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Frontiers in Neurology 2024Vestibular migraine (VM), an intricate subtype of migraine, amalgamates the dual attributes of migraine and vestibular disorders. In clinical settings, individuals with...
BACKGROUND
Vestibular migraine (VM), an intricate subtype of migraine, amalgamates the dual attributes of migraine and vestibular disorders. In clinical settings, individuals with VM frequently articulate concerns regarding the manifestation of subjective cognitive impairment. This cognitive dysfunction is intricately linked with diminished mobility, heightened susceptibility to falls, and increased absenteeism in afflicted patients. Consequently, comprehending the features of cognitive impairment in VM patients holds potential clinical significance. The pursuit of rapid and objective methods for detection and assessment is foundational and prerequisite for efficacious cognitive management of VM patients.
METHODS
The study encompassed 50 patients diagnosed with vestibular migraine and recruited 50 age-sex matched healthy controls. All participants underwent anti-saccade tasks, and cognitive evaluation was performed using the MMSE and MoCA to assess overall cognitive function. Additionally, RBANS scales were employed to measure specific cognitive domains.
RESULTS
The VM patients and normal controls demonstrated statistical parity in terms of age, gender, education, weight, and BMI, with no significant differences observed. Analysis of cognitive scores divulged a marked increase in the incidence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in VM patients compared to Healthy Controls (HCs). Both MMSE and MoCA scores were notably lower in VM patients compared to their healthy counterparts. The RBANS cognitive test indicated significant impairment in immediate memory, visuospatial construction, language, attention, and delayed memory among VM patients. Notably, the Trail Making Test and Stroop Color-Word Test revealed compromised processing speed and executive function cognitive domains. The anti-saccadic task highlighted significantly elevated anti-saccadic latency and frequency of direction errors in vestibular migraine patients. Symptom severity, illness duration, and episode frequency in VM patients positively correlated with counter-scanning errors and negatively correlated with cognitive performance across diverse cognitive domains.
CONCLUSION
VM patients exhibit cognitive decline across multiple cognitive domains during the interictal period. This cognitive impairment may not be fully reversible, underscoring its potential clinical significance for cognitive management in VM patients. The sensitivity of anti-saccade tasks to the cognitive status of VM patients positions them as promising objective indicators for diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation of cognitive impairment effects in VM in future applications.
PubMed: 38948136
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1419372 -
World Journal of Stem Cells Jun 2024Validation of the reference gene (RG) stability during experimental analyses is essential for correct quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) data...
BACKGROUND
Validation of the reference gene (RG) stability during experimental analyses is essential for correct quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) data normalisation. Commonly, in an unreliable way, several studies use genes involved in essential cellular functions [glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), 18S rRNA, and β-actin] without paying attention to whether they are suitable for such experimental conditions or the reason for choosing such genes. Furthermore, such studies use only one gene when Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments guidelines recommend two or more genes. It impacts the credibility of these studies and causes distortions in the gene expression findings. For tissue engineering, the accuracy of gene expression drives the best experimental or therapeutical approaches.
AIM
To verify the most stable RG during osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) by RT-qPCR.
METHODS
We cultivated DPSCs under two conditions: Undifferentiated and osteogenic differentiation, both for 35 d. We evaluated the gene expression of 10 candidates for RGs [ribosomal protein, large, P0 (), TATA-binding protein (), , actin beta (), tubulin (), aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 (), tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein, zeta (), eukaryotic translational elongation factor 1 alpha (), succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit A, flavoprotein (), and beta-2-microglobulin ()] every 7 d (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 d) by RT-qPCR. The data were analysed by the four main algorithms, ΔCt method, geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper and ranked by the RefFinder method. We subdivided the samples into eight subgroups.
RESULTS
All of the data sets from clonogenic and osteogenic samples were analysed using the RefFinder algorithm. The final ranking showed RPLP0/TBP as the two most stable RGs and TUB/B2M as the two least stable RGs. Either the ΔCt method or NormFinder analysis showed TBP/RPLP0 as the two most stable genes. However, geNorm analysis showed RPLP0/EF1α in the first place. These algorithms' two least stable RGs were B2M/GAPDH. For BestKeeper, ALAS1 was ranked as the most stable RG, and SDHA as the least stable RG. The pair RPLP0/TBP was detected in most subgroups as the most stable RGs, following the RefFinfer ranking.
CONCLUSION
For the first time, we show that RPLP0/TBP are the most stable RGs, whereas TUB/B2M are unstable RGs for long-term osteogenic differentiation of human DPSCs in traditional monolayers.
PubMed: 38948092
DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i6.656 -
Theranostics 2024Over the past two decades, metronomic chemotherapy has gained considerable attention and has demonstrated remarkable success in the treatment of cancer. Through chronic... (Review)
Review
Over the past two decades, metronomic chemotherapy has gained considerable attention and has demonstrated remarkable success in the treatment of cancer. Through chronic administration and low-dose regimens, metronomic chemotherapy is associated with fewer adverse events but still effectively induces disease control. The identification of its antiangiogenic properties, direct impact on cancer cells, immunomodulatory effects on the tumour microenvironment, and metabolic reprogramming ability has established the intrinsic multitargeted nature of this therapeutic approach. Recently, the utilization of metronomic chemotherapy has evolved from salvage treatment for metastatic disease to adjuvant maintenance therapy for high-risk cancer patients, which has been prompted by the success of several substantial phase III trials. In this review, we delve into the mechanisms underlying the antitumour effects of metronomic chemotherapy and provide insights into potential combinations with other therapies for the treatment of various malignancies. Additionally, we discuss health-economic advantages and candidates for the utilization of this treatment option.
PubMed: 38948068
DOI: 10.7150/thno.95619 -
Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements... 2024Information on specialist physiotherapeutic treatment for functional movement disorders is scarce. Previous studies focussed on functional gait disorders and...
BACKGROUND
Information on specialist physiotherapeutic treatment for functional movement disorders is scarce. Previous studies focussed on functional gait disorders and availability of descriptions of the practical application especially for other body regions is very limited.
CASES
We present two illustrative cases, demonstrating the key elements of physiotherapy for the treatment of functional movement disorders beyond gait difficulties. The individual applicability of the specific core elements of physiotherapy, adapted to the individual needs of each patient, are described. We also explain, how different sensory stimuli can be used to shift attention away from symptoms and thus reduce them. Moreover, we discuss how patients' agency can be encouraged and how this results in therapy key moments, contributing to a sustained improvement of symptoms.
CONCLUSION
Thus, our case series are intended to guide clinicians and therapists alike, to promote disease-specific physiotherapy for this common and treatable neuropsychiatric disorder.
PubMed: 38948013
DOI: 10.5334/tohm.895 -
World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics Jun 2024This editorial discusses a case-control study by Ibrahim published in the recent issue of the . Childhood bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory...
This editorial discusses a case-control study by Ibrahim published in the recent issue of the . Childhood bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease. It was found that an increase in oxidative stress leads to a decrease in antioxidants causing oxidative damage to mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes resulting in the inflammation of the airway, hypersecretion of mucus causing a cascade of clinical manifestations ranging from recurrent episodes of coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness to shortness of breath. Since oxidative stress mediates the inflammatory response in asthma, the supplementation of anti-oxidants can be one strategy to manage this disease. Zinc is one such antioxidant that has attracted much attention about asthma and airway inflammation. Zinc is a crucial trace element for human metabolism that helps to regulate gene expression, enzyme activity, and protein structure. Apart from zinc, free serum ferritin levels are also elevated in case of inflammation. Several previous studies found that ferritin levels may also help determine the pathology of disease and predict prognosis in addition to tracking disease activity. However, this study's results were different from the findings of the previous studies and the zinc levels did not show a significant difference between asthmatic children and non-asthmatic children but ferritin levels were significantly high in asthmatic children as compared to the controls. Hence, the possible role of the biochemical nutritional assessment including zinc and ferritin as biomarkers for asthma severity should be assessed in the future.
PubMed: 38947994
DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i2.91699 -
World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics Jun 2024Prediabetes in children and adolescents is on the rise which has drawn significant attention over the past decade. It is an early warning sign of the underlying...
Prediabetes in children and adolescents is on the rise which has drawn significant attention over the past decade. It is an early warning sign of the underlying pathophysiological changes which in due course of time might compound into type II diabetes mellitus. The incidence of prediabetes in adolescents ranges from 4%-23% which is alarmingly high and requires active intervention from the system. We have discussed early identification of high-risk patients, prompt screening and active intervention to manage this growing problem.
PubMed: 38947990
DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i2.92127 -
Chemistry of Materials : a Publication... Jun 2024LiPSCl has attracted significant attention due to its high Li-ion conductivity and processability, facilitating large-scale solid-state battery applications. However,...
LiPSCl has attracted significant attention due to its high Li-ion conductivity and processability, facilitating large-scale solid-state battery applications. However, when paired with high-voltage cathodes, it experiences adverse side reactions. LiInCl (LIC), known for its higher stability at high voltages and moderate Li-ion conductivity, is considered a catholyte to address the limitations of LiPSCl. To extend the stability of LiPSCl toward LiNiCoAlO (NCA), we applied nanocrystalline LIC as a 180 nm-thick protective coating in a core-shell-like fashion (LIC@NCA) via mechanofusion. Solid-state batteries with LIC@NCA allow an initial discharge specific capacity of 148 mA h/g at 0.1C and 80% capacity retention for 200 cycles at 0.2C with a cutoff voltage of 4.2 V (vs Li/Li), while cells without LIC coating suffers from low initial discharge capacity and poor retention. Using a wide spectrum of advanced characterization techniques, such as operando XRD, XPS, FIB-SEM, and TOF-SIMS, we reveal that the superior performance of solid-state batteries employing LIC@NCA is related to the suppression of detrimental interfacial reactions of NCA with LiPSCl, delamination, and particle cracking compared to uncoated NCA.
PubMed: 38947979
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.4c00515 -
Frontiers in Chemistry 2024The deterioration of mild steel in an acidic environment poses a significant challenge in various industries. The emergence of effective corrosion inhibitors has drawn...
Unraveling the corrosion inhibition behavior of prinivil drug on mild steel in 1M HCl corrosive solution: insights from density functional theory, molecular dynamics, and experimental approaches.
The deterioration of mild steel in an acidic environment poses a significant challenge in various industries. The emergence of effective corrosion inhibitors has drawn attention to studies aimed at reducing the harmful consequences of corrosion. In this study, the corrosion inhibition efficiency of Prinivil in a 1M HCl solution through various electrochemical and gravimetric techniques has been investigated for the first time. The results demonstrated that the inhibition efficiency of Prinivil expanded from 61.37% at 50 ppm to 97.35% at 500 ppm concentration at 298 K. With a regression coefficient ( ) of 0.987, K value of 0.935 and E value of 43.024 kJ/mol at 500 ppm concentration of inhibitor, a strong affinity of Prinivil for adsorption onto the metal surface has been significantly found. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle measurement analyses further support the inhibitory behavior of Prinivil, demonstrating the production of a defensive layer on the surface of mild steel. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo simulations were employed to investigate the stability and interactions between Prinivil and the metallic surface (Fe (1 1 0)) at the atomic level. The computed results reveal strong adsorption of Prinivil upon the steel surface, confirming its viability as a corrosion inhibitor.
PubMed: 38947959
DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1403118 -
ArXiv Jun 2024We use (multi)modal deep neural networks (DNNs) to probe for sites of multimodal integration in the human brain by predicting stereoencephalography (SEEG) recordings...
We use (multi)modal deep neural networks (DNNs) to probe for sites of multimodal integration in the human brain by predicting stereoencephalography (SEEG) recordings taken while human subjects watched movies. We operationalize sites of multimodal integration as regions where a multimodal vision-language model predicts recordings better than unimodal language, unimodal vision, or linearly-integrated language-vision models. Our target DNN models span different architectures (e.g., convolutional networks and transformers) and multimodal training techniques (e.g., cross-attention and contrastive learning). As a key enabling step, we first demonstrate that trained vision and language models systematically outperform their randomly initialized counterparts in their ability to predict SEEG signals. We then compare unimodal and multimodal models against one another. Because our target DNN models often have different architectures, number of parameters, and training sets (possibly obscuring those differences attributable to integration), we carry out a controlled comparison of two models (SLIP and SimCLR), which keep all of these attributes the same aside from input modality. Using this approach, we identify a sizable number of neural sites (on average 141 out of 1090 total sites or 12.94%) and brain regions where multimodal integration seems to occur. Additionally, we find that among the variants of multimodal training techniques we assess, CLIP-style training is the best suited for downstream prediction of the neural activity in these sites.
PubMed: 38947929
DOI: No ID Found -
ArXiv Jun 2024Data sets with imbalanced class sizes, often where one class size is much smaller than that of others, occur extremely often in various applications, including those...
Data sets with imbalanced class sizes, often where one class size is much smaller than that of others, occur extremely often in various applications, including those with biological foundations, such as drug discovery and disease diagnosis. Thus, it is extremely important to be able to identify data elements of classes of various sizes, as a failure to detect can result in heavy costs. However, many data classification algorithms do not perform well on imbalanced data sets as they often fail to detect elements belonging to underrepresented classes. In this paper, we propose the BTDT-MBO algorithm, incorporating Merriman-Bence-Osher (MBO) techniques and a bidirectional transformer, as well as distance correlation and decision threshold adjustments, for data classification problems on highly imbalanced molecular data sets, where the sizes of the classes vary greatly. The proposed method not only integrates adjustments in the classification threshold for the MBO algorithm in order to help deal with the class imbalance, but also uses a bidirectional transformer model based on an attention mechanism for self-supervised learning. Additionally, the method implements distance correlation as a weight function for the similarity graph-based framework on which the adjusted MBO algorithm operates. The proposed model is validated using six molecular data sets, and we also provide a thorough comparison to other competing algorithms. The computational experiments show that the proposed method performs better than competing techniques even when the class imbalance ratio is very high.
PubMed: 38947927
DOI: No ID Found