bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical value of thromboelastography in predicting the risk of recurrence of acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Guo Ruyue , Shen Xiaoming , Lu Jin , Zhou Jiao , Hao Shinan , Lan Rui , Xu Yumin
Published: August 2024

Background

Thromboelastography (TEG) can objectively reflect the formation, development and rupture process of thrombosis in patients, but there are limited data on whether TEG can be used as a predictive tool for recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Objective

To explore the TEG risk of recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke predictive value.

Methods

A total of 441 patients with acute ischemic stroke who met the research criteria in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to December 2021 were selected as the research objects. TEG was measured in all patients, and the main parameters of TEG (R value, indicating coagulation reaction time; K value and Angle, the rate of blood clot formation; MA value, indicating the maximum amplitude). The primary outcome of this study was ischemic stroke recurrence. Recurrent events included cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, TIA, and were determined by combining imaging events and clinical events. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Results

Fifty-six patients (12.7%) had recurrence. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that: Age [OR = 1.078, 95%CI(1.024, 1.135)], triglyceride [OR = 1.541, 95%CI(1.033, 2.298)], glycosylated hemoglobin [OR = 1.401, 95%CI(1.097, 1.790)], history of hypertension [OR = 16.046, p < 0.05], 95%CI(4.726, 54.489), R value [OR = 0.533, 95%CI(0.351, 0.809)], MA value [OR = 1.399, 95%CI(1.004, 1.949)] were independent influencing factors for hemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Conclusion

TEG has some value in predicting recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke, and the MA value in TEG [AUC = 0.806 (95%CI:0.747–0.867), with a sensitivity of 78.6% and a specificity of 70.4%], predicted the most significant efficiency of AIS recurrence.
Concentrations of glutamate and N-acetylaspartate detected by magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the rat hippocampus correlate with hippocampal-dependent spatial memory performance
Authors: Duarte João M. N.
Published: August 2024

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has been employed to investigate brain metabolite concentrations in vivo, and they vary during neuronal activation, across brain activity states, or upon disease with neurological impact. Whether resting brain metabolites correlate with functioning in behavioral tasks remains to be demonstrated in any of the widely used rodent models. This study tested the hypothesis that, in the absence of neurological disease or injury, the performance in a hippocampal-dependent memory task is correlated with the hippocampal levels of metabolites that are mainly synthesized in neurons, namely N-acetylaspartate (NAA), glutamate and GABA. Experimentally naïve rats were tested for hippocampal-dependent spatial memory performance by measuring spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze, followed by anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the hippocampus and cortex. Memory performance correlated with hippocampal concentrations of NAA (p = 0.024) and glutamate (p = 0.014) but not GABA. Concentrations of glutamate in the cortex also correlated with spatial memory (p = 0.035). In addition, memory performance was also correlated with the relative volume of the hippocampus (p = 0.041). Altogether, this exploratory study suggests that levels of the neuronal maker NAA and the main excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate are associated with physiological functional capacity.
Associations of five dietary indices with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and liver fibrosis among the United States population
Authors: Xu Min , Zhan Yamei , Gao Guohui , Zhu Li , Wu Tong , Xin Guijie
Published: August 2024

Background and aims

The role of dietary factors in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)—which represents a new definition of liver steatosis and metabolic dysfunction— remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationships between dietary indices and MASLD.

Methods

We analyzed data from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020 cycle, including 4,690 participants with complete vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) data. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for covariates were used to assess the association between dietary indices, MASLD, and MASLD-associated liver fibrosis (MASLD-LF). Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models and subgroup analyses were also performed.

Results

The Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), Healthy Eating Index-2020 (HEI-2020), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Index (DASHI), and Mediterranean Diet Index (MEDI) were found to be negatively associated with MASLD risk, while the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) had a positive association. The highest quartile of MEDI was linked to a 44% reduction in MASLD risk [Q1 vs. Q4 odds ratio (OR): 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.34–0.94, P for trend: 0.012]. DASHI was uniquely associated with a reduced risk of MASLD-LF (continuous OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.64–0.97; p for trend: 0.003). Our RCS curves indicated a nonlinear association with DASHI-MASLD (p-overall: 0.0001, p-nonlinear: 0.0066). Subgroup analyses showed robust associations among the non-Hispanic White and highly educated populations.

Conclusion

Specific dietary patterns were associated with reduced risks of MASLD and MASLD-LF. The DASHI, in particular, showed a significant protective effect against MASLD-LF. These findings suggest potential dietary interventions for managing MASLD and MASLD-LF, although large-scale randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings.
Current HRD assays in ovarian cancer: differences, pitfalls, limitations, and novel approaches
Authors: Guffanti Federica , Mengoli Ilaria , Damia Giovanna
Published: August 2024

Ovarian carcinoma (OC) still represents an insidious and fatal malignancy, and few significant results have been obtained in the last two decades to improve patient survival. Novel targeted therapies such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) have been successfully introduced in the clinical management of OC, but not all patients will benefit, and drug resistance almost inevitably occurs. The identification of patients who are likely to respond to PARPi-based therapies relies on homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) tests, as this condition is associated with response to these treatments. This review summarizes the genomic and functional HRD assays currently used in clinical practice and those under evaluation, the clinical implications of HRD testing in OC, and their current pitfalls and limitations. Special emphasis will be placed on the functional HRD assays under development and the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies as novel strategies to overcome the current limitations of HRD tests for a better-personalized treatment to improve patient outcomes.
Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor: a retrospective analysis of 36 cases
Authors: Ji Min , Zhang Yuchen , Liu Shuaibing , Zhang Menghui , Qiao Bingbing
Published: August 2024

Background and aims

Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a rare type of mesenchymal neoplasm and lacks systematic reports. The aim was to analyze the features of hepatic PEComa in order to provide our own experience for diagnosis and management from a single center.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed clinical data, imaging findings, pathology, treatments and prognosis of 36 patients with hepatic PEComa in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2016 to September 2023.

Results

29 females and 7 males (median age, 47.8 years) were included in this study. The majority (26/36, 72.2%) of patients were diagnosed incidentally with non-specific symptoms. Abnormal enhancement of enlarged blood vessels (27/36,75%) can be observed on CT/MRI and only 7 patients (19.4%) were correctly diagnosed by imaging examinations. The positive immunohistochemical expressions were HMB-45(35/36,97.2%), Melan-A (34/35,97.1%), SMA (23/26,88.5%) and CD34(86.7%,26/30). Treatments include resection (24/36,67.7%), radiofrequency ablation (6/36,16.7%), transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(1/36,2.7%), conservative clinical follow-up(2/36,5.6%), and sirolimus-chemotherapy (3/36,8.3%). During the follow-up period (range, 2–81 months), except for one patient with a single intrahepatic recurrence and 3 malignant patients died in 6 months, the remaining patients had no signs of recurrence and metastasis.

Conclusions

Hepatic PEComa has no specific clinical features and mainly depends on clinicopathological characteristics for accurate diagnosis. Resection is the best treatment for benign PEComa, but TACE and radiofrequency ablation can also be considered in case of contraindications for surgery.
Comparison of the value of the GI-RADS and ADNEX models in the diagnosis of adnexal tumors by junior physicians
Authors: Chen Yongjian , Li Yanru , Su Huiling , Lyu Guorong
Published: August 2024

Objective

To compare the diagnostic effectiveness of the Gynecologic Imaging Reporting and Data System (GI-RADS) and Neoplasias in the Adnexa (ADNEX) model for the diagnosis of benign and malignant ovarian tumors by junior physicians.

Methods

The sonographic data of 634 patients with ovarian tumors confirmed by pathology in our hospital over 4 years were analyzed retrospectively by junior doctors. The diagnostic efficacy of the GI-RADS and ADNEX models was compared based on pathology.

Results

(1) Regarding the diagnostic efficacy of the GI-RADS and ADNEX models, the sensitivity was 90.15% and 84.85%, the specificity was 87.65% and 85.86%, the accuracy rates were 88.17% and 85.65%, and the Youden Indices were 0.778 and 0.707, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were 0.924 (95% CI: 0.900-0.943) and 0.933 (95% CI: 0.911-0.951), respectively. The GI-RADS classification was equivalent to that of the ADNEX model in the diagnosis of adnexal tumors (P>0.05). These findings were highly consistent with the pathological results (Kappa values were 0.684 and 0.691, respectively). (2) When differentiating between different pathological types of adnexal tumors, the ADNEX model had the best diagnostic value for distinguishing between benign tumors and stage II-IV ovarian cancer (AUC=0.990, 95% CI: 0.978-0.997).

Conclusions

(1) The diagnostic efficacy of the GI-RADS and ADNEX models in the diagnosis of benign and malignant ovarian tumors by junior physicians is excellent and comparable. (2) The ADNEX model shows good value for differentiating ovarian tumors of different pathological types by junior physicians.
Adolescent Takayasu's arteritis with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Fang , Dong Bingzi , Yang Libo , Liu Jiaxin , Zhan Jinfeng , Cui Yukun , Lin Hua , Wang Yangang , Lv Wenshan
Published: August 2024

Takayasu's arteritis is a primary systemic vasculitis that affects predominantly large vessels, affecting the aorta and its major branches. We report a case of adolescent female patient who initially experienced numbness and weakness in her limbs, subsequently developing severe hypertension. Physical examination revealed uneven blood pressure in the limbs and a murmur in the auscultation area of the abdominal aorta without decreased pulses. Auxiliary examinations revealed diffuse blood vessel stenosis, leading to the diagnosis of Takayasu's arteritis. One month later, the patient was diagnosed with multiple cerebral hemorrhages following sudden impairment of limb movement. Digital subtraction angiography did not reveal any evident vascular malformations or aneurysms. Following surgery and biologic intervention with tocilizumab, the patient's condition improved, with no new bleeding episodes and stable blood pressure control achieved. We also reviewed the literature that have been previously reported with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage complicated by Takayasu's arteritis. We recommend that Takayasu's arteritis be taken into account when considering the hypertension in young patients. Timely vascular imaging and standardized treatment are imperative for diagnosing and managing effectively.
Efficient analysis of adverse drug events and toxicological mechanisms of newly marketed drugs by integrating pharmacovigilance and network toxicology: selumetinib as an example
Authors: Xiong Rui , Lei Jing , Wang Lu , Zhang Shipeng , Liu Hengxu , Wang Hongping , Liu Tao , Lai Xiaodan
Published: August 2024

Objective

To integrate pharmacovigilance and network toxicology methods to explore the potential adverse drug events (ADEs) and toxic mechanisms of selumetinib, and to provide a reference for quickly understanding the safety and toxicological mechanisms of newly marketed drugs.

Methods

Taking selumetinib as an example, this study integrated pharmacovigilance methods based on real-world data and network toxicology methods to analyze its ADE and its potential toxicological mechanism. First, the ADE reports of selumetinib were extracted from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adverse event reporting system (FAERS), and the ADE signals were detected by reporting odds ratio (ROR) and UK medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency (MHRA) methods. The ADE signals were classified and described according to the preferred terms (PTs) and system organ class (SOC) derived from the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA). The network toxicology method was used to analyze the toxicological mechanism of the interested SOCs. The specific steps included predicting the potential targets of selumetinib using TOXRIC, STITCH, ChEMBL, CTD, SwissTargetPreditcion, and Super-PRED databases, collecting the targets of SOC using GeneCards database, conducting protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis through STRING database, conducting gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis through DAVID database, and testing the molecular affinity using AutoDock software.

Results

A total of 1388 ADE reports related to selumetinib were extracted, and 53 positive signals were detected by ROR and MHRA methods, of which 20 signals were not mentioned in the package insert, including ingrowing nail, hyperphosphatemia, cardiac valve disease, hematuria, neutropenia, etc. Analysis of the toxicological mechanism of six SOCs involved in positive ADE signals revealed that the key targets included EGFR, STAT3, AKT1, IL6, BCL2, etc., and the key pathways included PI3K/Akt pathway, apoptosis, ErbB signaling pathway, and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, etc. Molecular docking assays showed spontaneous binding of selumetinib to key targets in these pathways.

Conclusion

The pharmacovigilance analysis identified some new potential ADEs of selumetinib, and the network toxicology analysis showed that the toxic effects of selumetinib may be related to PI3K/Akt pathway, apoptosis, ErbB signaling pathway, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance and other pathways.
Comprehensive genetic diversity and genome-wide association studies revealed the genetic basis of avocado fruit quality traits
Authors: Li Jin , Eltaher Shamseldeen , Freeman Barbie , Singh Sukhwinder , Ali Gul Shad
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Avocado (Persea americana) is a highly nutritious fruit gaining worldwide popularity. However, its cultivation is currently reliant on a limited number of cultivars with restricted genetic diversity. This study aims to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of avocado germplasm and identify genetic loci associated with key fruit quality traits that influence customer preference.

Methods

A diversity panel of 110 avocado accessions was analyzed using 4,706 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Genetic diversity and population structure were analyzed using pairwise FST, AMOVA, admixture analysis, and phylogenetic analysis. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted targeting nine fruit quality traits using two models: General Linear Model (GLM) with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Mixed Linear Model (MLM) with PCA and kinship (PCA + K).

Results

The analysis revealed three distinct populations corresponding to the three avocado ecotypes: Guatemalan, West Indian, and Mexican. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a closer relationship between the Guatemalan and West Indian races compared to the Mexican race in our Florida germplasm collection. GWAS led to identification of 12 markers within 11 genomic regions significantly associated with fruit quality traits such as fruit color, shape, taste, and skin texture. These markers explained between 14.84% to 43.96% of the phenotypic variance, with an average of 24.63%. Annotation of these genomic regions unveiled candidate genes potentially responsible for controlling these traits.

Discussion

The findings enhance our understanding of genetic diversity and population structure in avocado germplasm. The identified genetic loci provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of fruit quality traits, aiding breeding programs in developing improved avocado cultivars. Marker-assisted selection can accelerate the development of new varieties, promoting a more diverse and resilient avocado market.
Transcriptomic analysis of Asparagus officinalis cultivars with varying levels of freezing tolerance over fall acclimation and spring deacclimation periods
Authors: Gill Arshdeep Singh , Wolyn David J.
Published: August 2024

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) is an important vegetable crop in southern Ontario, Canada, where winter air and soil temperatures below 0°C are common. Consequently, cultivars growing in this area must possess winterhardiness and freezing tolerance for survival. Asparagus acquires freezing tolerance in the fall through cold acclimation and loses freezing tolerance in the spring through deacclimation. To understand the molecular bases of these processes, transcriptomic analysis (RNA-Seq) was conducted on two cultivars, one adapted, ‘Guelph Millennium’ (GM), and one unadapted, ‘UC157’ (UC), to the winter conditions of southern Ontario. RNA extracted from bud and rhizome tissues, sampled on three dates during early spring and late fall, was subjected to sequencing. In the fall, the numbers of differentially expressed (DE) genes at the second and third harvests increased, relative to the first harvest, in dormant buds and rhizomes as freezing tolerance of cultivars increased, and the majority of DE genes were downregulated. In spring, freezing tolerance decreased as plants deacclimated and most genes DE at second and third harvests were upregulated in both cultivars. GM had lower LT50 (lethal temperature at which 50% of plants die) values and hence higher freezing tolerance than UC on specific sampling dates during both spring and fall, and expression patterns of specific genes were correlated with LT50 differences. Functional analysis revealed that these genes were involved in carbohydrate metabolic process, plant hormone signal transduction (auxin and gibberellin), proline metabolism, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, circadian rhythm, and late embryogenesis abundant proteins and could be associated with cold acclimation and deacclimation processes. These findings will help researchers understand the molecular mechanisms of freezing tolerance in asparagus, leading to breeding and genetic strategies to improve the trait.
Research on digital governance based on Web of Science—a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Lin Zhao , Yaakop Mohd Rizal
Published: August 2024

Exploring digital governance is essential for grasping how technology can be employed to enhance public services, boost efficiency, and foster transparency and engagement. This study aims to conduct a systematic review of digital governance research in order to explore its development, emerging research trends, network of leading researchers, countries and institutions that contribute greatly to this field. A bibliometric study was conducted on digital governance works using the following terms: “digital governance,” “E-governance,” “digital government,” and “E-government” as the keywords. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were two tools used for the bibliometric analysis. Results showed that the United States played a dominate role in digital governance studies, followed by China, the United Kingdom, India, and Spain. Brunel University, University at Albany, and University of Johannesburg were the top three research institutes for digital governance. Reddick C.G., Weerakkody V., Dwivedi, Y. K., Mensah, I. K., and Jaeger, P.T. served as the representative researchers in this field. In addition, topics including usability and reliability of digital governance system, quality assurance under the framework of digital governance, the quality of digital service, impact of digital governance on public perception, effects of digital transformation on public value perceptions were the focal points in recent years.
Teachers' digital competences: a scale construction and validation study
Authors: Aydin Mehmet Kemal , Yildirim Turgut , Kus Metin
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Improving teachers' digital competences is sine qua non for effective teaching and learning in today's digital society. However, there is a limited number of comprehensive and reliable scales to measure teachers' digital competences. Regarding this, the present study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive scale to assess teachers' digital competences.

Methods

Building on previous studies, a draft scale developed and piloted with a sample of teachers from all educational levels. The procedures of Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) were followed to refine the scale, resulting in a five-point Likert scale with 36 items loaded onto four factors. The final scale was called as Teachers' Digital Competences Scale (TDC-S). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to validate the four-factor structure. Reliability analysis was performed using Cronbach's alpha (α), McDonald's omega (ω), and Composite Reliability (CR), indicating high psychometric properties. Convergent and discriminant validity analyses were also performed to assess the validity of the latent structures in TDC-S.

Results and discussion

The findings suggest that the TDC-S is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing teachers' digital competences at all grade levels from primary to high schools. It can be used to inform teacher training and development programs, and to identify teacher candidates who need additional assistance regarding improving their digital competences.
Effects of social media use on employment anxiety among Chinese youth: the roles of upward social comparison, online social support and self-esteem
Authors: Jin Ting , Chen Yanshan , Zhang Ke
Published: August 2024

Based on the continuous development of new media and mobile communication technologies, social media has significantly influenced people’s daily thoughts and behaviors. For young people, social media is a platform for social interaction, and studies have found that social media helps Chinese graduates find employment. This study examined how social media use and its related factors affect employment anxiety. The data was collected from 1,204 Chinese youth through an online survey. The results showed that: (1) the intensity of social media use had a positive predictive effect on employment anxiety; (2) upward social comparison and online social support individually separately mediate the positive relationship between the intensity of social media use and employment anxiety; and (3) self-esteem negatively moderates the effect of upward social comparison and effect of online social support on employment anxiety. The study underscores the importance of reasonable social media usage strategies, positive social perception, and healthy self-perception for fostering a positive employment mindset among youth.
Music influences performance without increasing perceived exertion during high-intensity rowing intervals: a cross-over design study
Authors: Schittenhelm Andrea , Brandt Tom , Andres Denny , Adler Patrick , Fairhurst Merle T. , Schmidt Annette
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This study assessed how exposure to slow (SBM) versus fast beat music (FBM) during high-intensity rowing intervals affects performance, heart rate (HR), lactate levels, relative perceived exertion (RPE), and recovery.

Methods

The A/B crossover design involved 21 participants performing 5 × 500 m rowing intervals under two conditions: FBM and SBM. Primary endpoint was the difference in total rowing time. Secondary endpoints included average HR, average RPE as well as rowing interval times, RPE, and HR per interval. For exploratory purpose, HR and lactate drop during the initial 5 min post completion was analyzed.

Results

Listening to FBM resulted in significantly shorter total rowing times (p = 0.009, rB = 0.59), especially during the 1st interval. The 1st interval was also significantly faster than intervals 2–5 (p < 0.001), with the greatest performance drop between the 1st and 2nd interval during FBM. Average HR was significantly lower when listening to SBM (p = 0.03, rB = 0.48), while average RPE showed no significant difference (p = 0.47, rB = 0.02). Lactate values after interval 5 were significantly lower in SBM (p = 0.05, rB = 0.41), but no significant difference was found for lactate drop (p = 0.21, rB = 0.21). However, participants exhibited a higher HR drop rate with SBM (p = 0.05, rB = 0.42).

Conclusion

FBM improved performance without increasing RPE, while SBM proved superior for recovery. Systematic customization of music based on intended training stimuli holds broad potential for the competitive sports, fitness, and health sector.
Causal role of immune cells in bipolar disorder: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Mengxuan , Wang Shuo , Yuan Guoshan , Gao Mingzhou , Zhao Xiyan , Chu Zhenhan , Gao Dongmei
Published: August 2024

Background

The understanding of the immunological mechanisms underlying bipolar disorder (BD) has enhanced in recent years due to the extensive use of high-density genetic markers for genotyping and advancements in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, studies on the relationship between immune cells and the risk of BD remain limited, necessitating further investigation.

Methods

Bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis was employed to investigate the causal association between immune cell morphologies and bipolar disorder. Immune cell traits were collected from a research cohort in Sardinia, whereas the GWAS summary statistics for BD were obtained from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. Sensitivity analyses were conducted, and the combination of MR-Egger and MR-Presso was used to assess horizontal pleiotropy. Cochran’s Q test was employed to evaluate heterogeneity, and the results were adjusted for false discovery rate (FDR).

Results

The study identified six immune cell phenotypes significantly associated with BD incidence (P< 0.01). These phenotypes include IgD- CD27- %lymphocyte, CD33br HLA DR+ CD14- AC, CD8 on CD28+ CD45RA+ CD8br, CD33br HLA DR+ AC, CD14 on CD14+ CD16+ monocyte, and HVEM on CD45RA- CD4+. After adjusting the FDR to 0.2, two immune cell phenotypes remained statistically significant: IgD-CD27-% lymphocyte (OR=1.099, 95% CI: 1.051-1.149, P = 3.51E-05, FDR=0.026) and CD33br HLA DR+ CD14-AC (OR=0.981, 95% CI: 0.971-0.991, P = 2.17E-04, FDR=0.079). In the reverse MR analysis, BD significantly impacted the phenotypes of four monocytes (P< 0.01), including CD64 on CD14+ CD16+ monocyte, CD64 on monocyte, CX3CR1 on CD14- CD16-, CD64 on CD14+ CD16- monocyte. However, after applying the FDR correction (FDR < 0.2), no statistically significant results were observed.

Conclusions

This MR investigation reveals associations between immune cell phenotypes, bipolar disorder, and genetics, providing novel perspectives on prospective therapeutic targets for bipolar disorder.
Predictors of evidence-based psychotherapy initiation among veterans with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder
Authors: Somohano Vanessa C. , Cameron David , Lewis Meaghan M. , O’Neill Allison , Phillips Rachel , Kaplan Joshua , O’Neil Maya E.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To compare initiation of PTSD evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) between Veterans with and without a co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD), and identify factors associated with EBP initiation among Veterans with PTSD-SUD.

Method

A national sample of Veterans with PTSD (n = 301,872) and PTSD-SUD (n = 94,515) were identified from VA Electronic Health Record data. Treatment initiation was defined as having at least one mental health encounter associated with Cognitive Processing Therapy or Prolonged Exposure therapy. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare EBP initiation between Veterans with and without co-occurring SUD, and to identify patient- and facility characteristics associated with EBP initiation among Veterans with PTSD-SUD.

Results

The majority of Veterans were 30 – 44 years old, male sex, and Non-Hispanic White. No significant differences were observed in EBP initiation between Veterans with and without a co-occurring SUD (OR=1.00, p=0.985). Among Veterans with PTSD-SUD, co-occurring bipolar disorder (OR=0.83, p=.000), co-occurring psychotic disorder (OR=0.69, p=.000), service connection (OR=0.94, p=.001), female sex (OR=0.87, p=.000), and being 60 years or older (OR=0.57, p=.000) were associated with a reduced likelihood of initiating a PTSD EBP. Having a co-occurring anxiety disorder (OR=1.06, p=.020), MST history (OR=1.95, p=.000), and high risk for suicide (OR=1.15, p=.000) were associated with an increased likelihood of initiating EBP.

Discussion

These findings support VA provision of EBP for Veterans with PTSD regardless of the presence of co-occurring SUD. Identifying characteristics that increase or reduce the likelihood of EBP initiation may provide insight into treatment pathways and subgroups warranting augmented outreach.
A framework for remotely enabled co-design with young people: its development and application with neurodiverse children and their caregivers
Authors: Morris Anna Charlotte , Douch Stephen , Popnikolova Teodora , McGinley Chris , Matcham Faith , Sonuga-Barke Edmund , Downs Johnny
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This paper describes an innovative Framework for Remotely Enabled Co-Design with Young people (FREDY), which details an adaptable four-stage process for generating design concepts with children and other key stakeholders in a naturalistic and inclusive way.

Methods

Recommendations from existing patient engagement and design methodologies were combined to provide research teams with procedures to capture and analyse end-user requirements rapidly. Resulting insights were applied through iterative design cycles to achieve accelerated and user-driven innovation.

Results

Applying this framework with neurodiverse children within the context of healthcare, shows how creative design methods can give rise to new opportunities for co-creating across diverse geographies, abilities, and backgrounds as well as strengthen co-designer approval of the co-design process and resulting product.

Discussion

We summarise key learnings and principles for fostering trust and sustaining participation with remote activities, and facilitating stakeholder design input through continuous collaboration, as well as highlight the potential benefits and challenges of utilising FREDY with neurotypical populations.
The real-world effectiveness of preschoolers wearing masks on campus to prevent respiratory infectious diseases: a cohort study
Authors: Yang Wenhao , Liu Jian , Qin Nanyang
Published: August 2024

Background

Respiratory infections are common in the pediatric population. Preschoolers, especially those in kindergarten and 3–6 years old, are highly vulnerable to various respiratory infections.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of indoor mask-wearing in mitigating respiratory infections in preschoolers in a real-world campus setting.

Methods

The study was conducted over a 115-day period in a kindergarten. Eligible children were assigned into study and control groups. The study group wore masks indoors but not outdoors, and the control group did not wear masks in either setting. We used a questionnaire to collect participant information, including age, height, weight, monthly dietary living expenses, family annual income, parent education level, primary caregiver, number of family members, and number of children under 6 years of age in the household. Incidences of clinical respiratory infections were recorded. We calculated the relative risk and analyzed the relationship between mask-wearing and respiratory infections by inter-group comparison, logistic regression, and Cox regression analyses.

Results

A total of 135 preschoolers were included, with 35 and 100 preschoolers in the study and control groups, respectively. Baseline comparisons showed a significant difference in the number of children under 6 years old in the household between the two groups. Mask-wearing did not significantly reduce the risk of respiratory infections (RR = 1.086, 95% CI: 0.713, 1.435). Logistic and Cox regression analyses also showed no significant relationship between mask-wearing and occurrence of respiratory infections after controlling for potential confounders (OR = 0.816, 95% CI: 0.364, 1.826, and HR = 0.845, 95% CI: 0.495, 1.444).

Conclusion

Indoor mask-wearing did not reduce the incidence of respiratory infections in preschoolers in a real-world campus setting. However, this study included a small number of preschoolers and observed them for a short period of time. Preschoolers were instructed to wear masks only when indoors. These factors could lead to bias and limit the generalizability of the study results.
The effectiveness of nirsevimab in reducing the burden of disease due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection over time in the Madrid region (Spain): a prospective population-based cohort study
Authors: Barbas Del Buey José Francisco , Íñigo Martínez Jesús , Gutiérrez Rodríguez María Ángeles , Alonso García Marcos , Sánchez-Gómez Amaya , Lasheras Carbajo María Dolores , Jiménez Bueno Susana , Esteban Vasallo María Dolores , López Zambrano María Alejandra , Calvo Rey Cristina , Sanchez Luna Manuel , Molina Olivas Marta , Arce Arnáez María Araceli
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality from lower respiratory tract infections in children under 5 years of age worldwide. Given that, the objective of this study was estimate the effectiveness of nirsevimab (a single-dose, long-acting, human recombinant monoclonal antibody against RSV) over time for the prevention of respiratory episodes treated at different levels of care.

Methods

A prospective and dynamic population-based cohort study was performed including infants born between April 1 and December 31, 2023, in the Madrid region who resided there during the follow-up period from October 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024. Infants were considered immunized from the day after receiving one dose (50 or 100 mg) of nirsevimab or nonimmunized individuals if they did not receive any dose.

Results

There were 4,100 episodes of primary care, 1,954 hospital emergencies, and 509 admissions, 82 of which required intensive care in the 33,859 participants analyzed. The adjusted effectiveness of nirsevimab in preventing hospitalization due to RSV infection was 93.6% (95% CI: 89.7 to 96.1) at 30 days and 87.6% (95% CI: 67.7 to 95.3) at 150 days. The number needed to treat to prevent one hospitalization were 314.19 (95% CI: 306.22 to 327.99) at 30 days and 24.30 (95% CI: 22.31 to 31.61) at 150 days. The adjusted effectiveness of nirsevimab in avoiding admission to an intensive care unit was 94.4% (95% CI: 87.3 to 97.5) at 30  days and 92.1% (95% CI: 64.0 to 98.3) at 90 days. The adjusted effectiveness of nirsevimab for avoiding primary care consultations and hospital emergency visits was lower.

Discussion

Immunization with nirsevimab is an effective measure for reducing the burden of care related to RSV at all levels of care albeit it decreases throughout follow-up. At 150 days it remained high for preventing hospital admissions. Other articles already published have also demonstrated high effectiveness although with preliminary results, short follow-up periods and wide confidence intervals. None have detected a decrease in effectiveness over time. These results can be quite useful in individual infant prevention and in the design of immunization campaigns.
Tyrosine kinases: multifaceted receptors at the intersection of several neurodegenerative disease-associated processes
Authors: Stevenson Max , Algarzae Norah K. , Moussa Charbel
Published: August 2024

Tyrosine kinases (TKs) are catalytic enzymes activated by auto-phosphorylation that function by phosphorylating tyrosine residues on downstream substrates. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been heavily exploited as cancer therapeutics, primarily due to their role in autophagy, blood vessel remodeling and inflammation. This suggests tyrosine kinase inhibition as an appealing therapeutic target for exploiting convergent mechanisms across several neurodegenerative disease (NDD) pathologies. The overlapping mechanisms of action between neurodegeneration and cancer suggest that TKIs may play a pivotal role in attenuating neurodegenerative processes, including degradation of misfolded or toxic proteins, reduction of inflammation and prevention of fibrotic events of blood vessels in the brain. In this review, we will discuss the distinct roles that select TKs have been shown to play in various disease-associated processes, as well as identify TKs that have been explored as targets for therapeutic intervention and associated pharmacological agents being investigated as treatments for NDDs.
Reimagining speech: a scoping review of deep learning-based methods for non-parallel voice conversion
Authors: Bargum Anders R. , Serafin Stefania , Erkut Cumhur
Published: August 2024

Research on deep learning-powered voice conversion (VC) in speech-to-speech scenarios are gaining increasing popularity. Although many of the works in the field of voice conversion share a common global pipeline, there is considerable diversity in the underlying structures, methods, and neural sub-blocks used across research efforts. Thus, obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind the choice of the different methods included when training voice conversion models can be challenging, and the actual hurdles in the proposed solutions are often unclear. To shed light on these aspects, this paper presents a scoping review that explores the use of deep learning in speech analysis, synthesis, and disentangled speech representation learning within modern voice conversion systems. We screened 628 publications from more than 38 venues between 2017 and 2023, followed by an in-depth review of a final database of 130 eligible studies. Based on the review, we summarise the most frequently used approaches to voice conversion based on deep learning and highlight common pitfalls. We condense the knowledge gathered to identify main challenges, supply solutions grounded in the analysis and provide recommendations for future research directions.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Patients Undergoing Lung Transplant: Single-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Pascale Renato , Tazza Beatrice , Amicucci Armando , Salvaterra Elena , Dolci Giampiero , Antonacci Filippo , Baiocchi Massimo , Pastore Saverio , Ambretti Simone , Peghin Maddalena , Viale Pierluigi , Giannella Maddalena
Published: August 2024

Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) in lung transplant recipients (LuTRs) has high heterogeneity between centers. Our aim was to investigate retrospectively the approach to PAP in our center over a 20-year period (2002–2023), and its impact on early post-operative infections (EPOIs) after lung transplantation (LuT). Primary endpoint was diagnosis of EPOI, defined as any bacterial infection including donor-derived events diagnosed within 30 days from LuT. Main exposure variables were type of PAP (combination vs. monotherapy) and PAP duration. We enrolled 111 LuTRs. PAP consisted of single-agent or combination regimens in 26 (25.2%) and 85 (74.8%) LuTR. Median PAP duration was 10 days (IQR 6–13) days. Piperacillin/tazobactam was the most common agent used either as monotherapy (n = 21, 80.7%) or as combination with levofloxacin (n = 79, 92.9%). EPOIs were diagnosed in 30 (27%) patients. At multivariable analysis no advantages were found for combination regimens compared to single-agent PAP in preventing EPOI (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 0.488–5.068, p:0.448). The impact of PAP duration on EPOIs development was investigated including duration of PAP ≤6 days as main exposure variables, without finding a significantly impact (OR:2.165, 95% CI: 0.596–7.863, p: 0.240). Our results suggest no advantages for combination regimens PAP in preventing EPOI in LuTR.
Design and Testing of an Integrated Lycium barbarum L. Harvester
Authors: Wang Yutan , Yang Chan , Gao Yaoyao , Lei Yuqing , Ma Liefei , Qu Aili
Published: August 2024

In the mechanized harvesting of Lycium barbarum L. (L. barbarum), there are prominent problems such as low harvesting efficiency, high damage rate, incomplete separation of leaves and delayed transportation. Therefore, an integrated L. barbarum harvester was designed and developed in this study, which has the functions of picking, undertaking, transportation, winnowing and collection. The design requirements and constraints were identified by cultivation agronomy. Through simulation and physical tests, the tarpaulin was determined as the undertaking material. This machine achieved efficient picking with a vibrating picker with a multi-degree-of-freedom picking arm. The two-stage conveyor belts and the intermediate receiving plate were designed for low loss transportation of fruit. The axial flow fan and secondary buffer device were used to realize winnowing and reduce the damage rate. Through the three-factor and three-level orthogonal test, an optimal working parameter combination was determined: the vibration frequency of the picker was 20 Hz, the conveyor speed was 4 m/min, the airflow speed of the fan was 7 m/s. A field test was conducted under these parameters, and the results showed that the harvesting efficiency was about five times that of manual harvesting. The integrated L. barbarum harvester basically met the harvesting requirements and provided a new scheme for mechanized harvesting.
Influence of Adding Dehydrated Medicago sativa on the Nutritional Parameters Related to Hedychium gardnerianum Silage Quality
Authors: Maduro Dias Cristiana , Nunes Hélder , Ribeiro Salomé , Madruga João , Borba Alfredo
Published: August 2024

This study investigated using Hedychium gardnerianum, an invasive plant, combined with dehydrated alfalfa (Medicago sativa) with varying percentages of alfalfa: control (0% alfalfa), T1 (10%), T2 (20%), T3 (30%), and T4 (40%), to enhance nutritional parameters in silage for ruminants in the Azores. Samples were vacuum-sealed and stored for 45 days at room temperature to promote anaerobic fermentation. Chemical analysis showed that alfalfa addition increased dry matter (DM) from 12.33% to 48.04% and crude protein from 11.34% DM to 24.63% DM. Insoluble fiber levels decreased, enhancing digestibility. In vitro fermentation indicated higher gas production in 40% alfalfa silage, suggesting faster fermentation. In conclusion, incorporating dehydrated alfalfa into Hedychium gardnerianum silage particularly enhances nutritional quality and digestibility. This approach offers a practical solution for ruminant feed in the Azores, particularly during feed scarcity periods.
Strategy for Monitoring the Blast Incidence in Crops of Bomba Rice Variety Using Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Agenjos-Moreno Alba , Rubio Constanza , Uris Antonio , Simeón Rubén , Franch Belén , Domingo Concha , Bautista Alberto San
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we investigated the monitoring and characterization of the pest Magnaporthe oryzae, known as rice blast, in the Bomba rice variety at the Albufera Natural Park, located in Valencia, Spain during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Using reflectance data from different Sentinel-2 satellite bands, various vegetative indices were calculated for each year. Significant differences in reflectance in the visible (B4), infrared (B8), red-edge (B6 and B7), and SWIR (B11) bands were detected between healthy and unhealthy fields. Additionally, variations were observed in the vegetation indices, with RVI and IRECI standing out for their higher accuracy in identifying blast-affected plots compared to NDVI and NDRE. Early differences in band values, vegetative indices, and spectral signatures were observed between the unhealthy and healthy plots, allowing for the anticipation of control treatments, whose effectiveness relies on timely intervention.
A New Species of Murina (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Yunnan, China
Authors: Mou Xin , Qian Yishun , Li Mei , Li Biao , Luo Xiong , Li Song
Published: August 2024

During an examination of various specimens previously collected from different locations and times, we discovered seven Murina specimens that had been collected in May 2023 from the Guanyinshan Provincial Nature Reserve, Yuanyang, Yunnan, China. Based on the assessment of morphological characteristics and molecular data analysis, these specimens were determined to represent a previously unidentified species, designated Murina yuanyang sp. nov.
Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens: Occurrence and Host Associations over Four Years of Wildlife Surveillance in the Liguria Region (Northwest Italy)
Authors: Guardone Lisa , Nogarol Chiara , Accorsi Annalisa , Vitale Nicoletta , Listorti Valeria , Scala Sonia , Brusadore Sonia , Miceli Ilaria Nina , Wolfsgruber Lara , Guercio Annalisa , Di Bella Santina , Grippi Francesca , Razzuoli Elisabetta , Mandola Maria Lucia
Published: August 2024

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are a considerable public health problem worldwide. The occurrence of Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia spp., and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEv) was investigated via PCR and sequencing in 683 ticks collected from 105 roe deer, 61 wild boars, 49 fallow deer, and 2 chamois, in the Liguria region, northwest Italy, between 2019 and 2022. The ticks were morphologically identified. Four different tick species were found: Ixodes ricinus (66.8% of the collected ticks), Dermacentor marginatus (15.8%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s. (15.7%), and Haemaphysalis punctata (0.9%). Six ticks (0.9%) were only identified as Rhipicephalus spp. Of the 222 pools analyzed, 27.9% were positive. Most pools (n = 58, 26.1% of pools analyzed) were positive for Rickettsia spp., and several species were found: Rickettsia slovaca was the dominant species (15.3%), followed by R. monacensis (8.1%), while R. helvetica (1.8%), R. massiliae (0.5%), and R. raoultii (0.5%) were found only sporadically. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was identified in three pools and B. burgdorferi s.l. in one pool. All samples were negative for C. burnetii and TBEv. Significant associations were found between I. ricinus and roe deer, D. marginatus and wild boar, and between R. monacensis and I. ricinus. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. differed significantly between tick and host species. This updated picture of tick species and TBPs in wild ungulates in Liguria, where the population of these animals is increasing, shows a widespread presence of potentially zoonotic Rickettsia spp. Continuous monitoring and public information on preventive measures are needed.