bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuous versus discrete robotic feedback for brain-computer interfaces aimed for neurorehabilitation
Authors: Carino-Escobar Ruben I. , Rodríguez-García Martín E. , Carrillo-Mora Paul , Valdés-Cristerna Raquel , Cantillo-Negrete Jessica 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionBrain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) can allow control of external devices using motor imagery (MI) decoded from electroencephalography (EEG). Although BCI have a wide range of applications including neurorehabilitation, the low spatial resolution of EEG, coupled to the variability of cortical activations during MI, make control of BCI based on EEG a challenging task.MethodsAn assessment of BCI control with different feedback timing strategies was performed. Two different feedback timing strategies were compared, comprised by passive hand movement provided by a robotic hand orthosis. One of the timing strategies, the continuous, involved the partial movement of the robot immediately after the recognition of each time segment in which hand MI was performed. The other feedback, the discrete, was comprised by the entire movement of the robot after the processing of the complete MI period. Eighteen healthy participants performed two sessions of BCI training and testing, one with each feedback.ResultsSignificantly higher BCI performance (65.4 ± 17.9% with the continuous and 62.1 ± 18.6% with the discrete feedback) and pronounced bilateral alpha and ipsilateral beta cortical activations were observed with the continuous feedback.DiscussionIt was hypothesized that these effects, although heterogenous across participants, were caused by the enhancement of attentional and closed-loop somatosensory processes. This is important, since a continuous feedback timing could increase the number of BCI users that can control a MI-based system or enhance cortical activations associated with neuroplasticity, important for neurorehabilitation applications.
Alpha1-antitrypsin protects the immature mouse brain following hypoxic-ischemic injury
Authors: Zhang Shan , Li Wendong , Xu Yiran , Li Tao , Ek Joakim , Zhang Xiaoli , Wang Yafeng , Song Juan , Zhu Changlian , Wang Xiaoyang 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Preterm brain injury often leads to lifelong disabilities affecting both cognitive and motor functions, and effective therapies are limited. Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT), an endogenous inhibitor of serine proteinases with anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and cytoprotective properties, might be beneficial in treating preterm brain injury. The aim of this study was to investigate whether AAT has neuroprotective effects in a mouse preterm brain injury model.Methods: Preterm brain injury was induced on postnatal day 5, and mouse pups’ right common carotid arteries were cut between two ligations followed by hypoxia induction. Brain injury was evaluated through immunohistochemistry staining and magnetic resonance imaging. Fluoro-Jade B and immunohistochemistry staining were performed to investigate the neuronal cell death and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. The motor function and anxiety-like behaviors were revealed by CatWalk gait analysis and the open field test.Results: After hypoxia-ischemia (HI) insult, brain injury was alleviated by AAT treatment, and this was accompanied by reduced BBB permeability, reduced neuronal cell death and caspase-3 activation, and inhibition of microglia activation. In addition, AAT administration significantly improved HI-induced motor function deficiencies in mice. The neuroprotective effect of AAT was more pronounced in male mice.Conclusion: AAT treatment is neuroprotective against preterm brain injury in neonatal mice, and the effect is more pronounced in males.
Serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a potential biomarker for cognitive decline in spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhang Qinghao , Li Ziteng , Xie Liangyu , Cao Shengnan , Cui Zhonghao , Shi Bin , Chen Yuanzhen 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveNeutrophil gelatinase-associated lipoprotein (NGAL), a protein encoded by the lipocalcin-2 (LCN2) gene, has been reported to be involved in multiple processes of innate immunity, but its relationship with spinal cord injury (SCI) remains unclear. This study set out to determine whether NGAL played a role in the development of cognitive impairment following SCI.MethodsAt the Neck-Shoulder and Lumbocrural Pain Hospital, a total of 100 SCI patients and 72 controls were enrolled in the study through recruitment. Through questionnaires, baseline data on the participants' age, gender, education level, lifestyle choices (drinking and smoking) and underlying illnesses (hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hyperlipidemia) were gathered. The individuals' cognitive performance was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Scale (MoCA), and their serum NGAL levels were discovered using ELISA.ResultsThe investigation included 72 controls and 100 SCI patients. The baseline data did not differ substantially between the two groups, however the SCI group's serum NGAL level was higher than the control group's (p &lt; 0.05), and this elevated level was adversely connected with the MoCA score (p &lt; 0.05). According to the results of the ROC analysis, NGAL had a sensitivity of 58.24% and a specificity of 86.72% for predicting cognitive impairment following SCI.ConclusionsThe changes in serum NGAL level could serve as a biomarker for cognitive impairment in SCI patients, and this holds true even after taking in account several confounding variables.
Blood biomarkers of secondary outcomes following concussion: A systematic review
Authors: Swaney Ella E. K. , Cai Tengyi , Seal Marc L. , Ignjatovic Vera 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionBlood biomarkers have been identified as an alternative tool for predicting secondary outcomes following concussion. This systematic review aimed to summarize the literature on blood biomarkers of secondary outcomes following concussion in both pediatric and adult cohorts.MethodsA literature search of Embase, Medline and PubMed was conducted. Two reviewers independently assessed retrieved studies to determine inclusion in systematic review synthesis.ResultsA total of 1771 unique studies were retrieved, 58 of which were included in the final synthesis. S100B, GFAP and tau were identified as being associated with secondary outcomes following concussion. Seventeen percent of studies were performed in a solely pediatric setting.ConclusionsValidation of biomarkers associated with secondary outcomes following concussion have been largely limited by heterogeneous study cohorts and definitions of concussion and mTBI, presenting a hurdle for translation of these markers into clinical practice. Additionally, there was an underrepresentation of studies which investigated pediatric cohorts. Adult markers are not appropriate for children, therefore pediatric specific markers of secondary outcomes following concussion present the biggest gap in this field.
Development and validation of a MRI-based combined radiomics nomogram for differentiation in chondrosarcoma
Authors: Li Xiaofen , Lan Min , Wang Xiaolian , Zhang Jingkun , Gong Lianggeng , Liao Fengxiang , Lin Huashan , Dai Shixiang , Fan Bing , Dong Wentao 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveThis study aims to develop and validate the performance of an unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based combined radiomics nomogram for discrimination between low-grade and high-grade in chondrosarcoma.MethodsA total of 102 patients with 44 in low-grade and 58 in high-grade chondrosarcoma were enrolled and divided into training set (n=72) and validation set (n=30) with a 7:3 ratio in this retrospective study. The demographics and unenhanced MRI imaging characteristics of the patients were evaluated to develop a clinic-radiological factors model. Radiomics features were extracted from T1-weighted (T1WI) images to construct radiomics signature and calculate radiomics score (Rad-score). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, a combined radiomics nomogram based on MRI was constructed by integrating radiomics signature and independent clinic-radiological features. The performance of the combined radiomics nomogram was evaluated in terms of calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness.ResultsUsing multivariate logistic regression analysis, only one clinic-radiological feature (marrow edema OR=0.29, 95% CI=0.11-0.76, P=0.012) was found to be independent predictors of differentiation in chondrosarcoma. Combined with the above clinic-radiological predictor and the radiomics signature constructed by LASSO [least absolute shrinkage and selection operator], a combined radiomics nomogram based on MRI was constructed, and its predictive performance was better than that of clinic-radiological factors model and radiomics signature, with the AUC [area under the curve] of the training set and the validation set were 0.78 (95%CI =0.67-0.89) and 0.77 (95%CI =0.59-0.94), respectively. DCA [decision curve analysis] showed that combined radiomics nomogram has potential clinical application value.ConclusionThe MRI-based combined radiomics nomogram is a noninvasive preoperative prediction tool that combines clinic-radiological feature and radiomics signature and shows good predictive effect in distinguishing low-grade and high-grade bone chondrosarcoma, which may help clinicians to make accurate treatment plans.
Characteristics and postoperative dynamic changes in circulating CD4+ helper T lymphocytes in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Lu Yan , Zhang Qiaohong , Wang Jiang , Zhang Longyi 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionCirculating CD4+ helper T cell (Th) subsets provide potentially important information on disease progression in several cancers. In this study, we explored the characteristics and postoperative dynamic changes in circulating CD4+Th subsets in patients with breast cancer.MethodsCirculating CD4+Th subsets, including CD4+ naive T cells (Tn), CD4+ central memory T cells (Tcm), CD4+ effector memory T cells (Tem), CD4+CD57+T, and CD4+PD-1+T, were detected with multiparameter flow cytometry. T-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used to compare differences between groups for normally and non-normally distributed continuous variables, respectively. Postoperative dynamic changes in CD4+Th subsets were assessed using the paired-sample rank-sum test.ResultsSeventy-five patients with invasive breast cancer and fifty-three patients with benign breast tumors were enrolled. Compared with that in patients with benign tumors, the proportion of CD4+Tn in patients with breast cancer patients decreased, whereas the proportion and absolute number of CD4+CD57+T and CD4+PD-1+T increased. Moreover, the proportion of CD4+PD-1+T was correlated with the clinicopathology of breast cancer. After tumor resection, the proportion and absolute number of CD4+Tcm significantly decreased, while those of CD4+Tem significantly increased, compared with preoperative values. Tumor resection caused significant changes in the proportion and absolute number of CD4+CD57+T and CD4+PD-1+ T, both of which showed significant decreases.DiscussionWe found significant changes in circulating CD4+Th subsets in patients with breast cancer. Additionally, complete tumor resection can benefit the patient as it balances the patient’s immunosuppression and immune stress and improves the immune exhaustion and immunosenescence states.
Pan-cancer analysis identifies LIFR as a prognostic and immunological biomarker for uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Fang , Wang Yali , Li Hongjuan , Li Li , Yang Xiaofeng , You Xiaoyan , Tang Lina 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundLeukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) exhibits significant tumor-promoting function, while its cognate receptor (LIFR) is considered to act as either a tumor promoter or suppressor. Dysregulation of LIF and LIFR is associated with the initiation, progression and metastasis of multiple cancer entities. Although increasing numbers of studies are revealing an indispensable critical role of LIFR in tumorigenesis for various different cancers, no systematic analysis of LIFR has appeared thus far.MethodsHere, we comprehensively analyzed the expression profile and prognostic value of LIFR, and correlations between LIFR and the infiltration of immune cells and clinicopathological parameters across different tumor types using several bioinformatic tools. The expression profile of LIFR in various tumor types and clinical stages was investigated using the TIMER2 and GEPIA2 databases. Genetic alternations of LIFR were extracted from cBioPortal. The prognostic value of LIFR was assessed using GEPIA2 and Sanger box databases, and correlations between LIFR expression and immune infiltration were analyzed using the CIBERSORT method and TIMER2 database. The correlations between LIFR expression and immune and stromal scores were assessed using ESTIMATE. We also analyzed correlations between LIFR and immunoregulators. Finally, we detected an effect of LIFR on Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC) and evaluated the expression level of LIFR in clinical UCEC samples.ResultsAberrant expression of LIFR in cancers and its prognosis ability, especially in UCEC was documented. Significantly lower levels of LIFR expression level correlated with better prognosis in multiple tumor types. LIFR expression was positively correlated with the abundance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, LIFR expression was strongly associated with the presence of immune modulators and checkpoint genes. Overexpression of LIFR suppressed the migration and invasion of UCEC cells in vitro.ConclusionOur pan-cancer detection data provided a novel understanding of the roles of LIFR in oncogenesis.
Probiotics to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Ke-Zhao , Wu Kang , Deng Lin-Xuan , Hu Man , Luo Yu-Xiang , Zhang Li-Yan 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveThis study aims to review the evidence for the optimal regimen of probiotics for the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in very low birth weight infants.DesignThrough searching PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science till September 30, 2022, only randomized controlled trials were included to evaluate the optimal regimen of probiotics for the prevention of NEC in very low birth weight infants. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (RoB 2), and the collected data were analyzed accordingly using Stata software.ResultsTwenty-seven RCTs were included, and the total sample size used in the study was 529. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that Bovine lactoferrin + Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (RR 0.03; 95% CI 0.00–0.35), Lactobacillus rhamnosus + Lactobacillus plantarum + Lactobacillus casei + Bifidobacterium lactis (RR 0.06; 95% CI 0.00–0.70), Bifidobacterium lactis + inulin (RR 0.16; 95% CI 0.03–0.91) were superior to the control group (Bifidobacterium lactis + Bifidobacterium longum) in reducing the incidence of NEC. The reduction in the incidence of NEC were as follows: Bovine lactoferrin + Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (SUCRA 95.7%) &gt; Lactobacillus rhamnosus + Lactobacillus plantarum + Lactobacillus casei + Bifidobacterium lactis (SUCRA 89.4%) &gt; Bifidobacterium lactis + inulin (SUCRA 77.8%).ConclusionsThis network meta-analysis suggests that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG combined with bovine lactoferrin maybe the most recommended regimen for the prevention of NEC in very low birth weight infants.
Surgery or comfort care for neonates with surgical necrotizing enterocolitis: Lessons learned from behavioral artificial intelligence technology
Authors: van Varsseveld Otis C. , ten Broeke Annebel , Chorus Caspar G. , Heyning Nicolaas , Kooi Elisabeth M. W. , Hulscher Jan B. F. 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundCritical decision making in surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is highly complex and hard to capture in decision rules due to case-specificity and high mortality risk. In this choice experiment, we aimed to identify the implicit weight of decision factors towards future decision support, and to assess potential differences between specialties or centers.MethodsThirty-five hypothetical surgical NEC scenarios with different factor levels were evaluated by neonatal care experts of all Dutch neonatal care centers in an online environment, where a recommendation for surgery or comfort care was requested. We conducted choice analysis by constructing a binary logistic regression model according to behavioral artificial intelligence technology (BAIT).ResultsOut of 109 invited neonatal care experts, 62 (57%) participated, including 45 neonatologists, 16 pediatric surgeons and one neonatology physician assistant. Cerebral ultrasound (Relative importance = 20%, OR = 4.06, 95% CI = 3.39–4.86) was the most important factor in the decision surgery versus comfort care in surgical NEC, nationwide and for all specialties and centers. Pediatric surgeons more often recommended surgery compared to neonatologists (62% vs. 57%, p = 0.03). For all centers, cerebral ultrasound, congenital comorbidity, hemodynamics and parental preferences were significant decision factors (p &lt; 0.05). Sex (p = 0.14), growth since birth (p = 0.25), and estimated parental capacities (p = 0.06) had no significance in nationwide nor subgroup analyses.ConclusionWe demonstrated how BAIT can analyze the implicit weight of factors in the complex and critical decision for surgery or comfort care for (surgical) NEC. The findings reflect Dutch expertise, but the technique can be expanded internationally. After validation, our choice model/BAIT may function as decision aid.
Hypoxia enhances interactions between Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 and actin filaments via ezrin in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle
Authors: Lade Julie M. , Andrade Manuella R. , Undem Clark , Walker Jasmine , Jiang Haiyang , Yun Xin , Shimoda Larissa A. 
Published: March 2023

Exposure to hypoxia, due to high altitude or chronic lung disease, leads to structural changes in the pulmonary vascular wall, including hyperplasia and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Previous studies showed that hypoxia upregulates the expression of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) and that inhibition or loss of NHE1 prevents hypoxia-induced PASMC migration and proliferation. The exact mechanism by which NHE1 controls PASMC function has not been fully delineated. In fibroblasts, NHE1 has been shown to act as a membrane anchor for actin filaments, via binding of the adaptor protein, ezrin. Thus, in this study, we tested the role of ezrin and NHE1/actin interactions in controlling PASMC function. Using rat PASMCs exposed to in vitro hypoxia (4% O2, 24 h) we found that hypoxic exposure increased phosphorylation (activation) of ezrin, and promoted interactions between NHE1, phosphorylated ezrin and smooth muscle specific α-actin (SMA) as measured via immunoprecipitation and co-localization. Overexpression of wild-type human NHE1 in the absence of hypoxia was sufficient to induce PASMC migration and proliferation, whereas inhibiting ezrin phosphorylation with NSC668394 suppressed NHE1/SMA co-localization and migration in hypoxic PASMCs. Finally, overexpressing a version of human NHE1 in which amino acids were mutated to prevent NHE1/ezrin/SMA interactions was unable to increase PASMC migration and proliferation despite exhibiting normal Na+/H+ exchange activity. From these results, we conclude that hypoxic exposure increases ezrin phosphorylation in PASMCs, leading to enhanced ezrin/NHE1/SMA interaction. We further speculate that these interactions promote anchoring of the actin cytoskeleton to the membrane to facilitate the changes in cell movement and shape required for migration and proliferation.
An integrated remediation approach using combinations of biochar, Rhizobium leguminosarum, and Vigna radiata for immobilizing and dissipating cadmium contaminants from the soil–mustard plant system
Authors: Hira Qurat-ul-Ain Ali , Mahboob Midhat , Azhar Rimsha , Munir Faiza , Gul Alvina , Hayat Asim , Shah Tariq , Amir Rabia 
Published: March 2023

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of soils is an environmental concern, as cadmium harms food crops and can therefore impact human health. The use of combinations of biochar (seeded with Rhizobium leguminosarum) and Vigna radiata (as an intercrop) has the potential to reduce the mobilization of Cd from soil via mustard plants (Brassica juncea). Mustard plants are grown as a food and oil production crop that is consumed worldwide. However, this plant has the property of hyperaccumulation; thus, it bioaccumulates Cd in its tissues, which in turn, if eaten, can become part of the human food chain. Hence, reducing Cd bioaccumulation in mustard plants is crucial to making these plants a reliable and safe source of food for consumption. To improve soil sorption capacity and immobilization efficiency, biochar (in the form of wheat husk) was mixed with R. leguminosarum and intercropped (using V. radiata) with mustard plants for further investigation. Sampling was performed at an early growth stage (i.e., at 30 days) and at maturity (i.e., at 60 days) to determine the impact of Cd on a plant’s morphophysiological attributes. Data were analyzed in two ways: first by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and then by the post hoc Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) test. The statistical analysis concluded that combinations effectively improved plant traits by 65%–90% in the early growth stage and by 70%–90% in the maturity stage. The T6 treatment combination [i.e., biochar + R. leguminosarum + V. radiata (BC + RL + VR)] provided the most effective results in terms of growth, biomass, pod yield, and pigmentation content. In addition, this combination reduced the translocation of Cd in mustard plants by 70%–95%. The combination of BC + RL + VR effectively reduced Cd contamination of mustard tissue and provided a suitable growing environment for the plants. A post-harvesting soil analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) found that Cd was undetectable in soil. This provides clear confirmation that these approaches can lead to Cd soil remediation. Moreover, this study provided insight into the responses of different morphophysiological attributes of mustard plants to Cd stress and could aid in developing Cd stress tolerance in mustard plants.