bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who Drives Policy Discourse of China’s Energy Transition: Considering Time Series Perspective, Network and Core-Peripheral Analysis
Authors: Sung Bongsuk , Chen Hong , Park Sang Do
Published: May 2024

China’s energy transition (CET) is a vital foundation and long-term goal for improving sustainable development potential. Exploring development patterns and core driving actors involved in policy discourse (PD) is effective in suggesting future policy directions by finding the universality and specificity of China in the energy transition process. In this study, we examined the change pattern of CET and the change of keywords for actors involved in policy promotion at a macro level. Text data of over 22 years were collected from Chinese online channels with CET as the subject word. A text mining-based network analysis and core-peripheral analysis were performed by building datasets in units of the five-year plan (FYP). Following network analysis, the pattern of PD in CET process indicated a tendency to gradually converge toward diversified participants and global environmental issues. Core-peripheral analysis results revealed that the actors leading the PD changed from the government to the private sector, and the core issue indicated a shift from a domestic energy issue to an international environmental issue. Based on our analysis results, we suggested three dimensions of direction in CET: integration with digital transformation, expansion of the employment ecosystem, and inducement of balanced regional development.
Surprise by Anticipated Inflation
Authors: Asfuroglu Dila
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes a theoretical model with two types of households to explore the distributional effects of inflation, assess the non-neutrality of money; and in return, to provide a guideline for policymakers in setting inflation rate. An impatient borrower who faces a borrowing constraint holds a positive amount of debt in equilibrium while a patient lender engages in consumption smoothing. Hence, inflation affects net worth of borrowers via nominal debt by redistributing resources away from lender, rendering welfare gains for the borrower and losses for the lender; and the structure of borrowing constraint gives rise to non-neutrality of anticipated inflation. The utilitarian welfare gain from generating inflation in a cashless economy is amplified when heterogeneous productivity levels are assumed. Yet, incorporating money demand in the form of money-in-utility model suggests that an inflation tax as an additional distortion reverses the overall positive effect of generating inflation in the cashless economy.

JEL Classifications: E31, E37, E41, E52, D63.
Exploring Behavioral and Strategic Factors Affecting Secondary Students’ Learning Performance in Collaborative Problem Solving-Based STEM Lessons
Authors: Chen Li , Taniguchi Yuta , Shimada Atsushi , Yamada Masanori
Published: May 2024

Despite the growing emphasis on integrating collaborative problem-solving (CPS) into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, a comprehensive understanding of the critical factors that affect the effectiveness of this educational approach remains a challenge. This study aims to identify effective strategic and behavioral factors in course design and assess how these factors contribute to students’ learning performance. This study collected data from 106 students enrolled in seventh-grade science classes by using a mixed-method approach. First, the t-test results indicate that students’ learning performance was improved through CPS-based STEM learning. A path analysis shows that CPS awareness and several behavioral factors had direct effects, while several strategic factors had indirect effects on the improvement of learning performance. Finally, a dialog analysis indicates that students’ integrative use of CPS skills, especially task regulation skills used along with other skills, helped improve learning performance. This study not only bridges the gap in understanding the effectiveness of CPS in STEM education but also provides specific suggestions for improving instructional design.
Deceptive Knowledge Hiding in Organizations: Psychological Distress as an Underlying Mechanism
Authors: Bashir Hafsa , Fanchen Meng , Bari Muhammad Waseem
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the role of employee cynicism and perceived organizational politics in deceptive knowledge-hiding behaviors (evasive hiding and playing dumb). Besides, this work aims to measure the mediating role of psychological distress between employee cynicism, perceived organizational politics, and deceptive knowledge-hiding behaviors. Using a time lag strategy, the data were collected in three waves from 478 employees working in research and development institutions in Pakistan. A structured questionnaire and PLS-SEM technique were employed for data collection and analyses. The results indicate that employee cynicism and perceived organizational politics significantly promote playing dumb behavior in employees. Employee cynicism has no significant association with evasive hiding. However, perceived organizational politics promotes evasive hiding. Psychological distress as a mediator supports employee cynicism and perceived organizational politics to develop deceptive knowledge-hiding behaviors. The outcomes of this research have significant implications for organizations, especially for research and development departments. Putting down the cynicism level among employees and controlling the organizational politics can motivate the employees to share knowledge and avoid deceptive knowledge hiding. Managers with positive signals can rebuild trust with subordinates and encourage them to be involved in knowledge-sharing activities. The findings of this study could also serve the theory and practice by showing how employees act psychologically when they are cynical and think their company is playing politics.
Discrimination Between Human and Animal Blood Using Raman Spectroscopy and a Self-Reference Algorithm for Forensic Purposes: Method Expansion and Validation
Authors: Dickler Harrison M. , Weber Alexis R. , Lednev Igor K.
Published: May 2024

Determining whether the origin of a bloodstain is human or non-human is important during a forensic investigation. In their pioneering work, Bian et al. introduced a self-reference peak algorithm for the analysis of the Raman spectra of bloodstains and demonstrated the great potential of this approach for differentiating between human and non-human blood. However, this work only used three non-human species in the creation of their original model. The current study expands the capability of a self-referencing algorithm to discriminate between human and 18 non-human species based on the Raman spectra of blood samples. The intensity ratios between the bands at 1003 and 1341 cm−1 of the samples’ Raman spectra were compared between species to determine whether a threshold existed that separates human samples from those of non-humans. The self-referencing algorithm was capable of correctly categorizing spectra averaged from donors of all 18 non-human species. The use of this algorithm is simple and requires little training or knowledge of statistics, which makes it accessible for forensic applications, compared to computationally difficult analysis methods. This technique using Raman spectroscopy is rapid, nondestructive, and highly accurate making it a promising tool for forensic applications.
In Support of Overdose Prevention Centers: Position Statement of AMERSA, Inc (Association for Multidisciplinary Education and Research in Substance Use and Addiction)
Authors: Dunham Katherine , Hill Katherine , Kazal Hannah , Butner Jenna L. , Hull Ilana , Sue Kimberly , Li Li , Doneski Kristin , Dinges Beth , Rife-Pennington Tessa , Kung Sunny , Thakarar Kinna
Published: May 2024

Given increasing rates of fatal overdoses in the United States and the rapidly changing drug supply, overdose prevention centers (OPCs; also known as safe consumption sites) have been identified as a vital, evidence-based strategy that provide people who use drugs (PWUD) the opportunity to use drugs safely and receive immediate, life-saving overdose support from trained personnel. In addition to providing a safe, supervised space to use drugs, OPCs can house further essential harm reduction drop-in services such as sterile supplies, social services, and medical care. There are established national and international data demonstrating the lifesaving services provided by OPCs, inspiring a groundswell of advocacy efforts to expand these programs in the United States. Thus, the Association for Multidisciplinary Education and Research in Substance Use and Addiction (AMERSA) endorses OPCs, in addition to other harm reduction strategies that protect PWUD. Ultimately, it is imperative to increase access to OPCs across the United States and support key policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels that would facilitate urgent expansion.
Perceptions of Primary Care Among Women in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Short Vanessa L. , Spritzer Kathleen , Jaffe Gregory A. , Sabitsky Matt , Abatemarco Diane , McLaughlin Kim , Hand Dennis J. , Gannon Meghan
Published: May 2024

Background:

Underutilization of primary care and receipt of preventive health services have been reported among women with opioid use disorder. The aim of this study was to describe perceptions of primary care among women in treatment for opioid use disorder.

Methods:

Between May and June 2022, 27 women who were receiving treatment for opioid use disorder from one opioid treatment program participated in this study. Participants completed one data collection session which involved a brief questionnaire followed by a semi-structured interview. Participants were asked questions about their overall experience with primary care as well as perceived facilitators and barriers to primary care utilization and quality. Interview transcripts were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach.

Results:

Three themes emerged from the interviews within the domain of “Facilitators to Primary Care,” including: (1) coordination of care, (2) continuity of care, and (3) relationship with health care providers. Four themes emerged from the interviews within the domain of “Barriers to Primary Care,” including: (1) perceived judgment from health care providers, (2) childcare needs, (3) issues related to location, and (4) issues related to time.

Conclusion:

Approaches to primary care that help alleviate barriers to care and highlight the aspects of care that are valued may improve quality and utilization of care, thus enhancing the health and well-being of a vulnerable population.
Active infection at the time of CD34+ selected stem cell boost is associated with treatment failure and poor overall survival
Authors: Shapiro Roman M. , Kim Haesook T. , Dulery Remy , Liney Deborah , Garrity Heather M. , Panaro Kevin , Au Chloe , Gervais Casey , Little Jessica S. , Ho Vincent T. , Cutler Corey S. , Koreth John , Gooptu Mahasweta , Antin Joseph H. , Kelkar Amar H. , Romee Rizwan , Wu Catherine J. , Ritz Jerome , Soiffer Robert J. , Nikiforow Sarah
Published: May 2024

The use of CD34+ selected stem cell boost (SCB) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) has been increasing. Predictors of treatment failure after SCB, both in the context of poor graft function (PGF) or other settings, are not well characterized. We report among the largest single-center retrospective experiences of the use of SCB and evaluate potential predictors of response and outcomes. A total of 58 patients who underwent HCT between 2015 and 2022 and who received SCB, were identified. The indication for SCB was predominantly PGF, defined as the presence of ≥2 cytopenias for at least 2 consecutive weeks beyond day +14 after allo-HCT in the presence of ≤30% bone marrow cellularity and ≥90% donor myeloid chimerism in the absence of morphologic disease. The median dose of infused CD34+ selected SCB products was 3.88 × 106 CD34+ cells per kg (range, 0.99 × 106 to 9.92 × 106). The median 2-year overall survival and nonrelapse mortality after SCB was 47% and 38%, respectively. The cumulative incidences of 6-month grade 3 to 4 acute and 2-year moderate-severe chronic graft-versus-host disease after SCB were 3.4% and 12%, respectively. Overall response (complete response + partial response) was attained in 36 of 58 patients (62%) and in 69% of patients with PGF. On multivariable analysis, an active infection at the time of SCB was the greatest predictor of poor response and survival (P = .013) after SCB. SCB can restore hematopoiesis in the majority of patients, particularly for those with PGF and in whom there is no active infection at the time of infusion.
Breaking the Mucin Barrier: A New Affinity Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Approach to Unveil Potential Cell Markers and Pathways Altered in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
Authors: Romero-Ruiz Antonio , Granados-Rodríguez Melissa , Bura Florina I. , Valenzuela-Molina Francisca , Rufián-Andújar Blanca , Martínez-López Ana , Rodríguez-Ortiz Lidia , Ortega-Salas Rosa , Torres-Martínez María , Moreno-Serrano Ana , Castaño Justo , Michán Carmen , Alhama José , Vázquez-Borrego Mari C. , Arjona-Sánchez Álvaro
Published: May 2024

Background

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis with largely unknown underlying molecular mechanisms. Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is the only therapeutic option; however, despite its use, recurrence with a fatal outcome is common. The lack of molecular characterisation of PMP and other mucinous tumours is mainly due to the physicochemical properties of mucin.

Results

This manuscript describes the first protocol capable of breaking the mucin barrier and isolating proteins from mucinous tumours. Briefly, mucinous tumour samples were homogenised and subjected to liquid chromatography using two specific columns to reduce mainly glycoproteins, albumins and immunoglobulin G. The protein fractions were then subjected to mass spectrometry analysis and the proteomic profile obtained was analysed using various bioinformatic tools. Thus, we present here the first proteome analysed in PMP and identified a distinct mucin isoform profile in soft compared to hard mucin tumour tissues as well as key biological processes/pathways altered in mucinous tumours. Importantly, this protocol also allowed us to identify MUC13 as a potential tumour cell marker in PMP.

Conclusions

In sum, our results demonstrate that this protein isolation protocol from mucin will have a high impact, allowing the oncology research community to more rapidly advance in the knowledge of PMP and other mucinous neoplasms, as well as develop new and effective therapeutic strategies.
Readsynth: short-read simulation for consideration of composition-biases in reduced metagenome sequencing approaches
Authors: Kuster Ryan , Staton Margaret
Published: May 2024

Background

The application of reduced metagenomic sequencing approaches holds promise as a middle ground between targeted amplicon sequencing and whole metagenome sequencing approaches but has not been widely adopted as a technique. A major barrier to adoption is the lack of read simulation software built to handle characteristic features of these novel approaches. Reduced metagenomic sequencing (RMS) produces unique patterns of fragmentation per genome that are sensitive to restriction enzyme choice, and the non-uniform size selection of these fragments may introduce novel challenges to taxonomic assignment as well as relative abundance estimates.

Results

Through the development and application of simulation software, readsynth, we compare simulated metagenomic sequencing libraries with existing RMS data to assess the influence of multiple library preparation and sequencing steps on downstream analytical results. Based on read depth per position, readsynth achieved 0.79 Pearson’s correlation and 0.94 Spearman’s correlation to these benchmarks. Application of a novel estimation approach, fixed length taxonomic ratios, improved quantification accuracy of simulated human gut microbial communities when compared to estimates of mean or median coverage.

Conclusions

We investigate the possible strengths and weaknesses of applying the RMS technique to profiling microbial communities via simulations with readsynth. The choice of restriction enzymes and size selection steps in library prep are non-trivial decisions that bias downstream profiling and quantification. The simulations investigated in this study illustrate the possible limits of preparing metagenomic libraries with a reduced representation sequencing approach, but also allow for the development of strategies for producing and handling the sequence data produced by this promising application.
Osmolyte-producing microbial biostimulants regulate the growth of Arachis hypogaea L. under drought stress
Authors: Eswaran Sakthi Uma Devi , Sundaram Lalitha , Perveen Kahkashan , Bukhari Najat A. , Sayyed R. Z.
Published: May 2024

Globally, drought stress poses a significant threat to crop productivity. Improving the drought tolerance of crops with microbial biostimulants is a sustainable strategy to meet a growing population’s demands. This research aimed to elucidate microbial biostimulants’ (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) role in alleviating drought stress in oil-seed crops. In total, 15 bacterial isolates were selected for drought tolerance and screened for plant growth-promoting (PGP) attributes like phosphate solubilization and production of indole-3-acetic acid, siderophore, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, and exopolysaccharide. This research describes two PGPR strains: Acinetobacter calcoaceticus AC06 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BA01. The present study demonstrated that these strains (AC06 and BA01) produced abundant osmolytes under osmotic stress, including proline (2.21 and 1.75 µg ml− 1), salicylic acid (18.59 and 14.21 µg ml− 1), trehalose (28.35 and 22.74 µg mg− 1 FW) and glycine betaine (11.35 and 7.74 mg g− 1) respectively. AC06 and BA01 strains were further evaluated for their multifunctional performance by inoculating in Arachis hypogaea L. (Groundnut) under mild and severe drought regimes (60 and 40% Field Capacity). Inoculation with microbial biostimulants displayed distinct osmotic-adjustment abilities of the groundnut, such as growth parameters, plant biomass, photosynthetic pigments, relative water content, proline, and soluble sugar in respective to control during drought. On the other hand, plant sensitivity indexes such as electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were decreased as well as cooperatively conferred plant drought tolerance by induced alterations in stress indicators such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Thus, Acinetobacter sp. AC06 and Bacillus sp. BA01 can be considered as osmolyte producing microbial biostimulants to simultaneously induce osmotic tolerance and metabolic changes in groundnuts under drought stress.
A “twelve-section ultrasonic screening and diagnosis method” and management system for screening and treating neonatal congenital heart disease at the grassroots level in Tang County, Hebei Province, China
Authors: Cui Yun , He Xin-jian , Wang Le , Fan Yan-hui , Chen Jiao-yang , Zhao Ning , Zhang Shuai , Liu Lei , Yao Jie , Ren Zhe , Fan Di , Chen Jing , He Xinjian
Published: May 2024

Background

To explore a method for screening and diagnosing neonatal congenital heart disease (CHD) applicable to grassroots level, evaluate the prevalence of CHD, and establish a hierarchical management system for CHD screening and treatment at the grassroots level.

Methods

A total of 24,253 newborns born in Tang County between January 2016 and December 2020 were consecutively enrolled and screened by trained primary physicians via the “twelve-section ultrasonic screening and diagnosis method” (referred to as the “twelve-section method”). Specialized staff from the CHD Screening and Diagnosis Center of Hebei Children’s Hospital regularly visited the local area for definite diagnosis of CHD in newborns who screened positive. Newborns with CHD were managed according to the hierarchical management system.

Results

The centre confirmed that, except for 2 newborns with patent ductus arteriosus missed in the diagnosis of ventricular septal defect combined with severe pulmonary hypertension, newborns with other isolated or concomitant simple CHDs were identified at the grassroots level. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic coincidence rate of the twelve-section method for screening complex CHD were 92%, 99.6% and 84%, respectively. A total of 301 children with CHD were identified. The overall CHD prevalence was 12.4‰. According to the hierarchical management system, 113 patients with simple CHD recovered spontaneously during local follow-up, 48 patients continued local follow-up, 106 patients were referred to the centre for surgery (including 17 patients with severe CHD and 89 patients with progressive CHD), 1 patient died without surgery, and 8 patients were lost to follow-up. Eighteen patients with complex CHD were directly referred to the centre for surgery, 3 patients died without surgery, and 4 patients were lost to follow-up. Most patients who received early intervention achieved satisfactory results. The mortality rate of CHD was approximately 28.86 per 100,000 children.

Conclusions

The “twelve-section method” is suitable for screening neonatal CHD at the grassroots level. The establishment of a hierarchical management system for CHD screening and treatment is conducive to the scientific management of CHD, which has important clinical and social significance for early detection, early intervention, reduction in mortality and improvement of the prognosis of complex and severe CHDs.
Associations between over-the-counter analgesics usage and symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents: a network analysis
Authors: Roalsø Elise Solbu , Klonteig Sandra , Kraft Brage , Skarstein Siv , Aalberg Marianne , Jonassen Rune
Published: May 2024

Background

The use of over-the-counter analgesics (OTCA) is common among adolescents and has been linked with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, little is known about which specific symptoms are most strongly connected to OTCA usage. The current study assessed which anxiety and depression symptoms were most closely associated with OTCA usage in a large sample of adolescents and examined whether this differed across genders.

Method

The present study was based on data from 626,581 participants from the Ungdata survey in Norway. Associations between OTCA and anxiety and depression symptoms were examined using network analysis. Non-regularized partial-correlation networks were constructed to estimate the conditional dependent relations between the use of OTCA and symptoms while controlling for pain. Gender-specific networks were created for comparison.

Results

OTCA usage was associated with most symptoms, even after controlling for pain, with the strongest associations with “sleep problems”, “stiff or tense”, “everything is a struggle” and “suddenly scared”. There were some gender differences, showing that “sleep problems” and “hopeless” were more strongly related to OTCA usage in females, whereas “stiff or tense” was more strongly related to OTCA usage in males.

Conclusion

Overall, the somatic symptoms of anxiety and depression displayed the strongest associations with OTCA usage. When examining the gender-specific networks, both showed similar trends, although males exhibited slightly stronger associations between OTCA usage and somatic symptoms.
The longitudinal analysis for the association between smoking and the risk of depressive symptoms
Authors: Park Sung Keun , Oh Chang-Mo , Kim Eugene , Ryoo Jae-Hong , Jung Ju Young
Published: May 2024

Background

Despite high smoking rate in people with depressive symptoms, there is ongoing debate about relationship between smoking and depressive symptoms.

Methods

Study participants were 57,441 Korean men. We collected their baseline data between 2011 and 2012, and conducted follow-up from 2013 to 2019. They were categorized by smoking status (never: < 100 cigarettes smoking in life time, former: currently quitting smoking, and current smoker: currently smoking), smoking amount (pack/day and pack-year) and urine cotinine excretion. The development of depressive symptoms was determined in CES-D score ≥ 16. Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for depressive symptoms in relation to smoking status, smoking amount, and urine cotinine excretion.

Results

During 6.7 years of median follow-up, the risk of depressive symptoms increased in order of never (reference), former (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01—1.15) and current smoker (HR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.16—1.32). Among current smoker, the risk of depressive symptoms increased proportionally to daily smoking amount (< 1 pack; HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.13—1.29, and ≥ 1 pack; HR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.23 – 1.45). This pattern of relationship was consistently observed for pack-year in former smoker and current smoker. Additionally, urine cotinine excretion was proportionally associated with the risk of depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Exposure to smoking was associated with the increased risk of depressive symptoms. Dose dependent relationship was observed between smoking amount and the risk of depressive symptoms.
Gender differences in attitudes towards psychological help-seeking among chinese medical students: a comparative analysis
Authors: Qiu Lei , Xu Hengyi , Li Yingqi , Zhao Yonghui , Yang Qin
Published: May 2024

Background

Medical students are known to be at a greater risk of psychological disorders compared to the general population. However, their rate of help-seeking behavior is low. The purpose of this study was to explore the influencing factors of attitudes towards psychological help-seeking among Chinese medical students and to examine its gender differences.

Methods

A total of 3,453 medical students from three medical colleges in Hainan Province, China, completed anonymous questionnaires that included socio-demographic attributes, the Family APGAR Index, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-20), and the Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Short Form (ATSPPH-SF). Associations between predictor variables and attitudes towards help-seeking were explored using multivariate linear regression, and regression models with interaction terms were employed to test gender difference.

Results

The mean score on ATSPPH-SF Scale was 15.04 ± 3.45, with males scoring significantly lower than females (14.34 vs. 15.64, P < 0.0001). For both male and female groups, psych knowledge, mental health status, family function and help-seeking utility perception significantly influenced attitudes toward psychological help-seeking. Furthermore, having more than once psycho-help experiences was positively correlated with women’s attitudes. Significant interactions were found between gender and mental health status.

Conclusion

Attitude towards seeking psychological help was relatively negative among Chinese medical students. The implementation of interventions should take into account the at-risk population, especially the males and individuals with poor mental health.
Genetic variations in anti-diabetic drug targets and COPD risk: evidence from mendelian randomization
Authors: Su Yue , Zhang Youqian , Xu Jinfu
Published: May 2024

Background

Previous research has emphasized the potential benefits of anti-diabetic medications in inhibiting the exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), yet the role of anti-diabetic drugs on COPD risk remains uncertain.

Methods

This study employed a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to evaluate the causal association of genetic variations related to six classes of anti-diabetic drug targets with COPD. The primary outcome for COPD was obtained from the Global Biobank Meta-analysis Initiative (GBMI) consortium, encompassing a meta-analysis of 12 cohorts with 81,568 cases and 1,310,798 controls. Summary-level data for HbA1c was derived from the UK Biobank, involving 344,182 individuals. Positive control analysis was conducted for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) to validate the choice of instrumental variables. The study applied Summary-data-based MR (SMR) and two-sample MR for effect estimation and further adopted colocalization analysis to verify evidence of genetic variations.

Results

SMR analysis revealed that elevated KCNJ11 gene expression levels in blood correlated with reduced COPD risk (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.79–0.95; p = 0.002), whereas an increase in DPP4 expression corresponded with an increased COPD incidence (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.03–1.35; p = 0.022). Additionally, the primary method within MR analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between PPARG-mediated HbA1c and both FEV1 (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02–1.13; P = 0.013) and FEV1/FVC (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.01–1.14; P = 0.007), and a negative association between SLC5A2-mediated HbA1c and FEV1/FVC (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.74–1.00; P = 0.045). No colocalization evidence with outcome phenotypes was detected (all PP.H4 < 0.7).

Conclusion

This study provides suggestive evidence for anti-diabetic medications' role in improving COPD and lung function. Further updated MR analyses are warranted in the future, following the acquisition of more extensive and comprehensive data, to validate our results.
Clinical significance of pleural fluid lactate dehydrogenase/adenosine deaminase ratio in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Zhang Jianhua , Zhang Xiufeng , Wang Cheng
Published: May 2024

Background

Pleural fluid is one of the common complications of thoracic diseases, and tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) is the most common cause of pleural effusion in TB-endemic areas and the most common type of exudative pleural effusion in China. In clinical practice, distinguishing TPE from pleural effusion caused by other reasons remains a relatively challenging issue. The objective of present study was to explore the clinical significance of the pleural fluid lactate dehydrogenase/adenosine deaminase ratio (pfLDH/pfADA) in the diagnosis of TPE.

Methods

The clinical data of 618 patients with pleural effusion were retrospectively collected, and the patients were divided into 3 groups: the TPE group (412 patients), the parapneumonic pleural effusion (PPE) group (106 patients), and the malignant pleural effusion (MPE) group (100 patients). The differences in the ratios of pleural effusion-related and serology-related indicators were compared among the three groups, and receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of the parameter ratios of different indicators for the diagnosis of TPE.

Results

The median serum ADA level was higher in the TPE group (13 U/L) than in the PPE group (10 U/L, P < 0.01) and MPE group (10 U/L, P < 0.001). The median pfADA level in the TPE group was 41 (32, 52) U/L; it was lowest in the MPE group at 9 (7, 12) U/L and highest in the PPE group at 43 (23, 145) U/L. The pfLDH level in the PPE group was 2542 (1109, 6219) U/L, which was significantly higher than that in the TPE group 449 (293, 664) U/L. In the differential diagnosis between TPE and non-TPE, the AUC of pfLDH/pfADA for diagnosing TPE was the highest at 0.946 (0.925, 0.966), with an optimal cutoff value of 23.20, sensitivity of 93.9%, specificity of 87.0%, and Youden index of 0.809. In the differential diagnosis of TPE and PPE, the AUC of pfLDH/pfADA was the highest at 0.964 (0.939, 0.989), with an optimal cutoff value of 24.32, sensitivity of 94.6%, and specificity of 94.4%; this indicated significantly better diagnostic efficacy than that of the single index of pfLDH. In the differential diagnosis between TPE and MPE, the AUC of pfLDH/pfADA was 0.926 (0.896, 0.956), with a sensitivity of 93.4% and specificity of 80.0%; this was not significantly different from the diagnostic efficacy of pfADA.

Conclusions

Compared with single biomarkers, pfLDH/pfADA has higher diagnostic value for TPE and can identify patients with TPE early, easily, and economically.
Expert assessment of ChatGPT’s ability to generate illness scripts: an evaluative study
Authors: Yanagita Yasutaka , Yokokawa Daiki , Fukuzawa Fumitoshi , Uchida Shun , Uehara Takanori , Ikusaka Masatomi
Published: May 2024

Background

An illness script is a specific script format geared to represent patient-oriented clinical knowledge organized around enabling conditions, faults (i.e., pathophysiological process), and consequences. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as an educational aid in continuing medical education. The effortless creation of a typical illness script by generative AI could help the comprehension of key features of diseases and increase diagnostic accuracy. No systematic summary of specific examples of illness scripts has been reported since illness scripts are unique to each physician.

Objective

This study investigated whether generative AI can generate illness scripts.

Methods

We utilized ChatGPT-4, a generative AI, to create illness scripts for 184 diseases based on the diseases and conditions integral to the National Model Core Curriculum in Japan for undergraduate medical education (2022 revised edition) and primary care specialist training in Japan. Three physicians applied a three-tier grading scale: “A” denotes that the content of each disease’s illness script proves sufficient for training medical students, “B” denotes that it is partially lacking but acceptable, and “C” denotes that it is deficient in multiple respects.

Results

By leveraging ChatGPT-4, we successfully generated each component of the illness script for 184 diseases without any omission. The illness scripts received “A,” “B,” and “C” ratings of 56.0% (103/184), 28.3% (52/184), and 15.8% (29/184), respectively.

Conclusion

Useful illness scripts were seamlessly and instantaneously created using ChatGPT-4 by employing prompts appropriate for medical students. The technology-driven illness script is a valuable tool for introducing medical students to key features of diseases.
Effectiveness of a flipped classroom for undergraduate in implant dentistry hands-on course
Authors: Wu Tao , Xia Haibin , Sun Wei , Ge Yan , Liu Chun , He Fengxiao , Cheng Tiange , Zhao Yi , Chen Si
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the learning in the implant dentistry hands-on course to that of the flipped classroom (FC) and the traditional lecture cohorts (control).

Materials and methods

In this study,80 students were enrolled for the first time in an implant dentistry program. Subsequently, they were divided into two groups. The first, the FC group, which had free access to a video with a PowerPoint presentation on the Chaoxing-WHU-MOOC platform about the implant placement on first molar sites before class. The second, the control group, which attended a didactic lecture describing implant practice on the first molar site via a bidirectional multimedia interactive teaching demonstration and then operated on a simulation model. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the deviation gauge were utilized to analyze the accuracy of the implant placement in the students’ models. An online satisfaction questionnaire was distributed to both groups one week after the class.

Results

The linear deviation of the CBCT examination did not show any statistical difference between the two groups concerning cervical, apex, and angular. A significant buccal deviation was observed in the control group compared with the FC group (mean: 0.7436 mm vs. 0.2875 mm, p = 0.0035), according to the restoration-level deviation gauge. A total of 74.36% of students in the FC group placed implant within 0.5 mm buccal-to-lingual deviations, but only 41.03% of students in the control group reached within 0.5 mm buccal-to-lingual deviation ranges. Additionally, 91.67% of the students in the FC group and 97.5% of the students in the control group were satisfied with the practical implant class.

Conclusion

FC was more effective than a didactic lecture for implant dentistry practical skill acquisition.
Optimizing deep learning-based segmentation of densely packed cells using cell surface markers
Authors: Han Sunwoo , Phasouk Khamsone , Zhu Jia , Fong Youyi
Published: May 2024

Background

Spatial molecular profiling depends on accurate cell segmentation. Identification and quantitation of individual cells in dense tissues, e.g. highly inflamed tissue caused by viral infection or immune reaction, remains a challenge.

Methods

We first assess the performance of 18 deep learning-based cell segmentation models, either pre-trained or trained by us using two public image sets, on a set of immunofluorescence images stained with immune cell surface markers in skin tissue obtained during human herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. We then further train eight of these models using up to 10,000+ training instances from the current image set. Finally, we seek to improve performance by tuning parameters of the most successful method from the previous step.

Results

The best model before fine-tuning achieves a mean Average Precision (mAP) of 0.516. Prediction performance improves substantially after training. The best model is the cyto model from Cellpose. After training, it achieves an mAP of 0.694; with further parameter tuning, the mAP reaches 0.711.

Conclusion

Selecting the best model among the existing approaches and further training the model with images of interest produce the most gain in prediction performance. The performance of the resulting model compares favorably to human performance. The imperfection of the final model performance can be attributed to the moderate signal-to-noise ratio in the imageset.
The crotonylated and succinylated proteins of jujube involved in phytoplasma-stress responses
Authors: Zhang Liman , Wang Huibin , Xue Chaoling , Liu Yin , Zhang Yao , Liu Zhiguo , Meng Xiangrui , Liu Mengjun , Zhao Jin
Published: May 2024

Background

Protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) are fast and early responses to environmental changes, including pathogen infection. Jujube witches’ broom (JWB) is a phytoplasma disease causing great economic loss in jujube production. After phytoplasma infection, the transcriptional, translational, and metabolic levels in jujube were activated, enabling it to survive during phytoplasma invasion. However, no study has yet reported on PTMs in jujube. Lysine crotonylation (Kcr) and lysine succinylation (Ksu) have been popular studies in recent years and their function in plant phytoplasma-stress responses remains unclear.

Results

Here, 1656 crotonylated and 282 succinylated jujube proteins were first identified under phytoplasma-stress, of which 198 were simultaneously crotonylated and succinylated. Comparative analysis revealed that 656 proteins, 137 crotonylated and 43 succinylated proteins in jujube were regulated by phytoplasma infection, suggesting that Kcr was more universal than Ksu. Kcr differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were related to ribosomes, photosynthetic and carbon metabolism, while Ksu DEPs were mainly involved in carbon metabolism, the TCA cycle and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The crosstalk network among proteome, crotonylome and succinylome showed that DEPs related to ribosomal, peroxidases and glutathione redox were enriched. Among them, ZjPOD51 and ZjPHGPX2 significantly increased at the protein and Kcr level under phytoplasma-stress. Notably, 7 Kcr sites were identified in ZjPHGPX2, a unique antioxidant enzyme. After inhibitor nicotinamide (NAM) treatment, GPX enzyme activity in jujube seedlings was reduced. Further, site-directed mutagenesis of key Kcr modification sites K130 and/or K135 in ZjPHGPX2 significantly reduced its activity.

Conclusions

This study firstly provided large-scale datasets of Kcr and Ksu in phytoplasma-infected jujube and revealed that Kcr modification in ZjPHGPX2 positively regulates its activity.
Impact of mHealth interventions on maternal, newborn, and child health from conception to 24 months postpartum in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Knop Marianne Ravn , Nagashima-Hayashi Michiko , Lin Ruixi , Saing Chan Hang , Ung Mengieng , Oy Sreymom , Yam Esabelle Lo Yan , Zahari Marina , Yi Siyan
Published: May 2024

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have been harnessed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to address the intricate challenges confronting maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH). This review aspires to scrutinize the effectiveness of mHealth interventions on MNCH outcomes during the pivotal first 1000 days of life, encompassing the period from conception through pregnancy, childbirth, and post-delivery, up to the age of 2 years.

Methods

A comprehensive search was systematically conducted in May 2022 across databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health (CINAHL), Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Trip Pro, to unearth peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2022. The inclusion criteria consisted of (i) mHealth interventions directed at MNCH; (ii) study designs, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), RCT variations, quasi-experimental designs, controlled before-and-after studies, or interrupted time series studies); (iii) reports of outcomes pertinent to the first 1000 days concept; and (iv) inclusion of participants from LMICs. Each study was screened for quality in alignment with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Joanne Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. The included articles were then analyzed and categorized into 12 mHealth functions and outcome domain categories (antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care), followed by forest plot comparisons of effect measures.

Results

From the initial pool of 7119 articles, we included 131 in this review, comprising 56 RCTs, 38 cluster-RCTs, and 37 quasi-experimental studies. Notably, 62% of these articles exhibited a moderate or high risk of bias. Promisingly, mHealth strategies, such as dispatching text message reminders to women and equipping healthcare providers with digital planning and scheduling tools, exhibited the capacity to augment antenatal clinic attendance and enhance the punctuality of child immunization. However, findings regarding facility-based delivery, child immunization attendance, and infant feeding practices were inconclusive.

Conclusions

This review suggests that mHealth interventions can improve antenatal care attendance and child immunization timeliness in LMICs. However, their impact on facility-based delivery and infant feeding practices varies. Nevertheless, the potential of mHealth to enhance MNCH services in resource-limited settings is promising. More context-specific implementation studies with rigorous evaluations are essential.
Therapeutic strategies targeting mechanisms of macrophages in diabetic heart disease
Authors: Zhang Chaoyue , Shi Yunke , Liu Changzhi , Sudesh Shivon Mirza , Hu Zhao , Li Pengyang , Liu Qi , Ma Yiming , Shi Ao , Cai Hongyan
Published: May 2024

Diabetic heart disease (DHD) is a serious complication in patients with diabetes. Despite numerous studies on the pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic targets of DHD, effective means of prevention and treatment are still lacking. The pathogenic mechanisms of DHD include cardiac inflammation, insulin resistance, myocardial fibrosis, and oxidative stress. Macrophages, the primary cells of the human innate immune system, contribute significantly to these pathological processes, playing an important role in human disease and health. Therefore, drugs targeting macrophages hold great promise for the treatment of DHD. In this review, we examine how macrophages contribute to the development of DHD and which drugs could potentially be used to target macrophages in the treatment of DHD.
A novel prognostic signature based on smoking-associated genes for predicting prognosis and immune microenvironment in NSCLC smokers
Authors: Li Qixuan , Wang Tianyi , Tang Yijie , Zou Xian , Shen Zhongqi , Tang Zixin , Zhou Youlang , Shi Jiahai
Published: May 2024

Background

As a highly heterogeneous tumor, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is famous for its high incidence and mortality worldwide. Smoking can cause genetic changes, which leading to the occurrence and progress of NSCLC. Nevertheless, the function of smoking-related genes in NSCLC needs more research.

Methods

We downloaded transcriptome data and clinicopathological parameters from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, and screened smoking-related genes. Lasso regression were applied to establish the 7-gene signature. The associations between the 7-gene signature and immune microenvironment analysis, survival analysis, drug sensitivity analysis and enriched molecular pathways were studied. Ultimately, cell function experiments were conducted to research the function of FCGBP in NSCLC.

Results

Through 7-gene signature, NSCLC samples were classified into high-risk group (HRG) and low-risk group (LRG). Significant difference in overall survival (OS) between HRG and LRG was found. Nomograms and ROC curves indicated that the 7-gene signature has a stable ability in predicting prognosis. Through the analysis of immune microenvironment, we found that LRG patients had better tumor immune activation. FCGBP showed the highest mutation frequency among the seven prognostic smoking related genes (LRRC31, HPGD, FCGBP, SPINK5, CYP24A1, S100P and FGG), and was notable down-regulated in NSCLC smokers compared with non-smoking NSCLC patients. The cell experiments confirmed that FCGBP knockdown promoting proliferation, migration, and invasion in NSCLC cells.

Conclusion

This smoking-related prognostic signature represents a promising tool for assessing prognosis and tumor microenvironment in smokers with NSCLC. The role of FCGBP in NSCLC was found by cell experiments, which can be served as diagnostic biomarker and immunotherapy target for NSCLC.
Relationship of regional ultraviolet index data with rash and systemic disease activity in youth with childhood-onset systemic lupus: results from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry
Authors: Tanner Tamara I. , Agalliu Ilir , Wahezi Dawn M. , Rubinstein Tamar B.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To investigate the association between ultraviolet light index (UVI), as a marker for UV exposure, and seasonality with rash and systemic disease activity in youth with childhood-onset systemic lupus (cSLE) from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry.

Methods

We reviewed data on rash and disease activity from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2 K) scores from cSLE CARRA Registry participants with visits between 2010 and 2019 and obtained zipcode level UVI data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Our main exposures were UVI and season during the month of visit and one month prior to visit. We used mixed-effects logistic regression models to examine associations between regional UVI (by zipcode)/season and odds of rash and severe SLEDAI-2 K score (≥ 5 vs. 0–4), adjusting for age, sex, race and income.

Results

Among 1222 participants, with a mean of 2.3 visits per participant, 437 visits (15%) had rash and 860 (30%) had SLEDAI-2 K score ≥ 5. There were no associations between UVI during the month prior to visit or the month of the visit and odds of rash or elevated systemic activity. However, fall season was associated with increased odds of rash (OR = 1.59, p = 0.04), but not increased disease activity.

Conclusion

This study found no association between UVI and rash or UVI and disease activity. However, further studies directly measuring UV exposure and accounting for patient-level protective behavioral measures may help to better understand the complex relationship between sun exposure and SLE disease activity.