bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local variation in brain temperature explains gender-specificity of working memory performance
Authors: Rogala Jacek , Dreszer Joanna , Sińczuk Marcin , Miciuk Łukasz , Piątkowska-Janko Ewa , Bogorodzki Piotr , Wolak Tomasz , Wróbel Andrzej , Konarzewski Marek 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionExploring gender differences in cognitive abilities offers vital insights into human brain functioning.MethodsOur study utilized advanced techniques like magnetic resonance thermometry, standard working memory n-back tasks, and functional MRI to investigate if gender-based variations in brain temperature correlate with distinct neuronal responses and working memory capabilities.ResultsWe observed a significant decrease in average brain temperature in males during working memory tasks, a phenomenon not seen in females. Although changes in female brain temperature were significantly lower than in males, we found an inverse relationship between the absolute temperature change (ATC) and cognitive performance, alongside a correlation with blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal change induced by neural activity. This suggests that in females, ATC is a crucial determinant for the link between cognitive performance and BOLD responses, a linkage not evident in males. However, we also observed additional female specific BOLD responses aligned with comparable task performance to that of males.DiscussionOur results suggest that females compensate for their brain’s heightened temperature sensitivity by activating additional neuronal networks to support working memory. This study not only underscores the complexity of gender differences in cognitive processing but also opens new avenues for understanding how temperature fluctuations influence brain functionality.
Limitations associated with transcranial direct current stimulation for enhancement: considerations of performance tradeoffs in active-duty Soldiers
Authors: Duffy Michelle J. , Feltman Kathryn A. , Kelley Amanda M. , Mackie Ryan 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation method, popular due to its low cost, ease-of-application, and portability. As such, it has gained traction in examining its potential for cognitive enhancement in a diverse range of populations, including active-duty military. However, current literature presents mixed results regarding its efficacy and limited evaluations of possible undesirable side-effects (such as degradation to cognitive processes).MethodsTo further examine its potential for enhancing cognition, a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, within-subjects design, was used to evaluate both online active-anodal and -cathodal on several cognitive tasks administered. Potential undesirable side effects related to mood, sleepiness, and cognitive performance, were also assessed. Active tDCS was applied for 30 min, using 2 mA, to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex with an extracephalic reference placed on the contralateral arm of 27 (14 males) active-duty Soldiers.ResultsWe report mixed results. Specifically, we found improvements in sustained attention (active-anodal) for males in reaction time (p = 0.024, ηp2 = 0.16) and for sensitivity index in females (p = 0.013, ηp2 = 0.18). In addition, we found faster reaction time (p = 0.034, ηp2 = 0.15) and increased accuracy (p = 0.029, ηp2 = 0.16) associated with executive function (active-anodal and -cathodal), and worsened working memory performance (active-cathodal; p = 0.008, ηp2 = 0.18). Additionally, we found increased risk-taking with active-anodal (p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.33).DiscussiontDCS may hold promise as a method for cognitive enhancement, as evidenced by our findings related to sustained attention and executive function. However, we caution that further study is required to better understand additional parameters and limitations that may explain results, as our study only focused on anode vs. cathode stimulation. Risk-taking was examined secondary to our main interests which warrants further experimental investigation isolating potential tradeoffs that may be associated with tDCS simulation.
Association between waist circumference and chronic pain: insights from observational study and two-sample Mendelian randomization
Authors: Xu Ting , Jin Fan , Yu Yeting , He Jie , Yang Ren , Lv Tian , Yan Zhangjun 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundCurrent research offers limited clarity on the correlation between waist circumference and chronic pain prevalence.ObjectiveThis investigation seeks to elucidate the potential relationship between waist circumference and chronic pain and their causal association.MethodsAn observational study was conducted, leveraging data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2001 and 2004. The multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between waist circumference and chronic pain. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of Mendelian Randomization (MR) was applied to explore a causal relationship between waist circumference and pain.ResultsThe observational study, post multivariable adjustment, indicated that an increase in waist circumference by 1 dm (decimeter) correlates with a 14% elevation in chronic pain risk (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.14, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.04–1.24, p = 0.01). Moreover, the meta-analysis of MR demonstrated that an increased waist circumference was associated with a genetic predisposition to pain risk (OR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.06–1.23, p = 0.0007).ConclusionObservational analysis confirmed a significant relationship between increased waist circumference and the incidence of chronic pain, and results based on MR Study identified increased waist circumference as potentially causal for pain.
Radiomics based on 18F-FDG PET/CT for prediction of pathological complete response to neoadjuvant therapy in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Jianjing , Sui Chunxiao , Bian Haiman , Li Yue , Wang Ziyang , Fu Jie , Qi Lisha , Chen Kun , Xu Wengui , Li Xiaofeng 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThis study aimed to establish and evaluate the value of integrated models involving 18F-FDG PET/CT-based radiomics and clinicopathological information in the prediction of pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsA total of 106 eligible NSCLC patients were included in the study. After volume of interest (VOI) segmentation, 2,016 PET-based and 2,016 CT-based radiomic features were extracted. To select an optimal machine learning model, a total of 25 models were constructed based on five sets of machine learning classifiers combined with five sets of predictive feature resources, including PET-based alone radiomics, CT-based alone radiomics, PET/CT-based radiomics, clinicopathological features, and PET/CT-based radiomics integrated with clinicopathological features. Area under the curves (AUCs) of receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used as the main outcome to assess the model performance.ResultsThe hybrid PET/CT-derived radiomic model outperformed PET-alone and CT-alone radiomic models in the prediction of pCR to NAT. Moreover, addition of clinicopathological information further enhanced the predictive performance of PET/CT-derived radiomic model. Ultimately, the support vector machine (SVM)-based PET/CT radiomics combined clinicopathological information presented an optimal predictive efficacy with an AUC of 0.925 (95% CI 0.869–0.981) in the training cohort and an AUC of 0.863 (95% CI 0.740–0.985) in the test cohort. The developed nomogram involving radiomics and pathological type was suggested as a convenient tool to enable clinical application.ConclusionsThe 18F-FDG PET/CT-based SVM radiomics integrated with clinicopathological information was an optimal model to non-invasively predict pCR to NAC for NSCLC.
Protein nanoparticles induce the activation of voltage-dependent non-selective ion channels to modulate biological osmotic pressure in cytotoxic cerebral edema
Authors: Fan Wei , Liu Liming , Yin Yuxuan , Zhang Jiayi , Qiu Zhaoshun , Guo Jun , Li Guangming 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionCytotoxic cerebral edema is a serious complication associated with cerebral ischemic stroke and is widely treated using the hypertonic dehydrant. Here, we propose, for the first time, the decrease of intracellular osmosis as a treatment strategy for alleviating cytotoxic cerebral edema.MethodsWe established a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based intermediate filament tension probe for the study and in situ evaluation of osmotic gradients, which were examined in real-time in living cells from primary cultures as well as cell lines. The MCAO rat model was used to confirm our therapy of cerebral edema.ResultsDepolymerization of microfilaments/microtubules and the production of NLRP3 inflammasome resulted in an abundance of protein nanoparticles (PNs) in the glutamate-induced swelling of astrocytes. PNs induced changes in membrane potential and intracellular second messengers, thereby contributing to hyper-osmosis and the resultant astrocyte swelling via the activation of voltage-dependent nonselective ion channels. Therefore, multiple inhibitors of PNs, sodium and chloride ion channels were screened as compound combinations, based on a decrease in cell osmosis and astrocyte swelling, which was followed by further confirmation of the effectiveness of the compound combination against alleviated cerebral edema after ischemia.DiscussionThe present study proposes new pathological mechanisms underlying “electrophysiology-biochemical signal-osmotic tension,” which are responsible for cascade regulation in cerebral edema. It also explores various compound combinations as a potential treatment strategy for cerebral edema, which act by multi-targeting intracellular PNs and voltage-dependent nonselective ion flux to reduce astrocyte osmosis.
Four-year review of safe and effective procedural sedation in neonates and young infants
Authors: Cui Yu , Tang Min , Mu Qixia , Wu Qunying , Kang Lu , Chen Qin , He Yani 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesNewborns and small infants are unable to cooperate actively during diagnostic procedures; therefore, sedation is often employee to maintain immobilization and obtain high-quality images. However, these procedures are often indicated in sick, vulnerable, or hemodynamically unstable neonates and young infants, which raises the associated risks of sedation. This study summarizes our 4-year of experience with safe and effective procedural sedation in this vulnerable population.Study designThis retrospective study analyzed data on neonates and young infants who underwent non-painful diagnostic procedures from December 2019 to November 2023. Patients were categorized into the neonate (aged≦ 28 days) and the young infant (29 days ≦ aged ≦ 90 days) groups.ResultsNon-pharmacological strategies, including sleeping naturally, swaddling/facilitated tucking, non-nutritive sucking, and skin-to-skin care, can achieve a success rate for sedation about 98.4%. In terms of pharmacological methods, our institution primarily utilizes chloral hydrate for procedural sedation in neonates and young infants undergoing non-painful diagnostic procedures. Midazolam serves as an alternative sedative. Chloral hydrate alone demonstrated a 92.5% success rate on the first attempt, compared to midazolam alone, with an 85.11% success rate. Neonates experienced a higher incidence of adverse events during sedation compared to young infants.ConclusionThis study reviews our 4-year experience with procedural sedation in neonates and young infants. Chloral hydrate demonstrated a high degree of safety and efficacy in this population. However, supervision by skilled medical personnel and extended observation is required. In our institution, the experience with midazolam is limited in this population, and further research is warranted to establish its safety and efficacy. Non-pharmacological strategies can achieve an acceptable rate of sedation success, which can be used based on patient’s tolerance.
Chinese classical decoction Wuwei Xiaodu Drink alleviates gout arthritis by suppressing NLRP3-Mediated inflammation
Authors: Lin Na , Dai Qiaoding , Zhang Yan , Xu Liping 
Published: July 2024

Background: Wuwei Xiaodu Drink (WWXDD), a classical decoction of traditional Chinese medicine, has been clinically used for the treatment of gout in China for many years. This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of WWXDD in treating gout flares and elucidate its underlying therapeutic mechanism.Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of WWXDD with low-dose colchicine in gout arthritis. The primary outcome was the clinical response rate on the 7th day, and joint syndrome score and serological tests were secondary outcome measures and were compared in the two groups on the 1st and 7th day. Then we used a network pharmacology approach to investigate the possible mechanism of WWXDD in treating gout, and the effects of WWXDD on the MSU-induced rat model were observed.Results: In the clinical trial, a total of 78 participants completed the study, and the results demonstrated comparable clinical complete response rates, joint symptom scores, and serological test outcomes between the two groups on the 7th day. Network pharmacology analysis identified 51 core genes that target gout and WWXDD interactions. Notably, strong significant correlations were observed with inflammation cytokine genes and metabolism-related genes. Furthermore, it was found that WWXDD reduced gene expression levels of inflammation cytokines including IL-1β, TNF, and IL-18 in an MSU-induced rat model while increasing IL-10 expression. Additionally, WWXDD decreased insulin gene expression in this model. Moreover, WWXDD exhibited a reduction in both gene and protein expressions associated with the NLRP3-mediated inflammatory pathway in inflamed joints of rats.Conclusion: The results of the present study suggested the anti-inflammatory effects of WWXDD in the treatment of gouty arthritis, partially through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier ChiCTR2100047807.
Sex-specific effects of alcohol on neurobehavioral performance and endoplasmic reticulum stress: an analysis using neuron-specific MANF deficient mice
Authors: Wen Wen , Li Hui , Lauffer Marisol , Hu Di , Zhang Zuohui , Lin Hong , Wang Yongchao , Leidinger Mariah , Luo Jia 
Published: July 2024

Excessive alcohol exposure can cause neurobehavioral deficits and structural alterations in the brain. Emerging research evidence suggests that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays an important role in alcohol-induced neurotoxicity. Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) is an ER stress inducible protein and is responsible to maintain ER homeostasis. MANF is highly expressed in both the developing and mature brain. We have previously shown that MANF deficiency exacerbated alcohol induced neurodegeneration and ER stress in the developing brain. However, little is known regarding the role of MANF in alcohol induced neuronal damage in the adult brain. In this study, we used a neuron-specific MANF knockout (KO) mouse model to investigate the effect of MANF deficiency on acute binge alcohol exposure-induced neurobehavioral deficits and ER stress. Adult male and female MANF KO mice and littermate controls received daily alcohol gavage (5 g/kg) for 10 days and then subjected to a battery of neurobehavioral tests including rotarods, balance beam, DigiGait, open field, elevated plus maze, Barnes maze, and three-chamber sociability task. Female MANF KO animals were more susceptible to alcohol-induced body weight loss. Alcohol exposure did not affect motor function, however female but not male MANF KO mice exhibited an increased locomotor activity in open field test. Learning and memory was not significantly impaired, but it was altered by MANF deficiency in females while it was affected by alcohol treatment in males. Both alcohol-exposed male and female MANF KO mice displayed increased sociability. Alcohol induced the expression of ER chaperones GRP78 and GRP94 and altered the levels of several unfolded protein response (UPR) and neuroinflammation markers in MANF KO mice in a sex-specific manner. The expression of MANF interacting proteins neuroplastin, PDIA1, and PDIA6 was increased in MANF KO mice, and was further induced by alcohol. In conclusion, alcohol exposure and neuronal MANF deficiency interacted to alter neurobehavioral outcomes, ER homeostasis and neuroinflammation in a sex-specific manner.
One Health education for criticality on vaccination in teacher training
Authors: Martínez-Pena Inés , Puig Blanca , Uskola Araitz 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionVaccines are the basis of health of our communities since they prevent severe infectious diseases. However vaccination rates continue to decrease due to the spread of misinformation about their side effects, which enhances vaccine hesitancy and puts at risk public health. Introducing vaccines from the One Health approach can help to develop an integral understanding of their role and to apply critical ignorance as part of criticality to avoid vaccine hesitancy and raise trust in science. This paper presents a design on vaccination for secondary-education teacher training developed toward this goal.MethodsThe design presented in this paper draws from previous studies on critical thinking, on vaccine rejection, and the One Health approach on other health issues in Secondary Education. The focus of this design is engaging secondary-education pre-service teachers in the practice of critical ignorance and criticality to assess diverse pieces of information on vaccination from the One Health approach.ResultsThis study discusses the design principles and the activities of an original design that aims to provide Secondary Education teachers with some tools to introduce critical ignorance and criticality for addressing misinformation on vaccines by using the One Health approach.DiscussionIf secondary science teachers are going to successfully confront misinformation on vaccination in their science instruction, we need to develop and test designs and approaches that prepare them for this purpose. Critical ignorance plays a central role in managing misinformation; thus, such instruction should engage future teachers in critical evaluation of information on vaccination, as well as in the application of the One Health approach to take responsible actions.
Do forest reserves help maintain pollinator diversity and pollination services in tropical agricultural highlands? A case study using Brassica rapa as a model
Authors: Escobedo-Kenefic Natalia , Cardona Edson , Arizmendi María del Coro , Domínguez César A. 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionHabitat loss and fragmentation have negative impacts on pollinator populations and thus on the pollination services they provide. Negative effects can be lessened by the presence of forest remnants that serve as refuges and sources of food for pollinators. However, few studies have analyzed the influence of highly heterogeneous agricultural landscapes (as commonly found in many developing countries), on pollination services.MethodsWe compared native bee diversity, pollination visitation, and fruit set of Brassica rapa L. between two land use conditions (sites maintaining more than 15% of the original forest coverture [Moderately Modified], and sites with less of 10% [Highly Modified]) in the highlands of Guatemala.ResultsNative bee diversity was higher in HM areas, although social bees were more abundant in MM sites. We did not find differences in pollinator visitation rate between conditions. HM sites were mainly visited by honeybees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus), while native bees and syrphid flies were more frequent in the MM condition. Fruit set was significantly higher in MM sites and was positively affected by natural forest areas. Experiments on pollen limitation and on pollinator efficiency stressed the importance of native pollinators in fruit production, especially in moderately modified areas.DiscussionOur results highlight the role of forest remnants for the provision of pollination services in tropical agricultural highlands and underline the relevance of appropriate management of introduced bees such as A. mellifera.
Precision and accuracy of craniofacial growth and orthodontic treatment evaluation by digital image correlation: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Danz Jan Christian , Stöckli Simone , Rank Christian Per 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionA precise and accurate method for structural superimposition is essential for analyzing dentofacial growth and orthodontic or surgical treatment in longitudinal studies. The errors associated with different superimposition methods have not yet been assessed in high-quality studies.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the precision and accuracy of digital image correlation (DIC) for structural superimposition.MethodsTwo cephalometric images from 30 consecutive patients were superimposed using three DIC methods, each measured twice by two examiners. Areas including the contours of the sella, the whole cranial base (CB), and Walker's point and lamina cribrosa (WPLC) were compared using a random coefficient model. Inter-rater and intra-rater errors were assessed for each method.ResultsWPLC provided the best precision for image rotation and cephalometric landmarks. Systematic bias was observed between the WPLC and CB methods for image rotation and most landmarks. The intra-rater error in image rotation during DIC was strongly correlated with the intra-rater error in the landmarks of the anterior nasal spine, articulare, and pogonion.ConclusionStructural superimposition using DIC with WPLC is a precise method for analyzing dentofacial growth and orthodontic or surgical treatment. Moreover, the best method is the measurement of longitudinal dental and craniofacial changes on structurally superimposed cephalometric radiographs with WPLC and a reference grid including the true vertical and horizontal lines from Walker's point.
Analysis of the driving path of e-commerce to high-quality agricultural development in China: empirical evidence from mediating effect models
Authors: Kong Yanfang , Zhang Xue , Li Xiaoxu , Pastpipatkul Pathairat , Liu Jianxu , Feng Chuhui 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of e-commerce on high-quality agricultural development (HQAD) in China. As the agricultural sector transitions towards higher quality production in the digital era, understanding the influence pathways and mechanisms of e-commerce becomes crucial. We aim to quantify this influence through a hierarchical approach.MethodsUtilizing provincial panel data from 2000 to 2021, we construct a comprehensive HQAD evaluation system using the entropy method. Parallel mediating effect models are employed to empirically assess the multi-level effects of e-commerce on HQAD.ResultsBenchmark regression analyzes reveal a significant positive effect of e-commerce on HQAD, indicating its role as a key driver in China’s agricultural advancement. Mechanism tests identify several intermediary pathways through which e-commerce indirectly promotes HQAD, including market expansion, agricultural value chain optimization, enhanced social services, and improved infrastructure. Notably, market expansion and value chain optimization demonstrate the most substantial mediation effects, accounting for 43.27 and 14.18% of the total effect, respectively.DiscussionThis research contributes to the literature by establishing a comprehensive HQAD evaluation framework, providing a theoretical foundation for future studies. By incorporating circulation factors into the production system, we elucidate the complex influence mechanisms of e-commerce on agricultural production, addressing a significant research gap. Furthermore, we propose a novel “demand-driven supply optimization” paradigm, offering valuable insights for policy formulation aimed at fostering HQAD in China.