bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive analysis of metabolites in the mycelium of Cordyceps fumosorosea cultured on Periplaneta americana
Authors: Khan Tahir , Dong-Hai Hou , Zhou Jin-Na , Yang Yin-Long , Yu Hong
Published: February 2024

Background

Cordyceps fumosorosea is one of the common species within the Cordyceps genus, which are cultured on Periplaneta americana. This study aimed to determine the composition of bioactive compounds, including β-glucans, polysaccharides, cordycepic acid, flavonoids, ergosterol, and nitrogenous compounds (specifically nucleosides: adenosine, guanosine, adenine, and hypoxanthine), present in the mixture and mycelium at various time incubation.

Methods

Different bioactive compounds, including β-1,3-glucan, polysaccharides, cordycepic acid, flavonoids, ergosterol, and nitrogenous compounds (specifically nucleosides: adenosine, guanosine, adenine, and hypoxanthine) are detected from C. fumosorosea which cultured on P. americana by UV and HPLC.

Results

Mycelia of C. fumosorosea were cultivated in P. americana (medium). The highest total β-1,3-glucan content was observed in the mixture (C. fumosorosea + P. americana) after 25 days (69.21 ± 0.07 mg/g) and in the mycelium after 25 days (56.32 ± 0.39 mg/g) using different solvents. The highest β-1,3-glucan content was attained at specific time incubation in other solvents. The content of cordycepic acid peaked at 52.28 ± 0.11 mg/g in the mixture after 25 days and at 46.96 ± 0.13 mg/g in the mycelium after 25 days. The polysaccharide content reached its highest level in the mixture after 20 days (16.68 ± 0.38 mg/g) and in the mycelium after 20 days (14.85 ± 0.10 mg/g). The peak flavonoid content was observed in the mixture after 25 days (4.65 ± 0.24 mg/g) and in the mycelium after 25 days (4.04 ± 0.07 mg/g). Nucleosides, including adenine, adenosine, hypoxanthine, and guanosine, exhibited their highest levels after 25 days in the mixture and mycelium. Ergosterol content peaks at 25 days (2.25 ± 0.04 mg/g).

Conclusion

Cordyceps fumosorosea mixture and time incubation of 20 and 25 days are optimal for detecting a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including β-1,3-glucan, polysaccharides, cordycepic acid, flavonoids, ergosterol, and nucleosides.
Radiology AI Deployment and Assessment Rubric (RADAR) to bring value-based AI into radiological practice
Authors: Boverhof Bart-Jan , Redekop W. Ken , Bos Daniel , Starmans Martijn P. A. , Birch Judy , Rockall Andrea , Visser Jacob J.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To provide a comprehensive framework for value assessment of artificial intelligence (AI) in radiology.

Methods

This paper presents the RADAR framework, which has been adapted from Fryback and Thornbury’s imaging efficacy framework to facilitate the valuation of radiology AI from conception to local implementation. Local efficacy has been newly introduced to underscore the importance of appraising an AI technology within its local environment. Furthermore, the RADAR framework is illustrated through a myriad of study designs that help assess value.

Results

RADAR presents a seven-level hierarchy, providing radiologists, researchers, and policymakers with a structured approach to the comprehensive assessment of value in radiology AI. RADAR is designed to be dynamic and meet the different valuation needs throughout the AI’s lifecycle. Initial phases like technical and diagnostic efficacy (RADAR-1 and RADAR-2) are assessed pre-clinical deployment via in silico clinical trials and cross-sectional studies. Subsequent stages, spanning from diagnostic thinking to patient outcome efficacy (RADAR-3 to RADAR-5), require clinical integration and are explored via randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. Cost-effectiveness efficacy (RADAR-6) takes a societal perspective on financial feasibility, addressed via health-economic evaluations. The final level, RADAR-7, determines how prior valuations translate locally, evaluated through budget impact analysis, multi-criteria decision analyses, and prospective monitoring.

Conclusion

The RADAR framework offers a comprehensive framework for valuing radiology AI. Its layered, hierarchical structure, combined with a focus on local relevance, aligns RADAR seamlessly with the principles of value-based radiology.

Critical relevance statement

The RADAR framework advances artificial intelligence in radiology by delineating a much-needed framework for comprehensive valuation.

Keypoints

• Radiology artificial intelligence lacks a comprehensive approach to value assessment.

• The RADAR framework provides a dynamic, hierarchical method for thorough valuation of radiology AI.

• RADAR advances clinical radiology by bridging the artificial intelligence implementation gap.
HAND factors regulate cardiac lineage commitment and differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Guo Huixin , Hang Chengwen , Lin Bowen , Lin Zheyi , Xiong Hui , Zhang Mingshuai , Lu Renhong , Liu Junyang , Shi Dan , Xie Duanyang , Liu Yi , Liang Dandan , Yang Jian , Chen Yi-Han
Published: February 2024

Background

Transcription factors HAND1 and HAND2 (HAND1/2) play significant roles in cardiac organogenesis. Abnormal expression and deficiency of HAND1/2 result in severe cardiac defects. However, the function and mechanism of HAND1/2 in regulating human early cardiac lineage commitment and differentiation are still unclear.

Methods

With NKX2.5eGFP H9 human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), we established single and double knockout cell lines for HAND1 and HAND2, respectively, whose cardiomyocyte differentiation efficiency could be monitored by assessing NKX2.5-eGFP+ cells with flow cytometry. The expression of specific markers for heart fields and cardiomyocyte subtypes was examined by quantitative PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Microelectrode array and whole-cell patch clamp were performed to determine the electrophysiological characteristics of differentiated cardiomyocytes. The transcriptomic changes of HAND knockout cells were revealed by RNA sequencing. The HAND1/2 target genes were identified and validated experimentally by integrating with HAND1/2 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data.

Results

Either HAND1 or HAND2 knockout did not affect the cardiomyocyte differentiation kinetics, whereas depletion of HAND1/2 resulted in delayed differentiation onset. HAND1 knockout biased cardiac mesoderm toward second heart field progenitors at the expense of first heart field progenitors, leading to increased expression of atrial and outflow tract cardiomyocyte markers, which was further confirmed by the appearance of atrial-like action potentials. By contrast, HAND2 knockout cardiomyocytes had reduced expression of atrial cardiomyocyte markers and displayed ventricular-like action potentials. HAND1/2-deficient hESCs were more inclined to second heart field lineage and its derived cardiomyocytes with atrial-like action potentials than HAND1 single knockout during differentiation. Further mechanistic investigations suggested TBX5 as one of the downstream targets of HAND1/2, whose overexpression partially restored the abnormal cardiomyocyte differentiation in HAND1/2-deficient hESCs.

Conclusions

HAND1/2 have specific and redundant roles in cardiac lineage commitment and differentiation. These findings not only reveal the essential function of HAND1/2 in cardiac organogenesis, but also provide important information on the pathogenesis of HAND1/2 deficiency-related congenital heart diseases, which could potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Comparative analysis of the interactions of different Streptococcus suis strains with monocytes, granulocytes and the complement system in porcine blood
Authors: Zhu Haodan , Müller Uwe , Baums Christoph Georg , Öhlmann Sophie
Published: February 2024

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an important porcine pathogen causing meningitis, arthritis, and septicemia. Serotypes 2 and 14 are the most common zoonotic ones worldwide, whereas serotypes 2, 9, and 7 are very important in pigs in Europe. To cause invasive infections S. suis needs to enter the bloodstream. Consequently, the immune response in blood represents an important line of defense and bacteremia plays a key role in the pathogenesis of invasive S. suis infections. We investigated the working hypothesis that S. suis strains of the same serotype but different clonal complex (CC) might exhibit substantial differences in the interaction with components of the immune system in porcine blood. The experimental design of this study includes comparative analysis of 8 virulent strains belonging to 4 serotypes with strains of the same serotype being genetically not closely related. Significant differences between two strains of the same serotype but different clonal complex were recorded in the flow cytometric analysis of association with different leukocytes for serotype 9 and 14. Our results demonstrate that the serotype 9 strain of CC94 shows significantly increased association with monocytes and survival in porcine blood of conventional piglets as well as a tendency towards decreased composition of C3 in plasma of these piglets in comparison to the serotype 9 strain of CC16. Correlation analysis of C3 deposition on the bacterial surface and survival in respective blood samples of 8-week-old piglets demonstrated a negative correlation indicating that C3 deposition is a crucial step to limit bacterial survival and proliferation of different S. suis pathotypes in the blood of these piglets. In summary, our results indicate that the capsule composition of a S. suis strain is not alone sufficient to determine association with leukocytes, activation of complement, induction of proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative burst, and bacterial survival in porcine blood. In this study, substantial differences in these host–pathogen interactions were observed between strains of the same serotype. Therefore, a more comprehensive characterization of the field isolates, including at least MLST analysis to determine the sequence type/clonal complex, is recommended.
Use of live attenuated recombinant Newcastle disease virus carrying avian paramyxovirus 2 HN and F protein genes to enhance immune responses against species A rotavirus VP6 protein
Authors: Soliman Rofaida Mostafa , Nishioka Keisuke , Murakoshi Fumi , Nakaya Takaaki
Published: February 2024

Numerous infectious diseases in cattle lead to reductions in body weight, milk production, and reproductive performance. Cattle are primarily vaccinated using inactivated vaccines due to their increased safety. However, inactivated vaccines generally result in weaker immunity compared with live attenuated vaccines, which may be insufficient in certain cases. Over the last few decades, there has been extensive research on the use of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) as a live vaccine vector for economically significant livestock diseases. A single vaccination dose of NDV can sufficiently induce immunity; therefore, a booster vaccination dose is expected to yield limited induction of further immune response. We previously developed recombinant chimeric NDV (rNDV-2F2HN), in which its hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and fusion (F) proteins were replaced with those of avian paramyxovirus 2 (APMV-2). In vitro analysis revealed that rNDV-2F2HN expressing human interferon-gamma had potential as a cancer therapeutic tool, particularly for immunized individuals. In the present study, we constructed rNDV-2F2HN expressing the bovine rotavirus antigen VP6 (rNDV-2F2HN-VP6) and evaluated its immune response in mice previously immunized with NDV. Mice primarily inoculated with recombinant wild-type NDV expressing VP6 (rNDV-WT-VP6), followed by a booster inoculation of rNDV-2F2HN-VP6, showed a significantly stronger immune response than that in mice that received rNDV-WT-VP6 as both primary and booster inoculations. Therefore, our findings suggest that robust immunity could be obtained from the effects of chimeric rNDV-2F2HN expressing the same or a different antigen of a particular pathogen as a live attenuated vaccine vector.
Advancing forest inventorying and monitoring
Authors: Ferretti Marco , Fischer Christoph , Gessler Arthur , Graham Catherine , Meusburger Katrin , Abegg Meinrad , Bebi Peter , Bergamini Ariel , Brockerhoff Eckehard G. , Brunner Ivano , Bühler Christoph , Conedera Marco , Cothereau Pierre , D’Odorico Petra , Düggelin Christoph , Ginzler Christian , Grendelmeier Alex , Haeni Matthias , Hagedorn Frank , Hägeli Martin , Hegetschweiler Karin Tessa , Holderegger Rolf , Krumm Frank , Gugerli Felix , Queloz Valentin , Rigling Andreas , Risch Anita C. , Rohner Brigitte , Rosset Christian , Scherrer Daniel , Schulz Tobias , Thürig Esther , Traub Berthold , von Arx Georg , Waldner Peter , Wohlgemuth Thomas , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Shackleton Ross T.
Published: February 2024

Forests are under pressure and going through rapid changes. However, current inventorying and monitoring (IM) programs are often either disjointed, too narrow in their scope and/or do not operate at fine enough temporal resolutions, which may hinder scientific understanding, the timely supply of information, fast decision making, and may result in the sub-optimal use of resources. For these reasons, there is an urgent need for Advanced Forest Inventorying and Monitoring (AIM) programs to (i) achieve expanded relevance (by augmenting data/information across ecosystem properties and trophic levels), (ii) have increased temporal resolution (by tailored data collection frequency), and (iii) make use of technological advances (by incorporating novel tools and technologies). The Advanced Inventorying and Monitoring for Swiss Forests (SwissAIM) initiative was launched in 2020 to address these needs. SwissAIM builds upon the foundation offered by the existing programs (e.g., national forest inventory, long-term forest ecosystem research, biodiversity monitoring). It aims to offer a collaborative and adaptive framework to enable integrated data collection, evaluation, interpretation, analysis, and modeling. Ideally, it will result in a more responsive system with respect to current and predicted biotic/abiotic stressors that will challenge Swiss forests. Developing such a system implies identifying the information needs of different stakeholders (e.g., science, policy, practice), related technical requirements, and governance frameworks. Here, we present (i) the main features of the SwissAIM initiative (vision, scientific questions and variables, governance and engagement), (ii) the main outcomes of the participatory design process (measurements, sampling, and plot design), (iii) the potential transferability of AIM initiatives outside Switzerland (timing, relevance, practicability), and (iv) the key messages that emerged (i.e., need for advancement, integration and transdisciplinarity, statistical underpinning). Since similar needs related to forest inventorying and monitoring are emerging throughout Europe and elsewhere, the objective of this opinion paper is to share our experience and promote a dialog with those interested in developing AIM initiatives in other countries and regions.
Current and future distribution of Eucalyptus globulus under changing climate in Ethiopia: implications for forest management
Authors: Mosisa Gemechis B. , Tassie Nega , Adula Motuma
Published: February 2024

Eucalyptus globulus is a species endemic to southeastern Australia. It has naturalized non-native ranges in other parts of Australia, Europe, Africa, and the western United States. This study is the first of its kind in Ethiopia to model and map the spatiotemporal distribution of the species using species distribution models (SDMs). A total of 874 occurrence records were used from the online Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) database and field observation. Three environmental variables, including terrain, climate, and soil were used to predict the species’ distribution. The terrain, climate, and soil raster grids were resampled to a 200-meter resolution. The Global Circulation Model (GCM) HadGEM3-GC3.1 was used to extract future climate data. This GCM has a good match between the atmospheric and oceanic components showing little drift in its surface climate. Besides, it has the best coverage of Africa. Three climate change scenarios (SSPs 1-2.6, SSPs 2-4.5, and SSPs 5-8.5) were used for predicting suitable habitat of the species. The jackknife test was chosen to assess the importance of each environmental predictor variable. The model’s performance was evaluated using the Area under the Curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. The model had excellent predictive performance with an average AUC of 0.94. Altitude, rooting conditions, slope, dry-month precipitation, and temperature seasonality are the most important environmental factors in shaping E. globulus distribution. Ethiopian highlands are predicted to be more suitable to the species, but the increase in temperature seasonality may reduce suitable habitat under the high-forcing climate change scenario. Climate change is expected to create more suitable habitats for eucalyptus in the future which may encourage plantations in potential distribution areas. Consequently, ensuring long-term forest health necessitates robust management systems prioritizing native trees and responsible grower or farmer practices.
Positive end-expiratory pressure limits inspiratory effort through modulation of the effort-to-drive ratio: an experimental crossover study
Authors: Widing Hannes , Pellegrini Mariangela , Chiodaroli Elena , Persson Per , Hallén Katarina , Perchiazzi Gaetano
Published: February 2024

Background

How assisted spontaneous breathing should be used during acute respiratory distress syndrome is questioned. Recent evidence suggests that high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) may limit the risk of patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of PEEP on esophageal pressure swings, inspiratory drive, and the neuromuscular efficiency of ventilation. We hypothesized that high PEEP would reduce esophageal pressure swings, regardless of inspiratory drive changes, by modulating the effort-to-drive ratio (EDR). This was tested retrospectively in an experimental animal crossover study. Anesthetized pigs (n = 15) were subjected to mild to moderate lung injury and different PEEP levels were applied, changing PEEP from 0 to 15 cmH2O and back to 0 cmH2O in steps of 3 cmH2O. Airway pressure, esophageal pressure (Pes), and electric activity of the diaphragm (Edi) were collected. The EDR was calculated as the tidal change in Pes divided by the tidal change in Edi. Statistical differences were tested using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

Inspiratory esophageal pressure swings decreased from − 4.2 ± 3.1 cmH2O to − 1.9 ± 1.5 cmH2O (p < 0.01), and the mean EDR fell from − 1.12 ± 1.05 cmH2O/µV to − 0.24 ± 0.20 (p < 0.01) as PEEP was increased from 0 to 15 cmH2O. The EDR was significantly correlated to the PEEP level (rs = 0.35, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Higher PEEP limits inspiratory effort by modulating the EDR of the respiratory system. These findings indicate that PEEP may be used in titration of the spontaneous impact on ventilation and in P-SILI risk reduction, potentially facilitating safe assisted spontaneous breathing. Similarly, ventilation may be shifted from highly spontaneous to predominantly controlled ventilation using PEEP. These findings need to be confirmed in clinical settings.
Changes in breakfast and water consumption among adolescents in Canada: examining the impact of COVID-19 in worsening inequity
Authors: Duncan Markus J. , Belita Emily , Amores Angelica , Riazi Negin A. , Carsley Sarah , Vanderloo Leigh M. , Carson Valerie , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Faulkner Guy , Leatherdale Scott T. , Patte Karen A.
Published: February 2024

Background

To assess whether changes in breakfast and water consumption during the first full school year after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic varied based on sex/gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status among Canadian adolescents.

Methods

Prospective annual survey data collected pre- (October 2019-March 2020) and post-COVID-19 onset (November 2020-June 2021) the Cannabis, Obesity, Mental health, Physical activity, Alcohol, Smoking, and Sedentary behaviour (COMPASS) study. The sample consisted of 8,128 students; mean (SD) age = 14.2 (1.3) years from a convenience sample of 41 Canadian secondary schools. At both timepoints self-reported breakfast and water consumption were dichotomized as daily or not. Multivariable logistic generalized estimating equations with school clustering were used to estimate differences in maintenance/adoption of daily consumption post-COVID-19 based on demographic factors, while controlling for pre-COVID-19 behaviour.

Results

Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals are reported. Females (AOR = 0.71 [0.63, 0.79]) and lower socioeconomic status individuals (AORLowest:Highest=0.41 [0.16, 1.00]) were less likely to maintain/adopt daily breakfast consumption than male and higher socioeconomic status peers in the 2020–2021 school year. Black identifying individuals were less likely than all other racial/ethnic identities to maintain/adopt plain water consumption every day of the week (AOR = 0.33 [0.15, 0.75], p < 0.001). No significant interaction effects were detected.

Conclusions

Results support the hypothesis that changes in nutritional behaviours were not equal across demographic groups. Female, lower socioeconomic status, and Black adolescents reported greater declines in healthy nutritional behaviours. Public health interventions to improve adherence to daily breakfast and water consumption should target these segments of the population.

Trial Registration

Not a trial.
Feasibility of a breath robot intervention to reduce sleep problems in posttraumatic stress disorder: protocol for a randomized controlled study
Authors: Lotzin Annett , Laskowsky Isabelle
Published: February 2024

Background

Many patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suffer from sleep problems. Robot-based interventions might be an innovative approach to reduce sleep problems and hyperarousal in PTSD. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of a breath robot in patients with PTSD have never been empirically tested. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of a breath robot to reduce sleep problems and hyperarousal in patients with PTSD.

Methods

This randomized controlled feasibility study will include N = 30 adult patients with at least subsyndromal PTSD (PTSD Symptom Scale – Interview-5 (PSSI-5)) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) and impaired sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) > 5). Patients with organic sleep disorders or currently in psychotherapeutic treatment are excluded. Study participants are randomized to receive either a 4-week Somnox 2 robot intervention including simulation of human breath or a 4-week Somnox 2 robot intervention without human breath simulation. The primary outcome will be the proportion of randomized participants providing outcome data at post-treatment. We consider a proportion of > 50% to indicate feasibility. Additional feasibility outcomes include eligibility rate, recruitment speed, uptake, retention, treatment adherence, and dropout. Potential outcomes of effectiveness (sleep quality, PSQI; severity of PTSD symptoms, PSSI-5) will be assessed at two time points, before (T0) and after (T1) the intervention. Sleep characteristics (Consensus Sleep Diary (CSD)) are measured daily.

Discussion

This study is the first to investigate the feasibility of a novel breath robot intervention for reducing sleep problems and hyperarousal in PTSD patients, with effectiveness considered as a secondary outcome. If feasible and effective, the use of a breath robot could be a nonintrusive and flexible intervention to supplement psychotherapy or to bridge treatment gaps.

Trial registration

DRKS, DRKS00031063. Registered on 10/012023.
Graves disease is associated with increased risk of clinical Alzheimer’s disease: evidence from the Medicare system
Authors: Yashkin Arseniy Pavlovich , Kolpakov Stanislav , Ukraintseva Svetlana , Yashin Anatoliy , Akushevich Igor
Published: February 2024

Background

Identification of modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) onset is an important aspect of controlling the burden imposed by this disease on an increasing number of older U.S. adults. Graves disease (GD), the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the U.S., has been hypothesized to be associated with increased AD risk, but there is no consensus. In this study, we explore the link between GD and risk of clinical AD.

Methods

Cox and Fine-Grey models were applied to a retrospective propensity-score-matched cohort of 19,798 individuals with GD drawn from a nationally representative 5% sample of U.S. Medicare beneficiaries age 65 + over the 1991–2020 period.

Results

Results showed that the presence of GD was associated with a higher risk of AD (Hazard Ratio [HR]:1.19; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]:1.13–1.26). Competing risk estimates were consistent with these findings (HR:1.14; CI:1.08–1.20) with the magnitude of associated risk varying across subgroups: Male (HR:1.25; CI:1.07–1.47), Female (HR:1.09; CI:1.02–1.16), White (HR:1.11; CI:1.03–1.19), and Black (HR:1.23; CI:1.02–1.49).

Conclusions

Our results indicate a robust and consistent association between a diagnosis of GD and a subsequent diagnosis of AD in later stages of life. The precise biological pathways that could potentially connect these two conditions remain unclear as is the role of treatment in this relationship. Replications of these findings on datasets with both biomarkers and laboratory test results, especially in underrepresented groups is vital.
Enhancing English writing competence in higher education: a comparative study of teacher-only assessment versus teacher and student self-assessment approaches
Authors: Apridayani Aisah , Han Wei , Sakkanayok Kanyanat
Published: February 2024

Despite the critical role of academic English writing proficiency in higher education, existing research has inadequately addressed the comparative impact of teacher-led and student-involved assessments on writing outcomes. To address the research gap, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 'Teacher-Only Assessment' compared to 'Combined Teacher and Student Self-Assessment' in English writing at a university in southern Thailand. Additionally, the study examined the viewpoints of students regarding the implementation of these approaches. It utilized a sequential explanatory research design in conjunction with a quasi-experimental design. The research instruments included a series of writing tasks, a teacher assessment rubric, a self-assessment form, and a questionnaire with open-ended questions. A group of 62 first-year English majors was divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group, consisting of 31 students each. Both groups were taking an English Composition I course for 12 weeks and were assigned the same writing tasks. The experimental group was provided with both self-assessments and teacher evaluations, whereas the control group solely received teacher evaluations. The quantitative data was analyzed using an independent sample, while the qualitative data was examined through a thematic analysis. Quantitatively, the independent t-test results indicated that there was no statistically significant distinction in overall writing performance between both groups, except for narrative paragraphs. Moreover, the qualitative findings emphasized the merits of incorporating teacher-led and student-involved assessments. This study suggests various implications for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction and assessment practices.
Outcomes of short- versus long-acting gas tamponades in vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Schöneberger Verena , Li Jeany Q. , Menghesha Leonie , Holz Frank G. , Schaub Friederike , Krohne Tim U.
Published: February 2024

Background

In vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, long-acting gas tamponades (LGT) such as C3F8 or C2F6 may improve surgical success rate due to their prolonged effect compared to a short-acting gas tamponade (SGT) with SF6. On the other hand, SGT allow a significantly faster visual rehabilitation after surgery and may reduce the risk of gas-related complications. As comparative data in retinal detachment surgery is limited, we assessed the outcomes of vitrectomies using either LGT or SGT.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 533 eyes of 524 consecutive patients diagnosed with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment not complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and treated by vitrectomy at two clinical sites. Depending on the site the patients presented at, they received either preferentially LGT (study site 1) or SGT (study site 2). Retinal re-detachment rates during a period of 6 months following surgery were analyzed.

Results

At study site 1, 254 of 278 eyes (91.4%) were treated by LGT (C3F8 72.3%; C2F6 19.1%), whereas at study site 2, 246 of 255 eyes (96.5%) received SGT (SF6). Rates of retinal re-detachment in the LGT- and SGT-treated groups were similar with 23 of 254 eyes (9.1%) and 24 of 246 eyes (9.8%), respectively (p = 0.9). Median time to re-detachment was 5.7 weeks in the LGT-treated group and 4.4 weeks in the SGT-treated group (p = 0.4).

Conclusion

In rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair by vitrectomy, the use of SGT results in comparable rates of successful retinal re-attachment as LGT. Given the faster visual rehabilitation with SGT, these results suggest SGT as a sensible alternative to LGT in surgery of retinal detachment without PVR.
Optical coherence tomography angiography of the macula of high myopia in children and adolescents
Authors: Abdellah Marwa Mahmoud , Amer Ahmed Ali , Eldaly Zeiad Hasan , Anber Mohamed Abdellatif
Published: February 2024

Background

High myopia represents a health issue and leads to the development of complications that threaten vision. The study of macular changes in high myopia patients has undergone great advances with updated technology via new spectral optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Most of related studies have focused on the adults and additional studies need to investigate macular changes in children and adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the macular structure by OCT and the macular vessel density in high myopia in children and adolescents by OCTA.

Methods

A cross-sectional comparative study. The population was divided into two groups: group 1 (4–11 years) and group 2 (12–18 years). The results were comparable to those of control study of the same age group. The two high myopia groups and the control groups were examined by macular OCT and OCTA to evaluate macular thickness and vessel density in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses.

Results

OCT measurements of patients in group 1 revealed that central macular thickness was significantly lower in high myopia group than in the control group and measured 220.91 ± 27.87 μm and 258.23 ± 17.26 μm, respectively, (P < 0.0001). However, in group 2 the central macular thickness in the high myopia group and control group was 236.32 ± 27.76 μm and 247.09 ± 16.81 μm respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.09). The parafoveal macular thickness and the perifoveal macular quadrants thickness were significantly lower in high myopic children and high myopic adolescents (P < 0.0001) than age matched controls. The parafoveal and perifoveal vessel densities in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses were lower in the high myopia groups than in the age-matched controls in both groups with a few segment exceptions in group 1. The FAZ was significantly wider in group 1 than in the age-matched emmetropes (P = 0.02). The FAZ was wider in group 2 than controls, but the difference was not statistically significant, (P = 0.75).

Conclusion

High myopic children and adolescents have thinner macular thickness than comparable age-matched emmetropes and have less vessel density in superficial and deep capillary plexuses with a wider FAZ.
Health-related quality of life and quality-adjusted progression free survival for carfilzomib and dexamethasone maintenance following salvage autologous stem-cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma: a randomized phase 2 trial by the Nordic Myeloma Study Group
Authors: Nielsen Lene Kongsgaard , Schjesvold Fredrik , Möller Sören , Guldbrandsen Nina , Hansson Markus , Remes Kari , Peceliunas Valdas , Abildgaard Niels , Gregersen Henrik , King Madeleine T.
Published: February 2024

Background

Decisions regarding maintenance therapy in patients with multiple myeloma should be based on both treatment efficacy and health-related quality of life (HRQL) consequences. In the CARFI trial, patients with first relapse of multiple myeloma underwent salvage autologous stem cell transplantation (salvage ASCT) before randomization to carfilzomib-dexamethasone maintenance therapy (Kd) or observation. The primary clinical endpoint was time to progression, which was extended by 8 months by Kd. The aim of this paper is to present the all HRQL endpoints of the CARFI trial including the HRQL effect of Kd maintenance therapy relative to observation. The primary HRQL endpoint was assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30 Summary score (QLQ-C30-sum) at 8 months follow-up. A key secondary HRQL endpoint was quality-adjusted progression-free-survival (QAPFS).

Methods

HRQL was assessed with EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-MY20 and FACT/GOG-Ntx at randomization and every second month during follow-up. HRQL data were analyzed with linear mixed effect models until 8 months follow-up. QAPFS per individual was calculated by multiplying progression-free survival (PFS) by two quality-adjustment metrics, the QLQ-C30-sum and EORTC Quality of Life Utility Measure-Core 10 dimensions (QLU-C10D). The QAPFS per treatment group was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. P < 0.05 was used for statistical significance, and a between-group minimal important difference of 10 points was interpreted as clinically relevant for the QLQ-C30-sum.

Results

168 patients were randomized. HRQL questionnaire compliance was 93%. For the QLQ-C30-sum, the difference of 4.62 points (95% confidence interval (CI) -8.9: -0.4, p = 0.032) was not clinically relevant. PFS was 19.3 months for the Kd maintenance group and 16.8 months for the observation group; difference = 2.5 months (95% CI 0.5; 4.5). QAPFS based on the QLQ-C30-sum for the Kd maintenance group was 18.0 months (95% CI 16.4; 19.6) and for the observation group 15.0 months (95% CI 13.5; 16.5); difference = 3.0 months (95% CI 0.8–5.3). QAPFS based on the QLU-C10D for the Kd maintenance group was 17.5 months (95% CI 15.9; 19.2) and 14.0 months (95% CI 12.4; 15.5) for the observation group; difference = 3.5 months (95% CI 1.1–5.9).

Conclusions

Kd maintenance therapy after salvage ASCT did not adversely affect overall HRQL, but adjustment for HRQL reduced the PFS compared to unadjusted PFS. PFS of maintenance therapy should be quality-adjusted to balance the benefits and HRQL impact.
Peak load estimation of renewable energy generation based on imitator dynamic algorithm
Authors: Ye Siqi , Yu Ling , Luo Jinman
Published: February 2024

In the field of renewable energy generation forecasting, it is crucial to accurately estimate the peak load. However, due to the complex nonlinear characteristics of the data, the traditional long short-term memory network performs poorly in processing these data. This study introduces the imitator dynamic algorithm, which is able to generate samples close to the real situation by learning the change pattern of the data. Extensive experimental tests show that with the number of iterations increasing to 200, the prediction accuracy of the model reaches 62.35%, which is significantly better than that of the long short-term memory network, although it is decreased compared with the initial iteration. The imitator dynamic algorithm accurately learns the unknown data distribution according to two metrics of probability density and cumulative distribution within 5% error, demonstrating good generalization ability and robustness. These research results are of great significance for predicting the actual generation capacity of renewable energy. It not only enables grid operators to accurately predict and schedule power generation, but also supports sustainable energy development by improving grid stability and promoting the use of renewable energy.
Reduction of the mangosteen tree (Garcinia mangostana L.) production cycle: effect of soil type and fertilisers
Authors: Haba Jean Florent , Silué Nakpalo , Dembele Ardjouma , Phaceli Elichama Désirée , Koffi Jean Kouao , Letto Ange Kouakou
Published: February 2024

Background

Shortening the vegetative cycle of slow-growing crops is a significant challenge for breeders, agronomists, and growers. This reduction is particularly crucial for the mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) as it would make it easier for farmers to adopt this crop. The mangosteen tree is notoriously slow-growing, taking between 8 and 15 years to produce its first fruits. The plant's slow growth and late fruiting pose a significant obstacle to its adoption and spread in rural areas. In Côte d'Ivoire, these constraints have limited its cultivation to small farms owned by a few producers. However, it could be an alternative for diversifying agricultural income and contributing to poverty reduction in rural areas. This study aims to evaluate the effects of soil type and fertiliser on the agronomic parameters of mangosteen tree growth. The goal is to contribute to shortening its vegetative phase.

Results

The study results indicate that soil type and fertiliser have a significant effect on mangosteen growth parameters. Evaluating the agronomic performance of mangosteen, it was found that lowland soil promotes better plant growth. Growth rate and height growth were found to be significantly influenced (p = 0.03). After 36 months of monitoring, the growth rates for mangosteen trees grown on lowland soil were 53.08 ± 7.30%, while those grown on forest soil were 41.51 ± 13.43%. Additionally, the use of foliar and granular N-P-K fertilisers resulted in earlier fruiting, starting from the 5th year of cultivation.

Conclusions

The results showed that fertilisers play a crucial role in managing and shortening the juvenile phase of the mangosteen tree. Foliar and NPK fertilisers performed exceptionally well, resulting in earlier fruiting of mangosteen trees, starting from the 5th year of cultivation.
Exploring the booming tea tourist industry and unconventional tourism through the ritual of drinking tea in India
Authors: Banerjee Shuvasree , Tyagi Pankaj Kumar
Published: February 2024

More and more individuals are realizing the need to take time away from their regular lives to recharge their bodies and minds by visiting new places. That's why we reasoned that drinking tea while on holiday would be the most significant element in promoting the growth of the tea tourism sector. We want to bring attention to how, via the medium of tastescape, the ritual of drinking tea may help one better understand the notion of unconventional tourism in India. A tastescape is a combination of physical elements, social norms, and geographical settings. One kind of nature tourism that includes visits to tea plantations is an example of a niche market. Without a question, if you're looking for a place to visit that serves excellent tea, you should make your way to India. If the right marketing campaigns are launched to attract eco-travelers, and if the necessary efforts are made to enhance the quality of the area, the Indian Tea Estates have the potential to become a leading destination for tea tourism. The novelty of this study lies in its exploration of tea tourism prospects in India and the investigation into how the fascination with tea influences the decisions of foreign tourists visiting the country. The research aims to promote travel to India so that more people may learn about and appreciate the tea culture there. Both primary and secondary sources are used in this qualitative study. Features and advertising tactics for luring tourists are described in this research. At this point, we analyze the research data and use it to inform a set of preliminary marketing strategies. The study also found that enhancing a customer's overall impression of a company is one of the most effective ways to encourage repeat business. It is difficult to advance plans to combine the tourism and tea industries due to a lack of personnel and expertise. The difficulty may be overcome if the two parties can work together to mutual benefit. Achieving future achievements will require strengthening the connection between tea and tourism, establishing collaborations, encouraging a higher degree of local engagement, and highlighting local benefits as a way of life.
The impact of N-terminal modification of PAA with different chain lengths on the structure, thermal stability and pH sensitivity of succinylated collagen
Authors: Zhang Juntao , Liu Yang , Xu Haofei , Sui Peishan , Liu Tianyi , Zheng Mingming , Shirshin Evgeny A. , Wei Benmei , Xu Chengzhi , Wang Haibo
Published: February 2024

The limitations of native collagen, such as thermal stability and solubility in physiological environments, can be improved by applying bioconjugation and synthetic chemistry techniques. However, the exquisite control of the modification site of collagen remains a challenge. In this work, pH-responsive poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) with different chain lengths was attached to the N-terminal α-amino groups of succinylated collagen using a site-specific modification strategy. Additionally, the structure, thermal stability, and pH sensitivity of succinylated collagen were explored. The modification rate of amino groups in the succinylated collagen-PAA bioconjugate (SPSC-PAA) was evaluated by the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid assay. The impact of N-terminal modification of PAA and its chain length on the thermal stability of collagen was explored by CD and DSC. These techniques revealed that the thermal stability of SPSC-Col is pH-responsive and closely related to the chain length of grafted PAA. The pH sensitivity of SPSC-PAA was further explored by rheology and turbidity. Subsquently, the critical pH and isoelectric point of SPSC-PAAs were also examined by turbidity and isoelectric point titration, respectively. This work provides a new insight into the N-terminal modification of collagen on its properties.

Graphical abstract
MycoNews 2023: Editorial, news, reports, awards, personalia, and book news
Authors: Hawksworth David L.
Published: February 2024

This fifth annual edition of MycoNews starts with an editorial on the critical importance of International Mycological Congresses (IMCs) to the health of mycology. Items on Counting down to IMC12, the State of the World’s Plants and Fungi 2023, and progress towards Improving nomenclatural stability in medically important fungi follow. Reports are provided of several mycological meetings in 2023: the Asian Mycological Congress, XIX Congress of European Mycologists, a meeting of European Mycological Groups and Societies, the XI Latin American Mycological Congress, Westerdijk Spring Symposium on Fungal Evolution, the Brazilian Society of Mycology, the Annual Meeting of the Mycological Society of China, and the Fifth Iranian Mycological Congress. Information is provided on how to make nominations for the various IMA Awards due to be presented at IMC12 in August, the new Future is Fungi Award launched in 2023, and the Adel-Azeem and Stamets Award for work on Psilocybe in Africa. The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute Awards for 2023 were made to Andrey Yurkov and Cathie Aime and the citations to those awards are provided. We include tributes to the passing of two eminent mycologists, Lorelei Norvell and Takashi Matsushima, and also send birthday greetings to Bryce Kendrick who turned 90, and Maria Ławrynowicz, Yu Li, and Anthony Whalley who all became octogenarians. Reviews of seven mycological books published in 2022–2023 are included in the Book News section.
Platelet-to-albumin ratio and radiation-induced lymphopenia—prognostic biomarker for carcinoma esophagus
Authors: Ghosh Adrija , Dagar Abhilash , Bharat Ram Pukar , Raj Jaswin , Shah Dyuti , Sharma Jyoti , Kumar Akash , Patil Pritee A. , Sharma Aman , Sharma Dayanand , Mallick Supriya
Published: February 2024

Background

Esophageal cancer has a poor survival outcome with 5-year OS at 16.7% despite treatment. Some inflammation-based prognostic indicators like the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been previously studied as potential biomarker for predicting outcome in esophageal cancer. Recently, platelet-to-albumin ratio (PAR) has been reported as a promising prognostic factor in gastrointestinal malignancies.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively treated patients of carcinoma esophagus to evaluate the prognostic significance of inflammation-based prognostic indicators—neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and a composite inflammation-nutrition index: platelet-to-albumin ratio (PAR) in esophageal cancer. Based on previous studies, the optimal cut-off value of PAR was kept at 5.7 × 10^9, and 2.62 for NLR.

Results

A total of 71 patients of locally advanced esophageal cancer treated between 2019 and 2022, with either neoadjuvant or definitive chemoradiotherapy, were included. Median follow-up time was 19 months [range: 7–44 months]. Median OS and PFS in our study cohort were 11.3 months [range: 7–23 months] and 7.8 months [range: 3–17 months], respectively. In univariate analysis, lower PAR was found to be significantly correlated with shorter survival time (HR = 2.41; 1.3–4.76; p = 0.047). There was no association found between the OS and the NLR [HR = 1.09; 0.95–1.26; p = 0.222]. Univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regressions found no association between V15, V10, V5, or V2 of spleen and nadir lymphocyte count or between Dmax or Dmean and nadir lymphocyte counts.

Conclusion

Present analysis found a trend toward an inverse association between PAR and OS. PAR, in the not-so-distant future, may evolve as a novel, convenient, and inexpensive prognostic indicator in esophageal cancer.