bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Income inequality as a determinant of neonatal mortality in the Americas during 2000–2019: implications for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal target 3.2
Authors: Sanhueza Antonio , Cueva Daniel A. , Mujica Oscar J. , Soliz Patricia , Duran Pablo
Published: May 2024

Background

The work of the WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health has been fundamental to provide a conceptual framework of the social determinants of health. Based on this framework, this study assesses the relationship of income inequality as a determinant of neonatal mortality in the Americas and relates it to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal target 3.2 (reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 deaths per 1,000 live births). The rationale is to evaluate if income inequality may be considered a social factor that influences neonatal mortality in the Americas.

Methods

Yearly data from 35 countries in the Americas during 2000–2019 was collected. Data sources include the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation for the neonatal mortality rate (measured as neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births) and the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research for the Gini index (measured in a scale from 0 to 100). This is an ecological study that employs a linear regression model that relates the neonatal mortality rate (dependent variable) to the Gini index (independent variable), while controlling for other factors that influence neonatal mortality. Coefficient estimates and their robust standard errors were obtained using panel data techniques.

Results

A positive relationship between income inequality and neonatal mortality is found in countries in the Americas during the period studied. In particular, the analysis suggests that a unit increase in a country’s Gini index during 2000–2019 is associated with a 0.27 (95% CI [− 0.04, 0.57], P =.09) increase in the neonatal mortality rate.

Conclusion

The analysis suggests that income inequality may be positively associated with the neonatal mortality rate in the Americas. Nonetheless, given the modest magnitude of the estimates and Gini values and trends during 2000–2019, the findings suggest a potential limited scope for redistributive policies to support reductions in neonatal mortality in the region. Thus, policies and interventions that address higher coverage and quality of services provided by national health systems and reductions in socio-economic inequalities in health are of utmost importance.
A secondary analysis of indices of hepatic and beta cell function following 12 weeks of carbohydrate and energy restriction vs. free-living control in adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Durrer Cody , Islam Hashim , Cen Haoning Howard , Garzon Maria Dolores Moya , Lyu Xuchao , McKelvey Sean , Singer Joel , Batterham Alan M. , Long Jonathan Z. , Johnson James D. , Little Jonathan P.
Published: May 2024

Background

Substantial weight loss in people living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) can reduce the need for glucose-lowering medications while concurrently lowering glycemia below the diagnostic threshold for the disease. Furthermore, weight-loss interventions have also been demonstrated to improve aspects of underlying T2D pathophysiology related to ectopic fat in the liver and pancreatic beta-cell function. As such, the purpose of this secondary analysis was to explore the extent to which a low-carbohydrate and energy-restricted (LCER) diet intervention improves markers of beta-cell stress/function, liver fat accumulation, and metabolic related liver function in people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We conducted secondary analyses of blood samples from a larger pragmatic community-based parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving a 12-week pharmacist implemented LCER diet (Pharm-TCR: <50 g carbohydrates; ~850–1100 kcal/day; n = 20) versus treatment-as-usual (TAU; n = 16). Participants were people with T2D, using ≥ 1 glucose-lowering medication, and a body mass index of ≥ 30 kg/m2. Main outcomes were C-peptide to proinsulin ratio, circulating microRNA 375 (miR375), homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) beta-cell function (B), fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), HOMA insulin resistance (IR), and circulating fetuin-A and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). Data were analysed using linear regression with baseline as a covariate.

Results

There was no observed change in miR375 (p = 0.42), C-peptide to proinsulin ratio (p = 0.17) or HOMA B (p = 0.15). FLI and HSI were reduced by -25.1 (p < 0.0001) and − 4.9 (p < 0.0001), respectively. HOMA IR was reduced by -46.5% (p = 0.011). FGF21 was reduced by -161.2pg/mL (p = 0.035) with a similar tendency found for fetuin-A (mean difference: -16.7ng/mL; p = 0.11). These improvements in markers of hepatic function were accompanied by reductions in circulating metabolites linked to hepatic insulin resistance (e.g., diacylglycerols, ceramides) in the Pharm TCR group.

Conclusions

The Pharm-TCR intervention did not improve fasting indices of beta-cell stress; however, markers of liver fat accumulation and and liver function were improved, suggesting that a LCER diet can improve some aspects of the underlying pathophysiology of T2D.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03181165).
The circadian clock in the choroid plexus drives rhythms in multiple cellular processes under the control of the suprachiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Sládek Martin , Houdek Pavel , Myung Jihwan , Semenovykh Kateryna , Dočkal Tereza , Sumová Alena
Published: May 2024

Choroid plexus (ChP), the brain structure primarily responsible for cerebrospinal fluid production, contains a robust circadian clock, whose role remains to be elucidated. The aim of our study was to [1] identify rhythmically controlled cellular processes in the mouse ChP and [2] assess the role and nature of signals derived from the master clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) that control ChP rhythms. To accomplish this goal, we used various mouse models (WT, mPer2Luc, ChP-specific Bmal1 knockout) and combined multiple experimental approaches, including surgical lesion of the SCN (SCNx), time-resolved transcriptomics, and single cell luminescence microscopy. In ChP of control (Ctrl) mice collected every 4 h over 2 circadian cycles in darkness, we found that the ChP clock regulates many processes, including the cerebrospinal fluid circadian secretome, precisely times endoplasmic reticulum stress response, and controls genes involved in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and frontotemporal dementia). In ChP of SCNx mice, the rhythmicity detected in vivo and ex vivo was severely dampened to a comparable extent as in mice with ChP-specific Bmal1 knockout, and the dampened cellular rhythms were restored by daily injections of dexamethasone in mice. Our data demonstrate that the ChP clock controls tissue-specific gene expression and is strongly dependent on the presence of a functional connection with the SCN. The results may contribute to the search for a novel link between ChP clock disruption and impaired brain health.
Plasmodium vivax tryptophan-rich antigen reduces type I collagen secretion via the NF-κBp65 pathway in splenic fibroblasts
Authors: Kong Wei-Zhong , Zhang Hang-Ye , Sun Yi-Fan , Song Jing , Jiang Jian , Cui Heng-Yuan , Zhang Yu , Han Su , Cheng Yang
Published: May 2024

Background

The spleen plays a critical role in the immune response against malaria parasite infection, where splenic fibroblasts (SFs) are abundantly present and contribute to immune function by secreting type I collagen (collagen I). The protein family is characterized by Plasmodium vivax tryptophan-rich antigens (PvTRAgs), comprising 40 members. PvTRAg23 has been reported to bind to human SFs (HSFs) and affect collagen I levels. Given the role of type I collagen in splenic immune function, it is important to investigate the functions of the other members within the PvTRAg protein family.

Methods

Protein structural prediction was conducted utilizing bioinformatics analysis tools and software. A total of 23 PvTRAgs were successfully expressed and purified using an Escherichia coli prokaryotic expression system, and the purified proteins were used for co-culture with HSFs. The collagen I levels and collagen-related signaling pathway protein levels were detected by immunoblotting, and the relative expression levels of inflammatory factors were determined by quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

In silico analysis showed that P. vivax has 40 genes encoding the TRAg family. The C-terminal region of all PvTRAgs is characterized by the presence of a domain rich in tryptophan residues. A total of 23 recombinant PvTRAgs were successfully expressed and purified. Only five PvTRAgs (PvTRAg5, PvTRAg16, PvTRAg23, PvTRAg30, and PvTRAg32) mediated the activation of the NF-κBp65 signaling pathway, which resulted in the production of inflammatory molecules and ultimately a significant reduction in collagen I levels in HSFs.

Conclusions

Our research contributes to the expansion of knowledge regarding the functional role of PvTRAgs, while it also enhances our understanding of the immune evasion mechanisms utilized by parasites.

Graphical Abstract
From surgery to functional capacity: muscle strength modifications in women post sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Bullo Valentina , Pavan Davide , Gobbo Stefano , Bortoletto Alessandro , Cugusi Lucia , Di Blasio Andrea , Pippi Roberto , Cruz-Diaz David , Bocalini Danilo Sales , Gasperetti Andrea , Vettor Roberto , Ermolao Andrea , Bergamin Marco
Published: May 2024

Background

Severe obesity is characterized by excessive accumulation of fat generating a general health decline. Multidisciplinary treatment of obesity leads to significant weight loss in a few patients; therefore, many incur bariatric surgery. The main purpose of the study is to evaluate changes in functional capacity of people with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery and, in parallel, to correlate pre-surgery functional capacity with weight loss to improve exercise prescription during pre-operatory stage.

Methods

sixty women with diagnosed obesity were included. Maximal oxygen consumption, upper and lower limb strength and level of physical activity were recorded 1 month before and 6 months after sleeve gastrectomy.

Results

significant reduction on body weight (-30.1 kg) and Body Mass Index (-11.4 kg/m2) were highlighted after surgery. Absolute grip strength decreased significantly (-1.1 kg), while body weight normalized grip and lower limb strength increased significantly. The level of physical activity increased especially in leisure time (+ 593 METs/week) and active transport (+ 189.3 METs/week). Pre-surgery BMI and age predicted the amount of weight loss after surgery.

Conclusions

Sleeve gastrectomy induces a reduction of muscle strength despite the increase of time spent in physical activity. Further research is necessary to integrate these results with data on body composition, and objective evaluation of physical activity level to define useful information for exercise prescription in terms of surgery pre-habilitation.

Trial registration

Padova University Hospital Board (protocol n. 2027 dated January 12, 2017).
Determining the challenges and opportunities of virtual teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed method study in the north of Iran
Authors: Ghanavatizadeh Aram , Mahmoudi Ghahraman , Jahani Mohammad-Ali , Hashemi Seyedeh Niko , Nikbakht Hossein-Ali , Abbasi Mahdi , Darzi Alameh , Soltani Seyed-Amir
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study was to determine the challenges and opportunities of virtual education during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was conducted in 2022–2023 with a mixed method. During the quantitative phase, we chose 507 students from Mazandaran Province medical universities (both governmental and non-governmental) by stratified random sampling and during the qualitative phase 16 experts were collected by purposive sampling until we reached data saturation. Data collecting tools consisted of questionnaires during the quantitative phase and semi-structured interview during the qualitative phase. Data was analyzed using SPSS21 and MAXQDA10. Mean scores of the total score was 122.28±23.96. We found a significant association between interaction dimension and background variables (P < 0.001). The most important privilege of virtual education is uploading the teaching material in the system so that students can access the material constantly and the most important challenge regarding virtual education is lack of proper network connection and limited bandwidth. Virtual education proved to be a suitable alternate to traditional methods of medical education during the COVID-19 pandemic in theoretical topics, we recommend that educational policymakers would take the necessary actions to provide the requirements and facilities needed to improve the quality of virtual education.
Semantic units: organizing knowledge graphs into semantically meaningful units of representation
Authors: Vogt Lars , Kuhn Tobias , Hoehndorf Robert
Published: May 2024

Background

In today’s landscape of data management, the importance of knowledge graphs and ontologies is escalating as critical mechanisms aligned with the FAIR Guiding Principles—ensuring data and metadata are Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. We discuss three challenges that may hinder the effective exploitation of the full potential of FAIR knowledge graphs.

Results

We introduce “semantic units” as a conceptual solution, although currently exemplified only in a limited prototype. Semantic units structure a knowledge graph into identifiable and semantically meaningful subgraphs by adding another layer of triples on top of the conventional data layer. Semantic units and their subgraphs are represented by their own resource that instantiates a corresponding semantic unit class. We distinguish statement and compound units as basic categories of semantic units. A statement unit is the smallest, independent proposition that is semantically meaningful for a human reader. Depending on the relation of its underlying proposition, it consists of one or more triples. Organizing a knowledge graph into statement units results in a partition of the graph, with each triple belonging to exactly one statement unit. A compound unit, on the other hand, is a semantically meaningful collection of statement and compound units that form larger subgraphs. Some semantic units organize the graph into different levels of representational granularity, others orthogonally into different types of granularity trees or different frames of reference, structuring and organizing the knowledge graph into partially overlapping, partially enclosed subgraphs, each of which can be referenced by its own resource.

Conclusions

Semantic units, applicable in RDF/OWL and labeled property graphs, offer support for making statements about statements and facilitate graph-alignment, subgraph-matching, knowledge graph profiling, and for management of access restrictions to sensitive data. Additionally, we argue that organizing the graph into semantic units promotes the differentiation of ontological and discursive information, and that it also supports the differentiation of multiple frames of reference within the graph.
Numerical Analysis of Blast Behavior for Non-ideal Explosive ANFO in Shock-Tube Test
Authors: Shin Hyun-Seop , Kim Sung-Wook , Moon Jae-Heum , Park Gang-Kyu
Published: May 2024

In an explosion test using a shock tube, the behavior of pressure waves can be reproduced with high reliability. However, the explosion in a shock tube occurs in a confined space. It is difficult to predict the behavior of pressure waves and its effect on various concrete specimens by using the research findings related to free-field explosions. Moreover, few studies have focused on explosive-driven shock tubes. In this study, the behavior of pressure waves in a shock tube was numerically analyzed using a finite-element analysis program. The explosive used to generate the pressure waves was an ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO), which exhibits non-ideal explosion characteristics. The Jones–Wilkins–Lee (JWL) and ignition-and-growth (I&G) equations of state were used for blast-pressure calculation. The analysis results were affected by factors such as the release rate of explosive energy and the development of the pressure waves in the confined explosion. The blast behaviors, such as the low release rate of explosive energy and the resulting increase in the impulse, were analyzed using the ignition-and-growth equation. The impulse produced during the development of waves reflected by the block installed at the tube inlet exceeded that produced by the tube wall. Such behaviors that occurred at the beginning of a blast affected the process of wave propagation along the shock tube and the wave reflection due to the test specimen at the outlet of the shock tube. In this study, the blast behavior in the shock tube, which could be referenced for the analysis of blast overpressure and its effect on concrete specimens, was numerically analyzed. Further research on the structural behaviors of concrete specimens due to blast overpressure is needed.
No effect of autistic traits on social attention: evidence based on single-cue and conflicting-cues scenarios
Authors: Chen Airui , Wang Meiyi , Dong Bo
Published: May 2024

Individuals often use others’ gaze and head directions to direct their attention. To investigate the influence of autistic traits on social attention, we conducted two experiments comparing groups with high and low autistic traits in single-cue (Experiment 1) and conflicting-cue (Experiment 2) scenarios. Our findings indicate that individuals responded more rapidly to the direction of a single social cue or the consensus of multiple cues. However, we did not observe significant differences in social attention between individuals with high and low autistic traits. Notably, as the stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) increased, individuals with low autistic traits exhibited greater improvements in reaction speed compared to those with high autistic traits. This suggests that individuals with low autistic traits excel at leveraging temporal information to optimize their behavioral readiness over time, hinting at potential variations in cognitive flexibility related to autistic traits.
New records of bee flies (Bombyliidae, Diptera) from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Roberts Huw , El-Hawagry Magdi S. A.
Published: May 2024

Background

Bombyliidae, a large Dipteran family, includes over 5380 species globally. Adults are frequently the primary pollinators of a wide variety of flowering plants, and larvae are predators of other holometabolous insects' immature stages. While 50 species of the family have been recorded in the UAE, a comparison with recent studies in neighboring countries suggests that this number underestimates the true diversity of Bombylliid fauna in the UAE.

Results

In the present study, eleven species, classified in nine genera, five tribes, and three subfamilies are added to the UAE’s bombyliid fauna for the first time. These species are Geron (Geron) gibbosus (Olivier, 1789) [subfamily Toxophorinae], Heterotropus aegyptiacus Paramonov, 1929, H. bisglaucus Bezzi, 1925 [subfamily Heterotropinae], Anthrax dentatus (Becker, 1906), A. zohrayensis El‐Hawagry, 2002, Satyramoeba bipunctata (Fabricius, 1805), Spogostylum incisurale (Macquart, 1840), Heteralonia (Zygodipla) submucorea Greathead, 1980, Exhyalanthrax triangularis (Bezzi, 1924), Petrorossia letho (Wiedemann, 1828), and Xeramoeba near salwae El Hawagry, 2001 [subfamily Anthracinae]. Three of the genera, Geron, Heterotropus and Satyramoeba, and two of the subfamilies, Toxophorinae and Heterotropinae, are recorded for the first time in the UAE. Distributions, diagnoses, remarks on feeding habits and photographs of recorded species are provided.

Conclusion

The present study adds eleven species to the UAE's bombyliid fauna, classified in nine genera, five tribes, and three subfamilies. This boosts the overall recorded number of bombyliid species in the UAE to 61 species.
Psychopharmacological management of obsessive–compulsive behaviour in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: a narrative review
Authors: Ong Leong Tung , Chee Nicholas Ming Zher
Published: May 2024

In children and adolescents, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and obsessive–compulsive disorders (OCD) may share similar features, such as deficits in social communication, repetitive behaviours and presence of obsession and compulsion. Studies have shown that children with OCD may exhibit the presence of ASD traits. Up to date research shows that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are commonly used to treat OCD, while treatment options for ASD are limited. A literature search was performed using the PubMed database and retrieving relevant papers up to December 2022. This review includes 9 case reports and 8 randomized controlled trials. The main psychopharmacological drugs used include antidepressants and antipsychotics. This review shows that the management of OCD behaviours in individuals with ASD and related conditions is of complex nature and pharmacological interventions may not be an effective method in managing this group of patients. Hence, more comprehensive research and deeper knowledge is important in optimizing pharmacological management for patients with OCD behaviours with underlying ASD.
Surgical management of cervical intramedullary cavernoma: case report and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Dokponou Yao Christian Hugues , Saad Moussa Elmi , Obame Fresnel Lutece Ontsi , Imbunhe Napoleão , Mohcine Salami , El Asri Abad Cherif , Gazzaz Miloud
Published: May 2024

Background

Cavernous malformations can occur throughout the cerebral nervous system, most commonly located in the supratentorial compartment. The intramedullary location is rare and accounts for approximately 2.4% to 5% of all spinal vascular tumors. The cervical cord location and its clinical manifestations are underreported.

Methods

The authors report a case of spinal cord compression at the C5–C6 level by a cervical intramedullary cavernoma with a systematic review of the literature according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. Relevant studies (1980 to 2023) that reported patients with cervical intramedullary cavernoma were identified from PubMed databases.

Results

A total of 29 studies reporting 423 patients were included in this study with a mean age of 40.5 ± 6.3 years old. The overall male-to-female ratio was 1:2.5 with a median duration of follow-up of 46 months [18.5–63.9]. The type of resection as well as the patient’s outcome was also reported.

Conclusion

Intramedullary cavernous angiomas are rare. Early surgical total resection of the symptomatic lesions in adequate conditions is crucial for good outcomes.
Computed tomography-guided trigeminal tractotomy-nucleotomy for refractory chronic craniofacial pain: a case report
Authors: Genc Cetin , Aydoseli Aydin
Published: May 2024

Background

Refractory chronic craniofacial pain is a debilitating condition with limited treatment options. This case report presents the use of percutaneous computed tomography-guided trigeminal tractotomy-nucleotomy under general anesthesia in a patient with refractory trigeminal neuralgia and post-treatment anesthesia dolorosa. This case report expands the use of TR-NC to include treatment-resistant post-treatment anesthesia dolorosa and introduces real-time verification under anesthesia, potentially broadening access and improving precision, while highlighting the need for further research on long-term efficacy and patient selection for this promising technique.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old woman with 12 years of chronic facial pain in the opthalmic and maxillary trigeminal branches despite multiple surgical and medical interventions underwent computed tomography-guided trigeminal tractotomy-nucleotomy under general anesthesia. Initial pain relief was significant, but symptoms gradually returned within 12 months. Transient mild ataxia was the only complication.

Conclusion

This case suggests trigeminal tractotomy-nucleotomy under general anesthesia with real-time verification may be a valuable option for patients with refractory post-treatment anesthesia dolorosa. However, the transient nature of pain relief necessitates further investigation of long-term outcomes and optimal patient selection.
Integrating uterine microbiome and metabolome to advance the understanding of the uterine environment in dairy cows with metritis
Authors: Casaro S. , Prim J. G. , Gonzalez T. D. , Cunha F. , Bisinotto R. S. , Chebel R. C. , Santos J. E. P. , Nelson C. D. , Jeon S. J. , Bicalho R. C. , Driver J. P. , Galvão Klibs N.
Published: May 2024

Background

Metritis is a prevalent uterine disease that affects the welfare, fertility, and survival of dairy cows. The uterine microbiome from cows that develop metritis and those that remain healthy do not differ from calving until 2 days postpartum, after which there is a dysbiosis of the uterine microbiome characterized by a shift towards opportunistic pathogens such as Fusobacteriota and Bacteroidota. Whether these opportunistic pathogens proliferate and overtake the uterine commensals could be determined by the type of substrates present in the uterus. The objective of this study was to integrate uterine microbiome and metabolome data to advance the understanding of the uterine environment in dairy cows that develop metritis. Holstein cows (n = 104) had uterine fluid collected at calving and at the day of metritis diagnosis. Cows with metritis (n = 52) were paired with cows without metritis (n = 52) based on days after calving. First, the uterine microbiome and metabolome were evaluated individually, and then integrated using network analyses.

Results

The uterine microbiome did not differ at calving but differed on the day of metritis diagnosis between cows with and without metritis. The uterine metabolome differed both at calving and on the day of metritis diagnosis between cows that did and did not develop metritis. Omics integration was performed between 6 significant bacteria genera and 153 significant metabolites on the day of metritis diagnosis. Integration was not performed at calving because there were no significant differences in the uterine microbiome. A total of 3 bacteria genera (i.e. Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, and Bacteroides) were strongly correlated with 49 metabolites on the day of metritis diagnosis. Seven of the significant metabolites at calving were among the 49 metabolites strongly correlated with opportunistic pathogenic bacteria on the day of metritis diagnosis. The main metabolites have been associated with attenuation of biofilm formation by commensal bacteria, opportunistic pathogenic bacteria overgrowth, tissue damage and inflammation, immune evasion, and immune dysregulation.

Conclusions

The data integration presented herein helps advance the understanding of the uterine environment in dairy cows with metritis. The identified metabolites may provide a competitive advantage to the main uterine pathogens Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas and Bacteroides, and may be promising targets for future interventions aiming to reduce opportunistic pathogenic bacteria growth in the uterus.
Long-term autonomous time-keeping of navigation constellations based on sparse sampling LSTM algorithm
Authors: Yang Shitao , Yi Xiao , Dong Richang , Wu Yifan , Shuai Tao , Zhang Jun , Ren Qianyi , Gong Wenbin
Published: May 2024

The system time of the four major navigation satellite systems is mainly maintained by multiple high-performance atomic clocks at ground stations. This operational mode relies heavily on the support of ground stations. To enhance the high-precision autonomous timing capability of next-generation navigation satellites, it is necessary to autonomously generate a comprehensive space-based time scale on orbit and make long-term, high-precision predictions for the clock error of this time scale. In order to solve these two problems, this paper proposed a two-level satellite timing system, and used multiple time-keeping node satellites to generate a more stable space-based time scale. Then this paper used the sparse sampling Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) algorithm to improve the accuracy of clock error long-term prediction on space-based time scale. After simulation, at sampling times of 300 s, 8.64 × 104 s, and 1 × 106 s, the frequency stabilities of the spaceborne timescale reach 1.35 × 10–15, 3.37 × 10–16, and 2.81 × 10–16, respectively. When applying the improved clock error prediction algorithm, the ten-day prediction error is 3.16 × 10–10 s. Compared with those of the continuous sampling LSTM, Kalman filter, polynomial and quadratic polynomial models, the corresponding prediction accuracies are 1.72, 1.56, 1.83 and 1.36 times greater, respectively.
Non-target effects of neurotoxic insecticides on
Ganaspis
cf.
brasiliensis,
a classical biological control agent of the spotted wing
Drosophila
Authors: Lisi Fabrizio , Cavallaro Carmelo , Fellin Lorenzo , Gugliuzzo Antonio , Desneux Nicolas , Anfora Gianfranco , Rossi-Stacconi Marco Valerio , Biondi Antonio
Published: May 2024

Background

The spotted wing drosophila,
Drosophila suzukii
, is an invasive pest causing significant economic losses worldwide. Current pest control strategies mainly rely on insecticides, which negatively impact fruit marketability and the sustainability of integrated pest management (IPM) programs. In addition, pesticides can have dramatic consequences on non-target species when persisting in the environment at low concentrations after field applications. In this context, chemical control can strongly interfere with the releases of the G1 strain of the Asian larval parasitoid
Ganaspis
cf
. brasiliensis
, which is currently the adopted classical biological control agent to manage
D. suzukii
infestations worldwide.

Methods

Probit analysis was used to assess the baseline toxicity of acetamiprid, cyazypyr, lambda-cyhalothrin, phosmet, and spinosad on G1
G.
cf
. brasiliensis
adults through residual contact exposure in the laboratory. Then, adult parasitoids were exposed to insecticide low Lethal Concentrations (LC
5
and LC
30
) and their mortality was checked daily to assess the survival of treated wasps.

Results

Lambda-cyhalothrin showed the highest toxicity on the parasitoid with a LC
50
of 1.38 × 10
–3
g active ingredient (a.i.) /L, while cyazypyr seemed the safer active ingredient with an estimated LC
50
of 0.20 g a.i./L without affecting parasitoids at sublethal doses. Spinosad and phosmet significantly reduced wasp survival at both LC
30
and LC
5
, while lambda-cyhalothrin and acetamiprid affected parasitoid lifespan only at LC
30
. Spinosad, lambda-cyhalothrin and phosmet LC
30
caused the major survival reductions, followed by acetamiprid LC
30
. The least significant reduction in parasitoid survival was 21.6% by spinosad LC
5
.

Conclusions

Overall, this study highlighted the importance of carefully selecting insecticides to minimize adverse effects on non-target organisms. In particular, cyazypyr was the most promising candidate to integrate inoculative biological control with chemical treatments. By contrast, the application of phosmet, spinosad and lambda-cyhalothrin should be avoided alongside parasitoid field releases. Although acetamiprid is less used against
D. suzukii
in the field than the other tested molecules, it should be used with caution due to its sublethal toxicity on the parasitoid. These results provide the first evidence of
G
. cf.
brasiliensis
susceptibility to insecticides in order to promote sustainable and efficient pest management strategies.
Carcinoembryonic antigen potentiates non-small cell lung cancer progression via PKA-PGC-1ɑ axis
Authors: Lei Juan , Wu Lei , Zhang Nan , Liu Xudong , Zhang Jiangang , Kuang Liwen , Chen Jiongming , Chen Yijiao , Li Dairong , Li Yongsheng
Published: May 2024

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor-associated antigen primarily produced by tumor cells. It has been implicated in various biological processes such as cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis. Despite this, the precise molecular mechanisms through which CEA enhances tumor cell proliferation remain largely unclear. Our study demonstrates that CEA enhances the proliferation and migration of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) while also inhibiting cisplatin-induced apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Treatment with CEA led to an increase in mitochondrial numbers and accumulation of lipid droplets in A549 and H1299 cells. Additionally, our findings indicate that CEA plays a role in regulating the fatty acid metabolism of NSCLC cells. Inhibiting fatty acid metabolism significantly reduced the CEA-mediated proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells. CEA influences fatty acid metabolism and the proliferation of NSCLC cells by activating the PGC-1α signaling pathway. This regulatory mechanism involves CEA increasing intracellular cAMP levels, which in turn activates PKA and upregulates PGC-1α. In NSCLC, inhibiting the PKA-PGC-1α signaling pathway reduces both fatty acid metabolism and the proliferation and migration induced by CEA, both in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that CEA contributes to the promotion of proliferation and migration by modulating fatty acid metabolism. Targeting CEA or the PKA-PGC-1ɑ signaling pathway may offer a promising therapeutic approach for treating NSCLC.
Successful treatment with fenestration followed by daily decortication and negative-pressure wound therapy for acute exacerbation of chronic empyema: a case report
Authors: Morimoto Junichi , Fujiwara Taiki , Karita Ryo , Yusa Jotaro , Shiba Mitsutoshi , Iida Tomohiko
Published: May 2024

Background

Most cases of chronic empyema are caused by acute thoracic empyema or tuberculous pleuritis. Open thoracotomy and decortication are traditional treatments for chronic empyema. However, some cases, such as those with thick calcifications around a large cavity, may be difficult to decorticate in a single surgery. We successfully treated a case of chronic empyema with a large cavity surrounded by a thick calcified membrane that was peeled off gradually each day through fenestration of the thoracic cavity with negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT).

Case presentation

The patient was a 47-year-old man who had undergone thoracic drainage for left post-pneumonia empyema at another hospital 10 years previously. He presented to our hospital with a fever of 39 °C, bloody sputum, and severe fatigue for 3 days. Computed tomography showed a 9-cm mass shadow in the left intralobar space and an adjacent 21 × 15 × 9-cm fluid-filled calcified unilocular cavity up to 5 mm in thickness. He underwent thoracic drainage for fluid, and empyema was suspected; the fluid was foul-smelling and purulent. The patient did not improve with antibiotics and intrathoracic lavage; therefore, thoracoscopic decortication was performed. The thoracic cavity had a thick calcified membrane filled with dark-red slurry resembling old blood. We attempted decortication; however, the calcified membrane was difficult to remove. Two drains were used for the pleural lavage. However, no improvement was observed with intrathoracic lavage and drainage; therefore, a fenestration was performed. The calcified membrane was peeled off each day for 3 months. Gradually, granulation increased and the inflammatory reaction improved. After NPWT, the empyema cavity gradually shrank to 8 cm × 6 cm × 2 cm. A latissimus dorsi flap closure was performed, and the patient was discharged.

Conclusions

This is an informative report on the daily decortication of a highly calcified purulent membrane using NPWT in a patient with chronic empyema. The description of this method will aid in the management of patients with chronic empyema and thick calcified membranes.
Unravelling the possibilities: a cross-over randomised controlled feasibility trial on immersive virtual reality in haemodialysis
Authors: Smyth Wendy , McArdle Joleen , Heinrich Gwenn , Manickam Valli , Lee Ickjai , Holdsworth Jason , Omonaiye Olumuyiwa , Nagle Cate
Published: May 2024

Background

Research pertaining to the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in various healthcare settings is emerging. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of immersive VR in a haemodialysis setting and its effects on patients’ adherence to dialysis regimens and quality of life in an Australian renal service.

Trial design

A crossover Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) was conducted in regional Queensland, Australia. The CONSORT reporting guidelines were used.

Methods

The intervention was the use of immersive VR headsets to view three scenarios designed to represent the country of northern Queensland. Intervention and control periods were each four weeks’ duration, with a one-week washout period. The primary objective was to compare participants’ attendance at scheduled haemodialysis sessions between intervention and control periods. Secondary objectives included comparing adherence to fluid allowances, and changes in quality-of-life measures. Adult patients attending haemodialysis treatments three times per week were eligible. Data were gathered from medical records, the self-reported AQoL 6D scale, the K-5 scale and participant feedback. A survey was used to obtain clinicians’ feedback on the feasibility of immersive VR reality in this setting.

Results

Data were obtained for the 34 patients who completed the trial (one participant was withdrawn from the study) and 49 staff who completed the clinicians’ survey. No harm or adverse events occurred. There were no statistically significant differences in attendance or adherence to fluid allowances between the intervention and control periods. Improvements in quality of life and mental wellbeing for participants who had lower self-reported measures at the commencement of the trial. Feedback from patients and clinicians was positive overall. Patients suggested modifications to the scenarios for enhanced engagement with VR.

Conclusions

Results suggest haemodialysis patients can benefit from VR while on treatment. Further trials with larger sample sizes are needed to determine relationships between VR usage and patient outcomes.

Trial registration

The trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). Registration number: ACTRN12621000732886. Registration date 01/06/2021.
Tackling Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer in Young Adults: From Risk Factors and Genetic Susceptibility to Lung Cancer Profile and Outcomes
Authors: Laguna Juan Carlos , Tagliamento Marco , Lambertini Matteo , Hiznay James , Mezquita Laura
Published: May 2024

Lung cancer has traditionally been associated with advanced age; however, its increasing incidence among young adults raises concerning questions regarding its etiology and unique considerations for this population. In contrast to the older population, the onset of lung cancer at younger age may be attributed to a complex interplay of incompletely understood individual susceptibility and prevalent environmental risk factors beyond tobacco smoke exposure, such as radon gas and air pollution, which are widespread globally. Consequently, this leads to distinct clinical and molecular profiles, requiring a tailored approach. Furthermore, a diagnosis of cancer represents a threatening event during the prime years of a young person's life, prompting concern about career development, social aspects, fertility aspirations, and physical independence. This poses significant additional challenges for health care professionals in a field that remains underexplored. This comprehensive review recognizes lung cancer in young adults as a distinct entity, exploring its clinical and molecular characteristics, diverse predisposing factors, and priorities in terms of quality of life, with the aim of providing practical support to oncologists and enhancing our understanding of this under-researched population.
HSD17B1 Compensates for HSD17B3 Deficiency in Fetal Mouse Testis but Not in Adults
Authors: Junnila Arttu , Zhang Fu-Ping , Martínez Nieto Guillermo , Hakkarainen Janne , Mäkelä Juho-Antti , Ohlsson Claes , Sipilä Petra , Poutanen Matti
Published: May 2024

Hydroxysteroid (17β) dehydrogenase (HSD17B) enzymes convert 17-ketosteroids to 17beta-hydroxysteroids, an essential step in testosterone biosynthesis. Human XY individuals with inactivating HSD17B3 mutations are born with female-appearing external genitalia due to testosterone deficiency. However, at puberty their testosterone production reactivates, indicating HSD17B3-independent testosterone synthesis. We have recently shown that Hsd17b3 knockout (3-KO) male mice display a similar endocrine imbalance, with high serum androstenedione and testosterone in adulthood, but milder undermasculinization than humans. Here, we studied whether HSD17B1 is responsible for the remaining HSD17B activity in the 3-KO male mice by generating a Ser134Ala point mutation that disrupted the enzymatic activity of HSD17B1 (1-KO) followed by breeding Hsd17b1/Hsd17b3 double-KO (DKO) mice. In contrast to 3-KO, inactivation of both HSD17B3 and HSD17B1 in mice results in a dramatic drop in testosterone synthesis during the fetal period. This resulted in a female-like anogenital distance at birth, and adult DKO males displayed more severe undermasculinization than 3-KO, including more strongly reduced weight of seminal vesicles, levator ani, epididymis, and testis. However, qualitatively normal spermatogenesis was detected in adult DKO males. Furthermore, similar to 3-KO mice, high serum testosterone was still detected in adult DKO mice, accompanied by upregulation of various steroidogenic enzymes. The data show that HSD17B1 compensates for HSD17B3 deficiency in fetal mouse testis but is not the enzyme responsible for testosterone synthesis in adult mice with inactivated HSD17B3. Therefore, other enzymes are able to convert androstenedione to testosterone in the adult mouse testis and presumably also in the human testis.
Scenarios of Delayed First Births and Associated Cohort Fertility Levels
Authors: Winkler-Dworak Maria , Pohl Maria , Beaujouan Eva
Published: May 2024

Fertility rates among individuals in their 20s have fallen sharply across Europe over the past 50 years. The implications of delayed first births for fertility levels in modern family regimes remain little understood. Using microsimulation models of childbearing and partnership for the 1970–1979 birth cohorts in Italy, Great Britain, Sweden, and Norway, we implement fictive scenarios that reduce the risk of having a first child before age 30 and examine fertility recovery mechanisms for aggregate fertility indicators (the proportion of women with at least one, two, three, or four children; cohort completed fertility rate). Exposure to a first birth increases systematically in the ages following the simulated reduction in first-birth risks, leading to a structural recovery in childbearing that varies across countries according to their fertility and partnership regimes. Full recovery requires an increase in late first-birth risks, with greater increases in countries where late family formation is uncommon and average family sizes are larger: in scenarios where early fertility declines substantially (a linear decline from 50% at age 15 to 0% at age 30), first-birth risks above age 30 would have to increase by 54% in Great Britain, 40% in Norway and Sweden, and 20% in Italy to keep completed fertility constant.
The Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Neurosurgical Intervention in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hematoma: Data From 121 Surgically Treated Participants From the Tranexamic Acid in IntraCerebral Hemorrhage-2 Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hollingworth Milo , Woodhouse Lisa J. , Law Zhe K. , Ali Azlinawati , Krishnan Kailash , Dineen Robert A. , Christensen Hanne , England Timothy J. , Roffe Christine , Werring David , Peters Nils , Ciccone Alfonso , Robinson Thompson , Członkowska Anna , Bereczki Dániel , Egea-Guerrero Juan José , Ozturk Serefnur , Bath Philip M. , Sprigg Nikola
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

An important proportion of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) undergo neurosurgical intervention to reduce mass effect from large hematomas and control the complications of bleeding, including hematoma expansion and hydrocephalus. The Tranexamic acid (TXA) for hyperacute primary IntraCerebral Hemorrhage (TICH-2) trial demonstrated that tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces the risk of hematoma expansion. We hypothesized that TXA would reduce the frequency of surgery (primary outcome) and improve functional outcome at 90 days in surgically treated patients in the TICH-2 data set.

METHODS:

Participants enrolled in TICH-2 were randomized to placebo or TXA. Participants randomized to either TXA or placebo were analyzed for whether they received neurosurgery within 7 days and their characteristics, outcomes, hematoma volumes (HVs) were compared. Characteristics and outcomes of participants who received surgery were also compared with those who did not.

RESULTS:

Neurosurgery was performed in 5.2% of participants (121/2325), including craniotomy (57%), hematoma drainage (33%), and external ventricular drainage (21%). The number of patients receiving surgery who received TXA vs placebo were similar at 4.9% (57/1153) and 5.5% (64/1163), respectively (odds ratio [OR] 0.893; 95% CI 0.619-1.289; P-value = .545). TXA did not improve outcome compared with placebo in either surgically treated participants (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.30-2.09; P = .64) or those undergoing hematoma evacuation by drainage or craniotomy (OR 1.19 95% 0.51-2.78; P-value = .69). Postoperative HV was not reduced by TXA (mean difference −8.97 95% CI −23.77, 5.82; P-value = .45).

CONCLUSION:

TXA was not associated with less neurosurgical intervention, reduced HV, or improved outcomes after surgery.
A short guide to addressing accessibility at scientific conferences
Authors: McClurg Urszula Lucja
Published: May 2024

Although encouraging progress to address issues of accessibility at scientific conferences has been made in recent years, further efforts are required to enact the comprehensive solutions necessary to accommodate the diverse needs of disabled scientists. This Opinion provides an easy-to-follow guide to ensuring that scientific conferences are accessible to disabled scientists and is aimed at conference organizers and funders in the field of cell biology. In this piece, I, a person who identifies as a disabled scientist, advocate for collective action within the cell biology community to promote the routine inclusion of accessibility officers on conference organizing panels and the use of accessibility checklists as part of applications for conference funding in order to build inclusive practices into conference planning and organization. I propose a move away from requiring personal disclosures of disability needs on a person-to-person basis towards community-agreed guidelines that ensure accessibility for scientists with a wide variety of needs. To that end, I detail a list of practical, cost-effective adjustments to standard conference activities that can enhance accessibility. Moreover, I suggest several long-term, high-impact changes – including guaranteeing the availability of wheelchair-accessible facilities and making hybrid meeting formats standard – aimed at enabling conference participation for all scientists.