune responses. Furthermore, oral immunization with C522 elicited both S. Choleraesuis and rSF-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA antibodies in the sera and gut mucosa, respectively. To further evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of these strains as mucosal delivery vectors via oral vaccination, we evaluated their protective efficacy against fatal infection with S. Choleraesuis C78-1, as well as the F18+ Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli field strain Ee, which elicits acute edema disease. C521 conferred complete protection against fatal infection with C78-1; and C522 conferred complete protection against fatal infection with both C78-1 and Ee. Our results suggest that C520, C521, and C522 are competent to provide complete mucosal immune protection against fatal infection with S. Choleraesuis in swine and that C522 equally qualifies as an oral vaccine vector for protection against F18+ Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli.
Designing a multi-epitope vaccine to control porcine epidemic diarrhea virus infection using immunoinformatics approaches
Authors: Hou Wei , Wu Heqiong , Wang Sibei , Wang Wenting , Wang Bin , Wang Haidong
Published: September 2023

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), a continuously evolving pathogen, causes severe diarrhea in piglets with high mortality rates. However, current vaccines cannot provide complete protection against PEDV, so vaccine development is still necessary and urgent. Here, with the help of immunoinformatics approaches, we attempted to design a multi-epitope vaccine named rPMEV to prevent and control PEDV infection. The epitopes of rPMEV were constructed by 9 cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes (CTLs), 11 helper T lymphocyte epitopes (HTLs), 6 linear B cell epitopes (LBEs), and 4 conformational B cell epitopes (CBEs) based on the S proteins from the four representative PEDV G2 strains. To enhance immunogenicity, porcine β-defensin-2 (PBD-2) was adjoined to the N-terminal of the vaccine as an adjuvant. All of the epitopes and PBD-2 were joined by corresponding linkers and recombined into the multivalent vaccine, which is stable, antigenic, and non-allergenic. Furthermore, we adopted molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation methods to analyze the interaction of rPMEV with the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4): a stable interaction between them created by 13 hydrogen bonds. In addition, the results of the immune simulation showed that rPMEV could stimulate both cellular and humoral immune responses. Finally, to raise the expression efficiency, the sequence of the vaccine protein was cloned into the pET28a (+) vector after the codon optimization. These studies indicate that the designed multi-epitope vaccine has a potential protective effect, providing a theoretical basis for further confirmation of its protective effect against PEDV infection in vitro and in vivo studies.
Learning adaptive reaching and pushing skills using contact information
Authors: Wang Shuaijun , Sun Lining , Zha Fusheng , Guo Wei , Wang Pengfei
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we propose a deep reinforcement learning-based framework that enables adaptive and continuous control of a robot to push unseen objects from random positions to the target position. Our approach takes into account contact information in the design of the reward function, resulting in improved success rates, generalization for unseen objects, and task efficiency compared to policies that do not consider contact information. Through reinforcement learning using only one object in simulation, we obtain a learned policy for manipulating a single object, which demonstrates good generalization when applied to the task of pushing unseen objects. Finally, we validate the effectiveness of our approach in real-world scenarios.
Brain pericyte biology: from physiopathological mechanisms to potential therapeutic applications in ischemic stroke
Authors: Fu Jiaqi , Liang Huazheng , Yuan Ping , Wei Zhenyu , Zhong Ping
Published: September 2023

Pericytes play an indispensable role in various organs and biological processes, such as promoting angiogenesis, regulating microvascular blood flow, and participating in immune responses. Therefore, in this review, we will first introduce the discovery and development of pericytes, identification methods and functional characteristics, then focus on brain pericytes, on the one hand, to summarize the functions of brain pericytes under physiological conditions, mainly discussing from the aspects of stem cell characteristics, contractile characteristics and paracrine characteristics; on the other hand, to summarize the role of brain pericytes under pathological conditions, mainly taking ischemic stroke as an example. Finally, we will discuss and analyze the application and development of pericytes as therapeutic targets, providing the research basis and direction for future microvascular diseases, especially ischemic stroke treatment.
Visuospatial cognition in acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy
Authors: Oh Sun-Young , Nguyen Thanh Tin , Kang Jin-Ju , Kirsch Valerie , Boegle Rainer , Kim Ji-Soo , Dieterich Marianne
Published: September 2023

Background

This study aims to investigate the presence of spatial cognitive impairments in patients with acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy (vestibular neuritis, AUPV) during both the acute phase and the recovery phase.

Methods

A total of 72 AUPV patients (37 with right-sided AUPV and 35 with left-sided AUPV; aged 34–80 years, median 60.5; 39 males, 54.2%) and 35 healthy controls (HCs; aged 43–75 years, median 59; 20 males, 57.1%) participated in the study. Patients underwent comprehensive neurotological assessments, including video-oculography, video head impulse and caloric tests, ocular and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials, and pure-tone audiometry. Additionally, the Visual Object and Space Perception (VOSP) battery was used to evaluate visuospatial perception, while the Block design test and Corsi block-tapping test assessed visuospatial memory within the first 2 days (acute phase) and 4 weeks after symptom onset (recovery phase).

Results

Although AUPV patients were able to successfully perform visuospatial perception tasks within normal parameters, they demonstrated statistically worse performance on the visuospatial memory tests compared to HCs during the acute phase. When comparing right versus left AUPV groups, significant decreased scores in visuospatial perception and memory were observed in the right AUPV group relative to the left AUPV group. In the recovery phase, patients showed substantial improvements even in these previously diminished visuospatial cognitive performances.

Conclusion

AUPV patients showed different spatial cognition responses, like spatial memory, depending on the affected ear, improving with vestibular compensation over time. We advocate both objective and subjective visuospatial assessments and the development of tests to detect potential cognitive deficits after unilateral vestibular impairments.
Effect of acupuncture on BDNF signaling pathways in several nervous system diseases
Authors: Miao Chenxin , Li Xiaoning , Zhang Yishu
Published: September 2023

In recent years, the understanding of the mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of neurological disorders has deepened, and considerable progress has been made in basic and clinical research on acupuncture, but the relationship between acupuncture treatment mechanisms and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has not yet been elucidated. A wealth of evidence has shown that acupuncture exhibits a dual regulatory function of activating or inhibiting different BDNF pathways. This review focuses on recent research advances on the effect of acupuncture on BDNF and downstream signaling pathways in several neurological disorders. Firstly, the signaling pathways of BDNF and its function in regulating plasticity are outlined. Furthermore, this review discusses explicitly the regulation of BDNF by acupuncture in several nervous system diseases, including neuropathic pain, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral ischemia, depression, spinal cord injury, and other diseases. The underlying mechanisms of BDNF regulation by acupuncture are also discussed. This review aims to improve the theoretical system of the mechanism of acupuncture action through further elucidation of the mechanism of acupuncture modulation of BDNF in the treatment of neurological diseases and to provide evidence to support the wide application of acupuncture in clinical practice.
Not so different after all? An event-related potential study on item and source memory for object-scene pairs in German and Chinese young adults
Authors: Weigl Michael , Shao Qi , Wang Enno , Zheng Zhiwei , Li Juan , Kray Jutta , Mecklinger Axel
Published: September 2023

In recent years, several cross-cultural studies reported that Westerners focus more on central aspects of a scene (e.g., an object) relative to peripheral aspects (e.g., the background), whereas Easterners more evenly allocate attention to central and peripheral aspects. In memory tasks, Easterners exhibit worse recognition for the central object when peripheral aspects are changed, whereas Westerners are less affected by peripheral changes. However, most of these studies rely on hit rates without correcting for response bias, whereas studies accounting for response bias failed to replicate cultural differences in memory tasks. In this event-related potential (ERP) study, we investigated item and source memory for semantically unrelated object-scene pairs in German and Chinese young adults using memory measures corrected for response bias (i.e., the discrimination index Pr). Both groups completed study-test cycles with either item memory tests or source memory tests. In item memory blocks, participants completed an old/new recognition test for the central object. Source memory blocks entailed an associative recognition test for the association between object and background. Item and source memory were better for intact than for recombined pairs. However, as verified with frequentist and Bayesian analyzes, this context effect was not modulated by culture. The ERP results revealed an old/new effect for the item memory task in both groups which was again not modulated by culture. Our findings suggest that cultural differences in young adults do not manifest in intentional memory tasks probing memory for object-scene pairs without semantic relations when using bias-corrected memory measures.
Interim guidelines for the assessment and treatment of pain in children with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Stratton Catherine , Vassilopoulos Areti , Brenton J. Nicholas , Potter Kirsten , Vargas Wendy , Rumm Heather , Bartels Andrea , Bailey Mary , Odonkor Charles , Stoll Sharon , Zempsky E. William T. , Yeh E. Ann , Makhani Naila
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Pain in multiple sclerosis (MS) is common, but literature on pain in children with MS remains scarce. Pain has physical, psychological, and social implications in MS, and both comprehensive assessment and interdisciplinary management approaches are needed. We sought to develop an interdisciplinary interim guideline for the assessment and management of pain in children with MS.

Methods and materials

We convened a modified Delphi panel composed of 13 experts in pediatric and adult MS neurology, physiotherapy, pain, patient lived-experience, advanced practice nursing, psychology, physiatry, and MS research. A survey was sent to panelists for anonymous completion. The panel discussed survey themes extracted by the panel chair. The process was repeated twice.

Results

Thirteen assessment and treatment recommendations were produced regarding pain in children with MS.

Discussion

Future studies will assess implementation of these pain assessment and treatment guidelines in the clinical setting.
The rubber hand illusion evaluated using different stimulation modalities
Authors: Svensson Pamela , Malešević Nebojša , Wijk Ulrika , Björkman Anders , Antfolk Christian
Published: September 2023

Tactile feedback plays a vital role in inducing ownership and improving motor control of prosthetic hands. However, commercially available prosthetic hands typically do not provide tactile feedback and because of that the prosthetic user must rely on visual input to adjust the grip. The classical rubber hand illusion (RHI) where a brush is stroking the rubber hand, and the user’s hidden hand synchronously can induce ownership of a rubber hand. In the classic RHI the stimulation is modality-matched, meaning that the stimulus on the real hand matches the stimulus on the rubber hand. The RHI has also been used in previous studies with a prosthetic hand as the “rubber hand,” suggesting that a hand prosthesis can be incorporated within the amputee’s body scheme. Interestingly, previous studies have shown that stimulation with a mismatched modality, where the rubber hand was brushed, and vibrations were felt on the hidden hand also induced the RHI. The aim of this study was to compare how well mechanotactile, vibrotactile, and electrotactile feedback induced the RHI in able-bodied participants and forearm amputees. 27 participants with intact hands and three transradial amputees took part in a modified RHI experiment. The rubber hand was stroked with a brush, and the participant’s hidden hand/residual limb received stimulation with either brush stroking, electricity, pressure, or vibration. The three latter stimulations were modality mismatched with regard to the brushstroke. Participants were tested for ten different combinations (stimulation blocks) where the stimulations were applied on the volar (glabrous skin), and dorsal (hairy skin) sides of the hand. Outcome was assessed using two standard tests (questionnaire and proprioceptive drift). All types of stimulation induced RHI but electrical and vibration stimulation induced a stronger RHI than pressure. After completing more stimulation blocks, the proprioceptive drift test showed that the difference between pre- and post-test was reduced. This indicates that the illusion was drifting toward the rubber hand further into the session.
Association of folic acid dosage with circulating unmetabolized folic acid in Chinese adults with H-type hypertension: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Ping , Tang Linlin , Song Yun , Wang Binyan , Qin Xianhui , Zhang Nan , Wei Yaping , Xu Xiping , Zhou Ziyi , He Qiangqiang , Liu Lishun , Siddiqi Sultan Mehmood , Huang Xiao , Cheng Xiaoshu , Tang Genfu , Duan Yong , Zhou Houqing , Jiang Jie , Li Sha
Published: September 2023

Background

There is growing concern regarding elevated levels of circulating unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) due to excessive intake of folic acid (FA). However, no randomized clinical trial has been conducted to examine the FA-UMFA dose-response relationship.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the FA-UMFA dose-response relationship in Chinese adults with hypertension and elevated homocysteine (H-type hypertension), a population with clear clinical indication for FA treatment.

Methods

The data for this study were derived from a randomized, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial of 8 FA dosages on efficacy of homocysteine (Hcy) lowering. The parent trial had three 3 stages: screening period (2–10 days), run-in period (0–2 weeks, baseline visit), and double-blind treatment period (8 weeks) with follow-up visits at the end of the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th weeks of treatment. Participants were randomly assigned to 8 treatment groups corresponding to FA dosages of 0, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0 mg to 2.4 mg.

Results

This study included 1,567 Chinese adults aged ≥45 years with H-type hypertension. There was a positive but non-linear association between FA supplementation and UMFA levels in the dosage range of 0 mg to 2.4 mg. In the regression analysis, the coefficients for the linear and quadratic terms of FA dosage were both statistically significant (P < 0.001). Notably, the slope for UMFA was greater for FA dosages >0.8 mg (ß = 11.21, 95% CI: 8.97, 13.45) compared to FA dosages ≤0.8 mg (ß = 2.94, 95% CI: 2.59, 3.29). Furthermore, FA dosages higher than 0.8 mg did not confer additional benefits in terms of increasing 5-methyl tetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF, active form of folate) or reducing homocysteine (Hcy).

Conclusion

In Chinese adults with H-type hypertension, this study showed a positive, non-linear, dosage-response relationship between FA supplementation ranging from 0 to 2.4 mg and circulating UMFA levels. It revealed that 0.8 mg FA is an optimal dosage in terms of balancing efficacy (increasing 5-MTHF and lowering Hcy) while minimizing undesirable elevation of UMFA.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03472508?term=NCT03472508&draw=2&rank=1, identifier NCT03472508.
Management of metastatic endometrial cancer: physicians’ choices beyond the first line after approval of checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Arezzo Francesca , Giannone Gaia , Castaldo Daniele , Scotto Giulia , Tuninetti Valentina , Turinetto Margherita , Bartoletti Michele , Mammoliti Serafina , Artioli Grazia , Mangili Giorgia , Salutari Vanda , Lorusso Domenica , Cormio Gennaro , Loizzi Vera , Zamagni Claudio , Savarese Antonella , Di Maio Massimo , Ronzino Graziana , Pisano Carmela , Pignata Sandro , Valabrega Giorgio
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Endometrial cancer (EC) represents 3.4% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases and is responsible for 2.1% of all cancer-related deaths. Approximately 10%–15% of women with EC are diagnosed with advanced-stage disease, resulting in a reported 5-year survival rate of only 17% for those with distant metastases. A better understanding of its molecular features has ushered in a new era of immunotherapy for the treatment of EC, allowing for alternative therapeutic approaches, even in cases of advanced disease.

Methods

We administered a multi-choice online survey for Multicenter Italian Trials in Ovarian cancer and gynecologic malignancies (MITO) members. The questionnaire was available for 2 months, starting in October 2022. Our objective was to evaluate the current attitude of incorporating molecular characterization of EC into routine clinical practice, appraise the implementation of newly available therapies, and compare the outcomes with the previous survey conducted in April–May 2021 to ascertain the actual changes that have transpired during this recent time period.

Results

The availability of molecular classification in Italian centers has changed in 1 year. Seventy-five percent of centers performed the molecular classification compared with 55.6% of the previous survey. Although this percentage has increased, only 18% performed all the tests. Significant changes have occurred in the administration of new treatments in EC patients in MITO centers. In 2022, 82.1% of the centers administrated dostarlimab in recurrent or advanced MMR-deficient (dMMR) EC experiencing disease progression after platinum-based chemotherapy regimens, compared to only 24.4% in 2021. In 2022, 85.7% of the centers already administrated the pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib combination as a second-line therapy for MMR-proficient (pMMR) patients with advanced or recurrent EC who had progressed from first-line platinum-based therapy.

Conclusion

Both the therapeutic and diagnostic scenarios have changed over the last couple of years in MITO centers, with an increased prescription of immune checkpoint inhibitors and use of the molecular classification.
A new method for evaluating lung volume: AI-3D reconstruction
Authors: Rui Wang , Yuhang Shang , Yang Li , Yue Yang , Ze Tang , Yujie Zhao , Xiaochao Ma , Da Qin , Youbin Cui , Tianyu Lu
Published: September 2023

Objective: This study aims to explore the clinical application of an AI-3D reconstruction system in measuring lung volume and analyze its practical value in donor-recipient size matching in lung transplantation.

Methods: The study retrospectively collected data from 75 subjects who underwent a plethysmography examination and lung CT at the First Hospital of Jilin University. General data and information related to lung function, and imaging results were collected. The correlation between actual total lung volume (aTLV), predicted total lung volume (pTLV), and artificial intelligence three-dimensional reconstruction CT lung volume (AI-3DCTVol) was analyzed for the overall, male, and female groups. The correlation coefficient and the absolute error percentage with pTLV and AI-3DCTVol were obtained.

Results: In the overall, male, and female groups, there were statistical differences (p <0.05) between the pTLV formula and AI-3D reconstruction compared to the plethysmography examination value. The ICC between pTLV and aTLV for all study participants was 0.788 (95% CI: 0.515–0.893), p <0.001. Additionally, the ICC value between AI-3D reconstruction and aTLV was 0.792 (95% CI: 0.681–0.866), p <0.001. For male study participants, the ICC between pTLV and aTLV was 0.330 (95% CI: 0.032–0.617), p = 0.006. Similarly, the ICC value between AI-3D reconstruction and aTLV was 0.413 (95% CI: 0.089–0.662), p = 0.007. In the case of female research subjects, the ICC between pTLV and aTLV was 0.279 (95% CI: 0.001–0.523), p = 0.012. Further, the ICC value between AI-3D reconstruction and aTLV was 0.615 (95% CI: 0.561–0.870), p <0.001.

Conclusion: The AI-3D reconstruction, as a convenient method, has significant potential for application in lung transplantation.
Phosphorylation mediated regulation of RNA splicing in plants
Authors: Rodriguez Gallo Maria Camila , Uhrig R. Glen
Published: September 2023

For the past two decades, the study of alternative splicing (AS) and its involvement in plant development and stress response has grown in popularity. Only recently however, has the focus shifted to the study of how AS regulation (or lack-thereof) affects downstream mRNA and protein landscapes and how these AS regulatory events impact plant development and stress tolerance. In humans, protein phosphorylation represents one of the predominant mechanisms by which AS is regulated and thus the protein kinases governing these phosphorylation events are of interest for further study. Large-scale phosphoproteomic studies in plants have consistently found that RNA splicing-related proteins are extensively phosphorylated, however, the signaling pathways involved in AS regulation have not been resolved. In this mini-review, we summarize our current knowledge of the three major splicing-related protein kinase families in plants that are suggested to mediate AS phospho-regulation and draw comparisons to their metazoan orthologs. We also summarize and contextualize the phosphorylation events identified as occurring on splicing-related protein families to illustrate the high degree to which splicing-related proteins are modified, placing a new focus on elucidating the impacts of AS at the protein and PTM-level.
Decoding cultural conflicts
Authors: Koçak Özgecan , Puranam Phanish , Yegin Afşar
Published: September 2023

As pioneers of the Carnegie Perspective recognized, conflicts in organizations can exist even when incentives of all parties are aligned. These can often be traced to differences in cognitions such as beliefs and values, which are foundational components of any given culture. This paper refines the operationalization of cultural clashes by identifying differences in beliefs about causality (“which actions cause which outcomes”) and morality (in the broad sense of “what is evaluated as desirable”) as two fundamental sources of conflict. In our first study, we demonstrate empirically that participants recognize and distinguish between these two sources of conflict. In our second study, we test the hypotheses that while misalignments in either causal or moral codes increase observers' perceptions of relationship conflict, negative affect, likelihood of avoidance, and lower perceived likelihood of conflict resolution, the effects are stronger for misalignments in moral codes than misalignments in causal codes and strongest when both causal and moral codes are misaligned. We test these arguments using vignette-based experimental studies. Our findings support our hypotheses. This research has significant implications for the understanding of conflict dynamics within and beyond organizational contexts. By recognizing the pivotal role of cultural differences in shaping conflicts, organizations and decision-makers can better anticipate, manage, and potentially preempt such conflicts.