bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term effects of intrajejunal levodopa infusion on sleep in people with advanced Parkinson's disease
Authors: Diaconu Ştefania , Irincu Laura , Ţînţ Diana , Falup-Pecurariu Cristian
Published: April 2023

Background

Sleep disturbances are commonly encountered in people with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). In these stages, levodopa–carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is recommended for improving motor symptoms, some non-motor dysfunctions, and quality of life in these patients. This study aimed to assess the effects of LCIG on sleep in PD in a longitudinal study.

Study design

An open-label observational study in patients with advanced PD undergoing LCIG treatment was carried out.

Measures and outcomes

In total, 10 consecutive advanced people with PD were evaluated at the baseline and after 6 months and 1 year, respectively, of LCIG infusion. Sleep parameters were assessed with several validated scales. We assessed the evolution of sleep parameters under LCIG infusion over time and the effects on sleep quality.

Results

Significant improvement following LCIG was observed in PSQI total score (p = 0.007), SCOPA-SLEEP total score (p = 0.008), SCOPA-NS subscale (p = 0.007), and AIS total score (p = 0.001) at 6 months and 1 year, compared to the baseline. The PSQI total score at 6 months correlated significantly with the Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale, version 2 (PDSS-2) “disturbed sleep” item at 6 months (p = 0.28; R = 0.688), while the PSQI total score at 12 months significantly correlated with the PDSS-2 total score at 1 year (p = 0.025, R = 0.697) and with the AIS total score at 1 year (p = 0.015, R = 0.739).

Conclusion

LCIG infusion demonstrated beneficial effects on sleep parameters and sleep quality, which were constant over time for up to 12 months.
A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study of altered functional brain activity in cardiac arrest survivors with good neurological outcome
Authors: Wu Qian , Wang Gan-Nan , Hu Hao , Chen Xu-Feng , Xu Xiao-Quan , Zhang Jin-Song , Wu Fei-Yun
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To investigate the spontaneous brain activity alterations in survivors of cardiac arrest (CA) with good neurological outcome using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) with amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) methods.

Materials and methods

Thirteen CA survivors with favorable neurological outcomes and 13 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited and underwent rs-fMRI scans. The ALFF and ReHo methods were applied to assess the regional intensity and synchronization of spontaneous brain activity. Correlation analyses were performed to explore the relationships between the mean ALFF and ReHo values in significant clusters and clinical parameters.

Results

The survivors of CA showed significantly decreased ALFF values in the left postcentral gyrus and precentral gyrus and increased ALFF values in the left hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus than HCs. Significantly decreased ReHo values were observed in the left inferior occipital gyrus and middle occipital gyrus in the patients. Mean ALFF values in the left hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus were positively correlated with the time to return of spontaneous circulation (r = 0.794, p = 0.006) in the patient group.

Conclusion

Functional activity alterations in the brain areas corresponding to known cognitive and physical impairments were observed in CA survivors with preserved neurological function. Our results could advance the understanding of the neurological mechanisms underlying the residual deficits in those patients.
Pathophysiological analysis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss by magnetic resonance imaging: A mini scoping review
Authors: Sone Michihiko , Kobayashi Masumi , Yoshida Tadao , Naganawa Shinji
Published: April 2023

Objective

To summarize the pathophysiological analysis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), focusing on the findings of high signal or endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in the inner ear.

Methods

We summarize the published studies of our research group regarding the pathophysiological analysis of ISSNHL on MRI and review related clinical articles that have reported significantly high signal or the existence of EH in ears with ISSNHL.

Results

Pre-contrast high signal on MRI may indicate minor hemorrhage or increased permeability of surrounding vessels to the perilymph, whereas post-contrast high signal indicates breakdown of the blood–labyrinth barrier, in which irreversible changes would lead to poor prognosis. In some cases of ISSNHL, primary EH could be pre-existing and may be a risk factor for the onset of ISSNHL.

Conclusion

Analysis of ISSNHL by cutting-edge MRI evaluation could provide useful information for elucidating its pathophysiology and for predicting prognosis in this disease.
Dynamical memristive neural networks and associative self-learning architectures using biomimetic devices
Authors: Zivasatienraj Bill , Doolittle W. Alan
Published: April 2023

While there is an abundance of research on neural networks that are “inspired” by the brain, few mimic the critical temporal compute features that allow the brain to efficiently perform complex computations. Even fewer methods emulate the heterogeneity of learning produced by biological neurons. Memory devices, such as memristors, are also investigated for their potential to implement neuronal functions in electronic hardware. However, memristors in computing architectures typically operate as non-volatile memories, either as storage or as the weights in a multiply-and-accumulate function that requires direct access to manipulate memristance via a costly learning algorithm. Hence, the integration of memristors into architectures as time-dependent computational units is studied, starting with the development of a compact and versatile mathematical model that is capable of emulating flux-linkage controlled analog (FLCA) memristors and their unique temporal characteristics. The proposed model, which is validated against experimental FLCA LixNbO2 intercalation devices, is used to create memristive circuits that mimic neuronal behavior such as desensitization, paired-pulse facilitation, and spike-timing-dependent plasticity. The model is used to demonstrate building blocks of biomimetic learning via dynamical memristive circuits that implement biomimetic learning rules in a self-training neural network, with dynamical memristive weights that are capable of associative lifelong learning. Successful training of the dynamical memristive neural network to perform image classification of handwritten digits is shown, including lifelong learning by having the dynamical memristive network relearn different characters in succession. An analog computing architecture that learns to associate input-to-input correlations is also introduced, with examples demonstrating image classification and pattern recognition without convolution. The biomimetic functions shown in this paper result from fully ion-driven memristive circuits devoid of integrating capacitors and thus are instructive for exploiting the immense potential of memristive technology for neuromorphic computation in hardware and allowing a common architecture to be applied to a wide range of learning rules, including STDP, magnitude, frequency, and pulse shape among others, to enable an inorganic implementation of the complex heterogeneity of biological neural systems.
Functional analysis of a novel de novo SCN2A variant in a patient with seizures refractory to oxcarbazepine
Authors: Hu Xiaoyue , Jing Miao , Wang Yanping , Liu Yanshan , Hua Ying
Published: April 2023

Objective

We admitted a female patient with infantile onset epilepsy (<3-month-old). The use of oxcarbazepine exacerbated epileptic seizures in the patient. In the present study, we aimed to identify the genetic basis of the infantile onset epilepsy in the patient, and determine the correlations among genotype, phenotype, and clinical drug response.

Methods

We described the clinical characteristics of an infant with refractory epilepsy. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was used to screen for the pathogenic variant. Whole-cell patch-clamp was performed to determine functional outcomes of the variant.

Results

WES identified a novel de novo SCN2A variant (c.468 G > C, p.K156N) in the patient. In comparison with wildtype, electrophysiology revealed that SCN2A-K156N variant in transfected cells demonstrated reduced sodium current density, delayed activation and accelerated inactivation process of Na+ channel, all of which suggested a loss-of-function (LOF) of Nav1.2 channel.

Conclusion

We showed the importance of functional analysis for a SCN2A variant with unknown significance to determine pathogenicity, drug reactions, and genotype–phenotype correlations. For patients suffering from early infantile epilepsies, the use of oxcarbazepine in some SCN2A-related epilepsies requires vigilance to assess the possibility of epilepsy worsening.
Lenalidomide or bortezomib as maintenance treatment remedy the inferior impact of high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities in non-transplant patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a real-world multi-centered study in China
Authors: Zhuang Zhe , Tian Ying , Shi Lei , Zou Dongmei , Feng Ru , Tian Wei-wei , Yu Hong , Dong Fei , Liao Aijun , Ma Yanping , Liu Qinhua , Liu Shuangjiao , Jing Hongmei , Fu Rong , Ma Liang-ming , Liu Hui , Sun Wanling , Bao Li , Wu Yin , Chen Wenming , Zhuang Junling
Published: April 2023

Maintenance treatment is a pivotal part in the whole process management of multiple myeloma (MM), which further deepens response and improves survival. However, evidence of maintenance in non-transplant MM patients is inadequate in real-world practice. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and survival of 375 non-transplant MM patients from 11 centers between 2010 and 2021 in north China. After a median of seven cycles of front-line regimens, there were 141, 79, and 155 patients receiving lenalidomide maintenance (L-MT), bortezomib maintenance (B-MT), or thalidomide maintenance (T-MT), respectively. Patients on L-MT and B-MT had significantly greater proportions of high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (HRCAs) detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which was defined as 1q21 gain, 17p deletion, adverse immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) translocations. Although the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were comparable among the three groups, L-MT and B-MT remedied the negative impact of HRCAs on survival (PFS of patients with HRCAs vs. patients without HRCAs: L-MT, 26.9 vs. 39.2 months, p=0.19; B-MT, 20.0 vs. 29.7 months, p=0.36; OS not reached in all groups). Patients with HRCAs in the T-MT group presented inferior clinical outcomes compared to standard-risk patients (PFS, 12.1 vs. 22.8 months, p=0.02, HR=1.8, 95% CI 1.0–3.4; OS, 54.9 months vs. NR, p<0.001, HR=3.2, 95% CI 1.5–7.0). Achieving complete response (CR) after induction therapy led to superior PFS compared to other degrees of response, regardless of maintenance medication. Furthermore, maintenance duration over 24 months correlated with favorable survival. Due to the large gap of transplant eligibility in China, optimizing maintenance therapy is important for non-transplant MM patients. In this real-world multi-centered study, our findings suggest that clinicians prefer to prescribe lenalidomide or bortezomib as maintenance therapy in high-risk settings, which are superior to thalidomide in non-transplant MM patients. Achievement of CR and maintenance duration over 2 years are positive factors that influence survival.
Perioperative, oncologic, and functional outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for special types of renal tumors (hilar, endophytic, or cystic): an evidence-based analysis of comparative outcomes
Authors: Chen Xiao-bin , Li Yu-gen , Wu Tao , Du Zhong-bo , Tan Chun-lin , Zhang Qiang , Yu Xiao-dong
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to perform a pooled analysis to compare the outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) between complex tumors (hilar, endophytic, or cystic) and non-complex tumors (nonhilar, exophytic, or solid) and evaluate the effects of renal tumor complexity on outcomes in patients undergoing RAPN.

Methods

Four databases were systematically searched, including Science, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, to identify relevant studies published in English up to December 2022. Review Manager 5.4 was used for statistical analyses and calculations. The study was registered with PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42023394792).

Results

In total, 14 comparative trials, including 3758 patients were enrolled. Compared to non-complex tumors, complex tumors were associated with a significantly longer warm ischemia time (WMD 3.67 min, 95% CI 1.78, 5.57; p = 0.0001), more blood loss (WMD 22.84 mL, 95% CI 2.31, 43.37; p = 0.03), and a higher rate of major complications (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.50, 3.67; p = 0.0002). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in operative time, length of stay, transfusion rates, conversion to open nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy rates, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline, intraoperative complication, overall complication, positive surgical margins (PSM), local recurrence, and trifecta achievement.

Conclusions

RAPN can be a safe and effective procedure for complex tumors (hilar, endophytic, or cystic) and provides comparable functional and oncologic outcomes to non-complex tumors.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=394792, identifier CRD42023394792.
Clonogenicity-based radioresistance determines the expression of immune suppressive immune checkpoint molecules after hypofractionated irradiation of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Gehre Simon , Meyer Felix , Sengedorj Azzaya , Grottker Fridolin , Reichardt Clara M. , Alomo Jannik , Borgmann Kerstin , Frey Benjamin , Fietkau Rainer , Rückert Michael , Gaipl Udo S.
Published: April 2023

Only a subset of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) benefits from a combination of radio- (RT) and immunotherapy. Therefore, we aimed to examine the impact of radioresistance and brain metastasizing potential on the immunological phenotype of TNBC cells following hypofractionated RT by analyzing cell death, immune checkpoint molecule (ICM) expression and activation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer tumor cells were used as model system. Apoptosis was the dominant cell death form of brain metastasizing tumor cells, while Hsp70 release was generally significantly increased following RT and went along with necrosis induction. The ICMs PD-L1, PD-L2, HVEM, ICOS-L, CD137-L and OX40-L were found on the tumor cell surfaces and were significantly upregulated by RT with 5 x 5.2 Gy. Strikingly, the expression of immune suppressive ICMs was significantly higher on radioresistant clones compared to their respective non-radioresistant ones. Although hypofractionated RT led to significant cell death induction and release of Hsp70 in all tumor cell lines, human monocyte-derived DCs were not activated after co-incubation with RT-treated tumor cells. We conclude that radioresistance is a potent driver of immune suppressive ICM expression on the surface of TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells. This mechanism is generally known to predominantly influence the effector phase, rather than the priming phase, of anti-tumor immune responses.
The introduction and current status of the multidimensional model of pain neurobiology
Authors: Casey Kenneth L.
Published: April 2023

Conceptual models are useful because they guide our practical actions related to whatever is represented by the model; this includes research that reveals the limitations of these actions and the potential for their improvement. These statements apply to many aspects of daily life and especially to pain as a challenge for both clinical practice specifically and neurobiology generally. In the first half of the 20th century, our conceptual model of pain, to the extent that it existed at all, was based on evidence supporting the proposition that pain emerged from activity within a very spatially limited set of central nervous system (CNS) structures located within the cerebral cortex and it's oligosynaptic connections with the thalamus. This CNS activity was strongly associated with the activation of physiologically distinct and specialized somatovisceral afferent fibers. All, or nearly all, aspects of the pain experience were thought to arise from, and be modified by, changes in that localized CNS activity. There was no compelling and widely accepted reason to consider an alternative model. However, neurophysiological, neuroanatomical, behavioral, and clinical evidence emerging in the late mid-20th century prompted a reconsideration of the prevailing model of pain neurobiology. Based on this new evidence and the perceived limitations of the prevailing model, pain could then be reasonably conceived as a multidimensional experience arising from the conjoint activation of physiologically and anatomically distinct but interacting CNS structures each separately mediating sensory discriminative, affective, and cognitive aspects of pain. This brief historical review describes the intellectual climate at the time this multidimensional model was proposed, the dispositions for resisting or accepting it, and concludes with a comment on the current status of the model as a fusion of distributed activations that create a unified perception of pain.
The molecular profile of the inflammatory process differs among various neurodevelopmental disorders with or without cognitive component: A hypothesis of persistent systemic dysfunction and hyper-resolution
Authors: Madrid Miriam , Bojalil Rafael , Brianza-Padilla Malinalli , Zapoteco-Nava Jasbet , Márquez-Velasco Ricardo , Rivera-González Rolando
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Challenges of diverse origin in childhood can alter the growth and development of the central nervous system, affecting structures and functions. As a consequence of the damage suffered during the perinatal period, long periods of dysfunctionality may occur, such as regulatory disorders, which may result in remaining in a process of low-grade inflammation. We previously found that perinatal risks and neurological signs are associated with long-term changes in circulating concentrations of molecules of the inflammatory process, findings that are consistent with the postulate that long periods of dysfunction may condition long-lasting low-grade inflammation or parainflammation. The aim of this study was to assess whether different expressions of neurological disorders show variations in their inflammatory molecule profiles or whether there is a common pattern.

Methods

We included screening for (a) caregiver-perceived risk detection of regulatory disturbances, using the DeGangi instrument; (b) dysautonomia or asymmetries, through neurodevelopmental assessments; (c) cognitive developmental disturbances (using the Bailey instrument). We assessed protein molecules on a multiplex system, and lipid molecules by ELISA.

Results

We found a similar, although not identical, pattern of cytokine profiles with the presence of risk of regulatory disturbances, dysautonomia and asymmetries; but an opposite inflammatory profile was associated with cognitive impairment.

Discussion

Our results suggest that there are diverse, probably limited, molecular footprints associated with impaired function, and that these footprints may depend on the response requirements necessary to adjust to the altered internal environment. Here we propose a theoretical model that suggests possible scenarios for inflammatory outcomes associated with chronic challenges.
White matter injury detection based on preterm infant cranial ultrasound images
Authors: Zhu Juncheng , Yao Shifa , Yao Zhao , Yu Jinhua , Qian Zhaoxia , Chen Ping
Published: April 2023

Introduction

White matter injury (WMI) is now the major disease that seriously affects the quality of life of preterm infants and causes cerebral palsy of children, which also causes periventricular leuko-malacia (PVL) in severe cases. The study aimed to develop a method based on cranial ultrasound images to evaluate the risk of WMI.

Methods

This study proposed an ultrasound radiomics diagnostic system to predict the WMI risk. A multi-task deep learning model was used to segment white matter and predict the WMI risk simultaneously. In total, 158 preterm infants with 807 cranial ultrasound images were enrolled. WMI occurred in 32preterm infants (20.3%, 32/158).

Results

Ultrasound radiomics diagnostic system implemented a great result with AUC of 0.845 in the testing set. Meanwhile, multi-task deep learning model preformed a promising result both in segmentation of white matter with a Dice coefficient of 0.78 and prediction of WMI risk with AUC of 0.863 in the testing cohort.

Discussion

In this study, we presented a data-driven diagnostic system for white matter injury in preterm infants. The system combined multi-task deep learning and traditional radiomics features to achieve automatic detection of white matter regions on the one hand, and design a fusion strategy of deep learning features and manual radiomics features on the other hand to obtain stable and efficient diagnostic performance.
N-benzyl-N-methyldecan-1-amine and its derivative mitigate 2,4- dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis and collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kim Ji Eun , Kang Changyu , Budluang Phatcharaporn , Yawut Natpaphan , Cho Il-Rae , Choi Yun Ju , Kim Jaejeong , Ju Sanghyun , Lee Beomgu , Sohn Dong Hyun , Yim Hyung-Soon , Lee Kyeong Won , Han Jinsol , Jung Youngmi , Kang Ho Young , Park Jin Kyoon , Jung Yunjin , Hwang Dae Youn , Chung Young-Hwa
Published: April 2023

As our previous study revealed that N-benzyl-N-methyldecan-1-amine (BMDA), a new molecule originated from Allium sativum, exhibits anti-neoplastic activities, we herein explored other functions of the compound and its derivative [decyl-(4-methoxy-benzyl)-methyl-amine; DMMA] including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. Pretreatment of THP-1 cells with BMDA or DMMA inhibited tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β production, and blocked c-jun terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), MAPKAP kinase (MK)2 and NF-κΒ inflammatory signaling during LPS stimulation. Rectal treatment with BMDA or DMMA reduced the severity of colitis in 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS)-treated rat. Consistently, administration of the compounds decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (representing neutrophil infiltration in colonic mucosa), production of inflammatory mediators such as cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-3 and TNF-α, and activation of JNK and p38 MAPK in the colon tissues. In addition, oral administration of these compounds ameliorated collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in mice. The treatment diminished the levels of inflammatory cytokine transcripts, and protected connective tissues through the expression of anti-oxidation proteins such as nuclear factor erythroid-related factor (Nrf)2 and heme oxygenase (HO)1. Additionally, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels did not differ between the BMDA- or DMMA-treated and control animals, indicating that the compounds do not possess liver toxicity. Taken together, these findings propose that BMDA and DMMA could be used as new drugs for curing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and RA.
Clinical characteristics and survival outcomes in patients aged 75 years or older with advanced colorectal cancer treated using traditional Chinese medicine: an observational retrospective study
Authors: Wu Jiao , Cui Ning , Li Zhongyu , Wu Yu , Hao Tengteng , Li Liusheng
Published: April 2023

Limited evidence suggests that elderly patients with advanced colorectal cancer (ACRC) may benefit from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This study investigated the efficacy and safety of TCM in old ACRC patients treated in the Oncology Department of Xiyuan Hospital between January 2012 and December 2021. The clinical characteristics of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. Their progression-free survival (PFS) and total duration of TCM therapy (TTCM) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier curve. Forty-eight patients (F:M 13:35) with a mean age of 78.75 ± 2.99 years (range, 75–87) met the inclusion criteria. There were 18 cases of rectal cancer and 30 of colon cancer. The median PFS was 4 months (range, 1–26; 95% CI 3.26–4.73). The median TTCM was 5.5 months (range, 1–50; 95% CI 1.76–8.24). Subgroup analysis revealed that PFS and TTCM were shorter in patients with bone metastases and an ECOG performance status score of 2–3 (p < 0.05). No hematological toxicity or serious adverse reactions occurred during the study period. This real-world study demonstrates that TCM may be a potentially beneficial therapy for old ACRC patients, including when the ECOG performance status score is 2–3.
Bibliometric and visualization analysis of kidney repair associated with acute kidney injury from 2002 to 2022
Authors: Li Jun , Gong Xuezhong
Published: April 2023

Background: Renal repair is closely related to the prognosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) and has attracted increasing attention in the research field. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive bibliometric analysis in this research area. This study aims at exploring the current status and hotspots of renal repair research in AKI from the perspective of bibliometrics.

Methods: Studies published between 2002 and 2022 related to kidney repair after AKI were collected from Web of Science core collection (WoSCC) database. Bibliometric measurement and knowledge graph analysis to predict the latest research trends in the field were performed using bibliometrics software CiteSpace and VOSviewer.

Results: The number of documents related to kidney repair after AKI has steadily increased over 20 years. The United States and China contribute more than 60% of documents and are the main drivers of research in this field. Harvard University is the most active academic institution that contributes the most documents. Humphreys BD and Bonventre JV are the most prolific authors and co-cited authors in the field. The American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology and Journal of the American Society of Nephrology are the most popular journals in the field with the greatest number of documents. “exosome”, “macrophage polarization”, “fibroblast”, and” aki-ckd transition” are high-frequency keywords in this field in recent years. Extracellular vesicles (including exosomes), macrophage polarization, cell cycle arrest, hippo pathway, and sox9 are current research hotspots and potential targets in this field.

Conclusion: This is the first comprehensive bibliometric study on the knowledge structure and development trend of AKI-related renal repair research in recent years. The results of the study comprehensively summarize and identify research frontiers in AKI-related renal repair.
The molecular mechanisms in prenatal drug exposure-induced fetal programmed adult cardiovascular disease
Authors: Wu Ting , Zhou Kaiyu , Hua Yimin , Zhang Wen , Li Yifei
Published: April 2023

The “developmental origins of health and disease” (DOHaD) hypothesis posits that early-life environmental exposures have a lasting impact on individual’s health and permanently shape growth, structure, and metabolism. This reprogramming, which results from fetal stress, is believed to contribute to the development of adulthood cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and increased susceptibility to ischemic injuries. Recent studies have shown that prenatal exposure to drugs, such as glucocorticoids, antibiotics, antidepressants, antiepileptics, and other toxins, increases the risk of adult-onset cardiovascular diseases. In addition, observational and animal experimental studies have demonstrated the association between prenatal drug exposure and the programming of cardiovascular disease in the offspring. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are still being explored but are thought to involve metabolism dysregulation. This review summarizes the current evidence on the relationship between prenatal drug exposure and the risk of adult cardiovascular disorders. Additionally, we present the latest insights into the molecular mechanisms that lead to programmed cardiovascular phenotypes after prenatal drug exposure.
Tanacetum species: Bridging empirical knowledge, phytochemistry, nutritional value, health benefits and clinical evidence
Authors: Khatib Sohaib , Sobeh Mansour , Faraloni Cecilia , Bouissane Latifa
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The Tanacetum genus consists of 160 accepted flowering species thriving throughout temperate regions, mainly in the Mediterranean Basin, Northern America, and southwestern and eastern Asia. Tanacetum species bear a long-standing record of use in the folk medicine of indigenous tribes and communities worldwide, along with multitudinous applications in traditional cuisines, cosmeceuticals, and agricultural fields.

Methods: Up-to-date data related to traditional uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, toxicity and clinical trials of the genus Tanacetum were systematically reviewed from several online scientific engines, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SciFinder, Wiley Online, Science Direct, and Cochrane library.

Results and discussion: Over the past three decades, 241 metabolites have been isolated from nearly twenty species, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, fatty acids and alkanes, aldehydes, volatile compounds, and naphthoquinones. Some unique metabolites have also been identified, such as the ceramides tanacetamide (A-D) from T. artemisioides, pyrethrins from T. cinerariifolium, and sesquiterpene lactones from several species. However, these secondary metabolites are still poorly studied despite in vitro clues highlighting their colossal pharmacological properties, especially as hypotensive, neuroprotective, anticancer, and antimicrobial agents. Scientific studies have validated some traditional claims of the plant, such as antidiabetic, anticancer, anthelmintic, insecticide, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities, as well as against festering wounds, skin ulcers, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. Other ethnomedicinal uses for arthritis, gout, rheumatism, anemia, and as a litholytic, antivenom and diaphoretic have not yet been supported and would constitute the subject of further research.
Influence of Advancing Biological Maturation on Aerobic and Anaerobic Power and on Sport Performance of Junior Rowers: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Almeida-Neto Paulo Francisco de , Silva Luiz Felipe Da , Miarka Bianca , De Medeiros Jason Azevedo , de Medeiros Rafaela Catherine da Silva Cunha , Teixeira Rafael Pereira Azevedo , Aidar Felipe J. , Cabral Breno Guilherme De Araujo Tinoco , Dantas Paulo Moreira Silva
Published: April 2023

Background:Researches are linking Biological Maturation (BM) with the performance of adolescent rowers from both genders. Despite this, there is still not enough information about the influence of BM advancement correlating to sports, aerobic and anaerobic performance in adolescent athletes at the sport modality rowing.

Objective:Investigate the influence of Biological Maturation on sports performance and aerobic and anaerobic power in adolescent rowing athletes.

Methods:A longitudinal observational study, developed over 3 years, with a sample of 52 adolescents, rowing athletes, of both genders (61% male and 39% female) mean age of 16.0 ± 0.5 years old at the start and 18.4 ± 0.5 years old at the end of the study. Analysis was performed once a year. BM was evaluated through maturational groups generated from Age Peak Height Velocity; maximum aerobic power [VO2Max (ml/kg/min)] and mean anaerobic power (Watts) through the ergometer test (indoor rowing); peak anaerobic power (Watts) through a mathematical model derived from competition time, to determine sports performance analyzed the race time during world championship tryouts.

Results:The advancement of BM influenced the reduction of the test time and increase of the mean anaerobic power (Watts) in indoor rowing (η2p> 0.36,p< 0.05), as well as an improvement in performance in sports competition (η2p> 0.35,p< 0.05). However, the advancement of BM did not affect VO2Max (ml/kg/min) in young elite rowing athletes of both sexes (p> 0.05).

Conclusion:Advances in biological maturation have been shown to influence the anaerobic and sports performance (reduction of the execution time in 2,000-m) of adolescent rowing athletes of both genders.
Real-time amplitude spectrum area estimation during chest compression from the ECG waveform using a 1D convolutional neural network
Authors: Zuo Feng , Dai Chenxi , Wei Liang , Gong Yushun , Yin Changlin , Li Yongqin
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Amplitude spectrum area (AMSA) is a well-established measure than can predict defibrillation outcome and guiding individualized resuscitation of ventricular fibrillation (VF) patients. However, accurate AMSA can only be calculated during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) pause due to artifacts produced by chest compression (CC). In this study, we developed a real-time AMSA estimation algorithm using a convolutional neural network (CNN).

Methods: Data were collected from 698 patients, and the AMSA calculated from the uncorrupted signals served as the true value for both uncorrupted and the adjacent corrupted signals. An architecture consisting of a 6-layer 1D CNN and 3 fully connected layers was developed for AMSA estimation. A 5-fold cross-validation procedure was used to train, validate and optimize the algorithm. An independent testing set comprised of simulated data, real-life CC corrupted data, and preshock data was used to evaluate the performance.

Results: The mean absolute error, root mean square error, percentage root mean square difference and correlation coefficient were 2.182/1.951 mVHz, 2.957/2.574 mVHz, 22.887/28.649% and 0.804/0.888 for simulated and real-life testing data, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve regarding predicting defibrillation success was 0.835, which was comparable to that of 0.849 using the true value of the AMSA.

Conclusions: AMSA can be accurately estimated during uninterrupted CPR using the proposed method.
The role of governance models in the development of transport infrastructure megaprojects in Greater Montreal: The case of the Réseau express métropolitain
Authors: Taki Imrani Mohammed Kamal , Champagne Eric
Published: April 2023

This article focuses on mobility issues in Montreal, whose metropolitan transportation policies are presented as one of the major ambitions of large North American metropolitan areas. Empirically, we are interested in a recent transportation megaproject: the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) in Montreal, an electric light-rail transit network spanning 67 kilometers in the Greater Metropolitan Area. These types of megaprojects involve significant governance challenges and certain criticisms due to the involvement of several actors from different backgrounds and defending different interests, which places. This is why we believe that it is important to address this issue from the point of view of metropolitan governance through the agenda-setting of urban megaprojects. The originality of this article is that it demonstrates how presenting the REM project as a public-public partnership, between the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and the Government of Québec, opened the door to favoritism for the Caisse which influenced the choice of a political solution in Greater Montreal. By mobilizing Kingdon's model, we conclude that windows of opportunity cannot open without choosing a governance model during the agenda-setting phase.
Explanation of near-death experiences: a systematic analysis of case reports and qualitative research
Authors: Hashemi Amirhossein , Oroojan Ali Akbar , Rassouli Maryam , Ashrafizadeh Hadis
Published: April 2023

Background and objective

Some individuals report a near-death experience (NDE) after a life-threatening crisis, which refers to a range of subjective experiences related to impending death. This experience is a phenomenon with transcendental elements, which leads to deep permanent changes in both the individual and the social lives of the NDEr's. Therefore, this study aims to review the near-death experiences of individuals with different religious and cultural views.

Methodology

This is a systematic analysis study. All the case report, case series and qualitative research studies which presented patients' NDE experiences were included in the study, without language restrictions, and in the period of 1980–2022. The stages of screening, selection, data extraction, and quality assessment have been gone through by two of the researchers. Data analysis and synthesis has been done qualitatively. JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies.

Findings

After the initial search, 2,407 studies were included, 54 of which underwent final examination. The total number of the NDEr's in the studies was 465 men, women, and children. Among these studies, 27 were case reports, 20 were case series, and 7 were qualitative studies. Near-death experiences have been categorized into 4 main categories and 19 subcategories. The main categories include emotional experiences (2 subcategories), cognitive experiences (4 subcategories), spiritual and religious experiences (4 subcategories), and supernatural experiences [9 subcategories in two categories (out of body experiences, and supernatural and metaphysical perceptions)].

Conclusion

The most frequent near-death experiences were supernatural experiences, especially the experience of leaving the body. The basis and the content of the patterns mentioned by the NDEr's are similar, and the differences are in the explanation and the interpretation of the experience. There is a common core among them such as out-of-body experiences, passing through a tunnel, heightened senses, etc. Therefore, correct knowledge of near-death experiences leads to providing helpful answers to patients.
Effects of acute slackline exercise on executive function in college students
Authors: Wen Ching-Tsai , Chu Chiung-Ling , Chen Hsueh-Chih , Chueh Ting-Yu , Lin Chih-Chien , Wu Shao-Yu , Hsu Wei-Chen , Huang Chung-Ju , Hung Tsung-Min
Published: April 2023

Background

Physical exercise as an intervention for improving cognitive function, especially executive function, is receiving increasing attention because it is easily accessible, cost-effective and promises many additional health-related benefits. While previous studies focused on aerobic exercise and resistance exercise, recent findings have suggested that exercise with high coordination demand elicits beneficial effects on executive function. We therefore examined the effects of an acute slackline exercise on the executive functions of young adults.

Methods

In a crossover experimental design, 47 healthy participants (21 females), ranging in age from 18 to 27 years (M = 19.17, SD = 1.94) were randomly assigned to different sequences of two conditions (slackline exercise and film-watching). Before and after the 50 min intervention, a modified Simon task was used to assess participants’ executive function (inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility).

Results

College students showed better inhibitory control performance as indicated by shorter reaction times following acute slackline exercise than those who participated in the film-watching session. As there was no difference in accuracy between the slackline exercise and film-watching sessions, the shortened reaction time after slackline exercise provides evidence against a simple speed-accuracy trade-off.

Conclusion

Compared with film-watching, acute slackline exercise provides favorable effects on executive function necessitating inhibition in young adults. These findings provide insight into exercise prescription and cognition, and further evidence for the beneficial effects of coordination exercise on executive functions.
On the beauty of vases: Birkhoff’s aesthetic measure versus Hogarth’s line of beauty
Authors: Hübner Ronald , Ufken Emily Sophie
Published: April 2023

Vases continue to be important aesthetic objects in almost all developed cultures. Nevertheless, there is little to no systematic research on the shape characteristics that determine their beauty. A famous exception is Birkhoff, who in his 1933 book used the geometric ratios of vases to calculate their beauty. One form factor that he discussed theoretically but did not include in his aesthetic measure is the outline curvature of vases. This is despite the fact that William Hogarth recognized curvature as relevant to the aesthetic evaluation of forms as early as 1753, demonstrating this with his Line of Beauty. Given the great influence of these two ideas, the aim of the present study was to examine their contribution to the aesthetics of vases. For this objective, we designed a set of symbolic vases by systematically varying width and curvature, and asked participants to rate their beauty in an online experiment. The results show that both geometric ratios and curvature contribute to the beauty of the vases.
Lack of educational impact of video game addiction in children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Blasco-Fontecilla Hilario , Menéndez-García Ángela , Sanchez-Sanchez Fernando , Bella-Fernández Marcos
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The use of video games has become widespread worldwide. Excessive use of video games is increasingly becoming a matter of concern, particularly in patients diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Currently, internet gaming disorder (IGD) is not included within the DSM-5-chapter Disorders related to substances and addictive disorders.

Methods

This is a post-hoc descriptive naturalistic study comparing children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD with and without IGD. We used the 85% cut-off point of the test ADITEC-V for video game addiction to split our sample of ADHD patients into those with IGD (>=85%) and those without IGD (<85%).

Results

13 (25%) out of the 51 children and adolescents with ADHD included in our study had an IGD. Patients with IGD had a first contact with internet, smartphones, and videogames at a very early age (5.67 ± 3.31, 6.33 ± 4.60, and 7.50 ± 2.61, respectively). However, only age at first contact with the internet was statistically significantly different when comparing ADHD patients with and without IGD (8.68 ± 2.71 vs. 5.67 ± 3.31, t = 3.166, df = 47, p = 0.01). Different neurodevelopmental, clinical, and neuropsychological measures converging in impulsivity is a risk factor for IGD. Unexpectedly, we found no association between IGD and poor academic achievement.

Discussion

Future studies may include randomized controlled trials for treating IGD, the study of social adjustment as a protective factor against developing an IGD, and the role of serious and non-serious video games in the development of an IGD, among others. Additional research is clearly needed on IGD.
Opportunities for human factors in machine learning
Authors: Baweja Jessica A. , Fallon Corey K. , Jefferson Brett A.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The field of machine learning and its subfield of deep learning have grown rapidly in recent years. With the speed of advancement, it is nearly impossible for data scientists to maintain expert knowledge of cutting-edge techniques. This study applies human factors methods to the field of machine learning to address these difficulties.

Methods

Using semi-structured interviews with data scientists at a National Laboratory, we sought to understand the process used when working with machine learning models, the challenges encountered, and the ways that human factors might contribute to addressing those challenges.

Results

Results of the interviews were analyzed to create a generalization of the process of working with machine learning models. Issues encountered during each process step are described.

Discussion

Recommendations and areas for collaboration between data scientists and human factors experts are provided, with the goal of creating better tools, knowledge, and guidance for machine learning scientists.
Enhancing the wheat growth through micronutrients enriched biochar under salt stress
Authors: Mukhtar Muhammad Salman , Khan Waqas-ud-Din , Khan Amin U. , Rahman Shafeeq Ur , Guo Wei
Published: April 2023

Crop irrigation with brackish water having high Na+ is a common practice in developing countries like Pakistan; hence increasing the saline-sodic soils throughout the region. Therefore, two independent studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of minerals enriched contrasting biochars (MECBs) in mitigating Na+ toxicity on soil physicochemical properties, wheat growth, and physiology. In 1st trial, an incubation experiment was conducted having 32 treatments including simple biochar (SBc), manganese enriched biochar (MnBc), zinc enriched biochar (ZnBc), and iron enriched biochar (FeBc) applied at two rates (0.1% and 0.5%) with four different salinity levels such as 10, 20, 30, and 40 dSm−1. The soil was sampled after the 8th, 16th, and 24th day of incubation. Among the four sources of biochar, MnBc (0.1%) + 40 dSm−1 and FeBc (0.5%) + 40 dSm−1 showed efficient results to tolerate salinity stress in soil by efficiently reducing the availability of Na+ (60% and 30%) when compared to SBc (0.5%) + 40 dSm−1. Then, a pot study was conducted with 20 different treatments (control, SBc, MnBc, ZnBc, and FeBc) at four different salinity levels, i.e., 0, 5, 10, and 15 dSm−1. There were four replicates and the crop was harvested after 60 days of germination. The application of brackish water (control+15 dSm−1) significantly reduced the fresh weight of root (28%) and shoot (34%) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as compared to FeBc+15 dSm−1. However, the soil Na+ toxicity was significantly decreased (23%) by the application of FeBc+15 dSm−1 as compared to control+15 dSm−1. Similarly, a significant increase was observed in leaf chl. a, b and photosynthetic rate (75%, 3 and 2-folds); however, a significant decrease was observed in transpiration rate (50%) in T. aestivum L. treated with FeBc+15 dSm−1 as compared to control+15 dSm−1. Interestingly, FeBc+15 dSm−1 also played a vital role to prevent oxidative damage by controlling the shoot CMP (63%) in T. aestivum L. by efficiently triggering the activities of shoot antioxidant enzymes such as APX (30%) and CAT (52%) when compared to control+15 dSm−1. In summary, it was evaluated that FeBc showed the highest adsorption capacity of Na+ ions to regulate salinity stress by improving soil health and crop physiology.