bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-time energy management simulation for enhanced integration of renewable energy resources in DC microgrids
Authors: Hadi H. Awaji Hassan , Alhussainy Abdullah Ali , Alobaidi Abdulraheem H. , Alghamdi Sultan , Alghamdi Sami , Alruwaili Mohammed
Published: September 2024

The presented work addresses the growing need for efficient and reliable DC microgrids integrating renewable energy sources. However, for the sake of practicality, implementing complex control strategies can increase system complexity. Thus, efficient methodologies are required to provide efficient energy management of microgrids while increasing the integration of renewable energy sources. The primary contribution of this work is to investigate the issues related to operating a DC microgrid with conventional control designed to power DC motors using readily available, non-advanced control strategies with the objective of achieving stable and reliable grid performance without resorting to complex control schemes. The proposed microgrid integrates a combination of uncontrollable renewable distributed generators (DGs) alongside controllable DGs and energy storage systems, including batteries and supercapacitors, connected via DC links. The Incremental Conductance (InCond) algorithm is employed for maximum power point tracking to maximize power output from the PV system. The energy management strategy prioritizes the solar system as the primary source, with the battery and supercapacitor acting as backup power sources to ensure overall system reliability and sustainability. The effectiveness of the microgrid under various operating conditions is evaluated through extensive simulations conducted using MATLAB. These simulations explore different power generation scenarios, including normal operation with varying load levels and operation under Standard Test Conditions (STC). Moreover, fault analysis of the DC microgrid is performed to examine system reliability. The system performance is evaluated using real-time simulation software (OPAL-RT) to validate the effectiveness of the approach under real-time conditions. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the efficacy of operating a DC microgrid with conventional controllers, ensuring grid stability and reliability across various operating conditions and fault scenarios while prioritizing the use of renewable energy sources. The results illustrated that system efficiency increases with load, but fault tolerance measures, can introduce trade-offs between reliability and peak efficiency.
A comprehensive review of landfill leachate treatment technologies
Authors: Wang Jiachen , Qiao Zhen
Published: September 2024

The management of landfill leachate presents a significant environmental challenge, necessitating a comprehensive and dynamic treatment approach. This comprehensive review delves into the critical issue of landfill leachate treatment, exploring its environmental impact, treatment technologies, regulatory frameworks, and the path towards sustainable management practices. This review explores the complexities of landfill leachate, emphasizing the need for sustainable waste management practices to safeguard environmental health. Our analysis highlights the evolution of conventional and advanced treatment technologies designed to mitigate these risks, focusing on membrane technologies, advanced oxidation processes, and the promising potential of emerging techniques such as adsorption and biological nutrient removal. These technologies are evaluated for their efficiency, cost implications, and sustainability impacts, underscoring the challenges and opportunities within the current landscape of leachate treatment. The review aims to provide insights into designing efficient and effective treatment systems through a detailed analysis of conventional and advanced treatment methods. By examining a case study in Changsha City, the effectiveness of a comprehensive treatment system integrating various technologies is demonstrated. The review underscores the interconnectedness of human activities, environmental health, and waste management, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach. It stresses the continuous improvement of leachate treatment technologies and the adoption of sustainable practices to reduce the environmental footprint of landfills. Ultimately, it calls for integrating multiple treatment processes, economic considerations, and readiness to address future challenges in landfill leachate treatment, contributing to the advancement of sustainable waste management practices.
Distinct microbial community structures formed on the biofilms of PLA and PP, influenced by physicochemical factors of sediment and polymer types in a 60-day indoor study
Authors: Jiao Yiying , Zhou Anqi , Zhang Delang , Chen Mo , Wan Liang
Published: September 2024

Microplastics (MPs) are colonized by biofilm-forming microbes. Biodegradable plastics, popular replacements for traditional plastics, still have unknown biofilm formation characteristics. We conducted a 60-day indoor experiment, where sediment was exposed to traditional MPs (polypropylene, PP), biodegradable MPs (polylactic acid, PLA), and glass beads (GLASS). The microbial communities in the MPs-biofilm were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. Results indicated that Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum on all substrates, followed by Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. At the genus level, the majority of microorganisms colonizing PP possessed nitrification and denitrification capabilities, while the dominant bacteria on PLA were capable of degrading lignin, cellulose and carbon metabolism. The genus Sphingomonas, a promising bacteria capable of degrading biodegradable microplastics, was particularly discovered on the PLA biofilm, meanwhile, bacterial colonization of PLA indirectly increased the potential for human transmission of pathogens. Redundancy analysis revealed that the pH and moisture significantly affected the bacterial communities. Pearson correlation heatmap indicated that the abundance of the majority of dominant bacterial genera of two MPs biofilms is negatively correlated with the physicochemical parameters of sediment (pH, moisture, TN, TP), except for salinity. The microbial communities associated with PP and PLA exhibited distinct differences caused by the combined effects of changes in physicochemical properties of sediment and different material substrates. This study provides further evidence of the significant selective features exhibited by microbial colonization on these two MPs when exposed to the same source community, offering insights into the exploration of promising bacteria for MPs degradation.
Evidence of survival bias in the association between APOE-Є4 and age at ischemic stroke onset
Authors: von Berg Joanna , McArdle Patrick F. , Häppölä Paavo , Haessler Jeffrey , Kooperberg Charles , Lemmens Robin , Pezzini Alessandro , Thijs Vincent , Pulit Sara L. , Kittner Steven J. , Mitchell Braxton D. , de Ridder Jeroen , van der Laan Sander W.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Large genome-wide association studies (GWASs) using case–control study designs have now identified tens of loci associated with ischemic stroke (IS). As a complement to these studies, we performed GWAS in a case-only design to identify loci influencing the age at onset (AAO) of ischemic stroke.

Methods

Analyses were conducted in a discovery cohort of 10,857 ischemic stroke cases using a linear regression framework. We meta-analyzed all SNPs with p-value <1 x 10−5 in a sexcombined or sex-stratified analysis using summary data from two additional replication cohorts.

Results

In the women-only meta-analysis, we detected significant evidence for the association of AAO with rs429358, an exonic variant in apolipoprotein E (APOE) that encodes for the APOE-Є4 allele. Each copy of the rs429358:T>C allele was associated with a 1.29-year earlier stroke AAO (meta p-value = 2.48 x 10−11). This APOE variant has previously been associated with increased mortality and ischemic stroke AAO. We hypothesized that the association with AAO may reflect a survival bias attributable to an age-related decrease in mortality among APOE-Є4 carriers and have no association to stroke AAO per se. A simulation study showed that a variant associated with overall mortality might indeed be detected with an AAO analysis. A variant with a 2-fold increase in mortality risk would lead to an observed effect of AAO that is comparable to what we found.

Discussion

In conclusion, we detected a robust association of the APOE locus with stroke AAO and provided simulations to suggest that this association may be unrelated to ischemic stroke per se but related to a general survival bias.
The prognostic utility of 18F-FDG PET parameters in lymphoma patients under CAR-T-cell therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Al-Ibraheem Akram , Abdlkadir Ahmed Saad , Al-Adhami Dhuha Ali , Sathekge Mike , Bom Henry Hee-Seung , Ma’koseh Mohammad , Mansour Asem , Abdel-Razeq Hikmat , Al-Rabi Kamal , Estrada-Lobato Enrique , Al-Hussaini Maysaa , Matalka Ismail , Abdel Rahman Zaid , Fanti Stephano
Published: September 2024

Background

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has attracted considerable attention since its recent endorsement by the Food and Drug Administration, as it has emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic modality within the landscape of oncology. This study explores the prognostic utility of [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG PET) in lymphoma patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy. Through meta-analysis, pooled hazard ratio (HR) values were calculated for specific PET metrics in this context.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid databases were explored to search for relevant topics. Dataset retrieval from inception until March 12, 2024, was carried out. The primary endpoints were impact of specific PET metrics on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) before and after treatment. Data from the studies were extracted for a meta-analysis using Stata 17.0.

Results

Out of 27 studies identified for systematic review, 15 met the criteria for meta-analysis. Baseline OS analysis showed that total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV) had the highest HR of 2.66 (95% CI: 1.52-4.66), followed by Total-body total lesion glycolysis (TTLG) at 2.45 (95% CI: 0.98-6.08), and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) at 1.30 (95% CI: 0.77-2.19). TMTV and TTLG were statistically significant (p < 0.0001), whereas SUVmax was not (p = 0.33). For PFS, TMTV again showed the highest HR at 2.65 (95% CI: 1.63-4.30), with TTLG at 2.35 (95% CI: 1.40-3.93), and SUVmax at 1.48 (95% CI: 1.08-2.04), all statistically significant (p ≤ 0.01). The ΔSUVmax was a significant predictor for PFS with an HR of 2.05 (95% CI: 1.13-3.69, p = 0.015).

Conclusion

[18F]FDG PET parameters are valuable prognostic tools for predicting outcome of lymphoma patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy.
Immunopathology of lung transplantation: from infection to rejection and vice versa
Authors: Righi Ilaria , Barone Ivan , Rosso Lorenzo , Morlacchi Letizia Corinna , Rossetti Valeria , Caffarena Giovanni , Limanaqi Fiona , Palleschi Alessandro , Clerici Mario , Trabattoni Daria
Published: September 2024

Lung transplantation offers a lifesaving option for patients with end-stage lung disease, but it is marred by a high risk of post-transplant infections, particularly involving multidrug-resistant bacteria, Cytomegalovirus, and fungal pathogens. This elevated infection rate, the highest among solid organ transplants, poses a significant challenge for clinicians, particularly within the first year post-transplantation, where infections are the leading cause of mortality. The direct exposure of lung allografts to the external environment exacerbates this vulnerability leading to constant immune stimulation and consequently to an elevated risk of triggering alloimmune responses to the lung allograft. The necessity of prolonged immunosuppression to prevent allograft rejection further complicates patient management by increasing susceptibility to infections and neoplasms, and complicating the differentiation between rejection and infection, which require diametrically opposed management strategies. This review explores the intricate balance between preventing allograft rejection and managing the heightened infection risk in lung transplant recipients.
Tff1-expressing Tregs in lung prevent exacerbation of Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Okamoto Masaaki , Kuratani Ayumi , Okuzaki Daisuke , Kamiyama Naganori , Kobayashi Takashi , Sasai Miwa , Yamamoto Masahiro
Published: September 2024

Bleomycin (BLM) induces lung injury, leading to inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) maintain self-tolerance and control host immune responses. However, little is known about their involvement in the pathology of pulmonary fibrosis. Here we show that a unique Treg subset expressing trefoil factor family 1 (Tff1) emerges in the BLM-injured lung. These Tff1-expressing Tregs (Tff1-Tregs) were induced by IL-33. Moreover, although Tff1 ablation in Tregs did not change the pathological condition, selective ablation of Tff1-Tregs using an intersectional genetic method promoted pro-inflammatory features of macrophages in the injured lung and exacerbated the fibrosis. Taken together, our study revealed the presence of a unique Treg subset expressing Tff1 in BLM-injured lungs and their critical role in the injured lung to ameliorate fibrosis.
Prognostic cellular senescence-related lncRNAs patterns to predict clinical outcome and immune response in colon cancer
Authors: Cao Lichao , Chen Fang , Xu Long , Zeng Jian , Wang Yun , Zhang Shenrui , Ba Ying , Zhang Hezi
Published: September 2024

Background

Cellular senescence (CS) is believed to be a major factor in the evolution of cancer. However, CS-related lncRNAs (CSRLs) involved in colon cancer regulation are not fully understood. Our goal was to create a novel CSRLs prognostic model for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy and exploring its potential molecular function in colon cancer.

Methods

The mRNA sequencing data and relevant clinical information of GDC TCGA Colon Cancer (TCGA-COAD) were obtained from UCSC Xena platform, and CS-associated genes was acquired from the CellAge website. Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify CSRLs. Then we used Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis and univariate Cox analysis to acquire prognostic CSRL. Next, we created a CSRLs prognostic model using LASSO and multivariate Cox analysis, and evaluated its prognostic power by Kaplan–Meier and ROC curve analysis. Besides, we explored the difference in tumor microenvironment, somatic mutation, immunotherapy, and drug sensitivity between high-risk and low-risk groups. Finally, we verified the functions of MYOSLID in cell experiments.

Results

Three CSRLs (AC025165.1, LINC02257 and MYOSLID) were identified as prognostic CSRLs. The prognostic model exhibited a powerful predictive ability for overall survival and clinicopathological features in colon cancer. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the proportion of immune cells and the expression of immunosuppressive point biomarkers between the different groups. The high-risk group benefited from the chemotherapy drugs, such as Teniposide and Mitoxantrone. Finally, cell proliferation and CS were suppressed after MYOSLID knockdown.

Conclusion

CSRLs are promising biomarkers to forecast survival and therapeutic responses in colon cancer patients. Furthermore, MYOSLID, one of 3-CSRLs in the prognostic model, could dramatically regulate the proliferation and CS of colon cancer.
Ontogeny of horizontal movement patterns of rehabilitated grey seal juveniles (Halichoerus grypus) in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Kuncienė Laura , Nachtsheim Dominik , Siebert Ursula , Kleiva Žilvinas
Published: September 2024

The ethical considerations and scepticism over the ecological benefits have fuelled debate about the rehabilitation of wildlife. Although there is evidence that many rehabilitated species are able to survive after rehabilitation, there is a paucity of research on the behaviour of rehabilitated pinnipeds, including grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). In this study, 14 rehabilitated grey seal juveniles were equipped with biotelemetry devices in order to conduct remote post-release monitoring and to investigate ontogeny of their movements in the Baltic Sea. The study revealed that their movements were similar to wild, non-rehabilitated grey seal pups when leaving their natal site: at first, they exhibited highly exploratory behaviour with largely transient movements, then switched into a resident movement pattern, while maximising foraging and minimising travelling time. Neither sex nor year of release, which varied in terms of rehabilitation time and body mass, had a significant effect on the ontogeny of these movements. Movements were significantly influenced by the time after release, suggesting that rehabilitated juveniles have gained experience and developed their movements over time in order to survive in the wild.
Causal relationship between modifiable risk factors and knee osteoarthritis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Diao Zhihao , Guo Danyang , Zhang Jingzhi , Zhang Ruiyu , Li Chunjing , Chen Hao , Ma Yuxia
Published: September 2024

Background

While several risk factors for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) have been recognized, the pathogenesis of KOA and the causal relationship between modifiable risk factors and KOA in genetic epidemiology remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the causal relationship between KOA and its risk factors.

Methods

Data were obtained from published Genome-Wide Association study (GWAS) databases. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed with genetic variants associated with risk factors as instrumental variables and KOA as outcome. First, inverse variance weighting was used as the main MR analysis method, and then a series of sensitivity analyses were conducted to comprehensively evaluate the causal relationship between them.

Results

Univariate forward MR analysis revealed that genetically predicted hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis, educational level, income level, metabolic syndrome (MS), essential hypertension, height, hot drink temperature, diet (abstaining from sugar-sweetened or wheat products), and psychological and psychiatric disorders (stress, depression, and anxiety) were causally associated with KOA. Reverse MR exhibits a causal association between KOA and educational attainment. Multivariate MR analysis adjusted for the inclusion of potential mediators, such as body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption, and sex, exhibited some variation in causal effects. However, hyperthyroidism/thyrotoxicosis had a significant causal effect on KOA, and there was good evidence that height, hypothyroidism, educational level, psychological and psychiatric disorders (stress, depression, and anxiety), and abstaining from wheat products had an independent causal relationship. The mediating effect of BMI as a mediator was also identified.

Conclusion

This study used MR to validate the causal relationship between KOA and its risk factors, providing new insights for preventing and treating KOA in clinical practice and for developing public health policies.
Antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of cyclic dipeptide-rich fraction from Lactobacillus plantarum loaded on graphene oxide nanosheets
Authors: Dezaki Farid Shirmardi , Narimani Tahmineh , Ghanadian Mustafa , Bidram Elham , Poursina Farkhondeh
Published: September 2024

Introduction

One effective method to combat bacterial infections is by using bacteria itself as a weapon. Lactobacillus is a type of fermenting bacterium that has probiotic properties and has demonstrated antimicrobial benefits against other bacteria. Cyclodipeptides (CDPs), present in the supernatant of Lactobacillus, possess several antimicrobial properties.

Methods

In this study, the CDP fraction was isolated from the supernatant of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum). This fraction was then loaded onto graphene oxide nanosheets (GO NSs). The study assessed the substance’s ability to inhibit bacterial growth by using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method on A. baumannii and S. aureus strains that were obtained from clinical samples. To determine the substance’s impact on biofilm formation, the microtiter plate method was used. Moreover, the checkerboard technique was employed to explore the potential synergistic effects of these two substances.

Results and discussion

According to the study, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the desired compound was found to be 1.25 mg/mL against S. aureus and 2.5 mg/mL against A. baumannii. Furthermore, at a concentration of 10 mg/mL, the compound prevented 81.6% (p < 0.01) of biofilm production in A. baumannii, while at a concentration of 1.25 mg/mL, it prevented 47.5% (p < 0.05) of biofilm production in S. aureus. The study also explored the synergistic properties of two compounds using the checkerboard method.

Conclusion

In general, we found that GO NSs possess antimicrobial properties and enhance cyclodipeptides’ activity against S. aureus and A. baumannii.
Insights into the airborne microorganisms in a Sichuan south-road dark tea pile fermentation plant during production
Authors: Liu Miaoyi , Li Xian , Li Yimiao , Zou Yao
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Sichuan south-road dark tea (SSDT) is generally produced through a series of processes, including fixing, rolling, pile fermentation, and drying, with microbial action during pile fermentation playing a crucial role in determining tea quality. The air within the SSDT pile fermentation plant (SSDTPP) is considered an important source of these microbes, but research in this area has been limited.

Methods

In this study, air samples from SSDTPP were collected on the 1st (SSDT1), 12th (SSDT2), and 24th (SSDT3) days of pile fermentation and comprehensively analyzed by high-throughput sequencing.

Results and discussion

The results revealed the presence of 2 and 24 phyla, 9 and 49 classes, 18 and 88 orders, 28 and 153 families, 38 and 253 genera, and 47 and 90 species of fungi and bacteria, respectively, across all samples. SSDT1 and SSDT2 individually had the highest fungal and bacterial diversity, while Aspergillus was the dominant genus throughout the pile fermentation with an abundance of 34.6%, 91.17%, and 67.86% in SSDT1, SSDT2, and SSDT3, respectively. Microbial populations in SSDT1 were predominantly involved in xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism, amino acid metabolism, the biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites, etc. However, SSDT2 exhibited a higher prevalence of human disease-related functions. SSDT3 primarily focused on the metabolism of other amino acids and carbohydrate metabolism. Additionally, 104 genera and 22 species coexisted in both SSDTPP air and piled SSDT, suggesting that frequent microbial exchange may occur between them. These findings pave the way for microbial traceability during SSDT production and provide a foundation for further functional microbial research.
Global progress in clinical research on human respiratory syncytial virus vaccines
Authors: Peng Ruofan , Chen Chenghao , Chen Qian , Zhang Yuwen , Huang Renjin , Zhang Yanjun , Li Jianhua
Published: September 2024

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) not only affects newborns but also older adults, contributing to a substantial worldwide burden of disease. However, only three approved hRSV vaccines remain commercially available to date. The development of a safe, practical and broad-spectrum vaccine suitable for all age groups remains extremely challenging. Using five different approaches—live-attenuated, recombinant-vector, subunit, particle-based, and mRNA—nearly 30 hRSV vaccine candidates are currently conducting clinical trials worldwide; moreover, > 30 vaccines are under preclinical evaluation. This review presents a comprehensive overview of these hRSV vaccines along with prospects for the development of infectious disease vaccines in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.
Highly sensitive blood-based biomarkers detection of beta-amyloid and phosphorylated-tau181 for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yang Wei , Guan Fulin , Yang Lihui , Shou Guangli , Zhu Fangfang , Xu Yuanyuan , Meng Ying , Li Min , Dong Wanli
Published: September 2024

Background

Plasma biomarker has the potential to be the reliable and propagable approach in the early stage diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, conventional methods appear powerless in the detection of these biomarkers at low concentrations in plasma. Here, we determined plasma biomarker concentrations of patients across the AD spectrum by an improved digital enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Confirms the predictive and diagnostic value of this method for AD patients and study the relationships between these biomarkers and cognitive status.

Methods

Plasma concentrations of amyloid-beta 40 (Aβ40), amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42) and plasma phosphorylated tau at threonine 181 (p-tau181) were determined in 43 AD patients, 33 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients and 40 normal cognition (NC) subjects as healthy controls using the improved digital ELISA technique. In addition, all subjects were required to receive neuropsychological assessments.

Results

Plasma p-tau181 level showed certain discrepancies between NC and MCI (p < 0.05), AD (p < 0.01) groups. The level of plasma Aβ42 (p < 0.05) and Aβ40 (p < 0.01) was significantly different between AD and NC group. The p-tau181 level was able to distinguish AD (AUC = 0.8768) and MCI (AUC = 0.7932) from NC with higher accuracy than Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio (AUC = 0.8343, AUC = 0.6569). Both p-tau181 (CDR: r = 0.388 p < 0.001; MMSE: r = −0.394 p < 0.001) and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio (CDR: r = −0.413 p < 0.001; MMSE: r = 0.358 p < 0.001) showed stronger positive correlation with clinical dementia rating (CDR) and mini mental state examination (MMSE) scores than Aβ42 (CDR: r = −0.280 p = 0.003; MMSE: r = 0.266 p = 0.005) or Aβ40 (CDR: r = 0.373 p < 0.001; MMSE: r = −0.288 p = 0.002) alone.

Conclusion

Plasma p-tau181 level and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio showed promising values in diagnosis of AD and MCI. Our results indicate that this improved digital ELISA diagnosis approach can facilitate early recognition and management of AD and pre-AD patients.
The diagnostic value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, albumin to fibrinogen ratio, and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio in Parkinson’s disease: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Yi-Ming , Xu Xiao-Hu , Ren Li-Na , Xu Xiao-Fan , Dai Yi-Long , Yang Rui-Rui , Jin Cheng-Qiang
Published: September 2024

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent disorder of the central nervous system, marked by the degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral midbrain. In the pathogenesis of PD, inflammation hypothesis has been concerned. This study aims to investigate clinical indicators of peripheral inflammation in PD patients and to explore the diagnostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), albumin-to-fibrinogen ratio (AFR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in assessing PD risk.

Methods

This study included 186 patients with PD and 201 matched healthy controls (HC) with baseline data. Firstly, the differences of hematological indicators between PD group and healthy participants were compared and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were then conducted. Smooth curve fitting was applied to further validate the relationships between NLR, LMR, AFR, and PD. Subsequently, subgroup analysis was conducted in PD group according to different duration of disease and Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage, comparing differences in clinical indicators. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to assess the diagnostic value of NLR, LMR, and AFR in PD.

Results

Compared to the HC group, the PD group showed significantly higher levels of hypertension, diabetes, neutrophil count, monocyte count, CRP, homocysteine, fibrinogen, and NLR. Conversely, levels of LMR, AFR, lymphocyte count, HDL, LDL, TG, TC, uric acid, and albumin were significantly lower. The multivariate regression model indicated that NLR (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.39–2.31, p < 0.001), LMR (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66–0.85, p < 0.001), and AFR (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.73–0.85, p < 0.001) were significant factors associated with PD. Smooth curve fitting revealed that NLR was positively linked to PD risk, whereas AFR and LMR were inversely associated with it. In ROC curve analysis, the AUC of AFR was 0.7290, the sensitivity was 63.98%, and the specificity was 76.00%. The AUC of NLR was 0.6200, the sensitivity was 50.54%, and the specificity was 71.50%. The AUC of LMR was 0.6253, the sensitivity was 48.39%, and the specificity was 73.00%. The AUC of the combination was 0.7498, the sensitivity was 74.19%, and the specificity was 64.00%.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that NLR, LMR, and AFR are significantly associated with Parkinson’s disease and may serve as diagnostic markers.
Accuracy optimized neural networks do not effectively model optic flow tuning in brain area MSTd
Authors: Layton Oliver W. , Steinmetz Scott T.
Published: September 2024

Accuracy-optimized convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have emerged as highly effective models at predicting neural responses in brain areas along the primate ventral stream, but it is largely unknown whether they effectively model neurons in the complementary primate dorsal stream. We explored how well CNNs model the optic flow tuning properties of neurons in dorsal area MSTd and we compared our results with the Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NNMF) model, which successfully models many tuning properties of MSTd neurons. To better understand the role of computational properties in the NNMF model that give rise to optic flow tuning that resembles that of MSTd neurons, we created additional CNN model variants that implement key NNMF constraints – non-negative weights and sparse coding of optic flow. While the CNNs and NNMF models both accurately estimate the observer's self-motion from purely translational or rotational optic flow, NNMF and the CNNs with nonnegative weights yield substantially less accurate estimates than the other CNNs when tested on more complex optic flow that combines observer translation and rotation. Despite its poor accuracy, NNMF gives rise to tuning properties that align more closely with those observed in primate MSTd than any of the accuracy-optimized CNNs. This work offers a step toward a deeper understanding of the computational properties and constraints that describe the optic flow tuning of primate area MSTd.
Case report: Carnivore–ketogenic diet for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: a case series of 10 patients
Authors: Norwitz Nicholas G. , Soto-Mota Adrian
Published: September 2024

Background

Very-low-carbohydrate diets, including ketogenic and carnivore diets, are gaining popularity for the experimental treatment of a wide range of disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

Participants were recruited through a social media survey. Final inclusion required a histologically confirmed diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease that was responsive to treatment with a ketogenic or carnivore diet without medication or with successful medication cessation on the diet. Clinical improvement was measured with the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ).

Results

We report on 10 cases of IBD responsive to ketogenic, mostly carnivore, diets. Clinical presentations were diverse, including six cases of UC and four of Crohn’s disease. Clinical improvements were universal, with clinical improvement scores ranging between 72 and 165 points on the IBDQ. Patients’ diets comprised mostly meat, eggs, and animal fats. Patients report their diets are pleasurable, sustainable, and unequivocally enhance their quality of life.

Conclusion

Ketogenic and carnivore diets hold promise for the treatment of IBD, including UC and Crohn’s disease. These cases are consistent with clinical literature that shows an inverse association between intestinal ketone levels and IBD activity, as well as the therapeutic effects of low residue elimination diets on colonic microbiota metabolism.
The impact of discharge readiness on post-traumatic growth in patients after thyroid cancer surgery: the mediating role of sickness-related stigma
Authors: Huang Bin , Liu Guangzhi , Huang Jiaqian , He Susu , Li Wen , Xiao Shanshan , Song Xiaohua , Chen Hongtao
Published: September 2024

Objective

To investigate the relationship between post-traumatic growth, morbidity stigma and readiness for discharge in post-operative thyroid cancer patients.

Methods

422 post-operative thyroid cancer patients from three tertiary care hospitals in Hunan and Tianjin were surveyed using the General Information Questionnaire, the Post-traumatic Growth Scale, the Readiness for Discharge Scale, and the Social Influence Scale.

Results

Discharge readiness positively predicted the level of post-traumatic growth in thyroid cancer patients (P < 0.01), and morbidity stigma negatively predicted post-traumatic growth (P < 0.01), with morbidity stigma playing a mediated role between discharge readiness and post-traumatic growth.

Conclusions

Readiness for discharge can positively predict post-traumatic growth, and morbidity stigma plays a mediating role between readiness for discharge and post-traumatic growth. It is suggested that clinical and nursing staff should strengthen patients’ discharge readiness guidance and education, help patients and their families establish an effective feedback mechanism for disease condition and psychological cognitive condition, focus on reducing patients’ sense of shame, and improve patients’ physical and mental health.
Effect of body contour changes on the setup and dosimetric accuracy of radiotherapy after cervical cancer surgery
Authors: Li Yu , Sun Wuji , Liu Shilong , Xia Wenming , Yang Xu , Wang Libo , Ge Chao , Chen Kunzhi , Shi Yinghua , Wang Huidong
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The body contour of patients with cervical cancer is prone to change between radiotherapy sessions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of body contour changes on the setup and dosimetric accuracy of radiotherapy.

Methods

15 patients with cervical cancer after surgery were randomly selected for retrospective analysis. The body contours on the once-per-week cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) were registered to the planning CT (pCT) for subsequent evaluation. A body contour conformity index (CIbody) was defined to quantify the variation of body changes. The body volume measured by CBCT was collected, and its relative difference in reference with the first CBCT was calculated and denoted by ΔVn. The relative setup errors, denoted by ΔSELR, ΔSEAP, ΔSESI, and ΔSEvec for left–right, anterior–posterior, superior–inferior, and vectorial shifts, respectively, were defined as the difference in measured setup errors between the reference and following CBCTs. The planned dose was calculated on the basis of virtual CT generated from CBCT and pCT by altering the CT body contour to fit the body on CBCT without deformable registration. The correlations between body contour changes and relative setup errors as well as dosimetric parameters were evaluated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient rs.

Results

CIbody was found to be negatively correlated with the superior–inferior and vectorial relative setup errors ΔSESI (rs = −0.448, p = 0.001) and ΔSEvec (rs = −0.387, p = 0.002), and no significant correlation was found between relative setup errors and ΔVn. Moreover, ΔVn was negatively correlated with ΔD2 (rs = −0.829, p < 0.001), ΔD98 (rs = −0.797, p < 0.001), and ΔTVPIV (rs = −0.819, p < 0.001). ΔD2, ΔD98, and ΔTVPIV were negatively correlated with ΔVn (p < 0.005). No correlation was found for other examined dosimetric parameters.

Conclusion

The body contour change of patients could be associated with the setup variability. The effect of body contour changes on dose distribution is minimal. The extent of body change could be used as a metric for radiation therapists to estimate the setup errors.
KIR2DS2+ NK cells in cancer patients demonstrate high activation in response to tumour-targeting antibodies
Authors: Graham Lara V. , Fisher Jack G. , Doyle Amber D. P. , Sale Ben , Del Rio Luis , French Albert J. E. , Mayor Neema P. , Turner Thomas R. , Marsh Steven G. E. , Cragg Mark S. , Forconi Francesco , Khakoo Salim I. , Blunt Matthew D.
Published: September 2024

Strategies to mobilise natural killer (NK) cells against cancer include tumour-targeting antibodies, NK cell engagers (NKCEs) and the adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded healthy donor-derived NK cells. Genetic and functional studies have revealed that expression of the activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptor KIR2DS2 is associated with enhanced function in NK cells from healthy donors and improved outcome in several different malignancies. The optimal strategy to leverage KIR2DS2+ NK cells therapeutically is however currently unclear. In this study, we therefore evaluated the response of KIR2DS2-expressing NK cells to activation against cancer with clinically relevant tumour-targeting antibodies and following ex vivo expansion. We identified that KIR2DS2high NK cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and hepatocellular carcinoma had enhanced activation in response to tumour-targeting antibodies compared to KIR2DS2- NK cells. However, the superior function of healthy donor derived KIR2DS2high NK cells was lost following ex vivo expansion which is required for adoptive transfer-based therapeutic strategies. These data provide evidence that targeting KIR2DS2 directly in cancer patients may allow for the utilisation of their enhanced effector function, however such activity may be lost following their ex vivo expansion.
Effects of plant nutrient acquisition strategies on biomass allocation patterns in wetlands along successional sequences in the semi-arid upper Yellow River basin
Authors: Wang Xuan , Wang Le , Li Weimin , Li Yifan , An Yu , Wu Haitao , Guo Yue
Published: September 2024

The ecological environment of wetlands in semi-arid regions has deteriorated, and vegetation succession has accelerated due to climate warming-induced aridification and human interference. The nutrient acquisition strategies and biomass allocation patterns reflect plant growth strategies in response to environmental changes. However, the impact of nutrient acquisition strategies on biomass allocation in successional vegetation remains unclear. We investigated 87 plant communities from 13 wetland sites in the semi-arid upper Yellow River basin. These communities were divided into three successional sequences: the herbaceous community (HC), the herbaceous–shrub mixed community (HSC), and the shrub community (SC). The nutrient composition of stems and leaves, as well as the biomass distribution above and belowground, were investigated. Results revealed that aboveground biomass increased with succession while belowground biomass decreased. Specifically, SC exhibited the highest stem biomass of 1,194.53 g m−2, while HC had the highest belowground biomass of 2,054.37 g m−2. Additionally, significant positive correlations were observed between leaf and stem biomasses in both HC and SC. The nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents within aboveground parts displayed an evident upward trend along the succession sequence. The highest N and P contents were found in SC, followed by HSC, and the lowest in HC. Stem N was negatively correlated with stem, leaf, and belowground biomass but positively correlated with root–shoot ratio. Leaf P displayed positive correlations with aboveground biomass while showing negative correlations with belowground biomass and root–shoot ratio. The ratios of C:N, C:P, and N:P in stem and leaf exhibited positive correlations with belowground biomass. The random forest model further demonstrated that stem N and leaf P exerted significant effects on aboveground biomass, while leaf P, stem N and P, and leaf C:P ratio had significant effects on belowground components. Additionally, the root–shoot ratio was significantly influenced by leaf P, leaf C:P ratio, and stem N, P, and C:P ratio. Therefore, the aboveground and belowground biomasses exhibited asynchronism across successional sequences, while plant nutrient acquisition strategies, involving nutrient levels and stoichiometric ratios, determined the biomass allocation pattern. This study offers valuable insights for assessing vegetation adaptability and formulating restoration plans in the semi-arid upper Yellow River basin.
Synthetic directed evolution for targeted engineering of plant traits
Authors: Kababji Ahad Moussa , Butt Haroon , Mahfouz Magdy
Published: September 2024

Improving crop traits requires genetic diversity, which allows breeders to select advantageous alleles of key genes. In species or loci that lack sufficient genetic diversity, synthetic directed evolution (SDE) can supplement natural variation, thus expanding the possibilities for trait engineering. In this review, we explore recent advances and applications of SDE for crop improvement, highlighting potential targets (coding sequences and cis-regulatory elements) and computational tools to enhance crop resilience and performance across diverse environments. Recent advancements in SDE approaches have streamlined the generation of variants and the selection processes; by leveraging these advanced technologies and principles, we can minimize concerns about host fitness and unintended effects, thus opening promising avenues for effectively enhancing crop traits.
Training of spatial cognitive abilities reduces symptoms of visually induced motion sickness
Authors: Wang Fan , Pan Shuai , Li Xiao-wen , Lu Jia-mei , Qiu Chuan-jing , Jiang Meng-hang , Jin Zhan-guo , Yan Sheng-guang
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of enhancing individual spatial cognitive abilities in alleviating the negative symptoms of visually induced motion sickness (VIMS). Additionally, it seeks to develop innovative intervention methods to improve spatial cognition and identify new treatment approaches for VIMS.

Methods

The study investigated the impact of innovative interventions on spatial cognitive abilities and their modulation of VIMS susceptibility. A total of 43 participants were recruited (23 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group). The experimental group underwent six sessions of spatial cognitive ability training, while the control group engaged in activities unrelated to spatial cognition.

Results

The analysis revealed that the spatial cognitive ability scores of the experimental group significantly improved after the intervention. Furthermore, the experimental group exhibited significant differences in nausea, oculomotor, disorientation, and total SSQ scores before and after the intervention, indicating that the intervention effectively mitigated VIMS symptoms.

Conclusion

This study developed a virtual reality training method that effectively enhances individual spatial cognitive abilities and significantly alleviates VIMS symptoms, providing a novel and effective approach for VIMS intervention and treatment.
The effect of co-regulation on English public speaking self-efficacy in collaborative oral presentations
Authors: Hao Xia , Chen Hua
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the influence of co-regulation on public speaking self-efficacy in the context of collaborative oral presentations. A total of 237 students enrolled in an English course at a university in China took part in the research. The factor analysis findings revealed that learners’ co-regulation in public speaking encompass five components: co-planning, co-monitoring, co-evaluation, effort regulation, and help-seeking. Public speaking self-efficacy, on the other hand, pertains to learners’ confidence in aspects including the topic, language use, organization, and delivery during public speaking engagements. The path analysis demonstrated that co-planning was a significant predictor of students’ self-efficacy in terms of the topic and organization. Moreover, the co-monitoring strategy exhibited direct and positive correlations with language and topic self-efficacy. Similarly, the co-evaluation strategy showed direct and positive relationships with language, delivery, and organization self-efficacy. Furthermore, both effort regulation and help-seeking strategies were found to have direct and positive impacts on organization self-efficacy. This study offers valuable implications for educators, trainers, and individuals aiming to enhance their public speaking self-efficacy in collaborative environments.
Beyond medications: a multifaceted approach to alleviating comorbid anxiety and depression in clinical settings
Authors: Svensén Sofia , Bolstad Ingeborg , Ødbehr Liv Skomakerstuen , Larsson Gerry
Published: September 2024

Background

Comorbid anxiety and depression are common and can make the problems more complex and sometimes resistant to pharmacological treatment. In existing research, the diagnoses are often studied separately, and physical activity, healthy nutrition, psychoeducation, and social support have shown good effects. The aim of the present study was to explore the longitudinal effects of a comprehensive treatment on patients with comorbid anxiety and depression in a clinical context.

Method

Eighty inpatients (15 men and 65 women) in age range 23–65 years receiving psychiatric treatment in Norwegian clinic participated in the longitudinal study. Treatment was person-centered and was most frequently given for anxiety and depression, e.g., pharmacological treatment and psychotherapy, individually and in groups. In combination with this, physical activity, healthy nutrition, psychoeducation and social support in contacts with authorities and relatives were also a part of treatment. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory at three points in time: baseline, at the end of treatment, and 3 months after treatment. The answers were categorized and combined into four groups according to severity of anxiety and depression to measure effects on comorbidity. Mann Whitney U test, Chi-square, Friedmans test, and McNemar test were used to analyze the data.

Result

The results showed a significant increase of frequencies in the group with mild anxiety and depression 3 months past treatment compared to baseline.

Conclusion

Through the comprehensive, person-centered treatment more patients had low levels of both anxiety and depression 3 months after treatment. We suggest that clinics working with comorbid depression and anxiety patients should add physical activity, nutrition advice, social support, and psychoeducation to the traditional treatment regimes. More research concerning comorbid anxiety and depression are urgent to further expand the treatment possibilities.