bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of semaglutide in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and obesity
Authors: Rehman Ayesha , Saidullah Shahab , Asad Muhammad , Gondal Umer R. , Ashraf Amna , Khan Muhammad F. , Akhtar Waheed , Mehmoodi Amin , Malik Jahanzeb
Published: May 2024

Background

Semaglutide, a once‐weekly glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist, has shown promise in weight management and cardiovascular outcomes in other populations. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of semaglutide in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients with obesity.

Methods

A retrospective study analyzed 318 patients with HFpEF, of which 104 received semaglutide and 214 received placebo. Primary endpoints included evaluating changes in exercise capacity and weight management.

Results

Semaglutide treatment led to significant improvements in the primary endpoints. Patients in the semaglutide group demonstrated substantial enhancements in exercise capacity, as measured by the 6‐min walk distance, compared to the placebo group (mean difference 15.1 meters, 95% CI 5.8 to 24.4, p = 0.002). Additionally, semaglutide resulted in substantial weight loss compared to placebo (mean difference −2.9%, 95% CI −4.1–−1.7, p = 0.001). Several secondary endpoints, including reductions in C‐reactive protein levels and improvements in other clinical parameters, further supported the efficacy of semaglutide. Adverse events were generally well‐tolerated, with no unexpected safety concerns.

Conclusion

Semaglutide demonstrated significant clinical benefits in HFpEF patients with obesity, as evidenced by improved symptoms, physical function, and weight reduction.
In‐Situ Lithium Analysis In MgLi Alloys Using Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy with a Compact Chamber
Authors: Tanra Ivan , Pardede Marincan , Karnadi Indra , Hedwig Rinda , Suliyanti Maria Margaretha , Lie Zener Sukra , Ramli Muliadi , Abdulmadjid Syahrun Nur , Khumaeni Ali , Kurniawan Davy Putra , Lie Tjung Jie , Kurniawan Koo Hendrik , Kagawa Kiichiro
Published: May 2024

This study explores the feasibility of in situ Lithium (Li) analysis in Magnesium‐Lithium (MgLi) alloys using Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). It focuses on two Li emission lines: Li I 670.8 nm (resonance) and Li I 610.4 nm (non‐resonance). Comparing characteristics at atmospheric and low pressures, self‐reversal signatures are observed in both emission lines at atmospheric pressure, complicating the analysis. Challenges in suppressing self‐reversal effect using laser energy and detection window adjustments are noted. To address this, a compact chamber (80 mm×50 mm×50 mm) with adjustable pressure (using a portable vacuum pump) is developed. Lowering the pressure significantly reduces self‐reversal effect, particularly for the Li I 610.4 nm line. This makes Li I 610.4 nm more suitable for analyzing high Lithium concentrations in MgLi alloys. Using standard samples, such as LA91 (8 % Li) and LA141 (14 % Li), the study successfully obtains Li I 610.4 nm spectra with proportional Li emission intensities. Even with a commercially affordable time‐integrated charge‐coupled device (CCD) detection system, the results indicate the efficacy of this approach for in situ Li analysis in MgLi alloys.
Bayesian Optimization for Efficient Prediction of Gas Uptake in Nanoporous Materials
Authors: Chowdhury Chandra
Published: May 2024

The discovery and optimization of novel nanoporous materials (NPMs) such as Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) are crucial for addressing global challenges like climate change, energy security, and environmental degradation. Traditional experimental approaches for optimizing these materials are time‐consuming and resource‐intensive. This research paper presents a strategy using Bayesian optimization (BO) to efficiently navigate the complex design spaces of NPMs for gas storage applications. For a MOF dataset drawn from 19 different sources, we present a quantitative evaluation of BO using a curated set of surrogate model and acquisition function couples. In our study, we employed machine learning (ML) techniques to conduct regression analysis on many models. Following this, we identified the three ML models that exhibited the highest accuracy, which were subsequently chosen as surrogates in our investigation, including the conventional Gaussian Process (GP) model. We found that GP with expected improvement (EI) as the acquisition function but without a gamma prior which is standard in Bayesian Optimisation python library (BO Torch) outperforms other surrogate models. Additionally, it should be noted that while the machine learning model that exhibits superior performance in predicting the target variable may be considered the best choice, it may not necessarily serve as the most suitable surrogate model for BO. This observation has significant importance and warrants further investigation. This comprehensive framework accelerates the pace of materials discovery and addresses urgent needs in energy storage and environmental sustainability. It is to be noted that rather than identifying new MOFs, BO primarily enhances computational efficiency by reducing the reliance on more demanding calculations, such as those involved in Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) or Density Functional Theory (DFT).
Self‐attention convolutional neural network optimized with Remora Optimization Algorithm for energy aware resource management in Non‐orthogonal Multiple Access networks
Authors: Dani W. Vinil , Praveen K. V. , Murugesan S. , Ramshankar N.
Published: May 2024

Non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is an efficient technology for future wireless communication systems. The resource management on NOMA networks is flattering for improving energy efficiency (EE) of systems. Therefore, self‐attention convolutional neural network (SACNN) optimized with Remora Optimization Algorithm (ROA) for energy aware resource management in NOMA network (SACNN‐ROA‐EE) is proposed in this paper for solving user allocation, channel allocation, and power allocation problems. The Matching‐Coalition approach is considered to face the user allocation issue, and the SACNN is considered to face the channel allocation and power allocation problems. SACNN does not adopt any optimization methods to determine the optimal parameters in channel allocation and power allocation. Therefore, the ROA is applied to optimize the SACNN weight parameters. The proposed technique is activated in MATLAB, and its efficacy is analyzed with under performances metrics, such as minimum user rate, sum rate, energy, and spectral performance. The proposed SACNN‐ROA‐EE attains 24.35%, 27.84%, and 38.58% better sum rate and 27.45%, 43.28%, 30.56% better EE compared with existing methods, such as EE utilizing communication deep neural network optimized with power allocation optimization (PAO‐CDNN‐EE), EE under deep transfer deterministic policy gradient along deep deterministic policy gradient approach (DPPGA‐DTDPPG‐EE), and EE utilizing deep reinforcement learning with baseline algorithms (BA‐DRL‐EE), respectively.
Origin of ferruginous coated grains in the Lower Jurassic palustrine limestones of the Pranhita–Godavari Basin, India
Authors: Datta Shantanu , Sain Arnab , Goswami Suparna , Ghosh Parthasarathi , Arenas Abad Concepción
Published: May 2024

The formation of calcareous coated grains like ooids and oncoids have been extensively researched. In contrast, the origin and genesis of ferruginous coated grains are less clear. Radically different processes like surficial weathering, hydrothermal exhalation and microbial activity have been advocated for the source of iron and the development of coatings. Modern examples are sparse and from marine environments affected by igneous activity. This study presents the features of ferruginous coated grains found in freshwater lacustrine–palustrine deposits of the Lower Jurassic syn‐rift strata of the Pranhita–Godavari Basin, India. The coated grains occur in metre‐thick lenticular bodies of nodular limestones enclosed in black mudstones containing plant debris and sulphates (gypsum and baryte). In the nodular limestones, sand‐size coated grains, along with chert and quartz grains, float in a micritic groundmass. Angular quartz grains embedded in dark, amorphous haematite–goethite constitute the nuclei of the coated grains. Cortices comprise numerous, thin, wavy laminae of goethite with trapped detrital grains. These coated grains are typically devoid of carbonates, although the outermost part of the cortex is replaced by calcite spars to varying extent. The black mudstone‐nodular limestone association occurs in between siliciclastic lacustrine deposits (laminated red and green mudstones) below, and the palustrine limestones‐green shale association above. The palustrine limestones contain remains of aquatic organisms, evidence of desiccation, paedogenesis, microbial‐mat formation, chert, baryte and gypsum layers. A few decimetre‐scale, wedge‐shaped, flood‐derived cross‐bedded sandstones occur locally. Due to the proximity of the depositional area to the marginal fault system of the rift basin and association of the limestones containing coated grains with sub‐aerially weathered microbialites, these ferruginous coated grains are ideally poised for a comparative assessment of various hypotheses of solute supply and precipitation. Based on field, microscopic and chemical characteristics, it is possible to conclude that microbially mediated precipitation in hydrothermal (hot spring)‐influenced pools is the most probable origin for these ferruginous coated grains.
The relative importance of metabolic rate and body size to space use behavior in aquatic invertebrates
Authors: Shokri Milad , Marrocco Vanessa , Cozzoli Francesco , Vignes Fabio , Basset Alberto
Published: May 2024

Elucidating the underlying mechanisms behind variations of animal space and resource use is crucial to pinpoint relevant ecological phenomena. Organism's traits related to its energy requirements might be central in explaining behavioral variation, as the ultimate goal of a forager is to fulfill its energy requirements. However, it has remained poorly understood how energy requirements and behavioral patterns are functionally connected. Here we aimed to assess how body mass and standard metabolic rate (SMR) influence behavioral patterns in terms of cumulative space use and time spent in an experimental patchy environment, both within species and among individuals irrespective of species identity. We measured the behavioral patterns and SMR of two invertebrate species, that is, amphipod Gammarus insensibilis, and isopod Lekanesphaera monodi, individually across a range of body masses. We found that species of G. insensibilis have higher SMR level, in addition to cumulatively exploring a larger space than L. monodi. Cumulative space use scaled allometrically with body mass, and it scaled isometrically with SMR in both species. While time spent similarly in both species was characterized by negative body mass and SMR dependence, it was observed that L. monodi individuals tended to stay longer in resource patches compared to G. insensibilis individuals. Our results further showed that within species, body mass and metabolic rate explained a similar amount of variation in behavior modes. However, among individuals, regardless of species identity, SMR had stronger predictive power for behavioral modes compared to body mass. This suggests that SMR might offer a more generalized and holistic description of behavioral patterns that extend beyond species identity. Our study on the metabolic and body mass scaling of space and resource use behavior sheds light on higher‐order ecological processes such as species' competitive coexistence along the spatial and trophic dimensions.
Niche dimensions in soil oribatid mite community assembly under native and introduced tree species
Authors: Noske Johanna Elisabeth , Lu Jing‐Zhong , Schaefer Ina , Maraun Mark , Scheu Stefan , Chen Ting‐Wen
Published: May 2024

Forest soils are a critical component of terrestrial ecosystems and host a large number of animal decomposer species. One diverse and abundant decomposer taxon is oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida), whose species composition varies with forest type and tree species composition. We used functional traits that indicate different niche dimensions, to infer assembly processes of oribatid mite communities in monocultures and mixed forests of native and introduced tree species. We found that coexisting species differed more in the resource‐related niche dimension, i.e., reproductive mode and trophic guild, than in the morphological dimension, e.g., body length and width, sclerotization and concealability. These results suggest that both filtering and partitioning processes structure oribatid mite communities. In native European beech forests, but not in non‐native Douglas fir forests, oribatid mites were mainly structured by filtering processes acting via traits related both to environmental tolerance and to resources. Furthermore, oribatid mite trait diversity, but not phylogenetic diversity, differed significantly between monocultures and mixed forests, demonstrating that multidimensional diversity indices provide additional information on soil biodiversity. Overall, the study provides evidence that traits representing different niche dimensions need to be considered for understanding assembly processes in soil animal communities and thereby soil biodiversity.
Extending trait dispersion across trophic levels: Predator assemblages act as top‐down filters on prey communities
Authors: Gross Collin P. , Stachowicz John J.
Published: May 2024

Studies of community assembly typically focus on the effects of abiotic environmental filters and stabilizing competition on functional trait dispersion within single trophic levels. Predation is a well‐known driver of community diversity and composition, yet the role of functionally diverse predator communities in filtering prey community traits has received less attention. We examined functionally diverse communities of predators (fishes) and prey (epifaunal crustaceans) in eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds in two northern California estuaries to evaluate the filtering effects of predator traits on community assembly and how filters acting on predators influence their ability to mediate prey community assembly. Fish traits related to bottom orientation were correlated with more clustered epifauna communities, and epifauna were generally overdispersed while fishes were clustered, suggesting prey may be pushed to disparate areas of trait space to avoid capture by benthic sit‐and‐wait predators. We also found correlations between the trait dispersions of predator and prey communities that strengthened after accounting for the effects of habitat filters on predator dispersion, suggesting that habitat filtering effects on predator species pools may hinder their ability to affect prey community assembly. Our results present compelling observational evidence that specific predator traits have measurable impacts on the community assembly of prey, inviting experimental tests of predator trait means on community assembly and explicit comparisons of how the relative effects of habitat filters and intraguild competition on predators impact their ability to affect prey community assembly. Integrating our understanding of traits at multiple trophic levels can help us better predict the impacts of community composition on food web dynamics as regional species pools shift with climate change and anthropogenic introductions.
Homeostatic T helper 17 cell responses triggered by complex microbiota are maintained in ex vivo intestinal tissue slices
Authors: Beneke Valerie , Grieger Klaudia M. , Hartwig Christina , Müller Jan , Sohn Kai , Blaudszun André‐René , Hilger Nadja , Schaudien Dirk , Fricke Stephan , Braun Armin , Sewald Katherina , Hesse Christina
Published: May 2024

Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) are members of the commensal intestinal microbiome. They are known to contribute to the postnatal maturation of the gut immune system, but also to augment inflammatory conditions in chronic diseases such as Crohn's disease. Living primary tissue slices are ultrathin multicellular sections of the intestine and provide a unique opportunity to analyze tissue‐specific immune responses ex vivo. This study aimed to investigate whether supplementation of the gut flora with SFB promotes T helper 17 (Th17) cell responses in primary intestinal tissue slices ex vivo. Primary tissue slices were prepared from the small intestine of healthy Taconic mice with SFB‐positive and SFB‐negative microbiomes and stimulated with anti‐CD3/CD28 or Concanavalin A. SFB‐positive and ‐negative mice exhibited distinct microbiome compositions and Th17 cell frequencies in the intestine and complex microbiota including SFB induced up to 15‐fold increase in Th17 cell‐associated mediators, serum amyloid A (SAA), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) responses ex vivo. This phenotype could be transmitted by co‐housing of mice. Our findings highlight that changes in the gut microbiome can be observed in primary intestinal tissue slices ex vivo. This makes the system very attractive for disease modeling and assessment of new therapies.
Square‐Planar Copper(II) complexes from a Zwitterionic Schiff‐Base N2/N2/2‐Donor Ligand: DNA Interaction and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Grau Jordi , Montpeyó David , Lorenzo Julia , Roubeau Olivier , Caubet Amparo , Gamez Patrick
Published: May 2024

A new tetradentate ligand, namely 3,3′‐((1E,1′E)‐(ethane‐1,2‐diylbis(azaneylylidene))bis(methaneylylidene))bis(pyridin‐2‐amine) (en2ampy) was prepared and two copper(II) complexes, viz. [Cu(en2ampy)]Cl2 (1) and [Cu(en2ampy)](NO3)2 (2), were obtained through its reaction with copper(II) chloride and copper(II) nitrate, respectively. The single‐crystal X‐ray structure of the compounds showed that the metal centre was coordinated in a square‐planar fashion by a doubly deprotonated en2ampy acting as a tetradentate
/
‐donor ligand. DNA‐binding studies revealed that 1 and 2 were electrostatically binding to DNA, probably in the grooves and cytotoxicity assays showed that the complexes were clearly more efficient than cisplatin against ovarian carcinoma (A2780) cells and the cisplatin‐resistant (A2780Cis) ones.
Visible‐Light‐Mediated Catalyst and Additive‐Free C(sp3)‐H Phosphorylation of Glycine Ester Derivatives
Authors: Wang Shan , Sha Xuefei , Wu Zhaotian , Su Baoyi , Zheng Shaojun , Jiang Chunhui , Lu Hongfei
Published: May 2024

We herein report a visible light induced dehydrogenative phosphonylation reaction of glycine derivatives and di‐aryl phosphine oxides. A diverse range of phosphine‐glycine derivatives were constructed under ambient condition in the absence of catalyst and additives. A plausible mechanism was also proposed.
Five Higher Education Myths
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: May 2024

A myth is a widely held but false belief or idea. Although there are more, I have identified five myths in higher education today that I think would be of interest to deans, administrators, and researchers.
Facilitator, Meg Bolger, says we can all hone this skill
Authors: May Rachel
Published: May 2024

Facilitator, Meg Bolger, helps people move through difficult conversations, and has been training professional facilitators for the past 10 years. She's in her element in moments most of us might try to avoid, but notes that we are likely doing this work without realizing it. Anyone who leads a meeting, teaches a class, or supervises people is a facilitator, and can hone those skills to deepen engagement within the group.
Erin Mason: Drawing strength from life's vulnerabilities
Authors: D’Orio Wayne
Published: May 2024

If you happened to wander down the Delaware hallway at this year's AACRAO meeting around 9:30 a.m. April 9th, you might have spotted the most vulnerable moment of the conference. At a session cheekily titled “80 years of mistakes and how to avoid them,” Erin Mason was telling the packed room about the emotional journey she's taken across four jobs and three states.
Modified xanthan gum (natural polymeric material) and its derivative for wastewater treatment: A review
Authors: Kashaudhan Kopal , Pande Poorn Prakash , Sharma Jyoti , Shankar Ravi , Nath Amar
Published: May 2024

Naturally occurring xanthan gum (XG) has much commercial importance because of its excellent physicochemical, eco‐friendly, and non‐toxic properties. It is used in various applications like protein extraction, wastewater treatment, tissue engineering, drug delivery, food packaging, and so forth. XG is a natural material, and it has some limitations related to the mechanical stress, thermal stability, and hydration. To overcome the limitation, XG can be modified by adding third component or modification of operation for specific applications. XG can be modified by physical, genetically, enzymatically, or chemical processes. Revamped XG also enhances the efficiency toward adsorbing toxic metal ions and organics from synthetic or industrial effluents. The emphasis of present review article is to address the structural characteristics along with the focus on the developing chemically modified XG like grafted, cross‐linked, nanocomposites, and functionally modified biopolymer. However, this review commences thorough discussion on numerous ways of modifications, which can be attempted in XG structure, expanding its applications for heavy metal ion along with dye removal.
Experimental study of a scaled bridge model with a unidirectional rocking isolation bearing system (Uni‐RIBS) through shaking table tests
Authors: He Xinhao , Tajiri Yoshihiro , Unjoh Shigeki , Yamazaki Shinsuke , Noro Tadayuki
Published: May 2024

This study presents the experimental results on a scaled bridge model with a newly proposed unidirectional rocking isolation bearing system (referred to as Uni‐RIBS) on a shaking table. The bridge model features one superstructure girder and four bearings. The experimental input encompassed a variety of recorded, design, and harmonic ground motions, characterized by differing peak accelerations, with or without vertical components, and time‐scaled attributes. The superstructure girder's mass was altered for two conditions (full and half). The test results validate the rocking mechanism inherent in the Uni‐RIBS and demonstrate the analytical model's accuracy in predicting the system's dynamics, including its negative stiffness, mass‐independent, and energy dissipation characteristics during bearing rotation reversals. Additionally, this study examines the effectiveness of a simplified numerical model in varying complexities for predicting the seismic responses of the bridge model.
Storm overtopping of a marine terrace at the penultimate stage of evolution
Authors: Horton Sophie L. , Dickson Mark E. , Stephenson Wayne J. , Hall Brendan S.
Published: May 2024

The youngest uplifted marine terrace at Kahutara Point on Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand, is undergoing rapid retreat (backwear) despite being fronted by a wide contemporary shore platform that attenuates wave energy. In this paper, wave energy and water level were recorded across the shore platform, and these data were used to model (a) how frequently waves reach the terrace riser and potentially erode it and (b) how frequently waves overtop the terrace. Analyses of wave data across shore normal transects show that under quiescent and storm conditions >90% of the energy delivered to the back beach and terrace riser is at infragravity frequencies (i.e., <0.05 Hz). Significant wave heights are reduced in a landward direction for both gravity (Hm0H) and infragravity (Hm0L) wave frequencies, with 50%–80% of Hm0H and 20%–50% of Hm0L reduced between seaward and landward sensors. Wave energy during quiescent conditions is strongly attenuated at the seaward margin whereas under storm conditions, proportionally more energy is delivered to the marine terrace riser. The development of a simple inundation model at Māhia reveals that the northern flank of Kahutara Point is more vulnerable to wave inundation, with 17 storms overtopping the youngest marine terrace between 1980 and 2020. Furthermore, despite there being no evidence of a 1‐in‐100 year storm event occurring at Māhia since 1980, there has been an increase in storminess since 2013. Changes in storm frequency may have offset decreases in wave energy (from energy attenuation) with increased platform width associated with marine terrace retreat.
Portfolio management based on a reinforcement learning framework
Authors: Junfeng Wu , Yaoming Li , Wenqing Tan , Yun Chen
Published: May 2024

Portfolio management is crucial for investors. We propose a dynamic portfolio management framework based on reinforcement learning using the proximal policy optimization algorithm. The two‐part framework includes a feature extraction network and a full connected network. First, the majority of the previous research on portfolio management based on reinforcement learning has been dedicated to discrete action spaces. We propose a potential solution to the problem of a continuous action space with a constraint (i.e., the sum of the portfolio weights is equal to 1). Second, we explore different feature extraction networks (i.e., convolutional neural network [CNN], long short‐term memory [LSTM] network, and convolutional LSTM network) combined with our system, and we conduct extensive experiments on the six kinds of assets, including 16 features. The empirical results show that the CNN performs best in the test set. Last, we discuss the effect of the trading frequency on our trading system and find that the monthly trading frequency has a higher Sharpe ratio in the test set than other trading frequencies.
Examining primary healthcare services following earthquake shocks in Turkiye: A critical analysis of the initial 3 months and the vital role of humanitarian policy transfer for rapid response
Authors: Özbek Cuma Ali , Hatunoğlu Cem
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this article is to discuss the importance of policy transfer by humanitarian NGOs to post‐disaster regions and the effectiveness of mobile Primary Health Care (PHC) services immediately after disasters. This study also focused on analysing the first 3 months aftermath of the earthquake and assessed the changes in the access and needs of vulnerable groups in emergency response creation and systematic interventions after disasters. In disasters that require urgent response such as earthquakes, the importance of the existing NGOs (Such as MdM) capacity in the countries has emerged in terms of rapid response and experience sharing. During the field work, it is observed that MdM Mobile Medical Units (MMU) teams had played a key role in terms of tracking PHC needs, functioning as early warning system for epidemics, and prevention of communicable diseases in the EQ effected areas. In this aspect, the changes in diagnoses in the first trimester is examined using the comparative analysis methods. This study used a cross‐sectional mixed‐method approach in terms of objective evaluation. The results from a quantitative needs assessment were complemented by qualitative data. Herein, the data were collected in two stages: First, primary data was collected through the field activities of MMU, and second field‐based assessments was conducted with health professionals who have been working in the MMU teams since the first moments of the earthquake.
Having fun and thriving: The impact of fun human resource practices on employees' autonomous motivation and thriving at work
Authors: Han Xue , Li Yuhui , Li Jie
Published: May 2024

Research interest in thriving at work has burgeoned over the past decades, but little is known about how human resource (HR) practices affect employees' thriving at work. Drawing upon self‐determination theory and person‐organization fit theory, we developed and tested a moderated mediation model to explain how fun HR practices influence employees' thriving at work. The results of two studies, a scenario experiment (N = 164) and a time‐lagged survey (N = 253), supported our hypotheses. Specifically, the findings revealed that fun HR practices relates positively to employees' thriving at work. Autonomous motivation partially mediates the abovementioned relationship. Furthermore, fun HR practices translate into higher autonomous motivation and subsequent thriving at work for employees with higher preference for workplace fun. Our research contributes to the existing literature by identifying fun HR practices as an antecedent of thriving at work and revealing the psychological mechanisms through which fun HR practices affect employees' thriving at work. The practical implications, limitations, and future research avenues are also discussed.
Comprehensive evaluation of a new automatic scoring system for cleanliness assessment in video capsule endoscopy
Authors: Handa Palak , Goel Nidhi , Indu Sreedevi , Gunjan Deepak
Published: May 2024

A reliable, quick‐to‐assess, and automatic scoring system for cleanliness assessment in video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is presently not available. The present study proposes an approach to automatically assess the cleanliness in VCE frames as per the latest scoring system, that is, Korea‐Canada (KODA). First, a new multi‐label frame dataset containing medical scores of 28 VCE videos was generated through the proposed mobile‐based application called Artificial Intelligence‐KODA (AI‐KODA) score. The scores were saved automatically in real‐time through the application. The generated dataset was transformed into three datasets based on the scores, and each of the dataset was then randomly split into train:validate:test ratio of 60:20:20. Second, a comprehensive evaluation, interpretation, and benchmarking of the three classification tasks were performed with the help of eight transfer learning algorithms on NVIDIA RTX A5000 workstation. Thorough analysis indicates that AI‐KODA utilized with AI is reliable, quick‐to‐access, and free from observer bias. It promotes automatic scoring system for cleanliness assessment in VCE. The meta‐data is available here (link).
Curcumin affects autophagy of prolactinoma cells by upregulating miR‐206 to exert antitumor effects
Authors: Duan Jia‐feng , Zhang Qiu‐juan , Zhu Jin , Lu Jia‐hui
Published: May 2024

We explored the effects of curcumin on the aberrant biological behaviors of prolactinoma cells and the downstream pathways through which curcumin exerts its antitumor effects. We used quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction assays to measure miR‐206 expression levels in peripheral blood samples from patients with prolactinoma before and after curcumin treatment. We also investigated the proliferation level, viability, and invasion ability of groups of cells treated with different concentrations of curcumin using 3‐(4,5)‐dimethylthiahiazo (‐z‐y1)‐3‐di‐phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assays, cell cloning assays, and Transwell assays, respectively. Furthermore, we determined the levels of autophagy‐related proteins and protein kinase B/mammalian target of the rapamycin (Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway‐related proteins in each group of treated cells by western blot. Curcumin treatment upregulated miR‐206 expression levels in the peripheral blood of patients with prolactinoma and in GH3 cells. Knockdown of miR‐206 expression enhanced the proliferation and invasive ability of GH3 cells, while curcumin treatment effectively inhibited the aberrant biological behavior of GH3 cells enhanced by miR‐206 knockdown. miR‐206 knockdown also activated the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and inhibited autophagy in GH3 cells, and these changes were effectively reversed by curcumin treatment. Thus, curcumin inhibited the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and promoted cell autophagy by miR‐206 upregulation, resulting in antitumor effects that inhibited prolactinoma cell proliferation and invasion.
Biochanin A mitigates ulcerative colitis and intestinal inflammation in mice by inhibiting MAPK/NF‐kB (p65) axis
Authors: Kulhari Uttam , Rajanan Ashitha , Ambujakshan Anju , Verma Smriti , Mugale Madhav Nilakanth , Sahu Bidya Dhar
Published: May 2024

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic problem of the intestine and relapsing in nature. Biochanin A is a nature‐derived isoflavonoid and has numerous bioactivities. However, its role against UC and intestinal inflammation remains obscure. We aimed to comprehensively explore the pharmacological effect of biochanin A in alleviating colitis and to evaluate the potential mechanisms. Initially, we explored the anti‐inflammatory action of biochanin A (15, 30, and 60 μM) by employing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐activated RAW 264.7 cells. In RAW 264.7 cells under LPS stimulation, biochanin A inhibited the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p < 0.0001), interleukin (IL)−1β (p < 0.0001), IL‐18 (p < 0.01), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α (p < 0.01) release, nitrite production (p < 0.0001), and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) proteins. Next, we studied the effectiveness of biochanin A (20 and 40 mg/kg) in mouse colitis induced with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) by assessing colon length, disease activity index (DAI) scoring, and performing colonoscopy and histological analysis. The pro‐inflammatory cytokines were estimated using ELISA. Western blot studies were performed to assess underlying mechanisms. In mice, biochanin A treatment alleviated DAI score (p < 0.0001), restored colon length (p < 0.05) and morphology, and re‐established colon histopathology. Biochanin A affects the phosphorylation of proteins associated with NF‐κB (p65) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) axis and regulates colonic inflammation by reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Altogether, our findings support the idea that the anticolitis potential of biochanin A is allied with anti‐inflammatory activity by inhibiting the MAPK/NF‐κB (p65) axis. Hence, biochanin A may be an alternative option to alleviate the risk of colitis.
The miR‐29‐3p family suppresses inflammatory osteolysis
Authors: Shin Bongjin , Hrdlicka Henry C. , Karki Sangita , Fraser Brianna , Lee Sun‐Kyeong , Delany Anne M.
Published: May 2024

Osteoclasts are the cells primarily responsible for inflammation‐induced bone loss, as is particularly seen in rheumatoid arthritis. Increasing evidence suggests that osteoclasts formed under homeostatic versus inflammatory conditions may differ in phenotype. While microRNA‐29‐3p family members (miR‐29a‐3p, miR‐29b‐3p, miR‐29c‐3p) promote the function of RANKL‐induced osteoclasts, the role of miR‐29‐3p during inflammatory TNF‐α‐induced osteoclastogenesis is unknown. We used bulk RNA‐seq, histology, qRT‐PCR, reporter assays, and western blot analysis to examine bone marrow monocytic cell cultures and tissue from male mice in which the function of miR‐29‐3p family members was decreased by expression of a miR‐29‐3p tough decoy (TuD) competitive inhibitor in the myeloid lineage (LysM‐cre). We found that RANKL‐treated monocytic cells expressing the miR‐29‐3p TuD developed a hypercytokinemia/proinflammatory gene expression profile in vitro, which is associated with macrophages. These data support the concept that miR‐29‐3p suppresses macrophage lineage commitment and may have anti‐inflammatory effects. In correlation, when miR‐29‐3p activity was decreased, TNF‐α‐induced osteoclast formation was accentuated in an in vivo model of localized osteolysis and in a cell‐autonomous manner in vitro. Further, miR‐29‐3p targets mouse TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1/Tnfrsf1a), an evolutionarily conserved regulatory mechanism, which likely contributes to the increased TNF‐α signaling sensitivity observed in the miR‐29‐3p decoy cells. Whereas our previous studies demonstrated that the miR‐29‐3p family promotes RANKL‐induced bone resorption, the present work shows that miR‐29‐3p dampens TNF‐α‐induced osteoclastogenesis, indicating that miR‐29‐3p has pleiotropic effects in bone homeostasis and inflammatory osteolysis. Our data supports the concept that the knockdown of miR‐29‐3p activity could prime myeloid cells to respond to an inflammatory challenge and potentially shift lineage commitment toward macrophage, making the miR‐29‐3p family a potential therapeutic target for modulating inflammatory response.
Can diet change the natural history of gastrointestinal diseases?
Authors: Quigley Eamonn M M
Published: May 2024

Belatedly, gastroenterologists have begun to pay attention to the role of diet in the exacerbation of gastrointestinal symptoms in many digestive disorders—a recognition that has spurred both high‐quality clinical trials and translational research into this area. It has become clear that multiple mechanisms acting either in isolation or together can induce gut symptoms and that appropriate interventions can lead to significant relief. What this review will explore is not the role of diet in the production of certain symptoms or symptom clusters, but rather whether a dietary intervention can beneficially alter the natural history of a gastrointestinal disease—a much more demanding expectation. Yet there are examples of where a diet, if sustained, can have a long‐term impact on at least some of those affected by conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis, celiac disease, food allergy, and constipation.
Evolution, adaptation, and new applications of the FODMAP diet
Authors: O'Brien Leigh , Kasti Arezina , Halmos Emma P. , Tuck Caroline , Varney Jane
Published: May 2024

The FODMAP diet has been a treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for many years. Rigorous scientific evaluation and clinical application of the FODMAP diet have generated deep understanding regarding clinical efficacy, mechanisms of action, and potential adverse effects of this dietary approach. In turn, this knowledge has allowed fine‐tuning of the diet to optimize treatment benefits and minimize risks, in the form of the traditional three‐phase diet; the FODMAP‐gentle approach, which is a less restrictive iteration; and a proposed FODMAP‐modified, Mediterranean‐style diet which endeavours to optimise both gastrointestinal symptoms and other health parameters. Furthermore, recognition that IBS‐like symptoms feature in other conditions has seen the FODMAP diet tested in non‐IBS populations, including in older adults with diarrhea and women with endometriosis. These areas represent new frontiers for the FODMAP diet and a space to watch as future research evaluates the validity of these novel clinical applications.
Positive impacts of universal newborn screening on the outcome of children with sickle cell disease in the province of Quebec: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kazadi Costa , Ducruet Thierry , Forté Stéphanie , Robitaille Nancy , Pastore Yves
Published: May 2024

A universal newborn screening program for sickle cell disease (uNS‐SCD) was implemented in the province of Québec (Qc) in November 2013, close in time to the recommendation of early initiation of hydroxyurea (HU) therapy for children. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the impact of such a program on children first seen between January 2000 and December 2019. Cohorts pre‐SCD‐uNS in Qc (pre‐QcNS) (n = 253) and post‐QcNS (n = 157) for patients seen prior to or after Nov 2013 were compared. Kaplan‐Meier curves, Poisson regression, and logistic regressions were used for statistical analysis, using Software R version 4.2.1. Median age at first visit decreased significantly from 14.4 [interquartile range: 2.4–72.0] to 1.2 months [1.2–57.6] (p < 0.001). The percentage of children born in Qc undiagnosed at birth and referred after a first SCD‐related complication dropped from 42.6% to 0.0% (p < 0.0001). The median age of HU introduction for patients with SS/Sβ°‐thalassemia decreased from 56.4 [31.2–96.0] to 9.0 months post‐QcNS [8.0–12.1] (p < 0.001). Event‐free survival improved significantly for any type of hospitalization as well as for vaso‐occlusive crisis (VOC) (140–257 days (p < 0.001) and 1320 vs. 573 days (p < 0.002), respectively), resulting in a reduction from 2 [interquartile range: 1.0–3.0] to 1.0 hospitalizations/patient‐year [0.6–1.4] (p < 0.001). Children with SS/Sβ°‐thalassemia referred post‐QcNS also had fewer emergency department visits for VOC (RR: 0.69, 95% confidence interval: 0.54–0.88). The Universal NS program allows early detection and referral of children with SCD to comprehensive care centers. Earlier access ensures that children benefit from essential preventive interventions, reducing disease burden. This cohort study highlights that uNS‐SCD is an essential public health measure.
Mediation of White Matter Alterations in the Association Between Ventricular Dilation and Cognitive Decline in Hydrocephalus Patients: An MRI Study
Authors: Xiao Yawen , Gui Yifei , Dai Jiankun , Zhao Heng , Rao Zhongliang , Luo Dan , Deng Xinru , Xiao Xinlan
Published: May 2024

Background

Cognitive impairment is commonly observed in hydrocephalus patients. Ventricular enlargement compresses brain parenchyma, especially the white matter (WM).

Purpose

To investigate whether the relationship between ventricular dilation and cognitive decline in hydrocephalus patients is mediated by WM alterations.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

51 communicating hydrocephalus patients (median age, 54 years), 50 obstructive hydrocephalus patients (median age, 49 years), and 53 control subjects (median age, 50 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

Diffusion tensors imaging, 3D T1 BRAVO, 3D FIESTA, CUBE T2, and FLAIR sequences at 3T.

Assessment

DTI parameters (skeletonized fractional anisotropy (FA), skeletonized mean diffusivity (MD), and peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity p(PSMD)) were extracted using FSL software. Global, periventricular, and deep white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes, degree of ventricular enlargement (Evans index), and other conventional imaging markers (number of lacunes and perivascular spaces, intracranial and brain volume) were extracted using united imaging intelligence. Cognitive tests included Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), clock drawing test (CDT), and vocabulary fluency test (VFT).

Statistical Tests

Multivariable linear regression analysis, mediation analyses, and dominance analysis. P‐value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The degree of ventricular dilation, DTI parameters, and cognitive function scores were interrelated. The skeletonized FA values (β = −0.0917, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.205, −0.024) and normalized global WMH volume (β = −0.0635, 95% CI: −0.13, −0.0005) together mediated 37.2% of the association between Evans index and MoCA. A comparable causal pathway was found for periventricular WMHs but not for deep WMHs. Dominance analysis indicated skeletonized FA values had a greater impact on cognition than WMH volume. The skeletonized FA values also mediated the association between Evans index and CDT (β = −0.0897, 95% CI: −0.165, −0.026) and VFT (β = −0.1589, 95% CI: −0.27, −0.083).

Conclusion

WM alterations were causal mediators between ventricular dilation and cognitive decline in hydrocephalus patients.

Evidence Level

3.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3.
The impact of hyperbaric oxygen treatment for cardiovascular implantable electronic devices
Authors: Goto Kentaro , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Oyaizu Takuya , Negishi Miho , Ikenouchi Takashi , Yamamoto Tasuku , Kawamura Iwanari , Nishimura Takuro , Takamiya Tomomasa , Tao Susumu , Takigawa Masateru , Yagishita Kazuyoshi , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The safety of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO2) in patients with cardiovascular implanted electronic devices (CIED) remains unclear.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of seven CIED patients (median age 79 [73–83] years, five males [71.4%]), including five with pacemakers and two with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), who underwent HBO2 between June 2013 and April 2023. During the initial session, electrocardiogram monitoring was conducted, and CIED checks were performed before and after the treatment. In addition, the medical records were scrutinized to identify any abnormal CIED operations.

Results

All seven CIED patients underwent HBO2 within the safety pressure range specified by the CIED manufacturers or general pressure test by the International Organization for Standardization (2.5 [2.5–2.5] atmosphere absolute × 18 [5–20] sessions). When comparing the CIED parameters before and after HBO2, no significant changes were observed in the waveform amplitudes, pacing thresholds, lead impedance of the atrial and ventricular leads, or battery levels. All seven patients, including two with the rate response function activated, exhibited no significant changes in the pacing rate or pacing failure. Two ICD patients did not deactivate the therapy, including the defibrillation; however, they did not experience any arrhythmia or inappropriate ICD therapy during the HBO2.

Conclusion

CIED patients who underwent HBO2 within the safety pressure range exhibited no significant changes in the parameters immediately after the HBO2 and had no observable abnormal CIED operations during the treatment. The safety of defibrillation by an ICD during HBO2 should be clarified.
Incidence of fungal contamination in fresh ginseng samples and mycotoxigenic potential of representative fungal isolates
Authors: Choi Jang Nam , Kim So Soo , Baek Ji Seon , Park Jin Ju , Choi Jung Hye , Lee Mi Jeong , Jang Ja Yeong , Kim Jeom Soon , Lee Theresa
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Fresh ginseng is typically accompanied by soil after harvest, leading to contamination with harmful fungi during storage and distribution. In this study, we investigated the incidence of fungal contamination in fresh ginseng (5–6 years old) purchased from 22 different stores in Geumsan, Korea.

RESULTS

The incidence of fungal contamination in the samples was 67.4–111.5%. Fusarium solani was the most abundant species in the head (38.5%) and fine root (19.3%) parts of the ginseng samples, whereas F. oxysporum was the most abundant in the main root (22.0%) part. We isolated Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium spp. (total number of isolates: 395) from the ginseng samples, and 138 isolates were identified using phylogenetic analysis. Polymerase chain reaction‐based screening of 65 mycotoxin‐producing species revealed that two P. expansum isolates were positive for citrinin and/or patulin, and five F. oxysporum isolates were positive for fumonisin biosynthesis gene. One P. expansum isolate produced 738.0 mg kg−1 patulin, and the other produced 10.4 mg kg−1 citrinin and 12.0 mg kg−1 patulin on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. Among the 47 representative F. oxysporum isolates, 43 (91.5%) produced beauvericin (0.1–15.4 mg kg−1) and four of them (8.5%) produced enniatin B and enniatin B1 (0.1–1.8 mg kg−1) as well. However, none of these toxins was detected in fresh ginseng samples.

CONCLUSION

Fusarium solani and F. oxysporum were the most abundant species in fresh ginseng samples. Most F. oxysporum (43) and P. expansum (2) strains isolated from fresh ginseng produced beauvericin and enniatins (B and B1), and patulin or citrinin, respectively, on PDA medium. This is the first report of the mycotoxigenic potential of P. expansum and F. oxysporum strains isolated from fresh ginseng. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.