Browse Articles

Results of upper cervical palpation test in migraine patients are not explained by pain sensitization

Abstract The exact cause for no pain, local pain and referred pain groups according to the upper cervical palpation test (UPT) and whether neck pain in migraine patients is caused due to pain sensitization or influenced by perceived neck-related disability, is not fully understood. The aim was to determine whether upper cervical spine sensitivity tested by the UPT is associated with neck-related disability or increased pain sensitization in patients with migraine. Forty-two patients with episodic migraine were examined regarding mechanical and pressure pain thresholds, central sensitization (CSI), allodynia (ASC-12) and neck-related disability (NDI), and sub-grouped according to the UPT. An ANOVA analysis was performed for group differences. Exploratory regression and correlation analyses were performed with NDI and CSI as dependent variables to understand which factors are related and contribute to either subgroup allocation. No significant differences were found in UPT subgroups regarding CSI and NDI. The UPT subgroups could not be determined by any evaluated variable. The NDI was explained in 43.6% by the CSI and neck pain intensity. CSI results were explained to 49.4% by a model including ASC-12 and NDI. In conclusion, UPT subgroups were neither explained by differences in CSI, mechanical or pressure threshold testing or NDI.

Nanoscale heat transport tracked at interface between semiconductor materials

Time-varing effect of policy uncertainty on A-share industry returns— A novel Bayesian approach

The impact of policy uncertainty on A-share industry returns shows significant time-varying characteristics, amplified by industry input-output relationships. Traditional TVP-VAR models overlook network structures, leading to unquantified spillover effects and imprecise systemic risk identification. To address this problem, this study embeds industry input-output tables as matrices into Time-Varying Parameter Spatial Autoregressive Model, and Bayesian methods are innovatively introduced into this model to capture the parameters. Policy uncertainty is categorized into five dimensions—economic, fiscal, monetary, exchange rate, and trade. Empirical results reveal following key findings: On average, network spillover effects explain approximately 39% of the response of A-share industry returns to policy uncertainty. Group analysis reveal that economic and fiscal policy uncertainties exhibit positive network effects, indicating synergistic effect that amplify their impact across industries. In contrast, exchange rate and trade policy uncertainties generate negative network effects, reflecting competitive or substitution effects. Systemic risk is most pronounced in fiscal and trade policy uncertainty groups. Systemic risk increases across all policy uncertainty groups except trade, which shows a declining trend. This study provides a novel framework for understanding the dual nature of spillover effect in production networks, offering valuable insights for policymakers and investors to manage systemic risks and indentify synergistic and competitive effects in interconnected industries.

Gaze cluster analysis reveals heterogeneity in attention allocation and predicts learning outcomes

Abstract Instructional videos need to maintain learners’ attention to foster learning, therefore, a fine-grained measurement of attention is required. Existing gaze measures like inter-subject correlation (ISC) assume a singular focal point deemed meaningful for indicating attention. We argue that multiple meaningful foci can exist and propose an automatically generated gaze measure labeled gaze cluster membership (GCM). By applying the density-based clustering in spatial databases (DBSCAN) algorithm to gaze position data from over 100 participants, we categorize viewers as attentive when they are part of a cluster and as inattentive when they are not. Using two videos, we demonstrate that our settings of DBSCAN generate meaningful clusters. We show that low ISC values (neuronal and eye tracking data) during multiple meaningful foci do not necessarily indicate a lack of attention. Additionally, GCM predicts participants’ self-reported mental effort and their tested knowledge. Our innovative approach is of high value for assessing learner attention and designing instructional videos.

Opportunities and challenges in access to healthcare for international migrants with work-related diseases and injuries in Gulf Cooperation Council countries: A systematic literature review protocol

Introduction International labor migrants form a significant part of the global workforce, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which host around 11% of the world’s migrant workforce. This high concentration presents unique challenges in healthcare access and delivery. This systematic review aims to evaluate whether international labor migrants in GCC countries have effective access to healthcare for work-related diseases and injuries and to propose evidence-based recommendations for policy and healthcare interventions. Methods We will include studies from 2013 to 2023 published in peer-reviewed journals in English or Arabic (with English abstracts) available on PubMed, Embase and CINAHL. Search strategies are developed using MeSH terms and key terms related to our study population (international labor immigrants), context (the GCC countries), and exposure (migrant status; work-related diseases and injuries). The screening process involves two stages: initial review of titles/abstracts and full-text review. Studies meeting eligibility criteria and focusing on our primary outcome (access to healthcare) will be included. Data extraction will cover study characteristics, population demographics, described exposures, outcomes measured, and key findings. Given the expected heterogeneity, narrative synthesis will be primarily used, with meta-analysis as an option. Discussion By considering both migrant workers and expatriate professionals, we provide a culturally tailored perspective. Methodological rigor is ensured through the gold standard screening process, where at least two reviewers independently screen the literature at each stage, with a senior reviewer resolving discrepancies. We will identify barriers, facilitators, and inform targeted interventions for policymakers. Our findings will support evidence-based strategies to improve healthcare access for international labor migrants in the GCC countries. Systematic review registration This systematic review protocol was registered on the international registry PROSPERO (CRD42024532851) on April 21, 2024.

Nimodipine protects Schwann and neuronal cells from cell death induced by cisplatin without affecting cancer cells

Abstract Cisplatin is a well-established drug for the treatment of solid tumors. One of the most common side effects is neurotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy, which affects patients’ quality of life. In previous studies, a protective effect of nimodipine on neuronal cell stress was demonstrated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the impact of nimodipine on cisplatin-treated Schwann cells, neuronal cells, and tumor cells. Schwann and neuronal cells were used to investigate the neuroprotective effect of nimodipine, as well as the cancer cell lines A549, SAS and SKOV-3 to determine the effect on tumor cells. Cell death was measured using extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity and propidium iodide staining. In addition, the protein level of the LIM-domain only four protein and the activation of known interacting anti-apoptotic pathways were analyzed. The cytotoxic effect of cisplatin was reduced by up to 23.6% in neuronal cells (p ≤ 0.0001) and up to 30.6% in Schwann cells (p ≤ 0.05) by nimodipine pre-treatment. However, no decrease in apoptosis could be shown in the cancer cells. Nimodipine-dependent activation of anti-apoptotic signaling pathways was detectable in Schwann cells and neuronal cells, whereas the opposite effect could be demonstrated in the cancer cells. In conclusion, the treatment with nimodipine may represent a new approach against neurotoxically side effects in cisplatin chemotherapy.

The role of senescence-related hub genes correlating with immune infiltration in type A aortic dissection: Novel insights based on bioinformatic analysis

Background Stanford type A aortic dissection (AAD) is a fatal disease that confers extremely high morbidity and mortality. Cellular senescence, characterized by a permanent cell cycle arrest, has been implicated in the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease and immune cell infiltration has been observed in the aortic walls of dissected specimens. However, the precise mechanisms through which senescent cells interact with immune infiltration to contribute to the development and progression of AAD remain unclear. Methods Cellular senescence-related genes (SRGs) were identified via the CellAge database. Patient and normal control datasets (GSE52093 and GSE190635) were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, with GSE190635 serving as the validation set. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) linked to AAD were determined from the GSE52093 dataset. We intersected SRGs with DEGs to identify differentially expressed senescence-related genes (DESRGs), which were subsequently analyzed for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and protein-protein interactions (PPI). Hub DESRGs were selected based on their connectivity degree and diagnostic genes were further refined via gene expression level evaluation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Additionally, a miRNA-gene network involving hub DESRGs was constructed. Finally, CIBERSORT was employed to analyze the compositional patterns of the 22 types of immune cell fractions in AAD. Results A total of 700 DEGs were identified from the GSE52093 dataset, and 279 SRGs were obtained from the CellAge database. 20 DESRGs, comprising 9 senescence suppressor genes and 11 senescence inducible genes, were identified eventually by overlapping DEGs and SRGs. The top 8 hub DESRGs, including CHEK1, CENPA, FOXM1, BRCA1, AURKA, MAD2L1, PTTG1 and EZH2 were identified. Moreover, three diagnostic genes with high Area Under the Curve (AUC > 0.9) were identified: CHEK1, FOXM1, BRCA1. Additionally, immune cell infiltration analysis revealed correlations between hub DESRGs and CD8 T cells, NK cells, and macrophages. Compared with normal tissues, AAD tissues exhibited a significant decrease in CD8 T cells and an increase in NK cells and macrophages. Conclusion Cellular SRGs, such as CHEK1, CENPA, FOXM1, BRCA1, AURKA, MAD2L1,PTTG1 and EZH2 might hold significance in AAD, among which CHEK1, FOXM1, BRCA1 could potentially serve as molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of AAD. These genes might contribute significantly to the occurrence and advancement of AAD by modulating the inflammatory response or immune regulation.

Structural and phylogenetic comparisons of the complete mitochondrial genomes among taxa in genus Toona

Surface Enhanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy at Solid–Liquid Interfaces Using Overhauser Dynamic Nuclear Polarization

PADI4-mediated citrullination of histone H3 stimulates HIV-1 transcription

Abstract HIV-1 infection establishes a reservoir of long-lived cells with integrated proviral DNA that can persist despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). Certain reservoir cells can be reactivated to reinitiate infection. The mechanisms governing proviral latency and transcriptional regulation of the provirus are complex. Here, we identify a role for histone H3 citrullination, a post-translational modification catalyzed by protein-arginine deiminase type-4 (PADI4), in HIV-1 transcription and latency. PADI4 inhibition by the small molecule inhibitor GSK484 reduces HIV-1 transcription after T cell activation in ex vivo cultures of CD4 + T cells from people living with HIV-1 in a cross-sectional study. The effect is more pronounced in individuals with active viremia compared to individuals under effective ART. Cell models of HIV-1 latency show that citrullination of histone H3 occurs at the HIV-1 promoter upon T cell stimulation, which facilitates proviral transcription. HIV-1 integrates into genomic regions marked by H3 citrullination and these proviruses are less prone to latency compared to those in non-citrullinated chromatin. Inhibiting PADI4 leads to compaction of the HIV-1 promoter chromatin and an increase of heterochromatin protein 1α (HP1α)-covered heterochromatin, in a mechanism partly dependent on the HUSH complex. Our data reveal a novel mechanism to explain HIV-1 latency and transcriptional regulation.

Retraction: AI-assisted design of lightweight and strong 3D-printed wheels for electric vehicles

Author Correction: Fibrin Glue-aided, Instant Epicardial Placement Enhances the Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Based Therapy for Heart Failure

Obesity drives depot-specific vascular remodeling in male white adipose tissue

Abstract Obesity-driven pathological expansion of white adipose tissue (WAT) is a key driver of endothelial dysfunction. However, early vascular alterations associated with over-nutrition also serve to exacerbate WAT dysfunction. Here, we conduct a single-cell transcriptomic analysis of WAT endothelium to delineate endothelial heterogeneity and elucidate vascular alterations and its consequence in a male murine model of obesity. We demarcate depot-specific differences in subcutaneous (sWAT) and visceral WAT (vWAT) endothelium through in sillico analysis and further corroboration of our findings. Moreover, we identify a sWAT-specific fenestrated endothelial cell (EC) subtype, which declines in obese conditions. Utilizing systemic anti-VEGFA blockade and genetic Vegfa manipulation, we demonstrate that VEGFA is necessary for maintaining fenestration in sWAT. Additionally, we detect this fenestrated EC subtype in male human WAT, which undergoes reduction in individuals with obesity. Collectively, this atlas serves as a valuable tool for future studies to decipher the functional significance of different WAT EC subtypes.

Fully automated workflow for designing patient-specific orthopaedic implants: Application to total knee arthroplasty

Background Osteoarthritis affects about 528 million people worldwide, causing pain and stiffness in the joints. Arthroplasty is commonly performed to treat joint osteoarthritis, reducing pain and improving mobility. Nevertheless, a significant share of patients remain unsatisfied with their surgery. Personalised arthroplasty was introduced to improve surgical outcomes however current solutions require delays, making it difficult to integrate in clinical routine. We propose a fully automated workflow to design patient-specific implants for total knee arthroplasty. Methods The proposed pipeline first uses artificial neural networks to segment the femur and tibia proximal and distal extremities. Then the full bones are reconstructed using augmented statistical shape models, combining shape and landmarks information. Finally, 77 morphological parameters are computed to design patient-specific implants. The developed workflow has been trained on 91 CT scans and evaluated on 41 CT scans, in terms of accuracy and execution time. Results The workflow accuracy was 0.4±0.2mm for segmentation, 1.0±0.3mm for full bone reconstruction, and 2.2±1.5mm for anatomical landmarks determination. The custom implants fitted the patients’ anatomy with 0.9±0.5mm accuracy. The whole process from segmentation to implants’ design lasted about 15 minutes. Conclusion The proposed workflow allows the establishment of a patient-specific pre-operative planning in a very short time, making it easily available for all patients. It performs a fast and reliable personalisation of knee implants, including CT segmentation, bone modelling, morphological analysis and implant design, without requiring any manual intervention. Combined with efficient implant manufacturing techniques, this solution could help answer the growing number of arthroplasties while reducing complications and improving patients’ satisfaction.

Author Correction: Host-derived protein profiles of human neonatal meconium across gestational ages

Wind resource assessment Offshore Fujian using 30-year wind estimates

China has set ambitious goals for the development of offshore wind energy to meet the increasing energy needs of coastal provinces. The initial phase of offshore wind energy development involves evaluating the wind resource and identifying the most promising locations for wind farms. It is crucial to assess the characteristics and potential of wind energy beforehand. This study conducts a comprehensive assessment of offshore wind resource near Fujian China. Wind measurement devices were deployed at XiaPu and PingTan to collect wind profile data and meteorological conditions for one year. Various wind characteristics, including average wind speed, frequency of wind direction, wind shears and turbulence intensity were analyzed. An adaptive Measure‑Correlate‑Predict methodology was utilized to estimate wind conditions over 30‑years span. Measured Wind energy density values range from 3082.63 and 11753.52 kWh/m2/year. The peak daily average wind speeds are prevailing between 12 a.m. and 11 p.m with lower turbulence intensity and higher wind shear exponent, such condition is suitable for development of wind power. The variation in the wind shear exponent, and wind speed changes with the seasons. The 90th percentile of turbulence intensity was found to be below the standard set for IEC Class A + The extreme wind speed associated with a 50-year return period was 38.0m/s at a height of 100m, leading to the recommendation of wind turbine class II. However, taking into account the ambient turbulence intensity, it might be advisable to upgrade the turbine class to IEC Class A+.

Purity of lithium metal electrode and its impact on lithium stripping in solid-state batteries

Abstract Recent studies emphasize that incorporating lithium metal electrodes can increase the energy density of next generation batteries. However, the production of lithium metal with high purity requires multi-stage purification steps due to its high reactivity. Furthermore, subsequent handling under inert conditions is required to prevent degradation. To circumvent handling of lithium metal and further improve energy density, researchers are exploring reservoir-free cells often referred to as “anode-free” cells. Reservoir-free cells are assembled without using lithium metal. Instead, lithium is electrodeposited at the interface between a current collector and a solid electrolyte from positive electrode materials during the first charge. Despite the potential of reservoir-free cells, there is limited understanding of the purity of electrodeposited lithium metal and how impurities might affect the electrochemical kinetics. This study examines first the purity of electrodeposited lithium at the steel|Li6PS5Cl interface. Then, it shows how impurities in lithium electrodes affect stripping capacity when using commercial lithium metal foils with both Li6PS5Cl and Li6.25Al0.25La3Zr2O12 as solid electrolytes. By using time-of-flight secondary mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry, we reveal that a lithium layer with high purity is electrodeposited at the negative electrode in reservoir-free cells and that common impurities in lithium metal (reservoir-type) electrodes like e.g. sodium negatively influence the accessible lithium capacity during discharge.

Emotional impact of AI-generated vs. human-composed music in audiovisual media: A biometric and self-report study

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved rapidly, sparking debates about its impact on the visual and sonic arts. Despite its growing integration into creative industries, public opinion remains sceptical, viewing creativity as uniquely human. In music production, AI tools are advancing, yet emotional expression remains largely overlooked in development and research. This study examined whether AI-powered music creation can evoke the same emotional impact as human-created music in audiovisual contexts. Participants (N = 88) watched videos accompanied by different audio tracks across three conditions: human-created music (HCM), AI-generated music using more sophisticated and detailed keyword prompts (AI-KP) and AI-generated music using simpler and less detailed prompts based on discrete and dimensional emotional values (AI-DP). Biometric data and personal affective responses were registered during this process. The results show that both AI soundtracks led to wider pupil dilation compared with human-created music but did not differ significantly from each other. AI-generated music with sophisticated prompts (AI-KP) resulted in a higher blink rate and skin impedance level as markers of attention and cognitive load, while emotional valence remained consistent across conditions. Participants found AI-generated music more arousing that HCM, while HCM was perceived as more familiar than both AI conditions.

Family recipe

Abstract rule learning promotes cognitive flexibility in complex environments across species

Abstract Rapid learning in complex and changing environments is a hallmark of intelligent behavior. Humans achieve this in part through abstract concepts applicable to multiple, related situations. It is unclear, however, whether the computational mechanisms underlying rapid learning are unique to humans or also exist in other species. We combined behavioral, computational and electrophysiological analyses of a multidimensional rule-learning paradigm in male rats and in humans. We report that both species infer task rules by sequentially testing different hypotheses, rather than learning the correct action for all possible cue combinations. Neural substrates of hypothetical rules were detected in prefrontal network activity of both species. This species-conserved mechanism reduces task dimensionality and explains key experimental observations: sudden behavioral transitions and facilitated learning after prior experience. Our findings help to narrow the explanatory gap between human macroscopic and rodent microcircuit levels and provide a foundation for the translational investigation of impaired cognitive flexibility.