bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building Bridges Toward Common Goals – A Call for Greater Collaboration Between Public Health and Integrative, Complementary and Traditional Health Providers
Authors: Whitley Margaret D. , Maiers Michele , Gallego-Pérez Daniel F. , Boden-Albala Bernadette , Coulter Ian D. , Herman Patricia M.
Published: August 2023

This commentary makes the case for greater collaboration between public health professionals and integrative, complementary and traditional health practitioners (ICTHP). Previous partnerships have been successful, and more such collaborative work is needed to help overcome division, enhance the health workforce, and move all involved toward shared goals. ICTHP providers may be uniquely able to work across ideological differences and engage individuals and communities who are less trusting of public health, including those who are vaccine hesitant. Diverse partnerships can be difficult to maintain, but the application of equitable processes may aid their success. In the face of highly complex public health challenges, partnerships with ICTHP are critical.
High prevalence of interstitial lung abnormalities in middle-aged never-smokers
Authors: Pesonen Ida , Johansson Fredrik , Johnsson Åse , Blomberg Anders , Boijsen Marianne , Brandberg John , Cederlund Kerstin , Egesten Arne , Emilsson Össur Ingi , Engvall Jan E. , Frølich Andreas , Hagström Emil , Lindberg Eva , Malinovschi Andrei , Stenfors Nikolai , Swahn Eva , Tanash Hanan , Themudo Raquel , Torén Kjell , Vanfleteren Lowie E.G.W. , Wollmer Per , Zaigham Suneela , Östgren Carl Johan , Sköld C. Magnus
Published: August 2023

Background

Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) are incidental findings on chest computed tomography (CT). These patterns can present at an early stage of fibrotic lung disease. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of ILA in the Swedish population, in particular in never-smokers, and find out its association with demographics, comorbidities and symptoms.

Methods

Participants were recruited to the Swedish CArdioPulmonary BioImage Study (SCAPIS), a population-based survey including men and women aged 50–64 years performed at six university hospitals in Sweden. CT scan, spirometry and questionnaires were performed. ILA were defined as cysts, ground-glass opacities, reticular abnormality, bronchiectasis and honeycombing.

Findings

Out of 29 521 participants, 14 487 were never-smokers and 14 380 were men. In the whole population, 2870 (9.7%) had ILA of which 134 (0.5%) were fibrotic. In never-smokers, the prevalence was 7.9% of which 0.3% were fibrotic. In the whole population, age, smoking history, chronic bronchitis, cancer, coronary artery calcium score and high-sensitive C-reactive protein were associated with ILA. Both ILA and fibrotic ILA were associated with restrictive spirometric pattern and impaired diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide. However, individuals with ILA did not report more symptoms compared with individuals without ILA.

Interpretation

ILA are common in a middle-aged Swedish population including never-smokers. ILA may be at risk of being underdiagnosed among never-smokers since they are not a target for screening.
Identification of age-dependent features of human bronchi using explainable artificial intelligence
Authors: Ikushima Hiroaki , Usui Kazuhiro
Published: August 2023

Background

Ageing induces functional and structural alterations in organs, and age-dependent parameters have been identified in various medical data sources. However, there is currently no specific clinical test to quantitatively evaluate age-related changes in bronchi. This study aimed to identify age-dependent bronchial features using explainable artificial intelligence for bronchoscopy images.

Methods

The present study included 11 374 bronchoscopy images, divided into training and test datasets based on the time axis. We constructed convolutional neural network (CNN) models and evaluated these models using the correlation coefficient between the chronological age and the “bronchial age” calculated from bronchoscopy images. We employed gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) to identify age-dependent bronchial features that the model focuses on. We assessed the universality of our model by comparing the distribution of bronchial age for each respiratory disease or smoking history.

Results

We constructed deep-learning models using four representative CNN architectures to calculate bronchial age. Although the bronchial age showed a significant correlation with chronological age in each CNN architecture, EfficientNetB3 achieved the highest Pearson's correlation coefficient (0.9617). The application of Grad-CAM to the EfficientNetB3-based model revealed that the model predominantly attended to bronchial bifurcation sites, regardless of whether the model accurately predicted chronological age or exhibited discrepancies. There were no significant differences in the discrepancy between the bronchial age and chronological age among different respiratory diseases or according to smoking history.

Conclusion

Bronchial bifurcation sites are universally important age-dependent features in bronchi, regardless of the type of respiratory disease or smoking history.
Are the outcomes of single-stage open reduction and Dega osteotomy the same when treating DDH in patients younger than 8 years old? A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zein AboBakr , Khalifa Ahmed A. , Elsherif Mohamed Eslam , Elbarbary Hassan , Badaway Mohamed Youness
Published: August 2023

Background

The primary objective was to report our early results after a one-stage procedure [open reduction (OR), Dega pelvic osteotomy (DPO), and femoral osteotomy (FO) when needed] for surgical management of a cohort of patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The secondary objective was to compare the functional, radiological, and complications among patients younger and older than 30 months.

Materials and methods

This prospective cohort study included 71 hips with DDH in 61 patients with a mean age of 34.3 ± 19.5 months. All patients underwent one-stage surgical procedures, including OR + DPO and FO, if needed. Functional and radiographic assessment at the last follow-up was conducted using the modified Severin grading system and the Severin classification system, respectively, in addition to assessing the acetabular index (AI), osteotomies healing, and presence of complications. We divided patients into two groups, younger than 30 months (group I) and older than 30 months (group II).

Results

We included 35 hips in group I and 36 in group II. All hips received OR + DPO, while 25 (69.4%) hips in group II had FO. The operative time was significantly longer in group II (103.19 ± 20.74 versus 72.43 ± 11.59 min, p < 0.001). After a mean follow up of 21.3 ± 2.3 months, the functional outcomes were satisfactory in 62 (87.3%) hips (94.3% in group I and 80.6% in group II, p = 0.35). There was a significant improvement in the AI in all patients compared with preoperative values (27.2° ± 2.9 versus 37° ± 4.2, p < 0.05). Furthermore, 63 (88.7%) hips had satisfactory radiographic outcomes (94.3% in group I and 83.3% in group II, p = 0.26), and all osteotomies showed radiographic healing. The overall complications incidence was significantly lower in group I compared with group II (5.7% versus 30.6%, p < 0.05), and avascular necrosis occurred in 4 (5.6%) hips, all in group II (p = 0.06).

Conclusion

One-stage procedure entailing open reduction, Dega pelvic osteotomy, and femoral osteotomy when needed for managing DDH in patients younger than eight years old revealed acceptable clinical and radiological outcomes. However, there was a higher need for a concomitant femoral osteotomy in patients older than 2.5 years, and complications were more frequent.

Level of evidence III
Prenatal lipopolysaccharide exposure induces anxiety-like behaviour in male mouse offspring and aberrant glial differentiation of embryonic neural stem cells
Authors: Chen Chie-Pein , Chen Pei-Chun , Pan Yu-Ling , Hsu Yi-Chao
Published: August 2023

Background

Prenatal infection has been implicated in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders in children. We hypothesised that exposure to lipopolysaccharide during prenatal development could induce anxiety-like behaviour and sensorineural hearing loss in offspring, as well as disrupt neural differentiation during embryonic neural development.

Methods

We simulated prenatal infection in FVB mice and mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) lines, specifically 46C and E14Tg2a, through lipopolysaccharide treatment. Gene expression profiling analyses and behavioural tests were utilized to study the effects of lipopolysaccharide on the offspring and alterations in toll-like receptor (TLR) 2-positive and TLR4-positive cells during neural differentiation in the ESCs.

Results

Exposure to lipopolysaccharide (25 µg/kg) on gestation day 9 resulted in anxiety-like behaviour specifically in male offspring, while no effects were detected in female offspring. We also found significant increases in the expression of GFAP and CNPase, as well as higher numbers of GFAP + astrocytes and O4+ oligodendrocytes in the prefrontal cortex of male offspring. Furthermore, increased scores for genes related to oligodendrocyte and lipid metabolism, particularly ApoE, were observed in the prefrontal cortex regions. Upon exposure to lipopolysaccharide during the ESC-to-neural stem cell (NSC) transition, Tuj1, Map2, Gfap, O4, and Oligo2 mRNA levels increased in the differentiated neural cells on day 14. In vitro experiments demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide exposure induced inflammatory responses, as evidenced by increased expression of IL1b and ApoB mRNA.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that prenatal infection at different stages of neural differentiation may result in distinct disturbances in neural differentiation during ESC—NSC transitions. Furthermore, early prenatal challenges with lipopolysaccharide selectively induce anxiety-like behaviour in male offspring. This behaviour may be attributed to the abnormal differentiation of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the brain, potentially mediated by ApoB/E signalling pathways in response to inflammatory stimuli.
In-silico analysis of heat shock transcription factor (OsHSF) gene family in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Shamshad Areeqa , Rashid Muhammad , Zaman Qamar uz
Published: August 2023

Background

One of the most important cash crops worldwide is rice (Oryza sativa L.). Under varying climatic conditions, however, its yield is negatively affected. In order to create rice varieties that are resilient to abiotic stress, it is essential to explore the factors that control rice growth, development, and are source of resistance. HSFs (heat shock transcription factors) control a variety of plant biological processes and responses to environmental stress. The in-silico analysis offers a platform for thorough genome-wide identification of OsHSF genes in the rice genome.

Results

In this study, 25 randomly dispersed HSF genes with significant DNA binding domains (DBD) were found in the rice genome. According to a gene structural analysis, all members of the OsHSF family share Gly-66, Phe-67, Lys-69, Trp-75, Glu-76, Phe-77, Ala-78, Phe-82, Ile-93, and Arg-96. Rice HSF family genes are widely distributed in the vegetative organs, first in the roots and then in the leaf and stem; in contrast, in reproductive tissues, the embryo and lemma exhibit the highest levels of gene expression. According to chromosomal localization, tandem duplication and repetition may have aided in the development of novel genes in the rice genome. OsHSFs have a significant role in the regulation of gene expression, regulation in primary metabolism and tolerance to environmental stress, according to gene networking analyses.

Conclusion

Six genes viz; Os01g39020, Os01g53220, Os03g25080, Os01g54550, Os02g13800 and Os10g28340 were annotated as promising genes. This study provides novel insights for functional studies on the OsHSFs in rice breeding programs. With the ultimate goal of enhancing crops, the data collected in this survey will be valuable for performing genomic research to pinpoint the specific function of the HSF gene during stress responses.
Circadian, Reward, and Emotion Systems in Teens prospective longitudinal study: protocol overview of an integrative reward-circadian rhythm model of first onset of bipolar spectrum disorder in adolescence
Authors: Alloy Lauren B. , Walsh Rachel F. L. , Smith Logan T. , Maddox Mackenzie A. , Olino Thomas M. , Zee Phyllis C. , Nusslock Robin
Published: August 2023

Background

Bipolar spectrum disorders (BSDs) are associated with a heightened sensitivity to rewards and elevated reward-related brain function in cortico-striatal circuitry. A separate literature documents social and circadian rhythm disruption in BSDs. Recently, integrated reward-circadian models of BSDs have been proposed. These models draw on work indicating that the two systems influence each other and interact to affect mood functioning. When dysregulated, reward and circadian system signaling may combine to form a positive feedback loop, whereby dysregulation in one system exacerbates dysregulation in the other. Project CREST (Circadian, Reward, and Emotion Systems in Teens) provides a first systematic test of reward-circadian dysregulation as a synergistic and dynamic vulnerability for first onset of BSD and increases in bipolar symptoms during adolescence.

Methods

This NIMH-funded R01 study is a 3-year prospective, longitudinal investigation of approximately 320 community adolescents from the broader Philadelphia area, United States of America. Eligible participants must be 13–16 years old, fluent in English, and without a prior BSD or hypomanic episode. They are being selected along the entire dimension of self-reported reward responsiveness, with oversampling at the high tail of the dimension in order to increase the likelihood of BSD onsets. At Times 1–6, every 6 months, participants will complete assessments of reward-relevant and social rhythm disruption life events and self-report and diagnostic assessments of bipolar symptoms and episodes. Yearly, at Times 1, 3, and 5, participants also will complete self-report measures of circadian chronotype (morningness-eveningness) and social rhythm regularity, a salivary dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) procedure to assess circadian phase, self-report, behavioral, and neural (fMRI) assessments of monetary and social reward responsiveness, and a 7-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) period. During each EMA period, participants will complete continuous measures of sleep/wake and activity (actigraphy), a daily sleep diary, and three within-day (morning, afternoon, evening) measures of life events coded for reward-relevance and social rhythm disruption, monetary and social reward responsiveness, positive and negative affect, and hypo/manic and depressive symptoms. The fMRI scan will occur on the day before and the DLMO procedure will occur on the first evening of the 7-day EMA period.

Discussion

This study is an innovative integration of research on multi-organ systems involved in reward and circadian signaling in understanding first onset of BSD in adolescence. It has the potential to facilitate novel pharmacological, neural, and behavioral interventions to treat, and ideally prevent, bipolar conditions.
Comorbidities associated with the severity of COVID-19, and differences across ethnic groups: a UK Biobank cohort study
Authors: Patel Rahul , Kooner Jaspal S. , Zhang Weihua
Published: August 2023

Background

Disparities in COVID-19 outcomes exist on the basis of ethnicity and comorbidities. Minority ethnic groups in the UK are known to have poorer COVID-19 outcomes, but also an increased prevelance of certain comorbidities associated with severe outcomes. Additionally, despite the prevalence of certain psychiatric disorders there is a lack of research establishing their relationship with COVID-19 outcomes.

Methods

We used UK Biobank data, involving 472,182 participants, to test for an association between comorbidities and COVID-19 diagnosis (n = 30,901); and to test for an association between comorbidities and severe COVID-19 (n = 3182). This was done by performing univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis, estimating odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The comorbidities studied were coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, chronic kidney disease (CKD), depression and anxiety. Multivariable models were adjusted for various socioeconomic, demographic and health-related confounders. We then performed sub-group analysis by common UK ethnic groups (White, South Asian, and Black).

Results

Increased prevalence of all studied comorbidities was seen in both outcomes, compared to the rest of the cohort. All studied comorbidities were associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection and severity across all models. For example, the adjusted ORs (95% CI) for depression were 1.112 (1.083 – 1.161) for COVID-19 diagnosis and 2.398 (2.163 – 2.658) for severe COVID-19. Sub-group analysis revealed stronger associations of COVID-19 diagnosis and severe COVID-19 for South-Asian participants for CHD (OR 1.585 [95% CI 1.194–2.105] for COVID-19 diagnosis and 3.021 [1.683–5.390] for severe COVID-19), hypertension (1.488 [1.231–1.799]; 3.399 [1.862–6.206]) and T2DM (1.671 [1.346–2.076]; 5.412 [3.130–9.357]) compared to White participants (1.264 [1.195–1.336] and 1.627 [1.441–1.837] for CHD; 1.131 [1.097–1.116] and 2.075 [1.885–2.284] for hypertension; 1.402 [1.331–1.476] and 2.890 [2.596–3.216] for T2DM). Similar results were seen for Black participants with CKD and hypertension.

Conclusion

Specific comorbidities are risk factors for poorer COVID-19 outcomes, supporting targeted interventions and policy aimed at individuals with these comorbidities. Although further research is required, there’s also a need for targeted policies for ethnic minorities assessing the unique reasons they are at greater risk of poor COVID-19 outcomes.
The effect of preoperative short-term octreotide treatment to surgery in thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhao Runsheng , Fan Kaiyu , Wan Weiqing
Published: August 2023

Background

To prevent thyroid storm and ensure surgical safety, it is imperative to regulate excessive thyroid hormone levels in patients with thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas (TSHoma) prior to surgery. Somatostatin analogues (SSAs), such as octreotide, have showed efficacy in shrinking tumors, which may facilitate surgical resection. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the effect of shortterm preoperative octreotide treatment on the surgical outcome of TSHoma.

Methods

A total of 65 TSHoma patients from January 2010 to July 2019 were included in the study. Of these,41 patients received short-term preoperative octreotide (Sandostatin, intermittent subcutaneous injection) treatment and all patients subsequently underwent surgery. The following data were recorded: clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, sellar region MRI, postoperative pathological and electron microscopy data, intraoperative situation, and follow-up (> 3 months) regarding hormone levels and tumor recurrence.

Results

There was no significant difference in the consistency and blood supply of the tumor between patients who received short-term preoperative octreotide treatment and those who did not. Additionally, preoperative short-term octreotide treatment (median of 10 days with a range of 6–18 days) did not significantly improve the rates of gross total resection (GTR) or biochemical remission. Moreover, electron microscopy revealed subcellular level impairments and cell apoptotic in the octreotide treated TSHoma specimens.

Conclusion

Preoperative octreotide treatment for the purpose of reducing excessive thyroid hormones may not enhance surgical outcomes, and the duration of octreotide treatment needs to be extended to fully benefit from the tumor-shrinking effects of SSAs.
Closing the health gap in Central Australia: reduction in Indigenous Australian inpatient self-discharge rates following routine collaboration with Aboriginal Health Workers
Authors: Cheok Tim , Berman Morgan , Delaney-Bindahneem Richard , Jennings Matthew Phillip , Bray Linda , Jaarsma Ruurd , Poonnoose Pradeep Mathew , Williams Kanishka , Jayasekera Narlaka
Published: August 2023

Background

Indigenous Australians experience significant socioeconomic disadvantage and healthcare disparity compared to non-Indigenous Australians. A retrospective cohort study to describe the association between rates of self-discharge in Indigenous orthopaedic patients and the introduction of routine Aboriginal Liaison Officers (ALO) within the Orthopaedic multi-disciplinary team (MDT) was performed.

Methods

ALO were introduced within our routine Orthopaedic MDT on the 22nd of February 2021. Two patient cohorts were analysed, Group 1; patients admitted in the 9-months prior to inclusion of ALO, and Group 2; patients admitted within 9-months thereafter. The primary outcome of interest was the rate of self-discharge among Indigenous patients. Secondary outcomes of interest were the stage of treatment when patients self-discharged, recurrent self-discharge, risk factors for self-discharge and association between self-discharge and length of hospital stay.

Results

Introduction of ALO within routine Orthopaedic MDT was associated with a significant 37% reduced risk of self-discharge among Indigenous patients (p = 0·009), and significantly fewer self-discharges before their definitive surgical and medical treatment (p = 0·0024), or before completion of postoperative intravenous antibiotic treatment (p = 0·030). There was no significant change in the risk of recurrent self-discharge (p = 0·557). Risk factors for self-discharge were younger age; pensioners or unemployed; residents of Alice Springs Town-Camps or of communities within 51 to 100 km of Alice Springs; and those diagnosed with lacerations of the upper limb, but without tendon injury, wound and soft tissue infections or osteomyelitis. In Group 2, the odds of self-discharge decreased with increased length of hospital stay (p = 0·040).

Conclusions

Routine inclusion of ALO within the Orthopaedic MDT reduced the risk of self-discharge in Indigenous patients. Those who self-discharged did so only after critical aspects of their care were met.
Cancer-on-chip: a 3D model for the study of the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Cauli Elisa , Polidoro Michela Anna , Marzorati Simona , Bernardi Claudio , Rasponi Marco , Lleo Ana
Published: August 2023

The approval of anticancer therapeutic strategies is still slowed down by the lack of models able to faithfully reproduce in vivo cancer physiology. On one hand, the conventional in vitro models fail to recapitulate the organ and tissue structures, the fluid flows, and the mechanical stimuli characterizing the human body compartments. On the other hand, in vivo animal models cannot reproduce the typical human tumor microenvironment, essential to study cancer behavior and progression. This study reviews the cancer-on-chips as one of the most promising tools to model and investigate the tumor microenvironment and metastasis. We also described how cancer-on-chip devices have been developed and implemented to study the most common primary cancers and their metastatic sites. Pros and cons of this technology are then discussed highlighting the future challenges to close the gap between the pre-clinical and clinical studies and accelerate the approval of new anticancer therapies in humans.
Differential effect on mortality of the timing of initiation of renal replacement therapy according to the criteria used to diagnose acute kidney injury: an IDEAL-ICU substudy
Authors: Barbar Saber Davide , Bourredjem Abderrahmane , Trusson Rémi , Dargent Auguste , Binquet Christine , Quenot Jean-Pierre ,   IDEAL-ICU Study, Clere-Jehl Raphaël , Hernu Romain , Montini Florent , Bruyère Rémi , Lebert Christine , Bohé Julien , Badie Julio , Eraldi Jean-Pierre , Rigaud Jean-Philippe , Levy Bruno , Siami Shidasp , Louis Guillaume , Bouadma Lila , Constantin Jean-Michel , Mercier Emmanuelle , Klouche Kada , Du Cheyron Damien , Piton Gaël , Annane Djillali , Jaber Samir , van der Linden Therry , Blasco Gilles , Mira Jean-Paul , Schwebel Carole , Chimot Loïc , Guiot Philippe , Nay Mai-Anh , Meziani Ferhat , Helms Julie , Roger Claire , Louart Benjamin
Published: August 2023

Background

This substudy of the randomized IDEAL-ICU trial assessed whether the timing of renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation has a differential effect on 90-day mortality, according to the criteria used to diagnose acute kidney injury (AKI), in patients with early-stage septic shock.

Methods

Three groups were considered according to the criterion defining AKI: creatinine elevation only (group 1), reduced urinary output only (group 2), creatinine elevation plus reduced urinary output (group 3). Primary outcome was 90-day all-cause death. Secondary endpoints were RRT-free days, RRT dependence and renal function at discharge. We assessed the interaction between RRT strategy (early vs. delayed) and group, and the association between RRT strategy and mortality in each group by logistic regression.

Results

Of 488 patients enrolled, 205 (42%) patients were in group 1, 174 (35%) in group 2, and 100 (20%) in group 3. The effect of RRT initiation strategy on 90-day mortality across groups showed significant heterogeneity (adjusted interaction p = 0.021). Mortality was 58% vs. 42% for early vs. late RRT initiation, respectively, in group 1 (p = 0.028); 57% vs. 67%, respectively, in group 2 (p = 0.18); and 58% vs. 55%, respectively, in group 3 (p = 0.79). There was no significant difference in secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

The timing of RRT initiation has a differential impact on outcome according to AKI diagnostic criteria. In patients with elevated creatinine only, early RRT initiation was associated with significantly increased mortality. In patients with reduced urine output only, late RRT initiation was associated with a nonsignificant, 10% absolute increase in mortality.
Differential adaptive RNA editing signals between insects and plants revealed by a new measurement termed haplotype diversity
Authors: Duan Yuange , Xu Ye , Song Fan , Tian Li , Cai Wanzhi , Li Hu
Published: August 2023

Background

C-to-U RNA editing in plants is believed to confer its evolutionary adaptiveness by reversing unfavorable DNA mutations. This “restorative hypothesis” has not yet been tested genome-wide. In contrast, A-to-I RNA editing in insects likeDrosophilaand honeybee is already known to benefit the host by increasing proteomic diversity in a spatial-temporal manner (namely “diversifying hypothesis”).

Methods

We profiled the RNA editomes of multiple tissues ofArabidopsis thaliana,Drosophila melanogaster, andApis melifera. We unprecedentedly defined the haplotype diversity (HD) of RNA molecules based on nonsynonymous editing events (recoding sites).

Results

Signals of adaptation is confirmed inArabidopsisby observing higher frequencies and levels at nonsynonymous editing sites over synonymous sites. Compared to A-to-I recoding sites inDrosophila, the C-to-U recoding sites inArabidopsisshow significantly lower HD, presumably due to the stronger linkage between C-to-U events.

Conclusions

C-to-U RNA editing inArabidopsisis adaptive but it is not designed for diversifying the proteome like A-to-I editing inDrosophila. Instead, C-to-U recoding sites resemble DNA mutations. Our observation supports the restorative hypothesis of plant C-to-U editing which claims that editing is used for fixing unfavorable genomic sequences.
Texture features-based lightweight passive multi-state crowd counting algorithm
Authors: Tian Yong , Li Ying , Li Jiaxin , Gao Fangting , Zhuang Chuanzhen , Ding Xuejun
Published: August 2023

Passive crowd counting using channel state information (CSI) is a promising technology for applications in fields such as smart cities and commerce. However, the most existing algorithms can only recognize the total number of people in the monitoring area and cannot simultaneously recognize the number and states of people and ignore the real-time performance of the algorithms. Therefore, they cannot be applied to the scenarios of multi-state crowd counting requiring high real-time performance. To address this issue, a lightweight passive multi-state crowd counting algorithm called TF-LPMCC is proposed. This algorithm constructs CSI amplitude data into amplitude and time–frequency images, extracts texture features using the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) and gray-level difference statistic (GLDS) methods, and uses the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) algorithm to count the crowd in multi-states. Experiments show that the TF-LPMCC algorithm not only has low time complexity but also achieves an average recognition accuracy of 98.27% for crowd counting.
Trade efficiency under FTA for Thailand’s agricultural exports: copula-based gravity stochastic frontier model
Authors: Romyen Arisara , Nunti Chonrada , Neranon Paramin
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the trade efficiency and trade effects under Free Trade Agreements for Thailand’s agricultural exports. There are five main trading partners comprising China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and India. The important agricultural commodities of rubber, cassava, fruits, vegetables, and herbs were assessed from 1998 to 2019. In a traditional stochastic frontier model the two error components of symmetric noise ($${\nu }_{j}$$

ν
j

) and a non-negative inefficiency ($${u}_{j}$$

u
j

) are assumed to be independent. This may result in invalid inferences due to misspecification. To address this obstacle, copula-based Gravity Stochastic Frontier Models (GSFM) using panel criteria were constructed to estimate trade efficiency. Empirically, the Student-t copula-based SFM minimizes both AIC and BIC. According to their mean TE, China (0.48) and Japan (0.48) had the highest export efficiencies followed by India (0.41), New Zealand (0.39), and Australia (0.33) in rank order. Hence, Thailand should pursue more FTA negotiations with the trading partners. Moreover, they should promote miscellaneous behind-the-border barriers to stimulate flows of goods to enhance the country’s trade efficiency substantially.
Racial discrimination is associated with binge-eating disorder in early adolescents: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Raney Julia H. , Al-Shoaibi Abubakr A. , Shao Iris Y. , Ganson Kyle T. , Testa Alexander , Jackson Dylan B. , He Jinbo , Glidden David V. , Nagata Jason M.
Published: August 2023

Background

Racial and ethnic discrimination are known stressors and are associated with negative psychological and physical health outcomes. Previous studies have found relationships between racial/ethnic discrimination and binge-eating disorder (BED), though they have mainly focused on adult populations. The aim of this study was to determine associations between racial/ethnic discrimination and BED in a large, national cohort study of early adolescents. We further sought to explore associations between the racial/ethnic discrimination perpetrator (students, teachers, or other adults) and BED.

Methods

We analyzed cross-sectional data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (N = 11,075, 2018–2020). Logistic regression analyses examined associations between self-reported experiences of racial or ethnic discrimination and binge-eating behaviors and diagnosis, adjusting for potential confounders. Racial/ethnic discrimination measures were assessed based on the Perceived Discrimination Scale, which measures experiences of discrimination based on race/ethnicity and frequency of ethnic discrimination by teachers, adults outside of school, and students. Binge-eating behaviors and diagnosis were based on the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (KSAD-5).

Results

In this racially diverse sample of adolescents (N = 11,075, age range 9–12 years), 4.7% of adolescents reported racial or ethnic discrimination and 1.1% met the criteria for BED. In the adjusted models, racial/ethnic discrimination was associated with 3 times higher odds of having BED (OR 3.31, CI 1.66–7.74). Further, experiences of ethnic discrimination by students and adults outside school were associated with significantly increased odds of BED diagnosis (OR 1.36, CI 1.10–1.68 and OR 1.42 CI 1.06–1.90, respectively)., Increased odds of binge eating behaviors were only significantly associated with ethnic discrimination perpetuated by students (OR 1.12, CI 1.02–1.23).

Conclusions

Children and adolescents who have experienced racial/ethnic discrimination, particularly when discrimination was perpetuated by other students, have higher odds of having binge-eating behaviors and diagnoses. Clinicians may consider screening for racial discrimination and providing anti-racist, trauma-informed care when evaluating and treating patients for BED.
Characteristics of healthy Japanese young adults with respect to recognition of facial expressions: a preliminary study
Authors: Hama Tomoko , Koeda Michihiko
Published: August 2023

Background

Emotional cognitive impairment is a core phenotype of the clinical symptoms of psychiatric disorders. The ability to measure emotional cognition is useful for assessing neurodegenerative conditions and treatment responses. However, certain factors such as culture, gender, and generation influence emotional recognition, and these differences require examination. We investigated the characteristics of healthy young Japanese adults with respect to facial expression recognition.

Methods

We generated 17 models of facial expressions for each of the six basic emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise) at three levels of emotional intensity using the Facial Acting Coding System (FACS). Thirty healthy Japanese young adults evaluated the type of emotion and emotional intensity the models represented to them.

Results

Assessment accuracy for all emotions, except fear, exceeded 60% in approximately half of the videos. Most facial expressions of fear were rarely accurately recognized. Gender differences were observed with respect to both faces and participants, indicating that expressions on female faces were more recognizable than those on male faces, and female participants had more accurate perceptions of facial emotions than males.

Conclusion

The videos used may constitute a dataset, with the possible exception of those that represent fear. The subject’s ability to recognize the type and intensity of emotions was affected by the gender of the portrayed face and the evaluator’s gender. These gender differences must be considered when developing a scale of facial expression recognition.
Assessment of community park as social interaction place for rural communities: a case study of Peyi Community Bwari Abuja
Authors: Adedayo O. F. , Akingbohungbe D. O. , Ale A. T. , Abdullahi A. P. , Adegoke M. A.
Published: August 2023

This study is focused on the benefits of community park as a place of social interaction in Peyi community, Bwari Abuja. The study examined community parks and their environmental impact as it relates to social interaction. Community parks play a significant role in the society, they provide significant impact to their host communities by enhancing regional development. It boosts the economy, as well as the dynamics of social processes. A mix methods approach of qualitative and quantitative research was adopted for the study using questionnaire, interview guide and observation checklist. A sample size of 150 was considered, adopting the stratified random sampling technique. The result was analyzed using SPSS and the findings are presented in tables and charts. The findings of the study revealed there is a good interaction in Peyi Community Park between people from different social and cultural backgrounds hence the aim of social interaction in the community park was met but about 60% decry poor availability of basic amenities, inadequate spaces provided as well as lack of privacy and overall poor security Architecture in the park. The study concluded that it is necessary for Architects and other building professionals involved in community park designs to consider innovative ways of ensuring safety at night through the use of motion sensitive lighting systems and other passive measures, design consideration for end users and also design to accommodate anticipated population including provision of age appropriate facilities.
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in skin wound healing: roles, opportunities and challenges
Authors: Ding Jia-Yi , Chen Min-Jiang , Wu Ling-Feng , Shu Gao-Feng , Fang Shi-Ji , Li Zhao-Yu , Chu Xu-Ran , Li Xiao-Kun , Wang Zhou-Guang , Ji Jian-Song
Published: August 2023

Skin wounds are characterized by injury to the skin due to trauma, tearing, cuts, or contusions. As such injuries are common to all human groups, they may at times represent a serious socioeconomic burden. Currently, increasing numbers of studies have focused on the role of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in skin wound repair. As a cell-free therapy, MSC-derived EVs have shown significant application potential in the field of wound repair as a more stable and safer option than conventional cell therapy. Treatment based on MSC-derived EVs can significantly promote the repair of damaged substructures, including the regeneration of vessels, nerves, and hair follicles. In addition, MSC-derived EVs can inhibit scar formation by affecting angiogenesis-related and antifibrotic pathways in promoting macrophage polarization, wound angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and cell migration, and by inhibiting excessive extracellular matrix production. Additionally, these structures can serve as a scaffold for components used in wound repair, and they can be developed into bioengineered EVs to support trauma repair. Through the formulation of standardized culture, isolation, purification, and drug delivery strategies, exploration of the detailed mechanism of EVs will allow them to be used as clinical treatments for wound repair. In conclusion, MSC-derived EVs-based therapies have important application prospects in wound repair. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of their current status, application potential, and associated drawbacks.
Aesthetic preferences for prototypical movements in human actions
Authors: Chen Yi-Chia , Pollick Frank , Lu Hongjing
Published: August 2023

A commonplace sight is seeing other people walk. Our visual system specializes in processing such actions. Notably, we are not only quick to recognize actions, but also quick to judge how elegantly (or not) people walk. What movements appear appealing, and why do we have such aesthetic experiences? Do aesthetic preferences for body movements arise simply from perceiving others’ positive emotions? To answer these questions, we showed observers different point-light walkers who expressed neutral, happy, angry, or sad emotions through their movements and measured the observers’ impressions of aesthetic appeal, emotion positivity, and naturalness of these movements. Three experiments were conducted. People showed consensus in aesthetic impressions even after controlling for emotion positivity, finding prototypical walks more aesthetically pleasing than atypical walks. This aesthetic prototype effect could be accounted for by a computational model in which walking actions are treated as a single category (as opposed to multiple emotion categories). The aesthetic impressions were affected both directly by the objective prototypicality of the movements, and indirectly through the mediation of perceived naturalness. These findings extend the boundary of category learning, and hint at possible functions for action aesthetics.
A familial missense ACTA2 variant p.Arg198Cys leading to Moyamoya-like arteriopathy with straight course of the intracranial arteries, aortic aneurysm and lethal aortic dissection
Authors: Focke Jan K. , Kraemer Markus
Published: August 2023

Background

Cerebral vasculopathies frequently lead to severe medical conditions such as stroke or intracranial hemorrhage and have a broad range of possible etiologies that require different therapeutic regimens. However, vasculopathies sometimes present with characteristic angiographic findings, that — if recognized — can guide a more specific diagnostic work-up. Certain ACTA2 variants are associated with a distinctive cerebrovascular phenotype characterized by an anomalously straight course of intracranial arteries, dilatation of proximal ICA and stenosis of distal ICA, in the absence of a compensatory basal collateral network found in Moyamoya disease. Until recently, this ACTA2 cerebral arteriopathy has been reported only in ACTA2 variants impairing Arg179.

Methods and materials

We report a familial case of a missense ACTA2 variant p.Arg198Cys with angiographic features of an ACTA2 cerebral arteriopathy. We analyzed the neuroimaging features of all four variant carrying family members and discussed the cerebrovascular abnormalities we found on the background of the current literature on ACTA2 arteriopathies.

Results

Neuroimaging of the variant carriers revealed angiographic abnormalities characteristic for ACTA2 cerebral arteriopathy such as stenoses of the terminal internal carotid artery, occlusion of the proximal middle cerebral artery and an anomalously straight course of the intracranial arteries. In our index patient catheter angiography showed a Moyamoya-like basal collateral network alongside with the above-mentioned features of an ACTA2 cerebral arteriopathy. The detected missense ACTA2 variant p.Arg198Cys was not known to be associated a cerebral arteriopathy, so far. One of the patients later died from aortic dissection — a common vascular complication of ACTA2 variants.

Conclusion

The familial case expands the phenotype of the detected ACTA2 variant p.Arg198Cys and hereby broadens the range of ACTA2 variants associated with a cerebral arteriopathy. Further, it emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach of vasculopathies.
Effects of body mass index on the immune response within the first days after major stroke in humans
Authors: Ruhnau Johanna , Heuer Christin , Witt Carl , Ceesay Sonya , Schulze Juliane , Gross Stefan , Waize Maria , Kromrey Marie-Luise , Kühn Jens-Peter , Langner Sönke , Grunwald Uwe , Bröker Barbara M. , Petersmann Astrid , Steveling Antje , Dressel Alexander , Vogelgesang Antje
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Immunological alterations associated with increased susceptibility to infection are an essential aspect of stroke pathophysiology. Several immunological functions of adipose tissue are altered by obesity and are accompanied by chronic immune activation. The purpose of this study was to examine immune function (monocytes, granulocytes, cytokines) as a function of body mass index (BMI: 1st group: 25; 2nd group: 25 BMI 30; 3rd group: 30) and changes in body weight post stroke.

Method

Fat status was assessed using standardized weight measurements on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 after ischemic stroke in a cohort of 40 stroke patients and 16 control patients. Liver fat and visceral fat were assessed by MRI on day 1 or 2 [I] and on day 5 or 7 [II]. Leukocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood, cytokines, chemokines, and adipokine concentrations in sera were quantified. In a second cohort (stroke and control group, n = 17), multiple regression analysis was used to identify correlations between BMI and monocyte and granulocyte subpopulations.

Results

Weight and fat loss occurred from the day of admission to day 1 after stroke without further reduction in the postischemic course. No significant changes in liver or visceral fat were observed between MRI I and MRI II. BMI was inversely associated with IL-6 levels, while proinflammatory cytokines such as eotaxin, IFN-β, IFN -γ and TNF-α were upregulated when BMI increased. The numbers of anti-inflammatory CD14+CD16+ monocytes and CD16+CD62L− granulocytes were reduced in patients with higher BMI values, while that of proinflammatory CD16dimCD62L+ granulocytes was increased.

Conclusion

A small weight loss in stroke patients was detectable. The data demonstrate a positive correlation between BMI and a proinflammatory poststroke immune response. This provides a potential link to how obesity may affect the clinical outcome of stroke patients.
Identifying barriers and facilitators along the hepatitis C care cascade to inform human-centered design of contextualized treatment protocols for vulnerable populations in Austin, Texas: a qualitative study
Authors: Desai Anmol , O’Neal Lauren , Reinis Kia , Brown Cristal , Stefanowicz Michael , Kuang Audrey , Agrawal Deepak , Bhavnani Darlene , Mercer Tim
Published: August 2023

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of liver-related mortality and morbidity. Despite effective direct acting antivirals and a simplified treatment algorithm, limited access to HCV treatment in vulnerable populations, including people experiencing homelessness (PEH) and people who inject drugs (PWID), hinders global elimination. Adapting the evidence-based, simplified HCV treatment algorithm to the organizational and contextual realities of non-traditional clinic settings serving vulnerable populations can help overcome specific barriers to HCV care. The first phase of the Erase Hep C study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators specific to these vulnerable populations to design the site-specific, simplified treatment protocols.

Methods

Forty-two semi-structured qualitative interviews, guided by the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) framework, were conducted with clinic staff, community-based organizations providing screening and linkage to care, and patients diagnosed with HCV, to identify contextual barriers and facilitators to treatment at a local community health center’s Health Care for the Homeless program in Austin, Texas. Audio-recorded interviews were systematically analyzed using thematic analysis informed by the PRISM framework and design thinking, to anchor barriers and facilitators along the HCV care cascade. Findings were fed into human-centered design workshops to co-design, with clinic staff, site-specific, simplified HCV treatment protocols.

Results

The specific needs of PEH and PWID patient populations informed barriers and facilitators of HCV care. Barriers included tracking patients who miss critical appointments or labs, medication access and adherence, and patient HCV knowledge. Clinical teams leveraged existing facilitators and incorporated solutions to barriers into clinic workflows to improve care coordination and medication access. Actionable solutions included augmenting existing staff roles, employing HCV care navigation throughout the cascade, and standardizing medication adherence counseling.

Conclusions

Clinic staff identified HCV care facilitators to leverage, and designed actionable solutions to address barriers, to incorporate into site-specific treatment protocols to improve patient HCV outcomes. Methods used to incorporate staff and patient experiential knowledge into the design of contextualized treatment protocols in non-traditional clinic settings could serve as a model for future implementation research. The next phase of the study is protocol implementation and patient enrollment into a single-arm trial to achieve HCV cure.