bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can an evidence-based mental health intervention be implemented into preexisting home visiting programs using implementation facilitation? Study protocol for a three variable implementation effectiveness context hybrid trial
Authors: Faro Elissa Z. , Jones DeShauna , Adeagbo Morolake , Cho Hyunkeun , Swartzendruber Grace , Tabb Karen M. , Tandon S. Darius , Ryckman Kelli
Published: November 2024

Background

Perinatal mental health conditions are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth (1 in 8 women). When left untreated, perinatal depression and anxiety adversely affects the entire family with pregnancy complications and negative outcomes including preterm birth, impaired mother-infant bonding, impaired lactation, substance abuse, divorce, suicide, and infanticide. Significant disparities persist in the diagnosis and treatment of perinatal depression and anxiety and these inequities are often intersectional. Preliminary research with stakeholders including community advisory boards, underrepresented and minority birthing people, and state departments of health, demonstrates the importance of social support as a mechanism for reducing disparities in perinatal depression, particularly in rural geographies. Home visiting programs (HVPs) can provide the social support needed to improve mental health outcomes in pregnant and postpartum women. Our project aims to explore the impact of context on the implementation of a mental health intervention, focusing on the lived experiences of diverse populations served by HVPs to reduce disparities in adverse maternal outcomes.

Methods

Using implementation facilitation, our study will engage multilevel stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, front-line implementers, and intervention recipients) to adapt facilitation to integrate a maternal mental health intervention (i.e., Mothers and Babies) across two midwestern, rural states (Iowa and Indiana) with multiple HVP models. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of the contexts in which Mothers and Babies will be integrated, a three variable hybrid implementation-effectiveness-context trial will test the adapted facilitation strategy compared with implementation as usual (i.e., standard education) and will assess contextual factors related to the outcomes. Using an evidence-based implementation strategy that tailors implementation delivery to the needs of the specific populations and context may improve fidelity and adoption, particularly in rural states where residents have limited access to care.

Discussion

The immediate impact of this research will be to show whether adapted facilitation can improve the uptake and fidelity of Mothers and Babies across multiple HVP models and thus positively affect depressive symptoms and perceived stress of recipients. Our implementation protocol may be used by researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to better integrate evidence-based interventions into diverse contexts, leading to more equitable implementation and improved health outcomes.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06575894, registered on August 29, 2024 https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06575894?id=NCT06575894&rank=1.
Effectiveness and safety of enzyme replacement therapy in the treatment of Fabry disease: a Chinese monocentric real-world study
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Li Ying , Li Pei , Zhang Songyun , Zhiqing Zhang
Published: November 2024

Objective

To assess the effectiveness and safety of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for treating Fabry disease in clinical practice.

Methods

The clinical data of patients with Fabry disease were retrospectively collected and screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The effectiveness of ERT was evaluated by analyzing the improvement in renal dysfunction (decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and proteinuria), cardiac system injury (mainly increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI)), and neuropathic pain after ERT treatment. The safety of ERT was measured by summarizing the occurrence of adverse events (AE) and adverse drug reactions (ADR) before and after ERT.

Results

Sixteen patients with Fabry disease who underwent ERT treatment 2–36 times over a period of 2–89 weeks were enrolled in the study. Among them, 13 received symptomatic treatment based on the involvement of various organs, 14 were treated with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic drugs, and 16 had no AE or ADR. After ERT, there was no significant difference in (eGFR, microalbumin (mALB), 24 h urinary protein quantitation (24 h PRO), urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), uric acid (UA), and β2 microglobulin (β2MG) (P > 0.05), and the renal function remained stable or improved; ERT could significantly reduce left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (P = 0.043) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P = 0.031), and other cardiac function indexes had an improvement trend or remained stable, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). After ERT, the degree of limb pain in three of the four minor patients improved.

Conclusions

ERT could effectively stabilize or improve renal and cardiac function and relieve neuropathic pain in patients with Fabry disease, and no AE occurred during treatment, and the clinical effectiveness and safety were satisfactory.
CSF proteins of inflammation, proteolysis and lipid transport define preclinical AD and progression to AD dementia in cognitively unimpaired individuals
Authors: del Campo Marta , Quesada Carlos , Vermunt Lisa , Peeters Carel F. W. , Hok-A-Hin Yanaika S. , Trieu Calvin , Braber Anouk den , Verberk Inge M. W. , Visser Pieter J. , Tijms Betty M. , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Teunissen Charlotte E.
Published: November 2024

This preclinical AD CSF proteome study identified a panel of 12-CSF markers detecting amyloid positivity and clinical progression to AD with high accuracy; some of these CSF proteins related to immune function, neurotrophic processes, energy metabolism and endolysosomal functioning (e.g., ITGB2, CLEC5A, IGFBP-1, CST3) changed before amyloid positivity is established.
The chain mediating role of parenting stress and child maltreatment in the association between maternal adverse childhood experiences and executive functions in preschool children: a longitudinal study
Authors: Zha Jinhong , Li Ruoyu , He Haiyan , Fang Peifei , Huang Rongling , Xing Tian , Wan Yuhui
Published: November 2024

Background

Previous researches found that maternal adverse childhood experiences not only affect the psychological behavior of preschool children, but also have direct or indirect negative effects on the executive functions and cognition of offspring. And, the possible social psychological mechanism between maternal adverse childhood experiences and preschool children’s executive functions is still not clear.

Objectives

This study mainly tries to understand the association between parenting stress and child maltreatment in maternal adverse childhood experiences and children’s executive functions through longitudinal cohort.

Participants and setting

Participants were 2160 preschool children and their mothers who finally completed baseline and 3 waves of follow-up.

Methods

Using a cohort study, a baseline survey of junior kindergartens was carried out in June 2021 and followed up every six months, with a total of 3 follow-ups.

Results

We found that executive functions in preschoolers were significantly positively correlated with maternal adverse childhood experiences, parenting stress, physical assault, psychological aggression, neglect and nonviolent discipline (r = 0.180, 0.386, 0.274, 0.302, 0.189, 0.148, respectively, P < 0.01). Further, parenting stress and child maltreatment showed a chain mediating effect between maternal adverse childhood experiences and executive functions in preschoolers, and the total indirect effects accounted for 70.56%, 78.69%, 65.38%, and 68.07% of the total effect, respectively.

Conclusions

This study found that maternal adverse childhood experiences have a significant impact on the executive functions of preschool children, and parenting stress and child maltreatment are the mediating factors of their association, revealing the potential mechanism between the two associations from the perspective of social psychology.
Differences in the rates of admission and major orthopedic surgery care between Turkish and displaced children injured in a major earthquake
Authors: Belibağlı Mehmet Cenk , Gökmen Mehmet Yiğit , Pamiry Ahmet
Published: November 2024

Background

The burden of displacement makes child refugees, asylum seekers, and migrant children less resistant to medical problems. On February 6, 2023, the southeast and the southcentral regions of Türkiye were struck by two sequential large earthquakes. The study aimed to analyze the characteristics of musculoskeletal injuries and the initial orthopedic surgery data resulting from the earthquake and compare the differences between Turkish and displaced children, particularly those who underwent major musculoskeletal interventions at the four state hospitals of the Adana metropolitan region.

Methods

The retrospective study analyzed the medical records of the survivors admitted to the four general hospitals run by the government in the Adana, Türkiye metropolitan area between February 06, 2023, and February 13, 2023, the first seven days following the earthquake. The analysis data included age, gender, nationality, time of admission, types and localization of injuries, and treatment methods.

Results

The number of cases under 18 years of age requiring orthopedic intervention was 969. The distribution of the cases based on nationality was as follows: there were 517 Turkish (53.35%), 371 Syrian (32.71%), and 81 children of unknown nationality (CUN) (8.36%). The files show that the patients requiring surgery, including fasciotomy, fracture surgery, and amputation (n = 281), were mainly treated at the level I trauma center (n = 171, 60.85%). In terms of the daily distribution of admissions based on the type of musculoskeletal injuries, the admissions of children with foot fractures in the first days were significantly increased (p = 0.0134). Regarding surgery rates, the fracture surgery and fasciotomy rates were significantly higher in cases admitted earlier. (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0009, respectively). In terms of nationality, there were no significant differences regarding the date of admission, the number of cases who underwent amputations, and the discharge number and types.

Conclusion

The study revealed that after the severe earthquake disaster, the state hospitals of the Adana metropolitan region provided unbiased healthcare for all the region’s children. Regarding orthopedic care, the response was given accordingly in this particular disaster, highlighting that level I trauma centers should always be ready for such intensity due to the short preparation time in case of a severe disaster.
The cerebral and cognitive changes after intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) treatment for depression: study protocol for a randomized double-blind sham-controlled trial
Authors: Ørbo Marte C. , Høier Sabine , Vangberg Torgil R. , Csifcsak Gabor , Grønli Ole K. , Aslaksen Per M.
Published: November 2024

Background

The therapeutic use of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC) is a relatively new but promising treatment option for depression. There is a need for more knowledge on the mechanisms involved in its antidepressant effects.

Methods

This is a single-centre, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with two arms, iTBS and sham iTBS. Adult outpatients with unipolar major depressive disorder of at least moderate severity will undergo cognitive assessment with an N-back task (0-back and 2-back), functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging and assessment of depression severity before and after brain stimulation. Neuronavigated iTBS or sham stimulation will be targeted at the LDPFC once a day for 10 consecutive workdays. ITBS will be delivered with the parameters 120% of resting motor threshold, triplet 50 Hz bursts repeated at 5 Hz; 2 s on and 8 s off, 600 pulses per session with a total duration of 3 min 9 s. The severity of depression will be measured with the Montogomery Aasberg Depression Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory – second edition.

In the iTBS group relative to sham, we expect significant antidepressant effects and improved N-back performance, associated with increased integrity in white matter tracts functionally connected with the LDLPFC and emotion regulation areas within the rostral anterior cingulate cortices, alongside potential increases in cortical thickness in these regions. On functional imaging, we expect to observe increased brain activity in the LDPFC during the performance of the N-back condition with higher cognitive load (2-back) in the iTBS group relative to sham.

Discussion

iTBS is a promising, time-efficient, and considered a safe treatment option for depression according to existing evidence. This trial aims to assess the neurocognitive impact of a 2-week, once-daily iTBS compared to sham iTBS, targeting the LDLPFC in depressed adult outpatients. The study investigates the relationships between changes in cerebral measures and cognitive performance on an N-back task in relation to the antidepressant effect following iTBS. This trial delves into the neurocognitive mechanisms of iTBS in depression, potentially offering novel scientific insights into its treatment effects and mechanisms of action.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06534684. Retrospectively registered on August 1st 2024.
Removal of As(V) and Cr(VI) using quinoxaline chitosan schiff base: synthesis, characterization and adsorption mechanism
Authors: Abdelwahab Huda E. , Elhag Mohammed , El Sadek Mohamed M.
Published: November 2024

Elevated Arsenic and Chromium levels in surface and ground waters are a significant health concern in several parts of the world. Chitosan quinoxaline Schiff base (CsQ) and cross-linked chitosan quinoxaline Schiff base (CsQG) were prepared to adsorb both Arsenate [As(V)] and Chromium [Cr(VI)] ions. The thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to investigate the prepared Schiff bases (CsQ) and (CsQG). The UV–VIS spectra showed a shift in the wavelength area of the modified polymer, indicating the reaction occurrence, besides the variation of the shape and intensity of the peaks. The XRD patterns showed the incensement of the amorphous characteristic. On the other hand, the thermal stability of the modified polymers is better according to TGA studies; also, the morphology of the modified chitosan was investigated before and after crosslinking (CsQ and CsQG) using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) where the surface was fall of wrinkles and pores, which then were decreased after cross-linking. Contact time, temperature, pH, and initial metal ion concentration were all studied as factors influencing metal ion uptake behavior. The Langmuir, Temkin, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Freundlich isotherm models were used to describe the equilibrium data using metal concentrations of 10–1000 mg/L at pH = 7 and 1 g of adsorbent. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic parameters were evaluated. The experimental data revealed that the adsorption kinetics follow the mechanism of the pseudo-second-order equation with R2 values (0.9969, 0.9061) in case of using CsQ and R2 values (0.9989, 0.9999) in case of using CsQG, demonstrating chemical sorption is the rate-limiting step of the adsorption mechanism. Comparing the adsorption efficiency of the synthesized Schiff base and the cross-linked one, it was found that CsQ is a better adsorbent than CsQG in both cases of As(V) and Cr(VI) removal. This means that cross-linking doesn’t enhance the efficiency as expected, but on the contrary, in some cases, it decreases the removal. In addition, the newly modified chitosan polymers work better in As(V) removal than Cr(VI); the removal is 22.33% for Cr(VI) and 98.36% for As(V) using CsQ polymer, whereas using CsQG, the values are 6.20% and 91.75% respectively. On the other hand, the maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) for As(V) and Cr(VI) are 8.811 and 3.003 mg/g, respectively, using CsQ, while in the case of using CsQG, the Qm value reaches 31.95 mg/g for As(V), and 103.09 mg/g for Cr(VI).
Roles of MRI evaluation of pelvic recurrence in patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Dantas Patricia Perola , Teixeira Verônica Botelho , Marques Carlos Frederico Sparapan , Nogueira Gerda Feitosa , Ortega Cinthia D.
Published: November 2024

Developments in the multidisciplinary treatment of rectal cancer with advances in preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), surgical techniques, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy have had a significant impact on patient outcomes, increasing the rates of curative surgeries and reducing pelvic recurrence. Patients with pelvic recurrence have worse prognoses, with an impact on morbidity and mortality. Although local recurrence is more frequent within 2 years of surgical resection of the primary tumor, late recurrence may occur. Clinical manifestations can vary from asymptomatic, nonspecific symptoms, to pelvic pain, bleeding, and fistulas. Synchronous metastatic disease occurs in approximately 50% of patients diagnosed with local recurrence. MRI plays a crucial role in posttreatment follow-up, whether by identifying viable neoplastic tissues or acting as a tool for therapeutic planning and assessing the resectability of these lesions. Locally recurrent tissues usually have a higher signal intensity than muscle on T2-weighted imaging. Thus, attention is required for focal heterogeneous lesions, marked contrast enhancement, early invasive behavior, and asymmetric appearance, which are suspicious for local recurrence. However, postsurgical inflammatory changes related to radiotherapy and fibrosis make it difficult to detect initial lesions. This study therefore aimed to review the main imaging patterns of pelvic recurrence and their implications for the surgical decision-making process.

Critical relevance statement

MRI plays a crucial role in the posttreatment follow-up of rectal cancer, whether by identifying viable neoplastic tissues or by acting as a tool for therapeutic planning. This study reviewed the main imaging patterns of pelvic recurrence.

Key Points

MRI aids in surgical planning and the detection of pelvic recurrence and postoperative complications.

Being familiar with surgical techniques enables radiologists to identify expected MRI findings.

Patterns of rectal cancer recurrence have been categorized by pelvic compartments.

Neoplastic tissue may mimic postsurgical and postradiotherapy changes.

Resectability of pelvic recurrence is highly related to lesion location.

Graphical Abstract
capD deletion in the Elizabethkingia miricola capsular locus leads to capsule production deficiency and reduced virulence
Authors: Hu Ruixue , Liu Fangyuan , Yu Fang , Hou Jiahao , Chen Dan , Gu Zemao
Published: November 2024

Elizabethkingia miricola is a multidrug-resistant pathogen that can cause life-threatening infections in immunocompromised humans and outbreaks in amphibians. However, the specific virulence factors of this microorganism have not been described. In this study, we identified the polysaccharide biosynthesis protein-encoding gene capD, which is located in the conserved region of the Wzy-dependent capsule synthesis gene cluster in the E. miricola strain FL160902, and investigated its role in the pathogenesis of E. miricola. Our results revealed that the capD deletion strain (ΔcapD) lost its typical encapsulated structure, with a 45% reduction in cell wall thickness. CapD affects wza expression in the capsule polysaccharide synthesis pathway. Furthermore, the survival rates were significantly reduced in ΔcapD in response to complement-mediated killing, desiccation stress, and macrophage phagocytosis, whereas biofilm formation, surface hydrophobicity, and adherence to both endothelial and epithelial cells were increased. Additionally, the deletion of capD sharply attenuated the virulence of E. miricola in a frog infection model. Complementation of the capD gene restored the biological properties and virulence to wild-type levels. Overall, these findings suggest that CapD contributes to polysaccharide synthesis and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of E. miricola.
October 7th 2023 mass casualty incident in southern Israel: lessons for emergency preparedness and management
Authors: Gozlan Aya , Abuhasira Ran , Dreiher Jacob , Peleg Shosh , Sebbag Gilbert , Schwarzfuchs Dan , Slutsky Tzachi , Dolfin Dror , Frenkel Amit , Codish Shlomi
Published: November 2024

Background

Mass Casualty Incidents (MCIs) pose significant challenges for healthcare systems. While policies are typically crafted based on past experiences, the lessons learned from each incident play a crucial role in enhancing emergency preparedness.

On October 7th, 2023, Israel came under the largest terror attack in its history. During an ongoing terror attack, more than 1300 Israelis were killed, and more than 200 were abducted to Gaza. During the first day of the attack, 1457 casualties were evacuated to a hospital, approximately half of them to Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC). This MCI surpassed conventional MCI challenges, necessitating a need to face the unexpected under fire.

Through a description of this extreme MCI, we delve into the challenges faced, the strategic interventions deployed to address them, and the invaluable lessons learned.

Methods

Injury characteristics, severity and outcomes of casualties are presented based on the medical records of all casualties arriving to SUMC between October 7th 6:30 a.m. and October 8th 7:00 a.m. Data regarding patient influx, capacity and hospital resource utilization, were collected from the Patient Registration System and other hospital information systems.

Results

During the incident, a total of 673 injured arrived at SUMC within a mere 24-h period, at a peak rate of 83 injured per hour. The mean casualty age was 29.6, with male predominance. Gunshot wounds and shrapnel injuries were the dominant types of injuries. Out of the casualties arrived, about half were hospitalized or transferred to receive definitive care at other hospitals after initial care at SUMC. Mortality rate was low, at 2.9% of those admitted alive.

Conclusions

In this article, we describe the injury characteristics and outcomes of casualties seen at SUMC on October 7th 2023, during one of the largest MCIs in history. We present a detailed overview of the challenges encountered, strategies implemented to address them and lessons learned. These insights hold global relevance, offering actionable guidance for the refinement of future emergency protocols and policies on a global scale.
Emotional resilience and sense of danger among doctors in hospitals during periods of heightened tensions and warfare in Israel
Authors: Joachim Michael V. , Atia Joachim Dana , Korn Liat , Shapiro Yair , Laviv Amir , Zigdon Avi
Published: November 2024

Background

The “Iron Swords” War beginning in October 2023 led to unprecedented levels of shock and trauma across Israel, significantly impacting the Israeli population and medical personnel. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the perceived personal resilience and sense of danger among physicians in hospitals located in different conflict zone proximities in Israel during this period.

Methods

A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2024, during an active phase of the war, using a structured anonymous questionnaire. Participants were 161 physicians from three hospitals: one in southern Israel near the Gaza Strip, another in northern Israel near the borders with Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, and a third in central Israel near Tel Aviv. The survey measured personal resilience using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10) and sense of danger using the Solomon & Prager scale. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis H test, multiple linear regression, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Sobel test for mediation effects.

Results

The final sample included 161 physicians (54 southern, 56 central, 51 northern). The mean resilience score was 31.14 ± 5.77, and the mean sense of danger score was 8.36 ± 4.15 (scales 0–40 and 0–20, respectively). Physicians in the southern hospital reported significantly higher sense of danger scores (p = 0.005). A trend towards lower resilience scores was noted among southern hospital physicians (p = 0.068) (p = 0.068). Two-way ANOVA revealed significant main effects of hospital location and gender on resilience (p = 0.046 and p = 0.003, respectively) and sense of danger (p = 0.005 and p = 0.062, respectively). Multiple regression analysis identified hospital location (β = -0.178, p = 0.023) and gender (β = 0.229, p = 0.004) as significant predictors of resilience. Mediation analysis indicated that personal resilience partially mediated the relationship between hospital location and sense of danger (indirect effect = 0.2896, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Physicians working near conflict zones report higher levels of perceived danger, though their resilience is comparable to peers in less threatened regions. Enhancing personal resilience is crucial to mitigate the heightened sense of danger. This could include regular resilience training, psychological support, and specific programs for single and childless physicians to improve safety perceptions. Additionally, fostering a supportive community with clear communication and robust emergency protocols is essential for enhancing staff resilience and safety in hospitals.
Exploring farmers’ intention to adopt marketing contracts: empirical insights using the TOE framework
Authors: Penone Carlotta , Giampietri Elisa , Trestini Samuele
Published: November 2024

The European agricultural sector faces considerable exposure to price risk, which poses a threat to farmers’ income and long-term resilience. Marketing contracts have emerged as a potential risk mitigation strategy by enabling farmers to fix the selling price of their output. Despite their benefits, the adoption of marketing contracts among European farmers remains limited. To investigate the factors influencing farmers’ participation in MCs, this study applies the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, marking its first application in this field of research. By analyzing data from an online survey of 84 Italian arable crop producers using a partial least squares structural equation model, this study investigates the factors influencing farmers’ participation in marketing contracts. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the TOE model in examining farmers’ intentions to adopt marketing contracts. Specifically, the perceived usefulness of marketing contracts, their compatibility with farm characteristics, the positive attitude of farm owners towards these tools, and normative pressure from buyers all exhibit positive associations with farmers’ intention to adopt marketing contracts. These findings offer valuable insights for the development of targeted strategies aimed at promoting the widespread use of marketing contracts among European farmers.
Targeting SPP1-orchestrated neutrophil extracellular traps-dominant pre-metastatic niche reduced HCC lung metastasis
Authors: Xie Sun-Zhe , Yang Lu-Yu , Wei Ran , Shen Xiao-Tian , Pan Jun-Jie , Yu Shi-Zhe , Zhang Chen , Xu Hao , Xu Jian-Feng , Zheng Xin , Wang Hao , Su Ying-Han , Sun Hao-Ting , Lu Lu , Lu Ming , Zhu Wen-Wei , Qin Lun-Xiu
Published: November 2024

Background

The mechanisms by which tumor-derived factors remodel the microenvironment of target organs to facilitate cancer metastasis, especially organ-specific metastasis, remains obscure. Our previous studies have demonstrated that SPP1 plays a key role in promoting metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the functional roles and mechanisms of tumor-derived SPP1 in shaping the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) and promoting lung-specific metastasis are unclear.

Methods

Orthotopic metastasis models, experimental metastasis models, CyTOF and flow cytometry were conducted to explore the function of SPP1 in shaping neutrophil-dominant PMN and promoting HCC lung metastasis. The main source of CXCL1 in lung tissues was investigated via fluorescence activated cell sorting and immunofluorescence staining. The expression of neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) markers was detected in the lung metastatic lesions of HCC patients and mouse lung specimens. The therapeutic significance was explored via in vivo DNase I and CXCR2 inhibitor assays.

Results

SPP1 promoted HCC lung colonization and metastasis by modifying pulmonary PMN in various murine models, and plasma SPP1 levels were closely associated with lung metastasis in HCC patients. Mechanistically, SPP1 binded to CD44 on lung alveolar epithelial cells to produce CXCL1, thereby attracting and forming neutrophil-abundant PMN in the lung. The recruited neutrophils were activated by SPP1 and then formed NETs-dominant PMN to trap the disseminated tumor cells and promote metastatic colonization. Moreover, early intervention of SPP1-orchestrated PMN by co-targeting the CXCL1-CXCR2 axis and NETs formation could efficiently inhibit the lung metastasis of HCC.

Conclusions

Our study illustrates that HCC-lung host cell-neutrophil interactions play important roles in PMN formation and SPP1-induced HCC lung metastasis. Early intervention in SPP1-orchestrated PMN via CXCR2 inhibitor and DNase I is a potential therapeutic strategy to combat HCC lung metastasis.
Establishing a dominant early larval sex-selection strain in the Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi
Authors: Weng Shih-Che , Chen Fangying , Li Ming , Lee Sammy , Gerry Connor , Turksoy Dylan Can , Akbari Omar S.
Published: November 2024

Background

Genetic biocontrol interventions targeting mosquito-borne diseases require the release of male mosquitoes exclusively, as only females consume blood and transmit pathogens. Releasing only males eliminates the risk of increasing mosquito bites and spreading pathogens while enabling effective population control. The aim of this study is to develop robust sex-sorting methods for early larval stages in mosquitoes, enabling scalable male-only releases for genetic biocontrol interventions.

Methods

To address the challenge of sex-sorting in the Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi, we engineer Sexing Element Produced by Alternative RNA-splicing of a Transgenic Observable Reporter (SEPARATOR). This dominant fluorescent-based method, previously proven effective in Aedes aegypti, exploits sex-specific alternative splicing of a reporter to ensure exclusive male-specific expression early in development. The sex-specific alternative RNA splicing of the doublesex gene was selected as a target for engineering SEPARATOR due to its evolutionary conservation in insects. To expand SEPARATOR’s applicability for genetic sexing, we assessed the cross-species sex-specific RNA splicing activity of the An. gambiae doublesex (AngDsx) splicing module in An. stephensi. Male-specific enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression was verified throughout the mosquito life cycle using a fluorescent stereomicroscope.

Results

Our results confirm that SEPARATOR regulates male-specific EGFP expression in An. stephensi and enables reliable positive male selection from the first instar larval stages. Molecular analysis demonstrates that male-specific EGFP expression is dependent on doublesex sex-specific splicing events. Additionally, the splicing module from An. gambiae operates effectively in An. stephensi, demonstrating evolutionary conservation in sex-specific splicing events between these species.

Conclusions

SEPARATOR’s independence from sex-chromosome linkage provides resistance to breakage that could be mediated by meiotic recombination and chromosomal rearrangements, making it highly suitable for mass male releases. By enabling precise male selection from the first instar larval stages, SEPARATOR represents a significant advancement that will aid in the genetic biocontrol for Anopheles mosquitoes.

Graphical Abstract
Cognitive behavioral therapy-enhanced through videoconferencing for night eating syndrome, binge-eating disorder and comorbid insomnia: a Case Report
Authors: Melisse Bernou , Arora Teresa
Published: November 2024

Background

Both night-eating syndrome and binge-eating disorder are characterized by episodes of excessive food consumption, significant distress, and functional impairment related to maladaptive eating behaviors. Both types of eating disorders are associated with poorer sleep quality. Cognitive behavioral therapy has demonstrated good outcomes for binge-eating disorder; however, it is unknown if it is effective for night-eating syndrome and comorbid insomnia.

Case presentation

The current paper presents a case report of a Dutch woman in her 40’s receiving cognitive behavioral therapy-enhanced for night-eating syndrome, as well as binge-eating disorder. However, to tailor the intervention to her specific needs, throughout the course of treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy-insomnia interventions were also implemented. Her comorbid complaints were insomnia, childhood trauma, a depressive mood disorder, and cluster B and C personality traits. She had a history of bariatric surgery, as well as alcohol addiction, and received various treatments in the past, aiming to become abstinent from binge eating.

Conclusions

Post-treatment, she was abstinent from binge eating and, her scores of various eating disorder measures were below clinical cut-points. However, it is unclear if she would show earlier symptom reduction if she received cognitive behavioral therapy-insomnia, prior to cognitive behavioral therapy-enhanced. In addition, the patient reported an increase in her depressive mood and commenced schema therapy after cognitive behavioral therapy- enhanced. Although common, the underlying cause of symptom shifts in patients with an eating disorder remains largely unknown.
Evaluating the stability of architectural heritage from the perspective of InSAR: a practical study on Jianchuan Ancient Town
Authors: Li Menghua , Gao Xinning , Yang Mengshi , Tang Li , Tang Bo-Hui
Published: November 2024

The increase in human activities and natural degradation often leads to tilting, collapsing, and other forms of deterioration in architectural heritage, posing significant threats to its safety. Therefore, timely detection of abnormal deformation signals in buildings is essential for the protection of architectural heritage. Spaceborne synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) can detect slight displacements over large areas. However, relying solely on annual mean velocity maps derived from InSAR may not accurately assess the stability of ancient buildings. In this study, we developed a framework that evaluates the stability of individual buildings by integrating the InSAR displacements with building footprints. Vertical and rotational deformations, along with the temporal evolution of these deformations, are combined to generate the results for building stability assessment. We used 74 TerraSAR-X images captured from August 2017 to November 2019 to evaluate the stability of Jianchuan Ancient Town, a renowned National Historical and Cultural City in China. The displacement result suggests that the majority of Jianchuan Ancient Town remains stable, with over 93% of coherent points (CTs) displaying displacement velocities ranging from −5 to 5 mm/yr. Out of the 1,891 buildings in Jianchuan Ancient Town, 1404 are considered stable, 352 are of moderate stability, and 12 are deemed unstable. This study showed the potential of InSAR applications in assessing the stability of architectural heritages, emphasizing its crucial role in heritage preservation and management.
Analyzing spatiotemporal features of Suzhou's old canal city: an optimized composite space syntax model based on multifaceted historical-modern data
Authors: Xia Rong , Genovese Paolo Vincenzo , Li Zhixing , Zhao Yafei
Published: November 2024

Rivers and road systems play crucial roles in urban development and in shaping the vitality of cities. The present study focuses on the spatiotemporal development patterns of canal cities. Taking Suzhou as an example, employing various spatial measurement methods combined with multidimensional spatiotemporal data, it clearly demonstrates the urban morphological patterns and societal characteristics related to the road and river network systems at different stages of urban development. Utilizing data extracted from historical and modern maps of Suzhou and employing the YOLO (You Only Look Once) algorithm, this study establishes a spatiotemporal dataset for Suzhou's ancient city, a representative Chinese canal city. An optimized space syntax algorithm for public service facilities, utilizing Python library like Geopandas, Numpy, is proposed to analyze the river and road system's impact on historical development and urban morphology. With multiple spatial econometric models applied to maps from various periods, this research explores the following findings: (1) By controlling rivers as a variable, it quantitatively confirms that rivers were crucial components of urban systems in ancient cities, playing a significant role in urban development and activities, though gradually overlooked in modern times. (2) Public service facilities of different types demonstrate patterns of Accessibility and Integration within the river-road system across various periods. (3) Changes in the distribution of public service facilities correspond to phased shifts in the center of Suzhou’s ancient city, mutually validating the authenticity of realistic paintings, historical maps, and the methodologies used in this study. This study emphasizes a broader historical and spatiotemporal perspective, augmented by quantitative research methods. It investigates the distribution and developmental characteristics of various types of public service facilities across different periods. The research aim is to understand the impact of river and road systems on urban development, as well as the morphological and social changes in historical cities that arise from urban activities.
A survey of graph convolutional networks (GCNs) in FPGA-based accelerators
Authors: Procaccini Marco , Sahebi Amin , Giorgi Roberto
Published: November 2024

This survey overviews recent Graph Convolutional Networks (GCN) advancements, highlighting their growing significance across various tasks and applications. It underscores the need for efficient hardware architectures to support the widespread adoption and development of GCNs, particularly focusing on platforms like FPGAs known for their performance and energy efficiency. This survey also outlines the challenges in deploying GCNs on hardware accelerators and discusses recent efforts to enhance efficiency. It encompasses a detailed review of the mathematical background of GCNs behind inference and training, a comprehensive review of recent works and architectures, and a discussion on performance considerations and future directions.
Disciplinary differences in undergraduate students' engagement with generative artificial intelligence
Authors: Qu Yao , Tan Michelle Xin Yi , Wang Jue
Published: November 2024

The rapid development of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies has sparked widespread discussions about their potential applications in higher education. However, little is known about how students from various disciplines engage with GenAI tools. This study explores undergraduate students' GenAI knowledge, usage intentions, and task-specific engagement across academic disciplines. Using a disciplinary categorization framework, we examine how the hard/soft and pure/applied dimensions relate to students' interactions with GenAI. We surveyed 193 undergraduates from diverse disciplines at a university in Singapore. The questionnaire assessed students' GenAI knowledge, usage intentions, and engagement with GenAI for cognitive and routine tasks against their disciplinary background. The results indicate substantial disciplinary disparities in the level of engagement of students with GenAI. Compared to pure fields, applied fields (both hard and soft) consistently exhibit higher levels of GenAI knowledge and utilization intentions. Furthermore, the engagement of GenAI in routine tasks is relatively consistent across disciplines; however, there are substantial disparities in cognitive tasks, with applied fields exhibiting higher engagement. These results suggest that the practical orientation of applied fields drives GenAI adoption and utilization in academic settings. The study emphasizes considering disciplinary differences to better integrate GenAI into higher education and calls for tailored approaches that align with each field's unique epistemological and methodological traditions to balance GenAI's practical benefits with the preservation of core disciplinary knowledge and skills.
Investigation of co-seismic stress and aftershock distribution along the Sumatra–Andaman subduction zone
Authors: Sukrungsri Santawat , Khamsiri Sutthikan , Pailoplee Santi
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to investigate co-seismic stress and aftershock distribution along the Sumatra–Andaman subduction zone (SASZ). The fault parameters of six major earthquakes with an M ≥ 7 that occurred during 2010–2022 along the SASZ, were utilized to determine the Coulomb stress change using numerical modeling techniques calculated on the receiver faults with similar focal mechanisms of the mainshock, strike-slip, thrust, and normal faulting, respectively. The earthquake events were then classified to analyze the aftershocks of major earthquakes in the area. These aftershocks were mapped in order to determine the relationship between the aftershock distribution and the areas of increased or decreased stress. The relationship between the co-seismic stress and distribution of aftershocks in the SASZ was found to mainly depend on the focal mechanism of major earthquakes and the type of receiver fault used for calculation. After a major earthquake in the SASZ, there are two possible patterns that most aftershocks will be generated from in the areas of increased stress. First, a major earthquake is a type of thrust fault calculated on the receiver fault using the focal mechanism of the mainshock. Second, a major earthquake is a type of strike-slip fault calculated on the receiver fault with an optimum-oriented strike-slip fault. This relationship is likely to represent the specific pattern of the seismotectonic stress in the SASZ that can be used to evaluate the risk areas of aftershocks after a major earthquake has occurred. Furthermore, two earthquake events with large magnitudes were generated following the respective major earthquake in the SASZ that were located around the areas of increased stress, indicating that these two earthquake events were likely triggered in areas of increased stress following the respective major earthquake. Therefore, this study concluded that after a major earthquake occurrence in the SASZ, the areas of increased stress have a higher risk of generating both a large number of aftershocks and a new large-magnitude mainshock event. The investigation of co-seismic stress is very important to estimate areas of increased stress after a major earthquake, as this can be useful for monitoring both earthquake and tsunami hazards in the area.
Impact of cable lock distribution on firearm securement after emergent mental health evaluation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ketabchi Bijan , Gittelman Michael A. , Zhang Yin , Pomerantz Wendy J.
Published: November 2024

Background

Suicide-related presentations to pediatric emergency departments (PED) have increased in recent years. PED providers have the opportunity to reduce suicide risk by counseling on restricting access to lethal means. Supplementing lethal means counseling (LMC) with safety device distribution is effective in improving home safety practices. Data on PED-based LMC in high-risk patient populations is limited. The objective of this study was to determine if caregivers of children presenting to PED for mental health evaluation were more likely to secure all household firearms if given cable-style gun locks in addition to LMC.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, caregivers completed a survey regarding storage practices of firearms and medication in the home. Participants were randomized to receive LMC (control) or LMC plus 2 cable-style gun locks (intervention). Follow-up survey was distributed 1 month after encounter. Primary outcome was proportion of households reporting all household firearms secured at follow-up. Secondary outcomes included: removal of lethal means from the home, purchase of additional safety devices, use of PED-provided locks (intervention only), and acceptability of PED-based LMC.

Results

Two hundred participants were enrolled and randomized. Comparable portions of study groups completed follow-up surveys. Control and intervention arms had similar proportions of households reporting all firearms secured at baseline (89.9% vs. 82.2%, p = 0.209) and follow-up (97.1% vs. 98.5%, p = 0.96), respectively. Other safety behaviors such as removal of firearms (17.6% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.732), removal of medication (19.1% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.361), and purchase of additional safety devices (66.2% vs. 61.8%, p = 0.721) were also alike between the two groups. Both groups held favorable views of PED-based counseling. Within the intervention group, 70% reported use of provided locks. Preference for a different style of securement device was the most cited reason among those not using PED-provided locks.

Conclusions

PED-based LMC is a favorably-viewed, effective tool for improving home safety practices in families of high-risk children. Provision of cable-style gun locks did not improve rate of firearm securement compared LMC alone—likely due to high baseline rates of firearm securement and preference for different style of lock among non-utilizers.

Clinical Trial Registration

ID: NCT05568901. Clinicaltrials.gov. https://clinicaltrials.gov/. Retrospectively registered October 6, 2022. First participant enrollment: June 28, 2021.