bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of fentanyl on HIV expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Krishnan Janani Madhuravasal , Roskin Krishna M. , Meeds Heidi L. , Blackard Jason T.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Illicit drug use, particularly the synthetic opioid fentanyl, presents a significant global health challenge. Previous studies have shown that fentanyl enhances viral replication; yet, the mechanisms by which it affects HIV pathogenesis remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of fentanyl on HIV replication in CD4+ T lymphocytes.

Methods

CD4+ T lymphocytes from HIV-negative donors were activated, infected with HIVNL4-3, and treated with fentanyl. HIV proviral DNA and p24 antigen expression were quantified using real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. Single-cell RNA libraries were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes.

Results

Results indicated that fentanyl treatment increased HIV p24 expression and proviral DNA levels, and naltrexone mitigated these effects. Single-cell RNAseq analysis identified significantly altered gene expression in CD4+ T lymphocytes.

Discussion

The results of our findings suggest that fentanyl promotes HIV replication ex vivo, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of opioid-virus interactions to develop better treatment strategies for individuals with HIV and opioid use disorder.
An effective screening model for subjective cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults based on gait analysis and eye tracking
Authors: Hao Chenxi , Zhang Xiaonan , An Junpin , Bao Wenjing , Yang Fan , Chen Jinyu , Hou Sijia , Wang Zhigang , Du Shuning , Zhao Yarong , Wang Qiuyan , Min Guowen , Li Yang
Published: September 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of multimodal features based on gait analysis and eye tracking for elderly people screening with subjective cognitive decline in the community.

Methods

In the study, 412 cognitively normal older adults aged over 65 years were included. Among them, 230 individuals were diagnosed with non-subjective cognitive decline and 182 with subjective cognitive decline. All participants underwent assessments using three screening tools: the traditional SCD9 scale, gait analysis, and eye tracking. The gait analysis involved three tasks: the single task, the counting backwards dual task, and the naming animals dual task. Eye tracking included six paradigms: smooth pursuit, median fixation, lateral fixation, overlap saccade, gap saccade, and anti-saccade tasks. Using the XGBoost machine learning algorithm, several models were developed based on gait analysis and eye tracking to classify subjective cognitive decline.

Results

A total of 161 gait and eye-tracking features were measured. 22 parameters, including 9 gait and 13 eye-tracking features, showed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.05). The top three eye-tracking paradigms were anti-saccade, gap saccade, and median fixation, with AUCs of 0.911, 0.904, and 0.891, respectively. The gait analysis features had an AUC of 0.862, indicating better discriminatory efficacy compared to the SCD9 scale, which had an AUC of 0.762. The model based on single and dual task gait, anti-saccade, gap saccade, and median fixation achieved the best efficacy in SCD screening (AUC = 0.969).

Conclusion

The gait analysis, eye-tracking multimodal assessment tool is an objective and accurate screening method that showed better detection of subjective cognitive decline. This finding provides another option for early identification of subjective cognitive decline in the community.
Barriers of the CNS transfer rate dynamics in patients with vascular cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: Taheri Saeid , Prestopnik Jill , Rosenberg Gary A.
Published: September 2024

Background

Advances in in vivo MRI techniques enable cerebral barrier transfer rates (Ktrans) measurement in patients with vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). However, a consensus has not been reached on the dynamic contribution and importance of cerebral barrier abnormalities to the differential diagnosis of dementia subtypes. Our goal was to investigate the dynamics of blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB) Ktrans in patients with VCID longitudinally and determine the effect of aging.

Methods

We studied subjects at two time points over two years; they were 65.5 years of age (SD = 15.94, M/F = 24/14) at the first visit. We studied 38 patients, 18 of whom had two visits. We calculated the BBB and BCSFB Ktrans with dynamic contrast-enhanced T1 MR, and we used 1H-MR spectroscopy to measure N-acetylaspartate (NAA) levels in the white matter as a marker of injury. In addition, we measured CSF levels of active-matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) as an inflammatory biomarker to aid in patient clustering.

Results

Longitudinal BBB measurements revealed variable dynamic behavior: after two years, the BBB Ktrans increased in 55% of patients and decreased in the remaining 45% unpredictably. We did not find a significant linear model of BBB Ktrans versus age for VCID. For healthy controls, the model was Ktrans = 0.0014 + 0.0002 × age, which was significant (p = 0.046). VCID patients showed a reduction in BCSFB Ktrans compared to healthy controls (p = 0.01). Combining NAA, CSF MMP3, and Ktrans in a clustering analysis separated patients into groups.

Conclusion

These results suggest that BBB Ktrans in VCID is dynamic and BCSFB Ktrans reduced by age. By combining inflammatory biomarkers with BBB Ktrans data, it is possible to separate VCID patients into distinct groups with different underlying pathologies.
ACA-Net: adaptive context-aware network for basketball action recognition
Authors: Zhang Yaolei , Zhang Fei , Zhou Yuanli , Xu Xiao
Published: September 2024

The advancements in intelligent action recognition can be instrumental in developing autonomous robotic systems capable of analyzing complex human activities in real-time, contributing to the growing field of robotics that operates in dynamic environments. The precise recognition of basketball players' actions using artificial intelligence technology can provide valuable assistance and guidance to athletes, coaches, and analysts, and can help referees make fairer decisions during games. However, unlike action recognition in simpler scenarios, the background in basketball is similar and complex, the differences between various actions are subtle, and lighting conditions are inconsistent, making action recognition in basketball a challenging task. To address this problem, an Adaptive Context-Aware Network (ACA-Net) for basketball player action recognition is proposed in this paper. It contains a Long Short-term Adaptive (LSTA) module and a Triplet Spatial-Channel Interaction (TSCI) module to extract effective features at the temporal, spatial, and channel levels. The LSTA module adaptively learns global and local temporal features of the video. The TSCI module enhances the feature representation by learning the interaction features between space and channels. We conducted extensive experiments on the popular basketball action recognition datasets SpaceJam and Basketball-51. The results show that ACA-Net outperforms the current mainstream methods, achieving 89.26% and 92.05% in terms of classification accuracy on the two datasets, respectively. ACA-Net's adaptable architecture also holds potential for real-world applications in autonomous robotics, where accurate recognition of complex human actions in unstructured environments is crucial for tasks such as automated game analysis, player performance evaluation, and enhanced interactive broadcasting experiences.
Age-related changes in EEG signal using triple correlation values
Authors: Watanabe Yuri , Shibata Takashi , Tanaka Mieko , Ishii Kenji , Higuchi Yuko , Kobayashi Yohei , Kosugi Yukio
Published: September 2024

The alpha rhythm in human electroencephalography (EEG) is known to decrease in frequency with age. Previous study has shown that elderly individuals with dementia exhibit higher S values (spatial variability) and SD values (temporal variability) in the triple correlation of the occipital region (P3, P4, Oz) compared to healthy elderly individuals. The objective of this research is to examine changes in S and SD values of the alpha band with aging in healthy individuals using triple correlation values from the frontal region. The subjects were 50 healthy elderly subjects (mean age 73.0 ± 5.1 years), 34 healthy younger subjects (mean age 28.1 ± 4.6 years), and 21 dementia patients (mean age 70.1 ± 9.1 years). The methodology involved recording EEG for 5 min during rest with closed eyes, and then calculating S and SD values of the alpha band (8-13 Hz) using three electrodes in the frontal region (F3, F4, Fpz). The findings indicated that the S values of young individuals were significantly higher than those of elderly individuals (p < 0.01), whereas the SD values of young individuals tended to be lower than those of elderly individuals. The elevated S values in young individuals imply greater spatial variability akin to individuals with dementia, whereas the reduced SD values in young individuals suggest lower temporal variability unlike individuals with dementia. The discrepancy between the S value and SD value in healthy young individuals suggests that the normal cortical dipole in the frontal regions might be more abundant in them compared to healthy elderly individuals.
Subjective visual sensitivity in neurotypical adults: insights from a magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Jurkovičová Lenka , Páleník Julie , Kudlička Petr , Pezlar Lenka , Ružičková Alexandra , Juřík Vojtěch , Mareček Radek , Roman Robert , Braithwaite Jason J. , Sandberg Kristian , Near Jamie , Brázdil Milan
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Altered subjective visual sensitivity manifests as feelings of discomfort or overload elicited by intense and irritative visual stimuli. This can result in a host of visual aberrations including visual distortions, elementary visual hallucinations and visceral responses like dizziness and nausea, collectively referred to as “pattern glare.” Current knowledge of the underlying neural mechanisms has focused on overall excitability of the visual cortex, but the individual contribution of excitatory and inhibitory systems has not yet been quantified.

Methods

In this study, we focus on the role of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as potential mediators of individual differences in subjective visual sensitivity, measured by a computerized Pattern Glare Test—a series of monochromatic square-wave gratings with three different spatial frequencies, while controlling for psychological variables related to sensory sensitivity with multiple questionnaires. Resting neurotransmitter concentrations in primary visual cortex (V1) and right anterior insula were studied in 160 healthy participants using magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Results

Data showed significant differences in the perception of visual distortions (VD) and comfort scores between men and women, with women generally reporting more VD, and therefore the modulatory effect of sex was considered in a further examination. A general linear model analysis showed a negative effect of occipital glutamate on a number of reported visual distortions, but also a significant role of several background psychological traits. When assessing comfort scores in women, an important intervening variable was the menstrual cycle.

Discussion

Our findings do not support that baseline neurotransmitter levels have a significant role in overreactivity to aversive stimuli in neurotypical population. However, we demonstrated that biological sex can have a significant impact on subjective responses. Based on this additional finding, we suggest that future studies investigate aversive visual stimuli while examining the role of biological sex.
Further validation of the association between MAPT haplotype-tagging polymorphisms and Alzheimer’s disease: neuropsychological tests, cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, and APOE genotype
Authors: Babić Leko Mirjana , Španić Popovački Ena , Willumsen Nanet , Nikolac Perković Matea , Pleić Nikolina , Zubčić Klara , Langer Horvat Lea , Vogrinc Željka , Boban Marina , Borovečki Fran , Zemunik Tatijana , de Silva Rohan , Šimić Goran
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Genetic studies have shown that variants in the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene, which encodes tau protein, can increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Additionally, two haplotypes of the MAPT gene (H1 and H2) are associated with various neurodegenerative disorders, including AD. This study aimed to test the association of MAPT haplotypes (H1 and H2) and MAPT haplotype-tagging polymorphisms (rs1467967, rs242557, rs3785883, rs2471738, del–In9, rs7521) with AD.

Methods

The study included 964 individuals: 113 with AD, 53 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 54 with other dementias, and 744 healthy controls.

Results

The results showed that individuals carrying the A allele in the MAPT rs1467967 polymorphism, the GG genotype in the MAPT rs7521 polymorphism, and the G allele in the MAPT rs242557 polymorphism had worse performance on various neuropsychological tests. Carriers of the C allele in MAPT rs2471738 polymorphism and CC homozygotes also showed worse performance on neuropsychological tests and pathological levels of several cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers. However, T allele carriers in the MAPT rs2471738 polymorphism were more represented among patients with dementia and apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 carriers. Carriers of the H2 MAPT haplotype had worse performance on various neuropsychological tests, consistent with our previous study, which associated the H2 MAPT haplotype with pathological levels of CSF AD biomarkers. Regarding the MAPT rs3785883 polymorphism, further research is needed since both the AA and GG genotypes were associated with pathological levels of CSF and plasma AD biomarkers.

Discussion

In conclusion, further genetic studies are needed to elucidate the role of MAPT haplotypes and MAPT haplotype-tagging polymorphisms in the development of AD.
Functions of TRPs in retinal tissue in physiological and pathological conditions
Authors: Nascimento Thaianne Hanah Oliveira do , Pereira-Figueiredo Danniel , Veroneze Louise , Nascimento Amanda Alves , De Logu Francesco , Nassini Romina , Campello-Costa Paula , Faria-Melibeu Adriana da Cunha , Souza Monteiro de Araújo Daniel , Calaza Karin Costa
Published: September 2024

The Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) constitutes a family of channels subdivided into seven subfamilies: Ankyrin (TRPA), Canonical (TRPC), Melastatin (TRPM), Mucolipin (TRPML), no-mechano-potential C (TRPN), Polycystic (TRPP), and Vanilloid (TRPV). Although they are structurally similar to one another, the peculiarities of each subfamily are key to the response to stimuli and the signaling pathway that each one triggers. TRPs are non-selective cation channels, most of which are permeable to Ca2+, which is a well-established second messenger that modulates several intracellular signaling pathways and is involved in physiological and pathological conditions in various cell types. TRPs depolarize excitable cells by increasing the influx of Ca2+, Na+, and other cations. Most TRP families are activated by temperature variations, membrane stretching, or chemical agents and, therefore, are defined as polymodal channels. All TPRs are expressed, at some level, in the central nervous system (CNS) and ocular-related structures, such as the retina and optic nerve (ON), except the TRPP in the ON. TRPC, TRPM, TRPV, and TRPML are found in the retinal pigmented cells, whereas only TRPA1 and TRPM are detected in the uvea. Accordingly, several studies have focused on the search to unravel the role of TRPs in physiological and pathological conditions related to the eyes. Thus, this review aims to shed light on endogenous and exogenous modulators, triggered cell signaling pathways, and localization and roles of each subfamily of TRP channels in physiological and pathological conditions in the retina, optic nerve, and retinal pigmented epithelium of vertebrates.
Dietary diversity and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public hospitals in North Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Alemu Fikadu Tolesa , Desta Adugna Alemu , Tola Asfaw Getaye
Published: September 2024

Background

Adequate consumption of diversified food during pregnancy enables adequate intake of 11 important micronutrients. Pregnant women who consume an inadequate amount of diversified food during pregnancy are at a higher risk of delivering preterm babies, stillbirth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age newborns.

Objective

This study aimed to assess dietary diversity (DD) and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at public hospitals in North Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023.

Methods and materials

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 pregnant women attending antenatal care. The study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method. A pre-tested, structured, and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information about dietary diversity. The questionnaire was adapted from a validated and modified individual dietary diversity guideline, as recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The household food security level was determined using a standard set of questions derived from the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) measurement guide. The data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 software and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 for analysis. The results from the bivariate analysis of p < 0.25 were moved to the multivariable logistics regression analysis model. Any statistical test with a p < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval (CI) was considered statistically significant.

Results

The study revealed that 55.4% of the pregnant women had adequate dietary diversity. Being an urban dweller [adjusted odds ratios (AOR = 2.4. 95% CI: 1.1, 5.18)], being a housewife (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.37, 8.68), being employed (AOR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.12, 12.16), being a merchant (AOR = 3.43, 95% CI: 1.15, 10.24), being a daily laborer (AOR = 3.66, 95% CI: 1.0, 13.45), having a low average monthly household income of <500 Ethiopian birr (ETB) (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.83), practicing home gardening (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.39, 4.5), meal frequency being three or more times per day (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.64, 5.09), and receiving dietary counseling during antenatal care (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI: 2.0, 6.35) were factors associated with the dietary diversity of the pregnant women.

Conclusion and recommendations

This study found that 55.4% of the pregnant women had adequate dietary diversity. Place of residence, women’s occupation, average monthly household income, practicing home gardening, meal frequency per day, and receiving dietary counseling during antenatal care were strong predictors of adequate dietary diversity among pregnant women. Therefore, attention should be paid to pregnant women’s diet by healthcare providers during antenatal care.
Exploring the impact of cooking techniques and storage conditions on resistant starch levels in mung beans and its effect upon blood glucose level and lipid profile in vivo
Authors: Chauhan Saloni , Kaur Harpreet , Aggarwal Renuka , Kaur Prabhjot , Bains Kiran
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Mung beans contain various antinutritional components. Processing and cooking methods can reduce these antinutritional factors and increase the availability and digestibility of nutrients. Resistant starch is also known as dietary fiber, which helps to reduce the cholesterol and glucose level in blood. It is formed during cooking and storage of food at low temperature.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the effects of cooking and storage temperature on the formation of resistant starch in processed mung bean, as well as its effect on blood glucose levels and lipid profile in humans and rats.

Methods

The common cooking methods namely boiling, steaming after germination, roasting, and pressure cooking were chosen. The cooked samples were stored at different temperatures including freshly prepared within 1 h (T1), stored for 24 h at room temperature (20–22°C) (T2), kept at 4°C for 24 h (T3), and reheated after storing at 4°C for 24 h (T4).

Results

The study revealed that germinated-steamed mung beans had significantly higher levels of resistant starch (27.63 ± 0.76), and lower level of glycemic index (26.28 ± 3.08) and amylose (40.91 ± 0.06) when stored at 4°C for 24 h (T3) followed by (T2), (T4), and (T1) as compared to other cooking methods (boiling, pressure cooking, and roasting). The germinated-steamed mung beans (T1) resulted in 96% decline in blood glucose parameters of rats (36 Wistar albino rats aged 2 to 3 months were selected) than the control group as observed in 28 days diet intervention (100 mg/kg resistant starch orally).

Conclusion

There is a need to make people aware about the selection of appropriate cooking (steamed after germination) and storage methods (T3) to increase the RS content and to lower the glycemic index of food at domestic level.
The impact of health and environmental messaging with and without product filtering in complex retail markets: the case of pulses
Authors: Gustafson Christopher R. , Gitungwa Henriette , Sapkota Sushil C. , Rose Devin J.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Multiple barriers exist to healthy and environmentally sustainable food choices. Limited consumer understanding of the health and environmental implications of food choices complicates their abilities to make choices that lead to desired outcomes. The complexity of the retail environment itself may crowd out less immediate motivations to address health or environment. Even if consumers understand general impacts of food choices on health and environmental outcomes, there may be non-negligible time and search costs to identifying the products that meet consumers’ needs. In many food categories, the foods containing attributes that help achieve health and sustainability outcomes may represent a small percentage of available products. In this research, we examine the case of pulses—beans, chickpeas, lentils, and dry peas. Pulses are nutritious and have a low environmental impact. However, consumption of pulses in the US is quite low, which may be attributable to low consumer knowledge of pulse benefits, as well as difficulty of identifying pulse products in retail environments.

Methods

In this research, we examine the choice of pulse-based foods in three conditions: (1) a control condition, (2) a messaging condition communicating the health and environmental benefits of pulse products, and (3) a paired messaging condition with a choice environment intervention that allows respondents to choose to filter products to those that contain pulses. Participants selected a food item from each of six food categories.

Results

We find slight, but significant, increases in pulse choice in the messaging only condition relative to the control condition, but dramatic and highly significant increases when participants can filter the products to easily view pulse products. We also find evidence for knowledge being a barrier to healthy/sustainable food choice. Participants exposed to the messaging were more likely to view pulses as environmentally beneficial, and less likely to report that they did not know the health or environmental impacts of pulse foods.

Discussion

We find that paired messaging and filtering interventions significantly increase the choice of pulse-based foods, which offer both human health and sustainability benefits.
Mutagenesis selection and large-scale cultivation of non-green Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for food applications
Authors: Cao Gang , Hu Kun , Hu Zhewen , Wu Qianlong , Liu Siyuan , Chen Xiaoping , Meng Xiangrui , Hu Zhangfeng , Feng Li
Published: September 2024

Background

The green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is an accepted food ingredient in the United States of America (United States), the European Union, Singapore, and China. It can be consumed in unlimited quantities. As this alga is rich in nutrients, proteins, and rough polysaccharides and contains a balanced proportion of various amino acids, it is an excellent raw material for food production. Although various edible brown and green algae are available on the market, their color and strong grassy flavor have constrained their popularity among consumers, thereby limiting their application in food additives and animal feed.

Methods

Chlorophyll-deficient C. reinhardtii mutants were developed using atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) technology.

Results

A yellow-colored C. reinhardtii variant (A7S80) cultivated in dark conditions was isolated. This light-sensitive variant has a mutation in the chlM gene, and it can grow heterotrophically using acetate as a carbon source.

Conclusion

Compared to wild-type C. reinhardtii, A7S80 has significantly lower chlorophyll levels, reduced grassy flavor, and more diverse pigments, with considerable potential for commercial application in human and animal food production, as well as in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Case report: Toripalimab plus anlotinib in postoperative recurrent renal pelvic sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Hu Xinrong , Deng Lin , Pan Yufei , Zhang Guozhen , Ruan Xiaolan , Jiang Xinlan , Shen Hao , Zhao Lei , Dong Jun
Published: September 2024

Background

Sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma (SUC) is a rare renal malignancy. Its biological malignancy is high, the prognosis is poor, diagnostic and treatment options are few, and there is no standard treatment plan.

Case presentation

In this case, a 64-year-old woman was hospitalized with fever and lower back pain one week previously. The preliminary diagnosis was a right kidney stone with a urinary tract infection. After the anti-infection treatment, a percutaneous right nephrostomy was performed. The intraoperative biopsy (renal pelvis) finding was infiltrating urothelial carcinoma with a sarcomatoid variation. Subsequently, radical surgery was performed for cancer of the right renal pelvis. Implant metastasis of the abdominal wall and adjacent abdominal cavity occurred half a month after the surgery. The lesion was resected again, and two cycles of doxorubicin plus carboplatin chemotherapy were administered. However, the disease progressed more rapidly after the chemotherapy. With the written consent of the patient, the treatment was altered to targeted immune therapy with toripalimab plus anlotinib. A clinical cure was achieved after nine cycles of treatment with no obvious lesions on imaging. The maintenance therapy was administered consecutively for over a year, and the patient is at present still in good condition with a disease-free survival exceeding two years.

Conclusion

This case proves that the combination of toripalimab and anlotinib is effective in the treatment of recurrent renal SUC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient with advanced recurrent urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis sarcomatoid cured with this therapy.
Efficacy and prognosis of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in HER2 low-expressing breast cancer: a retrospective single-center study
Authors: Yao Yarong , Zhen Huifen
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is vital for breast cancer prognosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinicopathological data of HER2-negative breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy and the associated factors affecting the pathological complete response rate (pCR) and prognosis.

Methods

Clinical data of 173 patients with primary HER2-negative breast cancer, who initially received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical treatment at the Breast Surgery Department of Bethune Hospital in Shanxi Province from January 2012 to December 2022, were collected.

Results

Compared to HER2-0 patients, HER2-low patients had higher T staging (p = 0.008), higher Ki67 proliferation index (p < 0.001), lower N staging (p = 0.001), and lower pCR rate (p < 0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that T stage, TNM stage, HR status, HER2 status, and Ki67 are risk factors that affect the pCR rate in HER-2 negative. Multivariate analysis identified HR status as an independent predictor of pCR rate. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that menstrual status, N staging, T staging, TNM staging, and pCR status affected the prognosis of HER2-low breast cancer patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

HER2-low breast cancer exhibits distinct biological behaviors, suggesting personalized treatment approaches.
The use of a simple and affordable skin patch for measurement of transcutaneous bilirubin levels in neonates during phototherapy
Authors: Kallimath Aditya , Patnaik Suprabha , Suryawanshi Pradeep , Deshmukh Rupeshkumar , Malshe Nandini
Published: September 2024

Background

Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurements during and after phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia must be performed on unexposed skin. There are commercially made skin patches for this purpose, but they are relatively unavailable in low-resource settings. We devised a simple cotton patch and tested its use for TcB during phototherapy.

Methods

Measurements were taken in healthy neonates born at a gestational age of ≥35 weeks who were undergoing phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia in western India before, 12 h after the start, and 12 h after the end of phototherapy. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) was measured using the diazo method in a clinical laboratory. TcB measurements were performed using a Dräger Jaundice Meter JM-105 placed over the sternum on two skin areas that were protected during and after treatment by a commercial (Philips BilEclipse) or self-made patch comprised of cotton gauze and wool.

Results

In total, 47 neonates were included in our study. Before phototherapy, TSB and TcB values had a strong correlation (Pearson, r = 0.88), with a mean difference of −1.35 mg/dl. Correlations with TSB were good and equivalent for TcB values measured on skin covered by the commercial and self-made patches during (0.78 and 0.70, respectively) and after (0.57 and 0.58, respectively) phototherapy. TcB values measured on skin covered by the two patches correlated well both during and after phototherapy, with r = 0.82 and 0.90, respectively, and mean (95% confidence interval) differences of −1.21 and −0.32 mg/dl, respectively.

Conclusions

Reliable TcB measurements taken during and after phototherapy can be achieved on skin covered with a simple and affordable cotton skin patch.
The dose of remimazolam combined with sufentanil for the induction of general anesthesia in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery: an up-and-down sequential allocation trial
Authors: Chen Minghui , Wang Huiying , Sun Jiajun , Zhang Tao , Niu Xiaoyin , Zhang Tingting , Liu Jian , Zhao Xuan
Published: September 2024

Background and purpose: Remimazolam is a newly developed benzodiazepine drug with water-soluble, esterase degradation, and ultra-short-acting properties. The dose for general anesthesia induction in obese patients was not known. This study aimed to determine the optimal dose of remimazolam in combination with sufentanil for the induction of general anesthesia in obese patients.

Methods: It was a prospective observational study. We recruited 46 patients scheduled for bariatric surgery from October 2022 to December 2023. One patient refused to provide informed consent, and six patients were receiving psychotropic medication. Thirty-nine patients were enrolled. The Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (MOAA/S) scale was used to assess the patient’s response. The dose of sufentanil was 0.5 µg/kg (lean body weight [LBW]). The initial dose of remimazolam was 0.3 mg/kg (LBW). The dose of remimazolam was modified using the up-and-down allocation technique. Successful sedation (negative group) was characterized by achieving a MOAA/S score ≤ 1 within 3 min of commencing remimazolam infusion. If negative, the next patient received a low-level dose at a ratio of 0.9. Failed sedation (positive group) was defined as a MOAA/S score of >1 within 3 min of commencing remimazolam infusion. The patients in the positive group received propofol 0.5 mg/kg as a remedial measure, and the next dose was increased to a higher level. The primary outcome was to determine the half-effective dose (ED50) and 95% effective dose (ED95) of remimazolam in combination with sufentanil 0.5 µg/kg for induction in obese patients. The secondary outcome was to determine the occurrence of adverse effects such as hypotension, hypertension, and intraoperative awareness.

Results: The ED50 and ED95 values of remimazolam (LBW) combined with sufentanil (0.5 µg/kg) (LBW) were 0.115 mg/kg (95% CI: 0.072–0.137) and 0.179 mg/kg (95% CI: 0.150–0.434), respectively, and the time of loss of consciousness in the negative group was 120.13 ± 25.03 s. The cardiovascular system was stable during the induction period. The incidence of post operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was 38.5% in 39 patients. Respiratory depression, allergic reaction, intraoperative awareness, and delayed emergence were not observed in any patient.

Conclusion: Remimazolam combined with sufentanil (0.5 µg/kg) (LBW) can be effectively used for general anesthesia induction in obese patients. The ED50 and ED95 values of remimazolam (LBW) were 0.115 mg/kg and 0.179 mg/kg, respectively.

Clinical Trial Registration: www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2200065602.
Comparison of the difference in the anti-inflammatory activity of two different color types of Farfarae Flos based on in vitro, in vivo experiments and untargeted metabolomics
Authors: Zhou Kexin , Peng Liang , Jing Yiyao , Luo Yao , Yan Yonggang , Zhang Gang , Guo Qi , Yang Bingyue
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Due to its remarkable anti-inflammatory pharmacological activity, Farfarae Flos has gained extensive usage in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, prostatitis and colitis. And Farfarae Flos come in two color types depending on the color of the flowers: yellowish-white (YW), and purplish-red (PR). However, the difference in anti-inflammatory activity and metabolic profiles between the two flower colors remains unexplored.

Methods

This study aims to explore the difference in the anti-inflammatory potential between YW and PR variants of Farfarae Flos and unravel the mechanisms responsible for the observed differences in anti-inflammatory activity through an integrated approach encompassing untargeted metabolomics and in vivo/vitro experimental studies. Initially, we verified the contrasting effects of YW and PR on the inhibition of the inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitric oxide (NO) by utilizing an in vitro RAW 264.7 cell inflammation model. Subsequently, a comprehensive evaluation of the systemic inhibitory capacity of YW and PR on IL-6, Interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was conducted using a validated whole-body mouse model, followed by the analysis of inflammatory factors and histological examination of collected serum, liver, and spleen after 7 days. Furthermore, non-targeted metabolomics profiling was employed to analyze the metabolite profiles of Farfarae Flos with different colors, and quantitative analysis was conducted to identify differential metabolites between YW and PR. The correlation between the anti-inflammatory activities of differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and Farfarae Flos was investigated, resulting in the identification of 48 compounds exhibiting significant anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Results

Our findings demonstrate that both YW and PR possess anti-inflammatory abilities, with PR exhibiting significantly superior efficacy. The integration of in vivo/vitro experiments and non-targeted metabolomics confirmed the exceptional anti-inflammatory potential of PR and solidified its classification as the “purplish-red better” of Farfarae Flos.

Discussion

This study provides valuable insights into the breeding and medical transformation of Farfarae Flos varieties, along with a scientific basis for the establishment of quality standards and the development of new drugs utilizing Farfarae Flos.
Hydrogel-based formulations for urothelial cancer therapy
Authors: Chang Mingyang , Chi Changliang , Zheng Zuozhu , Zhang Ming , Lv Jianing , Wang Xiaoqing
Published: September 2024

Drug infusion therapy after surgery for urothelial carcinoma is an effective measure to reduce cancer recurrence rate. Hydrogels are drug carriers with good biocompatibility and high drug loading capacity, which can optimize the pharmacokinetics of drugs in the urinary system to improve the therapeutic effect. Compared with the traditional free drug in situ perfusion, the hydrogel drug loading system can still maintain effective drug concentration in the face of continuous urinary flushing due to its good mucosal adhesion effect. The significantly prolonged drug retention time can not only improve the therapeutic effect of drugs, but also reduce the discomfort and risk of urinary tract infections caused by frequent drug infusion, and improve patient compliance. In addition, the combination of hydrogel with nanoparticles and magnetic materials can also improve the mucosal permeability and targeting effect of the hydrogel drug loading system, so as to overcome the mucus layer of urinary epithelium and the physiological barrier of tumor and minimize the impact on normal tissue and cell functions. At present, the research of hydrogels for urothelial cancer treatment involves chemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, inhibition of metabolism and multi strategy synergistic therapy. This review summarizes the research progress of hydrogels for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma, hoping to provide a reference for the future research of safe, reliable, effective, and advanced hydrogels with little side effects.
Physiological changes in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus utilization that occur after the onset of egg production in commercial laying hens
Authors: Garcia-Mejia R. Alejandra , Sinclair-Black Micaela , Blair Lyssa R. , Angel Roselina , Jaramillo Bibiana , Regmi Prafulla , Neupane Nabin , Proszkowiec-Weglarz Monika , Arbe Xabier , Cavero David , Ellestad Laura E.
Published: September 2024

At the onset of egg production, physiological changes governing calcium and phosphorus utilization must occur to meet demands for medullary bone formation and eggshell mineralization. The objective of this study was to identify these changes and determine if they are influenced by dietary supplementation with 1α-hydroxycholecalciferol (AlphaD3™, Iluma Alliance). Commercial laying hens fed either a control or AlphaD3-supplemented diet beginning at 18 weeks of age were sampled at 18 (n = 8) and 31 weeks (n = 8/diet) to evaluate mRNA expression associated with calcium and phosphorus utilization in kidney, shell gland, ileum, and liver, circulating vitamin D3 metabolites, and bone quality parameters in humerus, tibia, and keel bone. Though diet did not heavily influence gene expression at 31 weeks, several significant differences were observed between 18- and 31-week-old hens. Heightened sensitivity to hormones regulating calcium and phosphorus homeostasis was observed at 31 weeks, indicated by increased parathyroid hormone receptor 1, calcium-sensing receptor, calcitonin receptor, and fibroblast growth factor 23 receptors in several tissues. Increased renal expression of 25-hydroxylase and vitamin D binding protein (DBP) at 31 weeks suggests kidney participates in local vitamin D3 25-hydroxylation and DBP synthesis after egg production begins. Biologically active 1,25(OH)2D3 was higher at 31 weeks, with correspondingly lower inactive 24,25(OH)2D3. Increased expression of plasma membrane calcium ATPase 1 and calbindin in kidney, shell gland, and ileum suggests these are key facilitators of calcium uptake. Elevated renal inorganic phosphorus transporter 1 and 2 and sodium-dependent phosphate transporter IIa at 31 weeks suggests increased phosphorus excretion following hyperphosphatemia due to bone breakdown for eggshell formation. Diet did influence bone quality parameters. Bone mineral density in both humerus and tibia was higher in AlphaD3-supplemented hens at 31 weeks. Tibial bone mineral content increased between 18 and 31 weeks, with AlphaD3-supplemented hens increasing more than control hens. Moreover, control hens exhibited diminished tibial breaking strength at 31 weeks compared to hens at 18 weeks, while AlphaD3-supplemented hens did not. Together, these results indicate supplementation with AlphaD3 enhanced bone mineralization during the medullary bone formation period and elucidate the adaptive pathways regulating calcium and phosphorus utilization after the onset of lay.
Sex-dependent temporal changes in astrocyte-vessel interactions following diffuse traumatic brain injury in rats
Authors: Sabetta Zackary , Krishna Gokul , Curry-Koski Tala , Lopez Mackenzie , Adelson P. David , Thomas Theresa Currier
Published: September 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with diffuse axonal injury (DAI), a primary pathology linked to progressive neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, including chronic astrogliosis, which influences long-term post-TBI recovery and morbidity. Sex-based differences in blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability increases the risk of accelerated brain aging and early-onset neurodegeneration. However, few studies have evaluated chronic time course of astrocytic responses around cerebrovascular in the context of aging after TBI and sex dependence. We observed increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-labeled accessory processes branching near and connecting with GFAP-ensheathed cortical vessels, suggesting a critical nuance in astrocyte-vessel interactions after TBI. To quantify this observation, male and female Sprague Dawley rats (∼3 months old, n = 5–6/group) underwent either sham surgery or midline fluid percussion injury. Using immunohistochemical analysis, we quantified GFAP-labeled astrocyte primary and accessory processes that contacted GFAP-ensheathed vessels in the somatosensory barrel cortex at 7, 56, and 168 days post-injury (DPI). TBI significantly increased GFAP-positive primary processes at 7 DPI (P < 0.01) in both sexes. At 56 DPI, these vessel-process interactions remained significantly increased exclusively in males (P < 0.05). At 168 DPI, both sexes showed a significant reduction in vessel-process interactions compared to 7 DPI (P < 0.05); however, a modest but significant injury effect reemerged in females (P < 0.05). A similar sex-dependent pattern in the number of accessory processes provides novel evidence of long-term temporal changes in astrocyte-vessel interactions. TBI-induced changes in astrocyte-vessel interactions may indicate chronic BBB vulnerability and processes responsible for early onset vascular and neurodegenerative pathology.
The complexity of interpersonal physiology during rupture and repair episodes in the treatment of borderline personality disorder: a proof-of-concept multimethod single case study of verbal and non-verbal interactional dynamics
Authors: Høgenhaug Stine S. , Steffensen Sune V. , Orsucci Franco , Zimatore Giovanna , Schiepek Guenter , Kongerslev Mickey T. , Bateman Anthony , Kjaersdam Telléus Gry
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The aim of this proof-of-concept multimethod exploratory single case study is to increase knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of alliance ruptures and repairs in Borderline Personality Disorder treatment across and within the psychotherapeutic treatment process.

Method

The multimethod includes outcome assessment of patient self-reporting questionnaires (the Affect Integration Inventory, the Hopkins Symptom Checklist), observation-based ratings of sessions with the Rupture Resolution Rating System, quantitative analysis of heart rate variability using recurrence quantification analysis, and a qualitative multimodal interaction analysis of within-session dynamics.

Result

Results reveal how patterns of heart rate synchrony between patient and therapist reflect periodical patterns of emotional interaction corresponding to key therapeutic alliance processes throughout the treatment process. Particularly, heart rate synchronization and desynchronization correspond with increasing rupture resolution ratings and positive outcome measures in the last part of the therapy process, indicating increased productivity, affectivity, and positive change. The qualitative microanalysis highlights context sensitivity to alliance management within sessions. Physiological arousal is found to underlie important alliance processes, including emotion regulation, relatedness, security, empathic responding, sense-making, and validation in correspondence with different therapist verbal and non-verbal markerbs.

Discussion

Clinical implications and study limitations are discussed. Recommendations are made for future directions in relation to applying multimethod approaches when studying rupture and repair processes in psychotherapy.
The impact of psychological stress on physiological indicators in healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Na , Wang Yan , Dong Yijiao , Chen Xiaoxue , Zhang Bin , Chen Xianghua , Wang Kejian , Sun Ying
Published: September 2024

Background

Medical health workers play an essential role in the healthcare system and face unique workplace stressors. However, the impact of psychological stress on their physical health has received less attention compared to the general population.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) questionnaires and blood testing results from 1963 medical health workers. Multivariate linear regression analysis using a backward stepwise selection strategy to identify physical examination indicators that were significantly affected by depression.

Results

Depression severity, as measured by SDS index score, was positively correlated with the levels of hemoglobin (coefficient 0.0027, p = 0.0412), platelet count (coefficient 0.0005, p = 0.0198), and uric acid (coefficient 0.0004, p = 0.0492), while negatively correlated with red blood cell count (coefficient-0.0895, p = 0.0406). Similar results were observed in the subgroup analysis stratified by age and sex.

Conclusion

Our study found a significant association between higher levels of depression and specific physiological indicators in healthcare professionals, including elevated hemoglobin, platelet counts, and uric acid levels, as well as decreased red blood cell counts. These changes in blood parameters may reflect underlying physiological stress and inflammation, potentially increasing overall health risks for healthcare workers. Addressing these physiological changes may be crucial for mitigating the health risks associated with depression. To validate our findings and develop targeted interventions, larger multi-center studies are needed to further explore the relationship between depression severity and blood parameters in healthcare professionals.