bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model updating method for offshore jacket platforms using improved DNN and OOA considering non-uniform corrosion and structural responses
Authors: Jia Ziguang , Dai Song , Fan Zheliang , Jia Shuai , Su Xin , Wang Yanlin
Published: January 2025

During the service life of offshore jacket platforms, the harsh marine environment leads to severe structural corrosion and damage, necessitating structural health monitoring. Ensuring the accuracy of numerical finite element models (FEM) requires critical model updating. This study introduces an improved DNN-OOA model updating method by incorporating actual structural responses into the optimization objective function and considering non-uniform corrosion of the structure. We utilized Pyansys to automatically generate large-scale datasets, simplifying the simulation process. An accurate and responsive surrogate model is generated using the improved deep neural network (DNN), and the optimal solution for the parameters to be corrected is sought through the Osprey optimization algorithm (OOA), completing the FEM updating. The main innovation of this study lies in incorporating non-uniform corrosion caused by the real marine physical environment into the model updating process. This phenomenon is employed to determine the updating range for different structural members. Furthermore, the parameters subject to updating include structural damage to the members and changes in the upper mass. Incorporating the structural response under static loading into the optimization objective function allows for a more comprehensive reflection of the structure’s dynamic and static behavior, addressing the regression confusion problem in the optimization process of purely modal frequency updating. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed improved DNN-OOA model updating method effectively eliminates inaccuracies in simulated structural responses and mitigates the local optimum problem inherent in pure modal frequency updating. In the updated scaled jacket platform FEM, the maximum relative error of the modal frequencies is reduced to 2.624%, and the maximum error in structural response is reduced to 3.510%. This approach provides a more accurate and reliable FEM for the maintenance and safety assessment of offshore jacket platforms.
Deep transfer learning for delamination damage in CFRP composite materials
Authors: Xu Zhuo jun , Li Hao , Yu Jian bo , Jingwen Yu
Published: January 2025

This article presents the health monitoring of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) structures using a data-driven deep transfer learning approach to facilitate mapping signal features to damage categories. Simulations were conducted on composite material specimens with delamination damage, with validation performed using laboratory-derived CFRP damage experimental data. Continuous wavelet transform was employed to process Lamb wave signals recorded from a specified sensor network on the composite material panel, extracting time–frequency scale representations. A cross-workpiece deep transfer learning (CWTL) model was proposed to address the interdependence of the machine learning (ML) model on a large set of labeled damage data for different composite material structures. The CWTL, by seeking an appropriate initial range with minimal data, alters the direction of gradient descent, thereby identifying initial parameters more sensitive to the task. This process allows the ML model to fit to a limited damage dataset quickly. To assess the robustness of this method, considering environmental variability as well as damage localization and quantification, further extensions of the study were explored. The results demonstrate the efficacy of CWTL in accurately classifying both undamaged and delaminated damage categories, with high accuracy, suggesting the ML model’s potential for practical applications in such structural frameworks.
Orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm based on a time-varying parameter dictionary and refined secondary selection and its application in rolling bearing fault diagnosis
Authors: Miao Bingrong , Wu Yuyuan , Li Peng , Li Yongjian , Wu Kaixin
Published: January 2025

The performance of the orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) algorithm in extracting the impacts of bearing faults is crucial for early fault detection in industrial applications. This approach largely depends on the constructed dictionary and the number of iterations. Traditional correlation filtering methods, which are used to determine dictionary parameters, are susceptible to noise, and dictionary atoms with fixed parameters are difficult to adapt to time-varying fault impact characteristics. Additionally, during the sparse decomposition stage, the use of excessive iterations can result in the OMP algorithm reconstructing signals with significant interference components. In this paper, a time-varying parameter and refined secondary selection-based orthogonal matching pursuit (TPRSS-OMP) algorithm are presented. Through time-domain partitioned correlation filtering and K-means clustering, the wavelet parameter interval of the dictionary is determined by utilizing the periodic characteristics of fault impact signals and interval shrinkage methods to construct a wavelet dictionary with time-varying parameters. In the process of calculating the sparse coefficients, the secondary selection-based orthogonal matching pursuit (SS-OMP) algorithm is optimized by directly considering the change in the envelope spectrum kurtosis of the signal reconstructed from the selected atoms. A simulation and three sets of experimental analyses show that the dictionary constructed with the proposed method closely matches the fault characteristics of the signal and can be used to accurately reconstruct the fault impact components of the signal.
Developing Trans Wellness, Trans Brilliance: A Virtual Peer-Support Wellness Intervention by and for Trans/Gender Diverse Michiganders
Authors: McGhee C. M. , Misiolek Brayden A. , Kattari Shanna K. , Tupper Caitlin A. , Chalker Lyle
Published: January 2025

The U.S. trans/gender diverse (TGD) community experiences considerable mental health disparities and barriers to health care. To address these challenges, Trans Wellness, Trans Brilliance ( TWTB) was developed to advance the resilience, self-compassion, and community connectedness of TGD people in Michigan. Designed by TGD people for TGD people, this community-based research project was a joint partnership between a local trans community care organization and a large Midwestern research institution, supported by state foundation funding. The construction of TWTB was sequential and iterative. The project concept originally emerged from previous research, which identified a need for a program to enhance resilience, capacity, and emotional well-being in the broader Michigan TGD community. This led to the innovative idea of designing an intervention that was both virtually accessible and capable of being implemented by any community advocate, regardless of professional training. Interviews were conducted with community stakeholders statewide to identify the needs, desired skills, and objectives for such a skill-based program. Findings from these interviews were used to design the online intervention. Community members further shaped the intervention through a focus group, which assessed the desirability and anticipated effectiveness of the curriculum. The final product was TWTB: an 8-week, peer-support, virtual wellness intervention.
Exploring the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Museums: A Case Study Within the Context of Its Applicability to Collections Management of Documentation
Authors: LaFortune Melissa , Johnson Eileen
Published: January 2025

Because museum collections deteriorate due to entropy, museums can preserve their collections by mitigating entropy through collections management. Dissociation is an effect of entropy that impacts the documents within collections. Digital transcription is a useful technique in mitigating that dissociation but may be unlikely due to a lack of resources as manual transcription is time consuming. Implementing artificial intelligence (AI) to transcribe documents automatically is examined as an alternative. The applicability of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is tested through the quantitative measurement of accuracy and efficiency using the documentation within an archaeological collection as a case study. Results indicate that the OCR program used in this research is not yet applicable to the collections management of documentation. Nevertheless, with the technology associated with OCR and its accessibility advancing at an accelerating rate, it is likely that OCR may become a cornerstone tool in the collections management of documentation in the near future.
Mapping method from human to robot arms with different kinematics
Authors: Bai Ke-qiang , Jiang Guo-li , Cai Sibo
Published: January 2025

The accurate modeling from human arms to humanoid machine arms is the premise of humanoid robot's anthropomorphic compliant movement. In this paper, a mapping method simulating human upper limb motion mechanism is proposed to solve this problem. This method reconstructs the human arm model quickly and maps it to the dual-arm robot model. Firstly, the movement mechanism of human upper limb is analyzed and the upper limb model is established. According to the human double-arm kinematics theory, the calculation of arm motion rotation center and the analysis of force and torque are carried out. Then the mapping concept is used to start from the human morphological structure, establish a robot model similar to the arm structure and motion of the human hand, and generate the anthropomorphic configuration. At last, the data collected from the movement of human double arms are matched with the robot model, and the experiment verifies the feasibility of the proposed mapping method.
Post-colectomy enteritis—a rare complication in a patient with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Wanzl Julia , Nagl Sandra , Ebigbo Alanna , Anthuber Lena , Sommer Florian , Hoffmann Michael , Pinto David Rafael Marques , Vlasenko Dmytro , Kleinlein Irene , Schnoy Elisabeth
Published: January 2025

Colectomy is the surgical treatment of choice in patients with severe or complicated ulcerative colitis. Post-colectomy enteritis (PCE) is a rare condition that can develop after proctocolectomy and has been described only in a few individual cases so far. We report the case of a 46-year-old patient with severe and treatment-refractory ulcerative colitis who underwent colectomy. A few days after surgery, the patient presented with acute anemia and hematemesis. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed massive inflammation of the duodenum and jejunum. The life-threateningly ill patient was admitted to the intensive-care unit and treated for severe PCE with ciclosporin and corticosteroids. PCE is a distinct inflammation of the small intestine shortly after colectomy. The patient recovered fully and was discharged after prolonged recovery and long-term intensive care therapy.
Cerebral Ischemia Increases the Distribution and Residence Time of 6-Hydroxykynurenic Acid in the Ischemic Cerebral Cortex of Mice
Authors: Shen Zhuowei , Chen Yanhong , Zeng Kui , Hu Haihong , Pan Jie , Xu Mingcheng , He Kaifeng , Ou Fengting , Yu Lushan , Zeng Su , Chen Lu
Published: January 2025

Background

6-hydroxykynurenic acid (6-HKA), isolated from Ginkgo biloba leaves, has demonstrated neurorestorative properties against cerebral ischemia in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice models. However, our previous studies showed that 6-HKA was difficult to penetrate the blood brain barrier (BBB) to exert its pharmacological effects in rats. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the pharmacokinetics and cerebral cortex distribution of 6-HKA in MCAO mice, to determine whether the ability of 6-HKA to cross the BBB is contingent upon barrier integrity.

Methods

This study established and validated the ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric (UPLC-MS/MS) methods for the quantification of 6-HKA in mouse plasma and brain, and investigated the pharmacokinetics and cerebral cortex distribution of 6-HKA in MCAO mice and sham-operated mice.

Results

This study demonstrates that the mean residence time (MRT0−t) of 6-HKA in the MCAO group was significantly prolonged compared to the sham-operated group, and there was a higher distribution of 6-HKA in the ischemic cerebral cortex than in the contralateral normal cerebral cortex.

Conclusion

This study illustrated that in MCAO mice, the prolonged MRT0−t of 6-HKA and the increased permeability of BBB made the accumulation of 6-HKA in the ischemic cerebral cortex, thereby enabling 6-HKA to exert neurorestorative effects.
Optimizing DMD management in Asia: Current challenges and future directions
Authors: Weng Wen-Chin , Chan Sophelia H.S. , Gomez Roy , Wang Furene , Chou Hsu-Wen , Lim Jocelyn , Tsai Sarah , Hsu Ting Rong , Jong Yuh-Jyh
Published: January 2025

Background

Since 1970, advances in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) management have significantly extended the patients’ life expectancy. However, DMD remains universally fatal.

Objective

To understand the current DMD management standards and practices in Asia and to evaluate inconsistencies, unmet needs, and future directions for DMD patient management in the region.

Methods

Clinical experts from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan convened in September 2023 to discuss DMD diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and management best practices. A pre-meeting survey was also administered to explore professional perspectives and practices and refine the discussion focus.

Results

Genetic profiling has become the pivotal diagnostic tool and has been universally adopted by experts. Steroid therapy is recognized as the cornerstone of DMD care. However, there are various opinions regarding the timing of its initiation and whether it should be continued after the loss of ambulation. Gene therapy has the potential to significantly improve outcomes in patients with DMD. However, its adoption is hampered by high costs, the potential for serious adverse events, and difficulties with patient selection. Governments and manufacturers must work together to improve its affordability. Establishing a centralized DMD registry garnered strong support from the experts as it promised to provide insights into unique DMD subtypes, standardize treatment protocols, and facilitate the conduct of clinical trials. Furthermore, the introduction of gene therapy has highlighted the need for generating long-term safety and effectiveness data in patients with DMD. Lastly, a centralized patient registry can be used to inform policy decisions.

Conclusions

DMD care in Asia is characterized by substantial heterogeneity, with financial and reimbursement issues playing a major role in management decisions. A centralized patient registry has the potential to address these concerns by providing a valuable source of information.
Inflammatory myopathy with abundant macrophage [IMAM]: Systemic analysis and pathological approach to distinguish it from dermatomyositis
Authors: Bamaga Ahmed , Kurdi Maher , Alkhotani Alaa , Alghefari Huda , Gasemaltayeb Raed , Mrair Faisal , Fadel Zahir T , Mehboob Riffat , Tayyib Awab , Abuzinadah Ahmad R
Published: January 2025

Background:

Inflammatory myopathy with abundant macrophage [IMAM] is marked by macrophage infiltration and muscle fibers damage, resembling dermatomyositis [DM] but with unique pathology. Its mechanism remains unclear. Our study focused on exploring the clinicopathological characteristics, underlying pathogenic mechanisms, and the challenges in diagnosing and managing IMAM.

Methods:

A systematic analysis of medical literature databases (Pub-med, Cochrane, Scopus, Google Scholar) was performed using the term “IMAM,” excluding studies on other inflammatory myopathies [IMs]. Selected studies were independently assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and quantitative data underwent inter-statistical analysis, descriptive and odds ratio, to identify relevant findings.

Results:

Eight studies, including 49 IMAM cases from 2003 to 2024, were analyzed. Five were case reports, and three were cross-sectional studies. IMAM showed no age or sex predilection. Common symptoms included proximal muscle weakness, pain, and fatigue, with atypical DM-like skin features in 65% of cases. Other association included hemophagocytosis, cutaneous panniculitis, and interstitial lung infiltration. Histologically, all cases showed myonecrosis infiltrated with CD68+ macrophages. Scattered CD3+ and CD4+ T-cells expressing IL-10 with no or rare CD8+ T-cells were identified. MAC deposition was limited to necrotic fibers, and perifascicular atrophy was absent in all cases. Anti-PL-7 and anti-U1 RNP antibodies were detected in 4% of cases. Elevated TNFα and IFN-γ levels, with low STAT1 and STAT6, were observed. Genetic analysis revealed MEFV polymorphisms in 7 cases and a TNFRSF1A mutation [C43R] in single case. Treatment involved steroids, with or without immunotherapy or chemotherapy, leading to remission and recovery in 43.7% of cases.

Conclusion:

IMAM is a distinct type of IMs that requires muscle biopsy for diagnosis as myositis antibody and cytokine tests are usually insensitive.
Increasing Incidence of Pickleball Injuries Presenting to US Emergency Departments: A 10-year Epidemiologic Analysis of Mechanisms and Trends
Authors: Yu Jennifer , Yendluri Avanish , Linden Gabriel S. , Namiri Nikan K. , Corvi John J. , Song Junho , Parsons Bradford O. , Parisien Robert L.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. It is popular among seniors but has recently grown across all age groups. As pickleball has gained interest, its corresponding injury burden has also increased.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to identify pickleball-related injury trends and underlying mechanisms across different age groups presenting to US emergency departments. It was hypothesized that (1) pickleball-related injuries would increase significantly between 2013 and 2022, (2) older age groups would have the greatest frequency of injury, and (3) falls would be the most common mechanism of injury.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for pickleball injuries between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2022. The demographic information, injury site, and diagnosis were recorded, and case narratives were reviewed to identify the injury mechanism. The statistical sample weight assigned for NEISS cases by hospital was used to calculate national estimates (NEs). Injury trends over time were evaluated by linear regression.

Results:

A total of 1110 NEISS cases representing 66,350 nationally estimated pickleball-related injuries were included. The mean age was 64 ± 14.7 years (range, 4-93 years). Most injuries occurred in those aged 65 to 80 years (NEISS cases = 643; NE = 40,507 [61.1%]), followed by those aged 35 to 64 years (NEISS cases = 349; NE = 20,785 [31.3%]). Falls were the most common injury mechanism overall (NEISS cases = 699; NE = 43,434 [65.5%]). However, being hit with a paddle and a twist/inversion were the most common mechanisms for ages 0 to 17 and 18 to 34 years, respectively. Fractures were the most common diagnosis (NEISS cases = 363; NE = 21,703 [32.7%]), followed by strains/sprains (NEISS cases = 327; NE = 20,419 [30.8%]). Also, 69.1% of all fractures occurred in female players. The wrist was the most injured, accounting for 12.7% of all injuries. Significant increases in pickleball injuries were seen over time ( P < .001) and across all age groups ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

There was a significant increase in pickleball-related injuries presenting between 2013 and 2022, with most injuries arising from a fall. Notably, injuries decreased by 14% between 2019 and 2020 but rose again by 41% between 2020 and 2021 during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. Older players disproportionately presented to the emergency department with pickleball-related injuries. Increased awareness and comprehensive injury prevention initiatives may be warranted to address the considerable prevalence of fractures and overuse/strain injuries.
‘Carving space’ for comradeship? Para-legal performance and climate justice in the Court for Intergenerational Climate Crimes
Authors: Rowe Tom
Published: January 2025

This article explores how the medium of ‘para-legal’ performance art offers scope to experiment with legal conventions pertaining to climate change using the case study of the Court for Intergenerational Climate Crimes. Through a series of performative trials, staged in Framer Framed gallery in Amsterdam, Netherlands, the Court for Intergenerational Climate Crimes proposed comradeship as a legal concept to foster the emergence of intergenerational, intragenerational and interspecies solidarities. I argue that actors involved in the performance of the Court ‘carve space’ to realise these solidarities through distinct practices of spatial production and re-organisation. However, by engaging with interviewees’ accounts of the trial performances, I suggest that comradeship was expressed lopsidedly – with focus predominantly on the intragenerational inequalities implicated in climate change. Through critical reflection on the material and performative spatialities of the Court for Intergenerational Climate Crimes, I contribute to discussions surrounding the political capacities of art in times of climate breakdown, and emerging legal possibilities for climate justice.
In our own words: Using participatory dialogue to reflect on the mental health experiences of autistic students in university
Authors: Horton Ellie , Brownhill Laura , Bycroft Alice , Goldschmied Anita Z. , Knops Max J. , Lloyd Anthony , Tones Daniel , Wiltshire Beth , Toro Carla T , Jutley-Neilson Jagjeet
Published: January 2025

The mental health of autistic university students is a key issue to address, evidenced by increased prevalence of mental health issues within the autistic community and growing numbers of autistic university students. Autistic students experiencing mental health issues have the lowest retention and progression rates of any disability group. This research took a novel approach, with seven co-authors and members of the participatory group (all current/recent students) identifying 10 themes reflecting their mental health experiences at university through reflective discussions, enabling autistic people to lead research and address power imbalances inherent in autism research. They presented these themes at a webinar, attended by over 200 staff from UK universities, providing a platform for autistic students to influence practice. Ten themes identified in line with experiences of the triggers and risk factors for mental health at university were; Routine, living independently, reasonable adjustments, group work, sensory issues, attendance and a range of learning options, disclosing diagnosis, social issues, burnout and seeing the bigger picture. We discussed the support that we found to be useful and developed recommendations for universities to support the positive well-being of autistic students. We outline the need for universities to co-produce services and support with autistic students.
Comparison of 12- to 24-Hour Versus 72-Hour Intravenous Terlipressin in Patients With Acute Esophageal Variceal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Al Hayek Mohammad , Sawaf Bisher , Abbarh Shahem , Dhoop Sudheer , Khashan Abdallah , Hassan Ahmed , Alzubi Alhasan Saleh , Abdelwahed Abdelrahman F. , Alzein Abdussalam I. A. , Nounou Mohamedhen Vall , Alastal Yaseen , Elhadi Muhammed
Published: January 2025

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of 12-24 hours versus 72 hours of intravenous terlipressin therapy in patients with acute esophageal variceal bleeding (AVB). Data sources: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Web of Science, VHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies published up to February 24, 2024. The search terms included “terlipressin,” “variceal bleeding,” “short-course,” and “72-hour treatment.” Study selection and data extraction: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing 12 to 24 hours with 72 hours of terlipressin therapy in patients with AVB were included. Studies not meeting these criteria or focusing on unrelated outcomes were excluded. Two authors conducted data extraction and bias assessment independently, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Baseline characteristics and outcomes (rebleeding and mortality within 5 days) were recorded. Results: Four RCTs with 469 patients were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences observed in 5-day rebleeding rates (OR = 0.943; 95% CI [0.384, 2.317]; P = 0.898) or mortality rates (OR = 0.386; 95% CI [0.066, 2.260]; P = 0.291) between terlipressin treatment durations of 12 to 24 hours and 72 hours within the first 5 days posttreatment. In addition, no heterogeneity was found in both variables ( P > 0.1). Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicates that there is no significant difference in rebleeding rates or mortality between 12 to 24 hours and 72 hours of terlipressin therapy for AVB within 5 days posttreatment. Shorter treatment durations may offer advantages in terms of resource utilization and adverse event risk but require further validation through studies involving larger patient populations.
Impact of Emojis on Customer Purchasing Behaviour in Social Media Marketing of E-commerce Industries with Reference to Flipkart and Amazon
Authors: Dutta Surjadeep , Arivazhagan R , Balasundaram Rebecca , B Shyamaladevi , Singh Raj
Published: January 2025

This study examines the impact of emojis on consumer buying behaviour in social media marketing. With the rise of visual digital communication, emojis have become potent instruments for expressing emotions and augmenting interaction. This study investigates the impact of emojis on customer emotions, perceptions, and purchasing decisions in social media commercials, postings, and promotional content. The research seeks to comprehend the impact of emoji-driven marketing campaigns on customer responses across several platforms, specifically on brand communication, customer engagement, and sales performance. The collection of quantitative data involves the analysis of various characteristics, including Brand Communication, Sales Performance, and Customer Engagement. Qualitative data are acquired through interviews with people employed in Social Media marketing businesses such as Flipkart and Amazon. Additionally, questionnaires are administered to candidates who have had experiences with the information system. Total of approximately 200 samples have been gathered for this investigation. Data collection has taken place in Bangalore. The gathered data have been imported into the IBM SPSS database for subsequent analysis, including chi-square analysis and regression analysis. The results indicate that Emojis play a big part in brand communication; thus, e-commerce managers require a systematic approach to social media marketing. The high influence of customer involvement on emoji usage in e-commerce social media marketing offers managers a strategic opportunity to connect with their audience. E-commerce firms can boost client engagement by using emoticons, fostering interactive content, analysing consumer preferences, and being active on social media.
Locus of control and breathlessness: a cross-sectional analysis of 28,730 people
Authors: Olsson Max , Sandberg Jacob , Kochovska Slavica , Blomberg Anders , Börjesson Mats , Engström Gunnar , Malinovschi Andrei , Sköld Magnus , Wollmer Per , Torén Kjell , Östgren Carl Johan , Currow David C , Ekström Magnus
Published: January 2025

Background

Long-term pathological breathlessness is a life-limiting symptom that risks taking control of the individual's life. We aimed to evaluate how locus of control (LOC), an individual's perceived control of present and past life events, relates to breathlessness in a middle-aged general population.

Methods

A population-based, cross-sectional analysis of people 50–64 years in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS). Breathlessness was measured using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) breathlessness scale. LOC was assessed using five-point scales related to work, life events, perceived future, treated by other people, past changes, and life improvements. The LOC factors were dichotomised as having an external or internal LOC. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between external LOC and presence of moderate/severe breathlessness (mMRC≥2). Associations between external LOC and higher breathlessness severity score (mMRC 0–4) were analysed using ordinal regression. The models were adjusted for age, sex, education level, pack-years of smoking, body mass index, lung function, depression, and cardiorespiratory diseases.

Results

Of 28 730 participants (52% women), 4% experienced breathlessness. Breathlessness was related to external LOC in relation to life events ([odds ratio] 1.47; [95% confidence interval] 1.26–1.71), future (1.89; 1.53–2.34), treated unfairly (1.73; 1.42–2.09), past changes (1.50; 1.30–1.74), and life improvements (2.91; 2.35–3.59). External LOC was associated with increased breathlessness severity.

Conclusion

External LOC is associated with experiencing worse breathlessness and the identified LOC factors can be considered in future intervention studies aiming to reduce the suffering from breathlessness.
Viruses in Bronchiectasis
Authors: Baker Claire , Chalmers James D
Published: January 2025

Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by irreversible dilation of the bronchi, leading to recurrent respiratory infections and chronic inflammation. Bacterial infections have been well-recognised as contributors to disease progression as well as potent inducers of exacerbations for decades. However, recent studies have indicated that viruses are present in up to 50% of exacerbations, raising questions over the role viruses may play in bronchiectasis. Despite the evidence of their presence, the role of viral infections in bronchiectasis remains largely underexplored. Understanding how viruses impact bronchiectasis is crucial in providing patients with better care and treatments strategies. Given the persistent threat of viral infections, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, this review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge surrounding viruses in bronchiectasis, how they may trigger exacerbations and insights from other chronic respiratory conditions where the role of viruses is better understood.
Mediation of the effect of prenatal maternal smoking on time to natural menopause in daughters by birthweight-for-gestational-age z-score and breastfeeding duration: analysis of two UK birth cohorts born in 1958 and 1970
Authors: Peycheva Darina , Li Leah , Fewtrell Mary , Silverwood Richard , Hardy Rebecca
Published: January 2025

Background

Prenatal maternal smoking, lower birthweight, and shorter breastfeeding duration have all been associated with an earlier age at menopause in daughters. We estimated the extent to which birthweight-for-gestational-age z-score and breastfeeding duration mediate the effect of prenatal maternal smoking on time to natural menopause in daughters.

Methods

Using pooled data from two prospective birth cohort studies – the 1970 British Cohort Study (n = 3,878) followed-up to age 46 years and the 1958 National Child Development Study (n = 4,822) followed-up to age 50 years – we perform mediation analysis with inverse odds weighting implemented in Cox proportional-hazards models.

Results

Prenatal maternal smoking was associated with lower birthweight z-scores [β: -0.29; 95% CI -0.34, -0.24] and reduced breastfeeding duration [RRR< 1month: 0.90; 95% CI 0.79, 1.02; RRR≥ 1 month: 0.66; 95% CI 0.59, 0.73 relative to women who were never breastfed]. Greater z-score for birthweight [HR: 0.96; 95% CI 0.91, 1.01] and longer breastfeeding duration [HR≥ 1 month: 0.84; 95% CI 0.74, 0.96] were associated with lower hazards for earlier age at natural menopause. The total effect of prenatal maternal smoking on the time to natural menopause in daughters was estimated as a HR of 1.13 [95% CI 1.02, 1.24]. Birthweight z-score and breastfeeding duration jointly explained an estimated 14% of the total effect [HRNIE: 1.02; 95% CI 0.99, 1.05].

Conclusions

The consequences of smoking during pregnancy on the earlier experience of natural menopause in daughters may partly be offset by intrauterine growth and longer breastfeeding duration to the extent that they mediate the risk of earlier menopause. However, since the extent of mediation by birthweight z-score and breastfeeding duration is small, other factors, including the direct effect of maternal smoking in utero, may play a more important role.
An interactive course program on nutrition for medical students: interdisciplinary development and mixed-methods evaluation
Authors: Ngoumou Gonza B. , Koppold Daniela A. , Wenzel Laetitia , Schirmaier Anne , Breinlinger Carolin , Pörtner Lisa M. , Jordan Stefan , Schiele Julia K. , Hanslian Etienne , Koppold Annika , Stock-Schröer Beate , Varvarezou Dimitra M. , Jeitler Michael , Ortiz Miriam , Michalsen Andreas , Stritter Wiebke , Seifert Georg , Kessler Christian S.
Published: January 2025

Nutrition plays a crucial role in human and planetary health, as prevailing nutritional patterns significantly contribute to the global non-communicable disease pandemic. Moreover, the global food system is inextricably linked to planetary health deterioration. The relevance of nutrition for individual and planetary health is insufficiently addressed in German medical schools. Here, we present a two-week course for medical students in the 8th semester at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin on nutrition and fasting in the context of human and planetary health. The course was developed iteratively along the Kern cycle for medical curricula and underwent evaluation through a mixed-methods design spanning across two consecutive semesters. Assessment involved quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews. The main exploratory outcome was the overall module rating. Further outcomes encompassed in-depth evaluations of specific aspects, including content, teaching methods, instructor performance, and subjective experiential aspects. The conceptualisation resulted in a highly participative two-week course of 37.5 h. The main learning objectives aimed at the acquisition of technical competences and personal competencies in four areas: (1) the role of nutrition in health and disease; (2) the exploration of global food systems; (3) communication on subjects of nutrition; (4) culinary medicine. Various interactive didactic methodologies were used. 77.8% (n = 27) of the participants rated the course as very good or good. The conviction that nutrition influences health and disease increased over the course (Wilcoxon signed rank test, z = -2.82, p = 0.005, r = 0.57). In the qualitative interviews (n = 8) the course content, its didactical diversity and the positive group experience were appreciated. Our results indicate that it could be worthwhile to further incorporate nutrition curricula in medical education.
Effects of genetic ablation and pharmacological inhibition of HuR on gene expression, iron metabolism, and hormone levels
Authors: Idlin Nathalie , Krishnamoorthy Sivakumar , Wolczyk Magdalena , Fakhri Mouad , Lechowski Michal , Stec Natalia , Milek Jacek , Mandal Pratik Kumar , Cendrowski Jaroslaw , Spanos Christos , Dziembowska Magdalena , Mleczko-Sanecka Katarzyna , Rappsilber Juri , Michlewski Gracjan
Published: January 2025

Background

HuR/ELAV1, a ubiquitous RNA-binding protein, belongs to the RNA-binding protein family and is crucial for stabilizing and regulating the translation of various mRNA targets, influencing gene expression. Elevated HuR levels are associated with multiple disorders, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the identification of small molecule inhibitors targeting HuR, their detailed characterization remains limited. Recently, Eltrombopag, an FDA-approved drug for immune thrombocytopenic purpura and chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, emerged as a potential HuR inhibitor. However, the specific molecular pathways influenced by both HuR and Eltrombopag are not fully understood.

Results

Our study demonstrates that Eltrombopag operates via HuR inhibition, affecting gene expression regulation at the posttranscriptional level. We show that both HuR knockout and Eltrombopag treatment modulate iron metabolism by decreasing ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) and light chain (FTL) synthesis while increasing the expression of iron-regulatory protein 2 (IRP2), a key regulator of ferritin translation. Additionally, HuR inhibition reduces the levels of glycoprotein hormones, alpha polypeptide (CGA), a marker associated with hormone-induced tumors, suggesting a potential use of Eltrombopag in treatment of cancers overexpressing CGA. We observed that the main of control is manifested at the level of translation inhibition, with proteasome-mediated regulation also playing an important role.

Conclusions

These findings uncover novel posttranscriptional mechanisms governed by HuR and its inhibitor, elucidating pathways relevant to HuR-mediated regulation and molecular therapies aimed at targeting this protein.
Selective arm-usage of pre-miR-1307 dysregulates angiogenesis and affects breast cancer aggressiveness
Authors: Sumer Oyku Ece , Schelzig Korbinian , Jung Janine , Li Xiaoya , Moros Janina , Schwarzmüller Luisa , Sen Ezgi , Karolus Sabine , Wörner Angelika , de Melo Costa Verônica Rodrigues , Nataraj Nishanth Belugali , Vlachavas Efstathios-Iason , Gerhäuser Clarissa , Müller-Decker Karin , Helm Dominic , Yarden Yosef , Michels Birgitta Elisabeth , Körner Cindy
Published: January 2025

Background

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Deregulation of miRNAs is frequently observed in breast cancer and affects tumor biology. A pre-miRNA, such as pre-miR-1307, gives rise to several mature miRNA molecules with distinct functions. However, the impact of global deregulation of pre-miR-1307 and its individual mature miRNAs in breast cancer has not been investigated in breast cancer, yet.

Results

Here, we found significant upregulation of three mature miRNA species derived from pre-miR-1307 in human breast cancer tissue. Surprisingly, the overexpression of pre-miR-1307 in breast cancer cell lines resulted in reduced xenograft growth and impaired angiogenesis. Mechanistically, overexpression of miR-1307-5p altered the secretome of breast cancer cells and reduced endothelial cell sprouting. Consistently, expression of miR-1307-5p was inversely correlated with endothelial cell fractions in human breast tumors pointing at an anti-angiogenic role of miR-1307-5p. Importantly, the arm usage of miR-1307 and other miRNAs was highly correlated, which suggests an undefined common regulatory mechanism.

Conclusions

In summary, miR-1307-5p reduces angiogenesis in breast cancer, thereby antagonizing the oncogenic effects of miR-1307-3p. Our results emphasize the importance of future research on the regulation of miRNA arm selection in cancer. The underlying mechanisms might inspire new therapeutic strategies aimed at shifting the balance towards tumor-suppressive miRNA species.

Graphical Abstract
Optimising patient engagement for assessing total joint arthroplasty outcomes – a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Tyndall Wyatt , Kuljic Nebojsa , Thatcher Michael , Nickol Michaela , van der Merwe Johannes M.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Patient satisfaction is a critical outcome in total joint arthroplasty (TJA), yet assessing it effectively remains a challenge due to limitations in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS). While these measures are commonly gathered in clinical settings, additional contact through mail or phone is often needed, and low response rates can affect the validity and reliability of collected data. To improve response rates, this study evaluated various methods of incentivizing patient participation in a randomized trial format, focusing on postal questionnaires.

Patients and methods

The study investigated three methods to improve response rates: including a gift card with the questionnaire, promising a gift card upon questionnaire completion, and offering no incentive. It also examined whether different monetary values and the inclusion of the surgeon’s name on materials impacted response rates. We tried to determine factors that could improve follow up telephone response rates in the group of patients that failed to return their questionnaires.

Results

Higher response rates were observed with monetary incentives (P = 0.056), larger amounts of money offered (P = 0.3839) for filling out the questionnaire, and if the surgeon’s details were on the cover letter or questionnaire (P = 0.632). There was no correlation between age and sex and participation. We did find a statistically significant difference in total participation and poorer total knee arthroplasty outcomes scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study supports findings from prior research indicating that monetary incentives and personalized materials can improve response rates, although in this cohort, results were modest. Follow-up calls further boosted response rates, suggesting that multi-modal engagement may be beneficial. Although the response improvements were limited and lacked statistical significance, the study highlights the importance of refining strategies to ensure reliable PROMS data, which is vital for understanding patient outcomes in TJA. Future studies might consider demographic factors and other outreach methods to enhance PROMs data collection.
Stochastic demethylation and redundant epigenetic suppressive mechanisms generate highly heterogeneous responses to pharmacological DNA methyltransferase inhibition
Authors: Jakobsen Mie K. , Traynor Sofie , Nielsen Aaraby Y. , Dahl Christina , Staehr Mette , Jakobsen Simon T. , Madsen Maria S. , Siersbaek Rasmus , Terp Mikkel G. , Jensen Josefine B. , Pedersen Christina B. , Shrestha Anup , Brewer Jonathan R. , Duijf Pascal H. G. , Gammelgaard Odd L. , Ditzel Henrik J. , Kirkin Alexei F. , Guldberg Per , Gjerstorff Morten F.
Published: January 2025

Background

Despite promising preclinical studies, the application of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in treating patients with solid cancers has thus far produced only modest outcomes. The presence of intratumoral heterogeneity in response to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors could significantly influence clinical efficacy, yet our understanding of the single-cell response to these drugs in solid tumors remains very limited.

Methods

In this study, we used cancer/testis antigen genes as a model for methylation-dependent gene expression to examine the activity of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and their potential synergistic effect with histone deacetylase inhibitors at the single-cancer cell level. The analysis was performed on breast cancer patient-derived xenograft tumors and cell lines, employing a comprehensive set of techniques, including targeted single-cell mRNA sequencing. Mechanistic insights were further gained through DNA methylation profiling and chromatin structure analysis.

Results

We show that breast cancer tumors and cell cultures exhibit a highly heterogenous response to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, persisting even under high drug concentrations and efficient DNA methyltransferase depletion. The observed variability in response to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors was independent of cancer-associated aberrations and clonal genetic diversity. Instead, these variations were attributed to stochastic demethylation of regulatory CpG sites and the DNA methylation-independent suppressive function of histone deacetylases.

Conclusions

Our findings point to intratumoral heterogeneity as a limiting factor in the use of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors as single agents in treatment of solid cancers and highlight histone deacetylase inhibitors as essential partners to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in the clinic.
High-sensitive cardiac troponin T and NT-proBNP are associated with the left ventricular apical thickness in apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Meng , Gao Wei , Cui Xiaotong , Han Xueting , Xu Yamei , Zhou Jingmin , Ge Junbo
Published: January 2025

Background

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (AHCM) is a subtype of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The expression level of high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTNT) and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) in AHCM patients, and these relationships between echocardiography parameters were still unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively screened AHCM patients between January 2019 and December 2021 in Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University. The relationship between the level of hs-cTNT, NT-proBNP and echocardiography parameters were analyzed. The risk factors for elevated hs-cTNT and NT-proBNP level were investigated with linear regression analysis.

Results

A total of 267 AHCM patients were enrolled. They were divided into hs-cTNT normal (129, 48.3%) and abnormal (138, 51.7%) group. Compared with hs-cTNT normal group, hs-cTNT abnormal group were elder (68.3 ± 11.6 vs. 63.8 ± 10.6, P = 0.001); with higher rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) (41.3% vs. 17.8%, P < 0.001) and higher level of NT-proBNP concentration (752.0 [343.8–1345.5] vs. 249.0 [104.0–541.0], P < 0.001). For echocardiography parameters, hs-cTNT abnormal patients have thicker interventricular septum (IVS) (11.6 ± 2.0 vs. 11.0 ± 1.7, P = 0.02), thicker left ventricular apical (LVA) (16.9 ± 3.0 vs. 14.9 ± 2.3, P < 0.001) and larger left atrium diameter (LAD) (45.9 ± 6.6 vs. 42.4 ± 5.1, P < 0.001). LVA was independently correlated with both the level of hs-cTNT and NT-proBNP (hs-cTNT r = 0.224, P = 0.143; NT-proBNP r = 0.370, P < 0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed that LVA was independent risk factor of both the elevated hs-cTNT and NT-proBNP level.

Conclusions

More than half of AHCM patients had abnormal hs-cTNT level. LVA was positively and independently correlated with the level of hs-cTNT and NT-proBNP.