bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nordic Walking training in BungyPump form improves cognitive functions and physical performance and induces changes in amino acids and kynurenine profiles in older adults
Authors: Rodziewicz-Flis Ewa , Juhas Ulana , Kortas Jakub Antoni , Jaworska Joanna , Bidzan-Bluma Ilona , Babińska Anna , Micielska Katarzyna , Żychowska Małgorzata , Lombardi Giovanni , Antosiewicz Jędrzej , Ziemann Ewa
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Although impacts of physical activity on cognitive functions have been intensively investigated, they are still far from being completely understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of the Nordic Walking training with BungyPump resistance poles (NW-RSA) on the amino acid and kynurenine profiles as well as selected myokine/exerkine concentrations, which may modify the interface between physical and cognitive functions.

Methods

A group of 32 older adults participated in the study. Before and after the intervention, body composition, cognitive functions, and physical performance were assessed. Blood samples were taken before and 1 h after the first and last sessions of the NW-RSA training, to determine circulating levels of exercise-induced proteins, i.e., brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), irisin, kynurenine (KYN), metabolites, and amino acids.

Results

The NW-RSA training induced a significant improvement in cognitive functions and physical performance as well as a reduction in fat mass (p = 0.05). Changes were accompanied by a decline in resting serum BDNF (p = 0.02) and a slight reduction in irisin concentration (p = 0.08). Still, changes in irisin concentration immediately after the NW-RSA intervention depended on shifts in kynurenine—irisin dropped as kynurenine increased. The kynurenine-to-tryptophan and phenylalanine-to-tyrosine ratios decreased significantly, suggesting their possible involvement in the amelioration of cognitive functions. No changes of glucose homeostasis or lipid profile were found. Shifts in the concentrations of selected amino acids might have covered the increased energy demand in response to the NW-RSA training and contributed to an improvement of physical performance.

Conclusion

Regular Nordic Walking training with additional resistance (BungyPump) improved cognitive functions and physical performance. These positive effects were associated with a reduced BDNF concentration and kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio as well as changes in the amino acid profile.
Identification of genetic variants associated with a wide spectrum of phenotypes clinically diagnosed as Sanfilippo and Morquio syndromes using whole genome sequencing
Authors: Gul Rutaba , Firasat Sabika , Schubert Mikkel , Ullah Asmat , Peña Elionora , Thuesen Anne C. B. , Gjesing Annete P. , Hussain Mulazim , Tufail Muhammad , Saqib Muhammad , Afshan Kiran , Hansen Torben
Published: September 2023

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are inherited lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). MPSs are caused by excessive accumulation of mucopolysaccharides due to missing or deficiency of enzymes required for the degradation of specific macromolecules. MPS I-IV, MPS VI, MPS VII, and MPS IX are sub-types of mucopolysaccharidoses. Among these, MPS III (also known as Sanfilippo) and MPS IV (Morquio) syndromes are lethal and prevalent sub-types. This study aimed to identify causal genetic variants in cases of MPS III and MPS IV and characterize genotype-phenotype relations in Pakistan. We performed clinical, biochemical and genetic analysis using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in 14 Pakistani families affected with MPS III or MPS IV. Patients were classified into MPS III by history of aggressive behaviors, dementia, clear cornea and into MPS IV by short trunk, short stature, reversed ratio of upper segment to lower segment with a short upper segment. Data analysis and variant selections were made based on segregation analysis, examination of known MPS III and MPS IV genes, gene function, gene expression, the pathogenicity of variants based on ACMG guidelines and in silico analysis. In total, 58 individuals from 14 families were included in the present study. Six families were clinically diagnosed with MPS III and eight families with MPS IV. WGS revealed variants in MPS-associated genes including NAGLU, SGSH, GALNS, GNPTG as well as the genes VWA3B, BTD, and GNPTG which have not previously associated with MPS. One family had causal variants in both GALNS and BTD. Accurate and early diagnosis of MPS in children represents a helpful step for designing therapeutic strategies to protect different organs from permanent damage. In addition, pre-natal screening and identification of genetic etiology will facilitate genetic counselling of the affected families. Identification of novel causal MPS genes might help identifying new targeted therapies to treat LSDs.
Cystic fibrosis autoantibody signatures associate with Staphylococcus aureus lung infection or cystic fibrosis-related diabetes
Authors: Yadav Ruchi , Li Quan-Zhen , Huang Hanwen , Bridges S. Louis , Kahlenberg J. Michelle , Stecenko Arlene A. , Rada Balázs
Published: September 2023

Introduction

While cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterized by persistent inflammation and infections and chronic inflammatory diseases are often accompanied by autoimmunity, autoimmune reactivity in CF has not been studied in depth.

Methods

In this work we undertook an unbiased approach to explore the systemic autoantibody repertoire in CF using autoantibody microarrays.

Results and discussion

Our results show higher levels of several new autoantibodies in the blood of people with CF (PwCF) compared to control subjects. Some of these are IgA autoantibodies targeting neutrophil components or autoantigens linked to neutrophil-mediated tissue damage in CF. We also found that people with CF with higher systemic IgM autoantibody levels have lower prevalence of S. aureus infection. On the other hand, IgM autoantibody levels in S. aureus-infected PwCF correlate with lung disease severity. Diabetic PwCF have significantly higher levels of IgA autoantibodies in their circulation compared to nondiabetic PwCF and several of their IgM autoantibodies associate with worse lung disease. In contrast, in nondiabetic PwCF blood levels of IgA autoantibodies correlate with lung disease. We have also identified other autoantibodies in CF that associate with P. aeruginosa airway infection. In summary, we have identified several new autoantibodies and associations of autoantibody signatures with specific clinical features in CF.
Proteomic aptamer analysis reveals serum biomarkers associated with disease mechanisms and phenotypes of systemic sclerosis
Authors: Motta Francesca , Tonutti Antonio , Isailovic Natasa , Ceribelli Angela , Costanzo Giovanni , Rodolfi Stefano , Selmi Carlo , De Santis Maria
Published: September 2023

Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that affects multiple organs, leading to elevated morbidity and mortality with limited treatment options. The early detection of organ involvement is challenging as there is currently no serum marker available to predict the progression of SSc. The aptamer technology proteomic analysis holds the potential to correlate SSc manifestations with serum proteins up to femtomolar concentrations.

Methods

This is a two-tier study of serum samples from women with SSc (including patients with interstitial lung disease - ILD - at high-resolution CT scan) and age-matched healthy controls (HC) that were first analyzed with aptamer-based proteomic analysis for over 1300 proteins. Proposed associated proteins were validated by ELISA first in an independent cohort of patients with SSc and HC, and selected proteins subject to further validation in two additional cohorts.

Results

The preliminary aptamer-based proteomic analysis identified 33 proteins with significantly different concentrations in SSc compared to HC sera and 9 associated with SSc-ILD, including proteins involved in extracellular matrix formation and cell-cell adhesion, angiogenesis, leukocyte recruitment, activation, and signaling. Further validations in independent cohorts ultimately confirmed the association of specific proteins with early SSc onset, specific organ involvement, and serum autoantibodies.

Conclusions

Our multi-tier proteomic analysis identified serum proteins discriminating patients with SSc and HC or associated with different SSc subsets, disease duration, and manifestations, including ILD, skin involvement, esophageal disease, and autoantibodies.
Reprogramming of Treg cells in the inflammatory microenvironment during immunotherapy: a literature review
Authors: Wu Xinyan , Zhou Zhigang , Cao Qiang , Chen Yuquan , Gong Junling , Zhang Qi , Qiang Yi , Lu Yanfeng , Cao Guangzhu
Published: September 2023

Regulatory T cells (Treg), as members of CD4+ T cells, have garnered extensive attention in the research of tumor progression. Treg cells have the function of inhibiting the immune effector cells, preventing tissue damage, and suppressing inflammation. Under the stimulation of the tumor inflammatory microenvironment (IM), the reprogramming of Treg cells enhances their suppression of immune responses, ultimately promoting tumor immune escape or tumor progression. Reducing the number of Treg cells in the IM or lowering the activity of Treg cells while preventing their reprogramming, can help promote the body’s anti-tumor immune responses. This review introduces a reprogramming mechanism of Treg cells in the IM; and discusses the regulation of Treg cells on tumor progression. The control of Treg cells and the response to Treg inflammatory reprogramming in tumor immunotherapy are analyzed and countermeasures are proposed. This work will provide a foundation for downregulating the immunosuppressive role of Treg in the inflammatory environment in future tumor immunotherapy.
Targeting intracellular galectins for cancer treatment
Authors: Nehmé Rita , St-Pierre Yves
Published: September 2023

Although considerable attention has been paid to the role of extracellular galectins in modulating, positively or negatively, tumor growth and metastasis, we have witnessed a growing interest in the role of intracellular galectins in response to their environment. This is not surprising as many galectins preferentially exist in cytosolic and nuclear compartments, which is consistent with the fact that they are exported outside the cells via a yet undefined non-classical mechanism. This review summarizes our most recent knowledge of their intracellular functions in cancer cells and provides some directions for future strategies to inhibit their role in cancer progression.
Population divergence in nutrient-temperature interactions in Pieris rapae
Authors: Parker Anna L. , Kingsolver Joel G.
Published: September 2023

The interaction between larval host plant quality and temperature can influence the short-term physiological rates and life-history traits of insect herbivores. These factors can vary locally, resulting in local adaptation in responses to diet and temperature, but the comparison of these interactions between populations is infrequently carried out. In this study, we examine how the macronutrient ratio of an artificial diet determines the larval growth, development, and survival of larval Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) at different temperatures between two invasive North American populations from different climatic regions. We conducted a fully factorial experiment with three temperature treatments (18°C, 25°C, and 32°C) and three artificial diet treatments varying in terms of the ratio of protein to carbohydrate (low protein, balanced, and high protein). The effects of diet on life-history traits were greater at lower temperatures, but these differed between populations. Larvae from the subtropical population had reduced survival to pupation on the low-protein diet in the cold temperature treatment, whereas larval survival for the temperate population was equally high for all temperature and diet treatments. Overall, both populations performed more poorly (i.e., they showed slower rates of consumption, growth, and development, and had a smaller pupal mass) in the diet with the low protein ratio, but larvae from the temperate population were less sensitive to diet ratio changes at all temperatures. Our results confirm that the physiological and life-history consequences of imbalanced nutrition for insect herbivores may depend on developmental temperatures, and that different geographic populations of P. rapae within North America vary in their sensitivity to nutritional balance and temperature.
SARS-CoV-2 infection as a potential risk factor for the development of cancer
Authors: Ogarek Natalia , Oboza Paulina , Olszanecka-Glinianowicz Magdalena , Kocelak Piotr
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on public health and the estimated number of excess deaths may be more than three times higher than documented in official statistics. Numerous studies have shown an increased risk of severe COVID-19 and death in patients with cancer. In addition, the role of SARS-CoV-2 as a potential risk factor for the development of cancer has been considered. Therefore, in this review, we summarise the available data on the potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on oncogenesis, including but not limited to effects on host signal transduction pathways, immune surveillance, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, cell cycle dysregulation, potential viral genome integration, epigenetic alterations and genetic mutations, oncolytic effects and reactivation of dormant cancer cells. We also investigated the potential long-term effects and impact of the antiviral therapy used in COVID-19 on cancer development and its progression.
A promising nucleic acid therapy drug: DNAzymes and its delivery system
Authors: Xiao Lang , Zhao Yan , Yang Meng , Luan Guangxin , Du Ting , Deng Shanshan , Jia Xu
Published: September 2023

Based on the development of nucleic acid therapeutic drugs, DNAzymes obtained through in vitro selection technology in 1994 are gradually being sought. DNAzymes are single-stranded DNA molecules with catalytic function, which specifically cleave RNA under the action of metal ions. Various in vivo and in vitro models have recently demonstrated that DNAzymes can target related genes in cancer, cardiovascular disease, bacterial and viral infection, and central nervous system disease. Compared with other nucleic acid therapy drugs, DNAzymes have gained more attention due to their excellent cutting efficiency, high stability, and low cost. Here, We first briefly reviewed the development and characteristics of DNAzymes, then discussed disease-targeting inhibition model of DNAzymes, hoping to provide new insights and ways for disease treatment. Finally, DNAzymes were still subject to some restrictions in practical applications, including low cell uptake efficiency, nuclease degradation and interference from other biological matrices. We discussed the latest delivery strategy of DNAzymes, among which lipid nanoparticles have recently received widespread attention due to the successful delivery of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, which provides the possibility for the subsequent clinical application of DNAzymes. In addition, the future development of DNAzymes was prospected.
Risk factor analysis for major mediastinal vessel invasion in thymic epithelial tumors based on multi-slice CT Imaging
Authors: Ma Yu-Hui , Zhang Jie , Yan Wei-Qiang , Lan Jiang-Tao , Feng Xiu-Long , Wang Shu-Mei , Yang Guang , Hu Yu-Chuan , Cui Guang-Bin
Published: September 2023

Objective

To explore the characteristics and risk factors for major mediastinal vessel invasion in different risk grades of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) based on computed tomography (CT) imaging, and to develop prediction models of major mediastinal artery and vein invasion.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-two TET patients confirmed by histopathological analysis who underwent thorax CT were enrolled in this study. Clinical and CT data were retrospectively reviewed for these patients. According to the abutment degree between the tumor and major mediastinal vessels, the arterial invasion was divided into grade I, II, and III (< 25%, 25 – 49%, and ≥ 50%, respectively); the venous invasion was divided into grade I and II (< 50% and ≥ 50%). The degree of vessel invasion was compared among different defined subtypes or stages of TETs using the chi-square tests. The risk factors associated with TET vascular invasion were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Based on logistic regression analysis, male patients (β = 1.549; odds ratio, 4.824) and the pericardium or pleural invasion (β = 2.209; odds ratio, 9.110) were independent predictors of 25% artery invasion, and the midline location (β = 2.504; odds ratio, 12.234) and mediastinal lymphadenopathy (β = 2.490; odds ratio, 12.06) were independent predictors of 50% artery invasion. As for 50% venous invasion, the risk factors include midline location (β = 2.303; odds ratio, 10.0), maximum tumor diameter larger than 5.9 cm (β = 4.038; odds ratio, 56.736), and pericardial or pleural effusion (β = 1.460; odds ratio, 4.306). The multivariate logistic model obtained relatively high predicting efficacy, and the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were 0.944, 84.6%, and 91.7% for predicting 50% artery invasion, and 0.913, 81.8%, and 86.0% for 50% venous invasion in TET patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Several CT features can be used as independent predictors of ≥50% artery or venous invasion. A multivariate logistic regression model based on CT features is helpful in predicting the vascular invasion grades in patients with TET.
Effect of far-infrared therapy device on arteriovenous fistula maturation and lifespan in hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Huang Jianqiang , Zheng Peilan , Chen Xiaobin , Zheng Fan , He Beibei
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the first choice of vascular access for hemodialysis treatment, and its surgical maturity rate is not high, and its postoperative complications (mostly stenosis) significantly shorten its life. At present, there are few studies on treatment methods to improve the maturity and survival of AVF. In this study, the effect of far infrared therapy (FIR) on the maturity and longevity of arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients was discussed, and the protective mechanism of AVF induced by FIR therapy was explored, aiming at exploring a new treatment method.

Methods

The hemodialysis patients admitted to the 900th Hospital of the Chinese Joint Logistics Support Force of the People's Liberation Army from January 2021 to April 2023 were randomly divided into control group and intervention group, with 40 cases in each group. Among them, the control group was coated with mucopolysaccharide polysulfonate cream; Intervention group: The patients were treated with mucopolysaccharide polysulfonate cream and far infrared radiation at the same time. After 3 months' intervention, the arteriovenous fistula (vein diameter, mature time of arteriovenous fistula, blood flow controlled by pump during dialysis, blood flow of brachial artery during dialysis and the occurrence of complications of internal fistula (oozing, occlusion and infection) and the pain score (numerical rating scale, NRS) of the two groups were compared, and the curative effects were compared.

Results

There was no significant difference in general data between the two groups (P > 0.05), which indicated that the study was comparable. After 3 months' intervention, the vein diameter, pump-controlled blood flow and brachial artery blood flow in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). And the maturity time, NRS score and complication rate of arteriovenous fistula were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The primary patency rate of AVF in the intervention group was higher than that in the control group, and the overall patency rate between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

As a promising new treatment method, far infrared therapy can effectively promote the maturity of AVF, increase venous diameter, pump controlled blood flow during dialysis, brachial artery blood flow during dialysis, and prolong the service life of AVF.
Case Report: Abdominal Wall Reconstruction in a High-Risk Patient With Incisional Hernia and Complications From Oncological Treatment
Authors: Silva Thiago Souza , Martins Mario Rino , Batista Thales Lima , Martins Euclides Dias , Fernandes Marcelo Henrique , Hinrichsen Eduarda Araujo
Published: September 2023

Introduction: A high risk patient with evisceration underwent to abdominal wall reconstruction without mesh or drains. We present a case of a 62 years-old female patient with a significant medical history of Wilson’s disease-related hepatopathy Child-Pugh class B classification, sequelae of a stroke, and relevant surgical background including total hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and Hartmann’s procedure for ovarian neoplasm stage 3. The patient developed a large incisional hernia in the midline incision while undergoing Bevacizumab (Avastin) treatment for clinical oncology. During an attempt at skin closure due to erosion and necrosis, there was progressive deterioration leading to evisceration. We opted for abdominal wall reconstruction by transposing the hernia sac without using mesh and employing hemostatic powder (Arista) to mitigate the risk of bleeding in a high-risk patient due to recent bevacizumab use and hepatopathy. The patient had a favorable postoperative course without any other intervention in abdominal wall. Patient developed worsening hepatic function with the presence of ascites, constipation, and disorientation. On the 6th day postoperative, a tomography was performed, which showed colonic distension without obstructive factors and a slight amount of supra-aponeurotic fluid. The patient was discharged on the 10th day postoperative after improvement of the condition with clinical treatment. The patient has been progressing under outpatient follow-up for 5 months, with a resumption of chemotherapy cycles and no evidence of hernia recurrence.

Conclusion: Further studies and long-term follow-up are necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hernia sac transposition as a mesh-free technique and the use of hemostatic powder without drains in high-risk patients. However, our case highlights the potential feasibility of these approaches in carefully selected cases.
Predictor–Corrector Guidance for a Hypersonic Morphing Vehicle
Authors: Yao Dongdong , Xia Qunli
Published: September 2023

In an effort to address the problem of hypersonic morphing vehicles reaching the target while avoiding no-fly zones, an improved predictor–corrector guidance method is proposed. Firstly, the aircraft motion model and the constraint model are established. Then, the basic algorithm is given. The Q-learning method is used to design the attack angle and sweep angle scheme to ensure that the aircraft can fly over low-altitude zones. The B-spline curve is used to determine the locations of flight path points, and the bank angle scheme is designed using the predictor–corrector method, so that the aircraft can avoid high-altitude zones. Next, the Monte Carlo reinforcement learning (MCRL) method is used to improve the predictor–corrector method and a Deep Neural Network (DNN) is used to fit the reward function. The planning method in this paper realizes the use of a variable sweep angle, while the improved method further improves the performance of the trajectory, including the attainment of greater final speed and a smaller turning angle. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
The Constrained Disorder Principle Accounts for the Variability That Characterizes Breathing: A Method for Treating Chronic Respiratory Diseases and Improving Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Adar Ofek , Hollander Adi , Ilan Yaron
Published: September 2023

Variability characterizes breathing, cellular respiration, and the underlying quantum effects. Variability serves as a mechanism for coping with changing environments; however, this hypothesis does not explain why many of the variable phenomena of respiration manifest randomness. According to the constrained disorder principle (CDP), living organisms are defined by their inherent disorder bounded by variable boundaries. The present paper describes the mechanisms of breathing and cellular respiration, focusing on their inherent variability. It defines how the CDP accounts for the variability and randomness in breathing and respiration. It also provides a scheme for the potential role of respiration variability in the energy balance in biological systems. The paper describes the option of using CDP-based artificial intelligence platforms to augment the respiratory process’s efficiency, correct malfunctions, and treat disorders associated with the respiratory system.
Grad-CAM-Based Explainable Artificial Intelligence Related to Medical Text Processing
Authors: Zhang Hongjian , Ogasawara Katsuhiko
Published: September 2023

The opacity of deep learning makes its application challenging in the medical field. Therefore, there is a need to enable explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) in the medical field to ensure that models and their results can be explained in a manner that humans can understand. This study uses a high-accuracy computer vision algorithm model to transfer learning to medical text tasks and uses the explanatory visualization method known as gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) to generate heat maps to ensure that the basis for decision-making can be provided intuitively or via the model. The system comprises four modules: pre-processing, word embedding, classifier, and visualization. We used Word2Vec and BERT to compare word embeddings and use ResNet and 1Dimension convolutional neural networks (CNN) to compare classifiers. Finally, the Bi-LSTM was used to perform text classification for direct comparison. With 25 epochs, the model that used pre-trained ResNet on the formalized text presented the best performance (recall of 90.9%, precision of 91.1%, and an F1 score of 90.2% weighted). This study uses ResNet to process medical texts through Grad-CAM-based explainable artificial intelligence and obtains a high-accuracy classification effect; at the same time, through Grad-CAM visualization, it intuitively shows the words to which the model pays attention when making predictions.
REM Sleep Stage Identification with Raw Single-Channel EEG
Authors: Toban Gabriel , Poudel Khem , Hong Don
Published: September 2023

This paper focused on creating an interpretable model for automatic rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep stage scoring for a single-channel electroencephalogram (EEG). Many methods attempt to extract meaningful information to provide to a learning algorithm. This method attempts to let the model extract the meaningful interpretable information by providing a smaller number of time-invariant signal filters for five frequency ranges using five CNN algorithms. A bi-directional GRU algorithm was applied to the output to incorporate time transition information. Training and tests were run on the well-known sleep-EDF-expanded database. The best results produced 97% accuracy, 93% precision, and 89% recall.
ENO2 as a Biomarker Regulating Energy Metabolism to Promote Tumor Progression in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shi Jian , Miao Daojia , Lv Qingyang , Tan Diaoyi , Xiong Zhiyong , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: September 2023

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common and metastatic type of renal cell carcinoma. Despite significant advancements, the current diagnostic biomarkers for ccRCC lack the desired specificity and sensitivity, necessitating the identification of novel biomarkers and elucidation of their underlying mechanisms. Methods: Three gene expression profile datasets were obtained from the GEO database, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analysis were conducted in ccRCC. To clarify the diagnosis and prognostic role of ENO2, Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were performed. Functional experiments were also carried out to verify the significant role of ENO2 in ccRCC. Finally, tumor mutational burden analysis was utilized to investigate the potential role of ENO2 in gene mutations in ccRCC. Results: The study showed that ENO2 is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of ccRCC and can independently predict the clinical prognosis of ccRCC. Furthermore, we found that ENO2 can promote the occurrence and progression of ccRCC by affecting the glycolysis level of cells through the “Warburg effect”. Conclusions: These findings provide new theories for the occurrence and development of ccRCC and can help formulate new strategies for its diagnosis and treatment.
Dissecting the Molecular Mechanisms Driving Electropathology in Atrial Fibrillation: Deployment of RNA Sequencing and Transcriptomic Analyses
Authors: Huiskes Fabries G. , Creemers Esther E. , Brundel Bianca J. J. M.
Published: September 2023

Despite many efforts to treat atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common progressive and age-related cardiac tachyarrhythmia in the Western world, the efficacy is still suboptimal. A plausible reason for this is that current treatments are not directed at underlying molecular root causes that drive electrical conduction disorders and AF (i.e., electropathology). Insights into AF-induced transcriptomic alterations may aid in a deeper understanding of electropathology. Specifically, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) facilitates transcriptomic analyses and discovery of differences in gene expression profiles between patient groups. In the last decade, various RNA-seq studies have been conducted in atrial tissue samples of patients with AF versus controls in sinus rhythm. Identified differentially expressed molecular pathways so far include pathways related to mechanotransduction, ECM remodeling, ion channel signaling, and structural tissue organization through developmental and inflammatory signaling pathways. In this review, we provide an overview of the available human AF RNA-seq studies and highlight the molecular pathways identified. Additionally, a comparison is made between human RNA-seq findings with findings from experimental AF model systems and we discuss contrasting findings. Finally, we elaborate on new exciting RNA-seq approaches, including single-nucleotide variants, spatial transcriptomics and profiling of different populations of total RNA, small RNA and long non-coding RNA.
Concentration-Dependent Attenuation of Pro-Fibrotic Responses after Cannabigerol Exposure in Primary Rat Hepatocytes Cultured in Palmitate and Fructose Media
Authors: Sztolsztener Klaudia , Konstantynowicz-Nowicka Karolina , Pędzińska-Betiuk Anna , Chabowski Adrian
Published: September 2023

Hepatic fibrosis is a consequence of liver injuries, in which the overproduction and progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components with the simultaneous failure of matrix turnover mechanisms are observed. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration-dependent influence of cannabigerol (CBG, Cannabis sativa L. component) on ECM composition with respect to transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) changes in primary hepatocytes with fibrotic changes induced by palmitate and fructose media. Cells were isolated from male Wistar rats’ livers in accordance with the two-step collagenase perfusion technique. This was followed by hepatocytes incubation with the presence or absence of palmitate with fructose and/or cannabigerol (at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 15, 25, 30 µM) for 48 h. The expression of ECM mRNA genes and proteins was determined using PCR and Western blot, respectively, whereas media ECM level was evaluated using ELISA. Our results indicated that selected low concentrations of CBG caused a reduction in TGF-β1 mRNA expression and secretion into media. Hepatocyte exposure to cannabigerol at low concentrations attenuated collagen 1 and 3 deposition. The protein and/or mRNA expressions and MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion were augmented using CBG. Considering the mentioned results, low concentrations of cannabigerol treatment might expedite fibrosis regression and promote regeneration.
Gas Sensing Properties of CuWO4@WO3 n-n Heterojunction Prepared by Direct Hydrolysis of Mesitylcopper (I) on WO3·2H2O Nanoleaves
Authors: Jońca Justyna , Castello-Lux Kevin , Fajerwerg Katia , Kahn Myrtil L. , Collière Vincent , Menini Philippe , Sówka Izabela , Fau Pierre
Published: September 2023

The nanometer size Cu2O@WO3·H2O composite material has been prepared by the direct hydrolysis of mesitylcopper (I) on WO3·2H2O nanoleaves. The synthesis has been performed in toluene without the addition of any ancillary ligands. The prepared nanocomposite has been deposited as a gas-sensitive layer on miniaturized silicon devices and heated up gradually to 500 °C in the ambient air. During the heating, the CuWO4 phase is formed upon the reaction of Cu2O with the WO3 support as revealed by the XRD analyses. The as-prepared CuWO4@WO3 sensors have been exposed to 10 ppm of CO or 0.4 ppm of NO2 (RH = 50%). At the operating temperature of 445 °C, a normalized response of 620% towards NO2 is obtained whereas the response to CO is significantly lower (S = 30%). Under these conditions, the sensors prepared either with pristine CuO or WO3 nanostructures are sensitive to only one of the two investigated gases, i.e., CO and NO2, respectively. Interestingly, when the CuWO4@WO3 sensitive layer is exposed to UV light emitted from a 365 nm Schottky diode, its sensitivity towards CO vanishes whereas the response towards NO2 remains high. Thus, the application of UV illumination allowed us to modify the selectivity of the device. This new nanocomposite sensor is a versatile sensitive layer that will be integrated into a gas sensor array dedicated to electronic nose platforms.
Flourishing among Children and Adolescents with Chronic Pain and Emotional, Developmental, or Behavioral Comorbidities
Authors: Foster Madeline , Emick Jessica , Griffith Nathan M.
Published: September 2023

Pediatric chronic pain is an important public health issue given its notable impact on numerous domains of living. Pediatric chronic pain is also often comorbid with emotional, developmental, or behavioral conditions, which can lead to more severe negative outcomes and an even greater reduction in positive outcomes compared to those without comorbidities. Flourishing is a positive outcome that chronic pain status has been shown to impact. Flourishing in children aged 6–17 years living with chronic pain, as well as those with chronic pain and comorbidities, was explored using data from the 2018/2019 National Survey of Child Health. Chronic pain occurred in 4.0% of our sample, and the prevalence of chronic pain plus comorbidities was 3.9%. There were significant associations between the chronic pain condition status and all demographic variables (sex, age, race/ethnicity, poverty level, parental education, and health insurance status). The results of the hierarchical logistic regression found that the chronic pain condition status significantly predicted flourishing. Children with chronic pain were 2.33 times less likely to flourish, and children with chronic pain plus an emotional, developmental, or behavioral comorbidity were 13 times less likely to flourish than their typical peers. Given their significantly lower likelihood of flourishing, there is an urgent need for interventions targeted at children experiencing chronic pain and mental health comorbidities.
Ocular Torsion in Children with Horizontal Strabismus or Orthophoria
Authors: Bdeer Nayrouz , Hadar Noa , Raveh Doris , Obied Basel , Richard Stephen , Zahavi Alon , Goldenberg-Cohen Nitza
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To report the rate of ocular torsion in children with horizontal strabismus or orthophoria. Methods: A retrospective study design was used. Nineteen children were included in the study, including seven girls, aged 4–16 years. All patients were examined for strabismus and 12 were scheduled for surgical intervention. All participants had digital fundus photos (DRSplus, Padova, Italy) of both eyes at presentation, and 5 of 12 also had fundus photos following the strabismus operation. Patient files were reviewed for age, demographic data, type of strabismus, clinical symptoms and signs, orthoptic exams, subjective and objective reports of torsion, inferior oblique overaction, and V pattern. Fundus photos were analyzed for torsion by ImageJ software [ImageJ 1.54f, National Institute of Health, USA]. The disc-foveal angle was calculated for ocular torsion. Disc-foveal angle was defined as the angle formed between a line passing through the center of the optic disc to the fovea and another horizontal line passing through the center of the optic disc, using fundus photographs. Results: Of the 19 children, 18 had horizontal strabismus: 9 with exotropia and 9 with esotropia. One child was orthophoric with torsional strabismus. Inferior oblique overaction was detected in all but 3 children, while V pattern was documented in 10. Visual acuity was reduced (under 6/12) in four eyes of four children. None were symptomatic for ocular torsion. Although extorsion was documented clinically in 3 of 19 children, it was measurable on fundus photos in all patients before surgery with a mean of 8.7 ± 8.5 degrees and 8.5 ± 9.7 degrees in the right and left eyes, respectively. The mean extorsion in both eyes was 19.7 ± 10.1 degrees and improved to a mean of 15.3 ± 7.9 degrees in the children who were operated on and had documented postoperative fundus photographs. Conclusions: Extorsion was detected on fundus photos at a significantly higher rate than in clinical examination. Notably, inferior oblique overaction was mainly associated with torsion. This study demonstrated that torsion is underdiagnosed in clinical examinations, as the children are often asymptomatic, but fundus photos which are easily obtained can improve its detection.
Prospects of Using Fe-Ga Alloys for Magnetostrictive Applications at High Frequencies
Authors: Milyutin Vasily , Bureš Radovan , Fáberová Maria
Published: September 2023

Fe-Ga is a promising magnetostrictive rare-earth free alloy with an attractive combination of useful properties. In this review, we consider this material through the lens of its potential use in magnetostrictive applications at elevated frequencies. The properties of the Fe-Ga alloy are compared with other popular magnetostrictive alloys. The two different approaches to reducing eddy current losses for such applications in the context of the Fe-Ga alloy, in particular, the fabrication of thin sheets and Fe-Ga/epoxy composites, are discussed. For the first time, the results of more than a decade of research aimed at developing each of these approaches are analyzed and summarized. The features of each approach, as well as the advantages and disadvantages, are outlined. In general, it has been shown that the Fe-Ga alloy is the most promising magnetostrictive material for use at elevated frequencies (up to 100 kHz) compared to analogs. However, for a wide practical application of the alloy, it is still necessary to solve several problems, which are described in this review.
Thinking beyond Chatbots’ Threat to Education: Visualizations to Elucidate the Writing or Coding Process
Authors: Adhikari Badri
Published: September 2023

Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, educational practices continue to be predominantly centered around outcome-oriented approaches. These practices are now thoroughly disrupted by the recent accessibility of online resources and chatbots. Among the most affected subjects are writing and computer programming. As educators transform their teaching practices to account for this disruption, it is important to note that writing and computer programming play a critical role in the development of logical and computational thinking. For instance, what and how we write shapes our thinking and sets us on the path of self-directed learning. Likewise, computer programming plays a similar role in the development of computational thinking. While most educators understand that “process” and “outcome” are both crucial and inseparable, providing constructive feedback on a learner’s formative process is challenging in most educational settings. To address this long-standing issue in education, this work presents Process Visualizations, a new set of interactive data visualizations that summarize the inherent and taught capabilities of a learner’s writing or programming process. These visualizations provide insightful, empowering, and personalized process-oriented feedback to learners and help to improve cognitive and metacognitive skills. Likewise, they assist educators in enhancing their effectiveness in the process-aware teaching of writing or computer programming. The toolbox for generating the visualizations, named Process Feedback, is ready to be tested by educators and learners and is publicly available as a website.
Few-Shot Object Detection with Memory Contrastive Proposal Based on Semantic Priors
Authors: Xiao Linlin , Xu Huahu , Xiao Junsheng , Huang Yuzhe
Published: September 2023

Few-shot object detection (FSOD) aims to detect objects belonging to novel classes with few training samples. With the small number of novel class samples, the visual information extracted is insufficient to accurately represent the object itself, presenting significant intra-class variance and confusion between classes of similar samples, resulting in large errors in the detection results of the novel class samples. We propose a few-shot object detection framework to achieve effective classification and detection by embedding semantic information and contrastive learning. Firstly, we introduced a semantic fusion (SF) module, which projects semantic spatial information into visual space for interaction, to compensate for the lack of visual information and further enhance the representation of feature information. To further improve the classification performance, we embed the memory contrastive proposal (MCP) module to adjust the distribution of the feature space by calculating the contrastive loss between the class-centered features of previous samples and the current input features to obtain a more discriminative embedding space for better intra-class aggregation and inter-class separation for subsequent classification and detection. Extensive experiments on the PASCAL VOC and MS-COCO datasets show that the performance of our proposed method is effectively improved. Our proposed method improves nAP50 over the baseline model by 4.5% and 3.5%.
Organic Vegetable Chips: Exploring Romanian Consumers’ Preferences in Relation to Socio-Demographic Factors
Authors: Barbu Andreea , Ion Violeta Alexandra , Frîncu Mihai , Defta Nicoleta , Lagunovschi-Luchian Viorica , Bădulescu Liliana Aurelia
Published: September 2023

In recent years, people have become increasingly interested in adopting a healthy diet, which also extends to healthy snacks, such as chips. Understanding the interplay of factors that influence the preference decisions concerning food products is very helpful in market segmentation for identifying specific groups of consumers with similar needs. This study aims to obtain a better understanding of Romanian consumers’ preference for organic vegetable chips vs. classic potato chips. The research involved a transversal, cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory, and correlational design. Data were collected based on a questionnaire (1060 participants) and processed with the SPSS 22 program, using the Pearson chi-square test and binary logistic regression as statistical procedures. Significant differences were found regarding the distribution of the respondents who prefer organic vegetable chips vs. classic potato chips based on socio-demographic characteristics. The results of the binary logistic regression analysis (χ2 = 102,906, df = 22, N = 909, p < 0.001) indicate that education level and frequency of consumption have a statistically significant impact on the preference for organic vegetable chips. The obtained results can contribute to a better understanding of Romanian consumers’ preferences, acting as a knowledge stage in the adoption of a healthy eating style.
Inorganic Selenium Transformation into Organic Selenium by Monascus purpureus
Authors: Sun Nan , Dang Hui , Zhang Yuyao , Yang Mengjie , Zhang Wei , Zhao Yu , Zhang Haisheng , Ji Hua , Zhang Baoshan
Published: September 2023

Selenium (Se) is a trace element that plays a crucial role in metabolism; a lack of selenium reduces the body’s resistance and immunity, as well as causes other physiological problems. In this study, we aim to identify favorable conditions for improving organic selenium production. The functional microbe Monascus purpureus, which is widely used in food production, was employed to optimize selenium-enriched culture conditions, and its growth mode and selenium-enriched features were investigated. Spectrophotometry, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) were used to determine the effects of various doses of sodium selenite on the selenium content, growth, and metabolism of M. purpureus, as well as the conversion rate of organic selenium. The best culture parameters for selenium-rich M. purpureus included 7.5 mg/100 mL of selenium content in the culture medium, a pH value of 6.8, a culture temperature of 30 °C, and a rotation speed of 180 rpm. Under ideal circumstances, the mycelia had a maximum selenium concentration of approximately 239.17 mg/kg, with organic selenium accounting for 93.45%, monacoline K production reaching 70.264 mg/L, and a secondary utilization rate of external selenium of 22.99%. This study revealed a novel biological route—selenium-rich M. purpureus fermentation—for converting inorganic selenium into organic selenium.
A Review on Extracts, Chemical Composition and Product Development of Walnut Diaphragma Juglandis Fructus
Authors: Zhan Yuanrong , Ma Mengge , Chen Zhou , Ma Aijin , Li Siting , Xia Junxia , Jia Yingmin
Published: September 2023

Walnuts are one of the world’s most important nut species and are popular for their high nutritional value, but the processing of walnuts produces numerous by-products. Among them, Diaphragma Juglandis Fructus has attracted the attention of researchers due to its complex chemical composition and diverse bioactivities. However, comprehensive reviews of extract activity and mechanistic studies, chemical composition functionality, and product types are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this review is to analyze the extracts, chemical composition, and product development of Diaphragma Juglandis Fructus. Conclusions: For extracts, the biological activities of aqueous and ethanol extracts have been studied more extensively than those of methanol extracts, but almost all of the studies have been based on crude extracts, with fewer explorations of their mechanisms. For chemical composition, the bioactivities of polyphenols and polysaccharides were more intensively studied, while other chemical constituents were at the stage of content determination. For product development, walnuts are mainly used in food and medicine, but the product range is limited. In the future, research on the bioactivity and related mechanisms of Diaphragma Juglandis Fructus can be further expanded to improve its value as a potential natural plant resource applied in multiple industries.