bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the link between built environment and physical activity: a spatial study in suburban area
Authors: Iamtrakul Pawinee , Chayphong Sararad
Published: July 2024

Promoting physical activity is a significant concern that contributes to urban development, thereby fostering good health among city residents. This imperative highlights the interconnectedness between public health initiatives and the advancement of urban landscapes, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science. Hence, this study aims to investigate the correlation between the built environment and access to physical activities within distinct local contexts. Utilizing the ordinary least squares estimation technique alongside spatial statistical analysis tools can facilitate the exploration of spatial disparities and interdependencies. Results pertaining to the built environment indicate significant differences within the built group context at a p-value level of 0.000. This suggests that within the local context, various activities, including those related to the transportation system, differ throughout the city. Findings regarding the link between the built environment and physical activity indicate that the relatively low R-squared values (0.10–0.20) may be attributed to the presence of grid areas with minimal walking distances. This finding underlines the key role of the built environment in promoting physical activity, highlighting the importance for urban planning and design to prioritize enhancements in active transportation infrastructure and increase access to urban activity nodes. This can be achieved by strategically distributing physical activity opportunities and ensuring accessibility via active transportation and public transit.
Seismic capacity evaluation of reinforced concrete moment-resisting frames with steel damper columns using incremental critical pseudo-multi impulse analysis
Authors: Fujii Kenji
Published: July 2024

Steel damper columns (SDCs) are energy-dissipating members that are suitable for reinforced concrete (RC) moment-resisting frames (MRFs) and those often used for multistory housing. In a previous study, the authors proposed an energy-based prediction procedure for the peak and cumulative response of an RC frame building with SDCs. In this procedure, the accuracy of the equivalent velocity of the maximum momentary input energy (VΔE1*)–peak equivalent displacement (D1*max) relationship is essential for improved prediction. In this article, the seismic capacity curve (VΔE1*–D1*max relationship) of RC MRFs with and without SDCs is evaluated using incremental critical pseudo-multi impulse analysis (ICPMIA). In the ICPMIA, which is based on a study by Takewaki and coauthors, the structure is subjected to various intensities of critical pseudo-multi impulsive lateral force. An ICPMIA of planer four 8- and 16-story RC MRFs with and without SDCs is performed to obtain their structural behaviors under various intensities of pulsive input. Then, the seismic capacity curve obtained from the ICMPIA results are compared with the predicted results based on the simplified equations. The main findings of this article are as follows. (i) The seismic capacity curve of RC MRFs without SDCs strongly depends on the number of impulsive lateral forces (Np). As Np increases, the seismic capacity decreases. The predicted seismic capacity curve severely underestimates that obtained from the ICMPIA in the case of large Np. This trend is notable when the level of pinching behavior in the RC members is severe. (ii) In the case of an RC MRF with SDCs, however, the influence of Np on its seismic capacity curve is small. The predicted seismic capacity curve agrees very well with that obtained from the ICMPIA. The influence of the level of pinching behavior in RC members on the seismic capacity curve is small.
Current research status and future prospects of NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiovascular diseases: a bibliometric and visualization analysis
Authors: Miao Meiqi , Yang Yuanyuan , Dai Hailong
Published: July 2024

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of global mortality, with atherosclerosis (AS) contributing to its pathological basis. Inflammation plays a critical role in the pathophysiological process of AS, and the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been extensively studied in this context. This study aimed to analyze the research status of the NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiovascular disease and provide research directions for further exploration in this field.

Methods

Using the “Bibliometrix” and “CiteSpace” software, a total of 516 articles were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database published between 2012 and 2023. The search query used the keywords “[“CVD” OR “cardiovascular disease”] AND [“NLRP3 inflammasome “OR “NLRP3”]”. Visual analysis was performed on authors, countries, institutions, journal sources, keywords, references, and future trends.

Results

A total of 516 English articles were retrieved, showing an overall upward trend in annual publication volume with slight fluctuations. China, the United States, and Europe were the countries and regions with the highest number of published articles. Among them, China had the highest article count (170), while the United States had the highest citation count (18,664), centrality score (0.43), and h-index (90), indicating its influential role in this research area. These countries also possessed elite institutions, professional researchers, and high-impact journals, making them leading contributors in this field. The main pathogenic mechanisms of the NLRP3 inflammasome in CVD were identified as “oxidative stress”, “pyroptosis”, and “inflammation”. The most frequently studied signaling pathways included “NF-κB”, “IL-1”, and “C-reactive protein”. The most studied disease types were coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, and myocardial infarction. Additionally, research on the correlation between cholesterol markers and inflammatory indicators associated with NLRP3 inflammasome in CVD risk assessment has gained significant momentum, with the main mechanism being NLRP3/IL-6/hs-CRP and cholesterol lipoproteins emerging as a major keyword in this context.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the research hotspots and emerging trends of the NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiovascular disease. The findings offer guidance for researchers and scholars in this field and facilitate the exploration of new research directions.
Trends in peripheral artery disease and critical limb ischemia hospitalizations among cocaine and methamphetamine users in the United States: a nationwide study
Authors: Ali Shafaqat , Al-Yafeai Zaki , Hossain Md. Ismail , Bhuiyan Md. Shenuarin , Duhan Sanchit , Aishwarya Richa , Goeders Nicholas E. , Bhuiyan Md. Mostafizur Rahman , Conrad Steven A. , Vanchiere John A. , Orr A. Wayne , Kevil Christopher G. , Bhuiyan Mohammad Alfrad Nobel
Published: July 2024

Background

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is on the rise worldwide, ranking as the third leading cause of atherosclerosis-related morbidity; much less is known about its trends in hospitalizations among methamphetamine and cocaine users.

Objectives

We aim to evaluate the overall trend in the prevalence of hospital admission for PAD with or without the use of stimulant abuse (methamphetamine and cocaine) across the United States. Additionally, we evaluated the PAD-related hospitalizations trend stratified by age, race, sex, and geographic location.

Methods

We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2008 to 2020. The Cochran Armitage trend test was used to compare the trend between groups. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine adjusted odds for PAD and CLI hospitalizations among methamphetamine and cocaine users.

Results

Between 2008 and 2020, PAD-related hospitalizations showed an increasing trend in Hispanics, African Americans, and western states, while a decreasing trend in southern and Midwestern states (p-trend <0.05). Among methamphetamine users, an overall increasing trend was observed in men, women, western, southern, and midwestern states (p-trend <0.05). However, among cocaine users, PAD-related hospitalization increased significantly for White, African American, age group >64 years, southern and western states (p-trend <0.05). Overall, CLI-related hospitalizations showed an encouraging decreasing trend in men and women, age group >64 years, and CLI-related amputations declined for women, White patient population, age group >40, and all regions (p-trend <0.05). However, among methamphetamine users, a significantly increasing trend in CLI-related hospitalization was seen in men, women, White & Hispanic population, age group 26–45, western, southern, and midwestern regions.

Conclusions

There was an increasing trend in PAD-related hospitalizations among methamphetamine and cocaine users for both males and females. Although an overall decreasing trend in CLI-related hospitalization was observed for both genders, an up-trend in CLI was seen among methamphetamine users. The upward trends were more prominent for White, Hispanic & African Americans, and southern and western states, highlighting racial and geographic variations over the study period.
Financial literacy to develop complex thinking skills: quantitative measurement in Mexican women entrepreneurs
Authors: Bayly-Castaneda Karla , Ramírez-Montoya María Soledad , Erdély-Ruiz Arturo , Montoya-Bayardo Miguel Angel
Published: July 2024

The objective of the study was to validate the construction of a financial literacy measurement instrument aligned with complex thinking competencies in Mexican women entrepreneurs. By means of the construct validation method, the content was validated by expert judgment, validation by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, as well as internal consistency by means of a pilot test applied to a sample of 189 participants. A highly valid and reliable version was obtained, organized in four dimensions with a total of 23 items. This study examines and estimates the determinants of financial literacy for the first time under the light of complex reasoning.
Learning mathematics with personal mobile devices in school: a multigroup invariance analysis of acceptance among students and teachers
Authors: Jatileni Cloneria Nyambali , Havu-Nuutinen Sari , Pöntinen Susanna , Kukkonen Jari
Published: July 2024

Students’ use of personal mobile devices (PMDs), including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, in mathematics classrooms globally has become feasible due to the implementation of the bring your own device (BYOD) initiatives and policies in schools. Students’ academic use of PMDs in mathematics learning has been associated with increased motivation, enjoyment, and enhanced performance. While debates continue worldwide on the bans of PMDs in schools, it is noteworthy that students in Namibian basic education are not permitted to use PMDs in schools. This study employed a comparative nonexperimental quantitative research design to assess the perceived usefulness (PU) and behavioural intention (BI) to use PMDs in mathematics classrooms among 500 Namibian students and 209 teachers. The study employed a volunteer purposeful sampling method to select participating students and teachers from government schools in the Omusati and Khomas regions. Student selection was based on self-selection from full-class mathematics groups. Similarly, the study utilised volunteer purposeful sampling to recruit grades 4–12 mathematics teachers. Utilising structural equation modelling, the findings revealed that students expressed more positive ratings for PMD usefulness and intention than did teachers. Furthermore, PU significantly predicted students’ BI to learn mathematics with PMDs in school. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis supported configural, metric, and scalar invariance in PU and BI factor structures across both participant groups. However, when students’ latent means of PU and BI are set to 0, the teachers’ latent mean parameter estimates are negative, suggesting potential disparities. Teachers should recognise and leverage students’ positive perceptions of PMDs to enhance motivation and engagement in mathematics learning. Simultaneously, ensuring consistent assessment across participant groups is essential, while addressing teachers’ PMDs reservations through professional development and support remains crucial.
Arthritis increases the risk of erectile dysfunction: Results from the NHANES 2001-2004
Authors: Liu Changjin , Lei Qiming , Li Jianwei , Liu Weihui
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study assessed the association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and arthritis.

Methods

Weighted logistic regression and subgroup analyses were used to investigate the association between arthritis incidence and ED among participants in the 2001–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database.

Results

Among the participants, 27.8% and 18.5% had a self-reported history of ED and arthritis, respectively. ED was associated with arthritis (odds ratio [OR]=4.00; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.20–4.99; p<0.001], which remained significant after adjustment (OR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.00–1.96; p<0.001). Stratified by type of arthritis, after full adjustment, osteoarthritis remained significant (OR=1.11; 95% CI: 1.03–1.20; p=0.017), and rheumatoid arthritis (OR=1.03, 95% CI: 0.93–1.13; p= 0.5) and other arthritis (OR=1.04, 95% CI: 0.98–1.11; p=0.2) were not significantly correlated with ED. Multiple inference analyses confirmed the robustness of the results.

Conclusion

Our study showed that arthritis was strongly associated with ED. There is an urgent need to raise awareness and conduct additional research on the reasons behind this association in order to implement more scientific and rational treatment programs for patients with ED and arthritis.
Fault probability identification method for distribution networks based on mov-MF distribution
Authors: Li Jiang , Sun Zhengran , Liu Bo
Published: July 2024

To address the fault identification challenge in distribution networks, a method leveraging a mixture of the von Mises–Fisher (mov-MF) distribution model for fault probability identification is proposed. Initially, the synchronous phasor measuring unit is employed to gather the post-fault steady-state voltage phase quantities, and then, the voltage phase angle values are combined to form a three-dimensional feature quantity. Subsequently, the mov-MF distribution model is initialized through the spherical K-means algorithm and the minimum message length algorithm. This model is further refined via the expectation–maximization algorithm to iteratively optimize distribution parameters. The test set data are input into the mov-MF distribution model, which has been constructed using typical fault data, to discern fault types. Finally, the efficacy of the proposed method is validated through simulation verification conducted on the IEEE 33-node distribution system. The analysis of the examples demonstrates the accuracy of the mov-MF distribution model-based fault identification method in identifying single-phase ground, two-phase ground, two-phase interphase, and three-phase short-circuit faults.
The correlation between corona virus disease 2019 and alopecia areata: a literature review
Authors: Xie Ying , Lv Shuying , Luo Sha , Chen Yuxuan , Du Meijiao , Xu Yonglong , Yang Dingquan
Published: July 2024

Corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19) is one of the most serious respiratory pandemic diseases threatening human health for centuries. Alopecia areata (AA) is a sudden patchy hair loss, an autoimmune disease, which seriously affects the image and mental health of patients. Evidence shows that the risk of autoimmune diseases significantly increases after COVID-19, and is positively correlated with the severity, with a significant increase in the risk of alopecia in those over 40 years old. The relationship between COVID-19 and AA has become a hot topic of current research. Strengthening the research on the correlation between COVID-19 and AA can help to identify and protect susceptible populations at an early stage. This article reviews the research progress on the epidemiological background of COVID-19 and AA, the situation and possible mechanisms of AA induced by COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccination, and potential treatment methods.
Case report: tumefactive demyelinating lesions after the second cycle of alemtuzumab in multiple sclerosis; immune cell profile and biomarkers
Authors: Rabaneda-Lombarte Neus , Teniente-Serra Aina , Massuet-Vilamajó Anna , Ramo-Tello Cristina , Presas-Rodríguez Silvia
Published: July 2024

Objective

We present a case of multiple tumefactive demyelinating lesions (TDLs) emerging 24 months after the second cycle of alemtuzumab treatment.

Methods

A woman with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) discontinued fingolimod treatment due to gestational desire, which resulted in a severe disease exacerbation. Alemtuzumab was initiated, accompanied by regular clinical, radiological, and immunological monitoring.

Results

She relapsed prior to the second cycle, exhibiting 12 T1Gd+ lesions, and peripheral blood showed an increase in B-cells and a decrease in T-cells. At 24 months following the second cycle, she developed cognitive impairment and multiple T1Gd+ lesions, including TDLs, were evident on the brain MRI. We found not only an increase in B-cells but also in Th1 central memory cells. Th1/Th17 cells increased 3 months before the detection of TDLs.

Conclusions

TDLs can appear 24 months after the second cycle of alemtuzumab treatment in MS. The increase in Th1/Th17 cells could be a candidate biomarker for TDLs in alemtuzumab-treated MS patients.
Progress in the study of pentraxin-3(PTX-3) as a biomarker for sepsis
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Xuelin , Zhang Xiaobei , Wang Tiantian , Zhang Xiangcheng
Published: July 2024

Sepsis is a intricate pathological process characterized by life-threatening organ dysfunction resulting from a dysregulated host response to infection. It stands as a prominent cause of mortality among critically ill patients globally. The pivotal focus in sepsis management lies in the early identification and prompt administration of antimicrobial agents. Owing to the constraints of current diagnostic methodologies, marked by insufficient sensitivity and delayed outcomes, extensive research has been undertaken to ascertain novel biomarkers for sepsis. In this review, we provide an overview discussing the latest advancements in the study of PTX-3 as a biomarker for sepsis. We acknowledge pivotal discoveries from preceding research and engage in discourse regarding the challenges and limitations confronted by PTX-3 as a sepsis biomarker.
The effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist downregulation in conjunction with hormone replacement therapy on endometrial preparation in patients for frozen–thawed embryo transfer
Authors: Hao Haoying , Li Meng , Zhang Cuilian , Zhang Shaodi
Published: July 2024

Objective

To investigate the effects of combining gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) downregulation with hormone replacement therapy (HRT, GnRHa-HRT) on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing frozen–thawed embryo transfer (FET).

Methods

In this retrospective study, we included patients who had FET between January 2018 and December 2022. They were categorized into HRT and GnRHa-HRT groups based on the endometrial preparation protocol. The study compared the clinical outcomes of patients in two groups. Possible factors affecting clinical outcomes were analyzed using univariate analysis. To analyze the impact of two endometrial preparation methods on clinical outcomes, multifactorial logistic regression was performed.

Results

The rates of clinical pregnancy (47.31% vs. 59.60%), embryo implantation (37.58% vs. 49.65%), biochemical pregnancy (52.36% vs. 64.31%), and early abortion (7.07% vs. 10.77%) were statistically different between the two groups (p < 0.05). Analysis using multifactorial logistic regression showed that there was a 1.65-fold increase in clinical pregnancy rates (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.29–2.12, p < 0.001) and a 1.55-fold increase in embryo implantation rates (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.27–1.90, p < 0.001) in the GnRHa-HRT group when compared to the HRT group. For blastocyst transfer, the clinical pregnancy and implantation rates of the GnRHa-HRT group were significantly higher than those of the HRT group (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.30–2.37, p < 0.001; OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.35–2.21, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In FET cycles, leuprorelin (as a GnRHa) downregulation combined with HRT may improve the clinical outcome of patients compared to the HRT cycle, especially for the clinical pregnancy and embryo implantation rates of patients with blastocyst transfer.
Response of soil fungal communities and their co-occurrence patterns to grazing exclusion in different grassland types
Authors: Jiang Anjing , Dong Yiqiang , Asitaiken Julihaiti , Zhou Shijie , Nie Tingting , Wu Yue , Liu Zeyu , An Shazhou , Yang Kailun
Published: July 2024

Overgrazing and climate change are the main causes of grassland degradation, and grazing exclusion is one of the most common measures for restoring degraded grasslands worldwide. Soil fungi can respond rapidly to environmental stresses, but the response of different grassland types to grazing control has not been uniformly determined. Three grassland types (temperate desert, temperate steppe grassland, and mountain meadow) that were closed for grazing exclusion for 9 years were used to study the effects of grazing exclusion on soil nutrients as well as fungal community structure in the three grassland types. The results showed that (1) in the 0–5 cm soil layer, grazing exclusion significantly affected the soil water content of the three grassland types (P < 0.05), and the pH, total phosphorous (TP), and nitrogen-to-phosphorous ratio (N/P) changed significantly in all three grassland types (P < 0.05). Significant changes in soil nutrients in the 5–10 cm soil layer after grazing exclusion occurred in the mountain meadow grasslands (P < 0.05), but not in the temperate desert and temperate steppe grasslands. (2) For the different grassland types, Archaeorhizomycetes was most abundant in the montane meadows, and Dothideomycetes was most abundant in the temperate desert grasslands and was significantly more abundant than in the remaining two grassland types (P < 0.05). Grazing exclusion led to insignificant changes in the dominant soil fungal phyla and α diversity, but significant changes in the β diversity of soil fungi (P < 0.05). (3) Grazing exclusion areas have higher mean clustering coefficients and modularity classes than grazing areas. In particular, the highest modularity class is found in temperate steppe grassland grazing exclusion areas. (4) We also found that pH is the main driving factor affecting soil fungal community structure, that plant coverage is a key environmental factor affecting soil community composition, and that grazing exclusion indirectly affects soil fungal communities by affecting soil nutrients. The above results suggest that grazing exclusion may regulate microbial ecological processes by changing the soil fungal β diversity in the three grassland types. Grazing exclusion is not conducive to the recovery of soil nutrients in areas with mountain grassland but improves the stability of soil fungi in temperate steppe grassland. Therefore, the type of degraded grassland should be considered when formulating suitable restoration programmes when grazing exclusion measures are implemented. The results of this study provide new insights into the response of soil fungal communities to grazing exclusion, providing a theoretical basis for the management of degraded grassland restoration.
The Scr and Csc pathways for sucrose utilization co-exist in E. coli, but only the Scr pathway is widespread in other Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Stephens Craig , Martinez Mireille , Leonardi Virginia , Jaing Jasmine , Miller Anna
Published: July 2024

Most Escherichia coli isolates from humans do not utilize D-sucrose as a substrate for fermentation or growth. Previous work has shown that the Csc pathway allows some E. coli to utilize sucrose for slow growth, and this pathway has been engineered in E. coli W strains to enhance use of sucrose as a feedstock for industrial applications. An alternative sucrose utilization pathway, Scr, was first identified in Klebsiella pneumoniae and has been reported in some E. coli and Salmonella enterica isolates. We show here that the Scr pathway is native to an important subset of E. coli phylogroup B2 lineages that lack the Csc pathway but grow rapidly on sucrose. Laboratory E. coli strains derived from MG1655 (phylogroup A, ST10) are unable to utilize sucrose and lack the scr and csc genes, but a recombinant plasmid-borne scr locus enables rapid growth on and fermentation of sucrose. Genome analyses of Enterobacteriaceae indicate that the scr locus is widespread in other Enterobacteriaceae; including Enterobacter and Klebsiella species, and some Citrobacter and Proteus species. In contrast, the Csc pathway is limited mostly to E. coli, some Shigella species (in which csc loci are rendered non-functional by various mutations), and Citrobacter freundii. The more efficient Scr pathway likely has greater potential than the Csc pathway for bioindustrial applications of E. coli and other Enterobacteriaceae using sucrose as a feedstock.
Recent progress of exosomal lncRNA/circRNA–miRNA–mRNA axis in lung cancer: implication for clinical application
Authors: Wang Ren , Xu Yiwei , Tong Liangjing , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Sheng
Published: July 2024

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death among malignant tumors in the world. High lung cancer mortality rate is due to most of patients diagnosed at advanced stage. The Liquid biopsy of lung cancer have received recent interest for early diagnosis. One of the components of liquid biopsy is the exosome. The exosome cargos non-coding-RNAs, especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs). The lung cancer derived exosomal non-coding RNAs play the pivotal roles of lung cancer in carcinogenesis, diagnosis, therapy, drug resistance and prognosis of lung cancer. Given ceRNA (competitive endogenous RNA) mechanism, lncRNA or circRNA can act as ceRNA to compete to bind miRNAs and alter the expression of the targeted mRNA, contributing to the development and progression of lung cancer. The current research progress of the roles of the exosomal non-coding-RNAs and the interplay of ceRNAs and miRNAs in mediated lung cancer is illustrated in this article. Hence, we presented an experimentally validated lung cancer derived exosomal non-coding RNAs-regulated target gene axis from already existed evidence in lung cancer. Then LncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis may be a potential target for lung cancer treatment and has great potential in the diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer.
I-BaR: integrated balance rehabilitation framework
Authors: Ersoy Tugce , Kaya Pınar , Hocaoglu Elif , Unal Ramazan
Published: July 2024

Neurological diseases are observed in approximately 1 billion people worldwide. A further increase is foreseen at the global level as a result of population growth and aging. Individuals with neurological disorders often experience cognitive, motor, sensory, and lower extremity dysfunctions. Thus, the possibility of falling and balance problems arise due to the postural control deficiencies that occur as a result of the deterioration in the integration of multi-sensory information. We propose a novel rehabilitation framework, Integrated Balance Rehabilitation (I-BaR), to improve the effectiveness of the rehabilitation with objective assessment, individualized therapy, convenience with different disability levels and adoption of assist-as-needed paradigm and, with integrated rehabilitation process as whole, that is, ankle-foot preparation, balance, and stepping phases, respectively. Integrated Balance Rehabilitation allows patients to improve their balance ability by providing multi-modal feedback: visual via utilization of virtual reality; vestibular via anteroposterior and mediolateral perturbations with the robotic platform; proprioceptive via haptic feedback.
Synaptic cell adhesion molecules contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of fragile X syndrome
Authors: Bai Shu-Yuan , Zeng De-Yang , Ouyang Ming , Zeng Yan , Tan Wei , Xu Lang
Published: July 2024

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and a monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorders. Deficiencies in the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein, encoded by the FMR1 gene, lead to various anatomical and pathophysiological abnormalities and behavioral deficits, such as spine dysmorphogenesis and learning and memory impairments. Synaptic cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) play crucial roles in synapse formation and neural signal transmission by promoting the formation of new synaptic contacts, accurately organizing presynaptic and postsynaptic protein complexes, and ensuring the accuracy of signal transmission. Recent studies have implicated synaptic CAMs such as the immunoglobulin superfamily, N-cadherin, leucine-rich repeat proteins, and neuroligin-1 in the pathogenesis of FXS and found that they contribute to defects in dendritic spines and synaptic plasticity in FXS animal models. This review systematically summarizes the biological associations between nine representative synaptic CAMs and FMRP, as well as the functional consequences of the interaction, to provide new insights into the mechanisms of abnormal synaptic development in FXS.
Outcomes in elderly patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy in association with premorbid Rankin Scale scores
Authors: Ippen Franziska M. , Schregel Katharina , Ungerer Matthias , Feisst Manuel , Ringleb Peter A. , Gumbinger Christoph K.
Published: July 2024

Background

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) reduces disability in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, its efficacy in patients aged >80 years remains unclear.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the impact of premorbid modified Rankin Scale (pmRS) scores and age on patients with AIS undergoing EVT and the effect of EVT on functional outcome and mortality.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study and screened the Heidelberg Recanalization Registry (HeiReKa) database for patients with AIS between 1999 and 2021. Outcomes were stratified by age (<80, 80–89, and ≥90 years) and pmRS score (0–2 vs. 3–5). Adjusted odds ratios for outcomes and mortality at 3 months after treatment were examined.

Results

Finally, 2,591 patients were included [including those aged ≥90 years (n = 158)]. Poor functional outcomes were associated with advanced age, vascular risk factors, stroke severity, and vessel status. Conversely, lower prestroke disability and younger age were associated with better outcomes and reduced mortality. A pmRS of 3–5 was associated with an increased risk of mortality and worse functional outcomes regardless of age. Notably, patients aged ≥90 years with a pmRS of 0–2 had significantly better outcomes than those aged <80 years with a pmRS of 3–5.

Conclusion

Both age and pmRS are important in assessing the benefits of EVT. However, prestroke functional status might be more crucial than biological age in determining outcomes following EVT.
NfL concentration in CSF is a quantitative marker of the rate of neurodegeneration in aging and Huntington's disease: a semi-mechanistic model-based analysis
Authors: Machacek Matthias , Garcia-Montoya Elena , McColgan Peter , Sanwald-Ducray Patricia , Mazer Norman Alan
Published: July 2024

The concentrations of neurofilament light chain (NfL) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma have become key biomarkers of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's Disease (HD). However, the relationship between the dynamics of NfL concentrations in CSF and the time-course of neurodegeneration (whole brain atrophy) has not yet been described in a quantitative and mechanistic manner. Here, we present a novel semi-mechanistic model, which postulates that the amount of NfL entering the CSF corresponds to the amount of NfL released from damaged neurons, whose degeneration results in a decrease in brain volume. In mathematical terms, the model expresses the NfL concentration in CSF in terms of the NfL concentration in brain tissue, the rate of change of whole brain volume and the CSF flow rate. To test our model, we used a non-linear mixed effects approach to analyze NfL and brain volume data from the HD-CSF study, a 24-month prospective study of individuals with premanifest HD, manifest HD and healthy controls. The time-course of whole brain volume, obtained from MRI, was represented empirically by a 2nd order polynomial, from which its rate of change was computed. CSF flow rates in healthy and HD populations were taken from recent literature data. By estimating the NfL concentration in brain tissue, the model successfully described the time-course of the NfL concentration in CSF in both HD subjects and healthy controls. Furthermore, the model-derived estimate of NfL concentration in brain agreed well with recent direct experimental measurements. The consistency of our model with the NfL and brain volume data suggests that the NfL concentration in CSF reflects the rate, rather than the extent, of neurodegeneration and that the increase in NfL concentration over time is a measure of the accelerating rate of neurodegeneration associated with aging and HD. For HD subjects, the degree of acceleration was found to increase markedly with the number of CAG repeats on their HTT gene. The application of our semi-mechanistic NfL model to other neurodegenerative diseases is discussed.
Sugar-sweetened beverage intake and chronic low back pain
Authors: Wang Yanting , Tang Yuchen , Li Zhichun , Jiang Changhai , Jiang Wei , Hu Zhenming
Published: July 2024

Background

The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has become a major public health problem globally. However, no studies have specifically examined the relationship between SSB intake and chronic low back pain (CLBP). Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between SSB intake and the risk of CLBP.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled participants aged 20 to 69 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. CLBP was defined as persistent LBP for a consecutive three-month period. Furthermore, SSB intake was assessed and calculated based on dietary recall interviews. Moreover, survey-weighted logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the association between SSB intake and the risk of CLBP, while the restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was used to determine whether there were nonlinear associations between SSB intake and CLBP risk. In addition, subgroup analysis was performed using stratification and interaction analysis for all covariates.

Results

A total of 4,146 participants (mean age: 43.405 years) were enrolled in the final analysis. The results of survey-weighted logistic regression models showed that SSB consumption was significantly associated with an increased risk of CLBP among individuals aged 20 to 69 years. Moreover, the results of subgroup analysis and interaction analysis demonstrated that the association between SSB intake and the risk of CLBP was modified by smoking status and hypertension. Specifically, the SSB intake-associated CLBP risk was more pronounced among current smokers or individuals with hypertension.

Conclusion

Reduction of SSB consumption might contribute to the prevention of CLBP for individuals aged 20 to 69 years. Moreover, current smokers or individuals with hypertension should be more vigilant about the SSB intake-associated CLBP risk. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results of this study, as further research is necessary to explore the association between SSB consumption and CLBP, given the limitations of the current study.
Nutritional quality of dysphagia-oriented products sold on the Italian market
Authors: Ascrizzi Giorgio Innocenzo , Martini Daniela , Piazza Laura
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Dysphagia is a condition characterized by swallowing difficulties that affects an estimated 8% of the population. Management of dysphagia often requires the use of specially formulated food products that are easier to swallow, while still meeting the nutritional needs of the patient. Despite the growing market for dysphagia-oriented products, there is a compelling need for comprehensive evaluations of their nutritional quality to ensure that they adequately support the health and well-being of this vulnerable population. The aims of this study were: (i) to investigate the nutritional composition of different dysphagia products currently sold in Italy, from several leading healthcare companies, by collecting the nutritional information on their packaging; (ii) to compare their energy, nutrient and salt content per 100 g and serving.

Methods

A total of 70 items, available in the Italian online market were included in the analysis.

Results

The data showed a wide difference among the six categories of dysphagia-oriented products. Salt content was found to be very high, with medium (>0.3 g/100 g but <1 g/100 g) and high (≥1 g/100 g) content found in 17 and 51% of products, respectively. Overall, the results show high variability in nutritional composition among dysphagia-oriented products currently on the market.

Discussion

The high presence of salt in more than half of the products raises a critical issue, as it is not in accordance with WHO guidelines and especially with the clinical situation of the dysphagia patient. This research seeks to provide valuable insights into the adequacy of these products in meeting the dietary requirements of individuals with dysphagia, thereby guiding toward more informed and suitable food choices.
Spread-out Bragg peak FLASH: quantifying normal tissue toxicity in a murine model
Authors: Kristensen Line , Poulsen Per Rugaard , Kanouta Eleni , Rohrer Sky , Ankjærgaard Christina , Andersen Claus E. , Johansen Jacob G. , Simeonov Yuri , Weber Uli , Grau Cai , Sørensen Brita Singers
Published: July 2024

Objective

A favorable effect of ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) radiation on normal tissue-sparing has been indicated in several preclinical studies. In these studies, the adverse effects of radiation damage were reduced without compromising tumor control. Most studies of proton FLASH investigate these effects within the entrance of a proton beam. However, the real advantage of proton therapy lies in the Spread-out Bragg Peak (SOBP), which allows for giving a high dose to a target with a limited dose to healthy tissue at the entrance of the beam. Therefore, a clinically relevant investigation of the FLASH effect would be of healthy tissues within a SOBP. Our study quantified the tissue-sparing effect of FLASH radiation on acute and late toxicity within an SOBP in a murine model.

Material/Methods

Radiation-induced damage was assessed for acute and late toxicity in the same mice following irradiation with FLASH (Field dose rate of 60 Gy/s) or conventional (CONV, 0.34 Gy/s) dose rates. The right hindleg of unanesthetized female CDF1 mice was irradiated with single-fraction doses between 19.9-49.7 Gy for CONV and 30.4-65.9 Gy for FLASH with 5-8 mice per dose. The leg was placed in the middle of a 5 cm SOBP generated from a mono-energetic beam using a 2D range modulator. Acute skin toxicity quantified by hair loss, moist desquamation and toe separation was monitored daily within 29 days post-treatment. Late toxicity of fibrotic development measured by leg extendibility was monitored biweekly until 30 weeks post-treatment.

Results

Comparison of acute skin toxicity following radiation indicated a tissue-sparing effect of FLASH compared to conventional single-fraction radiation with a mean protection ratio of 1.40 (1.35-1.46). Fibrotic development similarly indicated normal tissue sparing with a 1.18 (1.17-1.18) protection ratio. The acute skin toxicity tissue sparing was similar to data from entrance-beam irradiations of Sørensen et al. (4).

Conclusion

Full dose-response curves for acute and late toxicity after CONV and FLASH radiation were obtained. Radiation within the SOBP retains the normal-tissue-sparing effect of FLASH with a dose-modifying factor of 40% for acute skin damage and 18% for fibrotic development.
Global trends of antimicrobial resistance rates in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hooshiar Mohammad Hosseini , Sholeh Mohammad , Beig Masoumeh , Azizian Khalil , Kouhsari Ebrahim
Published: July 2024

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is a significant public health concern.

Objective

The objective of our study was to assess global AMR rates and test them both temporally and geographically.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of relevant reports from international databases up to 2021. The R statistical package was used for all statistical analyses.

Results

A total of 225 articles were analyzed, and 432,880 NG isolates were examined. The weighted pooled resistance (WPR) rate of different antibiotics was as follows: ciprofloxacin, 51.6%; tetracycline, 45.4%; trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 42.4%; chloramphenicol, 4.1%; kanamycin, 2.1%; gentamicin, 0.6%; and spectinomycin, 0.3%. The resistance to spectinomycin, gentamicin, and kanamycin decreased over time. Significant differences in antibiotic resistance rates were found between the countries.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal a continuous increase in resistance to some antibiotics (tetracycline and ciprofloxacin) historically used for gonorrhea, even after discontinuation. However, encouraging trends of decreasing resistance to spectinomycin, gentamicin, and kanamycin were observed. Continued global monitoring of AMR profiles in NG isolates is essential for informing appropriate treatment strategies and mitigating the threat of untreatable gonorrhea.
Comparative metabolomics and transcriptomics provide new insights into florpyrauxifen-benzyl resistance in Echinochloa glabrescens
Authors: Jin Wenyong , Xie Kexin , Tang Wei , Yang Yongjie , Zhang Jianping , Yu Xiaoyue , Lu Yongliang
Published: July 2024

Echinochloa glabrescens Munro ex Hook. f. is a weed of the genus Echinocloa (Echinocloa spp.) that occurs frequently in paddy fields, causing serious harm to rice production. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl (FPB) is a foliar-applied herbicide used to control Echinocloa spp. in paddy fields. However, in recent years, with the widespread use of FPB in rice production, FPB-resistant barnyard grasses have been reported. Here, we identified an FPB-resistant E. glabrescens population with a resistance index (RI) of 10.65 and conducted a comparative analysis using untargeted metabolomics and transcriptomics to investigate the differences between an FPB-resistant E. glabrescens population and a susceptible E. glabrescens population after treatment with the recommended field dose of FPB. Our results showed that the FPB-resistant E. glabrescens had 115 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs; 65 up-regulated and 50 down-regulated) and 6397 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 65 up-regulated and 50 down-regulated) compared to the susceptible E. glabrescens. The analysis of DAMs and DEGs revealed that DAMs were significantly enriched in Glutathione metabolism, Arginine and proline metabolism, and Zeatin biosynthesis pathways, while DEGs were mainly enriched in carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, photosynthesis, cyanoamino acid metabolism and glutathione metabolism, etc. The glutathione metabolism pathway was found to be significantly enriched for both DEGs and DAMs. Within this pathway, the metabolites (spermine) and genes (GSTU8, GSTU18, GSTF1) may play a pivotal role in the resistance mechanism of FPB-resistant E. glabrescens. Furthermore, we demonstrated the presence of GST-mediated metabolic resistance in an FPB-resistant E. glabrescens population by using NBD-Cl. Overall, our study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of E. glabrescens resistance to FPB through a comparative analysis of untargeted metabolomics and transcriptomics. Additionally, we identified the GST-mediated metabolic resistance in an FPB-resistant E. glabrescens population, and screened for three candidate genes (GSTU8, GSTU18, GSTF1), which has significant implications for improving the weed management efficacy of FPB in rice production and guiding judicious herbicide usage.
A mixed method feasibility and acceptability study of a flexible intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy for patients with cancer
Authors: Bourgognon François , Bechet Denise , Huin-Schohn Cécile , Strelow Aurélia , Demarche Laëtitia , Guillou Mireille , Adam Virginie , Fall Estelle , Omorou Abdou Yacoubou
Published: July 2024

Propose

This study aimed to propose an innovative, open, and circular program that combines acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness practices. We assessed its feasibility, acceptability, and first signs of its effect on psychological wellbeing in cancer support treatment.

Methods

A single-center, single-arm, uncontrolled study was performed. Forty adult patients with non-metastatic prostate or breast cancer, newly diagnosed or undergoing treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy), were recruited. Three cycles of three MAEva program sessions (MAEva: Mindfulness meditation, Acceptance, and Commitment to values program) over nine consecutive weeks were proposed. During the total of 12 weeks of follow-up, after attending the first session, patients were free to attend subsequent sessions.

Results

Adherence to the study was high, with participation in an average of 6.8 out of nine sessions. A total of eight patients attended all sessions over the three cycles, and 90% participated in at least one cycle. Furthermore, attendance was associated with a statistically significant improvement in Quality of Life (QoL). Each additional session was associated with a mean increase in overall QoL score of more than one point (β = 1.09 [0.13; 2.04], p = 0.02). The fatigue dimensions decreased with session attendance: physical (β = −2.24 [−3.63; −0.85]), emotional (β = −2.60 [−4.11; −1.09]), and interference with daily life (β = −2.33 [−3.95; −0.72]). The qualitative section demonstrated that patients learned skills and shared their ability to “let go”. Patients rated the degree of importance of the program at 8.36/10 (SD ± 1.64).

Conclusion

This study highlights the feasibility and acceptability of an original program that combines ACT and mindfulness practices in cancer patients. Future studies are required to demonstrate the efficacy of the MAEVA program. The MAEva pilot study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT04751201.

Clinical trial registration

https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04751201, identifier [NCT04751201].