bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing molecular testing of lung cancer needle biopsy specimens: potential solutions from an interdisciplinary qualitative study
Authors: Fintelmann Florian J. , Martin Nikki A. , Tahir Ismail , Quinn Elissa M. , Allen Timothy C. , Joseph Lija , Nikolic Boris , Lee Christopher
Published: January 2023

Background

Molecular testing can detect actionable genomic alterations and tumor cell surface proteins in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, utilization remains suboptimal, representing missed treatment opportunities. This study aimed to identify challenges and potential solutions to obtaining percutaneous lung needle biopsy specimens for successful molecular testing in patients with advanced NSCLC.

Methods

This interdisciplinary qualitative study included ten radiologists and four pathologists from academic and community settings across the United States who routinely perform and analyze percutaneous lung needle biopsies. Participants underwent semi-structured one-on-one interviews (Phase 1). Interview questionnaires were constructed based on a literature review of key lines of inquiry and conducted by professional market researchers using the theoretical domains framework. Primary barriers to molecular testing were identified using thematic analysis. Subsequently, multidisciplinary focus groups were convened to identify potential solutions (Phase 2).

Results

Four themes emerged as barriers to molecular testing and were matched to the clinical workflow: (1) biopsy request, (2) biopsy procedure, (3) specimen analysis, and (4) communication. The nineteen potential solutions included adding a “checkbox” to indicate molecular testing in the biopsy request, leveraging pre-procedural imaging to guide biopsies, conserving tissue through appropriate allocation strategies and next generation sequencing panels instead of sequential single-gene assays, instituting reflex-molecular testing upon NSCLC diagnosis, tracking and communicating biopsy outcomes at multidisciplinary tumor boards, and improving integration of radiologists and pathologists into oncology care teams.

Conclusions

Potential solutions exist to increase successful molecular testing of lung needle biopsy specimens in patients with advanced NSCLC.
Novel context-specific genome-scale modelling explores the potential of triacylglycerol production by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Yao Haoyang , Dahal Sanjeev , Yang Laurence
Published: January 2023

Gene expression data of cell cultures is commonly measured in biological and medical studies to understand cellular decision-making in various conditions. Metabolism, affected but not solely determined by the expression, is much more difficult to measure experimentally. Finding a reliable method to predict cell metabolism for expression data will greatly benefit metabolic engineering. We have developed a novel pipeline, OVERLAY, that can explore cellular fluxomics from expression data using only a high-quality genome-scale metabolic model. This is done through two main steps: first, construct a protein-constrained metabolic model (PC-model) by integrating protein and enzyme information into the metabolic model (M-model). Secondly, overlay the expression data onto the PC-model using a novel two-step nonconvex and convex optimization formulation, resulting in a context-specific PC-model with optionally calibrated rate constants. The resulting model computes proteomes and intracellular flux states that are consistent with the measured transcriptomes. Therefore, it provides detailed cellular insights that are difficult to glean individually from the omic data or M-model alone. We apply the OVERLAY to interpret triacylglycerol (TAG) overproduction byChlamydomonas reinhardtii, using time-course RNA-Seq data. We show that OVERLAY can computeC. reinhardtiimetabolism under nitrogen deprivation and metabolic shifts after an acetate boost. OVERLAY can also suggest possible ‘bottleneck’ proteins that need to be overexpressed to increase the TAG accumulation rate, as well as discuss other TAG-overproduction strategies.
Unmasking the biological function and regulatory mechanism of NOC2L: a novel inhibitor of histone acetyltransferase
Authors: Lu Siyi , Chen Zhaoyu , Liu Zhenzhen , Liu Zhentao
Published: January 2023

NOC2 like nucleolar associated transcriptional repressor (NOC2L) was recently identified as a novel inhibitor of histone acetyltransferase (INHAT). NOC2L is found to have two INHAT function domains and regulates histone acetylation in a histone deacetylases (HDAC) independent manner, which is distinct from other INHATs. In this review, we summarize the biological function of NOC2L in histone acetylation regulation, P53-mediated transcription, ribosome RNA processing, certain development events and carcinogenesis. We propose that NOC2L may be explored as a potential biomarker and a therapeutic target in clinical practice.
Transplanted human iPSC-derived vascular endothelial cells promote functional recovery by recruitment of regulatory T cells to ischemic white matter in the brain
Authors: Xu Bin , Shimauchi-Ohtaki Hiroya , Yoshimoto Yuhei , Sadakata Tetsushi , Ishizaki Yasuki
Published: January 2023

Background

Ischemic stroke in white matter of the brain induces not only demyelination, but also neuroinflammation. Peripheral T lymphocytes, especially regulatory T cells (Tregs), are known to infiltrate into ischemic brain and play a crucial role in modulation of inflammatory response there. We previously reported that transplantation of vascular endothelial cells generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iVECs) ameliorated white matter infarct. The aim of this study is to investigate contribution of the immune system, especially Tregs, to the mechanism whereby iVEC transplantation ameliorates white matter infarct.

Methods

iVECs and human Tregs were transplanted into the site of white matter lesion seven days after induction of ischemia. The egress of T lymphocytes from lymph nodes was sequestered by treating the animals with fingolimod (FTY720). The infarct size was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the activated microglia and macrophages, T cells, Tregs, and oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Remyelination was examined by Luxol fast blue staining.

Results

iVEC transplantation reduced ED-1+ inflammatory cells and CD4+ T cells, while increased Tregs in the white matter infarct. Treatment of the animals with FTY720 suppressed neuroinflammation and reduced the number of both CD4+ T cells and Tregs in the lesion, suggesting the importance of infiltration of these peripheral immune cells into the lesion in aggravation of neuroinflammation. Suppression of neuroinflammation by FTY720 per se, however, did not promote remyelination in the infarct. FTY720 treatment negated the increase in the number of Tregs by iVEC transplantation in the infarct, and attenuated remyelination promoted by transplanted iVECs, while it did not affect the number of oligodendrocyte lineage cells increased by iVEC transplantation. Transplantation of Tregs together with iVECs into FTY720-treated ischemic white matter did not affect the number of oligodendrocyte lineage cells, while it remarkably promoted myelin regeneration.

Conclusions

iVEC transplantation suppresses neuroinflammation, but suppression of neuroinflammation per se does not promote remyelination. Recruitment of Tregs by transplanted iVECs contributes significantly to promotion of remyelination in the injured white matter.
Acute phase response following pulmonary exposure to soluble and insoluble metal oxide nanomaterials in mice
Authors: Gutierrez Claudia Torero , Loizides Charis , Hafez Iosif , Brostrøm Anders , Wolff Henrik , Szarek Józef , Berthing Trine , Mortensen Alicja , Jensen Keld Alstrup , Roursgaard Martin , Saber Anne Thoustrup , Møller Peter , Biskos George , Vogel Ulla
Published: January 2023

Background

Acute phase response (APR) is characterized by a change in concentration of different proteins, including C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A (SAA) that can be linked to both exposure to metal oxide nanomaterials and risk of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we intratracheally exposed mice to ZnO, CuO, Al2O3, SnO2 and TiO2 and carbon black (Printex 90) nanomaterials with a wide range in phagolysosomal solubility. We subsequently assessed neutrophil numbers, protein and lactate dehydrogenase activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, Saa3 and Saa1 mRNA levels in lung and liver tissue, respectively, and SAA3 and SAA1/2 in plasma. Endpoints were analyzed 1 and 28 days after exposure, including histopathology of lung and liver tissues.

Results

All nanomaterials induced pulmonary inflammation after 1 day, and exposure to ZnO, CuO, SnO2, TiO2 and Printex 90 increased Saa3 mRNA levels in lungs and Saa1 mRNA levels in liver. Additionally, CuO, SnO2, TiO2 and Printex 90 increased plasma levels of SAA3 and SAA1/2. Acute phase response was predicted by deposited surface area for insoluble metal oxides, 1 and 28 days post-exposure.

Conclusion

Soluble and insoluble metal oxides induced dose-dependent APR with different time dependency. Neutrophil influx, Saa3 mRNA levels in lung tissue and plasma SAA3 levels correlated across all studied nanomaterials, suggesting that these endpoints can be used as biomarkers of acute phase response and cardiovascular disease risk following exposure to soluble and insoluble particles.
Study on geometry and morphology of proximal humerus in Northern Chinese population based on 3-D CT
Authors: Zhang Boyu , Guan Haitao , Ye Zhipeng , Zhang Yingze
Published: January 2023

Background

This study investigated the characteristics of humeral geometric and morphological parameters in northern Chinese population by three-dimensional measurements, and compared whether there were differences in humeral morphology among populations from different geographical regions.

Methods

Computed tomography scans of 80 humerus were obtained, reconstructed and measured. Differences in humeral morphological parameters between genders and sides were compared. Correlation analysis was used to explore possible correlations among the parameters. The differences in humeral geometric morphometric parameters between Western and East Asian populations were compared according to pool results of present and previous studies.

Results

The average (and standard deviation) of humeral head radius curvature, arc angle, diameter, and thickness was 151.79 ± 6.69°, 23.36 ± 2.08 mm, 44.83 ± 3.92 mm and 17.55 ± 1.84 mm in coronal humeral head plane, and 152.05 ± 8.82°, 21.81 ± 1.88 mm, 41.77 ± 3.44 mm and 16.52 ± 1.92 mm in transversal humeral head plane. The average of the humeral head medial offset and posterior offset was 7.34 ± 2.47 mm and 0.08 ± 1.72 mm. Humeral head inclination angle, arc angle and radius curvature of humeral neck-shaft averaged 137.69 ± 4.92°, 34.7 ± 5.29° and 55.76 ± 13.43 mm. Superior, inferior, anterior, posterior concave angle of humeral anatomical neck averaged 150.41 ± 10.91°, 146.55 ± 10.12°, 146.43 ± 13.53° and 149.33 ± 14.07°. The average of height of the greater tuberosity, height of the lesser tuberosity, depth, concave angle and volume of the intertubercular groove was 14.19 ± 1.7 mm, 8.9 ± 1.54 mm, 0.92 ± 0.31 mm3, 31.28 ± 9.61 mm, 4.98 ± 1.19 mm and 89.35 ± 17.62°. The upper angle of the greater tuberosity averaged 161.04 ± 7.84°, the upper angle of the greater tuberosity was 165.94 ± 3.6°. Differences in parameters of proximal humerus between genders and sides were found. There was no correlation between parameters of proximal humerus and age. Correlations were found among humeral morphological parameters. East Asian populations differed in proximal humeral morphology from Western populations.

Conclusions

This study will provide references for diagnosing and classifying shoulder disease, designing prosthesis and instrument, enhancing surgical precision and guiding patient recovery.
Association between age at menarche and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women
Authors: Yang Yimei , Wang Shanshan , Cong Hui
Published: January 2023

Background

Age at menarche (AAM) directly affects female estrogen levels, which play a vital role in bone metabolism. The exact relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and AAM remains controversial. Thus, this study aimed to determine the association between AAM and lumbar spine (LS) BMD in postmenopausal women.

Methods

Our data were based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018. AAM was divided into three categories including ≤ 12, 13–15, and ≥ 16 years, and the ≤ 12 years old category was used as the reference group. To examine the association between AAM and LS BMD, we used three weighted linear regression models, Model 1 (without adjustment), Model 2 (with adjustment for age, race, and body mass index [BMI]), and Model 3 (with adjustment for all covariates).

Results

This study included 1195 postmenopausal women aged 40–59 years. In the unadjusted model, a menarche age of ≥ 16 years compared with a menarche age of ≤ 12 years was associated with lower LS BMD (β = − 0.083, 95% CI − 0.117, − 0.048, P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, there was still a negative correlation in model 2 (β = − 0.078, 95% CI − 0.113, − 0.042, P < 0.001) and model 3 (β = − 0.065, 95% CI − 0.096, − 0.033, P < 0.001). Moreover, this significant relationship persisted after excluding participants who used female hormones (β = − 0.053, 95% CI − 0.089, − 0.016, P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Our study found that postmenopausal women with a menarche age of ≥ 16 years had significantly lower LS BMD than that had by those with a menarche age of ≤ 12 years. As a result of this study, postmenopausal women with a late menarche age may have a higher risk of lumbar osteoporotic fractures and need better bone health care.
Axonal membrane stretch suppresses neuronal excitability by activating mechanosensitive K2P channels at the node of Ranvier
Authors: Kanda Hirosato , Noguchi Koichi , Dai Yi
Published: January 2023

Saltatory conduction is the propagation of action potentials along myelinated nerves, which enables fast propagation through the node of Ranvier. Recently, we demonstrated that K2P channels, TWIK-related K+ channel-1 (TREK-1), and TWIK-related arachidonic acid-activated K + channel (TRAAK), are highly expressed in the mammalian node of Ranvier of sensory nerves and have an important role in action potential repolarization instead of voltage-gated K+ channels. TREK-1/TRAAK channels are activated by membrane depolarization as well as various stimuli, such as temperature, pH, arachidonic acid, and mechanical membrane stretch. Although membrane mechanical stretch has been suggested to modulate action potential conduction, how membrane stretching modulates intrinsic electrophysiological properties at the node of Ranvier remains unclear. In the present study, we examined the effects of membrane stretch on neuronal membranes at the node of Ranvier in rat sciatic nerves. The single-channel conductance was approximately 90 pS at 80 mV. Membrane stretch increased the single-channel event numbers and open probability in a pressure-dependent manner. Consistent with single-channel activity, intra-pipette positive pressure increased outward leak currents and decreased membrane excitability in a whole-cell configuration. Furthermore, blockage of TREK-1/TRAAK channels by Ba2+ reversed the changes in the intrinsic electrophysiological properties induced by intra-pipette pressure. These results indicate that the activation of mechanosensitive TREK-1/TRAAK channels may suppress neuronal excitability following axonal stretch. Our findings suggest that TREK-1/TRAAK channels may play an important role in the prevention of ectopic action potential discharge at the axon by intense mechanical nerve stretch under physiological conditions.
A pH-dependent anti-CD47 antibody that selectively targets solid tumors and improves therapeutic efficacy and safety
Authors: Li Yulu , Liu Juan , Chen Wei , Wang Wei , Yang Fang , Liu Ximing , Sheng Yao , Du Kaixin , He Miaomiao , Lyu Xueyuan , Li Huiyu , Zhao Linlin , Wei Zhizhong , Wang Fengchao , Zheng Sanduo , Sui Jianhua
Published: January 2023

Background

The antiphagocytic molecule CD47 is overexpressed in a wide variety of cancer cells, and antibodies targeting CD47 for cancer therapies are currently under intensive investigation. However, owing to the ubiquitous expression of CD47 on healthy cells, anti-CD47 therapies often achieve only weak therapeutic benefits and can induce severe side effects. Here, we report the generation of a pH-dependent anti-CD47 antibody (BC31M4) which selectively binds to tumors under the acidic solid tumor microenvironment.

Methods

BC31M4 was generated using antibody phage display and a pH-dependent selection strategy. The pH-dependent binding and blocking activities of BC31M4 were verified using in vitro assays, and the structural basis of the pH-dependent binding property was characterized. BC31M4’s antitumor effect was confirmed by both phagocytosis assays and studies in xenograft models. The tumor selectivity, mechanism of action, PK properties, side effects, and therapeutic efficacy were further evaluated in humanized (hCD47 and its receptor hSIRPα) immunocompetent syngeneic mouse models.

Results

The crystal structure reveals that two histidines locate within the CDRs of the light chain directly contribute to the pH-dependent binding of BC31M4. BC31M4 promotes macrophage phagocytosis of tumor cells more potently at acidic-pH than at physiological-pH. Our hCD47/hSIRPα humanized syngeneic mouse model results demonstrated that BC31M4 selectively accumulates in tumors but not in normal tissues. BC31M4 causes minimal side effects and exhibits superior PK properties as compared to the other examined anti-CD47 antibodies. When combined with adoptive T cell transfer, BC31M4 efficiently promotes adaptive immune responses against tumors and also induces immune memory. Moreover, we show that BC31M4’s antitumor effects rely on an Fc that mediates strong effector functions.

Conclusions

Our study illustrates that the development of a tumor-selective, pH-dependent anti-CD47 antibody safely confers strong therapeutic effects against solid tumors, thus providing a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome the challenges of anti-CD47 therapy.
Association of red blood cells and plasma transfusion versus red blood cell transfusion only with survival for treatment of major traumatic hemorrhage in prehospital setting in England: a multicenter study
Authors: Tucker Harriet , Brohi Karim , Tan Joachim , Aylwin Christopher , Bloomer Roger , Cardigan Rebecca , Davenport Ross , Davies Edward D. , Godfrey Phillip , Hawes Rachel , Lyon Richard , McCullagh Josephine , Stanworth Simon , Thompson Julian , Uprichard James , Walsh Simon , Weaver Anne , Green Laura
Published: January 2023

Background

In-hospital acute resuscitation in trauma has evolved toward early and balanced transfusion resuscitation with red blood cells (RBC) and plasma being transfused in equal ratios. Being able to deliver this ratio in prehospital environments is a challenge. A combined component, like leukocyte-depleted red cell and plasma (RCP), could facilitate early prehospital resuscitation with RBC and plasma, while at the same time improving logistics for the team. However, there is limited evidence on the clinical benefits of RCP.

Objective

To compare prehospital transfusion of combined RCP versus RBC alone or RBC and plasma separately (RBC + P) on mortality in trauma bleeding patients.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively on patients who received prehospital transfusion (RBC + thawed plasma/Lyoplas or RCP) for traumatic hemorrhage from six prehospital services in England (2018–2020). Retrospective data on patients who transfused RBC from 2015 to 2018 were included for comparison. The association between transfusion arms and 24-h and 30-day mortality, adjusting for age, injury mechanism, age, prehospital heart rate and blood pressure, was evaluated using generalized estimating equations.

Results

Out of 970 recruited patients, 909 fulfilled the study criteria (RBC + P = 391, RCP = 295, RBC = 223). RBC + P patients were older (mean age 42 vs 35 years for RCP and RBC), and 80% had a blunt injury (RCP = 52%, RBC = 56%). RCP and RBC + P were associated with lower odds of death at 24-h, compared to RBC alone (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.69 [95%CI: 0.52; 0.92] and 0.60 [95%CI: 0.32; 1.13], respectively). The lower odds of death for RBC + P and RCP vs RBC were driven by penetrating injury (aOR 0.22 [95%CI: 0.10; 0.53] and 0.39 [95%CI: 0.20; 0.76], respectively). There was no association between RCP or RBC + P with 30-day survival vs RBC.

Conclusion

Prehospital plasma transfusion for penetrating injury was associated with lower odds of death at 24-h compared to RBC alone. Large trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Variation in electroencephalography and neuroimaging for children receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Kohne Joseph G. , MacLaren Graeme , Shellhaas Renée A. , Benedetti Giulia , Barbaro Ryan P.
Published: January 2023

Background

Seizures, strokes, and intracranial hemorrhage are common and feared complications in children receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Researchers and clinicians have proposed and deployed methods for monitoring and detecting neurologic injury, but best practices are unknown. We sought to characterize clinicians’ approach to electroencephalography (EEG) and brain imaging modalities in children supported by ECMO.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational cohort study among US Children’s Hospitals participating in the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) from 2016 to 2021. We identified hospitalizations containing ECMO support. We stratified these admissions by pediatric, neonatal, cardiac surgery, and non-cardiac surgery. We characterized the frequency of EEG, cranial ultrasound, brain computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and transcranial Doppler during ECMO hospitalizations. We reported key diagnoses (stroke and seizures) and the prescription of antiseizure medication. To assess hospital variation, we created multilevel logistic regression models.

Results

We identified 8746 ECMO hospitalizations. Nearly all children under 1 year of age (5389/5582) received a cranial ultrasound. Sixty-two percent of the cohort received an EEG, and use increased from 2016 to 2021 (52–72% of hospitalizations). There was marked variation between hospitals in rates of EEG use. Rates of antiseizure medication use (37% of hospitalizations) and seizure diagnoses (20% of hospitalizations) were similar across hospitals, including high and low EEG utilization hospitals. Overall, 37% of the cohort received a CT and 36% received an MRI (46% of neonatal patients). Stroke diagnoses (16% of hospitalizations) were similar between high- and low-MRI utilization hospitals (15% vs 17%, respectively). Transcranial Doppler (TCD) was performed in just 8% of hospitalizations, and 77% of the patients who received a TCD were cared for at one of five centers.

Conclusions

In this cohort of children at high risk of neurologic injury, there was significant variation in the approach to EEG and neuroimaging in children on ECMO. Despite the variation in monitoring and imaging, diagnoses of seizures and strokes were similar across hospitals. Future work needs to identify a management strategy that appropriately screens and monitors this high-risk population without overuse of resource-intensive modalities.
KIN: a method to infer relatedness from low-coverage ancient DNA
Authors: Popli Divyaratan , Peyrégne Stéphane , Peter Benjamin M.
Published: January 2023

Genetic kinship of ancient individuals can provide insights into their culture and social hierarchy, and is relevant for downstream genetic analyses. However, estimating relatedness from ancient DNA is difficult due to low-coverage, ascertainment bias, or contamination from various sources. Here, we present KIN, a method to estimate the relatedness of a pair of individuals from the identical-by-descent segments they share. KIN accurately classifies up to 3rd-degree relatives using at least 0.05x sequence coverage and differentiates siblings from parent-child pairs. It incorporates additional models to adjust for contamination and detect inbreeding, which improves classification accuracy.
Enhanced RNA knockdown efficiency with engineered fusion guide RNAs that function with both CRISPR-CasRx and hammerhead ribozyme
Authors: Zhan Yonghao , Cao Congcong , Li Aolin , Mei Hongbing , Liu Yuchen
Published: January 2023

Background

CRISPR-Cas13 is a newly emerging RNA knockdown technology that is comparable to RNAi. Among all members of Cas13, CasRx degrades RNA in human cells with high precision and effectiveness. However, it remains unclear whether the efficiency of this technology can be further improved and applied to gene therapy.

Results

In this study, we fuse CasRx crRNA with an antisense ribozyme to construct a synthetic fusion guide RNA that can interact with both CasRx protein and ribozyme and tested the ability of this approach in RNA knockdown and cancer gene therapy. We show that the CasRx-crRNA-ribozyme system (CCRS) is more efficient for RNA knockdown of mRNAs and non-coding RNAs than conventional methods, including CasRx, shRNA, and ribozyme. In particular, CCRS is more effective than wild-type CasRx when targeting multiple transcripts simultaneously. We next use bladder cancer as a model to evaluate the anticancer effects of CCRS targeting multiple genes in vitro and in vivo. CCRS shows a higher anticancer effect than conventional methods, consistent with the gene knockdown results.

Conclusions

Thus, our study demonstrates that CCRS expands the design ideas and RNA knockdown capabilities of Cas13 technology and has the potential to be used in disease treatment.
Comparison of the effect of modified intermittent fasting and daily calorie restriction on sleep quality, anthropometric data, and body composition in women with obesity or overweight: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hooshiar Saeedeh Hosseini , Yazdani Akram , Jafarnejad Sadegh
Published: January 2023

Background

Sleep disturbances are common in nearly one-third of adults. Both low quality of sleep and sleep time could be related to increased obesity. An increase in visceral adipose tissue can result in the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Inflammatory cytokines can lead to a disturbance of the sleep-wake rhythm. Therefore, weight loss may improve sleep quality and duration. Intermittent fasting diet as a popular diet reduces body weight and improves anthropometric indices. This study is performed to further investigate the effect of a modified intermittent fasting diet on sleep quality and anthropometric indices.

Methods

This is an open-label randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of daily calorie restriction (control) and modified intermittent fasting (intervention) on sleep quality, anthropometric data, and body composition in women with obesity or overweight for 8 weeks. Fifty-six participants will be classified using stratified randomization based on body mass index (BMI) and age. Then, participants will be assigned to one of the two groups of intervention or control using the random numbers table. The sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and insomnia will be evaluated by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Insomnia Severity Index respectively. The primary outcomes chosen for the study were as follows: the difference in sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, insomnia, BMI, fat-free mass (FFM), body fat mass, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio from baseline to 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes chosen for the study were as follows: the difference in hip circumference, the visceral fat area, percent body fat, soft lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, extracellular water ratio, and total body water from baseline to 8 weeks.

Discussion

This study will investigate the effect of intermittent fasting intervention compared with daily calorie restriction on sleep quality and anthropometric indices. The information gained will enhance our understanding of fasting interventions, which can be used to improve clinical dietary recommendations. The findings will help to disclose as yet the unknown relationship between diet and sleep quality.

Trial registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20220522054958N3. Registered on 8 July 2022. https://www.irct.ir/trial/64510.
Effect of frailty, physical performance, and chronic kidney disease on mortality in older patients with diabetes : a retrospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Weng Shuo-Chun , Lin Cheng-Fu , Hsu Chiann-Yi , Lin Shih-Yi
Published: January 2023

Background

Declined renal function is associated with physical function impairment and frailty in a graded fashion. This study aimed to examine the relationship between renal function, frailty and physical performance with mortality in older patients with diabetes, while also determining their combined effects on patient outcome.

Methods

A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted in elderly patients with diabetes. Kidney disease staging was based on clinical practice guidelines of the International Society of Nephrology, and chronic kiney disease (CKD) was defined as urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) > 30 mg/g, persistent reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or both. The modified Rockwood frailty index (RFI) was composed of cumulative health deficits, and physical function was determined by handgrip strength (HGS). Additionally, a timed up and go (TUG) test was assessed at baseline. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to analyze the association between CKD, frailty, physical function and mortality.

Results

For the 921 enrolled patients, their mean age was 82.0 ± 6.7 years. After a median 2.92 (interquartile range [IQR] 1.06–4.43) year follow-up, the survival rate was 67.6% and 85.5% in patients with and without CKD, respectively. The mortality hazard ratio (crude HR) with CKD was 5.92 for those with an RFI higher than 0.313 (95% CI 3.44–10.18), 2.50 for a TUG time longer than 21 s (95% CI 1.22–5.13), and 2.67 for an HGS lower than 10.57 kg in females or 20.4 kg in males (95% CI 1.12–6.37). After multivariate adjustment, the mortality hazard ratio for an RFI ≥ 0.313 was 5.34 (95% CI 2.23–12.80) in CKD patients, but not in patients without CKD. In subgroup analysis, patients experiencing CKD and frailty, or physical function impairment, had the lowest survival proportion followed by only frailty/declined physical function, only CKD, without CKD, and non-frailty/non-physical impairment.

Conclusion

CKD, frailty and physical function impairment were all associated with an increased mortality risk in older patients with diabetes, while the combined effects of these 3 factors were seen on patient outcome.
Plants from a semi-arid environment as a source of phytochemicals against Fusarium crown and foot rot in zucchini
Authors: Khalil Ahmed M. A. , Saleh Ahmed M. , Abo El-Souad Sayed M. S. , Mohamed Mahmoud S. M.
Published: January 2023

Fusarium crown and foot rot, caused by F. solani f. sp. cucurbitae, are major fungal diseases affecting zucchini and other cucurbits. Despite the efficacy of synthetic fungicides, their health and environmental hazards have highlighted the urgent need for safer alternatives, such as phytochemical-based biocides. Owing to the upregulation of the plant secondary metabolism under stressful conditions, bioprospecting in harsh environments could reveal ore plants for bioactive metabolites. In this study, thirteen wild plants were collected from their natural habitat in a semiarid environment (Yanbu, Saudi Arabia) and extracted to obtain phenolics rich extracts. Total polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidant capacities and the antifungal activities of the extracts against a pathogenic isolate of F. solani were assessed. Fusarium solani was isolated from infected zucchini and characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Hierarchical clustering analysis of the phytochemical screening and in vitro bioactivity revealed that Rosmarinus officinalis, Pulicaria crispa, Achillea falcata and Haloxylon salicornicum were the richest in polyphenols and the most powerful against F. solani. Further, the extracts of these four plants significantly decreased the disease incidence in zucchini, where P. crispa was the premier. Interestingly, results of transmission electron microscopy revealed that extract of P. crispa, as a representative of the powerful group, induced ultrastructural disorders in fungal cells. Therefore, this study suggests the use of R. officinalis, P. crispa, A. falcata and H. salicornicum grown in semi-arid environments as ore plants to develop phytochemical-based biocides against Fusarium crown and foot rot.
Evaluation method for the hyperspectral image camouflage effect based on multifeature description and grayscale clustering
Authors: He Zhenxin , Gan Yuanying , Ma Shixin , Liu Chuntong , Liu Zhongye
Published: January 2023

Hyperspectral images have a special attribute with both spectral and spatial information, which is of great significance for the evaluation of the stealth performance of camouflaged targets. Aiming at the problems of a single evaluation index and the low credibility of traditional optical camouflage evaluation methods, this paper proposes a grayscale clustering camouflage effect evaluation method based on multifeature descriptions of hyperspectral images using similarity indicators that reflect different spectral characteristics of the target and background. From the perspective of spectrum and human visual contrast, a comprehensive evaluation index system including spectral distance feature, spectral derivative feature, curve shape feature and spatial texture feature is constructed by combining spatial–spectral multi-feature constraints. At the same time, an improved Delphi method is proposed to simulate the expert decision-making process, and better evaluation weights are obtained by comparison and screening. The comprehensive evaluation of camouflage effect based on whitening function gray clustering is realized. The proposed method can not only give the “excellent” and “bad” of camouflage effect qualitatively, but also calculate the comprehensive score of camouflage effect by model.
Tangent-point energies and ropelength as Gamma-limits of discrete tangent-point energies on biarc curves
Authors: Lagemann Anna , von der Mosel Heiko
Published: January 2023

Using interpolation with biarc curves we prove Γ-convergence of discretized tangent-point energies to the continuous tangent-point energies in the$C^{1}$C1-topology, as well as to the ropelength functional. As a consequence, discrete almost minimizing biarc curves converge to minimizers of the continuous tangent-point energies, and to ropelength minimizers, respectively. In addition, taking point-tangent data from a given$C^{1,1}$C1,1-curveγ, we establish convergence of the discrete energies evaluated on biarc curves interpolating these data, to the continuous tangent-point energy ofγ, together with an explicit convergence rate.
Substance use in rural trauma patients admitted for motor vehicle injuries before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rudisill Toni Marie , Steinmetz Lucie , Bardes James M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Urban trauma centers reported increased substance use among individuals injured in motor vehicle collisions (MVC) after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about individuals admitted to rural trauma centers during this time. This study’s purpose was to describe substance use trends before and during the pandemic among individuals injured in MVC and treated at a rural Level-1 trauma center in West Virginia.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was performed using patients’ medical records. The study population included individuals ≥ 18 years of age who received treatment for a motor vehicle-related injury between September 1, 2018, and September 30, 2021, and were tested for drugs and alcohol upon admittance. The pre-COVID-19 period was defined as September 1, 2018–March 15, 2020. The COVID-19 period was March 16, 2020–September 30, 2021. The primary dependent variable was the patients’ drug test results. The primary independent variable was the time period. The data were analyzed using Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and proportional odds models.

Results

During this time, 1465 patients received treatment. On average, patients were 45 years ± 20 of age and male (57%). During COVID-19, 17% of patients tested positive for alcohol and 58% tested positive for non-alcohol drugs. After adjusting for patients’ sex and age, the number of drugs that patients tested positive for was 31% higher during COVID-19 (aOR 1.31; 95% CI 1.08, 1.58). The proportion of patients testing positive for cannabinoids (p = 0.05), opioids (p = 0.001), and stimulants (p = 0.010) increased from pre-COVID-19 to COVID-19 periods.

Conclusions

Drug and alcohol use increased among trauma patients admitted to a rural trauma center during COVID-19. Significant increases were seen in the number of drugs and for cannabinoids, opioids, and stimulants.
Antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial and thrombolytic activities of Centella asiatica L.: possible role of phenolics and flavonoids
Authors: Rashid Md. Harun-Or- , Akter Mst. Mahmuda , Uddin Jalal , Islam Saziya , Rahman Mousumy , Jahan Khurshid , Sarker Md. Moklesur Rahman , Sadik Golam
Published: January 2023

Background

Centella asiatica L. (Apiaceae), a green leafy vegetable, has been used as a popular folk medicine in Bangladesh in the treatment of various ailments. The plant is reported to contain phenolics and flavonoids, but their bioactive potentials are not yet completely known. The present study was designed to investigate the role of the phenolic and flavonoids in the antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antibacterial and thrombolytic activities.

Methods

Four solvent fractions viz. methanol (MSF), ethyl acetate (ESF), chloroform (CSF) and petroleum ether (PSF) were prepared from the dried powder of the whole plant by the modified Kupchan method. Total phenolic content and flavonoid content were determined by Folin Ciocalteu method and aluminum chloride colorimetric method, respectively. The antioxidant activity was assessed by the DPPH radical scavenging and total antioxidant capacity assays. The antibacterial activity was determined by the disc diffusion method and cytotoxicity was evaluated by the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Thrombolytic activity was assayed using streptokinase as standard.

Results

Qualitative analysis of phytochemical revealed the presence of phenolics and flavonoids along with other bioactive constituents. Among the extractives, CSF contained the highest content of phenolics (155.46 ± 0.52 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (345.17 ± 1.12 mg QE/g) and exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity in terms of total antioxidant capacity (179.01 ± 0.89 mg AAE/g) and DPPH scavenging ability (IC50; 15.31 ± 0.32 µg/mL). Similarly, CSF showed the highest cytotoxicity with LC50 values of 13.80 ± 0.23 µg/mL, and thrombolytic activity with 43.94 ± 0.62% clot lysis. The fraction also exhibited broad spectrum antibacterial activity. A significant correlation was observed between the flavonoid content and total antioxidant activity (r2 = 0.894, p < 0.05), while high correlation was seen between phenolic and flavonoid content and DPPH radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity (r2 = 0.612–0.928). Similarly, a positive correlation was found between phenolic and flavonoid content with thrombolytic and antibacterial activities.

Conclusion

These results revealed that C. asiatica is a rich source of phenolics and flavonoids and correlated with antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antibacterial and thrombolytic activities. Hence isolation of phenolics and flavonoids from this plant may offer potential candidates which may be effective in the prevention of many chronic diseases.
Cardiac hemangioma presenting as a primary cardiac tumor
Authors: Berdica Leart , Kola Erisa , Nakuci Daniela , Horjeti Edlira , Alimehmeti Mehdi
Published: January 2023

Cardiac hemangiomas are very rare benign cardiac tumors. They can present at any age and clinical presentation varies according to location and size. We encountered an 87-year-old woman with a left atrial hemangioma clinically diagnosed as cardiac myxoma. Histopathological examination revealed that it was a cavernous-type hemangioma Left atrial hemangiomas, especially those attached to the left atrium wall, may be mistakenly diagnosed as myxomas. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of atrial hemangioma was conducted for the diagnosis and treatment of this uncommon entity.
Integration of artificial intelligence performance prediction and learning analytics to improve student learning in online engineering course
Authors: Ouyang Fan , Wu Mian , Zheng Luyi , Zhang Liyin , Jiao Pengcheng
Published: January 2023

As a cutting-edge field of artificial intelligence in education (AIEd) that depends on advanced computing technologies, AI performance prediction model is widely used to identify at-risk students that tend to fail, establish student-centered learning pathways, and optimize instructional design and development. A majority of the existing AI prediction models focus on the development and optimization of the accuracy of AI algorithms rather than applying AI models to provide student with in-time and continuous feedback and improve the students’ learning quality. To fill this gap, this research integrated an AI performance prediction model with learning analytics approaches with a goal to improve student learning effects in a collaborative learning context. Quasi-experimental research was conducted in an online engineering course to examine the differences of students’ collaborative learning effect with and without the support of the integrated approach. Results showed that the integrated approach increased student engagement, improved collaborative learning performances, and strengthen student satisfactions about learning. This research made contributions to proposing an integrated approach of AI models and learning analytics (LA) feedback and providing paradigmatic implications for future development of AI-driven learning analytics.
Environmental factors affecting akinete germination and resting cell awakening of two cyanobacteria
Authors: Kwon Daeryul , Kim Keonhee , Jo Hyunjin , Lee Sang Deuk , Yun Suk Min , Park Chaehong
Published: January 2023

Globally, cyanobacteria frequently cause blooms that outcompete other species in the waterbody, affecting the diversity, decreasing water exchange rates, and promoting eutrophication that leads to excessive algal growth. Here,Dolichospermum circinale(akinetes) andMicrocystic aeruginosa(resting cells), were isolated from the sediment in the Uiam Dam in the North Han River and near Ugok Bridge in the Nakdong River, respectively. The morphology, germination process and rates, and growth was evaluated in different environmental conditions.D. cercinalisgermination began on day two of culturing, with maximum cell growth observed on day ten. In contrast,M. aeruginosaexhibited daily increase in cell density and colony size, with notable density increase on day six. Next, different environmental conditions were assessed. Akinetes exhibited high germination rates at low light intensity (5—30 µmol/m2/s), whereas resting cells exhibited high growth rates at high light intensity (50—100 µmol/m2/s). Furthermore, both cell types exhibited optimum germination and growth in media containing N and P at 20—30° at a pH of 7—9. Our study reveals the optimum conditions for the germination and growth of cyanobacterial akinetes and resting cells isolated from river sediment, respectively, and will assist in predicting cyanobacterial blooms for appropriate management.
Evaluation of the spatial characteristics of slope erosion using field electrical resistivity measurements
Authors: Yuan Ganglie , Che Ailan
Published: January 2023

Slope erosion due to rainfall, being a complex and serious problem worldwide, is related to natural hazards and the environment. However, scientific evaluations of slope stability are lacking, and research on the spatial characteristics of slope erosion is scarce. As such, in this study, we have constructed a method of evaluating the spatial characteristics of slope erosion that we combined with electrical measurements; subsequently, we have conducted an in situ model test. We observe a step-type growth trend in the change in resistivity, which was divided into different degrees of erosion using the K-means clustering method. Moreover, we have selected excavated slopes with supporting structures and landfill slopes without supporting structures to evaluate the spatial characteristics of engineered slopes after several months; finally, we have applied the proposed evaluation method. We use seasonal and trend decomposition using loess to remove the noise and randomness in the resistivity data, and we determine the change in resistivity based on the threshold calculated through probability density statistics. We categorize the erosion of slopes into different states and identify a spatial step-type growth trend in slope erosion, which was in good agreement with the spatial distribution characteristics of cracks on the slope. We observe serious erosion at the bottom and shallow parts of both slopes, which indicated a high risk of local collapse according to the spatial characteristics of slope erosion and our slope stability analysis.
Markov chain Monte Carlo for seismic facies classification
Authors: Grana Dario , de Figueiredo Leandro , Mosegaard Klaus
Published: January 2023

Seismic facies classification aims to predict a facies model, or a set of facies models, from measured seismic data. We focus on stochastic classification methods to estimate the probability distribution of facies conditioned on seismic data. Bayesian classification methods based on analytical solutions are generally applied to seismically inverted elastic attributes or petrophysical properties rather than measured seismic data, and they do not include spatial correlation models in the prior distribution. Instead, iterative stochastic methods, such as Monte Carlo acceptance-rejection sampling and approximate Bayesian computation, can be directly applied to seismic data and can be implemented with complex prior models; however, their convergence is generally slow because it requires the simulation of a large number of facies models from the prior distribution. We develop an efficient implementation of a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach that adopts complex prior models, such as multiple-point statistics simulations based on a training image, to generate geologically realistic facies realizations. The novelty of the approach is that the proposal distribution of the proposed MCMC method is based on a gradual deformation algorithm, in which the proposal distribution is expressed as a linear combination of the indicator variables of the previously accepted model and a random prior simulation, according to a uniform random weight. The synthetic examples indicate accurate facies predictions with a success rate of approximately 80% for well-log facies classification based on elastic attributes and approximately 60% for seismic facies classification based on seismic data. The inversion is compared to an MCMC method with prior models sampled from a first-order Markov chain and Bayesian facies classification.