bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of residual stress on coronary plaque stress/strain calculations using optical coherence tomography image-based multi-layer models
Authors: Huang Mengde , Maehara Akiko , Tang Dalin , Zhu Jian , Wang Liang , Lv Rui , Zhu Yanwen , Zhang Xiaoguo , Zhao Chen , Jia Haibo , Mintz Gary S.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Mechanical stress and strain conditions play an important role in atherosclerosis plaque progression, remodeling and potential rupture and may be used in plaque vulnerability assessment for better clinical diagnosis and treatment decisions. Single layer plaque models without residual stress have been widely used due to unavailability of multi-layer image segmentation method and residual stress data. However, vessel layered structure and residual stress have large impact on stress/strain calculations and should be included in the models.

Methods

In this study, intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) data of coronary plaques from 10 patients were acquired and segmented to obtain the three-layer vessel structure using an in-house automatic segmentation algorithm. Multi- and single-layer 3D thin-slice biomechanical plaque models with and without residual stress were constructed to assess the impact of residual stress on stress/strain calculations.

Results

Our results showed that residual stress led to a more uniform stress distribution across the vessel wall, with considerable plaque stress/strain decrease on inner wall and increase on vessel out-wall. Multi-layer model with residual stress inclusion reduced inner wall maximum and mean plaque stresses by 38.57% and 59.70%, and increased out-wall maximum and mean plaque stresses by 572.84% and 432.03%.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrated the importance of multi-layer modeling with residual stress for more accurate plaque stress/strain calculations, which will have great impact in plaque cap stress calculation and plaque rupture risk assessment. Further large-scale studies are needed to validate our findings.
Simulated safety analysis of a total loss of feedwater accident in the steam generator of CPR1000 nuclear power plant
Authors: Wang Guanyi , Zheng Chaoying , Zhang Yang , Wu Peng , Chen Fangqiang
Published: April 2024

As M310 series units, CPR1000 Nuclear Power Plant in China is also the first batch of demonstration nuclear power plants in China to try out SOP(the state-oriented procedure) accident procedures. The establishment of SOP accident regulations is an important work to mitigate the consequences of radioactive accidents in the design of nuclear power plants, and it is also the embodiment of the defense-in-depth requirements in the implementation of nuclear safety regulations. It can handle superimposed accidents, human errors in program implementation and events not considered in the primary cause sequence. In order to study the efficiency of its upgraded SOP procedure and its ability to deal with severe accidents, the typical primary cause event of severe accidents in nuclear power plants–such as the total loss of feedwater accident of steam generators has been adopted for research. The initial state of the simulation is the full power operation of the nuclear power plant, the simulation process is from the loss of all the water supply accidents to the whole accident processing. A total of 30 simulation experiments were carried out. The temperature and pressure of the key parameters obtained are the average values of 30 simulation experiments. The stability and efficiency of the updated SOP are evaluated by the treatment time of the water supply loss accident and the changes of reactor temperature and pressure after the accident. The results show that the upgraded SOP procedure is more stable and efficient. The upgraded SOP procedure, when dealing with other types of accidents, has improved the treatment of residual heat conduction in the core, increased the efficiency of accident treatment, and enhanced the safety of the reactor. At the same time, based on the weaknesses of the upgraded SOP procedure, constructive suggestions on changing the setting value of the steam generator bypass valve have also been put forward accordingly. Furthermore, it can be concluded from many simulated accidents that this change will win about 5% more of the disposal time for nuclear power plants under accidents, which provides references for the subsequent upgrading of M310 series power plant procedures.
A performance evaluation method for energy storage systems adapted to new power system interaction requirements
Authors: Zhang Zeya , Ma Guozhen , Song Nan , Wang Yunjia , Xia Jing , Xu Xiaobin , Shen Nuoqing
Published: April 2024

In recent years, China’s new energy storage application on a large scale has shown a good development trend; a variety of energy storage technologies are widely used in renewable energy development, consumption, integrated intelligent energy systems, distribution grids, and microgrids; and substantial progress has been made in the research and development of technology and equipment, construction of demonstration projects, exploration of business models, and construction of standard systems. Up to now, a unified statistical index system and evaluation method standard for new energy storage has not yet been formed domestically or even internationally. The work takes the status quo of the new power system construction of the Hebei South Network as the research object and carries out research on the new energy storage statistical index system and evaluation method. It constructs a new energy storage power station statistical index system centered on five primary indexes: energy efficiency index, reliability index, regulation index, economic index, and environmental protection index; proposes Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)–coefficient of variation combination assignment method; and evaluates the development level of the new energy storage power station by adopting a comprehensive evaluation model based on the object element topology method. The new energy storage statistical index system and evaluation method are designed to provide a scientific index system and evaluation method for comprehensively monitoring, assessing and measuring the comprehensive performance and effect of new energy storage power plants in the process of operation and development, and optimizing the operation strategy of new energy storage power plants as well as the development and promotion of energy storage technology.
Transport research implementation: current issues and lessons learned from Europe and China
Authors: Giannopoulos George A. , Li Yidong
Published: April 2024

The implementation of the research results is seen as a crucial step in the development of innovation in the transport sector. Moving to such an implementation is not always easy or straightforward. It requires a suitable organizational framework both inside as well as outside research producing entities and a number of other facilitating factors that are usually found within an innovation ecosystem. The paper examines systematically the conditions and prevailing practices for transport research implementation in Europe (the European Union) and China and draws useful insights as to the factors that influence such implementation, the incentives, and other facilitating provisions that the research funding organizations can take. It also analyses the current practice and lessons learned for research implementation on the road to innovation production in four major areas of transport research namely: Automated Mobility, Intelligent Railways, Shared and Micromobility applications, and Electromobility.
Bayesian hidden mark interaction model for detecting spatially variable genes in imaging-based spatially resolved transcriptomics data
Authors: Yang Jie , Jiang Xi , Jin Kevin Wang , Shin Sunyoung , Li Qiwei
Published: April 2024

Recent technology breakthroughs in spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) have enabled the comprehensive molecular characterization of cells whilst preserving their spatial and gene expression contexts. One of the fundamental questions in analyzing SRT data is the identification of spatially variable genes whose expressions display spatially correlated patterns. Existing approaches are built upon either the Gaussian process-based model, which relies on ad hoc kernels, or the energy-based Ising model, which requires gene expression to be measured on a lattice grid. To overcome these potential limitations, we developed a generalized energy-based framework to model gene expression measured from imaging-based SRT platforms, accommodating the irregular spatial distribution of measured cells. Our Bayesian model applies a zero-inflated negative binomial mixture model to dichotomize the raw count data, reducing noise. Additionally, we incorporate a geostatistical mark interaction model with a generalized energy function, where the interaction parameter is used to identify the spatial pattern. Auxiliary variable MCMC algorithms were employed to sample from the posterior distribution with an intractable normalizing constant. We demonstrated the strength of our method on both simulated and real data. Our simulation study showed that our method captured various spatial patterns with high accuracy; moreover, analysis of a seqFISH dataset and a STARmap dataset established that our proposed method is able to identify genes with novel and strong spatial patterns.
Targeting PD-L1 in solid cancer with myeloid cells expressing a CAR-like immune receptor
Authors: Myers Chen Kayla , Grun Daniel , Gautier Brian , Venkatesha Shivaprasad , Maddox Michael , Zhang Ai-Hong , Andersen Peter
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Solid cancers Myeloid cells are prevalent in solid cancers, but they frequently exhibit an anti-inflammatory pro-tumor phenotype that contribute to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which hinders the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies. Myeloid cells’ natural ability of tumor trafficking makes engineered myeloid cell therapy an intriguing approach to tackle the challenges posed by solid cancers, including tumor infiltration, tumor cell heterogenicity and the immunosuppressive TME. One such engineering approach is to target the checkpoint molecule PD-L1, which is often upregulated by solid cancers to evade immune responses.

Method

Here we devised an adoptive cell therapy strategy based on myeloid cells expressing a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-like immune receptor (CARIR). The extracellular domain of CARIR is derived from the natural inhibitory receptor PD-1, while the intracellular domain(s) are derived from CD40 and/or CD3ζ. To assess the efficacy of CARIR-engineered myeloid cells, we conducted proof-of-principle experiments using co-culture and flow cytometry-based phagocytosis assays in vitro. Additionally, we employed a fully immune-competent syngeneic tumor mouse model to evaluate the strategy’s effectiveness in vivo.

Result

Co-culturing CARIR-expressing human monocytic THP-1 cells with PD-L1 expressing target cells lead to upregulation of the costimulatory molecule CD86 along with expression of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-1α and IL-1β. Moreover, CARIR expression significantly enhanced phagocytosis of multiple PD-L1 expressing cancer cell lines in vitro. Similar outcomes were observed with CARIR-expressing human primary macrophages. In experiments conducted in syngeneic BALB/c mice bearing 4T1 mammary tumors, infusing murine myeloid cells that express a murine version of CARIR significantly slowed tumor growth and prolonged survival.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results demonstrate that adoptive transfer of PD-1 CARIR-engineered myeloid cells represents a promising strategy for treating PD-L1 positive solid cancers.
Evaluation of the immunogenicity of an mRNA vectored Nipah virus vaccine candidate in pigs
Authors: Pedrera Miriam , McLean Rebecca K. , Medfai Lobna , Thakur Nazia , Todd Shawn , Marsh Glenn , Bailey Dalan , Donofrio Gaetano , Muramatsu Hiromi , Pardi Norbert , Weissman Drew , Graham Simon P.
Published: April 2024

Nipah virus (NiV) poses a significant threat to human and livestock populations across South and Southeast Asia. Vaccines are required to reduce the risk and impact of spillover infection events. Pigs can act as an intermediate amplifying host for NiV and, separately, provide a preclinical model for evaluating human vaccine candidate immunogenicity. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the immunogenicity of an mRNA vectored NiV vaccine candidate in pigs. Pigs were immunized twice with 100 μg nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine encoding soluble G glycoprotein from the Malaysia strain of NiV, formulated in lipid nanoparticles. Potent antigen-binding and virus neutralizing antibodies were detected in serum following the booster immunization. Antibody responses effectively neutralized both the Malaysia and Bangladesh strains of NiV but showed limited neutralization of the related (about 80% amino acid sequence identity for G) Hendra virus. Antibodies were also capable of neutralizing NiV glycoprotein mediated cell-cell fusion. NiV G-specific T cell cytokine responses were also measurable following the booster immunization with evidence for induction of both CD4 and CD8 T cell responses. These data support the further evaluation of mRNA vectored NiV G as a vaccine for both pigs and humans.
Evaluation of the exposure of the Mediterranean biodiversity to marine litter: the ASI – plastic busters MPAs projects connection
Authors: Perna Massimo , Brandini Carlo , Bendoni Michele , Lapucci Chiara , Galgani Francois , Panigada Simone , Cañadas Ana , Panti Cristina , Fossi Maria Cristina
Published: April 2024

A number of marine species in the Mediterranean are threatened by the presence of several pressure factors, which include climate change, collisions with vessels, entanglement and ingestion of marine litter, especially plastic. Risk reduction policies can only be conceived starting from an accurate analysis of the exposure to such pressure factors. To estimate spatial abundance of both marine species and plastic litter and to assess the exposure risk, a two-stage analysis approach was applied, using aerial survey data from the ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative (ASI), in synergy with the Plastic Busters MPAs (PB MPAs) project. First, a detection function was fitted to observation data to obtain detection probabilities for individuals, then a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) was employed to estimate the spatial distribution of relative abundance, based on survey observations. A bivariate Local Indicator of Spatial Association (LISA) was then applied to the maps of relative abundance to derive risk maps of exposure of marine species to marine litter. The maps, obtained with a spatial resolution of about 10 km, allow us to identify areas with the highest neighboring abundance of taxa and marine litter, in particular for the MPAs studied by the PB MPAs project, which include the North-Western Mediterranean (Pelagos Sanctuary and Tuscan Archipelago), the Ionian and Aegean Sea (Zakynthos), and the Strait of Sicily (Cabrera Archipelago).
Learning hybrid dynamic transformers for underwater image super-resolution
Authors: He Xin , Li Junjie , Jia Tong
Published: April 2024

Underwater image super-resolution is vital for enhancing the clarity and detail of underwater imagery, enabling improved analysis, navigation, and exploration in underwater environments where visual quality is typically degraded due to factors like water turbidity and light attenuation. In this paper, we propose an effective hybrid dynamic Transformer (called HDT-Net) for underwater image super-resolution, leveraging a collaborative exploration of both local and global information aggregation to help image restoration. Firstly, we introduce a dynamic local self-attention to adaptively capture important spatial details in degraded underwater images by employing dynamic weighting. Secondly, considering that visual transformers tend to introduce irrelevant information when modeling the global context, thereby interfering with the reconstruction of high-resolution images, we design a sparse non-local self-attention to more accurately compute self-similarity by setting a top-k threshold. Finally, we integrate these two self-attention mechanisms into the hybrid dynamic transformer module, constituting the primary feature extraction unit of our proposed method. Quantitative and qualitative analyses on benchmark datasets demonstrate that our approach achieves superior performance compared to previous CNN and Transformer models.
Refractory cor pulmonale under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute respiratory distress syndrome: the role of conversion to veno-pulmonary arterial assist—a case series
Authors: Bagate François , Masi Paul , Boukantar Madjid , Radu Costin , Saiydoun Gabriel , Fiore Antonio , Chiaroni Paul-Matthieu , Teiger Emmanuel , Folliguet Thierry , Gallet Romain , Mekontso Dessap Armand
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Pulmonary vascular dysfunction during severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may lead to right ventricle (RV) dysfunction and acute cor pulmonale (ACP). The occurrence/persistence of ACP despite conventional extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a challenging situation. We explored the usefulness of a specific dual-lumen cannula that bypasses the RV, and on which a veno-pulmonary arterial assist (V-P ECMO) was mounted, in ARDS patients.

Methods

We report a case-series of ARDS patients put on conventional veno-arterial or veno-venous ECMO and presented refractory ACP as an indication for a reconfiguration to V-P ECMO using the ProtekDuo cannula. The primary endpoint was the mitigation of RV and pulmonary vascular dysfunction as assessed by the change in end-diastolic RV/left ventricle (LV) surface ratio.

Results

Six patients had their conventional ECMO reconfigured to V-P ECMO to treat refractory ACP. There was a decrease in end-diastolic RV/LV surface ratio, as well as end-systolic LV eccentricity index, and lactatemia immediately after V-P ECMO initiation. The resolution of refractory ACP was immediately achieved in four of our six (66%) patients. The V-P ECMO was weaned after a median of 26 [8–93] days after implantation. All but one patient were discharged home. We detected one case of severe hemolysis with V-P ECMO and two suspected cases of right-sided infective endocarditis.

Conclusion

V-P ECMO is useful to mitigate RV overload and to improve hemodynamics in case of refractory ACP despite conventional ECMO.
Diversity of fungal communities on Cabernet and Aglianico grapes from vineyards located in Southern Italy
Authors: Iorizzo Massimo , Bagnoli Diletta , Vergalito Franca , Testa Bruno , Tremonte Patrizio , Succi Mariantonietta , Pannella Gianfranco , Letizia Francesco , Albanese Gianluca , Lombardi Silvia Jane , Coppola Raffaele
Published: April 2024

Grape-associated microbial community is influenced by a combination of viticultural, climatic, pedological and anthropological factors, collectively known as terroir. Therefore, grapes of the same cultivar grown in different areas can be appreciated for their distinctive biogeographic characteristics. In our previous study, we showed that the phenotypic response of Aglianico and Cabernet grapevines from Molise and Sicily regions is significantly influenced by the prevailing pedoclimatic conditions, particularly soil physical properties. However, the scale at which microbial communities differ could be important in clarifying the concept of terroir, including whether it is linked to the grape variety present in a particular vineyard. To explore this further, in the research presented here, a comparative study on the fungal communities inhabiting the berry surfaces of Cabernet and Aglianico cultivars was conducted on different vineyards located in Southern Italy (Molise, Sicily and Campania regions, the first two of which had been involved in our previous study) by using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and multivariate data analysis. The descriptive approach through relative abundance analysis showed the most abundant phyla (Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Chytridiomycota), families (Cladosporiaceae, Saccotheciaceae, Pleosporaceae, Saccharomycodaceae, Sporidiobolaceae, Didymellaceae, Filobasidiaceae, Bulleribasidiaceae, and Saccharomycetaceae) and genera (Cladosporium, Aureobasidium, Alternaria, Stemphylium and Filobasidium) detected on grape berries. The multivariate data analysis performed by using different packages (phyloseq, Vegan, mixOmics, microbiomeMarker and ggplot2) highlighted that the variable “vineyard location” significantly affect the fungal community, while the variable “grape variety” has no significant effect. Thus, some taxa are found to be part of specific vineyard ecosystems rather than specific grape varieties, giving additional information on the microbial contribution to wine quality, thanks to the presence of fermentative yeasts or, conversely, to the involvement in negative or detrimental roles, due to the presence of grape-deriving fungi implied in the spoilage of wine or in grapevine pathogenesis. In this connection, the main functions of core taxa fungi, whose role in the vineyard environment is still poorly understood, are also described.
Associations of serum cystatin C concentrations with total mortality and mortality of 12 site-specific cancers
Authors: Huang Changzhi , Lu Jiayi , Yang Jing , Wang Zhenling , Hang Dong , Fu Zan
Published: April 2024

Purpose:

Cystatin C (CysC), beyond its biomarker role of renal function, has been implicated in various physical and pathological activities. However, the impact of serum CysC on cancer mortality in a general population remains unknown. We aimed to examine the associations of serum CysC concentrations with total mortality and mortality of 12 site-specific cancers.

Methods:

We included 241,008 participants of the UK Biobank cohort with CysC measurements who had normal creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rates and were free of cancer and renal diseases at baseline (2006–2010). Death information was obtained from the National Health Service death records through 28 February 2021. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to compute hazard ratios (HR) per one standard deviation increase in log-transformed CysC concentrations and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for mortality.

Results:

Over a median follow-up of 12.1 (interquartile range, 11.3–12.8) years, 5,744 cancer deaths occurred. We observed a positive association between serum CysC concentrations and total cancer mortality (HR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.12–1.20). Specifically, participants with higher serum CysC concentrations had increased mortality due to lung cancer (HR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05–1.20), blood cancer (HR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.16–1.44), brain cancer (HR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.04–1.36), esophageal cancer (HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.05–1.37), breast cancer (HR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.03–1.36), and liver cancer (HR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.31–1.69).

Conclusion:

Our findings indicate that higher CysC concentrations are associated with increased mortality due to lung, blood, brain, esophageal, breast, and liver cancers. Future studies are necessary to clarify underlying mechanisms.
Prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation for post-stroke aphasia: protocol of a randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhao Jingdu , Tang Zhiqing , Hsien Yikuang , Han Kaiyue , Shan Lei , Zhang Xiaonian , Zhang Hao
Published: April 2024

Background

Post-stroke aphasia (PSA) is one of the most devastating symptoms after stroke, yet limited treatment options are available. Prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation (piTBS) is a promising therapy for PSA. However, its efficacy remains unclear. Therefore, we aim to investigate the efficacy of piTBS over the left supplementary motor area (SMA) in improving language function for PSA patients and further explore the mechanism of language recovery.

Methods

This is a randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial. A total of 30 PSA patients will be randomly allocated to receive either piTBS stimulation or sham stimulation for 15 sessions over a period of 3 weeks. The primary outcome is the Western Aphasia Battery Revised (WAB-R) changes after treatment. The secondary outcomes include The Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale (SAQOL-39 g), resting-state electroencephalogram (resting-state EEG), Event-related potentials (ERP), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These outcome measures are assessed before treatment, after treatment, and at 4-weeks follow up. This study was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR23000203238).

Discussion

This study protocol is promising for improving language in PSA patients. Resting-state EEG, ERP, and blood examination can be used to explore the neural mechanisms of PSA treatment with piTBS.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html, ChiCTR2300074533.
Construction and evaluation of a neurofeedback system using finger tapping and near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Takahashi Shingo , Takahashi Daishi , Kuroiwa Yuki , Sakurai Noriko , Kodama Naoki
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Neurofeedback using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used in patients with stroke and other patients, but few studies have included older people or patients with cognitive impairment.

Methods

We constructed a NIRS-based neurofeedback system and used finger tapping to investigate whether neurofeedback can be implemented in older adults while finger tapping and whether brain activity improves in older adults and healthy participants. Our simple neurofeedback system was constructed using a portable wearable optical topography (WOT-HS) device. Brain activity was evaluated in 10 older and 31 healthy young individuals by measuring oxygenated hemoglobin concentration during finger tapping and neurofeedback implementation.

Results

During neurofeedback, the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin increased in the prefrontal regions in both the young and older participants.

Discussion

The results of this study demonstrate the usefulness of neurofeedback using simple NIRS devices for older adults and its potential to mitigate cognitive decline.
Clinical effects and safety of semi-solid feeds in tube-fed patients: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Feng Limei , Xiang Dingchao , Wu Youping
Published: April 2024

Background

Enteral nutrition is a very important form of treatment for critically ill patients. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the clinical effects and safety of semi-solid feeds in tube-fed patients.

Methods

Two researchers searched PubMed, clinical trials, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and Weipu databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the clinical effects and safety of semi-solid feeds in tube-fed patients until 10 October 2023. The quality evaluation tool recommended by the Cochrane Library was used to evaluate the quality of included RCTs. RevMan 5.4 software was used for data analysis.

Results

A total of eight RCTs involving 823 tube-fed patients were included in this meta-analysis. A synthesized outcome indicated that semi-solid feeds reduced the incidence of diarrhea (RR = 0.32, 95%CI:0.20–0.50, P < 0.001), vomiting (RR = 0.31, 95%CI:0.15–0.64, P = 0.002), abdominal distension (RR = 0.41, 95%CI:0.22–0.76, P = 0.005), length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (MD = −3.61, 95%CI: −6.74 to −0.48, P = 0.02), and length of hospital stay (MD = −7.14, 95%CI: −10.31 to −3.97, P < 0.01) in tube-fed patients. Enteric feeding had no effect on the 30-day mortality (RR = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.19−1.56, P = 0.26). No publication bias was detected by the Egger's test results (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Semi-solid feeds are beneficial in reducing the incidence of diarrhea, abdominal distension, vomiting, and hospital stay. More high-quality studies are needed in the future to verify the effects of semi-solid feeds on mortality.
Case Report: Phantom limb pain relief after cognitive multisensory rehabilitation
Authors: Zernitz Marina , Rizzello Carla , Rigoni Marco , Van de Winckel Ann
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Relieving phantom limb pain (PLP) after amputation in patients resistant to conventional therapy remains a challenge. While the causes for PLP are unclear, one model suggests that maladaptive plasticity related to cortical remapping following amputation leads to altered mental body representations (MBR) and contributes to PLP. Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation (CMR) has led to reduced pain in other neurologic conditions by restoring MBR. This is the first study using CMR to relieve PLP.

Methods

A 26-year-old woman experienced excruciating PLP after amputation of the third proximal part of the leg, performed after several unsuccessful treatments (i.e., epidural stimulator, surgeries, analgesics) for debilitating neuropathic pain in the left foot for six years with foot deformities resulting from herniated discs. The PLP was resistant to pain medication and mirror therapy. PLP rendered donning a prosthesis impossible. The patient received 35 CMR sessions (2×/day during weekdays, October–December 2012). CMR provides multisensory discrimination exercises on the healthy side and multisensory motor imagery exercises of present and past actions in both limbs to restore MBR and reduce PLP.

Results

After CMR, PLP reduced from 6.5–9.5/10 to 0/10 for neuropathic pain with only 4–5.5/10 for muscular pain after exercising on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. McGill Pain Questionnaire scores reduced from 39/78 to 5/78, and Identity (ID)-Pain scores reduced from 5/5 to 0/5. Her pain medication was reduced by at least 50% after discharge. At 10-month follow-up (9/2013), she no longer took Methadone or Fentanyl. After discharge, receiving CMR as outpatient, she learned to walk with a prosthesis, and gradually did not need crutches anymore to walk independently indoors and outdoors (9/2013). At present (3/2024), she no longer takes pain medication and walks independently with the prosthesis without assistive devices. PLP is under control. She addresses flare-ups with CMR exercises on her own, using multisensory motor imagery, bringing the pain down within 10–15 min.

Conclusion

The case study seems to support the hypothesis that CMR restores MBR which may lead to long-term (12-year) PLP reduction. MBR restoration may be linked to restoring accurate multisensory motor imagery of the remaining and amputated limb regarding present and past actions.
Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in newborns born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers at 2 weeks of life
Authors: Jan Sophia , Katz Robert , Fagan David , Santos Telmo , Beachy Joanna C. , Steinway Caren , Chen Jack , Tsouristakis Alina , Mancenido Briana , Leung Christy , Moore Emily , Wilson Estelle , Lin Lorna , Harte Michael , Katzow Michelle , Rubin Lorry G.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Limited evidence exists on management recommendations for neonates born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers. This study looked at transmission risk of neonates presenting for primary care in a large regional health system within New York during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational study of newborns born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers presenting at any of the 19 Northwell Health-Cohen Children's Medical Center primary care practices who underwent another oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swab for detection of SARS-CoV-2 by day of life (DOL) 14.

Results

Among 293 newborns born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers who were negative at birth, 222 were retested at DOL 14, corresponding to times with different predominant strains. Of these, seven tested positive but had no symptoms.

Conclusion

The overall low transmission rates and absence of symptomatic infection support the safety of direct breastfeeding after hospital discharge with appropriate hand and breast hygiene.
A predictive model for patent ductus arteriosus seven days postpartum in preterm infants: an ultrasound-based assessment of ductus arteriosus intimal thickness within 24 h after birth
Authors: Hu Xin-Lu , Zhu Ting-Ting , Wang Hui , Hou Cui , Ni Jun-Cheng , Zhang Zhuo-Fan , Li Xiao-Chen , Peng Hao , Li Hong , Sun Ling , Xu Qiu-Qin
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To develop a predictive model for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants at seven days postpartum. The model employs ultrasound measurements of the ductus arteriosus (DA) intimal thickness (IT) obtained within 24 h after birth.

Methods

One hundred and five preterm infants with gestational ages ranging from 27.0 to 36.7 weeks admitted within 24 h following birth were prospectively enrolled. Echocardiographic assessments were performed to measure DA IT within 24 h after birth, and DA status was evaluated through echocardiography on the seventh day postpartum. Potential predictors were considered, including traditional clinical risk factors, M-mode ultrasound parameters, lumen diameter of the DA (LD), and DA flow metrics. A final prediction model was formulated through bidirectional stepwise regression analysis and subsequently subjected to internal validation. The model's discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical applicability were also assessed.

Results

The final predictive model included birth weight, application of mechanical ventilation, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), LD, and the logarithm of IT (logIT). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the model, predicated on logIT, exhibited excellent discriminative power with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.985 (95% CI: 0.966–1.000), sensitivity of 1.000, and specificity of 0.909. Moreover, the model demonstrated robust calibration and goodness-of-fit (χ2 value = 0.560, p > 0.05), as well as strong reproducibility (accuracy: 0.935, Kappa: 0.773), as evidenced by 10-fold cross-validation. A decision curve analysis confirmed the model's broad clinical utility.

Conclusions

Our study successfully establishes a predictive model for PDA in preterm infants at seven days postpartum, leveraging the measurement of DA IT. This model enables identifying, within the first 24 h of life, infants who are likely to benefit from timely DA closure, thereby informing treatment decisions.
Fuyuan decoction prevents nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis by inhibiting circulating tumor cells/ endothelial cells interplay and enhancing anti-cancer immune response
Authors: Ye Yuying , Lin Mengting , Zhou Guiyu , Wang Weiyu , Yao Yinyin , Su Yafei , Qi Jianqiang , Zheng Yanfang , Zhong Chunlian , Chen Xi , Huang Mingqing , Lu Yusheng
Published: April 2024

Distant metastasis is a major cause of treatment failure in cancer patients and a key challenge to improving cancer care today. We hypothesized that enhancing anti-cancer immune response and inhibiting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) adhesion and transendothelial migration through synergistic multi-target approaches may effectively prevent cancer metastasis. “Fuyuan Decoction” (FYD) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound that is widely used to prevent postoperative metastasis in cancer patients, but its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this work, we systematically elucidated the underlying molecular mechanism by which FYD prevents cancer metastasis through multi-compound and multi-target synergies in vitro and in vivo. FYD significantly prevented cancer metastasis at non-cytotoxic concentrations by suppressing the adhesion of CTCs to endothelial cells and their subsequent transendothelial migration, as well as enhancing anti-cancer immune response. Mechanistically, FYD interrupts adhesion of CTCs to vascular endothelium by inhibiting TNF-α-induced CAMs expression via regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in endothelial cells. FYD inhibits invasion and migration of CTCs by suppressing EMT, PI3K/AKT and FAK signaling pathways. Moreover, FYD enhances the anti-cancer immune response by significantly increasing the population of Tc and NK cells in the peripheral immune system. In addition, the chemical composition of FYD was determined by UPLC-HRMS, and the results indicated that multiple compounds in FYD prevents cancer metastasis through multi-target synergistic treatment. This study provides a modern medical basis for the application of FYD in the prevention of cancer metastasis, and suggesting that multi-drug and multi-target synergistic therapy may be one of the most effective ways to prevent cancer metastasis.
Determination of speed and assessment of conditioning in horses submitted to a lactate minimum test—alternative approaches
Authors: Ramos Gabriel Vieira , Titotto Angélica Cristina , Costa Guilherme Barbosa da , Ferraz Guilherme de Camargo , Lacerda-Neto José Corrêa de
Published: April 2024

The maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) is a well-known gold standard method for determining the aerobic capacity of athletic horses. Owing to its high cost and complex execution, there is a search for standardized exercise tests that can predict this value in a single session. One of the methods described for this purpose is the lactate minimum test (LMT), which could be more accurate despite being adequate to predict MLSS. This study aimed to examine the impact of training on the speed corresponding to lactate minimum speed (LMS) and to apply new mathematical methods to evaluate the fitness level of horses based on the curve obtained by the LMT. Ten Arabian horses underwent a 6-week training program based on LMS calculated by second-degree polynomial regression (LMSP). In addition, the LMS was also determined by visual inspection (LMSV), bi-segmented linear regression (LMSBI) and spline regression (LMSS). From the curve obtained during the LMT, it was possible to calculate angles α, β and ω, as well as the total area under the curve (AUCTOTAL) before (AUCPRELMS) and after (AUCPOSLMS) the LMS. The methods for determining the LMS were evaluated by ANOVA, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and effect size (ES) by Cohen’s d test. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between the proposed LMS determination methods and other mathematical methods was also calculated. Despite showing a good correlation (ICC >0.7), the LMS determination methods differed from each other (p < 0.05), albeit without a significant difference resulting from conditioning. There were reductions in α:β ratio, angle α, and AUCPOSTLMS, with the latter indicating lower lactate accumulation in the incremental phase of LMT after conditioning, in addition to an improvement in the animals’ aerobic capacity. Considering that the most common methods for determining the LMS are applicable yet with low sensitivity for conditioning assessment, the approaches proposed herein can aid in analyzing the aerobic capacity of horses subjected to LMT. The mathematical models presented in this paper have the potential to be applied in human lactate-guided training program trials with a comparable study basis.
Effects of aerobic and resistance exercise for 9 months on serum free light chains in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kim Youyoung , Campbell John P. , Johannsen Neil M. , Church Timothy S. , Cho Eunhan , Heaney Jennifer , Spielmann Guillaume
Published: April 2024

Background and aims: Serum polyclonal free light chains (FLCs) levels are associated with overall survival in the general population, reflecting their utility as a biomarker of underlying immune activation and inflammation. Regular exercise is known to ameliorate low-grade inflammation in chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes; however, the effects of different exercise training modalities on FLCs in adults with type 2 diabetes is unknown. This study investigated the effects of 9-month of aerobic, resistance or combined supervised exercise on serum FLCs in 164 patients with type 2 diabetes (age 58 ± 8 years; 63% female).

Methods: 164 participants from the Health Benefits of Aerobic and Resistance Training in individuals with type 2 diabetes trial (HART-D) were randomly assigned to no exercise (n = 27), aerobic exercise alone (n = 41), resistance exercise alone (n = 49), or a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise (n = 47). Fasting serum samples were collected before and after completion of the intervention to quantify changes in kappa and lambda FLCs, and serum creatinine, using commercially-available ELISAs.

Results: At baseline, combined kappa and lambda FLCs (FLC sum; calculated as kappa + lambda FLCs) were positively correlated with high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (r = 0.237, p < 0.05) and fat mass (r = 0.162, p < 0.05), and negatively associated with aerobic fitness (r = −0.238, p < 0.05). While non-exercise controls exhibited an increase in FLCs over the 9-month study, exercise training blunted this increase (Δ FLC sum control arm: 3.25 ± 5.07 mg∙L-1 vs. all exercise arms: -0.252 ± 6.60 mg∙L-1, p < 0.05), regardless of exercise modality.

Conclusion: Serum FLCs were associated with physical fitness and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes. 9-month of exercise training prevented the accumulation of FLCs, regardless of exercise modality. Unlike hs-CRP—which did not change during the trial—serum FLCs may serve as a more sensitive biomarker of chronic low-grade inflammation in this population.
Physiological and metabolic analyses reveal the proline-mediated flowering delay mechanism in Prunus persica
Authors: Park Yeonju , Muthuramalingam Pandiyan , Jeong Jae Hoon , Kim Seung Heui , Shin Hyunsuk
Published: April 2024

Peaches are susceptible to various environmental stresses. Particularly in late spring, freezing temperatures can damage peaches and consequently, affect their productivity. Therefore, flowering delay is a prominent strategy for avoiding spring frost damage. Our previous study confirmed that treatment with 5% sodium alginate and 100 mM CaCl2 (5AG) to avoid frost damage during the blooming stage delays flowering. To reveal the flowering delay mechanism of peaches, this study systematically analyzed the modification of amino acid profiles in control and 5AG-treated peach plants at different day intervals. Our findings indicate that arginine (Arg), glutamate (Glu), and proline (Pro) levels differed between the control and 5AG-treated peach shoots throughout the phenological development of flower buds. Furthermore, two amino acids (Arg and Glu) are involved in the Pro pathway. Thus, using a computational metabolomics method, Pro biosynthesis and its characteristics, gene ontology, gene synteny, cis-regulatory elements, and gene organizations were examined to decipher the involvement of Pro metabolism in peach flowering delay. In addition, qRT-PCR analysis revealed the transcriptional regulation of Pro-related and flowering-responsive genes and their role in flowering delay. Overall, this pilot study provides new insights into the role of Pro in the flowering delay mechanisms in Prunus persica through 5AG treatment.
The positive role of authentic leadership in organizations negatively affected by cognitive diversity
Authors: Yagi Kaori , Iida Junko , Fuji Kei
Published: April 2024

Workplace diversity has recently gained increasing significance and urgency in business organizations. This promotion may stem from information processing, and specifically from information elaboration. Information elaboration leverages diverse task-related information and skills possessed by members, fostering the exchange of diverse perspectives, elaborate discussions, and achieving high team performance. In this context, cognitive diversity, encompassing members’ knowledge, skills, and perspectives, may have a positive impact. However, some previous studies suggest that cognitive diversity can lead to affective conflict and impede information processing. In organizations with highly homogeneous social and cultural backgrounds, cognitive diversity may not be effectively utilized in the information elaboration process, potentially yielding negative effects. Authentic leadership is recognized as a significant contributor to facilitating team processes including information processing, with various studies demonstrating its effectiveness. This study hypothesized that cognitive diversity negatively affects the information elaboration process, while authentic leadership has a positive effect. To test these hypotheses, we employed multilevel structural equation modeling analysis based on data collected from 375 respondents in 90 teams across various industries in Japan. The results showed that cognitive diversity negatively affects information elaboration at the individual level. By contrast, authentic leadership positively affects information elaboration at both individual and team levels. These findings suggest that the effect of cognitive diversity on information processing in the workplace may not always be positive, particularly in a sociocultural context that values homogeneity, as observed in Japanese organizations. This study advances the literature on authentic leadership by validating its effect on information elaboration and provides practical implications for diversity management. Additionally, it underscores the effectiveness of authentic leadership in leveraging team members’ cognitive diversity to facilitate information elaboration.
Fitness promotion in college: the relationships among students’ perceived physical literacy, knowledge, and physical fitness
Authors: Long Bin , Liu Yang , Chen Senlin , Yang Yiwu , Tang Suna , Yang Jimei , Wang Yuhuai
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among perceived physical literacy (PPL), knowledge of physical activity and fitness (PAF knowledge), and physical fitness.

Methods

Undergraduates (N = 968, female = 414; Mage = 18.64) from a public university in central China completed a simplified Chinese version of the PPL instrument, an online test for PAF knowledge, and seven health-related physical fitness tests. The PPL includes three dimensions: (a) confidence and physical competence, (b) motivation, and (c) interaction with the environment. The fitness tests measured lung capacity, body mass index (BMI), and performances in 800 (female)/1000 (male) meters run, 50 meters dash (50 M), sit-up (female) / pull-up (male), standing long jump (SLJ), and sit-and-reach.

Results

PPL and its dimensions significantly predicted six fitness test performances both in male (β: −0.42 – 0.37; p < 0.01–0.05; R2: 0.01–0.13) and female (β: −0.59 – 0.49; p < 0.01–0.05; R2: 0.03–0.13) students. PAF knowledge (β: −0.17 – 0.18; p < 0.01–0.05; R2: 0.01–0.05) significantly predicted BMI (males) and performances in 50 M (females) and SLJ (females) tests.

Conclusion

To support college students’ fitness development and maintenance, tailored physical activity and fitness promotion programs are needed to strengthen students’ PPL and PAF knowledge.