bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive study of Z-DNA density and its evolutionary implications in birds
Authors: Wang Yu-Ren , Chang Shao-Ming , Lin Jinn-Jy , Chen Hsiao-Chian , Lee Lo-Tung , Tsai Dien-Yu , Lee Shih-Da , Lan Chung-Yu , Chang Chuang-Rung , Chen Chih-Feng , Ng Chen Siang
Published: November 2024

Background

Z-DNA, a left-handed helical form of DNA, plays a significant role in genomic stability and gene regulation. Its formation, associated with high GC content and repetitive sequences, is linked to genomic instability, potentially leading to large-scale deletions and contributing to phenotypic diversity and evolutionary adaptation.

Results

In this study, we analyzed the density of Z-DNA-prone motifs of 154 avian genomes using the non-B DNA Motif Search Tool (nBMST). Our findings indicate a higher prevalence of Z-DNA motifs in promoter regions across all avian species compared to other genomic regions. A negative correlation was observed between Z-DNA density and developmental time in birds, suggesting that species with shorter developmental periods tend to have higher Z-DNA densities. This relationship implies that Z-DNA may influence the timing and regulation of development in avian species. Furthermore, Z-DNA density showed associations with traits such as body mass, egg mass, and genome size, highlighting the complex interactions between genome architecture and phenotypic characteristics. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that Z-DNA motifs are enriched in genes involved in nucleic acid binding, kinase activity, and translation regulation, suggesting a role in fine-tuning gene expression essential for cellular functions and responses to environmental changes. Additionally, the potential of Z-DNA to drive genomic instability and facilitate adaptive evolution underscores its importance in shaping phenotypic diversity.

Conclusions

This study emphasizes the role of Z-DNA as a dynamic genomic element contributing to gene regulation, genomic stability, and phenotypic diversity in avian species. Future research should experimentally validate these associations and explore the molecular mechanisms by which Z-DNA influences avian biology.
Transcriptome profiling of eight Zea mays lines identifies genes responsible for the resistance to Fusarium verticillioides
Authors: Tran Thi Nhien , Lanubile Alessandra , Marocco Adriano , Pè Mario Enrico , Dell’Acqua Matteo , Miculan Mara
Published: November 2024

Background

The cultivation of maize (Zea mays L.), one of the most important crops worldwide for food, feed, biofuels, and industrial applications, faces significant constraints due to Fusarium verticillioides, a fungus responsible for severe diseases including seedling blights, stalk rot, and ear rot. Its impact is worsened by the fact that chemical and agronomic measures used to control the infection are often inefficient. Hence, genetic resistance is considered the most reliable resource to reduce the damage. This study aims to elucidate the genetic basis of F. verticillioides resistance in maize.

Results

Young seedlings of eight divergent maize lines, founders of the MAGIC population, were artificially inoculated with a F. verticillioides strain. Phenotypic analysis and transcriptome sequencing of both control and treated samples identified several hundred differentially expressed genes enriched in metabolic processes associated with terpene synthesis. A WGCNA further refined the pool of genes with potential implications in disease response and found a limited set of hub genes, encoding bZIP and MYB transcription factors, or involved in carbohydrate metabolism, solute transport processes, calcium signaling, and lipid pathways. Finally, additional gene resources were provided by combining transcriptomic data with previous QTL mapping, thereby shedding light on the molecular mechanisms in the maize-F. verticillioides interaction.

Conclusions

The transcriptome profiling of eight divergent MAGIC maize founder lines with contrasting levels of Fusarium verticillioides resistance combined with phenotypic analysis, clarifies the molecular mechanisms underlying the maize-F. verticillioides interaction.
Establishment of an MRI-based radiomics model for distinguishing between intramedullary spinal cord tumor and tumefactive demyelinating lesion
Authors: Zhang Zifeng , Li Ning , Qian Yuhang , Cheng Huilin
Published: November 2024

Objective

Differentiating intramedullary spinal cord tumor (IMSCT) from spinal cord tumefactive demyelinating lesion (scTDL) remains challenging with standard diagnostic approaches. This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics model for distinguishing scTDL from IMSCT before treatment initiation.

Methods

A total of 75 patients were analyzed in this retrospective study, comprising 55 with IMSCT and 20 with scTDL. Radiomics features were extracted from T1- and T2-weighted imaging (T1&T2WI) scans upon admission. Ten classification algorithms were employed: logistic regression (LR); naive bayes (NaiveBayes); support vector machine (SVM); k nearest neighbors (KNN); random forest (RF); extra trees (ExtraTrees); eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost); light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM); gradient boosting (GradientBoosting); and multi-Layer perceptron (MLP). The performance of the optimal model was then compared to radiologists' assessments.

Results

This study developed 30 predictive models using ten classifiers across two imaging sequences. The MLP model with two sequences (T1&T2WI) emerged as the most effective one, showing superior accuracy in MRI analysis with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.991 in training and 0.962 in testing. Moreover, statistical analyses highlighted the radiomics model significantly outperformed radiologists' assessments (p < 0.05) in distinguishing between IMSCT and scTDL.

Conclusion

We present an MRI-based radiomics model with high diagnostic accuracy in differentiating IMSCT from scTDL. The model’s performance was comparable to junior radiologists, highlighting its potential as an effective diagnostic aid in clinical practice.
Patient safety and climate change: findings from a cross-sectional survey in Germany
Authors: Amberger Olga , Lemke Dorothea , Christ Anette , Müller Hardy , Schwappach David , Geraedts Max , Müller Beate S.
Published: November 2024

Background

Patient safety has become a priority issue in health policy strategies in Germany in the last several years, and is especially important in the era of climate change. This study aimed to assess public perceptions about the patient safety impact of climate change and the demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing patient perception in Germany.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Germany in 2023, using data from the TK Monitor of Patient Safety. The TK Monitor of Patient Safety is a national survey of the population on the state of safety in medical care. Self-reported data were collected from 1,000 randomly selected adults living in Germany. Demographic and socioeconomic variables were regressed on climate change perception using an ordinal logistic regression approach.

Results

Our results revealed that half of respondents are concerned about climate change affecting their health and 40% of the respondents would like to have climate-sensitive health counseling by their general practitioner. The results showed that demographic variables, such as gender and age, and socioeconomic variables, such as education level and income, are important factors influencing the perception of climate change-related patient safety risks. However, no association was found between urban/rural residence and patient perception.

Conclusions

Our study highlights patient safety as a public health concern in the era of climate change. The German public appears to view climate change as harmful to patient safety. Our findings also show that it is necessary to carry out diagnoses focused on demographic and socioeconomic factors to determine which aspects should be strengthened through programs aimed at reducing patient safety risks associated with climate change.
Using signal detection test to assess the correlation between daily sleep duration, mental workload, and attention sensitivity in nurses
Authors: Kazemi-Galougahi Mohammad Hassan , Feizabadi Ehsan
Published: November 2024

Background

Increased attention among healthcare workers, particularly nurses, is crucial for preventing medical errors and patient harm. This study uses an objective approach that overcomes the limitations of the subjective self-report measures employed in prior research on nurses’ attention.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2023 among 108 nurses at Besat Hospital in Tehran, Iran. The data collected included demographic information, the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) for mental workload assessment, and the CogLab signal detection test for attention sensitivity measurement.

Results

The participants exhibited a median mental workload of 68.5 (IQR = 14.9) and a median attention sensitivity of 52.5 (IQR = 39.2). Daily sleep duration was positively correlated with attention sensitivity (r = 0.644, p < 0.001), whereas mental workload was negatively correlated with attention sensitivity (r = -0.655, p < 0.001). Men demonstrated greater attention sensitivity (p = 0.040), and women reported greater mental workload (p = 0.043).

Conclusion

Reducing daily sleep duration and increasing mental workload can diminish nurses’ attention sensitivity. Prioritizing adequate sleep and implementing strategies to reduce mental workload are crucial for enhancing nurse performance and patient safety.
Exploring the experiences of resident doctors in child and adolescent psychiatry with virtual reality-based simulation training: a qualitative study
Authors: Birkheim Siv Lena , Calogiuri Giovanna , Hvalstad Mette , Martinsen Randi
Published: November 2024

Background

The use of virtual reality simulation for the training of non-technical skills among healthcare professionals may improve professional development as well as the quality of care. This study aims to explore the experiences of resident doctors in child and adolescent psychiatry with the use of virtual reality-based simulation for the training of non-technical skills.

Methods

The study had an exploratory qualitative design. Data were collected through observations of thirteen resident doctors in child and adolescent psychiatry during their participation in three virtual reality-based simulation sessions, followed by two focus groups. Data were analyzed using reflective thematic analysis.

Results

The analysis revealed the following three themes: 1) The importance of pedagogical principles, 2) Playful and motionally affected learning, and 3) Observational learning contributing to lifelong learning.

Conclusions

Virtual reality-based simulation was felt to be an appropriate method of training non-technical skills for resident doctors in child and adolescent psychiatry. In particular, the intervention met resident doctors’ desires and needs regarding learning through observation and peer discussions. However, some challenges related to technical issues and the content of the scenarios were highlighted. This method may not only increase the resident doctors’ self-efficacy and competence, but also contribute to their lifelong learning.
Economic costs attributable to modifiable risk factors: an analysis of 24 million urban residents in China
Authors: Xiong Xuechen , Huo Zhaohua , Zhou Yinan , Bishai David M. , Grépin Karen A. , Clarke Philip M. , Chen Cynthia , Luo Li , Quan Jianchao
Published: November 2024

Background

Estimating the economic burden of modifiable risk factors is crucial for allocating scarce healthcare resources to improve population health. We quantified the economic burden attributable to modifiable risk factors in an urban area of China.

Methods

Our Shanghai Municipal Health Commission dataset covered 2.2 million inpatient admissions for adults (age ≥ 20) in public and private hospitals in 2015 (1,327,187 admissions) and 2020 (837,482 admissions). We used a prevalence-based cost-of-illness approach by applying population attributable fraction (PAF) estimates for each modifiable risk factor from the Global Burden of Diseases Study (GBD) to estimate attributable costs. We adopted a societal perspective for cost estimates, comprising direct healthcare costs and productivity losses from absenteeism and premature mortality. Future costs were discounted at 3% and adjusted to 2020 prices.

Results

In 2020, the total societal cost attributable to modifiable risk factors in Shanghai was US$7.9 billion (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 4.6–12.4b), mostly from productivity losses (67.9%). Two health conditions constituted most of the attributable societal cost: cancer (51.6% [30.2–60.2]) and cardiovascular disease (31.2% [24.6–50.7]). Three modifiable risk factors accounted for half of the total attributable societal cost: tobacco (23.7% [16.4–30.5]), alcohol (13.3% [8.2–19.7]), and dietary risks (12.2% [7.5–17.7]). The economic burden varied by age and sex; most of the societal costs were from males (77.7%), primarily driven by their tobacco and alcohol use. The largest contributor to societal costs was alcohol for age 20–44, and tobacco for age 45 + . Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the pattern of major modifiable risk factors remained stable from 2015 to 2020 albeit with notable increases in attributable healthcare costs from cancers and productivity losses from cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusions

The substantial economic burden of diseases attributable to modifiable risk factors necessitates targeted policy interventions. Priority areas are reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption and improving dietary habits that together constitute half of the total attributable costs. Tailored interventions targeting specific age and sex groups are crucial; namely tobacco in middle-aged/older males and alcohol in younger males.
Streamlined miRNA loading of surface protein-specific extracellular vesicle subpopulations through electroporation
Authors: Torabi Corinna , Choi Sung-Eun , Pisanic Thomas R. , Paulaitis Michael , Hur Soojung Claire
Published: November 2024

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as an exciting tool for targeted delivery of therapeutics for a wide range of diseases. As nano-scale membrane-bound particles derived from living cells, EVs possess inherent capabilities as carriers of biomolecules. However, the translation of EVs into viable therapeutic delivery vehicles is challenged by lengthy and inefficient processes for cargo loading and pre- and post-loading purification of EVs, resulting in limited quantity and consistency of engineered EVs.

Results

In this work, we develop a fast and streamlined method to load surface protein-specific subpopulations of EVs with miRNA by electroporating EVs, while they are bound to antibody-coated beads. We demonstrate the selection of CD81+ EV subpopulation using magnetic microbeads, facilitating rapid EV manipulations, loading, and subsequent purification processes. Our approach shortens the time per post-electroporation EV wash by 20-fold as compared to the gold standard EV washing method, ultracentrifugation, resulting in about 2.5-h less time required to remove unloaded miRNA. In addition, we addressed the challenge of nonspecific binding of cargo molecules due to affinity-based EV selection, lowering the purity of engineered EVs, by implementing innovative strategies, including poly A carrier RNA-mediated blocking and dissociation of residual miRNA and EV-like miRNA aggregates following electroporation.

Conclusions

Our streamlined method integrates magnetic bead-based selection with electroporation, enabling rapid and efficient loading of miRNA into CD81+ EVs. This approach not only achieves comparable miRNA loading efficiency to conventional bulk electroporation methods but also concentrates CD81+ EVs and allows for simple electroporation parameter adjustment, promising advancements in therapeutic RNA delivery systems with enhanced specificity and reduced toxicity.
Who actualizes postpartum contraceptive intentions? A trajectory cluster analysis
Authors: O’Brien Michelle L. , Nur Aasli Abdi
Published: November 2024

Contraceptive intention is an important woman-centered indicator for family planning. Yet, few studies have examined the determinants of women or couples actualizing their contraceptive intentions. We leverage panel data from the Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) survey in Ethiopia to examine these dynamics among a pregnancy cohort, over the first year postpartum. Using cluster analysis on intent-to-use trajectories, we find distinct patterns across wealth categories, education levels, and regions. Additionally, we find that receiving family planning counseling in both antenatal and postnatal care visits led to a higher likelihood of intending to use. However, counseling did not increase the odds of actualization. We argue that examining actualization through model-based approaches like cluster analysis generates better insight into woman-centered contraceptive demand and provides stronger evidence for strengthening postpartum family planning interventions, than quantifying contraceptive use alone. Modeling postpartum actualization trajectories can shed light on the barriers to women’s and couple’s reproductive autonomy and inform future investments in both upstream development of better contraceptive methods and downstream implementation.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of additional local prostate radio therapy in metastatic prostate cancer from a medicare perspective
Authors: Kramer Kristina K. M. , Schmidt-Hegemann Nina-Sophie , Westhofen Thilo , Foglar Marco , Ricke Jens , Westphalen C. Benedikt , Unterrainer Marcus , Kunz Wolfgang G. , Mehrens Dirk
Published: November 2024

Background

Metastatic prostate cancer remains a therapeutic challenge. Based on data of the STAMPEDE trial, patients with a low metastatic burden showed prolonged failure-free and overall survival when treated with prostate radio therapy (RT) in addition to standard of care (SOC). The objective of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of additional prostate RT compared to SOC alone for following subgroups: non-regional lymph node (NRLN) metastases, up to three bone metastases and four or more bone metastases.

Methods

A partitioned survival model was implemented with clinical data from STAMPEDE trial. Analyses were performed from a United States healthcare system perspective. Costs for treatment and adverse events were derived from Medicare coverage. Utilities for health states were derived from public databases and literature. Outcome measurements included incremental costs, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness ratio. The willingness-to-pay threshold was set to USD 100,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY).

Results

Additional RT led to 0.92 incremental QALYs with increased costs of USD 26,098 with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of USD 28,452/QALY for patients with only NRLN metastases and 3.83 incremental QALYs with increased costs of USD 153,490 with an ICER of USD 40,032/QALY for patients with up to three bone metastases. Sensitivity analysis showed robustness of the model regarding various parameters. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulation with 10,000 iterations, additional RT was found as the cost-effective strategy in over 96% for both subgroups iterations at a willingness-to-pay threshold of USD 100,000/QALYs.

Conclusions

Additional RT is cost-effective in patients with only NRLN metastases and up to three metastases compared to SOC.
Sex differences in the role of AKAP12 in behavioral function of middle-aged mice
Authors: Ishikawa Hidehiro , Kimura Shintaro , Takase Hajime , Borlongan Maximillian , Fukuda Norito , Hoshino Tomonori , Hamanaka Gen , Park Ji Hyun , Shindo Akihiro , Kim Kyu-Won , Gelman Irwin H. , Lok Josephine , Lo Eng H. , Arai Ken
Published: November 2024

A-kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12) is a key scaffolding protein that regulates cellular signaling by anchoring protein kinase A (PKA) and other signaling molecules. While recent studies suggest an important role for AKAP12 in the brain, including cognitive functions, its role in middle-aged mice and potential sex differences are not fully understood. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of AKAP12 on cognitive and exploratory behavior in middle-aged mice, focusing on sex differences. Cognitive function was assessed using the spontaneous Y-maze test and the novel object recognition test (NORT). No significant sex differences in cognitive function were found in middle-aged C57BL/6J mice; however, female mice showed greater exploratory behavior during the NORT. In addition, both middle-aged male and female Akap12 knockout (KO) mice performed similarly to wild-type (WT) mice in the Y-maze test, but had lower discrimination indices in the NORT, suggesting a potential role for AKAP12 in short-term memory. Notably, exploratory behavior was suppressed in female Akap12 KO mice compared to WT mice, whereas male Akap12 KO mice did not show this effect. There were no significant differences in movement distance and velocity during the Y-maze test and NORT between WT and KO mice of either sex. These results indicate that AKAP12 affects cognitive function and exploratory behavior in middle-aged mice and that these effects differ between sexes.
Exploring optical coherence tomography parameters in eyes with myopic tilted disc
Authors: Zhang Yu Qiao , Zhang Xiu Juan , Shen Ru Yue , Zhang Yuzhou , Tang Fang Yao , Szeto Simon K. H. , Ng Danny Siu-Chun , Kam Ka Wai , Young Alvin L. , Chen Li Jia , Pang Chi Pui , Tham Clement C. , Yam Jason C. , Chan Poemen P.
Published: November 2024

Background

To investigate the impact of optic disc torsion (ODT), horizontal disc tilt (HDT) angle, and ovality index (OI) on different retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) segments in healthy myopic eyes.

Methods

ODT and OI were measured from fundus photographs. HDT angle, peripapillary RNFL, and macular GCIPL were measured by swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). The association between optic disc morphology and the RNFL/GCIPL thickness were evaluated, with age and axial length (AL) adjusted.

Results

Among 530 healthy myopic eyes of 284 participants (mean age: 41.7 years, mean spherical equivalent: − 7.70 D, and mean AL: 26.6 mm), 335 eyes (63.2%) had temporal disc torsion (temporal group) and 195 eyes (36.8%) had nasal disc torsion (nasal group). For the nasal group, a larger OI was associated with thinner superior-to-superonasal GCIPL (β = − 7.465 to − 6.972, both P = 0.024) and temporal RNFL sectors (β = − 49.596 to − 27.748, P ≤ 0.014). For the temporal group, a larger OI was associated with thinner superior-to-nasal (β = − 50.255 to − 22.093, P ≤ 0.006) and thicker temporal RNFL sectors (β = 29.015 to 56.890, P ≤ 0.003). Additionally, a larger HDT angle was associated with thinner superior-to-nasal RNFL sectors (β = − 0.559 to − 0.242, P ≤ 0.036) and thinner superior-to-superotemporal GCIPL sectors (β = − 0.084 to − 0.069, P ≤ 0.037).

Conclusions

The optic disc tortional direction was associated with the measurement of different RNFL and GCIPL sectors independent of the AL and age. These should be considered when constructing a myopic normative database.
Evaluation of post-operative foveal location and microstructural changes after pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography
Authors: Azaizy Mostafa Mahmoud Eid Al , Khalil Hossam Eldin Mohamed , Leila Mahmoud , Akl Nour Salah , Mohammed Sahar Ibrahim
Published: November 2024

Background

Patients who had successful rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery often complained of metamorphopsia due to postoperative fovea displacement and alteration of the foveal microstructure. The papillo-foveal distance (PFD) is correlated bilaterally. Therefore, PFD from the fellow healthy eye could be used to determine the change of foveal position in eyes with successful RRD repair. Ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT) could explain incomplete visual recovery by demonstrating foveal misalignment and changes in foveal microstructure. The rationale of the study is to assess the changes in the foveal location and microstructural layers after successful retinal reattachment and correlate them with visual dysfunction.

Patients and methods

A prospective interventional cross-sectional controlled study included patients who had successful retinal reattachment and complained of defective vision or metamorphopsia. The primary outcome measure is to evaluate the post-operative foveal location. The secondary outcome measures are the assessment of metamorphopsia, the evaluation of the foveal microstructural changes, and the correlation between foveal shift, metamorphopsia, foveal microstructure, and visual function. We used a standard Amsler chart to detect subjective metamorphopsia and a modified Amsler chart to quantify metamorphopsia. We used the enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) to detect changes in PFD and the foveal microstructure. p < 0.05.

Results

The study included 50 study eyes and 50 control eyes. The male gender constituted 70%. The mean age was 53 years. The mean baseline BCVA was 0.001. The incidence of foveal displacement was 70%. Disorganized retinal inner layers (DRIL) occurred in 56% of eyes, and disorganized retinal outer layers (DROL) occurred in 72% of eyes. The mean postoperative BCVA was 0.3. The subjective metamorphopsia was mild in 39%, moderate in 24%, severe in 33%, and very severe in 3% of eyes. The mean quantitative metamorphopsia was 587 mm. PVR correlated significantly with the foveal shift. DROL correlated significantly with subjective metamorphopsia. There was a statistically significant difference between subjective metamorphopsia and quantitative metamorphopsia.

Conclusion

Foveal displacement and metamorphopsia after successful retinal reattachment pose significant morbidity. UHR-OCT is pivotal in evaluating the anatomical outcome after successful retinal re-attachment surgery and its relation to visual function.
Predicting the therapeutic role and potential mechanisms of Indole-3-acetic acid in diminished ovarian reserve based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Zheng Jianxiu , Wang Liyan , Liu Ahui , Shen Haofei , Wang Bin , Jiang Yanbiao , Jing Panpan , Guan Defeng , Yu Liulin , Zhang Xuehong
Published: November 2024

Background

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), an indole analog produced by intestinal microorganisms metabolizing tryptophan, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and thus has potential applications in ovarian protection, although the exact mechanism is unknown. The present study preliminarily investigated the pharmacological mechanism of IAA in alleviating diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) by network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Methods

Relevant target proteins of IAA were searched in SwissTargetPrediction, PharmMapper, TargetNet, BATMAN-TCM, and SuperPred databases. The potential targets of DOR were obtained from GeneCards, DisGenet, OMIM, and Drugbank databases. Both common targets were then imported into the String website to construct a PPI network, and these targets were analyzed for GO and KEGG enrichment. Finally, we utilized molecular docking to validate the possible binding conformations between IAA and the candidate targets. We used in vitro experiments to preliminarily investigate the effects of IAA on DOR.

Results

We obtained 88 potential targets for IAA and DOR interaction. We received 16 pivotal targets by constructed protein interaction screening. KEGG enrichment analysis mainly included the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, Chemical carcinogenesis—reactive oxygen species in diabetic complications, etc. GO functional analysis showed that IAA treatment of DOR may involve biological processes such as response to external stimuli, hypoxia, gene expression, and regulation of enzyme activity. Molecular docking and in vitro experiments further revealed the potential effects of IAA on MMP2, TNF-α, AKT1, HSP90AA1, and NF-κ B.

Conclusion

We preliminarily revealed the potential protective effects of IAA against DOR through multiple targets and pathways, which provides a new research strategy for the molecular mechanism of IAA to alleviate DOR in the future. However, further studies need to demonstrate whether IAA can be used as a compound to prevent and treat DOR.
The effect of state gratitude on interpersonal trust under cognitive reappraisal among Chinese college students
Authors: Abbasi Najam ul Hasan , Yi Li Zi , Yong Liu , Xia Mi Xue , Hadi Abdul
Published: November 2024

Objectives

This article starts with increasing emotions through cognitive reappraisal and explores the impact of state gratitude emotions on interpersonal trust among college students under cognitive reappraisal.

Method

In study 1, we used a questionnaire survey and experimental design to collect data, which we processed/analyzed using SPSS 23.0. We employed, the Rotter Interpersonal Trust Scale (ITS), as adapted by Xu Huiyan, consisting of 25 items, to measure the interpersonal trust levels among college students and to explore the potentially significant differences in interpersonal trust levels among the students based on their demographic variables, including gender. We collected 347 survey questionnaires, with 143 from males and 204 from females, with a mean age of 20.93 (SD = 2.703). In study 2, we utilized a univariate inter-subject experimental design, with the independent variable being the state gratitude emotion (awakened vs. not awakened) under cognitive reappraisal, and the dependent variable was the level of interpersonal trust. Thirty participants participated in the pre-experiment, followed by 119 participants in the formal experiment to assess the impact of state gratitude emotion on interpersonal trust among college students, using motivation reappraisal strategy (t = − 4.028, p < 0.01).

Results

This study found that (1) the overall interpersonal trust of college students was moderate to low (M = 38.01, SD = 9.13); (2) no significant differences in interpersonal trust levels were found among college students based on gender, grade, and whether they had children; however, the significant differences in interpersonal trust levels were observed among college students based on their the area of residence (F = 3.675, p < 0.05), school type (F = 3.04, p < 0.05), and family type (t = − 3.034, p < 0.01); (3) cognitive reappraisal has been shown to enhance individuals’ gratitude emotions in situations, thereby, raising their interpersonal trust level.

Conclusions

We conclude that cognitive reappraisal enhances individuals’ positive emotions and levels of interpersonal trust in social interactions, offering a reference for promoting positive emotions and interpersonal trust levels among college students.
Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on outpatient psychiatric population well-being and symptomology utilizing COVID-19 Events Checklist (CEC) and Measurement Based Care
Authors: Jones Sydney B. , Ko Hayoung , Gatto Alyssa J. , Kablinger Anita S. , Sharp Hunter D. , Cooper Lee D. , Tenzer Martha M. , O’Brien Virginia C. , McNamara Robert S.
Published: November 2024

Background

This study examines the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., coronavirus, COVID, COVID-19) using data from a measurement-based care (MBC) system utilized in an outpatient psychiatric clinic providing telemedicine care. A novel Patient Rated Outcome Measure (PROM), the COVID-19 Events Checklist (CEC) was administered in a hospital system based ambulatory clinic beginning April 2020 to track COVID-19-19’s impact on patients’ mental, emotional, and health-related behaviors during the pandemic. The study (1) provides descriptive CEC data, and (2) compares CEC results with PROMs evaluating anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7; GAD-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ-9), and psychological distress (Brief Adjustment Scale-6; BASE-6).

Methods

This retrospective observational study included patient intake data collected from April 2020 to March 2021. Patient (N = 842) reports on the CEC’s five domain questions were aggregated to calculate average reports of COVID-19 related impacts at intake over the initial 12 months of the pandemic. Trends in COVID-19 related impacts were examined, and non-aggregated scores on the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and BASE-6 were compared to primary dichotomous (yes/no) CEC survey questions via Wilcoxon rand sum testing.

Results

Results capture the relationship between COVID-19 exposure, COVID-19- related sequelae and behaviors, and psychological symptom severity. Specifically, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests indicate that social determinants of health (SDOH), negative mental health impacts, and positive coping skill use were significantly associated with psychological symptomatology including overall psychological functioning via the BASE-6, anxiety via the GAD-7, and depressive symptoms via the PHQ-9. Results regarding SDOH were as follows: BASE-6 (w = 44,005, p < 0.001), GAD-7 (w = 44,116, p < 0.001), and PHQ-9 (w = 43,299, p < 0.001). Regarding negative mental health outcomes, the results were: BASE-6 (w = 38,374, p < 0.001), GAD-7 (w = 39,511, p < 0.001), and PHQ-9 (w = 40,154, p < 0.001). As the initial year of the pandemic elapsed, incoming patients demonstrated increased rates of suspected or confirmed exposure to COVID-19, (+2.29%, t = 3.19, p = 0.01), reported fewer negative impacts of COVID-19 on SDOH (−3.53%, t= −2.45, p = 0.034), and less engagement in positive coping strategies (−1.47%, t = −3.14, p = 0.010).

Conclusions

Psychosocial factors related to COVID-19 are discussed, as well as opportunities for further research on the relationship between psychological symptomatology and the impact of COVID-19 on health-related behaviors.
XII International Mycological Congress: report of Congress action on nomenclature proposals relating to fungi
Authors: May Tom W. , Bensch Konstanze , Groenewald Johannes Z. , Houbraken Jos , Rossman Amy Y.
Published: November 2024

Procedures, appointments and outcomes of the Fungal Nomenclature Session (FNS) of the XII International Mycological Congress (IMC12) are summarized, including the composition of the Fungal Nomenclature Bureau and the Nominating Committee of the IMC. Between 124 and 322 mycologists attended the three sessions of the FNS, at which formal proposals to amend Chapter F of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants were debated. The 15 proposals considered included eight "from the floor", five of which were withdrawn prior to the FNS. One of the withdrawn proposals was directed to the Editorial Committee for Fungi, in relation to adding examples of best practice when citing living cultures as types. Among the seven proposals published in Taxon, one proposal with a high “no” vote in the Guiding Vote was not re-introduced. Discussion on one proposal led to the authorization of a Special-purpose Committees on “Genomes as Types for Fungi”. For the eight proposals that were put to a vote, two proposals were rejected and six proposals were accepted. The accepted proposals: (1) clarified that a proposal to conserve a name with a conserved type does not require citation of a typification identifier; (2) clarified procedures to protect and reject names of fungi; (3) removed the need to list synonyms of protected names in the Code appendices; (4) clarified that an earlier homonym of a sanctioned name remains unavailable if the sanctioned name is rejected outright; (5) recommended that culture collections or biological resource centres where cultures are lodged should be “public”; and (6) recommended that when original type cultures are lost, neotypification should utilize the progeny of ex-type cultures. Appointments made by the FNS included the Secretary of the Fungal Nomenclature Bureau for IMC13, the officers and members of the Editorial Committee for Fungi, and the officers and members of the Permanent Nomenclature Committee for Fungi. Decisions and appointments of the FNS were ratified in a resolution accepted by the plenary session of the Congress.
Targeted delivery of extracellular vesicles: the mechanisms, techniques and therapeutic applications
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Di Yunfeng , Fan Huilan , Xu Chengyan , Li Haijing , Wang Yong , Wang Wei , Li Chun , Wang Jingyu
Published: November 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived vesicles with a phospholipid bilayer measuring 50–150 nm in diameter with demonstrated therapeutic potentials. Limitations such as the natural biodistribution (mainly concentrated in the liver and spleen) and short plasma half-life of EVs present significant challenges to their clinical translation. In recent years, growing research indicated that engineered EVs with enhanced targeting to lesion sites have markedly promoted therapeutic efficacy. However, there is a dearth of systematic knowledge on the recent advances in engineering EVs for targeted delivery. Herein, we provide an overview of the targeting mechanisms, engineering techniques, and clinical translations of natural and engineered EVs in therapeutic applications. Enrichment of EVs at lesion sites may be achieved through the recognition of tissue markers, pathological changes, and the circumvention of mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). Alternatively, external stimuli, including magnetic fields and ultrasound, may also be employed. EV engineering techniques that fulfill targeting functions includes genetic engineering, membrane fusion, chemical modification and physical modification. A comparative statistical analysis was conducted to elucidate the discrepancies between the diverse techniques on size, morphology, stability, targeting and therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, a summary of the registered clinical trials utilizing EVs from 2010 to 2023 has been provided, with a full discussion on the perspectives. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms and techniques associated with targeted delivery of EVs in therapeutic applications to advocate further explorations of engineered EVs and accelerate their clinical applications.
Moving toward automated µFTIR spectra matching for microplastic identification: addressing false identifications and improving accuracy
Authors: Kozloski Rachel , Cowger Win , Arienzo Monica M.
Published: November 2024

Infrared spectroscopy is a widely used tool for studying microplastics and identifying microparticles. Researchers rely on spectral libraries to differentiate between synthetic and natural materials. Unfortunately, spectral library matching is not perfect, and best practices require researchers to use time consuming, manual peak matching to assess spectral matches. Moving toward automated matching requires increased confidence in the matching process. Using spectra matching software may increase the efficiency of particle identification, however some matching strategies may confuse natural materials such as cotton, silk, and plant matter with common classes of synthetics such as polyesters and polyamides. In this experiment, we prepared 22 pristine sample materials from natural and synthetic sources and measured micro-Fourier transform infrared (µFTIR) spectra in transmission mode for each sample using a Thermo Nicolet iN10 MX instrument. The collected spectra were then input into two spectral library matching systems (Omnic Picta and Open Specy), using a total of five identification routines. Next, we placed a subset of four pristine microplastic materials in a biologically active river system for two weeks to simulate environmental samples. These simulated environmental samples were processed using 10% hydrogen peroxide for 24 h to remove organic contamination and then identified using the strongest performing library. We found that libraries with fewer sample spectra produced lower correlation matches and that using derivative correction greatly reduced the number of inaccuracies in identifying materials as either natural or synthetic. We also found that environmental fouling reduced the correlation value of library matches when compared to pristine particles, however the effect was not consistent across the four materials tested. Overall, we found that the accuracy of automated library matching in the tested systems and processing routines varied from 64.1 to 98.0% for distinguishing between natural and synthetic materials, and that a high Hit Quality Index (HQI) did not always correlate with accuracy. These results are important for the microplastic field, demonstrating a need to rigorously test spectral libraries and processing routines with known materials to ensure identification accuracy.
Sparry calcite identification in shale reservoirs by data augmentation and attention-based machine-learning algorithms
Authors: Hong Yuzhen , Deng Shaogui , Li Zhijun , Wei Zhoutuo , Chen Jie
Published: November 2024

Sparry calcite is an indicator of favorable production lithology, and it also exerts a positive influence on production capacity. Therefore, sparry calcite identification is an important part of shale reservoir exploration. However, the logging response to sparry calcite is weak and sample sizes are limited, making accurate identification challenging using conventional methods. To address this challenge, we develop data augmentation and attention-based machine-learning algorithms, specify logging curves as experimental data. Initially, the data set is optimized using synthetic minority oversampling techniques and wavelet transforms. Subsequently, an attention-based convolutional neural network is trained to extract nonlinear features from the input logging curves. These nonlinear features are then fed into the bidirectional long short-term memory to extract potential information regarding the depth domain sequence and achieve accurate identification of sparry calcite. Our method has been validated using a data set from shale reservoirs in the Dongying Depression, achieving an accuracy of 96% and exceeding 90% for recall and precision metrics. Furthermore, an adjacent-well experiment accuracy can reach 91%, precision 90%, and recall 85%. This model effectively integrates intelligent algorithms, resulting in significant enhancements in sample optimization and feature extraction.
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: A Randomized Trial on Survival Evaluation (HORSE; MITO-18)
Authors: Fagotti Anna , Costantini Barbara , Fanfani Francesco , Giannarelli Diana , De Iaco Pierandrea , Chiantera Vito , Mandato Vincenzo , Giorda Giorgio , Aletti Giovanni , Greggi Stefano , Perrone A. Myriam , Salutari Vanda , Trozzi Rita , Scambia Giovanni
Published: November 2024

PURPOSE

To investigate whether the addition of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) to secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) without neoadjuvant chemotherapy has a benefit on progression-free survival (PFS), as opposed to SCS alone in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (platinum-free interval, >6 months).

METHODS

This was a multicenter randomized phase III study. Random assignment was performed at the time of surgery in cases with residual tumor ≤0.25 cm. HIPEC with cisplatin (CDDP) 75 mg/m
2
for 60 minutes at 41.5°C was administered at the end of surgery in the experimental arm. Both groups received postoperative platinum-based chemotherapy. The primary end point was PFS. The safety profile and postrecurrence survival (PRS) were the secondary end points.

RESULTS

A total of 167 patients underwent random assignment, 82 patients to SCS plus HIPEC (experimental arm) and 85 to SCS alone (control arm). The median follow-up was 83 months (IQR, 64-102). The median PFS was 23 months (95% CI, 17 to 29) in the group that underwent surgery alone and 25 months (95% CI, 18 to 32) in the group that underwent cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC. The probability of PRS at 5 years was 61.6% (95% CI, 50.8 to 72.4) in the SCS group and 75.9% (95% CI, 66.5 to 85.3) in the SCS plus HIPEC group. The incidence of postoperative adverse events of any grade was similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The addition of HIPEC to complete or nearly complete primary SCS did not confer a benefit in terms of PFS in patients with platinum-sensitive peritoneal recurrence.
Physiology and Pharmacology of Effects of GLP-1-based Therapies on Gastric, Biliary and Intestinal Motility
Authors: Jalleh Ryan J , Marathe Chinmay S , Rayner Christopher K , Jones Karen L , Umapathysivam Mahesh M , Wu Tongzhi , Quast Daniel R , Plummer Mark P , Nauck Michael A , Horowitz Michael
Published: November 2024

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and the dual GLP-1- and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor co-agonist tirzepatide (referred to here collectively as “GLP-1-based therapy”) are incretin-based therapies being used increasingly in the management of both type 2 diabetes and obesity. They are now recognized to have beneficial effects beyond improved glycemic control and weight loss, including cardiovascular and renal protection. GLP-1-based therapy also slows gastric emptying, which has benefits (lowering postprandial glucose), but also potential risks (eg, hypoglycemia in individuals on insulin or sulphonylurea therapy). Their effects on the gallbladder may also be beneficial, contributing to reducing postprandial triglycerides, but they also potentially increase the risk of biliary disease. In this review, we summarize the effects of GLP-1 and incretin-based therapeutics on gastric, biliary and small intestinal function. An improved understanding of these effects will optimize the use of these drugs.
Outcomes Associated with a Patient Blood Management Program in Major Obstetric Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ansari Tarek , Wani Saleema , Hofmann Axel , Shetty Nanda , Sangani Kanan , Stamp Clifford J. , Murray Kevin , Trentino Kevin M.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

Obstetric patient blood management (PBM) strategies were used at Corniche Hospital in 2018, initially focusing on minimizing bleeding, with other clinical strategies implemented incrementally. This study assesses program outcomes in patients with major obstetric hemorrhage of 2000 mL or greater.

METHODS:

A retrospective study of 353 women admitted to The Corniche Hospital between 2018 and 2023 who experienced major obstetric hemorrhage of 2000 mL or greater. The primary outcome measure was units of red blood cell (RBC), fresh-frozen plasma (FFP), and platelet units transfused. Secondary outcomes included pretransfusion hemoglobin in patients with no active bleeding, hemoglobin levels 3 weeks postdischarge, anemia predelivery, blood product-acquisition cost savings, mortality, composite morbidity (transfusion reaction, acute lung injury, thrombosis, sepsis, postpartum hysterectomy), hospital and high-dependency unit length of stay, and all-cause emergency readmissions within 28 days.

RESULTS:

Comparing baseline (2018) with the final year (2023), the mean units of RBCs, FFP, and platelets transfused per admission decreased from 4.18 to 0.67 (P-trend <.001), resulting in blood acquisition savings of US$ 175,705. Over the same period the percentage of women anemic predelivery decreased from 40.3% to 23.8% (P-trend = 0.015) and the mean pretransfusion hemoglobin level in nonactively bleeding patients decreased from 7.54 g/dL to 6.35 g/dL (P-trend < .001). The mean hemoglobin rise 3 weeks postdischarge increased from 2.41 g/dL in 2018 to 4.26 g/dL in 2023. There were no changes in adjusted composite morbidity, hospital, or high-dependency unit length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS:

In women with a major obstetric hemorrhage of 2000 mL or greater, the implementation of an obstetric PBM program was associated with reduced blood product utilization, reduced costs, reduced anemia, and increased hemoglobin rise postdischarge.