bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From news deserts to news resilience: Analysis of media in depopulated areas
Authors: Saiz-Echezarreta Vanesa , Galletero-Campos Belén , Arias Molinares Daniela
Published: November 2023

This article delves into the established concept of news deserts within the broader field of Communication Geography, aiming to propose a comprehensive methodological framework for exploring the absence of local media. This approach considers crucial variables including geography, demography, public services, and infrastructure, all contributing to the configuration of the media landscape. By focusing on the depopulated region of Castile-La Mancha in Spain, we examine the relationship between the presence (or lack) of media outlets and factors such as population density, average per capita income, business activity, public service availability, accessibility, and other pertinent elements. Our analysis reveals that the media structure mirrors demographic and concentration patterns, primarily favoring central areas while leaving peripheral areas virtually isolated. This is despite the fact that the majority of the region has public services such as libraries, health centers, and telecommunications infrastructure. Income and business activity do not seem to correlate with a greater media presence. These findings underscore the necessity for sub-national studies with a specific focus on rural environments, accounting for territorial diversity, in order to better understand what occurs happens in areas considered to be news deserts.
Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty for Infrapopliteal Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Primary Patency and Binary Restenosis Rates
Authors: Snyder Daniel J. , Zilinyi Robert S. , Pruthi Sonal , George Sareena , Tirziu Daniela , Lansky Alexandra , Mintz Ari J. , Sethi Sanjum S. , Parikh Sahil A.
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) remains the mainstay of endovascular therapy for infrapopliteal chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), but outcomes have not been well characterized using high-quality data. The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide an updated benchmark for rates of primary patency and binary restenosis after PTA using prospectively collected, predominantly core-lab adjudicated randomized controlled trial (RCT) data.

Materials and methods:

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and ClinicalTrials.gov were queried for RCTs published through November 2022 using PTA as a control arm and including patients with infrapopliteal CLTI. Studies were excluded if >25% of patients had intermittent claudication, other vessels were included, or primary patency or binary restenosis were not outcomes. Outcomes were analyzed using random effects models. This analysis was publicly registered (PROSPERO ID#394543). No funding was utilized.

Results:

Seventeen RCTs were included (1048 patients, 1279 lesions). Pooled primary patency rates using data from 6 RCTs were 68% at 6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]=45%–84%) and 66% at 12 months (95% CI=51%–79%). Pooled binary restenosis rates using data from 11 RCTs were 54% at 6 months (95% CI=33%–73%) and 60% at 9 to 12 months (95% CI=39%–78%). Significant heterogeneity was present in all outcomes ( I2>50%, p<0.0001). Publication bias was not observed (Egger’s p>0.1).

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis provides estimates for binary restenosis and primary patency following PTA utilizing prospectively collected, predominantly core-lab adjudicated data. Results demonstrate 1-year primary patency rates that are 10% to 20% higher than what has been historically used in power calculations. These new estimates will help facilitate more accurate power analysis for future RCTs.

Clinical Impact

Rates of primary patency and binary restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) have not been well-described using high-quality data, and investigators have been utilizing estimates of 40% to 50% and 45% to 65%, respectively, when performing power calculations for trials. This meta-analysis demonstrates using high-quality, prospectively collected, and predominantly core-lab adjudicated randomized controlled trial data that actual rates of primary patency are closer to 60% up to 1 year following PTA and provides the first meta-analysis estimate of binary restenosis rates up to 1 year after PTA. These estimates will help facilitate more accurate power calculations for future RCTs in this space.
Individuals, Collectives, and Individuals in Collectives: The Ineliminable Role of Dependence
Authors: Hahn Ulrike
Published: November 2023

Our beliefs are inextricably shaped through communication with others. Furthermore, even conversation we conduct in pairs may itself be taking place across a wider, connected social network. Our communications, and with that our thoughts, are consequently typically those of individuals in collectives. This has fundamental consequences with respect to how our beliefs are shaped. This article examines the role of dependence on our beliefs and seeks to demonstrate its importance with respect to key phenomena involving collectives that have been taken to indicate irrationality. It is argued that (with the benefit of hindsight) these phenomena no longer seem surprising when one considers the multiple dependencies that govern information acquisition and the evaluation of cognitive agents in their normal (i.e., social) context.
On the relationship between flexibility and jump performance across age and sex: A 15-season retrospective longitudinal study on 229 alpine ski racers
Authors: Bertozzi Filippo , Tenderini Dino , Camuncoli Federica , Galli Manuela , Tarabini Marco
Published: November 2023

Alpine skiing performance depends on several qualities, including lower limb strength, power production and flexibility. However, how these physical skills, as well as their relationship, differ between sexes and evolve in growing skiing athletes is still unclear. We analysed sit-and-reach (SR) and three jump test (height and peak power) scores of over 200 alpine ski racers collected across 15 sports seasons. We stratified data among sex and age categories to assess differences and to interpret the relationships between flexibility and jump performance. The mixed models showed a significant age category and sex effect ( p < 0.001) for all the flexibility and jump performance scores, with males having higher jump scores but lower SR scores than females, and all performance scores increasing significantly through the age categories. The regressions between SR and the jump scores performed on the whole database were positively significant for the three jump variations ( p < 0.001, R2 ranging from 8.9% to 15.9%), while when the relationship was reanalysed independently in each age–sex group, only some were significant. Both age and sex influenced the performance in the investigated lower limb power and flexibility qualities, along with their relationship. The presented results suggest that lower limb power and flexibility should be longitudinally assessed, as well as their relationship, for training and testing purposes, considering the sex and growth-related modifications.
How back pain influences daily activities and quality of life: Incidence of back pain related to age
Authors: Potaczek Tomasz , Jasiewicz Barbara
Published: November 2023

Low back pain is a prevalent global musculoskeletal issue, with a lifetime prevalence ranging from 49% to 70% in adults. Traditionally associated with adults, recent field surveys indicate comparable prevalence rates in children and adolescents, challenging earlier assumptions. Non-specific low back pain, where the source cannot be identified through diagnostic imaging, accounts for about 80%–90% of cases. Studies have shown that over 80% of adolescents with low back pain exhibit no underlying pathology. The prevalence of low back pain in younger populations varies widely, influenced by study methodology, age, and pain types. Research suggests that back pain prevalence in adolescents increases with age, with a shift in attitudes considering it is not necessarily indicative of specific issues.

Level of evidence: level V.
Factors Influencing University Students’ Behavioral Intention to Use Electric Car-Sharing Services in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Yu Teng , Zhang Yajun , Teoh Ai Ping , Wang Anchao , Wang Chengliang
Published: November 2023

Along with reducing traffic congestion, electric car-sharing (ECS) can also solve travel demand, utilize idle resources, and enhance forms of transportation. Accordingly, university students are identified in Guangzhou, China as a promising customer group for ECS companies. Although university students in Guangzhou, China are unique in the context of ECS, few researchers have studied the factors that influence their willingness to use such services. Hence, this paper investigates the key determinants that affect university students’ behavioral intention (BI) to use ECS in Guangzhou, China. Based on an extension of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), this paper examines the effects of the constructs on BI to use ECS and the moderating role of trust in ECS. Based on results from a questionnaire of 486 university students in Guangzhou, China, conditional value (CV) was the most critical driver of BI, followed by personal attitude (PA) and sustainability (SUST). The moderating analysis showed that taking gender, education, and driving experience of university students as control variables, trust was found to have a significant positive moderating impact on the relationship between PA and BI to use ECS, and a significant negative moderating effect of trust on the relationship between CV and BI to use ECS. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Bioterrorism-Related Training Programs for Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kim Yujeong , Lee Haeyoung
Published: November 2023

This study determined the status and outcomes of bioterrorism-related training programs for healthcare workers. While media-based education/training uses simulations, games, and web-based programs, evidence of their effectiveness and relevant systematic reviews remain scarce. This systematic review focused on articles published in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Research Information Sharing Service between January 1, 1990 and September 17, 2023. Among 2,592 identified articles, literature quality was assessed in 12 articles. In the most articles, bioterrorism-related knowledge and problem-solving ability significantly increased following interventions. However, quality assessment results provided insufficient evidence regarding improvement in healthcare workers’ preparedness to face bioterrorism after undergoing bioterrorism-related training programs. Developing easily accessible and regularly implemented bioterrorism training programs for healthcare workers could enhance their preparedness toward terrorism and provide high-quality evidence for effective bioterrorism responses.
Feeling Your Way with Navibar: A Navigation System using Vibrotactile Feedback for Personal Mobility Vehicle Users
Authors: Choe Mungyeong , Gopal Ajit , Badahdah Abdulmajid S. , Mahendran Esha , Burnett Darrian , Jeon Myounghoon
Published: November 2023

Navigating routes using navigation systems while using Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) like bikes or scooters can lead to visual distraction in outdoor environments, creating possibilities for an accident. This article proposes a new navigation system called NaVibar for PMVs that uses vibrotactile feedback on the handlebar to enhance route information delivery and reduce visual distraction. The study aims to answer four research questions about visual distraction, route recognition, mental workload, and usability. The results of the study showed that vibrotactile feedback can be an effective and useful addition to the PMVs navigation system, reducing visual distraction, and enhancing the user experience. Also, vibrotactile feedback did not affect the participants' route recognition, but it positively affected the participants’ lower workload levels. Therefore, our study demonstrates that the addition of vibrotactile feedback could enhance the usability and safety of PMV navigation systems.
Early- and Late-Stage Benefits of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Knee Strength in Adolescents After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Roman Dylan P. , Burland Julie P. , Fredericks Arthur , Giampetruzzi Nicholas , Prue Jennifer , Lolic Adel , Pace J. Lee , Crepeau Allison E. , Weaver Adam P.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is rising in popularity because of its benefits in reducing muscle atrophy and mitigating knee strength deficits.

Purpose:

To investigate the impact BFRT has on adolescent knee strength after ACLR at 2 postoperative time points: at 3 months and the time of return to sport (RTS).

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A prospective intervention (BFRT) group was compared to an age-, sex-, and body mass index–matched retrospective control group. Patients aged 12 to 18 years who underwent primary ACLR with a quadriceps tendon autograft were included. Along with a traditional rehabilitation protocol, the BFRT group completed a standardized BFRT protocol (3 BFRT exercises performed twice weekly for the initial 12 weeks postoperatively). Peak torque values for isometric knee extension and flexion strength (at 3 months and RTS) and isokinetic strength at 180 deg/s (at RTS) as well as Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) scores were collected. Differences between the BFRT and control groups were compared with 2-way mixed analysis of variance and 1-way analysis of variance.

Results:

The BFRT group consisted of 16 patients (10 female; mean age, 14.84 ± 1.6 years) who were matched to 16 patients in the control group (10 female; mean age, 15.35 ± 1.3 years). Regardless of the time point, the BFRT group demonstrated significantly higher isometric knee extension torque compared to the control group (2.15 ± 0.12 N·m/kg [95% CI, 1.90-2.39] vs 1.74 ± 0.12 N·m/kg [95% CI, 1.49-1.98], respectively; mean difference, 0.403 N·m/kg; P = .024). The BFRT group also reported significantly better Pedi-IKDC scores compared to the control group at both 3 months (68.91 ± 9.68 vs 66.39 ± 12.18, respectively) and RTS (89.42 ± 7.94 vs 72.79 ± 22.81, respectively) ( P = .047).

Conclusion:

In adolescents, the addition of a standardized BFRT protocol to a traditional rehabilitation protocol after ACLR significantly improved knee strength and patient-reported function compared to a traditional rehabilitation program alone.
Learning from Participatory Practices: The Integrated Management Plan for Petra World Heritage Site in Jordan
Authors: Cesaro Giorgia , Jamhawi Monther , Al-Taher Hanadi , Farajat Ibrahim , Orbas˛lı Aylin
Published: November 2023

When the Petra World Heritage Site Integrated Management Plan was officially endorsed in 2019, it was the first management plan for the site to be legally recognised. The plan also uniquely emerged from a sophisticated interactive and participatory process designed to engage with as many stakeholders as possible to build consensus and foster interdisciplinary approaches to long-standing issues. Over a two-year period, from inception and planning to the final endorsement of the Integrated Management Plan, a dedicated technical team facilitated collaborative work practices and enabled the co-creation of management policies. This paper is a reflexive evaluation of the process by the team and draws on first-hand accounts and experiences to evaluate the impacts this methodology and approach has had on stakeholders and its longer-term legacies. Although Petra is a complex site facing significant pressures and multifaceted user demands, the participatory process has nonetheless empowered stakeholders who had not traditionally engaged in decision-making processes to become more engaged and established a management planning approach that can be adapted for cultural heritage sites in Jordan and in the wider region.
A systematic review on the mental health of parents of individuals with learning disabilities
Authors: Arnold Danielle L , McPherson Susan
Published: November 2023

The transforming care programme aims to increase care provision in the community for individuals with learning disabilities (LDs) in the United Kingdom resulting in more parents taking on carer responsibilities. Previous research suggests that having a child with LD may be associated with impaired mental health in parents. However, previous reviews have often conflated poor mental health with wellbeing or quality of life and have grouped people with LD together despite the LD severity and/or the underlying cause of LD, both of which may have different types of impact on parents. This review aims to critically appraise and synthesise the literature on the mental health of parents with children with LD of unknown cause to answer the question, ‘Do parents of individuals with LD of unknown cause experience diagnosable mental health difficulties?’ Following PRISMA guidance, this systematic review found seven studies, obtained from four databases, meeting a strict set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were assessed against the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. A narrative synthesis of the results found that rates and severity of diagnosable mental health difficulties were higher in mothers of children with LD of unknown cause than mothers of typically developing children, Down syndrome and LD of known cause, but lower than mothers of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. LD severity also appears to be a factor impacting parental mental health. Findings suggest that LD services need to provide more psychological support for parents and families.
TET2 deficiency promotes anxiety and depression-like behaviors by activating NLRP3/IL-1β pathway in microglia of allergic rhinitis mice
Authors: Gao Ziang , Lv Hao , Wang Yunfei , Xie Yulie , Guan Mengting , Xu Yu
Published: November 2023

Background

Anxiety and depression-like behaviors in allergic rhinitis (AR) are attracting attention, while the precise mechanism has not been clearly elucidated. Recent evidence shows that neuroinflammation in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) may be the core of these neuropsychiatric symptoms in AR. Here, we investigated the molecular link between the anxiety and depression-like behaviors and neuroinflammation in ACC.

Methods

Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce AR. Nasal inflammation levels were assessed by H&E staining and PAS staining. Anxiety and depression-like behaviors were evaluated by behavioral experiments including open field test, forced swimming test, and sucrose preference test. Neuronal impairment was characterized via Nissl staining and 18FDG-PET. The role of ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2) in AR-related anxiety and depression was assessed by Tet2−/− mice. In addition, the murine BV2 microglial cell line was utilized to explore the molecular mechanisms by which TET2 mediates neuroinflammation. The levels of TET2, NLRP3 and their downstream molecules were detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, Dot blot and ELISA. The effects of metformin on depression-like behaviors in AR mice were also evaluated.

Results

AR mice showed significant anxiety and depression-like behaviors, which associated with the activation of ACC. Loss of TET2 activated the NLRP3/IL-1β pathway of microglia in AR mice, further accelerating the anxiety and depression-like behaviors. In addition, knockdown of TET2 activated the NLRP3/IL-1β pathway in BV2 cells. Metformin improved the neuropsychiatric symptoms of AR mice by reducing the activation of NLRP3/IL-1β pathway after upregulating TET2.

Conclusion

TET2 deficiency activates the NLRP3/IL-1β pathway of microglia in the ACC, promoting the pathological process of anxiety and depression-like behavior in AR. Metformin could be effective in treating neuroinflammation by regulating microglia via TET2 up-regulation, indicating that metformin is a potential way to treat anxiety and depression-like behaviors in AR.
Trends in migraine incidence among women of childbearing age from 1990 to 2019 and the prediction for 2030: an analysis of national data in China
Authors: Fan Zhuanzhuan , Kang Jian , Li Wenting , Wang Zhiyong , Qiao Huifen , Xu Fei
Published: November 2023

Background

Migraine is a primary headache, which has been producing heavy disease burden globally. There is no data on the incidence of migraine among women of childbearing age worldwide, including China. This study aimed to investigate the time trend in incidence rate of migraine among women of childbearing age in China from 1999 to 2019, and to make a prediction for 2030.

Methods

Data on migraine incidence and population among women of childbearing age in China were derived from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019. Crude and age-standardized incidence rates of migraine (CIR, ASIR) were presented. The trend in migraine during 1990–2019 was examined using annual percent change and average annual percent change based on Joinpoint regression models. Age-period-cohort model was introduced to estimate the independent effect of age, period and cohort on migraine incidence rate among participants over the three decades. Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis was conducted to predict migraine incidence rate for 2030 among women of childbearing age in China.

Results

For women of childbearing age in China, the case number, CIR and ASIR of migraine kept rising, with a cumulative percentage increase of 10.87%, 2.01% and 5.65%, respectively, from 1990 to 2019. An annual percent increase of 0.18% in the ASIR was observed over the three decades. As for the age, period and cohort effects, the adjusted cohort-specific relative risks constantly increased from 0.91 (95% CI: 0.90, 0.93) in the 1940–1949 cohort to 1.04 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.05) in the 1995–2004 cohort, while the period-specific relative risks initially declined from 1.00 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.00) in 1990–1994 cohort to 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98, 0.99) in 1995–1999 cohort, and then increased to 1.04 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.04) in 2015–2019 cohort. Moreover, the age-specific relative risks of migraine followed a bimodal pattern with peaks at the age-group of 25–29 years (CIR = 1718.27/100000) and 35–39 years (CIR = 1635.18/100000). Projection modeling showed that the CIR and ASIR of migraine will continue to significantly increase from 2020 to 2030.

Conclusion

Migraine incidence remained an increasing trend from 1990 to 2019 and is projected to continually increase till 2030 among women of childbearing age in China. This study has important public health implication for population-level migraine prevention in China. Precision intervention strategies and approaches shall be considered in campaigns initiated for migraine prevention among Chinese women of childbearing age.
The role of life course and gender in mobility patterns: a spatiotemporal sequence analysis in Barcelona
Authors: Montero Lídia , Mejía-Dorantes Lucía , Barceló Jaume
Published: November 2023

Citizens participate in various activities to fulfill their needs, advance their socio-economic status, and enhance their well-being through social and health-related engagements. However, activity participation is influenced by many factors in the built environment, such as the spatial and temporal dissemination of activities, which therefore necessitate travel to overcome physical distances. Moreover, individual attributes such as gender, daily schedules, and other socio-economic characteristics also influence mobility patterns. In this paper, we aim to investigate these factors in the specific context of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area using three different samples of residents from annual mobility surveys conducted between 2018 and 2020. To this end, we employ a sequence analysis method that examines the entire trajectory of an individual’s daily activities and travel, considering the number, order, and duration of activities. In this way, we analyse in detail how various individual characteristics and the built environment influence the fragmentation of activities. Our study yields multiple results. First, we find that even in a transport-oriented city, the fragmentation of activities is shaped by gender, especially after age 30, when major changes occur in an individual’s life course, in particular caring responsibilities and family status. Second, we observe that the educational level and year of the sample also play a central role in shaping mobility patterns. Finally, our paper makes a methodological contribution by defining sequence distances, after projecting the original space onto the factorial one defined by the Multiple Correspondence Analysis. This study shows that mobility policies should not focus solely on transport aspects, but also consider the built environment, dwelling location, gender, equity, and individual lifetime characteristics in an integrated manner.
AptaTrans: a deep neural network for predicting aptamer-protein interaction using pretrained encoders
Authors: Shin Incheol , Kang Keumseok , Kim Juseong , Sel Sanghun , Choi Jeonghoon , Lee Jae-Wook , Kang Ho Young , Song Giltae
Published: November 2023

Background

Aptamers, which are biomaterials comprised of single-stranded DNA/RNA that form tertiary structures, have significant potential as next-generation materials, particularly for drug discovery. The systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) method is a critical in vitro technique employed to identify aptamers that bind specifically to target proteins. While advanced SELEX-based methods such as Cell- and HT-SELEX are available, they often encounter issues such as extended time consumption and suboptimal accuracy. Several In silico aptamer discovery methods have been proposed to address these challenges. These methods are specifically designed to predict aptamer-protein interaction (API) using benchmark datasets. However, these methods often fail to consider the physicochemical interactions between aptamers and proteins within tertiary structures.

Results

In this study, we propose AptaTrans, a pipeline for predicting API using deep learning techniques. AptaTrans uses transformer-based encoders to handle aptamer and protein sequences at the monomer level. Furthermore, pretrained encoders are utilized for the structural representation. After validation with a benchmark dataset, AptaTrans has been integrated into a comprehensive toolset. This pipeline synergistically combines with Apta-MCTS, a generative algorithm for recommending aptamer candidates.

Conclusion

The results show that AptaTrans outperforms existing models for predicting API, and the efficacy of the AptaTrans pipeline has been confirmed through various experimental tools. We expect AptaTrans will enhance the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of SELEX in drug discovery. The source code and benchmark dataset for AptaTrans are available at https://github.com/pnumlb/AptaTrans.
Comparative mitochondrial genome analysis of three leafhopper species of the genus Abrus Dai & Zhang (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from China with phylogenetic implication
Authors: Hassan Muhammad Asghar , Tan Zhixiang , Shen Rongrong , Xing Jichun
Published: November 2023

Background

The phylogenetic position and classification of Athysanini are poorly defined, as it includes a large group of polyphyletic genera that have historically been assigned to it mainly because they still exhibit the most typical deltocephaline genitalic and external body characters but lack the distinctive characteristics that other tribes possess. The bamboo-feeding leafhopper genus Abrus belong to the tribe Athysanini of subfamily Deltocephalinae, which currently comprises 19 valid described species, and are limited to the Oriental and Palaearctic regions in China. Although the taxonomy of Abrus are well updated, the references on comparative mitogenomic analyses of Abrus species are only known for a single species. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of Abrus daozhenensis Chen, Yang & Li, 2012 (16,391bp) and A. yunshanensis Chen, Yang & Li, 2012 (15,768bp) (Athysanini), and compared with published mitogenome sequence of A. expansivus Xing & Li, 2014 (15,904bp).

Results

These Abrus species shared highly conserved mitogenomes with similar gene order to that of the putative ancestral insect with 37 typical genes and a non-coding A + T-rich region. The nucleotide composition of these genomes is highly biased toward A + T nucleotides (76.2%, 76.3%, and 74.7%), AT-skews (0.091 to 0.095, and 0.095), negative GC-skews (− 0.138, − 0.161, and − 0.138), and codon usage. All 22 tRNA genes had typical cloverleaf secondary structures, except for trnS1 (AGN) which lacks the dihydrouridine arm, and distinctively trnG in the mitogenome of A. expansivus lacks the TψC arm. Phylogenetic analyses based on 13 PCGs, 2 rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes consistently recovered the monophyletic Opsiini, Penthimiini, Selenocephalini, Scaphoideini, and Athysanini (except Watanabella graminea, previously sequenced species as Chlorotettix nigromaculatus) based on limited available mitogenome sequence data of 37 species.

Conclusion

At present, Abrus belongs to the tribe Athysanini based on both morphological and molecular datasets, which is strongly supported in present phylogenetic analyses in both BI and ML methods using the six concatenated datasets: amino acid sequences and nucleotides from different combinations of protein-coding genes (PCGs), ribosomal RNA (rRNAs), and transfer RNA (tRNAs). Phylogenetic trees reconstructed herein based on the BI and ML analyses consistently recovered monophylitic Athysanini, except Watanabella graminea (Athysanini) in Opsiini with high support values.
Activation dynamics of antigen presenting cells in vivo against Mycobacterium bovis BCG in different immunized route
Authors: Xu Zhengzhong , Li Xin , Xia Aihong , Zhang Zhifang , Wan Jiaxu , Gao Yan , Meng Chuang , Chen Xiang , Jiao Xin-an
Published: November 2023

Background

Control of Tuberculosis (TB) infection is mainly the result of productive teamwork between T-cell populations and antigen presenting cells (APCs). However, APCs activation at the site of initiating cellular immune response during BCG early infection is not completely understood.

Methods

In this study, we injected C57BL/6 mice in intravenous (i.v) or subcutaneous (s.c) route, then splenic or inguinal lymph node (LN) DCs and MΦs were sorted, and mycobacteria uptake, cytokine production, antigen presentation activity, and cell phenotype were investigated and compared, respectively.

Results

Ag85A-specific T-cell immune response began at 6 days post BCG infection, when BCG was delivered in s.c route, Th17 immune response could be induced in inguinal LN. BCG could induce high level of activation phenotype in inguinal LN MΦs, while the MHC II presentation of mycobacteria-derived peptides by DCs was more efficient than MΦs.

Conclusions

The results showed that BCG immunized route can decide the main tissue of T-cell immune response. Compared with s.c injected route, APCs undergo more rapid cell activation in spleen post BCG i.v infection.
Machine learning for predicting intrahospital mortality in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chen Panke , Wang Bine , Zhao Li , Ma Shuai , Wang Yanping , Zhu Yunyue , Zeng Xin , Bai Zhixun , Shi Bei
Published: November 2023

In an era of increasing need for precision medicine, machine learning has shown promise in making accurate acute myocardial infarction outcome predictions. The accurate assessment of high-risk patients is a crucial component of clinical practice. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicates ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and currently, there is no practical method for predicting or monitoring patient prognosis. The objective of the study was to compare the ability of machine learning models to predict in-hospital mortality among STEMI patients with T2DM. We compared six machine learning models, including random forest (RF), CatBoost classifier (CatBoost), naive Bayes (NB), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), gradient boosting classifier (GBC), and logistic regression (LR), with the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score. From January 2016 to January 2020, we enrolled patients aged > 18 years with STEMI and T2DM at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University. Overall, 438 patients were enrolled in the study [median age, 62 years; male, 312 (71%); death, 42 (9.5%]). All patients underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and 306 patients with STEMI who underwent PCI were enrolled as the training cohort. Six machine learning algorithms were used to establish the best-fit risk model. An additional 132 patients were recruited as a test cohort to validate the model. The ability of the GRACE score and six algorithm models to predict in-hospital mortality was evaluated. Seven models, including the GRACE risk model, showed an area under the curve (AUC) between 0.73 and 0.91. Among all models, with an accuracy of 0.93, AUC of 0.92, precision of 0.79, and F1 value of 0.57, the CatBoost model demonstrated the best predictive performance. A machine learning algorithm, such as the CatBoost model, may prove clinically beneficial and assist clinicians in tailoring precise management of STEMI patients and predicting in-hospital mortality complicated by T2DM.
Association between cognitive function and dusty weather: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Yao Honghui , Peng Zixuan , Sha Xinping
Published: November 2023

Background

With a rapidly aging global population, the health of older adults is a national priority for countries across the world. Dusty weather has been demonstrated to be a potential risk factor of cognitive function among the elderly population. However, there is a paucity of studies exploring the associations between dusty weather and cognitive function among the older in China.

Methods

Data on individual characteristics were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) 2018, whereas data on air pollution were sourced from environmental monitoring stations in China. Cognitive function, including general cognitive function, episodic memory, and linguistic competence, was assessed by self- or informant-questionnaires. We used propensity score matching and linear regression to investigate the relationship between dusty weather and cognitive function. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of the results.

Results

This study included 8,604 participants older than 60 years old. After controlling air pollutant weather, dusty weather was demonstrated to be positively associated with a decline in cognitive function (Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE), 4.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.11, 4.89; Mini‐Mental State Exam (MMSE), 0.63, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.92). Results of sensitivity analysis showed that our research findings are robust.

Conclusion

Older adults living in dusty weather regions suffered a higher level of cognitive impairment, and such adverse effects were more substantial among females compared with their male counterparts. Targeted health interventions to help older adults living in regions where dusty weather occurs frequently are suggested to be proposed.
Prevalence of frailty in Indonesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pradana Anung Ahadi , Chiu Huei-Ling , Lin Chen-Ju , Lee Shu-Chun
Published: November 2023

Background

Frailty increases the risks of hospitalization, injury, fall, psychological disorders, and death in older adults. Accurate estimation of the prevalence of frailty is crucial for promoting health in these individuals. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of frailty and prefrailty in older adults residing in Indonesia.

Methods

In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, six electronic databases were searched (without any language restriction) for relevant articles from inception to February 2023. Studies on the prevalence of frailty and prefrailty in older adults (age ≥ 60 years) residing in Indonesia were included in the analysis. A random-effects model was selected a priori because of the expected high degree of heterogeneity in the study, followed by sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression. The protocol of this review study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022381132).

Results

A total of 79 studies were identified, of which 20 were finally included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of frailty and prefrailty in older adults in Indonesia was 26.8% and 55.5%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of frailty and prefrailty was 37.9% and 44.8% in nursing homes, 26.3% and 61.4% in hospitals, and 21.1% and 59.6% in community settings, respectively. Furthermore, the pooled prevalence of frailty and prefrailty was 21.6% and 64.3%, 18.7% and 62%, and 27.8% and 59.8% in studies using the Frailty Index-40, FRAIL, and Fried Frailty Phenotype questionnaires, respectively. However, the parameters did not vary significantly across measurement tools or study settings. Publication bias was not detected while the year of data collection influenced the heterogeneity between the studies.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first meta-analysis to report the prevalence of frailty and prefrailty in older adults residing in Indonesia. The gradual increase in the number of older adults with frailty or prefrailty in Indonesia is concerning. Therefore, the government, private sectors, health-care professionals, and the community must jointly design effective strategies and policies to address this problem.
Phenotypic drug susceptibility characterization and clinical outcomes of tuberculosis strains with A-probe mutation by GeneXpert MTB/RIF
Authors: Nie Qi , Sun Dan , Zhu Muxin , Tu Shengjin , Chen Nanshan , Chen Hua , Zhou Yong , Yao Ge , Zhang Xiaoqing , Zhang Tongcun , Yang Chengfeng , Tao Lixuan
Published: November 2023

Background

GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assay was applied widely to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and rifampicin resistance.

Methods

Retrospectively investigated the association among treatment histories, phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (pDST) results, and clinical outcomes of patients infected with probe A absent mutation isolate confirmed by Xpert.

Results

63 patients with only probe A absent mutation and 40 with additional pDST results were analyzed. 24 (60.0%) patients had molecular-phenotypic discordant rifampicin (RIF) susceptibility testing results, including 12 (12/13, 92.3%) new tuberculosis (TB) patients and 12 (12/27, 44.4%) retreated ones. 28 (28/39, 71.8%) retreated patients received first-line treatment regime within two years with failed outcomes. New patients had better treatment outcomes than retreated ones (successful: 83.3% VS. 53.8%; P value = 0.02). The clinical results of RIF-susceptible TB confirmed by pDST were not better than RIF-resistant TB (successful: 62.5% VS. 50.0%; P value = 0.43). INH-resistant TB and INH-susceptible TB had similar treatment outcomes too (successful: 61.5% VS. 50.0%; P value = 0.48). 11 (11/12, 91.7%) new patients treated with the short treatment regimen (STR) had successful outcomes.

Conclusions

More than half of mono probe A absent isolates had RIF molecular-phenotypic discordance results, especially in new patients. Probe A mutations were significantly associated with unsuccessful clinical outcomes, whether the pDST results were RIF susceptible or not. STR was the best choice for new patients.

Trial registration

retrospectively registered in Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital (No. 2021-KY-16).
Effects of sputum bacillary load and age on GeneXpert and traditional methods in pulmonary tuberculosis: a 4-year retrospective comparative study
Authors: Li Kui , Hu Qianqian , Liu Jun , Liu Siyi , He Yingli
Published: November 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of the GeneXpert® MTB/RIF (Xpert®), Auramine O staining method, and Lowenstein-Jensen medium for bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis and explore the effects of the sputum bacillary load (SBL) and qRT‒PCR threshold cycle (Ct) value on the detection methods.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the results in the Department of Infectious Disease for 49 months. The χ2 test was used to compare the performances of each method, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off values, and the factors associated with a false-negative result from Xpert® were analysed by logistic regression.

Results

Simultaneous analysis of 980 sputum specimens showed that the positive detection rate of Xpert® did not increase with increasing SBL, and there were differences between the three when SBL ≤ 1 + (all P < 0.05). There was a good negative correlation between the Ct value and the SBL (P < 0.0001). Age was an independent risk factor for false-negative Xpert® results (P = 0.029), and when Ct < 16, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were both 100.00%. The optimal cut-off Ct values for resegmentation based on the drug resistance classification were < 18.6, 18.6–34.1, and > 34.1 cycles.

Conclusions

Xpert® was not affected by SBL but it was by age, and it is more advantageous when SBL ≤ 1 + . The results regarding rifampicin resistance were reliable, and the novel Ct segmentation was a practical and more clinically meaningful classification method for diagnosing rifampicin resistance. These findings will help improve physicians’ ability to accurately diagnose TB.
Function and regulation of miR-186-5p, miR-125b-5p and miR-1260a in chordoma
Authors: Huo Xulei , Wang Ke , Yao Bohan , Song Lairong , Li Zirun , He Wenyan , Li Yiming , Ma Junpeng , Wang Liang , Wu Zhen
Published: November 2023

Background

The function and regulation of miRNAs in progression of chordoma were unclear.

Methods

Five miRNAs were identified by the machine learning method from the miRNA expression array. CCk-8 assay, EDU assay, wound healing migration assay, and trans-well assay were used to reveal the effect of the miRNAs in chordoma cell lines. Moreover, bioinformation analysis and the mRNA expression array between the primary chordomas and recurrent chordomas were used to find the target protein genes of miRNAs. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and luciferase reporter assay were used to verify the result.

Results

miR-186-5p, miR-30c-5p, miR-151b, and miR-125b-5p could inhibit proliferation, migration, and invasion of chordoma while miR-1260a enhances proliferation, migration, and invasion of chordoma. Recurrent chordoma has a worse disease-free outcome than the primary chordoma patients. AMOT, NPTX1, RYR3, and P2RX5 were the target protein mRNAs of miR-186-5p; NPTX1 was the target protein mRNAs of miR-125b-5p; and AMOT and TNFSF14 were the target protein mRNAs of miR-1260a.

Conclusions

miR-186-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-1260a, and their target protein mRNAs including AMOT, NPTX1, RYR3, P2RX5, TNFSF14 may be the basement of chordoma research.
Analysis of cells of epithelial, connective tissue and immune differentiation in HPV-positive-, HPV-negative oropharyngeal carcinoma and normal oropharyngeal tissue by immunofluorescence multiplex image cytometry: a preliminary report
Authors: Giotakis Aris I. , Runge Annette , Dudas József , Glueckert Rudolf , Gottfried Timo , Schartinger Volker H. , Klarer Johanna , Randhawa Avneet , Caimmi Eleonora , Riechelmann Herbert
Published: November 2023

Background

Epithelial, connective tissue and immune cells contribute in various ways to the pathophysiology of HPV positive (HPV+) and HPV negative (HPV-) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). We aimed to investigate the abundance of these cell lineages and their coexpression patterns in patients with HPV + and HPV- OPSCC.

Methods

We used a 4-channel immunofluorescence-microscopy technique for the simultaneous detection of three direct-conjugated antibodies (pancytokeratin, vimentin and CD45/CD18) and DAPI (4’,6-Diamidin-2-phenylindole) in formalin fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples (FFPE) of patients with HPV + and HPV- OPSCC, and of control patients. Image acquisition and analysis were performed with TissueFAXS and StrataQuest (TissueGnostics, Vienna, Austria), respectively, in tumor cell clusters/stroma in OPSCC specimens and epithelial layer/lamina propria in control specimens. Cell populations were created based on antibodies’ coexpression patterns. Isotype and positive controls were examined for plausibility.

Results

The proportion of cells of epithelial differentiation in tumor cell clusters was higher in HPV + OPSCC (55%) than in HPV- OPSCC samples (44%). The proportion of connective tissue cells in tumor cell cluster was lower in HPV + OPSCC patients (18%) than in HPV- OPSCC patients (26%). The proportion of immune cells in tumor cell clusters was higher in HPV + OPSCC patients (25%) than in HPV- OPSCC patients (18%). The percentage of anaplastic, potentially de-differentiated cells, was 2% in control patients, and it was higher in HPV- OPSCC (21%) than in HPV + OPSCC samples (6%).

Conclusions

This study provided the first quantitative data for the abundance of cells of epithelial, connective tissue and immune differentiation, in patients with OPSCC and control patients. The abundance of these different crucial cell populations was consistently originating from the same tissue sample. De-differentiation of tumor cells was higher in HPV- OPSCC than in HPV + OPSCC. In tumor cells clusters, the antitumoral host immune response was higher in HPV + OPSCC than in HPV- OPSCC, whereas the fibroblast response was higher in HPV- OPSCC than in HPV + OPSCC. This study contributed to the understanding of histopathologic differences between HPV + OPSCC and HPV- OPSCC patients.
The unique role of smartphone addiction and related factors among university students: a model based on cross-sectional and cross-lagged network analyses
Authors: Liu Cunjia
Published: November 2023

Smartphone addiction is a global problem affecting university students. Previous studies have explored smartphone addiction and related factors using latent variables. In contrast, this study examines the role of smartphone addiction and related factors among university students using a cross-sectional and cross-lagged panel network analysis model at the level of manifest variables. A questionnaire method was used to investigate smartphone addiction and related factors twice with nearly six-month intervals among 1564 first-year university students (M = 19.14, SD = 0.66). The study found that procrastination behavior, academic burnout, self-control, fear of missing out, social anxiety, and self-esteem directly influenced smartphone addiction. Additionally, smartphone addiction predicted the level of self-control, academic burnout, social anxiety, and perceived social support among university students. Self-control exhibited the strongest predictive relationship with smartphone addiction. Overall, self-control, self-esteem, perceived social support, and academic burnout were identified as key factors influencing smartphone addiction among university students. Developing prevention and intervention programs that target these core influencing factors would be more cost-effective.