bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen-doped mesoporous activated carbon from Lentinus edodes residue: an optimized adsorbent for pharmaceuticals in aqueous solutions
Authors: Chu Bei , Lou Yichen , Tan Yixin , Lin Jiawei , Liu Xingcheng
Published: June 2024

In this study, phosphoric acid activation was employed to synthesize nitrogen-doped mesoporous activated carbon (designated as MR1) from Lentinus edodes (shiitake mushroom) residue, while aiming to efficiently remove acetaminophen (APAP), carbamazepine (CBZ), and metronidazole (MNZ) from aqueous solutions. We characterized the physicochemical properties of the produced adsorbents using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption isotherms, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). MR1, MR2, and MR3 were prepared using phosphoric acid impregnation ratios of 1, 2, and 3 mL/g, respectively. Notably, MR1 exhibited a significant mesoporous structure with a volume of 0.825 cm3/g and a quaternary nitrogen content of 2.6%. This endowed MR1 with a high adsorption capacity for APAP, CBZ, and MNZ, positioning it as a promising candidate for water purification applications. The adsorption behavior of the contaminants followed the Freundlich isotherm model, suggesting a multilayer adsorption process. Notably, MR1 showed excellent durability and recyclability, maintaining 95% of its initial adsorption efficiency after five regeneration cycles and indicating its potential for sustainable use in water treatment processes.
Association between bedtime and female infertility: a secondary analysis from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Hanzhi , Zhang Jun , Chen Wenxiu , Liu Hongyu , Chen Jingfei , Chen Jianlin
Published: June 2024

Objective

To evaluate the association between bedtime and infertility and to identify the optimal bedtime for women of reproductive age.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from 3,903 female participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2015 to 2020. The effect of bedtime on female infertility was assessed using the binary logistic regression in different models, including crude model and adjusted models. To identify the non-linear correlation between bedtime and infertility, generalized additive models (GAM) were utilized. Subgroup analyses were conducted by age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, physical activity total time, marital status, smoking status, drinking status and sleep duration.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders (age, race, sleep duration, waist circumference, marital status, education, BMI, smoking status, drinking status and physical activity total time), a non-linear relationship was observed between bedtime and infertility, with the inflection point at 22:45. To the left side of the inflection point, no significant association was detected. However, to the right of it, bedtime was positively related to the infertility (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.39; P = 0.0049). Subgroup analyses showed that late sleepers with higher BMI were more prone to infertility than those with a lower BMI (BMI: 25–30 kg/m2: OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.51; P = 0.0136; BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²: OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.34; P = 0.0014).

Conclusion

Bedtime was non-linearly associated with infertility, which may provide guidance for sleep behavior in women of childbearing age.
Biogenic amines in the testis: sources, receptors and actions
Authors: Frungieri Monica Beatriz , Mayerhofer Artur
Published: June 2024

Biogenic amines are signaling molecules with multiple roles in the central nervous system and in peripheral organs, including the gonads. A series of studies indicated that these molecules, their biosynthetic enzymes and their receptors are present in the testis and that they are involved in the regulation of male reproductive physiology and/or pathology. This mini-review aims to summarize the current knowledge in this field and to pinpoint existing research gaps. We suggest that the widespread clinical use of pharmacological agonists/antagonists of these signaling molecules, calls for new investigations in this area. They are necessary to evaluate the relevance of biogenic amines for human male fertility and infertility, as well as the potential value of at least one of them as an anti-aging compound in the testis.
Emotional dispositions and intracerebral hemorrhage: a Mendelian Randomization insight
Authors: Hou Tian , Xu Yipeng , Buaijier Aili , Yu Xuetao , Guo Yuchen , Zhang Di , Liu Peng
Published: June 2024

Background

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe form of stroke with high mortality and limited treatment options. While traditional risk factors like hypertension have been well-studied, the role of emotional states as acute triggers for ICH remains unclear. This study employs Mendelian Randomization (MR) to investigate the causal relationship between emotional traits of worry and anxiety and the incidence of ICH.

Methods

We used a two-sample MR approach, leveraging summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for emotional traits and ICH. The primary analysis was conducted using the Inverse-Variance Weighted (IVW) method, supplemented by multiple sensitivity analyses including Maximum Likelihood and MR PRESSO methods.

Results

Our MR analysis revealed a robust and significant causal relationship between the emotional trait “Worrier/anxious feelings” and ICH, supported by 195 instrumental variables (SNPs). The odds ratio (OR) was 2.98 (95% CI: 1.16, 7.61) with a p-value of 0.0229. Sensitivity analyses corroborated these findings, enhancing the reliability of our results. In contrast, other emotional traits such as “Nervous feelings” and “Sensitivity/hurt feelings” did not show significant associations, reinforcing the specificity of our primary finding.

Conclusion

Our study provides compelling evidence for a causal relationship between the emotional traits of worry and anxiety and the incidence of ICH, offering a new dimension in our understanding of this devastating condition and paving the way for more nuanced risk stratification and preventive strategies.
IMGT/mAb-KG: the knowledge graph for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Sanou Gaoussou , Manso Taciana , Todorov Konstantin , Giudicelli Véronique , Duroux Patrice , Kossida Sofia
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have demonstrated promising outcomes in diverse clinical indications, including but not limited to graft rejection, cancer, and autoimmune diseases lately.Recognizing the crucial need for the scientific community to quickly and easily access dependable information on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), IMGT®, the international ImMunoGeneTics information system®, provides a unique and invaluable resource: IMGT/mAb-DB, a comprehensive database of therapeutic mAbs, accessible via a user-friendly web interface. However, this approach restricts more sophisticated queries and segregates information from other databases.

Methods

To connect IMGT/mAb-DB with the rest of the IMGT databases, we created IMGT/mAb-KG, a knowledge graph for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies connected to IMGT structures and genomics databases. IMGT/mAb-KG is developed using the most effective methodologies and standards of semantic web and acquires data from IMGT/mAb-DB. Concerning interoperability, IMGT/mAb-KG reuses terms from biomedical resources and is connected to related resources.

Results and discussion

In February 2024, IMGT/mAb-KG, encompassing a total of 139,629 triplets, provides access to 1,489 mAbs, approximately 500 targets, and over 500 clinical indications. It offers detailed insights into the mechanisms of action of mAbs, their construction, and their various products and associated studies. Linked to other resources such as Thera-SAbDab (Therapeutic Structural Antibody Database), PharmGKB (a comprehensive resource curating knowledge on the impact of genetic variation on drug response), PubMed, and HGNC (HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee), IMGT/mAb-KG is an essential resource for mAb development. A user-friendly web interface facilitates the exploration and analyse of the content of IMGT/mAb-KG.
IL-27 expression regulation and its effects on adaptive immunity against viruses
Authors: Andres-Martin Fernando , James Cooper , Catalfamo Marta
Published: June 2024

IL-27, a member of the IL-6/IL-12 cytokine superfamily, is primarily secreted by antigen presenting cells, specifically by dendric cells, macrophages and B cells. IL-27 has antiviral activities and modulates both innate and adaptive immune responses against viruses. The role of IL-27 in the setting of viral infections is not well defined and both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions have been described. Here, we discuss the latest advancements in the role of IL-27 in several viral infection models of human disease. We highlight important aspects of IL-27 expression regulation, the critical cell sources at different stages of the infection and their impact in cell mediated immunity. Lastly, we discuss the need to better define the antiviral and modulatory (pro-inflammatory vs anti-inflammatory) properties of IL-27 in the context of human chronic viral infections.
Subsurface temperature estimation of mesoscale eddies in the Northwest Pacific Ocean from satellite observations using a residual muti-channel attention convolution network
Authors: Liu Shuai , Zhang Hao , Zhang Anmin , Liu Jiayi , Liu Yicheng
Published: June 2024

The mesoscale eddies are prevalent oceanic circulation phenomena, exerting significant influence on various aspects of the marine environment including energy transfer, material transport and ecosystem dynamics in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. However, due to sparse vertical observational data, the understanding of the three-dimensional temperature structure of individual cases of mesoscale eddies remains limited. In recent years, utilizing surface remote sensing observations to estimate subsurface temperature anomaly has been crucial for comprehending the intricate multi-dimensional dynamic processes in the ocean. Consequently, this paper proposes an eddy residual multi-channel attention convolution network (ERCACN) with the adaptive threshold and designs the combination of various surface features to estimate the eddy subsurface temperature anomaly (ESTA). By integrating results with climatic temperature, thermal structures containing 46 levels at depths up to 1000 m could be obtained, achieving excellent daily temporal resolution and 0.25° spatial resolution. Validation using independent Argo profiles from 2016 to 2017 reveals that the combination of multiple surface variables outperforms univariate methods, and the ERCACN model demonstrates superior performance compared to other approaches. Overall, with an 8% error deemed acceptable, the ERCACN model achieves a precision of 88.08% in estimating ESTA. This method provides a novel perspective for other essential oceanic variables, contributing to a better perception of the global climate system.
The identification of toll-like receptor genes in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea): provides insights into its environmental adaptation to biological and abiotic stresses
Authors: Yao Ting-Yan , Miao Qing-Tao , Sun Xuan-Yang , Rui Chen , Xie Qing-Ping , Wang Xu-Bo
Published: June 2024

Large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), the most developing fish of China, suffering from both biotic and abiotic stressors. A genome-wide study was performed for the first time to investigate the roles of Toll-like receptor genes in large yellow croaker (LcTLRs) working in hypoxia response and Aeromonas hydrophila infection. 12 TLR genes were identified and annotated, and phylogenetic tree, analysis of structure and motifs demonstrated that TLRs were highly conserved. To further investigate the LcTLRs under environmental stress, expression pattern analysis of hypoxic response and Aeromonas hydrophila infection revealed that there were nine and six members of LcTLRs showing significant differential expression, indicating that they were concerned in hypoxia stress and disease responses. Meanwhile, their expression levels were validated utilizing qPCR. Taken together, a greater appreciation and understanding of TLRs function in the reaction to biotic and abiotic stress would ultimately lead to more efficiently environmental adaptation in large yellow croaker.
Efficacy of acupuncture in animal models of various ovarian dysfunctions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Yuemeng , Lan Ying , Liu Liying , Hao Jianheng , Wang Haijun , Ji Laixi
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aims to assess the comprehensive and integrated modulatory effects of acupuncture and electroacupuncture on various ovarian dysfunctions.

Methods

We systematically searched for articles on animal experiments related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POF), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and four Chinese language databases. The search covered the period from inception to November 2023. We conducted a comparative analysis between the acupuncture group and the model group (untreated) based on eligible literature. Our primary outcomes encompassed serum sex hormones (Luteinizing hormone, Follicle-stimulating hormone, Testosterone, Estradiol, Progesterone, and Anti-Müllerian hormone) and ovarian weight. Dichotomous data were synthesized to establish the relative risk (RR) of notable post-treatment improvement, while continuous data were pooled to determine the standardized mean difference (SMD) in post-treatment scores between the groups. Statistical analyses, including sensitivity analysis, Egger's test, and the trim-and-fill method, were executed using Stata 15.0 software.

Results

The meta-analysis encompassed 29 articles involving a total of 623 rats. In comparison to rat models of PCOS, the experimental group exhibited a reduction in serum levels of LH, T and LH/FSH ratio. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in AMH, FSH, E2 levels, and ovarian weight between the two groups. In the ovarian hypoplasia model rats, both acupuncture and electroacupuncture interventions were associated with an increase in E2 levels. However, the levels of LH and FSH did not exhibit a significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusions

Acupuncture or electroacupuncture facilitates the restoration of ovarian function primarily through the modulation of serum sex hormones, exerting regulatory effects across various types of ovarian dysfunction disorders.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022316279
Personalized chemotherapy selection for patients with triple-negative breast cancer using deep learning
Authors: Yang Xinyi , Vladmirovich Reshetov Iogr , Georgievna Poltavskaya Maria , Sergeevna Agakina Yulia , He Mingze , Zeng Zitong , Qiang Yinpeng , Cao Yu , Sergeevich Kulikov Timur
Published: June 2024

Background

Potential uncertainties and overtreatment exist in adjuvant chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients.

Objectives

This study aims to explore the performance of deep learning (DL) models in personalized chemotherapy selection and quantify the impact of baseline characteristics on treatment efficacy.

Methods

Patients who received treatment recommended by models were compared to those who did not. Overall survival for treatment according to model recommendations was the primary outcome. To mitigate bias, inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was employed. A mixed-effect multivariate linear regression was employed to visualize the influence of certain baseline features of patients on chemotherapy selection.

Results

A total of 10,070 female TNBC patients met the inclusion criteria. Treatment according to Self-Normalizing Balanced (SNB) individual treatment effect for survival data model recommendations was associated with a survival benefit (IPTW-adjusted hazard ratio: 0.53, 95% CI, 0.32–8.60; IPTW-adjusted risk difference: 12.90, 95% CI, 6.99–19.01; IPTW-adjusted the difference in restricted mean survival time: 5.54, 95% CI, 1.36–8.61), which surpassed other models and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. No survival benefit for chemotherapy was seen for patients not recommended to receive this treatment. SNB predicted older patients with larger tumors and more positive lymph nodes are the optimal candidates for chemotherapy.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the SNB model may identify patients with TNBC who could benefit from chemotherapy. This novel analytical approach may provide debiased individual survival information and treatment recommendations. Further research is required to validate these models in clinical settings with more features and outcome measurements.
Clinical and structural damage outcomes in axial spondyloarthritis patients receiving NSAIDs or advanced therapies: a description of a real-life cohort
Authors: Mocritcaia Anastasia , Chacur Chafik , Adao Abe C. D. , Azuaga-Piñango Ana Belén , Frade-Sosa Beatriz , Sarmiento-Monroy Juan C. , Alascio Lucia , Gómez-Puerta J. A. , Sanmartí Raimon , Cañete Juan D. , Ramírez Julio
Published: June 2024

Introduction

This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics, disease activity, and structural damage in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) who receive chronic treatment with nonsteroideal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or advanced therapies in a clinical setting.

Methods

Cross-sectional study on axSpA patients consecutively recruited from the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. We collected data on clinical and demographic characteristics, as well as treatment patterns involving NSAIDs and advanced therapies. Structural damage was assessed using mSASSS.

Results

Overall, data from 193 axSpA patients (83% ankylosing spondylitis) were gathered, with a mean disease duration of 21.4 years. Of these, 85 patients (44%) were exclusively taking NSAIDs, while 108 (56%) were receiving advanced therapies, with TNF inhibitors being the predominant choice (93 out of 108, 86.1%). Among patients using NSAIDs, 64.7% followed an on-demand dosing regimen, while only 17.6% used full doses. Disease activity was low, with a mean BASDAI of 3.1 and a mean ASDAS-CRP of 1.8. In comparison to patients under chronic NSAID treatment, those taking advanced therapies were primarily male (69.4% versus 51.8%, p = 0.025) and significantly younger (mean age of 49 versus 53.9 years, p = 0.033). Additionally, patients on advanced therapies exhibited lower ASDAS-CRP (p = 0.046), although CRP serum levels and BASDAI scores did not differ between the two groups. In the multivariable analysis, therapy (NSAID versus biological treatment) was not independently associated with ASDAS-CRP, BASDAI or mSASSS.

Conclusion

This cross-sectional analysis of a real-world cohort of axSpA patients shows positive clinical and radiological outcomes for both NSAIDs and advanced therapies.
Longitudinal evaluation of external quality assessment results for CA 15-3, CA 19-9, and CA 125
Authors: Kremser Marcel , Weiss Nathalie , Kaufmann-Stoeck Anne , Vierbaum Laura , Schmitz Arthur , Schellenberg Ingo , Holdenrieder Stefan
Published: June 2024

Background

Tumor markers are established laboratory tools that help to diagnose, estimate prognosis, and monitor the course of cancer. For meaningful decision-making in patient care, it is essential that methods and analytical platforms demonstrate high sensitivity, specificity, precision, and comparability. Regular participation at external quality assessment (EQA) schemes is mandatory for laboratories. Here, a longitudinal evaluation of EQA data was performed to assess the performance of tumor marker assays over time.

Methods

Longitudinal data of the cancer antigens (CA) 15-3 (n = 5,492), CA 19-9 (n = 6,802), and CA 125 (n = 5,362) from 14 INSTAND EQAs conducted between 2019 and 2023 were evaluated. A median of 197, 244 and 191 laboratories participated at the EQAs for CA 15-3, CA 19-9 and CA 125, respectively. Data evaluation encompasses intra- and inter-manufacturer specific variations over time, assay precision, and adherence to the EQA limits of ±24% for CA 15-3, ±27% for CA 19–9 and ±36% for CA 125.

Results

The study showed median manufacturer-dependent differences of up to 107% for CA 15-3, 99% for CA 125, and even 549% for CA 19-9 between the highest and the lowest methods over the studied period. Regarding the normalized median of all methods, the values of the most deviant methods were 0.42 for CA 15-3, 7.61 for CA 19-9, and 1.82 for CA 125. Intra-manufacturer variability was generally low, with median coefficients of variation (CV) below 10%. As the methods were evaluated according to method-specific consensus values, most participants passed the EQAs within the acceptance criteria. When the criteria were consistently set at 24%, the central 90% of participants passed the EQAs in 78.6%–100% for CA 15-3 (with exception of AX), 89.3%–100% for CA 125, and 64.3%–100% for CA 19-9.

Conclusion

While intra-method precision of most analytical platforms is acceptable for all three tumor markers, considerable inter-method variability was observed over the whole studied period demonstrating the necessity for better standardization and harmonization of the methods, development of international reference materials, and comprehensive commutability studies with patient samples.
Ion channel profiles of extraocular motoneurons and internuclear neurons in human abducens and trochlear nuclei
Authors: Mayadali Ümit S. , Chertes Christina A. M. , Sinicina Inga , Shaikh Aasef G. , Horn Anja K. E.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Extraocular muscles are innervated by two anatomically and histochemically distinct motoneuron populations: motoneurons of multiply-innervated fibers (MIF), and of singly-innervated fibers (SIF). Recently, it has been established by our research group that these motoneuron types of monkey abducens and trochlear nuclei express distinct ion channel profiles: SIF motoneurons, as well as abducens internuclear neurons (INT), express strong Kv1.1 and Kv3.1b immunoreactivity, indicating their fast-firing capacity, whereas MIF motoneurons do not. Moreover, low voltage activated cation channels, such as Cav3.1 and HCN1 showed differences between MIF and SIF motoneurons, indicating distinct post-inhibitory rebound characteristics. However, the ion channel profiles of MIF and SIF motoneurons have not been established in human brainstem tissue.

Methods

Therefore, we used immunohistochemical methods with antibodies against Kv, Cav3 and HCN channels to (1) examine the human trochlear nucleus in terms of anatomical organization of MIF and SIF motoneurons, (2) examine immunolabeling patterns of ion channel proteins in the distinct motoneurons populations in the trochlear and abducens nuclei.

Results

In the examination of the trochlear nucleus, a third motoneuron subgroup was consistently encountered with weak perineuronal nets (PN). The neurons of this subgroup had -on average- larger diameters than MIF motoneurons, and smaller diameters than SIF motoneurons, and PN expression strength correlated with neuronal size. Immunolabeling of various ion channels revealed that, in general, human MIF and SIF motoneurons did not differ consistently, as opposed to the findings in monkey trochlear and abducens nuclei. Kv1.1, Kv3.1b and HCN channels were found on both MIF and SIF motoneurons and the immunolabeling density varied for multiple ion channels. On the other hand, significant differences between SIF motoneurons and INTs were found in terms of HCN1 immunoreactivity.

Discussion

These results indicated that motoneurons may be more variable in human in terms of histochemical and biophysiological characteristics, than previously thought. This study therefore establishes grounds for any histochemical examination of motor nuclei controlling extraocular muscles in eye movement related pathologies in the human brainstem.
Factors associated with initiation of pharmacological therapy and treatment changes in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Tidd Samantha Jean Stallkamp , Zhang Ryan X. , Cantrell Christopher , Nowacki Amy S. , Singh Tamanna , Wilson Robert
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a heterogenous disorder of the autonomic nervous system that is often disabling. There are no FDA-approved therapies for the treatment of this condition. While some patients recover with baseline non-pharmacological intervention, others require repeated trials of off-label pharmacological therapies. The reasoning for this variable treatment response is unknown. The purpose of this work is to identify potential factors that are associated with higher odds of starting pharmacotherapy and/or a higher rate of POTS treatment changes.

Methods

Chart review of demographic, disease and treatment descriptions, medical history, and tilt table examinations of 322 POTS patients who were diagnosed between 2018 and 2020 at our tertiary care center was completed. We first identified the most significant factors associated with an increased odds of starting pharmacotherapy using variable selection techniques and logistic regression. We then identified the most significant factors associated with changes in POTS treatment strategies using variable selection techniques and negative binomial regression modeling. A significance level of 0.05 was utilized.

Results

A total of 752 POTS-specific treatment courses were cataloged, and 429 treatment changes were observed. The most cited reason for a change in management was uncontrolled symptoms. History of migraine headaches, reported fatigue, reported palpitations and a previous POTS diagnosis at an outside institution were found to be associated with a higher odds of starting pharmacotherapy for POTS symptoms (Odds Ratio of 2.40, 1.94, 2.62, 2.08, respectively). History of migraine headaches, reported fatigue, and higher heart rate differences on tilt table examination were found to be associated with an increase in the rate of POTS treatment changes (44, 66, 13% increase in incidence rate, respectively), while reported neck pain was associated with a decrease (27% decrease in incidence rate).

Conclusion

Our work identifies important areas of focus in the development of high-quality trials involving both the non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment of POTS and highlights several characteristics of patients that may be more refractory to both baseline non-pharmacological treatments and current pharmacological treatment strategies.
Pathogenic genes implicated in sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy: a research progress update
Authors: Yang Yufang , Tuo Jinmei , Zhang Jun , Xu Zucai , Luo Zhong
Published: June 2024

Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE) is a focal epilepsy syndrome characterized by a variable age of onset and heterogeneous etiology. Current literature suggests a prevalence rate of approximately 1.8 per 100,000 persons. The discovery of additional pathogenic genes associated with SHE in recent years has significantly expanded the knowledge and understanding of its pathophysiological mechanisms. Identified SHE pathogenic genes include those related to neuronal ligand- and ion-gated channels (CHRNA4, CHRNB2, CHRNA2, GABRG2, and KCNT1), genes upstream of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 signal transduction pathway (DEPDC5, NPRL2, NPRL3, TSC1, and TSC2), and other genes (CRH, CaBP4, STX1B, and PRIMA1). These genes encode proteins associated with ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, cell signal transduction, and synaptic transmission. Mutations in these genes can result in the dysregulation of encoded cellular functional proteins and downstream neuronal dysfunction, ultimately leading to epileptic seizures. However, the associations between most genes and the SHE phenotype remain unclear. This article presents a literature review on the research progress of SHE-related pathogenic genes to contribute evidence to genotype–phenotype correlations in SHE and establish the necessary theoretical basis for future SHE treatments.
SWI and CTP fusion model based on sparse representation method to predict cerebral infarction trend
Authors: Wu Guoqing , Wang Hao , Ma Xiaojun , Li Huanyin , Song Bin , Zhao Jing , Wang Xin , Lin Jixian
Published: June 2024

Objective

SWI image signal is related to venous reflux disorder and perfusion defect. Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) contains perfusion information in space and time. There is a complementary basis between them to affect the prognosis of cerebral infarction.

Methods

Sixty-six patients included in the retrospective study were designated as the training set. Effective perfusion indicator features and imaging radiomic features of the peri-infarction area on Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) and CTP modality images were extracted from each case. Thirty-three patients from the prospectively included group were designated as the test set of the machine learning model based on a sparse representation method. The predicted results were compared with the DWI results of the patients’ 7–10 days review to assess the validity and accuracy of the prediction.

Results

The AUC of the SWI + CTP integrated model was 0.952, the ACC was 0.909, the SEN was 0.889, and the SPE was 0.933. The prediction performance is the highest. Compared with the value of AUC: the SWI model is 0.874, inferior to the performance of the SWI + CTP model, and the CTP model is 0.715.

Conclusion

The prediction efficiency of the changing trend of infarction volume is further improved by the correlation between the combination of the two image features.
A standardized herbal combination of Astragalus membranaceus and Paeonia japonica promotes skeletal muscle hypertrophy in a treadmill exercise mouse model
Authors: Lee Sung-Bae , Woo Tae-Wook , Baek Dong-Cheol , Son Chang-Gue
Published: June 2024

Background

Maintaining a normal range of muscle mass and function is crucial not only for sustaining a healthy life but also for preventing various disorders. Numerous nutritional or natural resources are being explored for their potential muscle hypertrophic properties.

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the muscle hypertrophic effects of APX, a 1:1 mixture of Astragalus membranaceus and Paeonia japonica. In addition to the myotube differentiation cell assay, we utilized a weighted exercise-based animal model and evaluated changes in muscle hypertrophy using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and histological analysis.

Results

The 8-week treadmill exercise led to notable decreases in body weight and fat mass but an increase in muscle mass compared to the control group. Administration of APX significantly accelerated muscle mass gain (p < 0.05) without altering body weight or fat mass compared to the exercise-only group. This muscle hypertrophic effect of APX was consistent with the histologic size of muscle fibers in the gastrocnemius (p > 0.05) and rectus femoris (p < 0.05), as well as the regulation of myogenic transcription factors (MyoD and myogenin), respectively. Furthermore, APX demonstrated a similar action to insulin-like growth factor 1, influencing the proliferation of C2C12 myoblast cells (p < 0.01) and their differentiation into myotubes (p < 0.05) compared to the control group.

Conclusion

The present study provides experimental evidence that APX has muscle hypertrophic effects, and its underlying mechanisms would involve the modulation of MyoD and myogenin.
Scope of services provided to childhood cancer patients by the Brazilian Pediatric Palliative Care Network
Authors: Ferreira Esther Angélica Luiz , Valete Cristina Ortiz Sobrinho , Barbosa Silvia Maria de Macedo , Costa Graziela de Araujo , Molinari Poliana Cristina Carmona , de Castro Ana Cristina Pugliese , Iglesias Simone Brasil de Oliveira , Sarracini Maycon Rodrigo , Reiff Rodrigo Bezerra de Menezes , Bruno Cristina Helena , Gómez-Cantarino Maria Sagrario , Ullán Ana María
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Brazil is a developing and an Upper Middle Income, categorized by the World Bank. Therefore, it is a country that needs a special vision for children with oncological diseases who require Pediatric Palliative Care. This study aimed to understand the specificities of services that provide oncology services in comparison to those that do not provide oncological care.

Methods

This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and online survey study. A questionnaire was created by a multidisciplinary group of leaders from the Brazilian Pediatric Palliative Care Network and then the survey was distributed using a snowball strategy.

Results

Of the 90 services that answered the questionnaire, 40 (44.4%) attended oncologic patients. The Southeast represented most of the services (57.57%), followed by the Northeast, with 18.89% (17 services), the South with 12.22% (11 services), and the Center West with 8.89% (8 services). No differences were observed in access to opioid prescriptions between the services. It was observed that those services that attended oncologic patients had a tendency to dedicate more time to Pediatric Palliative Care.

Discussion

The distribution of services that cover oncology and those that do not, are similar in the different regions of Brazil. In Brazil, there are difficulties in accessing opioids in pediatrics: access to opioid prescriptions without differences revealed that even pediatric oncologists might have difficulty with this prescription, and this should improve. It is concluded that education in Pediatric Palliative Care is the key to improvements in the area.
Case report: a cataract induced by bleomycin in a patient with testicular cancer
Authors: Zhang Wan , Ji Yinghua , Sun Yufei , Zhi Keya , Yang Han , Zhang Min , Lu Ping , Zhang Yana
Published: June 2024

Background

Bleomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic with outstanding anti-tumor effects. A major adverse effect of bleomycin is lung fibrosis. However, the development of cataracts as a severe adverse effect has not been reported.

Case summary

Herein, we describe the first case of cataract induced by bleomycin therapy in a 22-year-old male with testicular cancer. After surgical intervention and following five successive chemotherapy cycles of the BEP regimen, including bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin, the patient reported a gradual painless loss of vision, with substantial decline in visual ability, especially in the right eye. Following comprehensive eye examinations, a cataract was diagnosed. Eventually, the patient underwent phacoemulsification and received replacement of the intraocular lenses.

Conclusion

Bleomycin can cause cataracts, which induces a significant loss of vision. Therefore, clinicians should observe early symptoms and properly adjust treatment to prevent aggravation of symptoms.
Integrated analysis of genes shared between type 2 diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis
Authors: Li Fangyu , Wang Ying , Cao Jie , Chen Qi , Gao Yuanyuan , Li Rui , Yuan Li
Published: June 2024

Background

The relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and osteoporosis (OP) has been widely recognized in recent years, but the mechanism of interaction remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic features and signaling pathways that are shared between T2DM and OP.

Methods

We analyzed the GSE76894 and GSE76895 datasets for T2DM and GSE56815 and GSE7429 for OP from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify shared genes in T2DM and OP, and we constructed coexpression networks based on weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Shared genes were then further analyzed for functional pathway enrichment. We selected the best common biomarkers using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm and validated the common biomarkers, followed by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to validate the expression of these hub genes in T2DM and OP mouse models and patients.

Results

We found 8,506 and 2,030 DEGs in T2DM and OP, respectively. Four modules were identified as significant for T2DM and OP using WGCNA. A total of 19 genes overlapped with the strongest positive and negative modules of T2DM and OP. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed these genes may be involved in pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis and the glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate and renin-angiotensin system signaling pathway. The LASSO algorithm calculates the six optimal common biomarkers. RT-PCR results show that LTB, TPBG, and VNN1 were upregulated in T2DM and OP. Immunofluorescence and Western blot show that VNN1 is upregulated in the pancreas and bones of T2DM model mice and osteoporosis model mice. Similarly, the level of VNN1 in the sera of patients with T2DM, OP, and T2DM and OP was higher than that in the healthy group.

Conclusion

Based on the WGCNA and LASSO algorithms, we identified genes and pathways that were shared between T2DM and OP. Both pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis and the glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate and renin–angiotensin systems may be associated with the pathogenesis of T2DM and OP. Moreover, VNN1 may be a potential diagnostic marker for patients with T2DM complicated by OP. This study provides a new perspective for the systematic study of possible mechanisms of combined OP and T2DM.
Cost-effectiveness of dostarlimab plus chemotherapy for primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer
Authors: Huo Gengwei , Song Ying , Liu Wei , Guo Hua , Chen Peng
Published: June 2024

Objective

In the double-blind, phase III, placebo-controlled RUBY randomized clinical trial, dostarlimab plus carboplatin-paclitaxel significantly increased survival among patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer (EC). We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of dostarlimab in combination with chemotherapy in these patients stratified by mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) and mismatch repair-proficient (pMMR) subgroups from the perspective of a United States payer.

Materials and methods

A Markov model with three states was employed to simulate patients who were administered either dostarlimab in combination with chemotherapy or chemotherapy based on the RUBY trial. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), lifetime costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were calculated with a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $150,000 per QALY. Both univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were carried out to explore the robustness of the model.

Results

In dMMR EC, the combination of dostarlimab and chemotherapy achieved an additional 5.48 QALYs at an incremental cost of $330,747 compared to chemotherapy alone, resulting in an ICER of $60,349.30 per QALY. In pMMR EC, there were 1.51 additional QALYs gained at an extra cost of $265,148, yielding an ICER of $175,788.47 per QALY. With a 15.2% discount on dostarlimab, the ICER decreased to $150,000 per QALY in the pMMR EC. The univariate sensitivity analysis revealed that the cost of dostarlimab, utility of progression-free survival (PFS), and progressive disease (PD) had the most significant impacts on the outcomes. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed that dostarlimab had a 100% likelihood of being considered cost-effective for patients at a WTP threshold of $150,000 per QALY for dMMR EC, whereas this likelihood was only 0.5% for pMMR EC.

Conclusion

Dostarlimab in combination with chemotherapy was cost-effective for primary advanced or recurrent dMMR EC from the perspective of a United States payer at a WTP threshold of $150,000 per QALY, but not for pMMR EC. Lowering the prices of dostarlimab could potentially enhance the cost-effectiveness of treatment for pMMR EC.
Research on the anti-aging mechanisms of Panax ginseng extract in mice: a gut microbiome and metabolomics approach
Authors: Lin Longfei , Tang Ruying , Liu Yuling , Li Zhiyong , Li Hui , Yang Hongjun
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Aged-related brain damage and gut microbiome disruption are common. Research affirms that modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis can help reduce age-related brain damage.

Methods: Ginseng, esteemed in traditional Chinese medicine, is recognized for its anti-aging capabilities. However, previous Ginseng anti-aging studies have largely focused on diseased animal models. To this end, efforts were hereby made to explore the potential neuroprotective effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from Ginseng-supplemented aged mice to those pre-treated with antibiotics.

Results: As a result, FMT with specific modifications in natural aging mice improved animal weight gain, extended the telomere length, anti-oxidative stress in brain tissue, regulated the serum levels of cytokine, and balanced the proportion of Treg cells. Besides, FMT increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria of Lachnospiraceae, Dubosiella, Bacteroides, etc. and decreased the levels of potential pathogenic bacteria of Helicobacter and Lachnoclostridium in the fecal samples of natural aged mice. This revealed that FMT remarkably reshaped gut microbiome. Additionally, FMT-treated aged mice showed increased levels of metabolites of Ursolic acid, β-carotene, S-Adenosylmethionine, Spermidine, Guanosine, Celecoxib, Linoleic acid, etc., which were significantly positively correlated with critical beneficial bacteria above. Additionally, these identified critical microbiota and metabolites were mainly enriched in the pathways of Amino acid metabolism, Lipid metabolism, Nucleotide metabolism, etc. Furthermore, FMT downregulated p53/p21/Rb signaling and upregulated p16/p14, ATM/synapsin I/synaptophysin/PSD95, CREB/ERK/AKT signaling in brain damage following natural aging.

Discussion: Overall, the study demonstrates that reprogramming of gut microbiota by FMT impedes brain damage in the natural aging process, possibly through the regulation of microbiota-gut-brain axis.
Tissue explants as tools for studying the epigenetic modulation of the GH-IGF-I axis in farmed fish
Authors: Perera Erick , Román-Padilla Javier , Hidalgo-Pérez Juan Antonio , Huesa-Cerdán Rubén , Yúfera Manuel , Mancera Juan Miguel , Martos-Sitcha Juan Antonio , Martínez-Rodríguez Gonzalo , Ortiz-Delgado Juan Bosco , Navarro-Guillén Carmen , Rodriguez-Casariego Javier A.
Published: June 2024

Somatic growth in vertebrates is mainly controlled by the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) axis. The role of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating this axis in fish is far from being understood. This work aimed to optimize and evaluate the use of short-term culture of pituitary and liver explants from a farmed fish, the gilthead seabream Sparus aurata, for studying epigenetic mechanisms involved in GH/IGF-I axis regulation. Our results on viability, structure, proliferation, and functionality of explants support their use in short-term assays. Pituitary explants showed no variation in gh expression after exposure to the DNA methylation inhibitor decitabine (5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine; DAC), despite responding to DAC by changing dnmt3bb and tet1 expression, and TET activity, producing an increase in overall DNA hydroxymethylation. Conversely, in liver explants, DAC had no effects on dnmts and tets expression or activity, but modified the expression of genes from the GH-IGF-I axis. In particular, the expression of igfbp2a was increased and that of igfbp4, ghri and ghrii was decreased by DAC as well as by genistein, which is suggestive of impaired growth. While incubation of liver explants with S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) produced no clear effects, it is proposed that nutrients must ensure the methylation milieu within the liver in the fish to sustain proper growth, which need further in vivo verification. Pituitary and liver explants from S. aurata can be further used as described herein for the screening of inhibitors or activators of epigenetic regulators, as well as for assessing epigenetic mechanisms behind GH-IGF-I variation in farmed fish.
How emotion is experienced and expressed in multiple cultures: a large-scale experiment across North America, Europe, and Japan
Authors: Cowen Alan S. , Brooks Jeffrey A. , Prasad Gautam , Tanaka Misato , Kamitani Yukiyasu , Kirilyuk Vladimir , Somandepalli Krishna , Jou Brendan , Schroff Florian , Adam Hartwig , Sauter Disa , Fang Xia , Manokara Kunalan , Tzirakis Panagiotis , Oh Moses , Keltner Dacher
Published: June 2024

Core to understanding emotion are subjective experiences and their expression in facial behavior. Past studies have largely focused on six emotions and prototypical facial poses, reflecting limitations in scale and narrow assumptions about the variety of emotions and their patterns of expression. We examine 45,231 facial reactions to 2,185 evocative videos, largely in North America, Europe, and Japan, collecting participants’ self-reported experiences in English or Japanese and manual and automated annotations of facial movement. Guided by Semantic Space Theory, we uncover 21 dimensions of emotion in the self-reported experiences of participants in Japan, the United States, and Western Europe, and considerable cross-cultural similarities in experience. Facial expressions predict at least 12 dimensions of experience, despite massive individual differences in experience. We find considerable cross-cultural convergence in the facial actions involved in the expression of emotion, and culture-specific display tendencies—many facial movements differ in intensity in Japan compared to the U.S./Canada and Europe but represent similar experiences. These results quantitatively detail that people in dramatically different cultures experience and express emotion in a high-dimensional, categorical, and similar but complex fashion.
From growth and fixed creative mindsets to creative thinking: an investigation of the mediating role of creativity motivation
Authors: He Wu-jing , Chiang Tin-wai
Published: June 2024

Studies documenting and seeking to understand the mindset effect have yielded mixed and inconclusive findings. The present study sought to address the research question pertaining to the mindset effect on creative thinking and its underlying mechanism from the perspectives of social cognitive theory and mindset theory, which postulate a motivational mechanism underlying the mindset-creativity link. Specifically, this study aimed to examine the mediating role of creativity motivation in the effects of growth and fixed creative mindsets on creative thinking. A convenience sample of 948 college students from three universities in Hong Kong participated in the study. Creative mindset, creativity motivation, and creative thinking were assessed using the Chinese version of the Creative Mindset Scale, the Creativity Motivation Scale, and the Test for Creative Thinking-Drawing Production (TCT–DP), respectively. Lending support to the perspectives of social cognitive and mindset theories, the results of mediation analyses conducted using Preacher and Hayes’s bootstrapping approach indicated that creativity motivation had partial mediating effects on the positive and negative roles of growth and fixed mindsets, respectively, in creative thinking. Enriching the research on the motivation mechanism underlying the impacts of creative mindsets on creative thinking, the results further illustrated that creativity motivation has a stronger mediating effect on the impact of growth creative mindset on creative thinking than on that of fixed creative mindset. The possible theoretical and educational implications of the findings of this research are discussed.