bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emergence of number sense through the integration of multimodal information: developmental learning insights from neural network models
Authors: Noda Kamma , Soda Takafumi , Yamashita Yuichi 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionAssociating multimodal information is essential for human cognitive abilities including mathematical skills. Multimodal learning has also attracted attention in the field of machine learning, and it has been suggested that the acquisition of better latent representation plays an important role in enhancing task performance. This study aimed to explore the impact of multimodal learning on representation, and to understand the relationship between multimodal representation and the development of mathematical skills.MethodsWe employed a multimodal deep neural network as the computational model for multimodal associations in the brain. We compared the representations of numerical information, that is, handwritten digits and images containing a variable number of geometric figures learned through single- and multimodal methods. Next, we evaluated whether these representations were beneficial for downstream arithmetic tasks.ResultsMultimodal training produced better latent representation in terms of clustering quality, which is consistent with previous findings on multimodal learning in deep neural networks. Moreover, the representations learned using multimodal information exhibited superior performance in arithmetic tasks.DiscussionOur novel findings experimentally demonstrate that changes in acquired latent representations through multimodal association learning are directly related to cognitive functions, including mathematical skills. This supports the possibility that multimodal learning using deep neural network models may offer novel insights into higher cognitive functions.
Quantification of AMPA receptor subunits and RNA editing-related proteins in the J20 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease by capillary western blotting
Authors: Milham Luke T. , Morris Gary P. , Konen Lyndsey M. , Rentsch Peggy , Avgan Nesli , Vissel Bryce 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionAccurate modelling of molecular changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia is crucial for understanding the mechanisms driving neuronal pathology and for developing treatments. Synaptic dysfunction has long been implicated as a mechanism underpinning memory dysfunction in AD and may result in part from changes in adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) mediated RNA editing of the GluA2 subunit of AMPA receptors and changes in AMPA receptor function at the post synaptic cleft. However, few studies have investigated changes in proteins which influence RNA editing and notably, AD studies that focus on studying changes in protein expression, rather than changes in mRNA, often use traditional western blotting.MethodsHere, we demonstrate the value of automated capillary western blotting to investigate the protein expression of AMPA receptor subunits (GluA1-4), the ADAR RNA editing proteins (ADAR1-3), and proteins known to regulate RNA editing (PIN1, WWP2, FXR1P, and CREB1), in the J20 AD mouse model. We describe extensive optimisation and validation of the automated capillary western blotting method, demonstrating the use of total protein to normalise protein load, in addition to characterising the optimal protein/antibody concentrations to ensure accurate protein quantification. Following this, we assessed changes in proteins of interest in the hippocampus of 44-week-old J20 AD mice.ResultsWe observed an increase in the expression of ADAR1 p110 and GluA3 and a decrease in ADAR2 in the hippocampus of 44-week-old J20 mice. These changes signify a shift in the balance of proteins that play a critical role at the synapse. Regression analysis revealed unique J20-specific correlations between changes in AMPA receptor subunits, ADAR enzymes, and proteins that regulate ADAR stability in J20 mice, highlighting potential mechanisms mediating RNA-editing changes found in AD.DiscussionOur findings in J20 mice generally reflect changes seen in the human AD brain. This study underlines the importance of novel techniques, like automated capillary western blotting, to assess protein expression in AD. It also provides further evidence to support the hypothesis that a dysregulation in RNA editing-related proteins may play a role in the initiation and/or progression of AD.
Latent profiles of resilience and associations with quality of life in head and neck cancer patients undergoing proton and heavy ion therapy
Authors: Xiang Lina , Wan Hongwei , Zhu Yu , Wang Shuman , Zheng Mimi 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundPsychological resilience is the most important psychological protection factor for cancer patients in the face of tumors and treatment. However, few studies have performed meaningful latent profile analyses of resilience to identify unobserved subgroups of head and neck cancer patients.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of resilience in head and neck cancer patients using latent profile analysis (LPA) to determine the sociodemographic and disease characteristics of each profile. In particular, we examined the association of different resilience profiles with the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients.MethodsA total of 254 head and neck cancer patients completed a demographic questionnaire, the Resilience Scale Specific to Cancer and the EOTRC QLQ-C3O, used to assess their resilience and quality of life.ResultsLPA identified three distinct profiles based on varying levels of resilience: “low resilience” group (n = 45; 17.72%), “moderate resilience” group (n = 113; 44.49%), and “high resilience” group (n = 96; 37.80%). Gender (χ2 = 6.20; p &lt; 0.01), education level (χ2 = 1,812.59; p &lt; 0.01), treatment regimen (χ2 = 6.32; p &lt; 0.01), tumor stage (χ2 = 3.92; p ≤ 0.05), and initial recurrence (χ2 = 5.13; p &lt; 0.05) were important predictors. High resilience was significantly related to higher quality of life (χ2 = 15.694; p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsHead and neck cancer patients’ psychological resilience can be categorized as three resilience profiles; those who are female and have a low education level tend to have lower psychological resilience. Low resilience in patients is linked to poor role function and social function, low quality of life, and more severe pain symptoms, highlighting the need to address resilience in patient care for improved wellbeing.
Predicting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and determining the follow-up period in high-risk human papillomavirus patients
Authors: Gong Ling , Tang Yingxuan , Xie Hua , Zhang Lu , Sun Yali 
Published: January 2024

PurposeDespite strong efforts to promote human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and cervical cancer screening, cervical cancer remains a threat to women’s reproductive health. Some high-risk HPV types play a crucial role in the progression of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. Therefore, HPV screening has become an important means to prevent, diagnose, and triage cervical cancer. This study aims to leverage artificial intelligence to predict individual risks of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in women with high-risk HPV infection and to recommend the appropriate triage strategy and follow-up period according to the risk level.Materials and methodsA total of 475 cases were collected in this study. The sources were from the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in a tertiary hospital, a case report on HPV from the PubMed website, and clinical data of cervical cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Through in-depth study of the interaction between high-risk HPV and its risk factors, the risk factor relationship diagram structure was constructed. A Classification of Lesion Stages (CLS) algorithm was designed to predict cervical lesion stages. The risk levels of patients were analyzed based on all risk factors, and follow-up periods were formulated for each risk level.ResultsOur proposed CLS algorithm predicted the probability of occurrence of CIN3—the precancerous lesion stage of cervical cancer. This prediction was based on patients’ HPV-16 and -18 infection status, age, presence of persistent infection, and HPV type. Follow-up periods of 3–6 months, 6–12 months, and 3- to 5-year intervals were suggested for high-risk, medium-risk, and low-risk patients, respectively.ConclusionA lesion prediction model was constructed to determine the probabilities of occurrence of CIN by analyzing individual data, such as patient lifestyle, physical assessments, and patient complaints, in order to identify high-risk patients. Furthermore, the potential implications of the calculated features were mined to devise prevention strategies.
Prognostic factors of pediatric ependymomas at a National Cancer Reference Center in Peru
Authors: Perez-Roca Eduardo , Negreiros Tatiana , Casavilca-Zambrano Sandro , Ojeda-Medina Luis , Díaz-Coronado Rosdali 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundEpendymomas are central nervous system tumors that significantly impact the quality of life and carry a high mortality rate. Both the disease itself and its treatment cause significant morbidity. At a national level in Peru, there are no reports on clinical characteristics of the disease.MethodsThis retrospective study captured patient aged less than 19 years with a diagnosis of ependymoma from 2012 to 2022 at a tertiary center in Lima.Results85 patients were included with a median follow-up time was 51.6 months. The 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival were 55.89% (95% CI: 44.28 – 65.99) and 37.71% (95% CI: 26,21-49,16) respectively. The main prognostic factors identified were completed treatment (p=0.019), adjuvant chemotherapy (p=0.048), presence of metastasis (p=0.012), and disease recurrence (p=0.02).ConclusionsThe survival of patients with ependymoma is below that reported in high-income countries. Incomplete treatment and treatment abandonment are factors that negatively impact the prognosis. Further studies are needed to identify barriers in the referral and treatment process for patients with ependymoma.
PtoMYB031, the R2R3 MYB transcription factor involved in secondary cell wall biosynthesis in poplar
Authors: Tang Feng , Jiao Bo , Zhang Meng , He Minghui , Su Ruiying , Luo Keming , Lan Ting 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe biosynthesis of the secondary cell wall (SCW) is orchestrated by an intricate hierarchical transcriptional regulatory network. This network is initiated by first-layer master switches, SCW-NAC transcription factors, which in turn activate the second-layer master switches MYBs. These switches play a crucial role in regulating xylem specification and differentiation during SCW formation. However, the roles of most MYBs in woody plants are yet to be fully understood.MethodsIn this study, we identified and isolated the R2R3-MYB transcription factor, PtoMYB031, from Populus tomentosa. We explored its expression, mainly in xylem tissues, and its role as a transcriptional repressor in the nucleus. We used overexpression and RNA interference techniques in poplar, along with Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays, to analyze the regulatory effects of PtoMYB031.ResultsOverexpression of PtoMYB031 in poplar significantly reduced lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose content, and inhibited vascular development in stems, resulting in decreased SCW thickness in xylem tissues. Gene expression analysis showed that structural genes involved in SCW biosynthesis were downregulated in PtoMYB031-OE lines. Conversely, RNA interference of PtoMYB031 increased these compounds. Additionally, PtoMYB031 was found to recruit the repressor PtoZAT11, forming a transcriptional inhibition complex.DiscussionOur findings provide new insights into how PtoMYB031, through its interaction with PtoZAT11, forms a complex that can suppress the expression of key regulatory genes, PtoWND1A and PtoWND2B, in SCW biosynthesis. This study enhances our understanding of the transcriptional regulation involved in SCW formation in poplar, highlighting the significant role of PtoMYB031.
Differences between U23 and older semi-professional soccer players in perfectionism and passion: exploring determinant relationship between variables
Authors: Ogallar-Blanco Adelaida Irene , García-Mármol Eduardo , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Badicu Georgian , Liñán-González Antonio , González-Fernández Francisco Tomás 
Published: January 2024

AimAbundant studies have pointed out that perfectionism and passion are interrelated and that they both can influence performance in a variety of contexts, including sports, however, research on how these variables interact and might affect performance in team sports, such as soccer, is still scarce. The aim of this study is to analyze differences in perfectionism and passion between under-23 years-old (U23) and older semi-professional soccer players, as well as to study the possible relationship between these two psychological variables.MethodsParticipants (N = 130 healthy semi-professional Spanish soccer players) were divided into two equivalent groups according to the participants age, U23 (N = 65; 21.58 ± 1.91 years) and older than 24 years (N = 65; 30.03 ± 3.72 years) and completed self-reports on perfectionism and passion.ResultsIndependent samples t-test determined significant differences between the U23 Group and the &gt;24 Group in perfectionism global score and concern over mistakes (maladaptive perfectionism), and in time, value, and passion. Multiple regression analyses revealed that obsessive passion predicted maladaptive subdimensions of perfectionism, while harmonious passion predicted adaptive perfectionism.DiscussionU23 soccer players show higher levels of maladaptive perfectionism, time, value, and passion in relation with soccer than older players, probably because at this stage pressure to become professionals and to develop their technical, tactical, and physical skills is higher than in later stages.ConclusionIdentifying differences between different age groups can help professionals in tailoring their interventions and strategies to address the specific needs of athletes at different stages of development more effectively, and to optimize mental focus, reduce stress, to promote a healthy mindset for optimal performance in soccer players, furthermore, the study of moderating effects of factors such as team dynamics or coaching styles on these constructs is advised.
The nature of memory impairment in multiple sclerosis: understanding different patterns over the course of the disease
Authors: Gich Jordi , Salavedra-Pont Judit , Coll-Martinez Clàudia , Quintana Ester , Álvarez-Bravo Gary , Robles-Cedeño René , Buxó Maria , Contreras-Rodriguez Oren , Ramió-Torrentà Lluís 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionMemory deficit is one of the most common and severe cognitive impairments in patients with multiple sclerosis and can greatly affect their quality of life. However, there is currently no agreement as to the nature of memory deficit in multiple sclerosis.MethodsThis cross-sectional study, carried out at the Dr. Josep Trueta and Santa Caterina hospitals in Girona (Spain), was designed to determine the semiology of verbal memory deficit in the different stages of the disease. To this end, a modification of Rey’s verbal auditory test was created by introducing two recognition trials between the five learning trials, thus monitoring what happens in terms of acquisition versus the retrieval of information during the learning phase. Linear regression models were used to evaluate verbal episodic memory performance between-groups adjusting results by age, sex, educational level, and the presence of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms.Results133 patients with multiple sclerosis, clinically isolated syndrome, and radiologically isolated syndrome and 55 healthy controls aged 18–65 years were assessed. It was observed that the memory processes of multiple sclerosis patients worsen with the progression of the disease. In this respect, patients in pre-diagnostic phases (radiologically isolated syndrome and clinically isolated syndrome) show no differences in verbal episodic memory compared to the healthy controls. Patients in the inflammatory stage (relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis) show a previously learned information retrieval deficit, while patients in progressive stages (secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and primary progressive multiple sclerosis) do not even correctly acquire information.DiscussionThese results provide significant information to assist in understanding the nature of memory deficits in multiple sclerosis over the course of the disease. These results are discussed in terms of possible cognitive rehabilitation strategies depending on the evolutive stage and are related to neuropathological mechanisms involved in the progression of the disease.
Prevalence and correlates of severe anxiety in patients with first hospitalization for major depressive disorder combined with dyslipidemia: a large sample cross-sectional study
Authors: Yin Huimin , Zhang Qi , Li Yi , Ma Jun 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundAnxiety symptoms and dyslipidemia are common co-morbidities in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), and there are complex pathophysiologic as well as clinical mechanisms underlying the association between the three. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and associated factors of severe anxiety in first-time hospitalized patients with MDD with dyslipidemia.MethodsWe included 708 patients with major depressive disorder with comorbid dyslipidemia and collected their sociodemographic and general clinical data as well as biochemical parameters such as lipids, thyroid function, and blood glucose. We also completed the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Positive Symptom Scale (PSS), and Clinical General Impression Scale (CGI) to assess their clinical symptoms.ResultsThe prevalence of severe anxiety disorder was 11.02% in patients with MDD with comorbid dyslipidemia. Suicidal history, female gender, body mass index (BMI), HAMD score, PSS score, and FT4 level were risk factors for the development of severe anxiety symptoms. Higher HAMD scores, higher PSS scores, and suicidal history were influential factors in exacerbating severe anxiety symptoms.ConclusionThis study reports and identifies the prevalence of severe anxiety symptoms in first-time hospitalized MDD patients with dyslipidemia, as well as risk factors for anxiety symptoms and factors influencing their severity, and these identified factors may be potentially helpful and informative in preventing and intervening in severe anxiety disorders in this target population.
Relationship between transcranial magnetic stimulation markers of motor control and clinical recovery in obsessive compulsive disorder/Gilles de la Tourette syndrome: a proof of concept case study
Authors: Quoilin Caroline , Chaise Fostine , Duque Julie , de Timary Philippe 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundObsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by difficulties in controlling intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and undesired actions (tics), respectively. Both conditions have been associated with abnormal inhibition but a tangible deficit of inhibitory control abilities is controversial in GTS.MethodsHere, we examined a 25 years-old male patient with severe OCD symptoms and a mild form of GTS, where impairments in motor control were central. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied over the primary motor cortex (M1) to elicit motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) during four experimental sessions, allowing us to assess the excitability of motor intracortical circuitry at rest as well as the degree of MEP suppression during action preparation, a phenomenon thought to regulate movement initiation.ResultsWhen tested for the first time, the patient presented a decent level of MEP suppression during action preparation, but he exhibited a lack of intracortical inhibition at rest, as evidenced by reduced short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI). Interestingly, the patient’s symptomatology drastically improved over the course of the sessions (reduced obsessions and tics), coinciding with feedback given on his good motor control abilities. These changes were reflected in the TMS measurements, with a significant strengthening of intracortical inhibition (SICI and LICI more pronounced than previously) and a more selective tuning of MEPs during action preparation; MEPs became even more suppressed, or selectively facilitated depending on the behavioral condition in which they we probed.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of better understanding motor inhibitory mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders and suggests a biofeedback approach as a potential novel treatment.
Black carbon particles in human breast milk: assessing infant’s exposure
Authors: Cosemans Charlotte , Bongaerts Eva , Vanbrabant Kenneth , Reimann Brigitte , Silva Ana Inês , Tommelein Eline , Poma Giulia , Ameloot Marcel , Nawrot Tim S. , Plusquin Michelle 
Published: January 2024

Background/AimHuman breast milk is the recommended source of nutrition for infants due to its complex composition and numerous benefits, including a decline in infection rates in childhood and a lower risk of obesity. Hence, it is crucial that environmental pollutants in human breast milk are minimized. Exposure to black carbon (BC) particles has adverse effects on health; therefore, this pilot study investigates the presence of these particles in human breast milk.MethodsBC particles from ambient exposure were measured in eight human breast milk samples using a white light generation under femtosecond illumination. The carbonaceous nature of the particles was confirmed with BC fingerprinting. Ambient air pollution exposures (PM2.5, PM10, and NO2) were estimated using a spatial interpolation model based on the maternal residential address. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were obtained to assess the association between human breast milk’s BC load and ambient air pollution exposure.ResultsBC particles were found in all human breast milk samples. BC loads in human breast milk were strongly and positively correlated with recent (i.e., 1 week) maternal residential NO2 (r = 0.79; p = 0.02) exposure and medium-term (i.e., 1 month) PM2.5 (r = 0.83; p = 0.02) and PM10 (r = 0.93; p = 0.002) exposure.ConclusionFor the first time, we showed the presence of BC particles in human breast milk and found a robust association with ambient air pollution concentrations. Our findings present a pioneering insight into a novel pathway through which combustion-derived air pollution particles can permeate the delicate system of infants.