bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geofluids as a possible unconventional tool for seismic hazard assessment
Authors: Martinelli Giovanni , Pierotti Lisa , Facca Gianluca , Gherardi Fabrizio
Published: November 2023

In recent decades, phenomenological methods known as Recognition of Earthquake-Prone Areas (REPA) were set up for identifying potential sites of powerful earthquakes. The information on potential earthquake sources provided by the REPA method is an essential part of seismic hazard assessment methodology. For the first time, we have combined global-scale information on the geographic occurrence of geofluids with global-scale information on earthquake occurrence, heat flow distribution, and S-wave dispersion, to gain insights into the evolution of local stress-strain fields. We focused on areas characterized by the occurrence of thermal waters and/or by the release of deep-seated gases, as traced by the isotope composition of associated helium. We noticed that the geographic distribution of these geofluids could serve as an indirect indicator of crustal permeability anomalies generated by crustal deformation procedures. This study proposes adding geofluids to the list of fundamental geological parameters to be considered in hazard assessment research.
Electric vehicle charging load prediction based on variational mode decomposition and Prophet-LSTM
Authors: Cheng Nuo , Zheng Peng , Ruan Xiaofei , Zhu Zhenshan
Published: November 2023

With the large-scale development of electric vehicles, the accuracy of electric vehicle charging load prediction is increasingly important for electric power system. Accurate EV charging load prediction is essential for the efficiency of electric system planning and economic operation of electric system. This paper proposes an electric vehicle charging load predicting method based on variational mode decomposition and Prophet-LSTM. Firstly, the variational mode decomposition algorithm is used to decompose the charging load into several intrinsic mode functions in order to explore the characteristics of EV charging load data. Secondly, in order to make full use of the advantages of various forecasting methods, the intrinsic mode functions are classified into low and high frequency sequences based on their over-zero rates. The high and low frequency sequences are reconstructed to obtain two frequency sequences. Then the LSTM neural network and Prophet model are used to predict the high and low frequency sequences, respectively. Finally, the prediction results obtained from the prediction of high frequency and low frequency sequences are combined to obtain the final prediction result. The assessment of the prediction results shows that the prediction accuracy of the prediction method proposed in this paper is improved compared to the traditional prediction methods, and the average absolute error is lower than that of ARIMA, LSTM and Prophet respectively by 7.57%, 8.73%, and 46.02%. The results show that the prediction method proposed in this paper has higher prediction accuracy than the traditional methods, and is effective in predicting EV charging load.
Evidence of a conserved mammalian immunosuppression mechanism in Lutzomyia longipalpis upon infection with Leishmania
Authors: Telleria Erich Loza , Tinoco-Nunes Bruno , Forrest David M. , Di-Blasi Tatiana , Leštinová Tereza , Chang Kwang Poo , Volf Petr , Pitaluga André Nóbrega , Traub-Csekö Yara Maria
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) belonging to the Lutzomyia genus transmit Leishmania infantum parasites. To understand the complex interaction between the vector and the parasite, we have been investigating the sand fly immune responses during the Leishmania infection. Our previous studies showed that genes involved in the IMD, Toll, and Jak-STAT immunity pathways are regulated upon Leishmania and bacterial challenges. Nevertheless, the parasite can thrive in the vectors’ gut, indicating the existence of mechanisms capable of modulating the vector defenses, as was already seen in mammalian Leishmania infections.

Methods, results, and discussion

In this study, we investigated the expression of Lutzomyia longipalpis genes involved in regulating the Toll pathway under parasitic infection. Leishmania infantum infection upregulated the expression of two L. longipalpis genes coding for the putative repressors cactus and protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP. These findings suggest that the parasite can modulate the vectors’ immune response. In mammalian infections, the Leishmania surface glycoprotein GP63 is one of the inducers of host immune depression, and one of the known effectors is SHP. In L. longipalpis we found a similar effect: a genetically modified strain of Leishmania amazonensis over-expressing the metalloprotease GP63 induced a higher expression of the sand fly SHP indicating that the L. longipalpis SHP and parasite GP63 increased expressions are connected. Immuno-stained microscopy of L. longipalpis LL5 embryonic cells cultured with Leishmania strains or parasite conditioned medium showed cells internalization of parasite GP63. A similar internalization of GP63 was observed in the sand fly gut tissue after feeding on parasites, parasite exosomes, or parasite conditioned medium, indicating that GP63 can travel through cells in vitro or in vivo. When the sand fly SHP gene was silenced by RNAi and females infected by L. infantum, parasite loads decreased in the early phase of infection as expected, although no significant differences were seen in late infections of the stomodeal valve.

Conclusions

Our findings show the possible role of a pathway repressor involved in regulating the L. longipalpis immune response during Leishmania infections inside the insect. In addition, they point out a conserved immunosuppressive effect of GP63 between mammals and sand flies in the early stage of parasite infection.
Case report: Whole exome sequencing and genome-wide methylation profiling of Czech dysplasia in a Chinese pedigree
Authors: Zhao Mengfei , Zhang Runrun , Chang Cen , Jin Yehua , Xu Lingxia , Guo Shicheng , Schrodi Steven , He Yong , He Dongyi
Published: November 2023

Background

Czech dysplasia is a rare skeletal disorder with symptomatology including platyspondyly, brachydactyly of the third and fourth toes, and early-onset progressive pseudorheumatoid arthritis. The disorder segregates in an autosomal dominant fashion. A specific missense mutation (R275C, c.823C > T) in exon 13 of the COL2A1 gene has been identified in German and Japanese families.

Case summary

We present the case of a Chinese woman diagnosed with Czech dysplasia (proband) who carried a variant in the COL2A1 gene. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) identified the COL2A1 missense mutation (R275C, c.823C > T) in close relatives of the proband who also exhibited the same disorder.

Conclusion

This study is a thorough clinical and physiological description of Czech dysplasia in a Chinese patient.
A one-year pilot study comparing direct-infusion high resolution mass spectrometry based untargeted metabolomics to targeted diagnostic screening for inherited metabolic diseases
Authors: Willems Anke P. , van der Ham Maria , Schiebergen-Bronkhorst Birgit G. M. , van Aalderen Mirjam , de Barse Martina M. J. , De Gruyter Fini E. , van Hoek Ilja N. , Pras-Raves Mia L. , de Sain-van der Velden Monique G. M. , Prinsen Hubertus C. M. T. , Verhoeven-Duif Nanda M. , Jans Judith J. M.
Published: November 2023

Background: Early diagnosis of inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs) is important because treatment may lead to reduced mortality and improved prognosis. Due to their diversity, it is a challenge to diagnose IMDs in time, effecting an emerging need for a comprehensive test to acquire an overview of metabolite status. Untargeted metabolomics has proven its clinical potential in diagnosing IMDs, but is not yet widely used in genetic metabolic laboratories.

Methods: We assessed the potential role of plasma untargeted metabolomics in a clinical diagnostic setting by using direct infusion high resolution mass spectrometry (DI-HRMS) in parallel with traditional targeted metabolite assays. We compared quantitative data and qualitative performance of targeted versus untargeted metabolomics in patients suspected of an IMD (n = 793 samples) referred to our laboratory for 1 year. To compare results of both approaches, the untargeted data was limited to polar metabolites that were analyzed in targeted plasma assays. These include amino acid, (acyl)carnitine and creatine metabolites and are suitable for diagnosing IMDs across many of the disease groups described in the international classification of inherited metabolic disorders (ICIMD).

Results: For the majority of metabolites, the concentrations as measured in targeted assays correlated strongly with the semi quantitative Z-scores determined with DI-HRMS. For 64/793 patients, targeted assays showed an abnormal metabolite profile possibly indicative of an IMD. In 55 of these patients, similar aberrations were found with DI-HRMS. The remaining 9 patients showed only marginally increased or decreased metabolite concentrations that, in retrospect, were most likely to be clinically irrelevant. Illustrating its potential, DI-HRMS detected additional patients with aberrant metabolites that were indicative of an IMD not detected by targeted plasma analysis, such as purine and pyrimidine disorders and a carnitine synthesis disorder.

Conclusion: This one-year pilot study showed that DI-HRMS untargeted metabolomics can be used as a first-tier approach replacing targeted assays of amino acid, acylcarnitine and creatine metabolites with ample opportunities to expand. Using DI-HRMS untargeted metabolomics as a first-tier will open up possibilities to look for new biomarkers.
Evidence of antagonism in vitro and in vivo of extracts from Banisteriopsis laevifolia (A. Juss) B. Gates against the rice blast fungus
Authors: Simão Jorge Luiz Souza , Teodorico Matheus Santos de Souza , Silva Maria Ivanir de Sousa Cardoso , Coelho Carla Thaís Pereira , Bezerra Gustavo de Andrade , Arriel Elias Marina Teixeira , de Fillipi Marta Cristina Corsi , de Araújo Leila Garcês , Pasqualotto Severino Vanessa Gisele
Published: November 2023

Rice blast is a common disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae which affects rice production worldwide, including Brazil. To reduce the use of harmful pesticides, sustainable control options are necessary for managing rice blast. One possible option is to use plant extracts because they produce secondary metabolites capable of inhibiting the pathogen and controlling the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of ethanolic extracts of leaves and flowers from Banisteriopsis laevifollia, a native Brazilian plant, to antagonise M. oryzae. In vitro antifungal activity assays were carried out, in which mycelium growth reduction, conidia germination, and appressorium formation of M. oryzae were evaluated. In addition, in vivo assay for suppression of leaf blast severity by extracts was done. We also explored the identification of secondary metabolites from ethanolic extracts of leaves and flowers by HPLC–HRMS. Results showed that both leaf and flower extracts inhibited mycelial growth in 21.72% and 30.49%, respectively, due to the inhibition of ergosterol production. Additionally, both extracts inhibited melanin production in the mycelium of M. oryzae by inhibiting tyrosine production. Both leaf and flower extracts significantly inhibited conidia germination and appressorium formation. Furthermore, rice leaves treated with the extracts suppressed by 18.17% and 18.97% leaf blast severity, with the 1.00 mg/mL concentration of flower extract and 0.75 mg/mL concentration of leaf extract, respectively, showing the most significant reduction of leaf blast. The extracts contain phenolic compounds, including 2,3,7,8-tetrahydroxy-chromeno-(5,4,3)-chromene-5,10-dione, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid, 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-1(2H)-benzopyran-3,5,7-triol, 3,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone, 3′,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone, 4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavanone, 3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone, 3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone -3-O-glucoside, and 3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone-3-O-rutinoside, which are likely responsible for the antifungal activity of the extracts. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of plant extracts as a sustainable alternative for the management of rice blast.
Integrated analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating bortezomib + lenalidomide + dexamethasone or bortezomib + thalidomide + dexamethasone induction in transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Rosiñol Laura , Hebraud Benjamin , Oriol Albert , Colin Anne-Laurène , Ríos Tamayo Rafael , Hulin Cyrille , Blanchard María Jesús , Caillot Denis , Sureda Anna , Hernández Miguel Teodoro , Arnulf Bertrand , Mateos Maria-Victoria , Macro Margaret , San-Miguel Jesús , Belhadj Karim , Lahuerta Juan José , Garelik M. Brigid , Bladé Joan , Moreau Philippe
Published: November 2023

Objective

Providing the most efficacious frontline treatment for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) is critical for patient outcomes. No direct comparisons have been made between bortezomib + lenalidomide + dexamethasone (VRD) and bortezomib + thalidomide + dexamethasone (VTD) induction regimens in transplant-eligible NDMM.

Methods

An integrated analysis was performed using patient data from four trials meeting prespecified eligibility criteria: two using VRD (PETHEMA GEM2012 and IFM 2009) and two using VTD (PETHEMA GEM2005 and IFM 2013-04).

Results

The primary endpoint was met, with VRD demonstrating a noninferior rate of at least very good partial response (≥ VGPR) after induction vs VTD. GEM comparison demonstrated improvement in the ≥ VGPR rate after induction for VRD vs VTD (66.3% vs 51.2%; P = .00281) that increased after transplant (74.4% vs 53.5%). Undetectable minimal residual disease rates post induction (46.7% vs 34.9%) and post transplant (62.4% vs 47.3%) support the benefit of VRD vs VTD. Treatment-emergent adverse events leading to study and/or treatment discontinuation were less frequent with VRD (3%, GEM2012; 6%, IFM 2009) vs VTD (11%, IFM 2013-04).

Conclusion

These results supported the benefit of VRD over VTD for induction in transplant-eligible patients with NDMM. The trials included are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01916252, NCT01191060, NCT00461747, and NCT01971658).
PIWIL1 gene polymorphism and pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia relapse susceptibility among Chinese children: a five-center case–control study
Authors: Ding Wenjiao , Wang Dao , Cai Mansi , Yan Yaping , Liu Shanshan , Liu Xiaodan , Luo Ailing , Deng Decheng , Liu Xiaoping , Jiang Hua
Published: November 2023

Objective

PIWIL1 polymorphisms’ role in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) relapse susceptibility remains undiscovered.

Methods

A case–control designed and multiple logistic regression model was performed to evaluate the overall risk of pediatric ALL and five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PIWIL1 gene (rs35997018 C>T, rs1106042 A>G, rs7957349 C>G, rs10773771 C>T, and rs10848087 A>G) in 785 cases and 1,323 controls, which were genotyped by TaqMan assay. The odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the relationship. Stratified analysis was used to investigate the correlation of rs1106042 and rs10773771 genotypes and pediatric ALL relapse susceptibility in terms of age, sex, number of white blood cells (WBC), immunophenotyping, gene fusion type, karyotype, primitive/naïve lymphocytes, and minimal residual disease (MRD) in bone marrow. Finally, the haplotype analysis was performed to appraise the relationship between inferred haplotypes of PIWIL1 and pediatric ALL risk.

Results

Among the five analyzed SNPs, rs1106042 A>G was related to increased ALL risk, and rs10773771 C>T was related to decreased ALL risk. Compared to the GG genotype, the rs1106042 GA/AA had a deleterious effect on children of age <120 months, who were female and male, had high or average number of WBC, pro-B ALL, pre-B ALL, T-ALL, low- and middle-risk ALL, E2A-PBX fusion gene, non-gene fusion, abnormal diploid, high hyperdiploid, hypodiploid, and normal diploid. Moreover, rs1106042 A>G harmfully affected primitive/naïve lymphocytes and MRD on days 15–19, day 33, and week 12. On the contrary, rs10773771 TC/CC exhibited a protective effect on ALL children with the TEL-AML fusion gene. Haplotype analysis demonstrated that haplotypes CAGT, TACC, TACT, and TAGT were significantly associated with increased pediatric ALL relapse susceptibility.

Conclusion

PIWIL1 rs1106042 A>G was related to increased ALL risk, and rs10773771 C>T was linked to decreased ALL risk in eastern Chinese children. Rs1106042 GA/AA may predict poor prognosis.
Development and expansion of a pediatric transitional pain service to prevent complex chronic pain
Authors: Isaac Lisa , Rosenbloom Brittany N. , Tyrrell Jennifer , Ruskin Danielle A. , Birnie Kathryn A.
Published: November 2023

The prevention of chronic pain is a key priority in North America and around the world. A novel pediatric Transitional Pain Service (pTPS) at the Hospital for Sick Children was established to address four main areas of need, which the authors will describe in more detail: (1) provide comprehensive multi-modal pain management and prevention techniques to children at-risk for the development of chronic pain, (2) provide opioid stewardship for children at-risk for chronic pain and their families at home after discharge, (3) facilitate continuity of pain care for children across transitions between inpatient and outpatient care settings, and (4) support caregivers to manage their child's pain at home. The pTPS works with healthcare providers, patients, and their families to address these areas of need and improve quality of life. Furthermore the service fills the gap between inpatient acute pain services and outpatient chronic pain services (accessible only once pain has persisted for >3 months). In pediatric patients who experience pain in hospital and who have been prescribed opioids, discharge to home or rehabilitation may represent a vulnerable time in which pain may persist and during which analgesic requirements may change. This offers an important opportunity to address and prevent the development of chronic pain, and to monitor opioids while ensuring alternative pain therapy is available. The authors will outline risk factors for persistent postsurgical pain, the development and implementation of a pTPS, present initial clinical outcomes andsuggest areas for future research in this evolving area of care.
Role of interleukins in the detection of neonatal sepsis: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Xing Wei , Wang Ying , Liu Jiao , Pei Jie , Yu Chengyong
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The purpose of the network meta-analysis was to make a more comprehensive comparison of different interleukins in the detection of neonatal sepsis and to pose clues in the field of clinical practice.

Methods

Electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science and Embase were systematically searched. Eligible studies included diagnostic tests utilizing interleukins to detect neonatal sepsis. We calculated pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive Likelihood Ratio (PLR) and negative Likelihood Ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and superiority index.

Results

Fifteen studies including 1,369 neonates diagnosed of sepsis were included in this meta-analysis. For the detection of early-onset sepsis in neonates, the pooled sensitivity was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.81, 0.97; I2 = 0%, p = 0.946) and the pooled specificity was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.87, 0.97; I2 = 46.3%, p = 0.172) for IL-8. For the detection of late-onset sepsis in neonates. the sensitivity was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.85, 1.00; I2 = NA, p = NA) and the pooled specificity was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.92, 1.00; I2 = NA, p = NA) for IL-27. Results of ANOVA model revealed that the superiority index of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-27 were 1.20 (0.14, 5.00), 5.14 (0.33, 7.00), 0.75 (0.14, 5.00), and 1.31 (0.14, 5.00) in the detection of early-onset neonatal sepsis. Superiority index of IL-8, IL-10, and IL-27 were 1.84 (0.20, 5.00), 1.04 (0.20, 5.00), and 2.21 (0.20, 5.00) in the detection of late-onset neonatal sepsis.

Conclusions

Findings of this network meta-analysis suggest that interleukins including IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-27 may have favorable performance in the detection of neonatal sepsis. IL-8 was more accurate in the detection of early-onset sepsis in neonates. IL-27 was more accurate in the detection of late-onset neonatal sepsis.
En face optical coherence tomography detection of Schlemm’s canal in primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: Huang Haili , Tian Lijia , Sun Xinghuai , Chen Yuhong
Published: November 2023

Purpose: To compare the morphological characteristics of Schlemm’s canal (SC) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and healthy controls, using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) with en face reconstruction.

Methods: In this Prospective comparative study, we included 100 eyes from 50 patients diagnosed with POAG and 50 healthy controls. Three-dimensional cube and line scans of the temporal and nasal quadrants of the anterior segment of the limbus were acquired using SS-OCT. SC was identified using en face and cross-sectional images. The diameter and area of SC in cross-sectional images and the visible percentage and area of SC in en face images were measured using ImageJ.

Results: SC was observed in 84% of en face images and 81% of cross-sectional images in eyes with POAG but in 92% of en face images and 86% of cross-sectional images in control eyes. Significant differences between the POAG and normal control eyes were found in the en face area (0.35 ± 0.14 mm2 vs. 0.56 ± 0.22 mm2 in the temporal quadrant and 0.36 ± 0.14 mm2 vs. 0.58 ± 0.23 mm2 in the nasal quadrant; both p < 0.001) and visible percentage of SC (85.71% vs. 94.91% and 87.10% vs. 95.52% in the temporal and nasal quadrant respectively, both p < 0.001) in en face images as well as the cross-sectional area (2790.9 ± 942.2 μm2 vs. 4138.6 ± 2027.8 μm2 in the temporal quadrant and 2805.7 ± 947.2 μm2 vs. 4224.0 ± 2002.2 μm2 in the nasal quadrant, both p < 0.001) and diameter of SC (123.1 ± 25.4 μm vs. 149.5 ± 34.7 μm in the temporal quadrant and 126.3 ± 28.9 μm vs. 155.3 ± 36.0 μm in the nasal quadrant, both p < 0.001) in cross-section images. In addition, the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) significantly correlated with the en face area, visible percentage of SC, and cross-sectional area in the temporal and nasal quadrants.

Conclusion: SS-OCT can obtain high-quality en face images of SC without post-acquisition processing. Eyes with POAG had a decreased en face SC area compared with normal eyes. A correlation between SC area, visible percentage of en face images, and IOP was also observed.
Improving power of genome-wide association studies via transforming ordinal phenotypes into continuous phenotypes
Authors: Yang Ming , Wen Yangjun , Zheng Jinchang , Zhang Jin , Zhao Tuanjie , Feng Jianying
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Ordinal traits are important complex traits in crops, while genome-wide association study (GWAS) is a widely-used method in their gene mining. Presently, GWAS of continuous quantitative traits (C-GWAS) and single-locus association analysis method of ordinal traits are the main methods used for ordinal traits. However, the detection power of these two methods is low.

Methods

To address this issue, we proposed a new method, named MTOTC, in which hierarchical data of ordinal traits are transformed into continuous phenotypic data (CPData).

Results

Then, FASTmrMLM, one C-GWAS method, was used to conduct GWAS for CPData. The results from the simulation studies showed that, MTOTC+FASTmrMLM for ordinal traits was better than the classical methods when there were four and fewer hierarchical levels. In addition, when MTOTC was combined with FASTmrEMMA, mrMLM, ISIS EM-BLASSO, pLARmEB, and pKWmEB, relatively high power and low false positive rate in QTN detection were observed as well. Subsequently, MTOTC was applied to analyze the hierarchical data of soybean salt-alkali tolerance. It was revealed that more significant QTNs were detected when MTOTC was combined with any of the above six C-GWAs.

Discussion

Accordingly, the new method increases the choices of the GWAS methods for ordinal traits and helps to mine the genes for ordinal traits in resource populations.
Exogenous myristate promotes the colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in tomato
Authors: Liu Xiaodi , Feng Zengwei , Zhang Wei , Yao Qing , Zhu Honghui
Published: November 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can establish symbiotic associations with the roots of most terrestrial plants, thereby improving the tolerance of the host plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. Although AMF cannot synthesize lipids de novo, they can obtain lipids from the root cells for their growth and development. A recent study reveals that AMF can directly take up myristate (C14:0 lipid) from the environment and produce a large amount of hyphae in asymbiotic status; however, the effect of environmental lipids on AM symbiosis is still unclear. In this study, we inoculated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) with AMF in an in vitro dual culture system and a sand culture system, and then applied exogenous myristate to the substrate, in order to explore the effect of exogenous lipids on the mycorrhizal colonization of AMF. We investigated the hyphae growth, development, and colonization of AMF, and examined the gene expression involved in phosphate transport, lipid biosynthesis, and transport. Results indicate that exogenous lipids significantly stimulated the growth and branching of hyphae, and significantly increased the number of hyphopodia and mycorrhizal colonization of AMF, with arbuscular abundance and intraradical spores or vesicles being the most promoted. In contrast, exogenous myristate decreased the growth range and host tropism of the germ tubes, and largely inhibited the exchange of nutrition between symbionts. As a result, exogenous myristate did not affect the plant growth. This study suggests that lipids promote mycorrhizal colonization by enhancing the growth and development of AMF hyphae and increasing their contact opportunities with plant roots. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that shows that lipids promote the colonization of AMF. Our study highlights the importance of better understanding the roles of environmental lipids in the establishment and maintenance of AM symbiosis and, thus, in agricultural production.
Outpatient care for adolescents’ and young adults’ mental health: promoting self- and others’ understanding through a metacognitive interpersonal therapy-informed psychological intervention
Authors: Marconi Elisa , Monti Laura , Fredda Giulia , Kotzalidis Georgios D. , Janiri Delfina , Zani Valentina , Vitaletti Debora , Simone Maria Velia , Piciollo Simone , Moriconi Federica , Di Pietro Emanuela , Popolo Raffaele , Dimaggio Giancarlo , Veredice Chiara , Sani Gabriele , Chieffo Daniela Pia Rosaria
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Psychological distress may result in impairment and difficulty understanding oneself and others. Thus, addressing metacognitive issues in psychotherapy may improve psychopathology in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). We aimed to compare metacognitive interpersonal therapy (MIT)-informed psychotherapy with other treatment-as-usual (TAU) therapies.

Methods

We administered the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale, the Clinical Global Impressions–Severity (CGI-S) scale, and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) at baseline (BL) and at treatment termination (the endpoint was at 6 months and any last results obtained before that term were carried forward in analyzes). Patients received concomitant psychiatric and psychological treatment.

Results

Sixty AYAs were involved in the study. There was a significant reduction in symptomatology after the intervention. Twelve patients (17%) dropped out; treatment adherence was 83%. In the MIT group, 2 patients dropped out (11%), and in the TAU group, 9 patients dropped out (19%). All scales showed a significant reduction in symptoms between baseline (BL) and the 6-month endpoint: GAF (χ2 = 6.61, p < 0.001), BPRS (χ2 = 6.77, p < 0.001), and CGI (χ2 = 7.20, p < 0.001). There was a greater efficacy for the MIT group in terms of symptom reduction on the BPRS (t = 2.31; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The study confirmed the efficacy of early and integrated care in adolescence and suggested greater symptom reduction for a psychotherapeutic intervention focused on stimulating mentalization skills. The study indicates the usefulness of this type of approach in the treatment of adolescent psychopathology. Due to the small sample size, the results need replication.
Analysis of hospital and payer costs of care: aggressive warming versus routine warming in abdominal major surgery
Authors: Song Shujia , Pei Lijian , Chen Hongda , Zhang Yuelun , Sun Chen , Yi Jie , Huang Yuguang
Published: November 2023

Background

Hypothermia is common and active warming is recommended in major surgery. The potential effect on hospitals and payer costs of aggressive warming to a core temperature target of 37°C is poorly understood.

Methods

In this sub-analysis of the PROTECT trial (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03111875), we included patients who underwent radical procedures of colorectal cancer and were randomly assigned to aggressive warming or routine warming. Perioperative outcomes, operation room (OR) scheduling process, internal cost accounting data from the China Statistical yearbook (2022), and price lists of medical and health institutions in Beijing were examined. A discrete event simulation (DES) model was established to compare OR efficiency using aggressive warming or routine warming in 3 months. We report base-case net costs and sensitivity analyses of intraoperative aggressive warming compared with routine warming. Costs were calculated in 2022 using US dollars (USD).

Results

Data from 309 patients were analyzed. The aggressive warming group comprised 161 patients and the routine warming group comprised 148 patients. Compared to routine warming, there were no differences in the incidence of postoperative complications and total hospitalization costs of patients with aggressive warming. The potential benefit of aggressive warming was in the reduced extubation time (7.96 ± 4.33 min vs. 10.33 ± 5.87 min, p < 0.001), lower incidence of prolonged extubation (5.6% vs. 13.9%, p = 0.017), and decreased staff costs. In the DES model, there is no add-on or cancelation of operations performed within 3 months. The net hospital costs related to aggressive warming were higher than those related to routine warming in one operation (138.11 USD vs. 72.34 USD). Aggressive warming will have an economic benefit when the OR staff cost is higher than 2.37 USD/min/person, or the cost of disposable forced-air warming (FAW) is less than 12.88 USD/piece.

Conclusion

Despite improving OR efficiency, the economic benefits of aggressive warming are influenced by staff costs and the cost of FAW, which vary from different regions and countries.

Clinical trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov, identifier (NCT03111875).
Development and validation of a device for monitoring laryngeal motion during swallowing
Authors: Aihara Keiko , Inamoto Yoko , Saitoh Eiichi , Shibata Seiko , Sato Yuriko , Harada Maki , Otaka Yohei
Published: November 2023

Objectives: Hyolaryngeal movement during swallowing is essential to airway protection and bolus clearance. Although palpation is widely used to evaluate hyolaryngeal motion, insufficient accuracy has been reported. The Bando Stretchable Strain Sensor for Swallowing (B4S™) was developed to capture hyolaryngeal elevation and display it as waveforms. This study compared laryngeal movement time detected by the B4S™ with laryngeal movement time measured by videofluoroscopy (VF).

Methods: Participants were 20 patients without swallowing difficulty (10 men, 10 women; age 30.6 ± 7.1 years). The B4S™ was attached to the anterior neck and two saliva swallows were measured on VF images to determine the relative and absolute reliability of laryngeal elevation time measured on VF and that measured by the B4S™.

Results: The intra-class correlation coefficient of the VF and B4S™ times was very high [ICC (1.1) = 0.980]. A Bland–Altman plot showed a strong positive correlation with a 95% confidence interval of 0.00–3.01 for the mean VF time and mean B4S™ time, with a fixed error detected in the positive direction but with no proportional error detected. Thus, the VF and B4S™ time measurements showed high consistency.

Conclusion: The strong relative and absolute reliability suggest that the B4S™ can accurately detect the duration of superior-inferior laryngeal motion during swallowing. Further study is needed to develop a method for measuring the distance of laryngeal elevation. It is also necessary to investigate the usefulness of this device for evaluation and treatment in clinical settings.
Single-center experience with the ClotTriever BOLD catheter for deep vein thrombosis percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy of the lower extremity
Authors: De Marco Garcia Lorena P.
Published: November 2023

Background

The ClotTriever System is a percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy system used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The BOLD catheter is a newer compatible component with a modified coring element for which reported outcomes are limited. This retrospective study aims to assess the preliminary procedural safety and success data for patients treated with the BOLD catheter.

Methods

All consecutive patients with symptomatic lower extremity DVT who underwent thrombectomy with the BOLD catheter between 23 November 2021 and 26 June 2022 at a single center were included. Baseline and procedural characteristics were reported. The primary outcome, intraprocedural safety, was assessed by a chart review of recorded intraprocedural adverse events (AEs) or device malfunction. The secondary outcome, procedural success, was defined as ≥75% reduction in the total occlusion across treated venous segments. This was assessed by an interventionalist review of pre- and postprocedural venograms. Additional outcomes included length of postprocedural hospital stay and assessment of AEs at discharge and a 30-day follow-up visit.

Results

Eleven patient cases were reviewed. The median patient age was 65 years, the majority were women, and all were treated unilaterally. All procedures were completed in a single session without intraprocedural AEs or device malfunction. The median procedural blood loss was 50 ml. A review of pre- and postprocedural venograms showed that 35 venous segments were treated, including the femoral (n = 9), common femoral (n = 9), external iliac (n = 10), and common iliac (n = 7) veins. Procedural success was achieved in 10 patients (90.9%), and the median reduction rate in venous occlusion was 100%. The median length of postprocedural hospital stay was 1 day, and no AEs were noted at discharge (N = 11). One adverse event occurred among the eight patients who completed their follow-up visit. A patient with advanced-stage cancer and medication failure had a recurrent DVT 13 days postprocedure, which was not related to the device or procedure.

Conclusions

No safety concerns concerning the BOLD catheter were raised during the review of the cases included in this analysis, and the device was successful in reducing venous occlusion in patients with symptomatic proximal lower extremity DVT.
Computed tomographic measurements of pancreatic thickness in clinically normal dogs
Authors: An Yoojin , Kim Sungsoo , Kwon Danbee , Lee Kichang , Yoon Hakyoung
Published: November 2023

Pancreatic thickness is an indicator for evaluating pancreatic diseases. The transverse and cross-sectional pancreatic thickness observed on computed tomography (CT) may differ. This study aimed to provide a normal reference range for pancreatic thickness on the transverse plane based on body weight (BW) and assess pancreatic thickness to aorta (P/Ao) ratio. In addition, we aimed to establish the normal short and long dimensions of the pancreas based on cross-sectional image through the long axis of the pancreas using multiplanar reconstruction (MPR). The short dimension to aorta (S/Ao) and long dimension to aorta (L/Ao) ratios were also established in clinically normal dogs. The pancreatic thickness was measured using CT results of 205 clinically normal dogs. The pancreatic thickness on the transverse plane and the short and long dimensions in the cross-sectional image of the pancreas were measured using MPR. The diameter of the Ao was measured on the transverse plane and the P/Ao, S/Ao, and L/Ao ratios were calculated. Our study showed that the mean normal pancreatic thicknesses (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) of the pancreatic body, left and right lobe in the transverse plane were 10.92 ± 2.54 mm, 8.92 ± 2.26 mm and 9.96 ± 2.24 mm, respectively. The P/Ao ratios of the pancreatic body, left and right lobes were 1.85 ± 0.33, 1.50 ± 0.27 and 1.68 ± 0.29, respectively. The mean short dimension (mean ± SD) in the cross-sectional image of the pancreatic body, left and right lobe were 8.98 ± 1.97 mm, 7.99 ± 1.89 mm and 8.76 ± 2.03 mm, respectively. In conclusion, pancreatic thickness increased with BW, while the P/Ao, S/Ao, and L/Ao ratios could be used regardless of BW.
Multispectral Vegetation Indices and Machine Learning Approaches for Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) Yield Prediction across Different Varieties
Authors: Badagliacca Giuseppe , Messina Gaetano , Praticò Salvatore , Lo Presti Emilio , Preiti Giovanni , Monti Michele , Modica Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) is one of the most widely cultivated cereal species in the Mediterranean basin, supporting pasta, bread and other typical food productions. Considering its importance for the nutrition of a large population and production of high economic value, its supply is of strategic significance. Therefore, an early and accurate crop yield estimation may be fundamental to planning the purchase, storage, and sale of this commodity on a large scale. Multispectral (MS) remote sensing (RS) of crops using unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a powerful tool to assess crop status and productivity with a high spatial–temporal resolution and accuracy level. The object of this study was to monitor the behaviour of thirty different durum wheat varieties commonly cultivated in Italy, taking into account their spectral response to different vegetation indices (VIs) and assessing the reliability of this information to estimate their yields by Pearson’s correlation and different machine learning (ML) approaches. VIs allowed us to separate the tested wheat varieties into different groups, especially when surveyed in April. Pearson’s correlations between VIs and grain yield were good (R2 > 0.7) for a third of the varieties tested; the VIs that best correlated with grain yield were CVI, GNDVI, MTVI, MTVI2, NDRE, and SR RE. Implementing ML approaches with VIs data highlighted higher performance than Pearson’s correlations, with the best results observed by random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) models.
Energy-Dissipation Support Technology for Large Deformation Tunnels Based on the Post-Peak Behavior of Steel Plate Buckling: A Case Study
Authors: Wang Wanqi , Qiu Wenge
Published: November 2023

Large deformations can easily occur when tunneling through weak surrounding rock with high underground stresses. Under high-stress environments, the surrounding rock stores a large amount of strain energy, and the strain energy stored in the soft and weak surrounding rock enclosure is dissipated through the large traveling plastic deformation. Therefore, the effective use of the surrounding rock’s bearing capacity and energy dissipation is a feasible solution to the large deformation problem. Based on the energy principle, this study designs a high compressibility, large stroke energy-dissipation element, which transforms the traditional support into energy-dissipation support and solves the problem of large deformation by reasonably utilizing the “displacement” of the surrounding rock. The experimental results showed that the steel plate assembled structure had an initial peak value of about 15 MPa, a constant resistance of about 2 MPa with a large stroke, and a compression rate of more than 75%, with good post-compression flexural peak characteristics. Elastic–plastic buckling analyses of defective steel plate composite structures were carried out using finite element analysis software, and the deformation and force characteristics of a variety of steel plate composite structures after buckling under actual field conditions were investigated. Based on the 3D laser scanning system, the thickness of the upper and lower steel plates of the steel plate composite structure was set to 1 cm, the height of the vertical plate was set to 28 cm, and the thickness was set to 8 mm. The original rigid supporting method was converted into one of compression support by circumferentially embedding the steel plate composite structure into the initial support structure. The resulting support configuration offered a high safety factor because the pressure of the surrounding rock was released by the deformation of the steel plate composite structure.
Untangling Tau: Molecular Insights into Neuroinflammation, Pathophysiology, and Emerging Immunotherapies
Authors: Davidson Ryder , Krider Reese I. , Borsellino Philip , Noorda Keith , Alhwayek George , Vida Thomas A.
Published: November 2023

Neuroinflammation, a core pathological feature observed in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is rapidly gaining attention as a target in understanding the molecular underpinnings of these disorders. Glial cells, endothelial cells, peripheral immune cells, and astrocytes produce a variety of pro-inflammatory mediators that exacerbate the disease progression. Additionally, microglial cells play a complex role in AD, facilitating the clearance of pathological amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) plaques and aggregates of the tau protein. Tau proteins, traditionally associated with microtubule stabilization, have come under intense scrutiny for their perturbed roles in neurodegenerative conditions. In this narrative review, we focus on recent advances from molecular insights that have revealed aberrant tau post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and acetylation, serving as pathological hallmarks. These modifications also trigger the activation of CNS-resident immune cells, such as microglia and astrocytes substantially contributing to neuroinflammation. This intricate relationship between tau pathologies and neuroinflammation fosters a cascading impact on neural pathophysiology. Furthermore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning tau’s influence on neuroinflammation presents a frontier for the development of innovative immunotherapies. Neurodegenerative diseases have been relatively intractable to conventional pharmacology using small molecules. We further comprehensively document the many alternative approaches using immunotherapy targeting tau pathological epitopes and structures with a wide array of antibodies. Clinical trials are discussed using these therapeutic approaches, which have both promising and disappointing outcomes. Future directions for tau immunotherapies may include combining treatments with Aβ immunotherapy, which may result in more significant clinical outcomes for neurodegenerative diseases.
Galectin-10 Expression in Placentas of Women with Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Buschmann Christina , Unverdorben Laura , Knabl Julia , Hutter Stefan , Meister Sarah , Beyer Susanne , Burgmann Maximiliane , Keilmann Lucia , Zati zehni Alaleh , Schmoeckel Elisa , Kessler Mirjana , Jeschke Udo , Mahner Sven , Kolben Thomas , Ganster Franziska , Burges Alexander
Published: November 2023

Galectins are known to play an important role in immunoregulatory processes and autoimmune diseases. Galectin-10 is a cytoplasmic protein of human eosinophils and is involved in various eosinophilic diseases. Since increased galectin expression is already detected in the placentas of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), this study focuses on the specific role of galectin-10 and hints at consequences for the diagnosis and therapeutic options of GDM. It is hypothesized that the difference in galectin-10 expression will raise the pathophysiological understanding of gestational diabetes. The study population consists of 80 women: 40 healthy mothers and 40 women suffering from gestational diabetes mellitus. The expression of galectin-10 was analyzed in the syncytiotrophoblast (SCT) and the decidua of the placenta via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence double staining. The immunoreactivity score (IRS) was used for evaluation. The results in this study were significant for an overexpression of galectin-10 in GDM placentas compared with the control group. The syncytiotrophoblast showed overexpression in the nucleus and the cytoplasm, whereas expression of galectin-10 in the decidua was significant in the cytoplasm only. This study identified the expression changes in galectin-10 in placental tissue between healthy and GDM mothers and intensified the understanding of gestational diabetes. Assuming that gestational diabetes mellitus is involved in inflammatory processes, galectin-10 might play a role in the development and maintenance of GDM. Further investigation is required to strengthen these findings.
Industrial Rotary Kiln Burner Performance with 3D CFD Modeling
Authors: Cecílio Duarte M. , Mateus Margarida , Ferreiro Ana Isabel
Published: November 2023

As the need to minimize environmental impacts continues to rise, it is essential to incorporate, advance, and adopt renewable energy sources and materials to attain climate neutrality in industrial operations. It is established that economic growth is built upon infrastructure, where the cement industry plays a crucial role. However, it is also known that this industry is actively looking for ways to transition toward low-carbon practices to encourage sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. To this end, the use of refuse-derived fuels to substitute fossil fuels is very appealing, as these have the potential to lower clinker production costs and CO2 emissions. Bearing this in mind, the primary objective of this work is to gain insights into the combustion behavior in an industrial rotary kiln by studying real-life scenarios and to assess the potential of substituting alternative fuels for fossil fuels to reduce CO2 emissions. A 3D CFD turbulent combustion model was formulated in Ansys® considering a Pillard NOVAFLAM® burner, where refuse-derived and petcoke fuels were used, and different secondary air mass flows were considered. From the obtained results, it was possible to conclude that the outcome of the combustion process is greatly influenced by the fuel-to-air ratio. Increasing the secondary air mass flow promotes the occurrence of a complete and efficient combustion process, leading to enhanced fuel conversion and the decreased formation of pollutants such as CO, soot, and unburned hydrocarbons. An increase in combustion efficiency from 93% to 96% was observed, coupled with a slight decrease in the pollutant mass fraction in the flue gas.