bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of photodamage in non-pigmented and pigmented human skin equivalents exposed to repeated ultraviolet radiation to investigate the role of melanocytes in skin photoprotection
Authors: De Los Santos Gomez Paola , Costello Lydia , Goncalves Kirsty , Przyborski Stefan 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionDaily solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation has an important impact on skin health. Understanding the initial events of the UV-induced response is critical to prevent deleterious conditions. However, studies in human volunteers have ethical, technical, and economic implications that make skin equivalents a valuable platform to investigate mechanisms related to UV exposure to the skin. In vitro human skin equivalents can recreate the structure and function of in vivo human skin and represent a valuable tool for academic and industrial applications. Previous studies have utilised non-pigmented full-thickness or pigmented epidermal skin equivalents to investigate skin responses to UV exposure. However, these do not recapitulate the dermal-epidermal crosstalk and the melanocyte role in photoprotection that occurs in vivo. In addition, the UV radiation used in these studies is generally not physiologically representative of real-world UV exposure.MethodsWell-characterised pigmented and non-pigmented skin equivalents that contain human dermal fibroblasts, endogenous secreted extracellular matrix proteins (ECM) and a well-differentiated and stratified epidermis have been developed. These constructs were exposed to UV radiation for ×5 consecutive days with a physiologically relevant UV dose and subsequently analysed using appropriate end-points to ascertain photodamage to the skin.ResultsWe have described that repeated irradiation of full-thickness human skin equivalents in a controlled laboratory environment can recreate UV-associated responses in vitro, mirroring those found in photoexposed native human skin: morphological damage, tanning, alterations in epidermal apoptosis, DNA lesions, proliferation, inflammatory response, and ECM-remodelling.DiscussionWe have found a differential response when using the same UV doses in non-pigmented and pigmented full-thickness skin equivalents, emphasising the role of melanocytes in photoprotection.
A narrative review on cervical artery dissection-related cranial nerve palsies
Authors: Dejakum Benjamin , Kiechl Stefan , Knoflach Michael , Mayer-Suess Lukas 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThis study aimed to emphasize the importance of cranial nerve (CN) palsies in spontaneous cervical artery dissection (sCeAD).MethodsA search term-based literature review was conducted on “cervical artery dissection” and “cranial nerve palsy.” English and German articles published until October 2023 were considered.ResultsCranial nerve (CN) palsy in sCeAD is evident in approximately 10% of cases. In the literature, isolated palsies of CN II, III, VII, IX, X, and XII have been reported, while CN XI palsy only occurs in combination with other lower cranial nerve palsies. Dissection type and mural hematoma localization are specific to affected CN as CN palsies of II or III are solely evident in those with steno-occlusive vessel pathologies located at more proximal segments of ICA, while those with CN palsies of IX, X, XI, and XII occur in expansive sCeAD at more distal segments. This dichotomization emphasizes the hypothesis of a different pathomechanism in CN palsy associated with sCeAD, one being hypoperfusion or microembolism (CN II, III, and VII) and the other being a local mass effect on surrounding tissue (CN IX, X, XI, and XII). Clinically, the distinction between peripheral palsies and those caused by brainstem infarction is difficult. This differentiation is key, as, according to the reviewed cases, peripheral cranial nerve palsies in sCeAD patients mostly resolve completely over time, while those due to brainstem stroke do not, making cerebrovascular imaging appraisal essential.DiscussionIt is important to consider dissections as a potential cause of peripheral CN palsies and to be aware of the appropriate diagnostic pathways. This awareness can help clinicians make an early diagnosis, offering the opportunity for primary stroke prevention.
Appearance of the bladder on initial voiding cystogram in boys with PUV and its relation to pre and postnatal findings
Authors: Pecorelli S. , Ferdynus C. , Delmas J. , Harper L. 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionBladder profile in boys with Posterior Urethral Valves can be very varied with a spectrum going from high pressure, unstable, hypocompliant small bladders to hypercompliant, large acontractile bladders, with some being near-normal. Our question was whether appearance, specifically of the bladder, on initial VCUG was correlated to prenatal features and whether it could predict early postnatal outcome.MethodWe used a prospectively gathered database of boys with prenatally suspected PUV. We analyzed whether the appearance, specifically of the bladder, was related to date of prenatal diagnosis, presence of a megacystis on prenatal ultrasound, presence of vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR), presence of abnormal DMSA scan, nadir creatinine or presence of febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) during the first two years of life.ResultsThe database comprised 90 cystograms. 15% of bladders were judged normal/regular, 54 % were small/diverticular and 31% were large/diverticular. Bladder appearance was not associated with presence of prenatal megacystis, abnormal DMSA scan, VUR, nor rate of fUTI. The only significant associations were normal/regular bladder and early prenatal diagnosis (p = 0.04) and normal/regular bladder and elevated nadir creatinine (&gt;75µmol/l) (p = 0.01).DiscussionWe believe that when focusing solely on the appearance of the bladder, excluding information about the urethra and presence of reflux, the cystogram alone is insufficient to inform on future bladder function. This could be used as an argument in favor of performing early urodynamics in this population.
The prognostic and immunological role of MCM3 in pan-cancer and validation of prognosis in a clinical lower-grade glioma cohort
Authors: Huang Qian-Rong , Jiang Qian , Tan Ju-Yuan , Nong Ren-Bao , Yan Jun , Yang Xia-Wei , Mo Li-Gen , Ling Guo-Yuan , Deng Teng , Gong Yi-Zhen 
Published: April 2024

Background: Previous studies have shown that MCM3 plays a key role in initiating DNA replication. However, the mechanism of MCM3 function in most cancers is still unknown. The aim of our study was to explore the expression, prognostic role, and immunological characteristics of MCM3 across cancers.Methods: We explored the expression pattern of MCM3 across cancers. We subsequently explored the prognostic value of MCM3 expression by using univariate Cox regression analysis. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to determine the correlations between MCM3 and immune-related characteristics, mismatching repair (MMR) signatures, RNA modulator genes, cancer stemness, programmed cell death (PCD) gene expression, tumour mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and neoantigen levels. The role of MCM3 in predicting the response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy was further evaluated in four immunotherapy cohorts. Single-cell data from CancerSEA were analysed to assess the biological functions associated with MCM3 in 14 cancers. The clinical correlation and independent prognostic significance of MCM3 were further analysed in the TCGA and CGGA lower-grade glioma (LGG) cohorts, and a prognostic nomogram was constructed. Immunohistochemistry in a clinical cohort was utilized to validate the prognostic utility of MCM3 expression in LGG.Results: MCM3 expression was upregulated in most tumours and strongly associated with patient outcomes in many cancers. Correlation analyses demonstrated that MCM3 expression was closely linked to immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, MMR genes, RNA modulator genes, cancer stemness, PCD genes and the TMB in most tumours. There was an obvious difference in outcomes between patients with high MCM3 expression and those with low MCM3 expression in the 4 ICB treatment cohorts. Single-cell analysis indicated that MCM3 was mainly linked to the cell cycle, DNA damage and DNA repair. The expression of MCM3 was associated with the clinical features of LGG patients and was an independent prognostic indicator. Finally, the prognostic significance of MCM3 in LGG was validated in a clinical cohort.Conclusion: Our study suggested that MCM3 can be used as a potential prognostic marker for cancers and may be associated with tumour immunity. In addition, MCM3 is a promising predictor of immunotherapy responses.
Effects of psilocybin, psychedelic mushroom extract and 5-hydroxytryptophan on brain immediate early gene expression: Interaction with serotonergic receptor modulators
Authors: Lerer Elad , Botvinnik Alexander , Shahar Orr , Grad Meitar , Blakolmer Karin , Shomron Noam , Lotan Amit , Lerer Bernard , Lifschytz Tzuri 
Published: April 2024

Background: Immediate early genes (IEGs) are rapidly activated and initiate diverse cellular processes including neuroplasticity. We report the effect of psilocybin (PSIL), PSIL-containing psychedelic mushroom extract (PME) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on expression of the IEGs, cfos, egr1, and egr2 in mouse somatosensory cortex (SSC).Methods: In our initial experiment, male C57Bl/6j mice were injected with PSIL 4.4 mg/kg or 5-HTP 200 mg/kg, alone or immediately preceded by serotonergic receptor modulators. IEG mRNA expression 1 hour later was determined by real time qPCR. In a replication study a group of mice treated with PME was added.Results: In our initial experiment, PSIL but not 5-HTP significantly increased expression of all three IEGs. No correlation was observed between the head twitch response (HTR) induced by PSIL and its effect on the IEGs. The serotonergic receptor modulators did not significantly alter PSIL-induced IEG expression, with the exception of the 5-HT2C antagonist (RS102221), which significantly enhanced PSIL-induced egr2 expression. 5-HTP did not affect IEG expression. In our replication experiment, PSIL and PME upregulated levels of egr1 and cfos while the upregulation of egr2 was not significant.Conclusions: We have shown that PSIL and PME but not 5-HTP (at a dose sufficient to induce HTR), induced a significant increase in cfos and egr1 expression in mouse SSC. Our findings suggest that egr1 and cfos expression may be associated with psychedelic effects.
Development of a ground-based sensorimotor disorientation analog to replicate astronaut postflight experience
Authors: Moudy Sarah C. , Peters Brian T. , Clark Torin K. , Schubert Michael C. , Wood Scott J. 
Published: April 2024

The perceptual and motor coordination problems experienced following return from spaceflight reflect the sensory adaptation to altered gravity. The purpose of this study was to develop a ground-based analog that replicates similar sensorimotor impairment using a standard measures test battery and subjective feedback from experienced crewmembers. This Sensorimotor Disorientation Analog (SDA) included varying levels of sensorimotor disorientation through combined vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive disruptions. The SDA was evaluated on five previously flown astronauts to compare with their postflight experience and functional motor performance immediately (Return (R)+0 days) and +24 h (R+1) after landing. The SDA consisted of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS), visual disruption goggles, and a weighted suit to alter proprioceptive feedback and replicate perceived heaviness postflight. Astronauts reported that GVS alone replicated ∼50–90% of their postflight performance with the weighted suit fine-tuning the experience to replicate an additional 10%–40% of their experience. Astronauts did not report feeling that the disruption goggles represented either the visual disruptions or illusory sensations that they experienced, nor did they impact motor performance in postflight tasks similarly. Based on these results, we recommend an SDA including the GVS and the weighted suit. These results provide a more realistic and portable SDA framework to provide transient spaceflight-relevant sensorimotor disruptions for use in countermeasure testing and as a pre-flight training tool.
Novel missense variants in brain morphogenic genes associated with depression and schizophrenia
Authors: Karagyaur Maxim , Primak Alexandra , Bozov Kirill , Sheleg Dmitriy , Arbatsky Mikhail , Dzhauari Stalik , Illarionova Maria , Semina Ekaterina , Samokhodskaya Larisa , Klimovich Polina , Velichko Arkadiy , Drach Mikhail , Sotskaya Ekaterina , Popov Vladimir , Rubina Kseniya , Parfenenko Mariia , Makus Julia , Tsygankov Boris , Tkachuk Vsevolod , Neyfeld Elena 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionImpaired function of brain morphogenic genes is considered one of the predisposing factors for the manifestation of psychiatric and cognitive disorders, such as paranoid schizophrenia (SCZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Identification of such genes (genes of neurotrophic factors and guidance molecules among them) and their deleterious genetic variants serves as a key to diagnosis, prevention, and possibly treatment of such disorders. In this study, we have examined the prevalence of genomic variants in brain morphogenic genes in individuals with SCZ and MDD within a Russian population.MethodsWe have performed whole-exome sequencing of 21 DNA samples: 11 from individuals with SCZ and 10 with MDD, followed by ARMS (Amplification-Refractory Mutation System) based screening of detected single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in larger groups: 102 for individuals with SCZ, 79 for those with MDD and 103 for healthy donors.ResultsWhole-exome sequencing has revealed 226 missense mutations in 79 genes (out of 140 studied), some of which occur in patients with psychiatric disorders significantly more frequently than in healthy donors. We have identified previously undescribed genomic variants in brain morphogenic genes: CDH2 (rs1944294-T and rs17445840-T), DCHS2 (rs11935573-G and rs12500437-G/T) and CDH23 (rs1227051-G/A), significantly associated with the incidence of SCZ and MDD in the Russian population. For some SNVs (rs6265-T, rs1944294-T, rs11935573-G, rs4760-G) sex-biased differences in their prevalence between SCZ/MDD patients and healthy donors was detected.DiscussionHowever, the functional significance of the SNVs identified has still to be confirmed in cellular and animal models. Once it is fulfilled, these SNVs have the potential to complement the diagnostic toolbox for assessing susceptibility to mental disorders. The data obtained indirectly confirm the importance of adequate brain structure formation for its correct functioning and preservation of mental health.
Identification of factors associated with hospitalization in an outpatient population with mental health conditions: a case–control study
Authors: Lebrat Matthieu , Megard Rachel , Dananché Cédric , Zimmer Luc , Plasse Julien , Franck Nicolas 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionAddressing relevant determinants for preserved person-centered rehabilitation in mental health is still a major challenge. Little research focuses on factors associated with psychiatric hospitalization in exclusive outpatient settings. Some variables have been identified, but evidence across studies is inconsistent. This study aimed to identify and confirm factors associated with hospitalization in a specific outpatient population.MethodsA retrospective monocentric case-control study with 617 adult outpatients (216 cases and 401 controls) from a French community-based care facility was conducted. Participants had an index outpatient consultation between June 2021 and February 2023. All cases, who were patients with a psychiatric hospitalization from the day after the index outpatient consultation and up to 1 year later, have been included. Controls have been randomly selected from the same facility and did not experience a psychiatric hospitalization in the 12 months following the index outpatient consultation. Data collection was performed from electronic medical records. Sociodemographic, psychiatric diagnosis, historical issues, lifestyle, and follow-up-related variables were collected retrospectively. Uni- and bivariate analyses were performed, followed by a multivariable logistic regression.ResultsVisit to a psychiatric emergency within a year (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 13.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.32–23.97), drug treatment discontinuation within a year (aOR: 6.43, 95% CI: 3.52–12.03), history of mental healthcare without consent (aOR: 5.48, 95% CI: 3.10–10.06), medical follow-up discontinuation within a year (aOR: 3.17, 95% CI: 1.70–5.95), history of attempted suicide (aOR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.48–4.30) and unskilled job (aOR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.10–0.65) are the independent variables found associated with hospitalization for followed up outpatients.ConclusionsPublic health policies and tools at the local and national levels should be adapted to target the identified individual determinants in order to prevent outpatients from being hospitalized.
Number and nature of psychiatric emergency department visits in a tertiary hospital before, during, and after coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Aymerich Claudia , Pedruzo Borja , Salazar de Pablo Gonzalo , Olazabal Nora , Catalan Ana , González-Torres Miguel Ángel 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health globally, leading to a deterioration in the overall mental health of the population and changes across all healthcare levels, including emergency departments (ED). However, the evolution of the quantity and nature of psychiatric ED visits in the post-pandemic period remains uncertain.AimsTo examine changes in the number and nature of psychiatric emergencies at a general hospital before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.Materials and methodsPsychiatric ED visits from a tertiary hospital in the Basque Country (Spain) between January 2019 and November 2023 were investigated. Electronical health registers detailing the number and nature of psychiatric care consultations were analyzed for the study timeframe. Three periods were then compared: pre-pandemic (from January 2019 to February 2020), pandemic (from March 2020 to January 2022), and post-pandemic (from February 2022 onwards).Results16,969 psychiatric ED visits were recorded for the study period. The number of psychiatric ED visits remained stable from pre-pandemic (269.93 visits/month) to pandemic (264.48 visits/month) periods but experienced a significant rise during the post-pandemic period (330.00 visits/month; t=-6.42; p&lt;0.001), which was not reflected in medical and traumatological visits. The proportion of visits for anxiety (Z=-2.97; p=0.003), suicidal ideation (Z=-5.48; p&lt;0.001), and administrative and social consultations (Z=-5.69; p&lt;0.001) increased over the course of the pandemic. In contrast, visits for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders (Z=4.85; p&lt;0.001), as well as unspecified behavioral alterations (Z=2.51; p=0.012), significantly decreased.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath have altered the patterns of urgent psychiatric care, characterized by a sharp increase of average monthly number of consultations and a shift in their nature. Future efforts should focus on characterizing this surge in demand and enhancing both emergency services and outpatient settings.
Energy Efficiency Assessment and Prediction Based on Indicator System, PSO + AHP − FCE Model and Regression Algorithm
Authors: Bai Yan , Ma Xingyi , Zhang Jing , Zhang Lei , Bai Jing 
Published: April 2024

Energy-intensive enterprises lack a scientific and effective energy efficiency assessment framework and methodology. This lack leads to an inaccurate understanding of energy usage and its benefits. As a result, there is energy wastage and loss. This wastage and loss negatively affect product costs. They also present a challenge to effective energy management. To address these issues, this paper introduces a novel, comprehensive energy efficiency evaluation system. This system integrates both qualitative and quantitative measures. It proposes an evaluation model based on the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) combined with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE), wherein PSO is employed to optimize the weights determined by AHP, ensuring that the significance attributed to various indicators is scientific, objective, and rational. The FCE method is utilized to convert diverse factors affecting corporate energy efficiency, across different types and scales, into standardized 0–1 values, enabling a comparative analysis of the impact of each process and indicator on energy efficiency. Furthermore, the paper introduces an energy efficiency prediction model employing a multivariate linear regression algorithm, which demonstrates a good fit, facilitating the transition from retrospective energy efficiency evaluation to proactive improvements. Utilizing data on actual consumption of water, electricity, and steam from an enterprise, along with expert assessments on the implementation levels of new processes, technologies, equipment, personnel scheduling proficiency, steam recovery rates, and adherence to policies and assessments, a simulation experiment of the proposed model was conducted using Python. The evaluation yielded an energy efficiency score of 0.68; this is consistent with the real-world scenario of the studied enterprise. The predicted mean square error of 9.035416039503998 × 10−9 indicates a high model accuracy, validating the practical applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Confocal Microscopy and Molecular Analyses Reveal Anal Secretory Apparatus in Immatures and Recover Transcontinental Clade of Gall Mites (Eriophyoidea) from Tamarisks
Authors: Chetverikov Philipp E. , Ngubane-Ndhlovu Nompumelelo P. , Situngu Sivu , Elhalawany Ashraf , Amrine James 
Published: April 2024

Tamarisk is an invasive evergreen shrub native to arid regions of Africa and Eurasia and is considered a weed in some countries with dry climates. The complex of gall mites from tamarisks includes fourteen species from four genera of the family Eriophyidae. We reinvestigated the type species of the genus Dicruvasates, D. tamaricis from Egypt, described D. ngubani n. sp. from Tamarix usneoides from South Africa, and revised the generic concept of Dicruvasates. This genus possesses cuticular plates marking longitudinal opisthosomal ridges typical of various phyllocoptine genera, e.g., Echinacrus. We sequenced three genes of Dicruvasates and Phyllocoptes mites from Tamarix and Echinacrus from Frangula, combined our sequences with the data from GenBank, and performed single-gene phylogenetic analyses. All analyses inferred the following: (1) a transcontinental clade Tam comprising Dicruvasates + Aceria + Phyllocoptes from Tamarix; (2) Echinacrus distantly related to Dicruvasates, suggesting the homoplastic nature of the cuticular plates on the opisthosomal ridges, and (3) polyphyly of the genera Aceria and Phyllocoptes. We also investigated partially cleared specimens of Dicruvasates under CLSM and, for the first time, visualized a well-developed anal secretory apparatus (ASA) in the immatures of gall mites, which was previously shown to be a specialized system evolved in Eriophyoidea for silk production. We hypothesize that the ASA contributes to finding nymphs by conspecific males and advocate for the importance of the future molecular biology studies of gall mite silk for developing new methods for controlling mites based on the knowledge of their ecology, behavior, and silk gene genetics.