bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal tracking of cysteine 34 oxidation of plasma albumin as a biomarker of muscle damage following a bout of eccentric exercise
Authors: James Christopher , Dugan Cory W. , Boyd Corrin , Fournier Paul A. , Arthur Peter G.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) results in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but little is known about the temporal profile of change in ROS post-EIMD and how ROS levels relate to the onset of and recovery from EIMD. Our primary aim was to examine the effect of EIMD on the pattern of change in the blood level of thiol-oxidised albumin, a marker of oxidative stress.

Methods

Seven male participants were subjected on separate days to eccentric muscle contraction to cause EIMD or a no-exercise condition. After each session, the participants collected daily dried blood spots to measure thiol-oxidised albumin and returned to the laboratory every 2 days for the assessment of indirect markers of EIMD, namely maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), creatine kinase (CK), and myoglobin.

Results

Eccentric exercise resulted in a significant decrease in MVC and increase in DOMS, CK, myoglobin, and thiol-oxidised albumin with the latter reaching above baseline level within 24–48 h post-exercise. All the markers of EIMD returned to baseline level within 6 days post-exercise, but not the level of thiol-oxidised albumin which remained elevated for 10 days after exercise. There was a moderate correlation between changes in thiol-oxidised albumin and DOMS, but no significant relationship between any other markers of muscle damage.

Conclusion

The levels of thiol-oxidised albumin increase in response to EIMD and remain elevated for several days post-exercise. The temporal pattern of change in the level of thiol-oxidised albumin suggests that this may be a useful biomarker of muscle repair post-EIMD.
The degeneration of locus coeruleus occurring during Alzheimer’s disease clinical progression: a neuroimaging follow-up investigation
Authors: Galgani Alessandro , Lombardo Francesco , Frijia Francesca , Martini Nicola , Tognoni Gloria , Pavese Nicola , Giorgi Filippo Sean
Published: April 2024

The noradrenergic nucleus Locus Coeruleus (LC) is precociously involved in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) pathology, and its degeneration progresses during the course of the disease. Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), researchers showed also in vivo in patients the disruption of LC, which can be observed both in Mild Cognitively Impaired individuals and AD demented patients. In this study, we report the results of a follow-up neuroradiological assessment, in which we evaluated the LC degeneration overtime in a group of cognitively impaired patients, submitted to MRI both at baseline and at the end of a 2.5-year follow-up. We found that a progressive LC disruption can be observed also in vivo, involving the entire nucleus and associated with clinical diagnosis. Our findings parallel neuropathological ones, which showed a continuous increase of neuronal death and volumetric atrophy within the LC with the progression of Braak’s stages for neurofibrillary pathology. This supports the reliability of MRI as a tool for exploring the integrity of the central noradrenergic system in neurodegenerative disorders.
European expert guidance on management of sleep onset insomnia and melatonin use in typically developing children
Authors: Bruni Oliviero , Breda Maria , Nobili Lino , Fietze Ingo , Capdevila Oscar Ramon Sans , Gronfier Claude
Published: April 2024

Sleeping problems are prevalent among children and adolescents, often leading to frequent consultations with pediatricians. While cognitive-behavioral therapy has shown effectiveness, especially in the short term, there is a lack of globally endorsed guidelines for the use of pharmaceuticals or over-the-counter remedies in managing sleep onset insomnia. An expert panel of pediatric sleep specialists and chronobiologists met in October 2023 to develop practical recommendations for pediatricians on the management of sleep onset insomnia in typically developing children. When sleep onset insomnia is present in otherwise healthy children, the management should follow a stepwise approach. Practical sleep hygiene indications and adaptive bedtime routine, followed by behavioral therapies, must be the first step. When these measures are not effective, low-dose melatonin, administered 30–60 min before bedtime, might be helpful in children over 2 years old. Melatonin use should be monitored by pediatricians to evaluate the efficacy as well as the presence of adverse effects.

    Conclusion: Low-dose melatonin is a useful strategy for managing sleep onset insomnia in healthy children who have not improved or have responded insufficiently to sleep hygiene and behavioral interventions.

What is Known:• Pediatric insomnia is a common disorder and impacts children's emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning, as well as parents' sleep and daytime functioning.• There is no consensus in Europe on the management of sleep onset insomnia and the use of melatonin in typically developing children.

What is New:• A group of European experts has compiled a set of recommendations for the management of insomnia, developing a step-by-step approach.• Sleep hygiene, behavioral strategies, and finally low-dose melatonin represent valid strategies for managing sleep onset insomnia.
USP7 promotes cervical cancer progression by stabilizing MTDH expression through deubiquitination
Authors: Wang Na , Xu Jing , Wang Yujing , Zhang Xuejiao , Zhang Hongzhen
Published: April 2024

Background

Metadherin (MTDH) and ubiquitin specific protease 7 (USP7) have been identified to involve in the tumorigenesis of cervical cancer (CC). USP7 is one of the deubiquitinating enzymes. Here, this study aimed to explore whether USP7 affected CC progression via interacting with MTDH and regulating its stability via deubiquitination.

Methods

qRT-PCR and western blotting assays detected the levels of genes and proteins. Functional analysis was conducted using 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, transwell, and tube formation assays, respectively. Proteins between USP7 and MTDH were identified by co-immunoprecipitation assay. A mouse xenograft model was established for in vivo analysis.

Results

MTDH was highly expressed in CC tissues and cells, silencing of MTDH suppressed CC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and macrophage M2 polarization. Mechanistically, USP7 directly bound to MTDH, and maintained its stability by removing ubiquitination on MTDH. CC tissues and cells showed high USP7 expression, and USP7 knockdown also inhibited CC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and macrophage M2 polarization, and these effects mediated by USP7 knockdown were reversed by MTDH overexpression. Moreover, USP7 knockdown impeded CC growth in vivo by regulating MTDH.

Conclusion

Collectively, USP7 promoted CC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and macrophage M2 polarization in vitro, as well as tumor growth in vivo by regulating MTDH.
Identification and validation of a lactate metabolism-related six-gene prognostic signature in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Sang Chen , Yan Li , Lin Jian , Lin Youpei , Gao Qiang , Shen Xia
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a highly malignant and fatal liver tumor with increasing incidence worldwide. Lactate metabolism has been recently reported as a crucial contributor to tumor progression and immune regulation in the tumor microenvironment. However, it remains poorly identified about the biological functions of lactate metabolism in iCCA, which hinders the development of prognostic tools and therapeutic interventions.

Methods

The univariate Cox regression analysis and Boruta algorithm were utilized to identify key lactate metabolism-related genes (LMRGs), and a prognostic signature was constructed based on LMRG scores. Genomic variations and immune cell infiltration were evaluated in the high and low LMRG score groups. Finally, the biological functions of key LMRGs were verified with in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Results

Patients in the high LMRG score group exhibit a poor prognosis compared to those in the low LMRG score group, with a high frequency of TP53 and KRAS mutations. Moreover, the infiltration and function of NK cells were compromised in the high LMRG score group, consistent with the results from two independent single-cell RNA sequencing datasets and immunohistochemistry of tissue microarrays. Experimental data revealed that lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) knockdown inhibited proliferation and migration in iCCA cell lines and tumor growth in immunocompetent mice.

Conclusion

Our study revealed the biological roles of LDHA in iCCA and developed a reliable lactate metabolism-related prognostic signature for iCCA, offering promising therapeutic targets for iCCA in the clinic.
Various optimized machine learning techniques to predict agricultural commodity prices
Authors: Sari Murat , Duran Serbay , Kutlu Huseyin , Guloglu Bulent , Atik Zehra
Published: April 2024

Recent increases in global food demand have made this research and, therefore, the prediction of agricultural commodity prices, almost imperative. The aim of this paper is to build efficient artificial intelligence methods to effectively forecast commodity prices in light of these global events. Using three separate, well-structured models, the commodity prices of eleven major agricultural commodities that have recently caused crises around the world have been predicted. In achieving its objective, this paper proposes a novel forecasting model for agricultural commodity prices using the extreme learning machine technique optimized with the genetic algorithm. In predicting the eleven commodities, the proposed model, the extreme learning machine with the genetic algorithm, outperforms the model formed by the combination of long short-term memory with the genetic algorithm and the autoregressive integrated moving average model. Despite the fluctuations and changes in agricultural commodity prices in 2022, the extreme learning machine with the genetic algorithm model described in this study successfully predicts both qualitative and quantitative behavior in such a large number of commodities and over such a long period of time for the first time. It is expected that these predictions will provide benefits for the effective management, direction and, if necessary, restructuring of agricultural policies by providing food requirements that adapt to the dynamic structure of the countries.
Bioprospecting for plant resilience to climate change: mycorrhizal symbionts of European and American beachgrass (Ammophila arenaria and Ammophila breviligulata) from maritime sand dunes
Authors: Grassi Arianna , Pagliarani Irene , Avio Luciano , Cristani Caterina , Rossi Federico , Turrini Alessandra , Giovannetti Manuela , Agnolucci Monica
Published: April 2024

Climate change and global warming have contributed to increase terrestrial drought, causing negative impacts on agricultural production. Drought stress may be addressed using novel agronomic practices and beneficial soil microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), able to enhance plant use efficiency of soil resources and water and increase plant antioxidant defence systems. Specific traits functional to plant resilience improvement in dry conditions could have developed in AMF growing in association with xerophytic plants in maritime sand dunes, a drought-stressed and low-fertility environment. The most studied of such plants are European beachgrass (Ammophila arenaria Link), native to Europe and the Mediterranean basin, and American beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata Fern.), found in North America. Given the critical role of AMF for the survival of these beachgrasses, knowledge of the composition of AMF communities colonizing their roots and rhizospheres and their distribution worldwide is fundamental for the location and isolation of native AMF as potential candidates to be tested for promoting crop growth and resilience under climate change. This review provides quantitative and qualitative data on the occurrence of AMF communities of A. arenaria and A. breviligulata growing in European, Mediterranean basin and North American maritime sand dunes, as detected by morphological studies, trap culture isolation and molecular methods, and reports on their symbiotic performance. Moreover, the review indicates the dominant AMF species associated with the two Ammophila species and the common species to be further studied to assess possible specific traits increasing their host plants resilience toward drought stress under climate change.
Ultrasound-based predictive indicators for treatment outcomes in pediatric vesicoureteral reflux
Authors: Öztürk Mehmet , Şen Haluk , Yılmaz Feyza , Bayrak Ömer , Demirci Gürdal , Baturu Muharrem , Erturhan M. Sakıp , Seçkiner İlker
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative ultrasound (US) measurements in predicting pediatric vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) treatment outcomes.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 35 patients (53 renal units) aged 1–16 years who underwent subureteric injection therapy for primary VUR between July 2020 and June 2022. Preoperative ultrasound examinations measured the bladder wall thickness at the ureteral orifice, ureteral submucosal tunnel length, distal ureteral diameter, patient demographics, VUR grade, presenting complaints, bladder–bowel dysfunction, and renal scarring, and the impact of these variables on treatment success was analyzed.

Results

Among the patients, 91.4% were female, with a mean age of 6.83 ± 3.84 years. A comparison between the treatment success and failure groups revealed no significant differences in the age, sex, VUR grade, laterality, bilaterality, presenting complaints, bladder–bowel dysfunction, bladder wall thickness, or distal ureteral diameter (p > 0.05). However, renal scarring occurred in 16 (38.1%) patients in the treatment success group and 10 (90.9%) in the treatment failure group (p = 0.002). The treatment failure group had shorter detrusor-to-ureteral orifice distances and smaller detrusor-ureteral orifice distance-to-distal ureteral diameter (D/U) ratios than that of the success group (p = 0.004 and p = 0.006, respectively). Patients with a detrusor-to-ureteral orifice distance < 7.4 mm had an 81.82% likelihood of treatment failure.

Conclusion

Ultrasound measurements of the detrusor-to-ureteral orifice distance and D/U ratio proved reliable in predicting the success of endoscopic subureteric injection therapy for VUR.
Digitalisierung in der Lehre der Neurologie und Psychiatrie
Authors: Altmann Patrick , Pezawas Lukas , Kasprian Gregor , Löffler-Stastka Henriette
Published: April 2024

Digitalisierung in der Medizin gehört zur Zukunft der akademischen Medizin. Diesem Fakt wird auch in der Lehre Rechnung getragen. Da Lehre immer forschungsgeleitet gestaltet ist, sind auch die lerntheoretischen Grundlagen und Konzepte zu diskutieren. Die Implementierung digitaler Medizin stellt eine Möglichkeit als Brückenfunktion für eine gute interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit dar. Diese Interprofessionalität erachten wir in unserem Fachgebiet als zentral, ebenso wie gutes Netzwerkmanagement. Die hier vorgestellten Anwendungen und deren Vermittlung im Unterricht führen in der interprofessionellen Arbeit zu einer Thematisierung von Denk- und Reflexionsprozessen, die eine bessere Arbeitszufriedenheit und Patient:innenzufriedenheit nach sich ziehen.
Functional central limit theorems for rough volatility
Authors: Horvath Blanka , Jacquier Antoine , Muguruza Aitor , Søjmark Andreas
Published: April 2024

The non-Markovian nature of rough volatility makes Monte Carlo methods challenging, and it is in fact a major challenge to develop fast and accurate simulation algorithms. We provide an efficient one for stochastic Volterra processes, based on an extension of Donsker’s approximation of Brownian motion to the fractional Brownian case with arbitrary Hurst exponent $H \in (0,1)$
H
∈
(
0
,
1
)
. Some of the most relevant consequences of this ‘rough Donsker (rDonsker) theorem’ are functional weak convergence results in Skorokhod space for discrete approximations of a large class of rough stochastic volatility models. This justifies the validity of simple and easy-to-implement Monte Carlo methods, for which we provide detailed numerical recipes. We test these against the current benchmark hybrid scheme and find remarkable agreement (for a large range of values of $H$
H
). Our rDonsker theorem further provides a weak convergence proof for the hybrid scheme itself and allows constructing binomial trees for rough volatility models, the first available scheme (in the rough volatility context) for early exercise options such as American or Bermudan options.
Prevalence of lingual sensory impairment following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kostares Evangelos , Kostares Michael , Kostare Georgia , Kantzanou Maria
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Our study aims to estimate the prevalence of lingual nerve injury following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO).

Methods

Two reviewers independently conducted a systematic literature search in the Medline and Scopus databases. The pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was estimated, and quality assessment, outlier analysis, and influential analysis were performed.

Results

In total, eleven eligible studies comprising a total of 1,882 participants were included in this meta-analysis. One study was identified as critically influential. The overall prevalence of lingual sensory impairment was estimated to be as high as 0.1% (95% CI 0.0%-0.6%) with moderate heterogeneity observed between studies.

Conclusion

It is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of this issue, despite the relatively low rate of lingual nerve deficit after BSSO. Additional research will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors contributing to lingual nerve injury, leading to improved preventive measures and treatment strategies. Furthermore, insights gained from future studies will enable healthcare professionals to inform patients about the potential complications and manage their expectations before undergoing BSSO.
End-colostomy parastomal hernia repair: a systematic review on laparoscopic and robotic approaches
Authors: Sarno G. , Iacone B. , Tedesco A. , Gargiulo A. , Ranieri A. , Giordano A. , Tramontano S. , Bracale U.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Parastomal hernia (PSH) is the most common and challenging complication after stoma creation, with an estimated 50% incidence 2 years after the index surgery. Mesh repair is the treatment of choice. Laparoscopic and/or robotic approaches allow acceptable outcomes.

Materials and methods

A systematic literature review from January 2012 to November 2023 was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Embase, PubMed, and Scopus search were performed to select articles dealing with minimally invasive surgical treatment for PSH after end colostomy.

Results

603 studies were found, and 24 were chosen. When compared to open surgery, laparoscopy showed decreased postoperative complications and recurrence. The main laparoscopic approaches are the keyhole (KH), the Sugarbaker (SB), and the sandwich technique. Continuous improvement in surgery, mesh technology, and surgeons’ expertise led to an amelioration of surgical outcome and recurrence rate after repair. Recent studies showed comparable outcomes for SB and KH techniques, while novel surgical approaches have been proposed in an attempt to further increase the operative and long-term results. Reports on PSH robotic repairs are scarce and describe small series results, suggesting a role of the initial learning curve as a risk factor for complications.

Conclusion

End-colostomy PSH surgical repair still represents a challenge for surgeons. Recent evidence has not shown a significant advantage in postoperative complications and recurrence with a specific repair among SB, KH, and sandwich technique. The paucity of data on robotic surgery does not allow to draw definitive conclusion. Further primary, multicentric, and larger cohort studies are needed.
Perception of vocoded speech in domestic dogs
Authors: Mallikarjun Amritha , Shroads Emily , Newman Rochelle S.
Published: April 2024

Humans have an impressive ability to comprehend signal-degraded speech; however, the extent to which comprehension of degraded speech relies on human-specific features of speech perception vs. more general cognitive processes is unknown. Since dogs live alongside humans and regularly hear speech, they can be used as a model to differentiate between these possibilities. One often-studied type of degraded speech is noise-vocoded speech (sometimes thought of as cochlear-implant-simulation speech). Noise-vocoded speech is made by dividing the speech signal into frequency bands (channels), identifying the amplitude envelope of each individual band, and then using these envelopes to modulate bands of noise centered over the same frequency regions – the result is a signal with preserved temporal cues, but vastly reduced frequency information. Here, we tested dogs’ recognition of familiar words produced in 16-channel vocoded speech. In the first study, dogs heard their names and unfamiliar dogs’ names (foils) in vocoded speech as well as natural speech. In the second study, dogs heard 16-channel vocoded speech only. Dogs listened longer to their vocoded name than vocoded foils in both experiments, showing that they can comprehend a 16-channel vocoded version of their name without prior exposure to vocoded speech, and without immediate exposure to the natural-speech version of their name. Dogs’ name recognition in the second study was mediated by the number of phonemes in the dogs’ name, suggesting that phonological context plays a role in degraded speech comprehension.
Long-term treatment of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with patisiran: multicentre, real-world experience in Italy
Authors: Gentile Luca , Mazzeo Anna , Briani Chiara , Casagrande Silvia , De Luca Marcella , Fabrizi Gian Maria , Gagliardi Christian , Gemelli Chiara , Forcina Francesca , Grandis Marina , Guglielmino Valeria , Iabichella Giacomo , Leonardi Luca , Lozza Alessandro , Manganelli Fiore , Mussinelli Roberta , My Filomena , Occhipinti Giuseppe , Fenu Silvia , Russo Massimo , Romano Angela , Salvalaggio Alessandro , Tagliapietra Matteo , Tozza Stefano , Palladini Giovanni , Obici Laura , Luigetti Marco
Published: April 2024

Background

Hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv, v for variant) amyloidosis with polyneuropathy is a rare disease caused by mutations in the transthyretin gene. In ATTRv amyloidosis, multisystem extracellular deposits of amyloid cause tissue and organ dysfunction. Patisiran is a small interfering RNA molecule drug that reduces circulating levels of mutant and wild-type TTR proteins. Prior to its regulatory approval, patisiran was available in Italy through a compassionate use programme (CUP). The aim of this study was to analyse the long-term outcomes of patients who entered into the CUP.

Methods

This was a multicentre, observational, retrospective study of patients with ATTRv amyloidosis treated with patisiran. The analysis included change from baseline to 12, 24, 36 and 48 months in familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) stage, polyneuropathy disability (PND) class, neuropathy impairment score (NIS), modified body mass index (mBMI), Compound Autonomic Dysfunction Test (CADT), Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scale and Norfolk Quality of Life–Diabetic Neuropathy (QoL-DN) questionnaire. Safety data were also analysed.

Results

Forty patients from 11 Italian centres were enrolled: 23 in FAP 1 (6 in PND 1 and 17 in PND 2) and 17 in FAP 2 (8 in PND 3a and 9 in PND 3b) stage. In this population, the mean NIS at baseline was 71.4 (± 27.8); mBMI, 917.1 (± 207) kg/m2; KPS, 67.1 (± 14.0); Norfolk QoL-DN, 62.2 (± 25.2); and CADT, 13.2 (± 3.3). Statistical analysis showed few significant differences from baseline denoting disease stability. No new safety signals emerged.

Conclusions

Patisiran largely stabilised disease in patients with ATTRv amyloidosis.
Investigation of total cerebellar and flocculonodular lobe volume in Parkinson’s disease and healthy individuals: a brain segmentation study
Authors: Ozgen Merve Nur , Sahin Necati Emre , Ertan Nurcan , Sahin Bunyamin
Published: April 2024

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with an unexplored link to the cerebellum. In the pathophysiology of balance disorders in PD, the role of the flocculonodular lobe (FL) is linked to the impairment of the dopaminergic system. Dopamine deficiency can also lead to changes in cerebellum functions, disrupting balance control. This study compares cerebellar and FL volumes between healthy controls (HC) and PD patients, analyzing their correlation with clinical outcomes.

Methods

We used magnetic resonance images of 23 PD patients (14 male, 9 female) and 24 HC (9 male, 15 female). Intracranial (ICV), total cerebellar, FL, and cerebellar gray matter volumes were measured using VolBrain. Clinical outcomes in PD patients were assessed using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III) to evaluate motor function, with scores correlated to volumetric data.

Results

The cerebellar and gray matter volumes in HC were 115.53 ± 10.44 cm3 and 84.83 ± 7.76 cm3, respectively, compared to 126.83 ± 13.47 cm3 and 92.37 ± 9.45 cm3 in PD patients, indicating significantly larger volumes in PD patients (p < 0.05). The flocculonodular lobe gray matter volume was 1.14 ± 0.19 cm3 in PD patients and 1.02 ± 0.13 cm3 in HC, but there was a significant increase in gray matter volume in PD patients between the groups (p < 0.05). In PD patients, significant negative correlations were observed between FL volume and the UPDRS-III scores (r =  − 0.467, p = 0.033) and between UPDRS-III scores and both total (r =  − 0.453, p = 0.039) and normalized (r =  − 0.468, p = 0.032) gray matter volumes of the FL.

Conclusion

Although total gray matter volumes were larger in PD patients, the volumes of FL did not differ between groups. In Parkinson’s disease, increased cerebellar volume may regulate fine motor movements rather than balance.
Local anesthesia with sedation and general anesthesia for the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abdelhady Mariam Ahmed , Aljabali Ahmed , Al-Jafari Mohammad , Serag Ibrahim , Elrosasy Amr , Atia Ahmed , Ehab Aya , Mohammed Shrouk F. , Alkhawaldeh Ibraheem M. , Abouzid Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Background

Surgery is the primary treatment for chronic subdural hematoma, and anesthesia significantly impacts the surgery's outcomes. A previous systematic review compared general anesthesia to local anesthesia in 319 patients. Our study builds upon this research, analyzing 4,367 cases to provide updated and rigorous evidence.

Methods

We systematically searched five electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Ovid Medline, and Web of Science, to identify eligible comparative studies. All studies published until September 2023 were included in our analysis. We compared six primary outcomes between the two groups using Review Manager Software.

Results

Eighteen studies involving a total of 4,367 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The analysis revealed no significant difference between the two techniques in terms of 'recurrence rate' (OR = 0.95, 95% CI [0.78 to 1.15], P = 0.59), 'mortality rate' (OR = 1.02, 95% CI [0.55 to 1.88], P = 0.96), and 'reoperation rate' (OR = 0.95, 95% CI [0.5 to 1.79], P = 0.87). Local anesthesia demonstrated superiority with a lower 'complications rate' than general anesthesia, as the latter had almost 2.4 times higher odds of experiencing complications (OR = 2.4, 95% CI [1.81 to 3.17], P < 0.00001). Additionally, local anesthesia was associated with a shorter 'length of hospital stay' (SMD = 1.19, 95% CI [1.06 to 1.32], P < 0.00001) and a reduced 'duration of surgery' (SMD = 0.94, 95% CI [0.67 to 1.2], P < 0.00001).

Conclusion

Surgery for chronic subdural hematoma under local anesthesia results in fewer complications, a shorter length of hospital stay, and a shorter duration of the operation.
Early experience and future prospects regarding use of newly developed surgical robot system, hinotori, in the field of urologic cancer surgery
Authors: Miyake Hideaki , Fujisawa Masato
Published: April 2024

In the field of urology, robotic surgery has gained rapid and wide acceptance as a standard surgical approach in the majority of major surgeries over the last decade. To date, the da Vinci surgical system has been the dominant platform in robotic surgery; however, several newly developed robotic systems have recently been introduced in routine clinical practice. Of these, hinotori, the first made-in-Japan robotic system, is characterized by various unique and attractive features different from the existing system, and the use of this system has gradually increased mainly in urologic cancer surgeries, including radical prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy, and radical nephroureterectomy. This review initially describes detailed characteristics of hinotori, then summarizes the early experience with urologic cancer surgeries using hinotori at our institution, and finally discusses the future prospects of robotic surgery using hinotori, considering problems associated with the use of this robotic system.
Same landscape, different connectivity: contrasting patterns of gene flow in two sympatric ungulates in a mountain area
Authors: Lecis Roberta , Chirichella Roberta , Dondina Olivia , Orioli Valerio , Azzu Silvia , Canu Antonio , Torretta Elisa , Bani Luciano , Apollonio Marco , Scandura Massimo
Published: April 2024

Comparative landscape genetics studies provide insights on the impact of landscape elements on gene flow patterns of different species inhabiting the same geographic area. We investigated the population genetic structure of two sympatric ungulates, roe deer Capreolus capreolus and Northern chamois Rupicapra rupicapra, in a mountain area of the central Italian Alps (Trentino, northern Italy). A total of 122 chamois and 72 roe deer samples were genotyped by two species-specific panels of 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci and analyzed by aspatial and spatially explicit analyses. While the roe deer population resulted unstructured, a clear population structure was detected in chamois, with two main groups, one inhabiting the eastern and the other spread in the western part of the study area. Landscape genetics analysis confirmed these scenarios and revealed a different effect of landscape on gene flow. An IBD (Isolation-By-Distance) model best explained genetic variation in roe deer, while IBR (Isolation-By-Resistance) was found as the process underlying genetic variation patterns in chamois, suggesting arable lands, coniferous forests, watercourses, and main roads as potential barriers. Species distribution and landscape use might explain these results: roe deer mostly occupy valley floors relatively connected to each other, and their spatial behavior may promote gene flow across areas. On the other hand, chamois prefer higher elevations and their movements may be hindered by valleys, rivers, and road networks. This study highlights the different impacts of natural and anthropic landscape elements on gene flow in two sympatric species, resulting from their different ecological requirements.
Bioprospecting of extremophilic perchlorate-reducing bacteria: report of promising Bacillus spp. isolated from sediments of the bay of Cartagena, Colombia
Authors: Acevedo-Barrios Rosa , Tirado-Ballestas Irina , Bertel-Sevilla Angela , Cervantes-Ceballos Leonor , Gallego Jorge L. , Leal María Angélica , Tovar David , Olivero-Verbel Jesús
Published: April 2024

Three extremophile bacterial strains (BBCOL-009, BBCOL-014 and BBCOL-015), capable of degrading high concentrations of perchlorate at a range of pH (6.5 to 10.0), were isolated from Colombian Caribbean Coast sediments. Morphological features included Gram negative strain bacilli with sizes averaged of 1.75 × 0.95, 2.32 × 0.65 and 3.08 × 0.70 μm, respectively. The reported strains tolerate a wide range of pH (6.5 to 10.0); concentrations of NaCl (3.5 to 7.5% w/v) and KClO4− (250 to 10000 mg/L), reduction of KClO4− from 10 to 25%. LB broth with NaCl (3.5–30% w/v) and KClO4ˉ (250-10000 mg/L) were used in independent trials to evaluate susceptibility to salinity and perchlorate, respectively. Isolates increased their biomass at 7.5 % (w/v) NaCl with optimal development at 3.5 % NaCl. Subsequently, ClO4ˉ reduction was assessed using LB medium with 3.5% NaCl and 10000 mg/L ClO4ˉ. BBCOL-009, BBCOL-014 and BBCOL-015 achieved 10%, 17%, and 25% reduction of ClO4ˉ, respectively. The 16 S rRNA gene sequence grouped them as Bacillus flexus T6186-2, Bacillus marisflavi TF-11 (T), and Bacillus vietnamensis 15 − 1 (T) respectively, with < 97.5% homology. In addition, antimicrobial resistance to ertapenem, vancomycine, amoxicillin clavulanate, penicillin, and erythromycin was present in all the isolates, indicating their high adaptability to stressful environments. The isolated strains from marine sediments in Cartagena Bay, Colombia are suitable candidates to reduce perchlorate contamination in different environments. Although the primary focus of the study of perchlorate-reducing and resistant bacteria is in the ecological and agricultural realms, from an astrobiological perspective, perchlorate-resistant bacteria serve as models for astrobiological investigations.
Participation Strategies and Ethical Considerations in NGO Led Community-Based Conservation Initiatives
Authors: Ghafran Chaudhry , Yasmin Sofia
Published: April 2024

This study examines the participation strategies of an environmental non-governmental organization (NGO) in community-based conservation (CBC) initiatives in the developing country context of Pakistan. We use local Pakistani concepts and terms to interpret and narrate our study. Drawing on the micro-mobilization literature, our analysis embeds a situated analysis of the ‘biradari’ (kinship) structures that pervade Pakistani social and cultural milieu. We shed light on the importance of various gatekeepers in providing access and ongoing support for CBC initiatives, suggesting NGOs must navigate complex cultural and social structures to manage participation in developing country contexts. Here our findings point to the importance of local knowledge not just in articulating community needs but also in articulating participation strategies. Furthermore, even though ‘elite’ structures have the potential to jeopardize equitable participation and project long-term sustainability, our analysis suggests interacting and gaining ‘bharosa’ (trust) of communities’ via these structures is critical to participation. While previous research has called into doubt the efficacy of CBC in advancing conservation, we suggest that frequent and culturally atoned engagement is a must for environmental NGOs working in socially entrenched developing nations. Our research brings to light the complex ethical terrain navigated by environmental NGOs in CBC projects, illuminating the inherent potential for both empowering and subjugating outcomes.
Self-Reported Concerns among Australian Secondary School Students: Associations with Mental Health and Wellbeing
Authors: Bartholomew Alexandra , Maston Kate , Brown Lyndsay , Fujimoto Hiroko , Hodgins Michael , Christensen Helen , Werner-Seidler Aliza
Published: April 2024

Background

Excessive worry during adolescence can significantly impact mental health. Understanding adolescent concerns may help inform mental health early intervention strategies.

Objective

This study aimed to identify frequent concerns among Australian secondary school students, exploring individual and demographic differences. Whether adolescents’ most frequently reported concern was associated with mental health and wellbeing was also investigated.

Methods

A total of N = 4086 adolescents (Mage = 13.92) participated in an online survey, reporting their top concerns alongside demographic characteristics, mental health, and wellbeing. Data were analysed using both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Results

Thematic analysis identified 11 different themes of adolescent concerns. A frequency analysis showed concerns relating to ‘School and Academics’ were most common (24.52% of all responses), consistent across females, males, school location (regional vs metropolitan areas), and socioeconomic background. Sexuality and gender diverse adolescents more frequently reported concerns about ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing’ and ‘Social Relationships’. Linear mixed models found ‘School and Academic’ concerns were associated with lower symptoms of depression (p < .001, d = 0.16) and anxiety (p < .001, d = 0.19) and higher wellbeing (p = .03, d = 0.07) compared to all other concerns.

Conclusion

‘School and Academic’ concerns were most common, however not associated with poorer mental health or wellbeing. Sexuality and gender diverse adolescents were more likely to report concerns regarding ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing’ and ‘Social Relationships’. Efforts aimed solely at reducing academic stress may not be the most effective approach to improving adolescent mental health. Longitudinal data into how concerns evolve over time could provide a nuanced understanding of their relationship with future mental health challenges.
TIMP-3 Alleviates White Matter Injury After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Mice by Promoting Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Maturation
Authors: Guo Peiwen , Ru Xufang , Zhou Jiru , Chen Mao , Li Yanling , Duan Mingxu , Li Yuanshu , Li Wenyan , Chen Yujie , Zuo Shilun , Feng Hua
Published: April 2024

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with high mortality and disability rates, and secondary white matter injury is an important cause of poor prognosis. However, whether brain capillary pericytes can directly affect the differentiation and maturation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and subsequently affect white matter injury repair has still been revealed. This study was designed to investigate the effect of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) for OPC differentiation and maturation. PDGFRβret/ret and wild-type C57B6J male mice were used to construct a mouse model of SAH via endovascular perforation in this study. Mice were also treated with vehicle, TIMP-3 RNAi or TIMP-3 RNAi + TIMP-3 after SAH. The effect of TIMP-3 on the differentiation and maturation of OPCs was determined using behavioral score, ELISA, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence staining and cell culture. We found that TIMP-3 was secreted mainly by pericytes and that SAH and TIMP-3 RNAi caused a significant decrease in the TIMP-3 content, reaching a nadir at 24 h, followed by gradual recovery. In vitro, the myelin basic protein content of oligodendrocytes after oxyhemoglobin treatment was increased by TIMP-3 overexpression. The data indicates TIMP-3 could promote the differentiation and maturation of OPCs and subsequently improve neurological outcomes after SAH. Therefore, TIMP-3 could be beneficial for repair after white matter injury and could be a potential therapeutic target in SAH.

Graphical Abstract
The Progress in Molecular Transport and Therapeutic Development in Human Blood–Brain Barrier Models in Neurological Disorders
Authors: Korszun-Karbowniczak Joanna , Krysiak Zuzanna Joanna , Saluk Joanna , Niemcewicz Marcin , Zdanowski Robert
Published: April 2024

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is responsible for maintaining homeostasis within the central nervous system (CNS). Depending on its permeability, certain substances can penetrate the brain, while others are restricted in their passage. Therefore, the knowledge about BBB structure and function is essential for understanding physiological and pathological brain processes. Consequently, the functional models can serve as a key to help reveal this unknown. There are many in vitro models available to study molecular mechanisms that occur in the barrier. Brain endothelial cells grown in culture are commonly used to modeling the BBB. Current BBB platforms include: monolayer platforms, transwell, matrigel, spheroidal, and tissue-on-chip models. In this paper, the BBB structure, molecular characteristic, as well as its dysfunctions as a consequence of aging, neurodegeneration, or under hypoxia and neurotoxic conditions are presented. Furthermore, the current modelling strategies that can be used to study BBB for the purpose of further drugs development that may reach CNS are also described.
Cepair: an AI-powered and fog-based predictive CEP system for air quality monitoring
Authors: Şimsek Mehmet Ulvi , Kök İbrahim , Özdemir Suat
Published: April 2024

Air pollution is one of the influential problems threatening the environment and human health today. Therefore, it is critical to develop predictive systems for proactive decisions in solving this problem. Since the prediction of air pollution depends on several complicated factors such as the accuracy of meteorology reports, air pollution accumulation, traffic flow, and industrial emissions, the contribution of historical or real-time predictions to the solution of the problem is limited. To address the existing limitations, we propose a novel AI-powered and Fog-based predictive complex event processing system (CepAIr) for the prediction of future air pollution rates. CepAIr predicts the future air quality of pollutant gases using RNN, LSTM, CNN, and SVR models. Then, it sends the prediction results to decision-makers in an understandable format, enabling them to take proactive actions. Finally, we evaluate the performance of the CepAIr with SVR and DL models. Additionally, we examine CepAIr in terms of end-to-end network delay and measure its impact on the network. The extensive simulation results demonstrate that the CepAIr predicts future pollutant gas concentrations with DL models (especially with CNN) with a high success rate while guaranteeing minimum end-to-end network delay.
Securing internet of things using machine and deep learning methods: a survey
Authors: Ghaffari Ali , Jelodari Nasim , pouralish Samira , derakhshanfard Nahide , Arasteh Bahman
Published: April 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a vast network of devices with sensors or actuators connected through wired or wireless networks. It has a transformative effect on integrating technology into people’s daily lives. IoT covers essential areas such as smart cities, smart homes, and health-based industries. However, security and privacy challenges arise with the rapid growth of IoT devices and applications. Vulnerabilities such as node spoofing, unauthorized access to data, and cyberattacks such as denial of service (DoS), eavesdropping, and intrusion detection have emerged as significant concerns. Recently, machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) methods have significantly progressed and are robust solutions to address these security issues in IoT devices. This paper comprehensively reviews IoT security research focusing on ML/DL approaches. It also categorizes recent studies on security issues based on ML/DL solutions and highlights their opportunities, advantages, and limitations. These insights provide potential directions for future research challenges.
Fast decoding of lifted interleaved linearized Reed–Solomon codes for multishot network coding
Authors: Bartz Hannes , Puchinger Sven
Published: April 2024

Martínez-Peñas and Kschischang (IEEE Trans. Inf. Theory 65(8):4785–4803, 2019) proposed lifted linearized Reed–Solomon codes as suitable codes for error control in multishot network coding. We show how to construct and decode lifted interleaved linearized Reed–Solomon (LILRS) codes. Compared to the construction by Martínez-Peñas–Kschischang, interleaving allows to increase the decoding region significantly and decreases the overhead due to the lifting (i.e., increases the code rate), at the cost of an increased packet size. We propose two decoding schemes for LILRS that are both capable of correcting insertions and deletions beyond half the minimum distance of the code by either allowing a list or a small decoding failure probability. We propose a probabilistic unique Loidreau–Overbeck-like decoder for LILRS codes and an efficient interpolation-based decoding scheme that can be either used as a list decoder (with exponential worst-case list size) or as a probabilistic unique decoder. We derive upper bounds on the decoding failure probability of the probabilistic-unique decoders which show that the decoding failure probability is very small for most channel realizations up to the maximal decoding radius. The tightness of the bounds is verified by Monte Carlo simulations.
Plant invasion alters movement behaviour in endangered butterflies but not their morphology or genetic variability
Authors: Kajzer-Bonk Joanna , Śliwińska Ewa B. , Malik Kamila
Published: April 2024

Invasions of alien plants often result in biodiversity loss and may impact the biology of native species. However, the effects of biological invasions on the behavioural responses of native species have rarely been investigated. We studied how the alteration of habitat due to the invasion of alien goldenrod (Solidago spp) affects a native butterfly, the scarce large blue Phengaris teleius, which is a flagship species for grassland biodiversity conservation. To better understand immediate responses in flight behaviour (daily movements, resting, and dispersal) to a new habitat, we performed observations of experimentally translocated butterflies of two origins (invaded vs. non-invaded habitats) to four different environments: invaded habitat, non-invaded habitat, invaded matrix, non-invaded matrix. Moreover, we tested whether the level of invasion may be related to the variation in morphological traits associated with flight (wing size, body mass) and genetic variability. Flight behaviour was affected by the high goldenrod cover and the sex of the butterflies, regardless of the butterflies’ origin. In the habitat and matrix invaded by goldenrod, the butterflies tended to display dispersal behaviour more often compared to the non-invaded ones. Flight distances were longest in the matrix with goldenrod and resting time was longest in habitats invaded by goldenrod. Analysis of morphological traits as well as eight microsatellite loci did not reveal significant differences in morphology or genetic variation among the populations studied.