bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel ideas for the comprehensive evaluation of varus knee osteoarthritis: radiological measurements of the morphology of the lateral knee joint
Authors: Ma Wenru , Wang Fengkun , Sun Shengnan , Ding Lei , Wang Lu , Yu Tengbo , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2023

Background

The lateral anatomical and morphological characteristics of knees with varus knee osteoarthritis (OA) have not received sufficient attention. This study used several radiological parameters to describe the morphological characteristics of the lateral knee with OA to determine whether there are relationships between varus knee OA and parameters such as lateral plateau widening (LPW), proximal fibula curvature (PFC), and fibula height (FH).

Methods

The study retrospectively analyzed 1072 subjects who underwent standard radiography for diagnosing or evaluating symptomatic knee joint disease. The 163 Kellgren and Lawrence (K–L) grades 0 and I knees were categorized into the no-knee-OA group, and the 909 K–L grades II–IV knees were classified into the knee-OA group. Medial proximal tibial angle, joint line convergence angle, hip–knee–ankle angle, LPW, PFC, and FH were measured. T tests and chi-square tests were used to compare each index between the two groups. Binary logistic regression was performed to examine the correlation between indexes and knee OA occurrence. Ordinal logistic analysis, principal component analysis, and multivariable linear regression analysis were performed to examine the correlations between the three lateral parameters and K–L grades and the degree of varus deformity.

Results

LPW and PFC were significantly greater and FH was significantly smaller in the knee-OA group than in the no-knee-OA group. LPW, PFC, and FH were correlated with knee OA occurrence. One principal component, named the comprehensive principal component score of varus deformity, was extracted from the three indexes, and the total variance of the principal component interpretation was 76.60%. Ordinal logistics and multivariable linear regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for age and BMI, LPW and PFC were positively correlated with K–L grading and varus deformity. FH was significantly and negatively correlated with K–L grading and varus deformity (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Regular morphological changes take place in the lateral knee with varus OA, including lateral dislocation of the tibial plateau, proximal fibula bending, and upward movement of the fibular head. Changes in LPW, PFC, and FH could enable a more comprehensive assessment of varus knee OA occurrence, severity, and deformity.

Level of evidence Retrospective Study Level III.
Multilayered blow-spun vascular prostheses with luminal surfaces in Nano/Micro range: the influence on endothelial cell and platelet adhesion
Authors: Łopianiak Iwona , Rzempołuch Wiktoria , Civelek Mehtap , Cicha Iwona , Ciach Tomasz , Butruk-Raszeja Beata A.
Published: March 2023

Background

In this study, two types of polyurethane-based cylindrical multilayered grafts with internal diameters ≤ 6 mm were produced by the solution blow spinning (SBS) method. The main aim was to create layered-wall prostheses differing in their luminal surface morphology. Changing the SBS process parameters, i.e. working distance, rotational speed, volume, and concentration of the polymer solution allowed to obtain structures with the required morphologies. The first type of prostheses, termed Nano, possessed nanofibrous luminal surface, and the second type, Micro, presented morphologically diverse luminal surface, with both solid and microfibrous areas.

Results

The results of mechanical tests confirmed that designed prostheses had high flexibility (Young’s modulus value of about 2.5 MPa) and good tensile strength (maximum axial load value of about 60 N), which meet the requirements for vascular prostheses. The influence of the luminal surface morphology on platelet adhesion and the attachment of endothelial cells was investigated. Both surfaces did not cause hemolysis in contact with blood, the percentage of platelet-occupied area for Nano and Micro surfaces was comparable to reference polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surface. However, the change in morphology of surface-adhered platelets between Nano and Micro surfaces was visible, which might suggest differences in their activation level. Endothelial coverage after 1, 3, and 7 days of culture on flat samples (2D model) was higher on Nano prostheses as compared with Micro scaffolds. However, this effect was not seen in 3D culture, where cylindrical prostheses were colonized using magnetic seeding method.

Conclusions

We conclude the produced scaffolds meet the material and mechanical requirements for vascular prostheses. However, changing the morphology without changing the chemical modification of the luminal surface is not sufficient to achieve the appropriate effectiveness of endothelialization in the 3D model.
Conservative management of low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma: a review of the active surveillance experience
Authors: Smulever Anabella , Pitoia Fabian
Published: March 2023

The detection of low-risk thyroid carcinoma has increased in recent decades, although disease-specific mortality remained without changes. The high prevalence of occult carcinomas in autopsy studies, and hence the underlying indolent course of this entity, prompted the emergence of active surveillance as an alternative approach to these tumors. This strategy aims to recognize the minority group of patients who will develop clinical progression and probably benefit from deferred surgery. Experience around the world has shown that during active surveillance these tumors are mostly unchanged in size, with very-slow growth and even a decrease in diameter. Moreover, the rates of lymph node metastases were low and easily handled by rescue surgery, and distant metastases have not been reported. Given the high prevalence of small thyroid carcinomas and the excellent outcomes for observation, active surveillance provides a safe and feasible alternative in properly selected patients with low-risk thyroid cancer.
Early adjunctive methylene blue in patients with septic shock: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ibarra-Estrada Miguel , Kattan Eduardo , Aguilera-González Pavel , Sandoval-Plascencia Laura , Rico-Jauregui Uriel , Gómez-Partida Carlos A. , Ortiz-Macías Iris X. , López-Pulgarín José A. , Chávez-Peña Quetzalcóatl , Mijangos-Méndez Julio C. , Aguirre-Avalos Guadalupe , Hernández Glenn
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Methylene blue (MB) has been tested as a rescue therapy for patients with refractory septic shock. However, there is a lack of evidence on MB as an adjuvant therapy, its’ optimal timing, dosing and safety profile. We aimed to assess whether early adjunctive MB can reduce time to vasopressor discontinuation in patients with septic shock.

Methods

In this single-center randomized controlled trial, we assigned patients with septic shock according to Sepsis-3 criteria to MB or placebo. Primary outcome was time to vasopressor discontinuation at 28 days. Secondary outcomes included vasopressor-free days at 28 days, days on mechanical ventilator, length of stay in ICU and hospital, and mortality at 28 days.

Results

Among 91 randomized patients, forty-five were assigned to MB and 46 to placebo. The MB group had a shorter time to vasopressor discontinuation (69 h [IQR 59–83] vs 94 h [IQR 74–141]; p < 0.001), one more day of vasopressor-free days at day 28 (p = 0.008), a shorter ICU length of stay by 1.5 days (p = 0.039) and shorter hospital length of stay by 2.7 days (p = 0.027) compared to patients in the control group. Days on mechanical ventilator and mortality were similar. There were no serious adverse effects related to MB administration.

Conclusion

In patients with septic shock, MB initiated within 24 h reduced time to vasopressor discontinuation and increased vasopressor-free days at 28 days. It also reduced length of stay in ICU and hospital without adverse effects. Our study supports further research regarding MB in larger randomized clinical trials.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT04446871, June 25, 2020, retrospectively registered.
Three developed spectrophotometric methods for determination of a mixture of ofloxacin and ornidazole; application of greenness assessment tools
Authors: Kelani Khadiga M. , Gad Asmaa G. , Fayez Yasmin M. , Mahmoud Amr M. , Abdel-Raoof Ahmed M.
Published: March 2023

This work is dedicated to the greenness estimation of three proposed spectrophotometric techniques [e.g., ratio difference (RD), mean centering of ratio spectra (MCR) and continuous wavelet transform of ratio spectra (CWT)] for the determination of a binary combination named Ofloxacin (OFL) and Ornidazole (ORN). Applying the green analytical chemistry methods to assess the proposed methods has widely attained the analytical community care. The greenness assessment was performed via three evaluation approaches; the “Analytical Eco-Scale”, the “National Environmental Method Index” (NEMI) and “Green Analytical Procedure Index” (GAPI). Following the examination of the zero spectrum of OFL and ORN, it is observed that OFL and ORN spectra are overlapped, so they can be detected by the methods mentioned previously. The ratio difference method was carried out at wavelengths of 294.6 nm and 265.6 nm for OFL, 292 nm and 315 nm for ORN. The linear range was (2–15 µg/mL) for OFL and (3–30 µg/mL) for ORN. The MCR method based on the use of mean centered ratio spectra in dual steps and calculating the second ratio spectra mean centered values at 294.6 nm for OFL and 315 nm for ORN. The continuous wavelet transformation which carried out using MATLAB at wavelengths of 265 nm for OFL and 306 for ORN. These techniques were intended for the binary mixture analysis in bulk powder and pharmaceutical formulations with high recoveries. The developed methods were validated according to ICH guidelines. All techniques were statistically compared to either an official method for OFL or a reported method for ORN and the results indicate that there were not any significant differences.
Long-term effects of aromatase inhibitors on body mass index among postmenopausal breast cancer survivors in Africa: observational cohort study
Authors: Milambo Jean Paul Muambangu , Nyasulu Peter S , Akudugu John M , Ndirangu James
Published: March 2023

Purpose

this study was conducted to assess the impact of AIs on body mass index and high sensitivity as prognostic predictors to be incorporated into point of care technology (POCT) testing in postmenopausal breast cancer women after a 24 month follow up in Africa. An observational cohort study was conducted; including 126 female BC patients with stages ranging from 0-III initially subjected to AIs and subsequently followed up for 24 months. Multiple imputation model was conducted to predict missing data.

Results

Random effects model was used to monitor the changes over the time. The study revealed stronger statistically association between BMI and homocysteine (p = 0.021, 95%CI: 0.0083 to 0.1029). Weight and total body fat were strongly associated after 24 months follow up. Hs-CRP was associated with BMI (p = 0.0001), and hs-CRP was associated with other biomedical markers such as calcium (p = 0.021, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.10), phosphate (p = 0.039, 95%CI: 0.01 to 0.10), and ferritin (p = 0.002, 95%CI: 0.02 to 0.08) and calcium. The patients subjected to AIs are likely to develop cardiovascular adverse events. POCT of care strategy which include clinical, biomedical and genetic predictor’s measurement is required to improve BC survivorship.
Medical ID use by international patients with Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease
Authors: Alqabasani Mohammed , Lasso Andrea , Kilty Shaun
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients widely use medical identification (ID) to indicate their food and drug allergies, and chronic medical conditions. One chronic condition for which patients are recommended to use a form of medical ID is Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD), a disease characterized by the presence of asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and sensitivity to aspirin and other COX-1 inhibitors, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The uptake of medical ID use in AERD is unknown and has not been widely studied in this population.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey study to measure the perception of the need to use a medical ID and its use by patients with AERD internationally.

Results

245 members of an online AERD support group completed an online survey. The majority (80%, n = 198) of the participants did not use any form of medical ID. The participants reported that the lack of knowledge and awareness about the importance of using a medical ID was the most common reason for not using it.

Conclusion

This international survey found that the majority of the AERD patient respondents did not use a medical ID. The most common reasons for nonuse were not knowing that it is recommended for their condition and that the patients did not consider it necessary. The results highlight the need for further patient and health care provider education.
Isolated medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve injury after blunt trauma: a case report
Authors: Babaeian Zahra , Ashraf Alireza , Erfani Fariba
Published: March 2023

Background

The medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve is a branch of the brachial plexus that contains C8–T1 segments. Injury of this nerve by various mechanisms has been reported in the literature; however, currently, there is no reported case of medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve injury in the setting of acute blunt trauma.

Case presentation

This case report presents the case of a 34-year-old Persian female with dysesthesia and pain in the medial side of the forearm immediately following a blunt trauma by mechanism of elbow external rotation. On electrodiagnostic evaluation, the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve sensory nerve action potential of the symptomatic side had a significant amplitude drop (more than 50%), compared with the other side. On follow-up electrodiagnosis, after several sessions of physical therapy, the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve sensory nerve action potential still had a significant amplitude difference.

Conclusion

Blunt trauma can be one of the causes of medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve involvement. An electrodiagnostic study can be helpful in the diagnosis of this nerve injury after blunt trauma.
Long-term outcomes after severe acute kidney injury in critically ill patients: the SALTO study
Authors: Chaïbi Khalil , Ehooman Franck , Pons Bertrand , Martin-Lefevre Laurent , Boulet Eric , Boyer Alexandre , Chevrel Guillaume , Lerolle Nicolas , Carpentier Dorothée , de Prost Nicolas , Lautrette Alexandre , Bretagnol Anne , Mayaux Julien , Nseir Saad , Megarbane Bruno , Thirion Marina , Forel Jean-Marie , Maizel Julien , Yonis Hodane , Markowicz Philippe , Thiery Guillaume , Schortgen Frédérique , Couchoud Cécile , Dreyfuss Didier , Gaudry Stephane
Published: March 2023

Background

The extent of the consequences of an episode of severe acute kidney injury (AKI) on long-term outcome of critically ill patients remain debated. We conducted a prospective follow-up of patients included in a large multicenter clinical trial of renal replacement therapy (RRT) initiation strategy during severe AKI (the Artificial Kidney Initiation in Kidney Injury, AKIKI) to investigate long-term survival, renal outcome and health related quality of life (HRQOL). We also assessed the influence of RRT initiation strategy on these outcomes.

Results

Follow-up of patients extended from 60 days to a median of 3.35 years [interquartile range (IQR), 1.89 to 4.09] after the end of initial study. Of the 619 patients included in the AKIKI trial, 316 survived after 60 days. The overall survival rate at 3 years from inclusion was 39.4% (95% CI 35.4 to 43.4). A total of 46 patients (on the 175 with available data on long-term kidney function) experienced worsening of renal function (WRF) at the time of follow-up [overall incidence of 26%, cumulative incidence at 4 years: 20.6% (CI 95% 13.0 to 28.3)]. Fifteen patients required chronic dialysis (5% of patients who survived after day 90). Among the 226 long-term survivors, 80 (35%) answered the EQ-5D questionnaire. The median index value reported was 0.67 (IQR 0.40 to 1.00) indicating a noticeable alteration of quality of life. Initiation strategy for RRT had no effect on any long-term outcome.

Conclusion

Severe AKI in critically ill patients was associated with a high proportion of death within the first 2 months but less so during long-term follow-up. A quarter of long-term survivors experienced a WRF and suffered from a noticeable impairment of quality of life. Renal replacement therapy initiation strategy was not associated with mortality outcome.

Graphical Abstract
Evidence-based health policy in Germany: lack of communication and coordination between academia and health authorities?
Authors: Kugler Charlotte Mareike , Perleth Matthias , Mathes Tim , Goossen Kaethe , Pieper Dawid
Published: March 2023

Health-care decision making should consider the best available evidence, often in the form of systematic reviews (SRs). The number of existing SRs and their overlap make their identification and use difficult. Decision makers often rely on de novo SRs instead of using existing SRs. We describe two cases of duplicate reviews (minimum volume threshold of total knee arthroplasties and lung cancer screening) and one case of duplicate primary data analysis (transcatheter aortic valve implantation). All cases have in common that unintended duplication of research occurred between health authorities and academia, demonstrating a lack of communication and coordination between them.

It is important to note that academia and health authorities have different incentives. Academics are often measured by the number of peer-reviewed publications and grants awarded. In contrast, health authorities must comply with laws and are commissioned to deliver a specific report within a defined period of time. Most replication is currently unintended. A solution may be the collaboration of stakeholders commonly referred to as integrated knowledge translation (IKT). The IKT approach means that research is conducted in collaboration with the end users of the research. It requires active collaborations between researchers and decision-makers or knowledge users (clinicians, managers, policy makers) throughout the research process. Wherever cooperation is possible in spite of requirements for independence or confidentiality, legal regulations should facilitate and support collaborative approaches between academia and health authorities.
Supplemental Clostridium butyricum modulates lipid metabolism by reshaping the gut microbiota composition and bile acid profile in IUGR suckling piglets
Authors: Zhang Xin , Yun Yang , Lai Zheng , Ji Shuli , Yu Ge , Xie Zechen , Zhang Hao , Zhong Xiang , Wang Tian , Zhang Lili
Published: March 2023

Background

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can cause lipid disorders in infants and have long-term adverse effects on their growth and development. Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum), a kind of emerging probiotics, has been reported to effectively attenuate lipid metabolism dysfunctions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of C. butyricum supplementation on hepatic lipid disorders in IUGR suckling piglets.

Methods

Sixteen IUGR and eight normal birth weight (NBW) neonatal male piglets were used in this study. From d 3 to d 24, in addition to drinking milk, the eight NBW piglets (NBW-CON group, n = 8) and eight IUGR piglets (IUGR-CON group, n = 8) were given 10 mL sterile saline once a day, while the remaining IUGR piglets (IUGR-CB group, n = 8) were orally administered C. butyricum at a dose of 2 × 108 colony-forming units (CFU)/kg body weight (suspended in 10 mL sterile saline) at the same frequency.

Results

The IUGR-CON piglets exhibited restricted growth, impaired hepatic morphology, disordered lipid metabolism, increased abundance of opportunistic pathogens and altered ileum and liver bile acid (BA) profiles. However, C. butyricum supplementation reshaped the gut microbiota of the IUGR-CB piglets, characterized by a decreased abundance of opportunistic pathogens in the ileum, including Streptococcus and Enterococcus. The decrease in these bile salt hydrolase (BSH)-producing microbes increased the content of conjugated BAs, which could be transported to the liver and function as signaling molecules to activate liver X receptor α (LXRα) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR). This activation effectively accelerated the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids and down-regulated the total cholesterol level by decreasing the synthesis and promoting the efflux of cholesterol. As a result, the growth performance and morphological structure of the liver improved in the IUGR piglets.

Conclusion

These results indicate that C. butyricum supplementation in IUGR suckling piglets could decrease the abundance of BSH-producing microbes (Streptococcus and Enterococcus). This decrease altered the ileum and liver BA profiles and consequently activated the expression of hepatic LXRα and FXR. The activation of these two signaling molecules could effectively normalize the lipid metabolism and improve the growth performance of IUGR suckling piglets.
Immunological and tumor-intrinsic mechanisms mediate the synergistic growth suppression of experimental glioblastoma by radiotherapy and MET inhibition
Authors: Silginer Manuela , Papa Eleanna , Szabó Emese , Vasella Flavio , Pruschy Martin , Stroh Christopher , Roth Patrick , Weiss Tobias , Weller Michael
Published: March 2023

The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/MET signaling pathway has been proposed to be involved in the resistance to radiotherapy of glioblastoma via proinvasive and DNA damage response pathways.

Here we assessed the role of the MET pathway in the response to radiotherapy in vitro and in vivo in syngeneic mouse glioma models. We find that the murine glioma cell lines GL-261, SMA-497, SMA-540 and SMA-560 express HGF and its receptor MET and respond to exogenous HGF with MET phosphorylation. Glioma cell viability or proliferation are unaffected by genetic or pharmacological MET inhibition using tepotinib or CRISPR/Cas9-engineered Met gene knockout and MET inhibition fails to sensitize glioma cells to irradiation in vitro. In contrast, the combination of tepotinib with radiotherapy prolongs survival of orthotopic SMA-560 or GL-261 glioma-bearing mice compared with radiotherapy or tepotinib treatment alone. Synergy is lost when such experiments are conducted in immunodeficient Rag1−/− mice, and, importantly, also when Met gene expression is disrupted in the tumor cells. Combination therapy suppresses a set of pro-inflammatory mediators including matrix metalloproteases that are upregulated by radiotherapy alone and that have been linked to poor outcome in glioblastoma. Several of these mediators are positively regulated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and pSMAD2 levels as a surrogate marker of TGF-β pathway activity are suppressed by combination treatment. We conclude that synergistic suppression of experimental syngeneic glioma growth by irradiation and MET inhibition requires MET expression in the tumor as well as an intact immune system. Clinical evaluation of this combined strategy in newly diagnosed glioblastoma is warranted.
Effects of IPR by mechanical oscillating strips system on biological structures: a quantitative and qualitative evaluation
Authors: Gazzani Francesca , Bellisario Denise , Fazi Laura , Balboni Alessia , Licoccia Silvia , Pavoni Chiara , Cozza Paola , Lione Roberta
Published: March 2023

Background

To evaluate by means of profilometric analysis and scanning electronic microscope (SEM) the effects on enamel surfaces of oscillating mechanical systems for interproximal enamel reduction (IPR). Fifteen complete (Group 1) oscillating IPR sequence and 15 single metallic strips (Group 2) for active IPR phase of 0.2 mm were selected and tested on 30 freshly extracted teeth by means of tribological tests with alternative dry-sliding motion (Linear Reciprocating Tribometer, C.S.M. Instruments, Peseaux, Switzerland). Enamel surface roughness and waviness measurements were assessed by contact probe surface profiler (TalySurf CLI 2000; Taylor Hobson, Leicester, UK) and a TayMap software for the 3D analysis. Statistical analysis was performed with independent samples t-test. Significance was established at the P < .05 level. SEM analysis of enamel surfaces was conducted with a FEI Quanta 200 (Hillsboro, USA) in high vacuum at 30.00 kV. Images were acquired at 30X, 100X, and 300X of magnification.

Results

Teeth undergone Group 1 showed lower values of surface roughness (Ra − 0.34 µm, Rt − 1.55 µm) and significant increase of waviness parameters (Wa 0.25 µm, Wt 4.02 µm) when compared with those treated with Group 2. SEM evaluation showed smoothers and more regular surfaces when IPR was performed by complete IPR sequence. Single metallic strip determined more irregular surfaces characterized by extended grooves, alternated with enamel ridges and irregular fragments.

Conclusion

The adoption of a standardized oscillating IPR sequence determines more regular and harmonious enamel surfaces at the end of the procedure. An adequate polishing after IPR plays a crucial role to guarantee a good long-term prognosis and a good respect of biological structures.
Your neighborhood matters: an ecological social determinant study of the relationship between residential racial segregation and the risk of firearm fatalities
Authors: Shour Abdul R. , Anguzu Ronald , Zhou Yuhong , Muehlbauer Alice , Joseph Adedayo , Oladebo Tinuola , Puthoff David , Onitilo Adedayo A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Firearm fatalities are a major public health concern, claiming the lives of 40,000 Americans each year. While firearm fatalities have pervasive effects, it is unclear how social determinants of health (SDOH) such as residential racial segregation, income inequality, and community resilience impact firearm fatalities. This study investigates the relationships between these SDOH and the likelihood of firearm fatalities.

Methods

County-level SDOH data from the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality for 2019 were analyzed, covering 72 Wisconsin counties. The dependent variable was the number of firearm fatalities in each county, used as a continuous variable. The independent variable was residential racial segregation (Dissimilarity Index), defined as the degree to which non-White and White residents were distributed across counties, ranging from 0 (complete integration) to 100 (complete segregation), and higher values indicate greater residential segregation (categorized as low, moderate, and high). Covariates were income inequality ranging from zero (perfect equality) to one (perfect inequality) categorized as low, moderate, and high, community resilience risk factors (low, moderate, and high risks), and rural-urban classifications. Descriptive/summary statistics, unadjusted and adjusted negative binomial regression adjusting for population weight, were performed using STATA/MPv.17.0; P-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. ArcMap was used for Geographic Information System analysis.

Results

In 2019, there were 802 firearm fatalities. The adjusted model demonstrates that the risk of firearm fatalities was higher in areas with high residential racial segregation compared to low-segregated areas (IRR.:1.26, 95% CI:1.04–1.52) and higher in areas with high-income inequality compared to areas with low-income inequality (IRR.:1.18, 95% CI:1.00–1.40). Compared to areas with low-risk community resilience, the risk of firearm fatalities was higher in areas with moderate (IRR.:0.61, 95% CI:0.48–0.78), and in areas with high risk (IRR.:0.53, 95% CI:0.41–0.68). GIS analysis demonstrated that areas with high racial segregation also have high rates of firearm fatalities.

Conclusion

Areas with high residential racial segregation have a high rate of firearm fatalities. With high income inequality and low community resilience, the likelihood of firearm fatalities increases.
Production of indigo by recombinant bacteria
Authors: Linke Julia A. , Rayat Andrea , Ward John M.
Published: March 2023

Indigo is an economically important dye, especially for the textile industry and the dyeing of denim fabrics for jeans and garments. Around 80,000 tonnes of indigo are chemically produced each year with the use of non-renewable petrochemicals and the use and generation of toxic compounds. As many microorganisms and their enzymes are able to synthesise indigo after the expression of specific oxygenases and hydroxylases, microbial fermentation could offer a more sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing platform. Although multiple small-scale studies have been performed, several existing research gaps still hinder the effective translation of these biochemical approaches. No article has evaluated the feasibility and relevance of the current understanding and development of indigo biocatalysis for real-life industrial applications. There is no record of either established or practically tested large-scale bioprocess for the biosynthesis of indigo. To address this, upstream and downstream processing considerations were carried out for indigo biosynthesis. 5 classes of potential biocatalysts were identified, and 2 possible bioprocess flowsheets were designed that facilitate generating either a pre-reduced dye solution or a dry powder product. Furthermore, considering the publicly available data on the development of relevant technology and common bioprocess facilities, possible platform and process values were estimated, including titre, DSP yield, potential plant capacities, fermenter size and batch schedule. This allowed us to project the realistic annual output of a potential indigo biosynthesis platform as 540 tonnes. This was interpreted as an industrially relevant quantity, sufficient to provide an annual dye supply to a single industrial-size denim dyeing plant. The conducted sensitivity analysis showed that this anticipated output is most sensitive to changes in the reaction titer, which can bring a 27.8% increase or a 94.4% drop. Thus, although such a biological platform would require careful consideration, fine-tuning and optimization before real-life implementation, the recombinant indigo biosynthesis was found as already attractive for business exploitation for both, luxury segment customers and mass-producers of denim garments.

Graphical Abstract
Prospective insight into the role of benzyl propylene glycoside as a modulator of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in the management of nonalcoholic fatty pancreas animal model
Authors: Albadawy Reda , Hasanin Amany Helmy , Agwa Sara H. A. , Hamady Shaimaa , Mohamed Reham Hussein , Gomaa Eman , Othman Mohamed , Yahia Yahia A. , Ghani Amani Mohamed Abdel , Matboli Marwa
Published: March 2023

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty pancreatitis (NAFP) is one of the metabolic syndrome manifestations that need further studies to determine its molecular determinants and find effective medications. We aimed to investigate the potential effect of benzyl propylene glycoside on NAFP management via targeting the pancreatic cGAS-STING pathway-related genes (DDX58, NFκB1 & CHUK) and their upstream regulator miRNA (miR-1976) that were retrieved from bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

The rats were fed either normal chow or a high-fat high-sucrose diet (HFHS), as a nutritional model for NAFP. After 8 weeks, the HFHS-fed rats were subdivided randomly into 4 groups; untreated HFHS group (NAFP model group) and three treated groups which received 3 doses of benzyl propylene glycoside (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks, parallel with HFHS feeding.

Results

The molecular analysis revealed that benzyl propylene glycoside could modulate the expression of the pancreatic cGAS-STING pathway-related through the downregulation of the expression of DDX58, NFκB1, and CHUK mRNAs and upregulation of miR-1976 expression. Moreover, the applied treatment reversed insulin resistance, inflammation, and fibrosis observed in the untreated NAFP group, as evidenced by improved lipid panel, decreased body weight and the serum level of lipase and amylase, reduced protein levels of NFκB1 and caspase-3 with a significant reduction in area % of collagen fibers in the pancreatic sections of treated animals.

Conclusion

benzyl propylene glycoside showed a potential ability to attenuate NAFP development, inhibit pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis and reduce the pathological and metabolic disturbances monitored in the applied NAFP animal model. The detected effect was correlated with modulation of the expression of pancreatic (DDX58, NFκB1, and CHUK mRNAs and miR-1976) panel.
Thrive or survive: prokaryotic life in hypersaline soils
Authors: Vera-Gargallo Blanca , Hernández Marcela , Dumont Marc G. , Ventosa Antonio
Published: March 2023

Background

Soil services are central to life on the planet, with microorganisms as their main drivers. Thus, the evaluation of soil quality requires an understanding of the principles and factors governing microbial dynamics within it. High salt content is a constraint for life affecting more than 900 million hectares of land, a number predicted to rise at an alarming rate due to changing climate. Nevertheless, little is known about how microbial life unfolds in these habitats. In this study, DNA stable-isotope probing (DNA-SIP) with 18O-water was used to determine for the first time the taxa able to grow in hypersaline soil samples (ECe = 97.02 dS/m). We further evaluated the role of light on prokaryotes growth in this habitat.

Results

We detected growth of both archaea and bacteria, with taxon-specific growth patterns providing insights into the drivers of success in saline soils. Phylotypes related to extreme halophiles, including haloarchaea and Salinibacter, which share an energetically efficient mechanism for salt adaptation (salt-in strategy), dominated the active community. Bacteria related to moderately halophilic and halotolerant taxa, such as Staphylococcus, Aliifodinibius, Bradymonadales or Chitinophagales also grew during the incubations, but they incorporated less heavy isotope. Light did not stimulate prokaryotic photosynthesis but instead restricted the growth of most bacteria and reduced the diversity of archaea that grew.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that life in saline soils is energetically expensive and that soil heterogeneity and traits such as exopolysaccharide production or predation may support growth in hypersaline soils. The contribution of phototrophy to supporting the heterotrophic community in saline soils remains unclear. This study paves the way toward a more comprehensive understanding of the functioning of these environments, which is fundamental to their management. Furthermore, it illustrates the potential of further research in saline soils to deepen our understanding of the effect of salinity on microbial communities.
Using the RE-AIM framework to evaluate the feasibility of a parent-focused intervention targeting childhood obesity
Authors: Briatico Daniel , Reilly Kristen C. , Tucker Patricia , Irwin Jennifer D. , Johnson Andrew M. , Pearson Erin S. , Bock Dirk E. , Burke Shauna M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Childhood obesity remains a serious public health concern. Community-based childhood obesity treatment interventions have the potential to improve health behaviors and outcomes among children, but require thorough evaluation to facilitate translation of research into practice. The purpose of the current study was to determine the feasibility of a community-based, parent-focused childhood obesity intervention (“C.H.A.M.P. Families”) using the RE-AIM framework, an evaluation tool for health interventions.

Methods

A single-group, non-randomized, repeated measures feasibility study was conducted. Participants (n = 16 parents/caregivers of 11 children with obesity) completed a 13-week parent-focused education intervention. The intervention consisted of three main components: (a) eight group-based (parent-only) education sessions; (b) eight home-based (family-centered) activities; and (c) two group-based follow-up support sessions for parents and children. The five dimensions of RE-AIM—reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance—were assessed using various measures and data sources (e.g., child, parent/caregiver, costing, census) obtained throughout the study period. Outcome variables were measured at baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention, and at a 6-month follow-up.

Results

Overall, the C.H.A.M.P. Families intervention reached approximately 0.09% of eligible families in London, Ontario. Despite the small number, participants were generally representative of the population from which they were drawn, and program participation rates were high (reach). Findings also suggest that involvement in the program was associated with improved health-related quality of life among children (effectiveness/individual-level maintenance). In addition, the intervention had high fidelity to protocol, attendance rates, and cost-effectiveness (implementation). Lastly, important community partnerships were established and maintained (adoption/setting-level maintenance).

Conclusions

Based on a detailed and comprehensive RE-AIM evaluation, the C.H.A.M.P. Families intervention appears to be a promising parent-focused approach to the treatment of childhood obesity.

Trial registration

ISRCTN Registry, Study ID ISRCTN 10752416. Registered 24 April 2018.
De novo design of a novel AIE fluorescent probe tailored to autophagy visualization via pH manipulation
Authors: Huang Xueyan , Chen Fei , Ma Yeshuo , Zheng Fan , Fang Yanpeng , Feng Bin , Huang Shuai , Zeng Hongliang , Zeng Wenbin
Published: March 2023

Background

Macroautophagy is an essential cellular self-protection mechanism, and defective autophagy has been considered to contribute to a variety of diseases. During the process, cytoplasmic components are transported via autophagosomes to acidic lysosomes for metabolism and recycling, which represents application niches for lysosome-targeted fluorescent probes. Additionally, in view of the complexity of the autophagy pathway, it entails more stringent requirements for probes suitable for monitoring autophagy. Meanwhile, aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent probes have been impressively demonstrated in the biomedical field, which bring fascinating possibilities to the autophagy visualization.

Methods

We reported a generalizable de novo design of a novel pH-sensitive AIE probe ASMP-AP tailored to lysosome targeting for the interpretation of autophagy. Firstly, the theoretical calculation was carried out followed by the investigation of optical properties. Then, the performance of ASMP-AP in visualizing autophagy was corroborated by starvation or drugs treatments. Furthermore, the capability of ASMP-AP to monitor autophagy was demonstrated in ex vivo liver tissue and zebrafish in vivo.

Results

ASMP-AP displays a large stokes shift, great cell permeability and good biocompatibility. More importantly, ASMP-AP enables a good linear response to pH, which derives from the fact that its aggregation state can be manipulated by the acidity. It was successfully applied for imaging autophagy in living cells and was proved capable of monitoring mitophagy. Moreover, this novel molecular tool was validated by ex vivo visualization of activated autophagy in drug-induced liver injury model. Interestingly, it provided a meaningful pharmacological insight that the melanin inhibitor 1-phenyl-2-thiourea (PTU)-induced autophagy was clearly presented in wild-type zebrafish.

Conclusions

ASMP-AP offers a simple yet effective tool for studying lysosome and autophagy. This is the first instance to visualize autophagy in zebrafish using a small-molecule probe with AIE characters, accurate lysosome targeting and simultaneous pH sensitivity. Ultimately, this novel fluorescent system has great potential for in vivo translation to fuel autophagy research.

Graphical Abstract
Online payment fraud: from anomaly detection to risk management
Authors: Vanini Paolo , Rossi Sebastiano , Zvizdic Ermin , Domenig Thomas
Published: March 2023

Online banking fraud occurs whenever a criminal can seize accounts and transfer funds from an individual’s online bank account. Successfully preventing this requires the detection of as many fraudsters as possible, without producing too many false alarms. This is a challenge for machine learning owing to the extremely imbalanced data and complexity of fraud. In addition, classical machine learning methods must be extended, minimizing expected financial losses. Finally, fraud can only be combated systematically and economically if the risks and costs in payment channels are known. We define three models that overcome these challenges: machine learning-based fraud detection, economic optimization of machine learning results, and a risk model to predict the risk of fraud while considering countermeasures. The models were tested utilizing real data. Our machine learning model alone reduces the expected and unexpected losses in the three aggregated payment channels by 15% compared to a benchmark consisting of static if-then rules. Optimizing the machine-learning model further reduces the expected losses by 52%. These results hold with a low false positive rate of 0.4%. Thus, the risk framework of the three models is viable from a business and risk perspective.
Experiences and results from using a novel clinical feedback system in routine stoma care nurse follow-up of patients with an ostomy: a longitudinal study
Authors: Indrebø Kirsten Lerum , Aasprang Anny , Olsen Torill Elin , Andersen John Roger
Published: March 2023

Background

A faecal or urinary ostomy may be lifesaving. However, it involves significant bodily change, and the adjustment process to life with an ostomy includes a broad spectre of physical and psychosocial challenges. Thus, new interventions are needed to improve adaptation to living with an ostomy. This study aimed to examine experiences and outcomes using a new clinical feedback system with patient-reported outcome measures in ostomy care.

Methods

In this longitudinal explorative study, 69 ostomy patients were followed by a stoma care nurse in an outpatient clinic, using a clinical feedback system postoperatively at 3, 6 and 12 months. The patients responded electronically to the questionnaires before each consultation. The Generic Short Patient Experiences Questionnaire was used to measure patient experiences and satisfaction with follow-up. The Ostomy Adjustment Scale (OAS) measured adjustment to life with an ostomy, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) assessed the patient's health-related quality of life. Longitudinal regression models with time as an explanatory (categorical) variable were used to analyse changes. The STROBE guideline was applied.

Results

The patients were satisfied with their follow-up (96%). Especially, they felt they received sufficient and individualised information, were involved in treatment decisions, and benefited from the consultations. The OAS subscale scores for 'daily activities', 'knowledge and skills' and 'health' improved over time (all p < 0.05), as did the physical and mental component summary scores of the SF-36 (all p < 0.05). Effect sizes of changes were small (0.20–0.40). Sexuality was the most challenging factor reported.

Conclusions

The clinical feedback system could be helpful because outpatient follow-ups for ostomy patients may be more tailored when clinicians use clinical feedback systems. However, further development and testing are needed.
Renal, splenic, and mesenteric artery thrombosis in the setting of cytomegalovirus infection of an immunocompromised patient: a case report
Authors: Tariang Blah Garyll Ryan , Pradeep Megha , Harshil C. Shah , Singh Rajnish
Published: March 2023

We present a case report of an immunocompromised adult with cytomegalovirus infection and APLA positivity complicated by multiple large arterial thrombi. This is a rare presentation as most of the cases reported earlier have been of venous thrombosis, thus demonstrating propensity of CMV to induce arterial thrombosis either directly or indirectly.
IncepTCN: A new deep temporal convolutional network combined with dictionary learning for strong cultural noise elimination of controlled-source electromagnetic data
Authors: Li Guang , Wu Shouli , Cai Hongzhu , He Zhushi , Liu Xiaoqiong , Zhou Cong , Tang Jingtian
Published: March 2023

When the controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) data are contaminated by intense cultural noise and the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) is lower than 0 dB, the existing denoising methods can hardly achieve good results. To overcome the problem, a new strong-noise elimination method called inception-temporal convolutional network-shift-invariant sparse coding (IncepTCN-SISC) is developed based on deep learning and dictionary learning. First, a novel deep neural network model called IncepTCN is created based on the inception block and temporal convolutional network (TCN). Then, IncepTCN is used to recognize strong-noise segments in the observed signal, which are then discarded. Finally, a dictionary-learning method based on shift-invariant convolutional coding is used to denoise the remaining weak-noise segments. A series of simulated and field data experiments indicate that the new proposed IncepTCN network has obvious advantages in accuracy and efficiency compared with alternative methods. The average recognition accuracy of IncepTCN is 96.5%, which is 25.5%, 3.2%, 1.1%, and 2.0% higher than that of the fuzzy C-means clustering, convolutional neural network (CNN), residual network (ResNet), and the nonimproved TCN, respectively. In addition, the test results of unfamiliar data indicate that the generalization ability of IncepTCN is significantly better than the CNN, ResNet, and nonimproved TCN. This IncepTCN-SISC method can improve the S/N of CSEM data from −5.0 dB to 3.1 dB or from 5.0 dB to 31.9 dB and solve the denoising problem of noisy data below 0 dB to a certain extent. After IncepTCN-SISC processing, the initially distorted apparent resistivity curves become smooth, and the result is better than dictionary learning. This method is intelligent without any manual intervention and is suitable for batch processing of CSEM data.
Simultaneous off-the-grid regularization and reconstruction for 3D seismic data by a new combined sampling operator
Authors: Yu Siwei , Ma Jianwei
Published: March 2023

Seismic samples are generally designed to be placed on perfect Cartesian coordinates, that is, on-the-grid. However, sampling geometry is disturbed by obstacles in field applications. Large obstacles result in missing samples. For small obstacles, geophones or sources are placed at an available off-the-grid location nearest to the designed grid. To achieve simultaneous off-the-grid regularization and missing data reconstruction for 3D seismic data, we develop a new mathematical model based on a new combined sampling operator, a 3D curvelet transform, and a fast projection onto convex sets (FPOCS) algorithm. The sampling operator is combined with a binary mask for on-the-grid samples reconstruction and a barycentric Lagrangian (BL) operator for off-the-grid samples regularization. A 2D BL operator is obtained using the tensor product of two 1D BL operators. The inversion problem is efficiently solved based on FPOCS. This method is tested on synthetic and field data sets. The reconstruction results outperform the methods based on the binary mask in terms of signal-to-noise ratio and visual effect.