bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of spatiotemporal variation and driving factors of habitat quality in the northern foothills of the Qinling Mountains: a case study of Xi’an, China
Authors: Ma Ling , Wang Chuanming , Wang Liyang , Jin Shumeng , Kou Xiaomei
Published: December 2023

As earth surface human activities become more frequent, global ecosystem service functions and especially biodiversity maintenance functions are challenged. This study aimed to analyze spatiotemporal changes in Xi‘an section of the northern foothills of the Qinling Mountains from 1990 to 2020. Temporal and spatial changes in habitat quality in the study area were visualized using InVEST model and land use data, and factors affecting habitat quality were analyzed using Geodetector. The results showed that during the study period, the cultivated land, grassland, and water decreased by 16.40%, 74.37%, and 35.39%, respectively, while the area of forest land and construction land increased, among which the construction land increased by 117.70%, the largest increase, and the forest land increased by 8.47%. The main changes in land use are the conversion of cultivated land into forest land and construction land, and the conversion of grassland into forest land and cultivated land. During the period 1990–2020, the average habitat quality index in the study area changed from 0.8617 to 0.8585, showing a slow decreasing trend. The spatial distribution of habitat quality showed a trend of “high in the south, moderate in the north, and low in the northwest”. The high habitat quality was mainly concentrated in the southern forest land, the middle habitat quality was mainly distributed in the northern cultivated land, and the low habitat quality was mainly distributed in the northwest construction land. The land use type has a great influence on habitat quality, and the interaction between any two factors is stronger than that of a single factor. The temporal and spatial variation of habitat quality is influenced by both natural and human factors. This study provides a theoretical basis for ecological protection and nature reserve planning in the Qinling Mountains region.
Rheumatoid arthritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a bidirectional and multivariable two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Haifan , Chen Zhihao , Dang Xiaoqian , Wang Haoyu
Published: December 2023

Aims/hypothesis: The association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been reported by many observational studies in the Asian population. This study aimed to examine the bidirectional causal effects between GERD and RA by two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses using genetic evidence.

Methods: Two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses were performed to determine the causal effect of GERD (129,080 cases vs. 602,604 control participants) on RA (6,236 cases vs. 147,221 control participants) and RA on GERD, respectively. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary analysis. Weighted median and MR-Egger regression were taken as supplementary analyses. Cochran’s Q test evaluated the heterogeneity. Horizontal pleiotropy was detected by estimating the intercept term of MR-Egger regression. Furthermore, multivariable MR analyses were performed to exclude the influence of confounding factors, including the years of schooling, BMI, and time spent watching television, between GERD and RA.

Result: Both univariate MR (UVMR) and multivariable MR (MVMR) provided valid evidence that RA was causally and positively influenced by GERD (UVMR: OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.25–1.76, p = 6.18*10−6; MVMR: OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.24–2.31, p = 8.62*10−4), whereas GERD was not influenced by RA (UVMR: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00–1.06, p = 0.042; MVMR: OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.00–1.07, p = 0.0271).

Conclusion: Our comprehensive bidirectional MR analysis found that for the European population, GERD can induce the occurrence of RA (OR = 1.69, p < 0.00125), whereas RA only has no significant influence on GERD. In particular, patients with GERD are suffering a 69% increased risk of RA occurrence, which means GERD is a substantial risk factor for RA.
The role of circRNAs in regulation of drug resistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhan Jun , Li Zhiyi , Lin Changsheng , Wang Dingding , Yu Lei , Xiao Xue
Published: December 2023

Ovarian cancer is one of the female reproductive system tumors. Chemotherapy is used for advanced ovarian cancer patients; however, drug resistance is a pivotal cause of chemotherapeutic failure. Hence, it is critical to explore the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance of ovarian cancer cells and to ameliorate chemoresistance. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been identified to critically participate in drug sensitivity in a variety of human cancers, including ovarian cancer. Among ncRNAs, circRNAs sponge miRNAs and prevent miRNAs from regulation of their target mRNAs. CircRNAs can interact with DNA or proteins to modulate gene expression. In this review, we briefly describe the biological functions of circRNAs in the development and progression of ovarian cancer. Moreover, we discuss the underneath regulatory molecular mechanisms of circRNAs on governing drug resistance in ovarian cancer. Furthermore, we mention the novel strategies to overcome drug resistance via targeting circRNAs in ovarian cancer. Due to that circRNAs play a key role in modulation of drug resistance in ovarian cancer, targeting circRNAs could be a novel approach for attenuation of chemoresistance in ovarian cancer.
MicroRNA breed and parent-of-origin effects provide insights into biological pathways differentiating cattle subspecies in fetal liver
Authors: MacPhillamy Callum , Ren Yan , Chen Tong , Hiendleder Stefan , Low Wai Yee
Published: December 2023

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating gene expression during key developmental processes, including fetal development. Brahman (Bos taurus indicus) and Angus (Bos taurus taurus) cattle breeds represent two major cattle subspecies with strikingly different phenotypes.

Methods: We analyzed miRNA expression in liver samples of purebred and reciprocal crosses of Angus and Brahman to investigate breed and parent-of-origin effects at the onset of accelerated fetal growth.

Results: We identified eight novel miRNAs in fetal liver samples and 14 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between purebred samples. Correlation of gene expression modules and miRNAs by breed and parent-of-origin effects revealed an enrichment of genes associated with breed-specific differences in traits such as heat tolerance (Brahman) and fat deposition (Angus). We demonstrate that genes predicted to be targets of DEMs were more likely to be differentially expressed than non-targets (p-value < 0.05). We identified several miRNAs (bta-miR-187, bta-miR-216b, bta-miR-2284c, bta-miR-2285c, bta-miR-2285cp, bta-miR-2419-3p, bta-miR-2419-5p, and bta-miR-11984) that showed similar correlation patterns as bta-miR-2355-3p, which has been associated with the glutamatergic synapse pathway, a key facilitator of heat tolerance. Furthermore, we report Angus-breed-specific miRNAs (bta-miR-2313-5p, btamiR-490, bta-miR-2316, and bta-miR-11990) that may be involved in fat deposition. Finally, we showed that the DEMs identified in fetal liver are involved in Rap1, MAPK, and Ras signalling pathways, which are important for fetal development, muscle development and metabolic traits such as fat metabolism.

Conclusion: Our work sheds light on the miRNA expression patterns that contribute to gene expression differences driving phenotypic differences in indicine and taurine cattle.
Taming the SARS-CoV-2-mediated proinflammatory response with BromAc®
Authors: Ferreira Geovane Marques , Clarindo Felipe Alves , Ribeiro Ágata Lopes , Gomes-de-Pontes Letícia , de Carvalho Luciana Debortoli , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , da Fonseca Flávio Guimarães , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Sabino Adriano de Paula , Eapen Mathew Suji , Morris David L. , Valle Sarah J. , Coelho-dos-Reis Jordana Grazziela Alves
Published: December 2023

Introduction

In the present study, the impact of BromAc®, a specific combination of bromelain and acetylcysteine, on the SARS-CoV-2-specific inflammatory response was evaluated.

Methods

An in vitro stimulation system was standardized using blood samples from 9 healthy donors, luminex assays and flow cytometry were performed.

Results and discussion

BromAc® demonstrated robust anti-inflammatory activity in human peripheral blood cells upon SARS-CoV-2 viral stimuli, reducing the cytokine storm, composed of chemokines, growth factors, and proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines produced after short-term in vitro culture with the inactivated virus (iSARS-CoV-2). A combined reduction in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced by SARS-CoV-2, in addition to steady-state levels of platelet recruitment-associated growth factor-PDGFbb, was observed, indicating that BromAc® may be important to reduce thromboembolism in COVID-19. The immunophenotypic analysis of the impact of BromAc® on leukocytes upon viral stimuli showed that BromAc® was able to downmodulate the populations of CD16+ neutrophils and CD14+ monocytes observed after stimulation with iSARS-CoV-2. Conversely, BromAc® treatment increased steady-state HLA-DR expression in CD14+ monocytes and preserved this activation marker in this subset upon iSARS-CoV-2 stimuli, indicating improved monocyte activation upon BromAc® treatment. Additionally, BromAc® downmodulated the iSARS-CoV-2-induced production of TNF-a by the CD19+ B-cells. System biology approaches, utilizing comprehensive correlation matrices and networks, showed distinct patterns of connectivity in groups treated with BromAc®, suggesting loss of connections promoted by the compound and by iSARS-CoV-2 stimuli. Negative correlations amongst proinflammatory axis and other soluble and cellular factors were observed in the iSARS-CoV-2 group treated with BromAc® as compared to the untreated group, demonstrating that BromAc® disengages proinflammatory responses and their interactions with other soluble factors and the axis orchestrated by SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion

These results give new insights into the mechanisms for the robust anti-inflammatory effect of BromAc® in the steady state and SARS-CoV-2-specific immune leukocyte responses, indicating its potential as a therapeutic strategy for COVID-19.
The potential of biostimulants on soil microbial community: a review
Authors: Adedayo Afeez Adesina , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti
Published: December 2023

To improve agricultural sustainability, an agriculturally productive system is required to maintain soil fertility and reduce the loss of soil biodiversity. One of the modern technologies employs microbial biostimulants that create abundant agricultural yield with high nutritional values, controlling disadvantages obtained from environmental changes. This review aimed to provide knowledge on the effects of biostimulants on microbial communities’ potential to promote agricultural production. Plant biostimulants are novel materials applied in the farming sector nowadays to improve crop yield and commonly occur in plant seeds and as an alternative to chemical derivative application on crop plants. Microbial biostimulants function as biological inputs to increase crop production and reduce the decomposition of soil. In conclusion, the application of biostimulants necessitates the accomplishment of an absolute choice of beneficial microbes as well as the potential to combat problems that will be encountered later in the agricultural sector.
Predictors of outcomes in geriatric patients with moderate traumatic brain injury after ground level falls
Authors: Forssten Sebastian Peter , Ahl Hulme Rebecka , Forssten Maximilian Peter , Ribeiro Marcelo A. F. , Sarani Babak , Mohseni Shahin
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The elderly population constitutes one of the fastest-growing demographic groups globally. Within this population, mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries (TBI) resulting from ground level falls (GLFs) are prevalent and pose significant challenges. Between 50 and 80% of TBIs in older individuals are due to GLFs. These incidents result in more severe outcomes and extended recovery periods for the elderly, even when controlling for injury severity. Given the increasing incidence of such injuries it becomes essential to identify the key factors that predict complications and in-hospital mortality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to pinpoint the top predictors of complications and in-hospital mortality in geriatric patients who have experienced a moderate TBI following a GLF.

Methods

Data were obtained from the American College of Surgeons’ Trauma Quality Improvement Program database. A moderate TBI was defined as a head AIS ≤ 3 with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 9–13, and an AIS ≤ 2 in all other body regions. Potential predictors of complications and in-hospital mortality were included in a logistic regression model and ranked using the permutation importance method.

Results

A total of 7,489 patients with a moderate TBI were included in the final analyses. 6.5% suffered a complication and 6.2% died prior to discharge. The top five predictors of complications were the need for neurosurgical intervention, the Revised Cardiac Risk Index, coagulopathy, the spine abbreviated injury severity scale (AIS), and the injury severity score. The top five predictors of mortality were head AIS, age, GCS on admission, the need for neurosurgical intervention, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Conclusion

When predicting both complications and in-hospital mortality in geriatric patients who have suffered a moderate traumatic brain injury after a ground level fall, the most important factors to consider are the need for neurosurgical intervention, cardiac risk, and measures of injury severity. This may allow for better identification of at-risk patients, and at the same time resulting in a more equitable allocation of resources.
Development of an eLearning intervention for enhancing health professionals’ skills for addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Papadakis Sophia , Anastasaki Marilena , Gamaletsou Maria , Papagiannopoulou Xenia , Aligizakis Eftychios , Lionis Christos
Published: December 2023

Like many countries, Greece has faced resistance to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination among residents for both the initial and booster doses. Supporting healthcare professionals with delivering brief advice on COVID-19 vaccination may assist with reaching national vaccination targets. We sought to rapidly develop, pilot test, and deploy an eLearning intervention on skills training on effective techniques for addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy for primary health and social care professionals in Greece. A five-part, 1.5-h eLearning was produced in Greek which featured two behavior change techniques, Very Brief Advice (VBA) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) adapted for use in addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Six-film-based case studies modeling the use of VBA and MI in the context of challenging scenarios typically seen in Greek health and social settings were produced for the eLearning. The CME was pilot tested using a pre-post design in a small convenience sample (n = 17) of health care professionals. Pilot study results found the training provided new knowledge (80%), improved provider skills (80%), and was useful to provider’s clinical practice (90%). There was a mixed effect in provider capability, motivation, and opportunity. Ninety percent of providers strongly agreed or agreed that they planned to use the information and skills provided by the training in their clinical practice. This project has resulted in new training assets for use by health and social professional tailored to the nationally context in Greece including supporting uptake of booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
ChatGPT’s performance in German OB/GYN exams – paving the way for AI-enhanced medical education and clinical practice
Authors: Riedel Maximilian , Kaefinger Katharina , Stuehrenberg Antonia , Ritter Viktoria , Amann Niklas , Graf Anna , Recker Florian , Klein Evelyn , Kiechle Marion , Riedel Fabian , Meyer Bastian
Published: December 2023

Background

Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) is an artificial learning and large language model tool developed by OpenAI in 2022. It utilizes deep learning algorithms to process natural language and generate responses, which renders it suitable for conversational interfaces. ChatGPT’s potential to transform medical education and clinical practice is currently being explored, but its capabilities and limitations in this domain remain incompletely investigated. The present study aimed to assess ChatGPT’s performance in medical knowledge competency for problem assessment in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN).

Methods

Two datasets were established for analysis: questions (1) from OB/GYN course exams at a German university hospital and (2) from the German medical state licensing exams. In order to assess ChatGPT’s performance, questions were entered into the chat interface, and responses were documented. A quantitative analysis compared ChatGPT’s accuracy with that of medical students for different levels of difficulty and types of questions. Additionally, a qualitative analysis assessed the quality of ChatGPT’s responses regarding ease of understanding, conciseness, accuracy, completeness, and relevance. Non-obvious insights generated by ChatGPT were evaluated, and a density index of insights was established in order to quantify the tool’s ability to provide students with relevant and concise medical knowledge.

Results

ChatGPT demonstrated consistent and comparable performance across both datasets. It provided correct responses at a rate comparable with that of medical students, thereby indicating its ability to handle a diverse spectrum of questions ranging from general knowledge to complex clinical case presentations. The tool’s accuracy was partly affected by question difficulty in the medical state exam dataset. Our qualitative assessment revealed that ChatGPT provided mostly accurate, complete, and relevant answers. ChatGPT additionally provided many non-obvious insights, especially in correctly answered questions, which indicates its potential for enhancing autonomous medical learning.

Conclusion

ChatGPT has promise as a supplementary tool in medical education and clinical practice. Its ability to provide accurate and insightful responses showcases its adaptability to complex clinical scenarios. As AI technologies continue to evolve, ChatGPT and similar tools may contribute to more efficient and personalized learning experiences and assistance for health care providers.
Association between gut microbiota, microbial network, and immunity in pregnancy with a focus on specific bacterial clusters
Authors: Yan Hao , Liang Xinyuan , Luo Huijuan , Tang Xiaomei , Xiao Xiaomin
Published: December 2023

Background

The community characteristics of the gut microbiota are not well defined and are not as widely studied as the functions of individual bacteria. This study aims to investigate the community composition of intestinal flora in women of childbearing age by conducting cluster analysis of gut microbiota and analyzing the relationship between different clusters and immune status.

Methods

A total of 45 women of childbearing age were recruited in the study, including 15 non-pregnant women and 30 women in late pregnancy, and stool samples were collected twice during the third trimester, specifically at 32 weeks and at full term. The gut microbiota data was analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Partitioning Around Medoids algorithm was employed to assess microbial clustering patterns. Microbial network for each cluster was performed and plasm cytokines were measured to analyze the relationship between specific genera and immune state in clusters.

Results

There were three distinct clusters of intestinal community composition in women of childbearing age. Cluster 1 (PAM_1) was characterized by a high abundance of Bacteroides, while cluster 2 (PAM_2) showed higher levels of Bifidobacterium and Blautia, along with a significantly increased Firmicutes to Bacteroidota ratio. Cluster 3 (PAM_3) displayed a high abundance of Escherichia-shigella. PAM_1 was the most dominant cluster in non-pregnant women, and this dominant cluster was also one of the main in late pregnancy. At full term, the majority of subjects retained the same cluster as at 32 weeks, while a few experienced a shift. The microbial correlation networks differed across the three clusters, with PAM_1 exhibiting higher modularity and fewer connections. Analysis of the correlation between genera and plasma cytokines showed significant differences in their associations with cytokines between pregnancy and nonpregnancy within the same cluster, and the same genera had different effects in different clusters.

Conclusion

Women of childbearing age exhibit three distribution patterns of gut microbiota, and the intestinal clusters reshaped during late pregnancy in a small population. Different clusters may have diverse immunomodulatory effects in different physiological states. When studying the gut microbiome during pregnancy, it is crucial to consider the cluster differences within healthy women.
LncRNAs in non-small cell lung cancer: novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers
Authors: Fu Jiang , Yu Li , Yan Hang , Tang Shengjie , Wang Zixu , Dai Tingting , Chen Haoyu , Zhang Song , Hu Haiyang , Liu Tao , Tang Shoujun , He Rong , Zhou Haining
Published: December 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the main causes of cancer-related death worldwide, with a serious impact on human health and life. The identification of NSCLC at an early stage is a formidable task that frequently culminates in a belated diagnosis. LncRNA is a kind of noncoding RNA with limited protein-coding capacity, and its expression is out of balance in many cancers, especially NSCLC. A large number of studies have reported that lncRNA acts a vital role in regulating angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and the proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells, affecting the occurrence and development of NSCLC. Abundant evidence demonstrates that lncRNAs may serve as potential biomarkers for NSCLC diagnosis and prognosis. In this review, we summarize the latest progress in characterizing the functional mechanism of lncRNAs involved in the development of NSCLC and further discuss the role of lncRNAs in NSCLC therapy and chemotherapy resistance. We also discuss the advantages, limitations, and challenges of using lncRNAs as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in the management of NSCLC.
Screening practices, efficacy, safety and adherence to biologic therapies in a South African tertiary hospital
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed Awad Eltoum , Scott Christiaan , Gcelu Ayanda , Steffen Jonel , Isaacs Thuraya , Hodkinson Bridget
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The high cost and concern of adverse events, particularly infections, limit the use of biologic therapies. We undertook this retrospective study to document their use for immune-mediated diseases, and explore the screening practices, efficacy, safety, and adherence to bDMARDs in a tertiary hospital.

Methods

A folder review of all adult and paediatric patients treated for IMDs with bDMARDs. Changes in disease activity were measured by disease-specific tools at 6, 12, 24-months and at the last available visit, and patient adherence to bDMARDs was explored by folder and pharmacy record review.

Results

We studied 120 folders; 145 bDMARDs were prescribed (23 patients switched bDMARD). BDMARDs prescribed included tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) (76), rituximab (54), tocilizumab (9), anakinra (3), abatacept (1), ustekinumab (1) and tofacitinib (1). The vast majority of patients had an excellent response and achieved low disease activity or remission at their last available visit. Adverse events included severe infection (9) including two cases of tuberculosis (TB), mild skin reaction (6) and severe infusion reactions (4). Therapy was discontinued in 13 patients, most commonly due to infection (5), lack of response (4), or poor adherence (3). Poor adherence was noted in 8/120 (6.7%). Complete latent TB infection screening was performed in only 35 patients (29.2%). Screening for Hepatitis B, C and HIV was performed in 28 (23.3%), 62 (51.7%) and 61 (50.8%) patients, respectively. Only 20.8% and 20.0% received the influenza and pneumococcal vaccination.

Discussion and conclusion

Biologic therapy was effective, and the most important serious adverse effect was infection, which was significantly associated with TNFi therapy. Vaccination and screening for TB, viral hepatitis and HIV was suboptimal. Of concern, poor adherence to bDMARDs was frequently encountered.
Long-term efficacy of hydrotherapy on balance function in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Zicai , Huang Miao , Liao Ya , Xie Xiuying , Zhu Pingan , Liu Yangyou , Tan Cheng
Published: December 2023

Background

Hydrotherapy can improve the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but the long-term effects of hydrotherapy on PD are still unclear.

Objective

The purpose of this systematic evaluation and meta-analysis was to explore the long-term effects of hydrotherapy on balance function in PD patients.

Methods

A systematic search of five databases was conducted to identify appropriate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) according to the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The general characteristics and outcome data (balance, exercise, mobility, quality of life, etc.) of the included studies were extracted, and the quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Finally, the outcome data were integrated for meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 149 articles were screened, and 5 high-quality RCTs involving 135 PD patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed positive long-term effects of hydrotherapy on balance function compared to the control group (SMD = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.21, 1.17; p = 0.005; I2 = 44%), However, there were no significant long-term effects of hydrotherapy on motor function (SMD = 0.06; 95% CI = −0.33, 0.44; p = 0.77; I2 = 0%), mobility and quality of life (SMD = −0.21; 95% CI = −0.98, 0.57; p = 0.6; I2 = 71%). Interestingly, the results of the sensitivity analysis performed on mobility showed a clear continuation effect of hydrotherapy on mobility compared to the control group (SMD = −0.80; 95% CI = −1.23, −0.37; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%).

Conclusion

The long-term effects of hydrotherapy on PD patients mainly focus on balance function, and the continuous effects on motor function, mobility, and quality of life are not obvious.
Stress-induced translation of KCNB1 contributes to the enhanced synaptic transmission of the lateral habenula
Authors: Ryu Hakyun , Kim Minseok , Park Hoyong , Choi Han Kyoung , Chung ChiHye
Published: December 2023

The lateral habenula (LHb) is a well-established brain region involved in depressive disorders. Synaptic transmission of the LHb neurons is known to be enhanced by stress exposure; however, little is known about genetic modulators within the LHb that respond to stress. Using recently developed molecular profiling methods by phosphorylated ribosome capture, we obtained transcriptome profiles of stress responsive LHb neurons during acute physical stress. Among such genes, we found that KCNB1 (Kv2.1 channel), a delayed rectifier and voltage-gated potassium channel, exhibited increased expression following acute stress exposure. To determine the roles of KCNB1 on LHb neurons during stress, we injected short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against the kcnb1 gene to block its expression prior to stress exposure. We observed that the knockdown of KCNB1 altered the basal firing pattern of LHb neurons. Although KCNB1 blockade did not rescue despair-like behaviors in acute learned helplessness (aLH) animals, we found that KCNB1 knockdown prevented the enhancement of synaptic strength in LHb neuron after stress exposure. This study suggests that KCNB1 may contribute to shape stress responses by regulating basal firing patterns and neurotransmission intensity of LHb neurons.
Cerebrospinal fluid flushing as a means of neuroprotection
Authors: Dufwenberg Martin A. , Garfinkel Alec R. , Greenhill Mark , Garewal Armand , Larson Michael Craig
Published: December 2023

Central nervous system (CNS) injury or disease states are often difficult to treat due to the closed system of the dura mater/blood-brain barrier and the bony skull and vertebrae. The closed system results in at least partial containment of any pro-inflammatory molecules, pathogens, or toxic byproducts in the case of brain or spinal cord lesions, which can result in a destructive feedback loop. Cervical-approach access techniques (lateral C1-C2, suboccipital and lateral atlanto-occipital space punctures) are less-common methods of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling due to the relative ease and safety of lumbar spinal taps. However, with improved image-guidance, these cervical-level CSF access points are still useful when there are certain contraindications and difficulties when attempting to sample the CSF via the typical lumbar spinal approach. With the advent of microcatheters and minimally invasive techniques, combined with body fluid filtration technology, the question arises: could dual microcatheters be introduced for inflow and outflow of purified or artificial CSF to break the destructive feedback loop and thus diminish CNS damage?. We hypothesize that intrathecal spinal catheters could be placed in 2 positions (e.g., via a cervical route and the typical lumbar spinal route) to allow for both an input and output to more effectively filter or “flush” the CSF. This could have broad implications in the treatment of strokes, traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, infections, autoimmune diseases, and even malignancies within the CNS-in short, any disease with abnormalities detectable in the CSF.
Human polyomaviruses JCPyV and MCPyV in urothelial cell carcinoma: a single institution experience
Authors: Klufah Faisal , Mobaraki Ghalib , Shi Shuai , Marcelissen Tom , Alharbi Raed A. , Mobarki Mousa , Almalki Shaia Saleh R. , van Roermund Joep , zur Hausen Axel , Samarska Iryna
Published: December 2023

Objective

Urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) is the most common type of urinary bladder. JCPyV and BKPyV have been detected in the urine and tissue of urothelial cell carcinomas (UCC) in immunocompetent patients. Here, we investigated the presence of several HPyVs in UCC samples using diverse molecular techniques to study the prevalence of HPyVs in UCC.

Methods

A large single-institution database of urine cytology specimens (UCS; n = 22.867 UCS) has previously been searched for decoy cells (n = 30), suggesting polyomavirus infection. The available urine sediments and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples of UCC patients were tested for the presence of JCPyV-LTAg expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) labeled with SV40-LTAg antibody (clone: PAb416) and subsequent PCR followed by sequencing. In addition, the presence of the oncogenic Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and the presence of human polyomavirus 6 (HPyV6) and 7 (HPyV7) DNA were tested with DNA PCR or IHC.

Results

Of the 30 patients harboring decoy cells, 14 were diagnosed with UCC of the urinary bladder (14/30; 46.6%) before presenting with decoy cells in the urine. The SV40-LTAg IHC was positive in all 14 UCC urine sediments and negative in the FFPE tissues. JCPyV-DNA was identified in all five available UCS and in three FFPE samples of UCC (three of 14; 21.4%). Two UCC cases were positive for MCPyV-DNA (two of 14; 14.3%), and one of them showed protein expression by IHC (one of 14; 7.1%). All specimens were HPyV6 and HPyV7 negative.

Conclusion

Our findings show the presence of JCPyV in the urine and UCC of immunocompetent patients. Moreover, MCPyV was detected in two UCC cases. In total, five UCC cases showed the presence of either JCPyV or MCPyV. The evidence here supports the hypothesis that these viruses might sporadically be associated with UCC. Further studies are needed to confirm the relevance of JCPyV or MCPyV as a possible risk factor for UCC development.
Comparison of the effects of BDNF/TRKB signalling on metabolic biomarkers in the liver of sedentary and trained rats with normal and knockout BDNF genotypes
Authors: Grzelak Norbert , Kaczmarek Dominik , Mrówczyński Włodzimierz
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the modulation of metabolic processes in the liver is poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether hepatic concentrations or activities of metabolic biomarkers depend on altered BDNF/TrkB content in the liver, resulting from different BDNF genotypes of rats. In addition, it was assessed whether 5-week moderate endurance training modifies the levels of BDNF/Trk-B signaling and studied hepatic markers.

Methods: Experiments were performed on wild-type and heterozygous BDNF knockout (HET, SD-Bdnf) rats, which were divided into four groups: control with normal genotype (Bdnf+/+), control with BDNF knockout genotype (Bdnf+/−), trained with normal genotype (Bdnf+/+T) and trained with BDNF knockout genotype (Bdnf +/−T). BDNF/TrkB concentrations as well as selected metabolic biomarkers including lipids—total cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG); enzymes—alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP); hormones—insulin (INS) and leptin (LEPT) as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6) as regeneration indicator were measured directly in liver homogenates.

Results and Discussion: The study showed that Bdnf+/− rats exhibited reduced BDNF/TrkB signaling (BDNF, p < 0.0001; Trk-B, p = 0.0005), altered lipid levels (CHOL, p < 0.0001; LDL, p < 0.0001; TG, p = 0.0006) and reduced hepatic ALAT (p = 0.0004) and GGT (p < 0.0001) activity, which may contribute to hepatic steatosis and obesity, as well as indicate impairment of specific metabolic pathways in the liver. Interestingly, endurance training did not alter hepatic BDNF and TrkB content, but improved ALAT (p = 0.0366) and ASAT (p = 0.0191) activities and increased hepatic IL-6 (p = 0.0422) levels in Bdnf +/− rats, suggesting enhanced liver regeneration in animals with BDNF allele loss.
Genome-wide identification of the C2H2 zinc finger gene family and expression analysis under salt stress in sweetpotato
Authors: Du Taifeng , Zhou Yuanyuan , Qin Zhen , Li Aixian , Wang Qingmei , Li Zongyun , Hou Fuyun , Zhang Liming
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The higher plant transcription factor C2H2 zinc finger protein (C2H2-ZFP) is essential for plant growth, development, and stress response. There are limited studies on C2H2-ZFP genes in sweetpotato, despite a substantial number of C2H2-ZFP genes having been systematically found in plants.

Methods

In this work, 178 C2H2-ZFP genes were found in sweetpotato, distributed randomly on 15 chromosomes, and given new names according to where they were located. These members of the zinc finger gene family are separated into six branches, as shown by the phylogenetic tree. 24 tandem repeats of IbZFP genes and 46 fragment repeats were identified, and a homology study revealed that IbZFP genes linked more regions with wild relative species of sweetpotato as well as rhizome plants like potato and cassava. And we analyzed the expression patterns of IbZFP genes during the early development of sweetpotato storage roots (SRs) and salt stress using transcriptome data, and identified 44 IbZFP genes that exhibited differences in expression levels during the early expansion of sweetpotato SRs in different varieties, and 92 IbZFP genes that exhibited differences in expression levels under salt stress in salt tolerant and salt sensitive sweetpotato varieties. Additionally, we cloned six IbZFP genes in sweetpotato and analyzed their expression patterns in different tissues, their expression patterns under abiotic stress and hormone treatment, and subcellular localization.

Results and discussion

The results showed that the IbZFP genes had tissue specificity in sweetpotato and were induced to varying degrees by drought and salt stress. ABA and GA3 treatments also affected the expression of the IbZFP genes. We selected IbZFP105, which showed significant differences in expression levels under salt stress and ABA treatment, to be heterologously expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana. We found that IbZFP105 OE lines exhibited higher tolerance to salt stress and ABA stress. This indicates that IbZFP105 can enhance the salt tolerance of plants. These results systematically identified the evolution and expression patterns of members of the C2H2-ZFP gene family in sweetpotato, providing a theoretical basis for studying the role of IbZFP genes in the development of sweetpotato SRs and in resistance to stress.
Old school, new rules: floral meristem development revealed by 3D gene expression atlases and high-resolution transcription factor–chromatin dynamics
Authors: Pelayo Margaret Anne , Yamaguchi Nobutoshi
Published: December 2023

The intricate morphology of the flower is primarily established within floral meristems in which floral organs will be defined and from where the developing flower will emerge. Floral meristem development involves multiscale-level regulation, including lineage and positional mechanisms for establishing cell-type identity, and transcriptional regulation mediated by changes in the chromatin environment. However, many key aspects of floral meristem development remain to be determined, such as: 1) the exact role of cellular location in connecting transcriptional inputs to morphological outcomes, and 2) the precise interactions between transcription factors and chromatin regulators underlying the transcriptional networks that regulate the transition from cell proliferation to differentiation during floral meristem development. Here, we highlight recent studies addressing these points through newly developed spatial reconstruction techniques and high-resolution transcription factor–chromatin environment interactions in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Specifically, we feature studies that reconstructed 3D gene expression atlases of the floral meristem. We also discuss how the precise timing of floral meristem specification, floral organ patterning, and floral meristem termination is determined through temporally defined epigenetic dynamics for fine-tuning of gene expression. These studies offer fresh insights into the well-established principles of floral meristem development and outline the potential for further advances in this field in an age of integrated, powerful, multiscale resolution approaches.
Development and validation of the Chinese coaches’ interpersonal style scale
Authors: Su Wen , Zhao Daliang
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Coaches’ behaviors and coaching styles play a critical role in influencing athletes’ psychological experiences and performance. According to the self-determination theory (SDT), coaches’ interpersonal behaviors are commonly categorized as autonomy-supportive and controlling. Due to less focus on the unique behaviors of Chinese coaches, this study incorporated coaches’ parental care for athletes, referred to as paternalistic benevolence, in their interpersonal styles in the context of the Chinese culture.

Methods

Exploratory factor analyses were used in studies 1 and 2 to find items associated with benevolent coaching behaviors and items to create the Chinese Coaches’ Interpersonal Style Scale. Study 3 used the constructed scale, as well as the Subjective Vitality Scale and Athlete Burnout Questionnaire, with a sample of athletes to examine scale reliability. The 15-item Chinese Coaches’ Interpersonal Style Scale contained three dimensions: benevolent, autonomy-supportive, and controlling coaching styles.

Results

The findings showed that: (1) benevolent coaching behaviors held significant explanatory weight in the Chinese cultural context; (2) controlling and autonomy-supportive coaching styles were culturally congruent among both Eastern and Western athletes; and (3) benevolent and autonomy-supportive coaching behaviors positively impacted athletes, whereas controlling coaching behaviors had a negative impact.

Conclusion

The measure showed strong validity and reliability, making it useful for future practice and research on the interpersonal style of Chinese coaches.
Exercise intervention to reduce mobile phone addiction in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Zuxian , Xia Xue , Sun Qilong , Li Yansong
Published: December 2023

Background

The growing problem of adolescent mobile phone addiction has attracted significant attention, underscoring the importance of identifying approaches to address it. Exercise has been found to reduce adolescent mobile phone addiction; however, its mechanism remains unclear. This review aims to elucidate the potential moderating factors between exercise and mobile phone addiction based on previous studies to provide a reference for adolescents to effectively participate in exercise to reduce mobile phone addiction.

Methods

Articles were searched in the CNKI, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, PsycINFO, and PubMed databases according to the inclusion criteria and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Assessment and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). The quality of the literature was assessed by two independent reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool for methodological quality assessment. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.1 software for Meta-analysis, standardized mean difference (SMD) was combined using a random effects model, and subgroup analysis was used to explore heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 12 studies, 17 samples, and 861 subjects were included in the meta-analysis, and all studies were randomized controlled trials. The findings revealed that the exercise intervention significantly reduced mobile phone addiction in adolescents (SMD = −3.11; 95% CI: −3.91, −2.30; p < 0.001). The intervention effect was moderated by multiple variables, such as the measurement tools, exercise intervention types, cycles, frequency, and duration of a single exercise intervention.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that exercise could serve as an effective strategy for preventing or ameliorating mobile phone addiction in adolescents. Based on the results of this study, we encourage mobile phone-addicted adolescents to engage in a single exercise using a mix of skills for 30–60 min three or more times weekly for more than eight consecutive weeks.
Influence of destructive leadership behaviors on the meaning of work and work productivity
Authors: Grill Martin
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to determine the influence of destructive leadership behaviors on employees’ meaning of work and work productivity, using a longitudinal research design. Local government organizations in a municipality in Sweden were invited to participate in the study. Self-rated questionnaire data on employees’ meaning of work and work productivity was collected at four time points over a period of 18 months, and 582 employees responded to the questionnaire on one or more occasions. A 4-item Destructive Leadership Scale (DLS) was developed and used at the first time point to assess the destructive leadership behaviors of incoherent planning, assigning unnecessary tasks, ambiguous expectations, and autocratic behavior. Latent growth models were used to analyze the influence of destructive leadership on the change in employees’ meaning of work and work productivity over the 18-month period. The results show that destructive leadership has a significant negative influence on employees’ meaning of work (β = −0.44, p = 0.02) and work productivity (β = −0.46, p = 0.04). The effect sizes were greater than those identified in previous cross-sectional studies, indicating that the effects of destructive leadership may accumulate and become more important over time. Important destructive leadership behaviors include incoherent planning, assigning unnecessary tasks, ambiguous expectations, and autocratic behavior. These behaviors have a significant negative effect on employees’ meaning of work and work productivity. Proactive assessment of destructive leadership behaviors is warranted to improve future selection and training of managers.
Oxycodone, an opioid like the others?
Authors: Marie Nicolas , Noble Florence
Published: December 2023

The over-prescription of opioid analgesics is a growing problem in the field of addiction, which has reached epidemic-like proportions in North America. Over the past decade, oxycodone has gained attention as the leading opioid responsible for the North America opioid crisis. Oxycodone is the most incriminated drug in the early years of the epidemic of opioid use disorder in USA (roughly 1999–2016). The number of preclinical articles on oxycodone is rapidly increasing. Several publications have already compared oxycodone with other opioids, focusing mainly on their analgesic properties. The aim of this review is to focus on the genomic and epigenetic regulatory features of oxycodone compared with other opioid agonists. Our aim is to initiate a discussion of perceptible differences in the pharmacological response observed with these various opioids, particularly after repeated administration in preclinical models commonly used to study drug dependence potential.
Clinical features and comorbidity in very early-onset schizophrenia: a systematic review
Authors: Di Luzio Michelangelo , Pontillo Maria , Villa Marianna , Attardi Anna Gaia , Bellantoni Domenica , Di Vincenzo Cristina , Vicari Stefano
Published: December 2023

Background

Very early-onset schizophrenia (VEOS) is a form of schizophrenia that manifests before the age of 13 years and is characterized by the presence of positive, negative, and disorganized symptoms. The condition is exceptionally rare and, to date, limited studies have been conducted, resulting in incomplete information about its clinical features.

Methods

The present study involves a systematic review of the existing literature regarding the clinical features and comorbidities of VEOS.

Results

The first search retrieved 384 studies. Of these, 366 were removed following the application of exclusion criteria, resulting in 18 studies for the final set.

Conclusion

The results highlight that VEOS shares similarities with early-onset and adult-onset schizophrenia but also exhibits distinct and recognizable characteristics, including a more severe clinical profile (particularly in females), increased visual hallucinations, and high comorbidities with neurodevelopmental disorders. These findings may support clinicians in formulating early diagnoses and developing effective treatment strategies for pediatric and adolescent patients with psychosis.