bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hfq C-terminal region forms a β-rich amyloid-like motif without perturbing the N-terminal Sm-like structure
Authors: Berbon Mélanie , Martinez Denis , Morvan Estelle , Grelard Axelle , Kauffmann Brice , Waeytens Jehan , Wien Frank , Arluison Véronique , Habenstein Birgit
Published: June 2023

Hfq is a pleitropic actor, serving as stress response and virulence factor in the bacterial cell. It achieves this function mostly through its binding to small noncoding RNAs, conferring annealing with mRNAs. To execute these functions, Hfq assembles into a symmetric torus-shaped hexamer, called the Sm-core, with two concave structurally distinct surfaces and a convex rim. Extending outward from this core, Hfq presents a C-terminal region, described as intrinsically disordered in solution. Many as-pects of the role and the structure of this elongated C-terminal remain unclear. For instance, this region in its truncated form can promote amyloid-like filament assembly. Here, we show that a minimal 11-residue motif found at the end of the Hfq sequence assembles into filaments with amyloid characteristics, based on x-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, circular dichroism and solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Furthermore, our data suggest that the full-length Hfq in its filamentous state contains a similar molecular fingerprint than that of the short β-strand peptide, and that the Sm-core structure is not affected by filament formation. Hfq proteins might thus co-exist in two forms in vivo, either as isolated, soluble hexamers or as self-assembled hex-amers through amyloid-reminiscent interactions. This property may help modulating Hfq cellular functions.
Identification of prognostic neutrophil extracellular traps-related genes subtypes predicts prognostic and immune microenvironment for osteosarcoma patients
Authors: Yang Jibin , Yu Hao , Yang Lidan , Yang Jin , Cheng Piaotao , Gong Shouhang , Ouyang Huayi , Zeng Ni , Jiang Feng , Peng Jiachen , Pan BoChen
Published: June 2023

Background
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are known to play a crucial role in tumorigenesis. The present study sought to identify a molecular subtype and prognostic signature that is based on NETs-related genes (NRGs). NRGs may provide insight into osteosarcoma molecular mechanisms and predict prognosis.
Methods
We search TARGET and GEO databases to obtain expression levels of NRGs and clinical data of 89 patients with osteosarcoma. Consensus clustering analysis was used to explore the molecular subtypes. The differences (variations) in immune characteristics and biological processes across various molecular subtypes were examined using GSEA, ESTIMATE, and ssGSEA. An NRG signature was constructed using LASSO regression. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) plots, Cox regressions, and nomogram analysis were performed to determine its prognostic significance in osteosarcoma.
Results
Molecular subtypes associated with NETs were discovered. Cluster 2 was linked to a more favorable prognosis, greater immune cell infiltration degree and immunogenicity, and a more favorable immunotherapy response than Cluster 1. Patients in the low-risk group had better survival outcomes than patients in the high-risk group. Additionally, high risk scores were independently correlated with poor prognoses as per the Cox regression analysis. Furthermore, the nomogram, which incorporates clinical characteristics and risk scores, has the potential to improve prediction accuracy.
Conclusion
Patients with osteosarcoma may be divided into two subtypes of NETs. An NRG-related prognostic signature was developed for patients with osteosarcoma.
The role of EBV infected Gastric cancer in increasing miR-124 promoter methylation and EZH2 gene expression
Authors: Ghoreshi Zohreh-Al-Sadat , Rukerd Mohammad Rezaei Zadeh , Askarpour Hedyeh , khah ali asghar kheir , Arefinia Nasir
Published: June 2023

The tumor suppressor microRNAs, miR-21, miR-124, and miR-494, participate in the controlling several cellular processes. In our study, target miRs methylation levels in the 304 pairs of GC (as non-tumor tissues) were assessed. To detect EBV and H. Pylori DNA in GC tissues, a commercial real time PCR EBV and H. Pylori kit was used. Following the discovery of hyper-methylation of the miR-124 gene promoter, its expression level was assessed by qPCR. miR-124 is identified as the EZH2 target by bioinformatics analysis. The association between EZH2 and miR-124 EZH2 was confirmed using qPCR. EBV and H. Pylori DNA were detected in 9.5% and 15.1% of GC patients of the 304 subjects. Among the miRs studied, miR-124 methylation level were significantly difference in EBV-infected GC patients in comparison to total GC patients, H. pylori infected GC patients, GC patients without EBV and H. pylori infection, and non-tumor tissue. The analysis of bioinformatics and qPCR assays indicated an inverse relationship between the levels of expression of EZH2 and miR-124 in EBV-infected GC patients. According to our data, miR-124 gene promoter was hyper-methylated, and its expression was significantly reduced in EBV-infected GC tissues. It is possible that miR-124 plays a role in the development of EBV-infected GC by targeting EZH2, given its capability to bind to the 3'-UTR of the EZH2 gene.
Hospital governance accountability structure: a scoping review
Authors: Jalilvand Mohammad Ali , Raeisi Ahmad Reza , Shaarbafchizadeh Nasrin
Published: June 2023

Introduction: hospital, as a complex organization with clinical, financial, and social functions, faces different barriers to providing high-quality and safe services at reasonable costs. Various initiatives have been carried out in hospital governance to improve quality, safety, and accountability. This research aims to identify the structures and dimensions that make hospital governance accountable. Methods: The research used Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework to examine the research literature on hospital governance structure and accountability. The literature review included PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus ProQuest, Google search engine, and Google Scholar databases from 2010 to 2023. Data were analyzed using content analysis method. Results: excluding the unrelated and duplicate sources, 40 articles and reports were included in the study. The studies were reviewed and analyzed based on organizational type, type of source, year of publication, objectives, and key findings. Accountable governance features extracted from the selected articles and reports. Four main themes including inclusive governance, Commitment to accountability, Planning for accountability, and autonomous governance. Thirteen sub-themes were extracted from the study literature. Conclusion: Various initiatives have been implemented regarding the reform of the governance structure of public hospitals in different countries. Many of these reforms aim to improve financial and clinical accountability. The study results could be used to identify the structures and dimensions that make hospital governance accountable.
Early-melting snowpatch plant communities are transitioning into novel ecosystems
Authors: Morgan John , Walker Zac
Published: June 2023

Snowpatch plant community distribution and composition is strongly tied to the duration of long-lasting snow cover in alpine areas; they are vulnerable to global climatic changes that result in warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons. We used a multi-decadal revisitation study to quantify early-melting snowpatch floristic and functional diversity change in southern Australia, and document shrub size-class distributions over time to detect evidence for their encroachment patterns into snowpatches, a key prediction with climatic change. Early-melting snowpatches have declined in areal extent, changed in species composition, shrub and tussock grass cover has increased, but the effects of these changes on functional trait diversity were less clear. Species gains accounted for most of the floristic change observed. Shrub recruitment into early-melting snowpatches is ongoing by most shrub species. Biotic differentiation is occurring; many early-melting snowpatches are transitioning to a novel community with changed composition and taller vegetation structure, but there is little evidence for species loss having occurred. Given enough time, however, the long-term loss of snowpatch species is likely (i.e. biotic homogenisation) if taller shrubs outcompete short-statured snowpatch species. We believe that the changes observed provide evidence that this alpine ecosystem is on the verge of collapse.
A Novel Theta-Controlled Vibrotactile Brain-Computer Interface To Treat Chronic Pain: A Pilot Study
Authors: Demarest Phillip , Rustamov Nabi , Swift James , Xie Tao , Adamek Markus , Cho Hohyun , Wilson Elizabeth , Han Zhuangyu , Belsten Alexander , Luczak Nicholas , Brunner Peter , Haroutounian Simon , Leuthardt Eric C.
Published: June 2023

Limitations in chronic pain therapies necessitate novel interventions that are effective, accessible, and safe. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) provide a promising modality for targeting neuropathology underlying chronic pain by converting recorded neural activity into perceivable outputs. Recent evidence suggests that increased frontal theta power (4–7 Hz) reflects pain relief from chronic and acute pain. Further studies have suggested that vibrotactile stimulation decreases pain intensity in experimental and clinical models. This longitudinal, non-randomized, open-label pilot study's objective was to reinforce frontal theta activity in six patients with chronic upper extremity pain using a novel vibrotactile neurofeedback BCI system. Patients increased their BCI performance, reflecting thought-driven control of neurofeedback, and showed a significant decrease in pain severity and pain interference scores without any adverse events. Pain relief significantly correlated with frontal theta modulation. These findings highlight the potential of BCI-mediated cortico-sensory coupling of frontal theta with vibrotactile stimulation for alleviating chronic pain.
Efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids use in patients with COVID- 19: a systematic review and network meta‑analysis
Authors: He Qiaolan , Wang Chen , Wang Yingqin , Chen Guannan , Zhou Yue , Wu Yuanyuan , Zhong Ming
Published: June 2023

Background
Currently, some meta-analyses on COVID-19 have suggested that glucocorticoids use can reduce the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients, utilization rate of invasive ventilation, and improve the prognosis of patients. However, optimal regimen and dosages of glucocorticoid remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this network meta-analysis is to analyze the efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids in treating COVID-19 at regimens.
Methods
This meta-analysis retrieved randomized controlled trials from the earliest records to December 30, 2022, published in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI Database and Wanfang Database, which compared glucocorticoids with placebos for their efficacy and safety in the treatment of COVID-19, Effects of different treatment regimens, types and dosages (high-dose methylprednisolone, very high-dose methylprednisolone, Pulse therapy methylprednisolone, medium-dose hydrocortisone, high-dose hydrocortisone, high-dose dexamethasone, very high-dose dexamethasone and placebo) on 28-day all-caused hospitalization mortality, hospitalization duration, mechanical ventilation requirement, ICU admission and safety outcome were compared.
Results
In this network meta-analysis, a total of 10544patients from 19 randomized controlled trials were finally included, involving a total of 9 glucocorticoid treatment regimens of different types and dosages. According to the analysis results, the 28-day all-cause mortality rate was the lowest in the treatment with pulse therapy methylprednisolone (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02, 0.42), but the use of high-dose methylprednisolone (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.59, 1.22), very high-dose dexamethasone (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.67, 1.35), high-dose hydrocortisone (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.34, 1.22), medium-dose hydrocortisone (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.49, 1.31) showed no benefit in prolonging the 28-day survival of patient. Compared with placebo, the treatment with very high-dose methylprednisolone (MD= -3.09;95%CI: -4.10, -2.08) had the shortest length of hospital stay, while high-dose dexamethasone (MD= -1.55;95%CI: -3.13,0.03) and very high-dose dexamethasone (MD= -1.06;95%CI: -2.78,0.67) did not benefit patients in terms of length of stay.
Conclusions
Considering the available evidence, this network meta‑analysis suggests that the prognostic impact of glucocorticoids in patients with COVID-19 may depend on the regimens of glucocorticoids. It is suggested that pulse therapy methylprednisolone is associated with lower 28-day all-cause mortality, very high-dose methylprednisolone had the shortest length of hospital stay in patients with COVID-19.
Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42022350407 (22/08/2022).
Nitrogen addition increases root biomass allocation and changes functional traits of two dominant tree species in North China
Authors: Zhang Qinze , Zhu Jiyou , Liang Jiaan , Li Meiyang , Huang Shuo , Li Hongyuan
Published: June 2023

Aims Nitrogen (N) is one of the limiting nutrients for plant growth in terrestrial ecosystems. Numerous studies that have explored the effects of N addition on the eco-physiological traits and biomass production of plants, but the underlying mechanism of N deposition on biomass allocation has not been clarified, especially for urban greening trees. Methods A greenhouse simulated experiment was conducted by two dominating urban street trees in North China, including coniferPinus tabuliformisand broadleavedFraxinus chinensis. We set up three levels of N addition: ambient, low N addition, and high N addition (0, 3.5, and 10.5 gN m− 2year− 1) and determined the biomass distribution, plant functional traits, and soil nutrient traits of the two trees. Results Our results showed that N addition had positive effects on the aboveground and belowground biomass ofP. tabuliformis, which also shifted its functional traits to fast. WhileF. chinensisonly increased root biomass distribution and root acquisitive traits as N increased. Furthermore, N addition increased the soil N and phosphorus contents of both two trees and improved the root nutrient uptake capacity, resulting in the increase of root-shoot ratio. We found that optimal partitioning theory could better explain that trees would invest more resources in roots in the poor-resource area. Conclusion Trees changed their root structure and increased root biomass allocation to adapt to the high N deposition environment. Our findings highlight the importance of plant functional traits in driving the responses of biomass allocation to environmental factors for urban greening-dominated tree species.
The impact of COVID-19 on Immigrants and Refugees living with Mental Health and Addiction Disorders: A Population-Based Cohort study: in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Vahabi Mandana , Koh Maria , Wong Josephine , Palma Luis , Kopp Alexander , Lofters Aisha K.
Published: June 2023

Background:
While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken an enormous toll on communities across Canada and the globe, its negative impacts have not been experienced equally. People with mental health and addiction disorders (MH&A) have been found to be at greater risk of COVID-19 infection and worse COVID-19 outcomes. Similarly, although immigrants and refugees contribute to one-quarter of Ontario’s population they make up nearly half of Ontario’s COVID-19 cases. There is a paucity of information on the impact of COVID-19 on people who are at the intersection of MH&A and socioeconomic deprivation. Our study aimed to address this gap.
Methods:
A population-based retrospective cohort study over a one-year period (January 15, 2020, to Feb 15, 2021) was conducted using multiple linked provincial-administrative databases. The study aimed to determine the differential impact of COVID-19 on immigrants and non-immigrants with MH& A and the general population without MH&A across sociodemographic and health-related factors like age, sex, neighbourhood income, Ontario marginalization index, comorbidities, and access to primary care. We used multivariable regression to adjust for potential confounders.
Results:
Our cohort comprised 10,994,464 Ontario residents aged 18 or older and of which approximately 17% lived with MH&A, with immigrants and refugees with MH&A making up 2.6%. People with preexisting MH&A were generally younger and more likely to live in deprived neighbourhoods compared to the general population. Immigrants and refugees with MH&A were more likely to reside in neighbourhoods with greater material deprivation, residential instability, and ethnic concentration compared to non-immigrants with MH&A. Even though the COVID-19 testing rate was lower among immigrants living with MH&A compared to non-immigrants with MH&A (32.7% vs. 37.6%), the confirmed positivity was significantly higher (12.4% vs. 4.5%). Adjusting for confounders we also found Covid 19 testing, hospital admission, intensive care admission, and mortality rates related to COVID-19 were considerably higher among people with MH&A than in the general population.
Conclusion:
Our findings provide evidence of the need to accelerate the development of targeted evidence-based policies that can effectively support and protect people living at the intersection of clinical and social inequities in this and future crises.
Coaching for Improving Clinical Performance of Surgeons: A Scoping Review
Authors: Wu Shangdi , Zhang Jing , Peng Bing , Cai Yunqiang , Liu Linxun , Liu Jie , Deng Chunlan , Chen Yonghua , Li Ang , Wang Chunrong , Wang Xin , YCPD Youth Committee of Pancreatic Disease of Sichuan Doctor Asso
Published: June 2023

Background
Like multiple successful coaching programs in many fields, surgical coaching has been developed and proven to be an effective way for clinical performance improvement. However, the strategy for surgical coaching implementation varied in a multitude of aspects, causing confusion for initializing new programs. The goal of our scoping review was to summarize the current literature about surgical coaching, which can help to direct future coaching programs.
Methods
We reviewed published articles in PubMed/Medline and suppletory manuscripts from reference lists. The protocol of our review was registered (osf.io, Z3S8H). Studies with a detailed description of structured surgical coaching programs for clinical performance improvement were included and research on mentoring, teaching, or other types of coaching not corresponding to our definition was excluded. Variable (authors, year of publication, region, etc.) were extracted and charted for further analysis.
Results
A total of 117 studies were screened, and 11 met our inclusion criteria. 5/11 articles (45%) used objective measurement to assess clinicians’ performance. One study described the overall complication rates within 30 days as an outcome. Surgeons were identified as coachees in 10 studies (91%), and training of a coach was regarded as necessary in 7 studies (64%). More research chose the expert coaching model (6/11, 55%), video-based coaching (9/11, 82%), and after-surgery timeline (7/11, 64%). Multiple coaching models were identified, including PRACTICE, GROW, and WISCONSIN.
Conclusions
As an effective education method, surgical coaching has been conducted in many regions with varied designs. Implementation of structured surgical coaching benefits trainers in an efficient way. Also, more high-level evidence, objective measurement, and combination with new technology, were needed in future investigations.
Exposure of the static magnetic fields on the microbial growth rate and the sludge properties in the complete-mix activated sludge process (a pilot-scale study)
Authors: Asgari Ghorban , Seid-Mohammadi Abdolmotaleb , Shokoohi Reza , Samarghandi Mohammad Reza , Daigger Glen T , Malekolkalami Behrooz , Khoshniyat Ramin
Published: June 2023

In this study, the effect of static magnetic fields (SMFs) on improving the performance of activated sludge to enhance the microbial growth rate and improve sludge settling characteristics in real operation conditions has been investigated. The effect of SMFs (15 mT), hydraulic retention time, sludge age, aeration time on mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS), α-factor, and pH in the complete-mix activated sludge (CMAS) process during 30 days of operation were evaluated. There were not any differences between the concentration of MLSS in the case and control samples, however, the mean concentration of MLVSS in the case (1463.4 ± 419.2 mg/L) was more than the control samples (1244.1 ± 295.5 mg/L). Changes of the concentration of MLVSS over time, follow the first and second-order reaction with and without exposure to SMFs respectively. however, the slope of the line in the case samples was 6.255 higher than in the control samples. The mean of α-factor in the case samples increased by -0.001 higher than in the control samples. Changes in pH in both groups of the reactors were not observed. 15 mT intensity of SMFs can promote oxygen transfer to the biomass and, increase the concentration of MLVSS in aeration reactor of CMAS. SMFs have a potential to consider as an alternative method to stimulate the microbial growth rate in the aeration reactor and produce bioflocs with higher density in CMAS.
Auditory brainstem responses are resistant to pharmacological modulation in Sprague Dawley wildtype and Neurexin1α knockout rats
Authors: Marashli Samuel , Janz Philipp , Redondo Roger
Published: June 2023

Sensory processing in the auditory brainstem can be studied with auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) across species. Although ABRs have been widely utilized to evaluate abnormalities in auditory brainstem physiology, there is limited understanding if ABRs can be useful tools to assess the effect of pharmacological interventions. Therefore, we set out to understand how pharmacological agents that target key transmitter systems of the auditory brainstem circuitry affect ABR physiology in rats. Given previous studies, demonstrating that Nrxn1α KO Sprague Dawley rats show substantial auditory processing deficits and altered sensitivity to GABAergic modulators, we used both Nrxn1α KO and wildtype littermates in our study. First, we probed how different commonly used anesthetics (isoflurane, ketamine/xylazine, medetomidine) affect ABRs waveforms. In the next step, we assessed the effects of different pharmacological compounds (diazepam, gaboxadol, retigabine, nicotine, baclofen, and bitopertin) either under isoflurane or medetomidine anesthesia. We found that under our experimental conditions, ABRs are largely unaffected by diverse pharmacological modulation. Significant modulation was observed with i.) nicotine, affecting the late ABR components at 90 dB stimulus intensity under isoflurane anesthesia in both genotypes and ii.) retigabine, showing a slight decrease in late ABRs deflections at 80 dB stimulus intensity, mainly in isoflurane-anesthetized Nrxn1α KO rats. Our study suggests that ABRs in anesthetized rats are resistant to a wide range of pharmacological modulators, which has important implications for the applicability of ABRs to study auditory brainstem physiology.
Synthesizing Implications of a Collaborative Project on Socially Sustainable Housing Policies for the Aging Population
Authors: Iwarsson Susanne , Granbom Marianne , Jonsson Oskar
Published: June 2023

Objective: Based on findings from four transdisciplinary research studies on housing issues for the aging population, whereof three had a particular focus on marginalized groups, we report a synthesis of implications from a collaborative research project on socially sustainable housing policies. Researchers and non-academic partners in the ongoing Thematic Collaboration Initiative Social Rights and Housing for the Aging Population at Lund University participated in co-creative activities aiming at policy recommendations.
Results: Seven types of implications (i.e., themes) that represent macro and meso level approaches with potential to generate impact on social rights and housing for the aging population were identified. The content of legislation and regulations, financial institution strategies, and housing and neighbourhood development exemplify macro level implications. The three themes education and training, communicating with a diversity of stakeholders, and communicating with the public all relate to an overall need for integrated knowledge translation. The theme involving older adults as a resource delivered insight into underutilized capacities of the diverse target group. As the quest for integrated knowledge translation is growing stronger, this research note contributes to development of approaches to synthesize implications of transdisciplinary collaboration, connecting research, practice and policy on societal challenges that accompany population aging.
Vimentin overexpression correlates with clinicopathologic features and poor prognosis of esophagus cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Rui , Yu Yankai , Qin Hao , Yan Bingwen , Yu Jianzhi , Wen Zhijun
Published: June 2023

Background: Recently, the association between vimentin expression and esophageal carcinoma (EC) was investigated in several studies. However, the results remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze the associations of vimentin expression with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of EC.
Methods: Eligible studies were searched from the PubMed, Web of science, Embase, Medline, and CNKI databases. The associations of vimentin expression with risk, overall survival and clinical features were evaluated by I2 statistics and P values. The hazards ratio (HR), odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess associations of vimentin expression with clinicopathological features and survival time of EC. The meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14.0 software.
Results: In total, 12 eligible studies were included for the meta-analysis. In patients with EC, vimentin overexpression was significantly associated with increased risk (OR=15.97, 95%CI=5.28-48.26, P< 0.05) and poorer prognosis (HR=1.79, 95%CI=1.44-2.15, P< 0.05). Moreover, vimentin overexpression was related to the increased invasion of blood vessels (OR=3.25, 95%CI=1.72-6.13, P< 0.05), advanced tumor stage (OR=2.28, 95%CI=1.26-4.13, P< 0.05), and lower differentiation (OR=0.65, 95%CI=0.45-0.94, P< 0.05) of EC.
Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that vimentin overexpression might be an effiective biomarker for predicting the clinical progression and prognosis of EC patients.
Physico-chemical characterization and biosafety evaluation of atorvastatin nanocapsules co-encapsulated with ginger oil or grape seed oil
Authors: Viçozzi Gabriel Pedroso , Neto Luiz Torres , Pereira Flávia Suelen De Oliveira , Flesch Ingrid Mullich , Peruzzi Caroline Portela , de Ávila Daiana Silva , Garcia Solange Cristina , Colomé Letícia Marques , Bender Eduardo André
Published: June 2023

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major causes of deaths around the world. The leading cause is related to high cholesterol levels, therefore, controlling these levels has been a successful strategy. Among the drugs used for this purpose, atorvastatin (ATV) has great efficacy, however some side effects reduce patient adhesion. In this context, the development of ATV polymeric nanocapsules co-encapsulated with ginger (NCAtG) or grape seed (NCAtU) oil can reduce ATV toxicity and increase its efficacy. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this nanoformulations in different experimental models. The formulations had nanometric sizes and suitable physio chemical parameters. The biosafety was evaluated in terms of hemoglobin measurement, liberation of erythrocyte LDH and blood coagulation cascade by the extrinsic (PTT) and intrinsic (aPTT) pathways after exposed to the nanoformulations, were just high concentrations caused alterations in these parameters. Also, there is no cytotoxicity in the 3T3 cell lines and no alterations in the comet assay. The in vivo assays in C. elegans showed no alterations, in the survival, brood size and length. And finally, the formulations demonstrated significative effect about the reduction of the lipidic levels of the nematodes, with high lipid levels.
Laminar Distribution of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 in the Prefrontal Cortex of Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Han Yingying , Dong Qianyu , Peng Jiyun , Li Baoming , sun chong , Ma Chaolin
Published: June 2023

Cannabis is an annual herb of the genus Cannabis, with a history of medical use going back thousands of years. However, its abuse causes many side-effects, including confusion of consciousness, alienation, and mental disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. Research conducted on rodents suggests that there are two types of cannabinoid receptors - cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R). CB1R is found mostly in the central nervous system, particularly in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and alterations in its expression in the PFC have been strongly linked to mental disorders. Within the layers of the PFC, Brodmann area 46 is associated with the processing of complex cognitive information. However, it remains unclear whether CB1R is expressed in the PFC 46 area of non-human primate. In this work, we applied western blotting along with immunofluorescent histochemical staining to investigate the distribution pattern of CB1R in the PFC of nonhuman primate, Our findings reveal that CB1R is highly expressed in the monkey PFC, especially in area 46. Furthermore, CB1R exhibits a layered distribution pattern within area 46 of the PFC, with the inner granular layer displaying the highest expression levels. Additionally, CB1R+PV+ cells are widely distributed in lay Ⅱ-Ⅵ of area 46, with layer IV showing notable prevalence. In conclusion, CB1R is distributed in the PV interneurons in area 46 of the prefrontal cortex, particularly in layer Ⅳ, suggesting that cannabis may modulate PFC activities via regulating interneuron in the PFC. And cannabis-induced side effects may be caused by abnormal expression of CB1R.
Implementation of inclusion and exclusion criteria of clinical studies in the software OHDSI ATLAS
Authors: Blasini Romina , Buchowicz Kornelia Marta , Schneider Henning , Samans Birgit , Sohrabi Keywan
Published: June 2023

Background Clinical trials are an essential part of the medical research process, but trials are often canceled due to lack of enrollment. Clinical trial recruitment support systems can help increase the number of participants by finding more suitable subjects. The ATLAS software (developed by OHDSI) can support the initiation of a clinical trial by building cohorts of patients who meet certain eligibility criteria. The correct use of medical classification systems for clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria in studies is an important pillar of this software.Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine whether ATLAS can be used in a Clinical Trial Recruitment Support System to represent the eligibility criteria of clinical trials. Therefore, we have considered the set of criteria implemented in ATLAS and realistically identified the strengths and problems of the software.Methods We analyzed ATLAS using 223 eligibility criteria from 30 randomly selected studies from the past 10 years. Therefore, appropriate ICD, OPS, LOINC, or ATC codes were selected during the data collection process to feed the software. Each criterion and study was ranked for feasibility of implementation in the software.Results According to the observations, 49.33% of the analyzed inclusion criteria are fully implemented in ATLAS. In our selected sample set, 10% of the studies are classified as fully portrayable and 73.33% as portrayable. In addition, the software is evaluated with respect to its usability and its interaction with medical classification systems.Conclusions To improve and extend the coverage of criteria in cohort definition in a real-world setting, we recommend working closely with the individuals involved in the study to precisely define the criteria and carefully select terminology systems. The selected criteria will be combined according to the individual setting. Further work is needed to specify the relevance and quantity of the extracted criteria.
Uncovering the complex relationship between plant diversity, soil properties, and mycorrhizal inoculum potential in threatened miombo woodlands
Authors: Kaumbu Jean-Marc Kyalamakasa , Sene Godar , Stefani Franck , Khasa Damase P.
Published: June 2023

Aboveground biodiversity and physicochemical properties influence soil microbial communities. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are key members of these microbial communities and play a key role in regulating ecosystem processes. However, the mutual interdependence of plants and AMF in threatened forests is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the relationship between plant ecological indicators and soil mycorrhizal inoculum potential (MIP) in the Miombo forest fallow of Haut-Katanga, DRC, and identified plant species that positively influence soil MIP. We conducted a floristic inventory on 32 plots and collected soil cores for physicochemical and AMF characterization. An AMF bioassay using Crotalaria juncea seedlings was performed to determine the soil MIP. We also tested the AMF colonization status of randomly collected living roots of mature woody and dominant herbaceous species to identify explanatory variables for MIP. Our results showed that MIP was higher in silty clay soils (63.13%) than in clay soils (30%) (F = 57.07; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, MIP increased accordingly with the relative abundance of a group of woody and herbaceous species (e.g. Albizia adianthifolia, Baphia bequaertii and Setaria pumila) and decreased with others (e.g. Combretum collinum, Harungana madagascariensis and Hyparrhenia diplandra). Linear regressions showed that MIP increased significantly with the specific richness of woody species identified as indicators and with the amount of annual herbs. Woody legumes with high root colonization by AMF appeared to be refuge plants, and primary AMF dispersal vectors, increasing soil MIP. This study provides baseline data that can be used to formulate ecological restoration strategies, including soil and vegetation protection.
MicSim, a microsimulation model for population dynamics
Authors: Bosco Claudio , Zinn Sabine , Ghio Daniela , Teobaldelli Maurizio , Iacus Stefano Maria
Published: June 2023

Demographers use microsimulation for studying individual life courses and their attributes; events are specified to be the result of stochastic processes based on predetermined probabilistic rules. In this study, we developed and validated a microsimulation model to reconstruct individual’s life courses and their interactions in different regions of the European Union. One of the main objectives of this study was to track migrants’ pathways in the context of three population systems, namely Sweden, the Netherlands and Spain, from 2014 to 2018. We used official datasets as data inputs to analyze and project future population dynamics. A revised version of the MicSim package which is part of the statistical software R has been used to model mobility and migration patterns at large scale. For this purpose, among other things new functions were added to make the software more efficient concerning runtimes and data handling. By analyzing the modelling results we conclude that MicSim has the potential to be applied for modelling migration and also more general population movements at a large scale. The application of the MicSim package would provide policy makers with a valid instrument for the governance of migration accounting for the demographic and social patterns of migrants and their origin-destination contextual environments.
Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy: Analysis of two rootlet sectioning techniques
Authors: Mantese Beatriz , Chiusa Christian G. Pirozzi , Márquez Yamila Basilotta , Campo María Pía Gotter , Nazar Ricardo , Crespo Marcos , Toledo Alfredo , Ravera Emiliano
Published: June 2023

Objective
To analyze and compare the efficacy of two selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) techniques with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, using instrumented three-dimensional gait analysis.
Introduction:
SDR is a common, irreversible surgical treatment increasingly used to address gait disturbances in children with chronic non-progressive encephalopathy by reducing spasticity. Various techniques have been used, which mainly differ in the percentage of rootlets selected to be sectioned. A greater proportion of rootlets sectioned leads to a better reduction of spasticity; however, there is a potential risk of unwanted neurological effects of excessive deafferentation. While there is evidence of the short- and long-term benefits and complications of SDR, no studies have compared the effectiveness of each technique regarding gait function and preservation of the force-generating capacity of the muscles.
Materials and methods
Instrumented three-dimensional gait analysis was used to evaluate two groups of patients with spastic cerebral palsy treated by the same neurosurgeon in different time periods, initially using a classic technique (cutting 50% of the nerve rootlets) and subsequently a conservative technique (cutting no more than 33% the nerve rootlets).
Results
In addition to an increase in knee joint range of motion (ROM), in children who underwent SDR with the conservative technique a statistically significant increase (p = 0.04) in the net joint power developed by the ankle was observed. Patients who underwent SDR with the conservative technique developed a maximum net ankle power of 1.37 ± 0.61 [unit: W/BW], whereas those who were operated with the classic technique developed a maximum net joint power of the ankle of 0.98 ± 0.18 [unit: W/BW].
Conclusion
Our results show that both techniques led to a reduction in spasticity with a positive impact on the gait pattern. In addition, patients treated with the conservative technique were able to develop greater net ankle joint power, leading to a better scenario for rehabilitation and subsequent gait.
A fast and accurate brain extraction method for CT head images
Authors: Hu Dingyuan , Liang Hongbin , Qu ShiYa , Han Chunyu , Jiang Yuhang
Published: June 2023

Background
Brain extraction is an essential prerequisite for the automated diagnosis of intracranial lesions and determines, to a certain extent, the accuracy of subsequent lesion recognition, location, and segmentation. Segmentation using a fully convolutional neural network (FCN) yields high accuracy but a relatively slow extraction speed.
Methods
To address the above issues, this paper proposes an integrated algorithm, FABEM. This method first uses threshold segmentation, closed operation, and image filling to generate a specific mask and then detects the number of connected regions of the mask. If the number of connected regions equals 1, the extraction is done by directly multiplying with the original image. Otherwise, the original image is classified by using a convolutional neural network. The mask is further segmented using the region growth method for the original image with a single-region brain distribution. Otherwise, the mask is adjusted using Deeplabv3+, and then the extraction is completed by multiplying the mask with the original image.
Results
The algorithm and 5 FCN models were tested on 22 datasets containing different lesions, and the algorithm's performance showed MPA = 0.9958, MIoU = 0.9916, and MBF = 0.9957, comparable to the Deeplabv3+. Still, its extraction speed is much faster than the Deeplabv3+. It can complete the brain extraction of a head CT image in about 0.49 seconds, about 3.5 times that of the Deeplabv3+.
Conclusion
Thus, this method can achieve accurate brain extraction from head CT images faster, creating a good basis for subsequent brain volume measurement and feature extraction of intracranial lesions.
Delineation of LNAPL Plumes in a Clay-Rich Site in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, South Korea, using Geophysical Surveys and Combined Interpretation with Borehole and Soil Sampling Data
Authors: Kim Bitnarae , Jeong Inseok , Yu Huieun , Jeong Juyeon , Song Seo Young , Son Jeong-sul , Yu Youngchul , Shin Jehyun , Jo Ho Young , Kwon Man Jae , Nam Myung Jin
Published: June 2023

To effectively delineate the spatial distribution of oil contaminant plumes, geophysical methods indirectly measure the physical properties of the subsurface and can provide spatial information and images on a large scale, as opposed to traditional direct methods such as borehole drilling, sampling, and chemical analysis, which are time-consuming and costly. However, delineating geophysical responses from non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) contaminated sites is not straightforward due to inconsistent responses from biodegraded oil contaminants. Additionally, the presence of clay materials can complicate the interpretation of geophysical data in NAPL-contaminated sites. In this study, we present a case study of a multi-geophysical investigation, including seismic refraction, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and complex resistivity (CR), to delineate NAPL contamination in a clay-rich site. To reduce ambiguity in discriminating between oil contaminants and clay layers, we suggest constructing a 3D geological model that incorporates borehole data and geophysical data. Based on the 3D geological model, conductive zones generally correspond to high concentrations of hydrocarbons in the unsaturated zone, but it is difficult to distinguish contaminated areas from saturated soil. The IP response rapidly decreased to close to zero in several expected highly contaminated zones, which differs from the clay soil with high IP values. Finally, we compare the expected contaminated area from geophysical data and soil sampling data and discuss how geophysical interpretation can be improved in NAPL-contaminated sites.
Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Advanced Life Support units' prehospital management of the Stroke Code in four Spanish regions: an observational study
Authors: Riera-Lopez Nicolas , Aguilar Francisco Aranda , Gorchs-Molist Montse , Vazquez Jose Antonio Iglesias
Published: June 2023

Introduction
Stroke is the most common time-dependent pathology that pre-hospital emergency medical services (EMS) are confronted with. Prioritisation of ambulance dispatch, initial actions and early pre-notification have a major impact on mortality and disability. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to disruptions in the operation of EMS due to the implementation of self-protection measures and increased demand for care. It is crucial to evaluate what has happened to draw the necessary conclusions and propose changes to improve the system's strength for the future. The study aims to compare prehospital time and neuroprotective care metrics for acute stroke patients during the first wave of COVID-19 and the same periods in the years before and after.
Methods
Analytical, observational, multicentre study conducted in the autonomous communities of Andalusia, Catalonia, Galicia, and Madrid in the pre-COVID-19 (2019), "first wave" of COVID-19 (2020) and post-COVID-19 (2021) periods. Consecutive non-randomized sampling. Descriptive statistical analysis and hypothesis testing to compare the three time periods, with two by two post-hoc comparisons, and multivariate analysis.
Results
A total of 1,709 patients were analysed. During 2020 there was a significant increase in attendance time of 1.8 minutes compared to 2019, which was not recovered in 2021. The time of symptom onset was recorded in 82.8% of cases, and 83.3% of patients were referred to specialized stroke centres. Neuroprotective measures (airway, blood glucose, temperature, and blood pressure) were performed in 43.6% of patients.
Conclusion
During the first wave of COVID-19, the on-scene times of pre-hospital emergency teams increased while keeping the same levels of neuroprotection measures as in the previous and subsequent years. It shows the resilience of EMS under challenging circumstances such as those experienced during the pandemic.
Design and Implementation of Integrated-Based Model (I-BM) Framework in Software Testing
Authors: Zulkifli Zulkifli , Gaol Ford Lumban , Trisetyarso Agung , Budiharto Widodo
Published: June 2023

In software development, the software testing phase is an important process, one of which is the determination of the classification of fault output classes. This paper presents the results of the design and implementation of the integration-based model (I-BM) framework as a software testing framework. The integration-based model (I-BM) framework has the ability to systematically classify software fault output classes in the form of datasets. The research method itself is experimental. This integration-based model (I-BM) framework will document the tested software's fault output based on variables such as function, interface, structure, performance, requirement, documentation, positive, and negative. This I-BM Framework can also be used by software companies' testing divisions. In the final stage of the I-BM framework, the accuracy level of the Fault Output is measured by comparing the fault output of Neural Network Algorithm, SVM, and I-BM to the Actual Expected Fault Output. The average accuracy levels are 0.86, 0.81, 0.85, and 0.85.
Endovascular repair with a physician-modified fenestrated endograft under 3D image fusion guidance to treat abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm with Behcet’s disease: a case report
Authors: Lian Wenzhuo , Song Xitao , Cui Liqiang , Zheng Yuehong , Liu Changwei , Ni Leng
Published: June 2023

Background
Aortic involvement in patients with Behcet’s disease (BD) is rare, but it is one of the most severe manifestations. Open surgical repair of aortic aneurysm is challenging considering the high risk of postoperative recurrent anastomotic pseudoaneurysms and is associated with a much higher mortality rate. Recently, endovascular treatment has provento be a feasible, less invasive alternative to surgery for these patients.
Case presentation
We report a total endovascular repair of a paravisceral abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm in a 25-year-old male patient with BD. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully excluded, and the blood supply of visceral arteries was preserved with a physician-modified three-fenestration endograft under 3D image fusion guidance. Immunosuppressive therapy was continued for 1 year postoperatively. At 18 months, the patient was asymptomatic without abdominal pain. Computed tomography angiography demonstrated the absence of pseudoaneurysm recurrence, the antegrade perfusion of visceral vessels, and the absence of stent graft fractures.
Conclusions
Endovascular repair using physician-modified fenestrated endografts is a relatively safe and effective approach for treating paravisceral abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm in BD patients. Long-term immunosuppressive therapy is necessary to decrease the risk of postoperative complications and recurrences.
Electrospun biotin- and streptavidin-coated quartz crystal microbalance surfaces: characterization and mass sensing performance using OpenQCM
Authors: Ermek Erhan , Ayan Esra , Tokay Nurettin , DeMirci Hasan , Kepceoğlu Abdullah
Published: June 2023

In this study, a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor surface was coated with biotin and/or streptavidin using the electrospinning method. The coated surfaces were analyzed using the Raman spectroscopy method. QCM measurements were carried out using the OpenQCM platform. The results indicate that the electrospinning method can be used to coat QCM surfaces with biotin and/or streptavidin and that the coated surfaces exhibit distinct morphological and spectroscopic properties. The QCM measurements showed that the coated surfaces are highly sensitive to changes in mass, indicating their potential for use in biosensing applications. Overall, this study provides new insights into the use of QCM sensors coated with biotin and/or streptavidin for biological sensing and detection applications.