bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genus Eutreptiella (Euglenophyceae/Euglenozoa) across its global distribution range
Authors: Hernández Márquez Sinuhé , Zamudio‐Resendiz María Eugenia , Murrieta‐Alarcón Montserrat , Núñez Resendiz María Luisa , Dreckmann Kurt M. , Sentíes Abel
Published: September 2024

The genus Eutreptiella (Euglenophyceae/Euglenozoa) comprises unicellular organisms known for their photosynthetic capacity and significant role in marine ecosystems. This review highlights the taxonomic, ecological, and biotechnological characteristics of Eutreptiella species, emphasizing their morphological and genomic adaptations. Eutreptiella species exhibit high phenotypic plasticity, enabling adaptation to various environmental conditions, from nutrient‐rich waters to high‐salinity conditions. They play a crucial role in primary production and nutrient cycling in marine ecosystems. Genetic and transcriptomic studies have revealed their complex regulatory mechanisms and potential for biofuel and nutraceutical production. Eutreptiella blooms significantly impact local ecosystems, influencing nutrient availability and community dynamics. Additionally, interactions with associated bacteria enhance their growth and metabolic capabilities. The genus shows substantial genetic variability, suggesting potential misidentifications or a polyphyletic nature. Further comprehensive studies are needed to clarify their taxonomy and evolutionary relationships. Understanding and managing Eutreptiella populations is essential to leverage their biotechnological potential and ensure the health of marine ecosystems.
Experimental assessment of environmental versus genetic influences on Macrocystis morphology
Authors: Gonzalez Sara T. , Raimondi Peter T.
Published: September 2024

The two most common ecomorphs of giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera and Macrocystis integrifolia, exhibit almost no geographic overlap across their range in the temperate waters of North and South America, with few exceptions such as Stillwater Cove, CA, USA. However, in laboratory settings they are able to interbreed. The mechanism for the morphological variation is unknown, and whether these features are genetically fixed or malleable under different environmental conditions is unclear. Our study, for the first time, directly compared the growth, development, and morphological transformations of the two Macrocystis ecomorphs in a common garden experiment. We experimentally tested the influence of local environment on giant kelp morphology by rearing lab‐cultured embryonic sporophytes from spores released by M. pyrifera and M. integrifolia sporophylls collected from multiple individuals at Stillwater Cove, CA. The spores were cultured in three treatments: “pyrifera‐morph” only, “integrifolia‐morph” only, and mixed (50:50 “pyrifera‐morph”:“integrifolia‐morph” spores). We outplanted the resultant embryonic sporophytes to concrete blocks installed at 7.5–9 m depth in the ocean and monitored the development of the sporophytes over 5 months. Our findings of distinct differences in morphology between the pyrifera‐treatment and integrifolia‐treatment individuals at multiple stages of development including reproductive adults indicates that the morphological differences between the two ecomorphs are genetically determined rather than environmentally induced. We found that primary stipe length and number of branches can be used as diagnostic traits for distinguishing the ecomorphs prior to the stage when adult sporophyte morphology can be definitively characterized. Additionally, no morphological hybrids were observed in the mixed‐treatment, and ultimately the mixed‐treatment individuals were more often categorized as “integrifolia‐morph”‐like than “pyrifera‐morph”‐like.
An Electrochemical Bioplatform Based on Acrylamide‐Induced Inhibition of DNA‐RNA Hybridization for the Determination of Acrylamide
Authors: Zouari Mohamed , Ruiz‐Valdepeñas Montiel Víctor , Gamella María , Setti Boubaker Nouha , Pingarrón José M. , Campuzano Susana , Raouafi Noureddine
Published: September 2024

This study reports the development of an innovative electrochemical bioplatform for the indirect determination of acrylamide (AM) based on its inhibitory effect on the hybridization of nucleic acids through the formation of AM‐guanine single‐stranded (ssDNA) adducts. The method combines the advantages of the formation and selective immunorecognition of DNA/RNA heteroduplex, with the use of MBs and amperometric transduction using disposable SPCEs. Increasing concentrations of acrylamide prevented the efficient hybridization of a synthetic biotinylated DNA probe immobilized on streptavidin‐coated magnetic beads with its complementary RNA target and the as‐formed heteroduplex recognition with a specific antibody and a secondary HRP‐labeled antibody used for electrochemical readout. The resulting magnetic bioconjugates were magnetically trapped on the surface of the working electrode of a SPCE and the amperometric transduction was carried out in the presence of the H2O2/HQ system, recording a cathodic response inversely proportional to the AM concentration. The developed bioplatform is more competitive with other reported methods in terms of simplicity and assay time, allowing the selective detection of 1 nM AM in 60 min. In addition, the bioplatform was applied to the analysis of potato crisp water extracts.
Performance estimation of a two‐body wave energy converter for the East Coast of India
Authors: Singh Devesh , Paul Akshoy Ranjan , Samad Abdus
Published: September 2024

The study aims to assess the feasibility of harnessing wave energy from the low‐energy waves prevalent along the east coast of India, where wave energy converters (WECs) may not produce sufficient power economically. Vishakhapatnam port, located on the east coast, experiences such waves (period, Tp = 5 to 10 s, and wave height, Hs = 0.07 to 2.61 m). This study analyzes the performance of a two‐body point absorber WEC and estimates the wave power using the parameters Hs and Tp. The hydrodynamic parameters were assessed in the frequency domain using the boundary element method, while the output power was estimated in the time domain using the open‐source code WEC‐Sim. The harvested power initially increased with the wave period, peaked at Tp = 7 s and Hs = 2 m, and subsequently decreased. This study highlights the potential of wave energy as a renewable resource for India, given its extensive coastline and untapped wave energy potential. It suggests that green energy firms should explore opportunities in regions abundant with wave energy to promote sustainable energy production and drive innovation in wave energy technology, thereby indicating avenues for future research in this domain.
Invasion percolation & basin modelling for CCS site screening and characterization
Authors: Baur Friedemann , Hiebert Sam
Published: September 2024

During the early screening phase of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) site evaluations limited time and data are available and hence CO2 plume evaluations using time and data intensive reservoir simulations are almost never performed. However, there is still a need for early plume evaluations to risk and rank injection sites relative to each other. Therefore, an alternative fluid migration method called invasion percolation is adopted for the CCS screening phase to predict the extent and location of CO2 plumes in the subsurface. Invasion percolation as part of basin modeling is a rapid method, which requires limited data and is ideal for the early screening phase. Invasion percolation results are compared to uncalibrated reservoir models, typical for the screening phase, revealing that plume location shape and size are very reasonable especially when compared to seismic observed plume outlines. It can be concluded that invasion percolation as part of basin modeling is a fit for purpose method, which can assess multiple opportunities rapidly during the early intake screening phase to risk and rank opportunities relative to each other and to build a CCS injection site portfolio. In addition to the plume evaluation, basin models can provide useful basin‐scale or injection site specific pressure and temperature predictions as well as CO2 density estimates for static volume calculations before detailed reservoir and stratigraphic models are available. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depositional Age and Provenance of the Erlangping Group in the Tianshui Area: Implication for Early Palaeozoic Evolution of the Erlangping Back‐Arc Basin
Authors: Qi Yukun , Sun Jiaopeng , Dong Yunpeng , He Weidong , Li Zonglin , He Lei , Ye Kai , Wang Zhigang , Zhang Junxiang , Wang Teng
Published: September 2024

The Erlangping back‐arc Basin separated the North Qinling Arc Terrane (NQAT) from the North China Block during Cambrian‐Ordovician. An enhanced knowledge on its evolutionary history would greatly improve our understanding on tectonic evolution of the Proto‐Tethys Ocean. In this study, we undertook sandstone petrologic and detrital zircon U–Pb geochronologic investigations on the Erlangping Group around the Tianshui Area. The Erlangping Group meta‐sedimentary rocks yielded two general types of zircon U–Pb age patterns. The first type is composed mostly of Neoproterozoic ages with a major age peak at ca. 900 Ma and has a youngest age population peaking at ca. 440 Ma. The second type is dominated by ca. 500–400 Ma components with a youngest age peak of ca. 380 Ma. The two contrasting age patterns and youngest peak ages, along with known ages of volcanic interbeds and intruded granites, allow us to subdivide the Erlangping Group to a Silurian unit and a Devonian unit, which are both stratigraphic higher than the Cambrian‐Ordovician ophiolitic unit of the Erlangping Group. In comparison with age spectra of coeval sediments in the nearby tectonic units, we found that sources of the Erlangping Group were from the Neoproterozoic NQAT basement rocks and associated Early Palaeozoic volcanic and plutonic rocks. The increasing numbers of younger zircons hint at a significant structural unroofing of the NQAT at the Silurian‐Devonian transition before having been subjected to greenschist‐facies metamorphism in the Devonian in response to the elimination of the Shangdan Ocean.
Promoting Independence Through Quality Dementia Care at Home (PITCH): An Australian Stepped‐Wedge Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial Evaluating a Dementia Training Program for Home Care Workers
Authors: Dow Briony , Savvas Steven , Dang Christa , Batchelor Frances , Doyle Colleen , Cooper Claudia , Livingston Gill , Wise Erica , Tan Esther , Panayiotou Anita , Malta Sue , Clarke Philip , Burton Jason , Low Lee‐Fay , Loi Samantha M. , Fairhall Anne , Polacsek Meg , Lyketsos Constantine , Scherer Samuel , Ames David , Engel Lidia , Goh Anita M. Y.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The primary aim of this pragmatic stepped‐wedge cluster RCT was to determine the efficacy of a co‐designed dementia specialist training program (the PITCH program) for home care workers (HCWs) to improve their confidence and knowledge when providing care for clients living with dementia.

Methods

HCWs who provided care to clients with dementia were recruited from seven home care service provider organisations in Australia between July 2019 and May 2022, and randomised into one of 18 clusters. The primary outcome was HCW's sense of self‐competence in providing care services to people living with dementia at 6 months post PITCH training measured by the Sense of Competence in Dementia Care Staff (SCIDS) Scale.

Results

Two hundred and thirteen HCWS completed baseline assessment and almost half (48.4%) completed all three study assessments. HCWs in clusters that received PITCH training had significantly higher sense of competence (measured by SCIDS) than those who had not received PITCH training. Post hoc analysis revealed that face‐to‐face PITCH training consistently resulted in improvements in the HCWs sense of competence, dementia attitudes and knowledge when compared to online training and when compared to no training. PITCH training had no effect on the sense of strain HCWs felt in delivering dementia care.

Conclusions

Given the majority of care for people living with dementia is provided at home by family carers supported by HCWs, it is essential that HCWs receive training that improves their skills in dementia care. This study is an important step towards better care at home for people living with dementia.
The relationship of COVID‐19 severity with laboratory findings and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in patients admitted to a large teaching hospital in Iran: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Khazaeipour Zahra , Gholamzadeh Marsa , Behnoush Amir Hossein , Pestei Khalil
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

COVID‐19 patients might be admitted to the hospital based on their clinical manifestations or to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to the severity of their symptoms or critical situation. Our main objective was to investigate clinical and demographic factors influencing COVID‐19 patients' admission to the ICU and length of stay (LOS) using extracted data from the hospital information systems in Iran.

Methods

The data of hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID‐19 were retrieved from the health information system of Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran, Iran between March 2020 and February 2022. The primary outcome was the ICU admission, and the secondary outcome was the LOS. The correlation analysis between laboratory findings and demographic data with ICU admission and LOS was done using SPSS 21.0, and p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Of all the 4156 patients, 2391 (57.5%) were male and the mean age was 58.69 ± 8.19 years. Of these, 9.5% of patients were admitted to ICU at any time point during their hospital stay. Age and laboratory variables such as neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), ALT (U/L), albumin (g/dL), plasma glucose (mg/dL), ferritin levels (ng/mL), and phosphorous levels (mg/dL) shown the significant relationship with ICU admission. Also, being a smoker and having hypoxemia had a significant relationship with longer stays in the hospital. In this study, we validated a cut‐off value of 4.819 for NLR, calculated at hospitalization, as a useful predictor of disease progression and occurrence of serious clinical outcomes, such as ICU admission.

Conclusion

The study examined various clinical factors associated with ICU admission in COVID‐19 patients. The findings suggest that certain factors can increase the risk of ICU admission and influence the length of hospital stay which should be focused in future studies.
Pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines mediate the progression of severe anemia in malaria‐infected children: A prospective study
Authors: Nkansah Charles , Osei‐Boakye Felix , Abbam Gabriel , Appiah Samuel K. , Daud Samira , Boakye Bright , Abdulai Samsiyatu , Ahmed Madina , Antwi Theophilus B. , Boateng Birago , Libatin Miigbat P. , Mensah Alexander S. , Missah Mary K. , Duneeh Richard V. , Haruna Ashiya , Adda Stephany , Abdul‐Rauf Pagnaa G. , Ofori Zacharia A. , Fosu George B. , Segnitome Sandra , Adjei Isaac , Appiah‐Kubi Emmanuel , Banyeh Moses , Derigubah Charles A. , Tanko Muniru M. , Chukwurah Ejike F.
Published: September 2024

Background

Severe Plasmodium falciparum malarial anemia is still the principal cause of death in children in underdeveloped countries. An imbalance between proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines is associated with malaria progression. This study evaluated circulating levels of selected inflammatory cytokines among malaria‐infected children in Ghana.

Methods

This case‐control study was conducted at Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana. One hundred and twenty children with malaria and 60 controls, aged 12−144 months were selected from April to July, 2023 for the study. Malaria was diagnosed through microscopy, full blood count was measured using hematology analyzer, and cytokines were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Malaria‐infected children had higher tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) (p < .001), interferon‐gamma (IFN‐ɣ) (p < .001), interleukin (IL)‐1β (p < .001), IL‐6 (p < .001), granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) (p < .001), and IL‐10 (p < .001) levels than controls. Participants with high parasitemia had raised TNF‐α (p < .001), IFN‐ɣ (p < .001), IL‐1β (p < .001), IL‐6 (p < .001), GM‐CSF (p < .001), and IL‐10 (p < .001), but reduced IL‐3 (p < .001) and TGF‐β (p < .001) than those with low parasitemia. Severe malarial anemic children had elevated TNF‐α (p < .001), IFN‐ɣ (p < .001), IL‐1β (p < .001), IL‐6 (p < .001), GM‐CSF (p < .001), and IL‐10 (p < .001), but lower IL‐3 (p < .001) and TGF‐β (p < .001) than those with uncomplicated malaria.

Conclusion

Parasite density was the principal predictor of the cytokine levels, as parasitemia positively associated with IL‐10, GM‐CSF, IL‐6, IL‐1β, IFN‐ɣ, and TNF‐α, but negatively associated with IL‐3 and TGF‐β. Malaria is associated with enhanced secretion of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in Ghanaian children. Inflammatory cytokines may be involved in the development of severe malarial anemia in children. However, IL‐3 and TGF‐β may offer protection against severe malarial anemia.
Combined inhibition of RAD51 and CHK1 causes synergistic toxicity in cisplatin resistant cancer cells by triggering replication fork collapse
Authors: Mann Julia , Niedermayer Kathrin , Krautstrunk Johannes , Abbey Lena , Wiesmüller Lisa , Piekorz Roland P. , Fritz Gerhard
Published: September 2024

The therapeutic efficacy of the anticancer drug cisplatin is limited by acquired drug resistance. Cisplatin forms DNA crosslinks, that, if not removed, lead to replication stress. Due to this, the DNA damage response (DDR) gets activated regulating cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, cell death or survival. This makes DDR components promising targets for the development of new therapeutic approaches aiming to overcome acquired drug resistance. To this end, cisplatin‐resistant bladder cancer cells were analyzed regarding their sensitivity to combination treatments with selected pharmacological DDR inhibitors. Synergistic cytolethal effects were achieved after combined treatment with low to moderate doses of the non‐genotoxic RAD51‐inhibitor (RAD51i) B02 and CHK1‐inhibitor (CHK1i) PF477736. This effect was also found in cisplatin resistant tumor cells of other origin as well as with other RAD51i and CHK1i. Combined treatments promoted decelerated replication, S‐phase blockage, accumulation of DNA strand breaks, DDR activation and stimulation of apoptotic cell death as compared to mono‐treatment, which is independent of the expression of RAD51, CHK1, and PrimPol. Based on these data, we suggest combined inhibition of RAD51 and CHK1 to overcome acquired cisplatin resistance of malignant cells. We propose that the molecular mechanism of this synergistic toxicity relies on a simultaneous inactivation of two key DNA damage tolerance pathways regulating replication fork restart, thereby circumventing the activation of alternative compensatory mechanisms and, in consequence, eventually effectively triggering apoptotic cell death by replication fork collapse.
Aflatoxin exposure is associated with an increased risk of gallbladder cancer
Authors: Yadav Amit , Gupta Pankaj , Gupta Parikshaa , Patil Amol N. , Das Chandan K. , Hooda Harish , Thakur Deepa , Sharma Vishal , Singh Anupam K. , Yadav Thakur Deen , Kaman Lileswar , Thakur Jarnail Singh , Sudini Hari Kishan , Srinivasan Radhika , Dutta Usha
Published: September 2024

Gall bladder cancer (GBC) is common among the socioeconomically deprived populations of certain geographical regions. Aflatoxin is a genotoxic hepatocarcinogen, which is recognized to have a role in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the role of aflatoxin in the pathogenesis of GBC is largely unknown. We determined serum AFB1‐Lys albumin adduct (AAA) levels as a marker of aflatoxin exposure in the patients with GBC and compared to those without GBC. The relationship of AAA levels to cytogenetic (TP53mutation&HER2/neu amplification) and radiological characteristics of the tumor was assessed. We included GBC cases (n = 51) and non‐GBC controls (n = 100). Mean serum AAA levels were higher in the GBC group (n = 51) than those without GBC (n = 100) (26.1 ± 12.2 vs. 13.1 ± 11.9 ng/mL; p < .001). HER2/neu expression was associated with higher AAA levels compared to those with equivocal or negative expression (43.9 ± 3 vs. 28.6 ± 10 vs. 19.3 ± 7 ng/mL; p < .001). Older age (age >50 years) (odds ratio [OR] = 3.2 [CI: 1.3–8.2]; p = .013), positive Helicobacter pylori serology (OR = 5.1 [CI: 1.4–17.8]; p = .012), presence of GS (OR = 5 [CI: 1.5–16.9]; p = .009) and detectable AAA levels (OR = 6.8 [CI: 1.3–35.7]; p = .024) were independent risk factors for the presence of the GBC among all study subjects. Among patients harboring GS, older age (age >50 years) (OR = 4.5 [CI: 1.3–14.9]; p = .015), female gender (OR = 3.8 [CI: 1.2–12.5]; p = .027), presence of multiple GS (OR = 21.9 [CI: 4.8–100.4]; p < .001) and high serum AAA levels (OR = 5.3 [CI: 1.6–17.3]; p = .006) were independent risk factors for the presence of the GBC. Elderly age >50 years (OR = 2.6 [CI: 1.3–5.2]; p = .010) and frequent peanut consumption (OR = 2.3 [CI: 1.1–4.9]; p = .030) were independent risk factors for high serum AAA levels. The current study has implications for the prevention of GBC through the reduction of dietary aflatoxin exposure.
A longitudinal study of prosocial behaviors predicting later academic performance in US Latine early adolescents
Authors: Cruz Alysia Maryse , Carlo Gustavo , Gulseven Zehra , Vandell Deborah Lowe
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Scholars have asserted and provided evidence on the developmental benefits of prosocial behaviors on later academic performance and well‐being. However, research directly examining these links in US Latine early adolescents and work that explains the positive link between prosocial behaviors and academic outcomes is scarce. The present study investigated whether social skills and self‐efficacy mediate the positive relations between prosocial behaviors and US Latine early adolescents' educational performance.

Method

Participants were 543 low‐income, US Latine middle school students (Mage = 11.7, SD = 0.73; 275 girls) attending after‐school programs. Measures of prosocial behaviors, social skills, self‐efficacy, and academic performance were administered at three‐time points.

Results

Findings showed that prosocial behaviors were significantly and positively linked to later self‐efficacy, which in turn, was subsequently positively linked to academic performance. In contrast, the paths among prosocial behaviors, social skills, and academic performance were not significant.

Conclusion

The discussion focuses on the central role of self‐efficacy in understanding the relations between prosocial behaviors and educational performance in US Latine early adolescents.
Glyoxylate supplementation ameliorates colitis associated colon cancer progression
Authors: Murmu Nabendu , Ghosh Paramita , Namani Akhileshwar , Patra Tapas
Published: September 2024

Colon cancer is on the rise in younger adults. Despite multimodal treatment strategies, clinical outcomes in advanced stage colon cancer patients remain poor. Neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy efficacy is limited due to chemoresistance, toxicity, and negative side effects. Overwhelming evidence supporting the small‐molecule metabolites derived from breakdown of food or microbial sources confer an extensive array of host benefits, including chemo‐preventive role in colon cancer. Our previous study indicated that the introduction of glyoxylate (Glx), an intermediate product of microbial or plant metabolism, exerts a cytotoxic effect in colon cancer cells. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Glx on colon cancer with molecular insights. For this, we established an AOM/DSS‐induced colitis associated colon cancer model in mice. Supplementation of Glx in vivo reduced colitis associated tumor growth and altered the metabolic characteristics of tumor tissue in mice without initiating any severe liver or renal toxicity. More specifically, intake of glyoxylate accumulated glycine in the colon tissue by elevation of alanine‐glyoxylate transferase (AGXT) activity. Glycine accumulation increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration via glycine receptor activation and dysregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis lead to induction of apoptosis that resulted in arresting tumor growth. Interestingly, elevation of AGXT activity or Glx related specific metabolic pathway provides better survival in colon cancer patients. Collectively, our exclusive findings support the exploration of Glx either as a preventive molecule or its inclusion in the treatment regimens for colon cancer.
Evaluation of the ability of laboratory, ultrasonography, and Doppler ultrasonography findings to distinguish between simple and complicated appendicitis
Authors: Bozbeyoglu Sabriye Gulcin , Gulcin Neslihan
Published: September 2024

Objective

To evaluate the utility of laboratory ultrasonographic and Doppler ultrasonographic findings in the differentiation of simple and complicated appendicitis.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted, including pediatric patients who underwent surgery with the diagnosis of appendicitis.

Results

Fifty patients, who were found to have appendicitis on ultrasonographic examination, were included. The mean age was found to be 12.80 ± 3.67 years, with 30% female and 70% male. The patients were histopathologically divided into two groups: simple appendicitis (Group 1, 41 patients, 82%) and complicated appendicitis (Group 2, 9 patients, 18%). CRP (C‐reactive protein) levels (p = 0.004) and periappendiceal fatty tissue thickness (PFI) (p < 0.005) were found to be statistically significantly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1. The portal vein (PV) diameter and peak systolic velocity (PSV) values were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (p = 0.033, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Doppler ultrasonographic examination did not significantly differentiate complicated from simple appendicitis. The CRP value is an independent risk factor in the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis, and the presence of a significant increase in mesenteric tissue thickness is one of the important criteria for differentiating complicated appendicitis from simple appendicitis.
The Japanese Catheter Ablation Registry (J‐AB): Annual report in 2022
Authors: Kusano Kengo , Inoue Koichi , Kanaoka Koshiro , Miyamoto Koji , Okumura Yasuo , Iwasaki Yu‐ki , Satomi Kazuhiro , Takatsuki Seiji , Nakamura Kohki , Iwanaga Yoshitaka , Yamane Teiichi , Shimizu Wataru ,   J‐AB registry investigators
Published: September 2024

The Japanese Catheter Ablation (J‐AB) registry, started in August 2017, is a voluntary, nationwide, multicenter, prospective, observational registry, performed by the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society (JHRS) in collaboration with the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center. From January 2022, the data registration system was changed from Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) system to Fountayn system. The purpose of this registry was to collect the details of target arrhythmias, the ablation procedures, including the type of target arrhythmias, outcomes, and acute complications in the real‐world settings. During the year of 2022, we have collected a total of 90,042 procedures (mean age of 66.7 years and 65.9% male) from 614 participant hospitals. Detailed data were shown in Figures and Tables.
Symbiotic and Nonsymbiotic Bacteria Associated With the Entomo‐Pathogenic Nematode, Heterorhabditis spp (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) From South India
Authors: Menon Athira G. , Bhaskar Haseena , Gopal K. Surendra , M Rajkumar , Subramanian Smitha M.
Published: September 2024

Sixteen isolates of bacteria obtained from the entomopathogenic nematode (Heterorhabditis sp.) infected cadavers of Galleria mellonella larvae were identified following phenotypic characterization and molecular analysis of 16S rRNA. Two isolates were identified as the symbiotic bacterium, Photothabdus luminescens, while 14 other isolates were represented by nine species of nonsymbiotic bacteria viz., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Alcaligenes aquatilis, Brevundimonas diminuta, Brucella pseudointermedia, Ochrobactrum sp., Brucella pseudogrignonensis, Brucella anthropic, Pseudomonas azatoformans and Pseudomonas lactis. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed the evolutionary relationship between P. luminescens and Pseudomonas spp. The study also found a close relationship among the nonsymbiotic bacteria such as A. aquatilis, B. diminuta, Ochrobactrum sp., and Brucella spp. P. luminescens has been documented for its insecticidal effects against a wide range of insects. The two local isolates obtained in this study may be explored for their biocontrol potential against major pests of the region. Further, the association of nonsymbiotic bacteria with the EPN may be investigated.
Carbon differentials and dual channels: The choice and impact of optimal strategies for manufacturer market encroachment
Authors: Tang Yan , Cheng Yunpei
Published: September 2024

This study discusses the cannibalization strategy of an outside manufacturer. A game‐theoretic model is developed in which manufacturers sell low‐quality products through retailers. The external manufacturer chooses between the retailer channel and the direct sales channel when considering carbon differences. The results show that carbon differentials and direct marketing costs play a key role in the choice of cannibalization strategy. Cannibalization by external manufacturers through retailers is not necessarily harmful to existing manufacturers. An increase in the degree of carbon differentiation leads to a decrease in wholesale and retail prices, while direct pricing by external manufacturers increases.
Topology‐preserving segmentation of abdominal muscle layers from ultrasound images
Authors: Liao Feiyang , Li Dongli , Yang Xiaoyu , Cao Weiwei , Xiang Dehui , Yuan Gang , Wang Yingwei , Zheng Jian
Published: September 2024

Background

In clinical anesthesia, precise segmentation of muscle layers from abdominal ultrasound images is crucial for identifying nerve block locations accurately. Despite deep learning advancements, challenges persist in segmenting muscle layers with accurate topology due to pseudo and weak edges caused by acoustic artifacts in ultrasound imagery.

Purpose

To assist anesthesiologists in locating nerve block areas, we have developed a novel deep learning algorithm that can accurately segment muscle layers in abdominal ultrasound images with interference.

Methods

We propose a comprehensive approach emphasizing the preservation of the segmentation's low‐rank property to ensure correct topology. Our methodology integrates a Semantic Feature Extraction (SFE) module for redundant encoding, a Low‐rank Reconstruction (LR) module to compress this encoding, and an Edge Reconstruction (ER) module to refine segmentation boundaries. Our evaluation involved rigorous testing on clinical datasets, comparing our algorithm against seven established deep learning‐based segmentation methods using metrics such as Mean Intersection‐over‐Union (MIoU) and Hausdorff distance (HD). Statistical rigor was ensured through effect size quantification with Cliff's Delta, Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) for multivariate analysis, and application of the Holm‐Bonferroni method for multiple comparisons correction.

Results

We demonstrate that our method outperforms other industry‐recognized deep learning approaches on both MIoU and HD metrics, achieving the best outcomes with 88.21%/4.98 () on the standard test set and 85.48%/6.98 () on the challenging test set. The best&worst results for the other models on the standard test set were (87.20%/5.72)&(83.69%/8.12), and on the challenging test set were (81.25%/10.00)&(71.74%/16.82). Ablation studies further validate the distinct contributions of the proposed modules, which synergistically achieve a balance between maintaining topological integrity and edge precision.

Conclusions

Our findings validate the effective segmentation of muscle layers with accurate topology in complex ultrasound images, leveraging low‐rank constraints. The proposed method not only advances the field of medical imaging segmentation but also offers practical benefits for clinical anesthesia by improving the reliability of nerve block localization.
Layer‐parallel training of residual networks with auxiliary variable networks
Authors: Sun Qi , Dong Hexin , Chen Zewei , Sun Jiacheng , Li Zhenguo , Dong Bin
Published: September 2024

Gradient‐based methods for training residual networks (ResNets) typically require a forward pass of input data, followed by back‐propagating the error gradient to update model parameters, which becomes time‐consuming as the network structure goes deeper. To break the algorithmic locking and exploit synchronous module parallelism in both forward and backward modes, auxiliary‐variable methods have emerged but suffer from communication overhead and a lack of data augmentation. By trading off the recomputation and storage of auxiliary variables, a joint learning framework is proposed in this work for training realistic ResNets across multiple compute devices. Specifically, the input data of each processor is generated from its low‐capacity auxiliary network (AuxNet), which permits the use of data augmentation and realizes forward unlocking. Backward passes are then executed in parallel, each with a local loss function derived from the penalty or augmented Lagrangian (AL) method. Finally, the AuxNet is adjusted to reproduce updated auxiliary variables through an end‐to‐end training process. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method on ResNets and WideResNets across CIFAR‐10, CIFAR‐100, and ImageNet datasets, achieving speedup over the traditional layer‐serial training approach while maintaining comparable testing accuracy.
Reachable set estimation of delayed Markovian jump neural networks based on an augmented zero equality approach
Authors: Kim S. H. , Kim Y. J. , Lee S. H. , Kwon O. M.
Published: September 2024

This article suggests the methods to estimate the reachable set of Markovian jump neural networks (MJNNs) with time‐varying delays. By building up improved Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals, the conditions that have less conservatism for the delay‐dependent can be obtained. Integral inequalities are employed to estimate the reachable set of MJNNs, resulting in more effective and conservative outcomes regarding time delays. Moreover, some mathematical techniques, the augmented zero equality approach, improve the results and eliminated the free variables. Two numerical examples and figures demonstrated that the proposed method was effective and provided less conservative results than previous research.
TLC‐bioautography‐guided identification and assessment of the antibacterial compounds from Feijoa sellowiana
Authors: Xu Wenliang , Shi Danxia , Chen Kuanmin , Popovich David G.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

A rapid procedure was developed for the targeted isolation and assessment of antibacterial compounds from plant‐based materials. The effectiveness of this method was demonstrated using Feijoa sellowiana fruit peels.

Objective

The objectives of this study are as follows: develop an efficient procedure utilizing direct thin‐layer chromatography (TLC)‐bioautography to facilitate the targeting, identification, and purification of antibacterial compounds from plant extracts and delineate a method based on TLC‐bioautography to determine the minimum effective dose (MED), alongside a colorimetric broth microdilution aided by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for evaluating the isolated active compounds.

Methodology

Active compounds were targeted using TLC‐bioautography against Staphylococcus aureus, and the identification was achieved through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) combined with Compound Discoverer. Purification was carried out using a customized separation method. The structure was confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The MED, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by two enhanced antibacterial assays.

Results

The main antibacterial compound identified was flavone. A TLC‐bioautography‐based antibacterial assay and a colorimetric broth microdilution assisted by HPLC were described as the enhanced antibacterial assay protocols. The MED, MIC, and MBC of flavone against S. aureus were found to be 4.2–5.2 μg/cm2, 225–275 μg/mL, and 550–650 μg/mL, respectively. Similarly, the MED, MIC, and MBC against Escherichia coli were determined to be 5.2–6.1 μg/cm2, 325–375 μg/mL, and 375–425 μg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion

This study proposed an enhanced bioassay‐guided separation technique for the isolation of antibacterial compounds from plants, along with two improved methods for assessing the antibacterial efficacy of insoluble or colored compounds.
Risk of Genetic Abnormality in Fetuses With Unilateral Versus Bilateral Pleural Effusions
Authors: Burnett Brian , Parobek Christian , Shanahan Matthew , Mitts Matthew , Albrecht Kelly , Munoz Jessian L. , Buskmiller Cara , Nassar Ahmed A. , Sanz Cortes Magdalena , Belfort Michael A. , Donepudi Roopali V.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Fetal pleural effusions are often associated with underlying genetic etiologies; however, data describing the incidence of genetic abnormalities are limited. We evaluated the rate of genetic abnormalities in pregnancies affected by primary unilateral and bilateral fetal pleural effusion.

Methods

This study is a retrospective cohort study of all patients evaluated at our center with a prenatal diagnosis of primary fetal pleural effusion from 2010 to 2022. All patients with a singleton pregnancy and diagnostic genetic testing were included. Patients were separated into two groups: those with unilateral or bilateral effusions at initial diagnosis. Genetic diagnoses, fetal interventions, and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Among 229 cases of fetal pleural effusion, 30 met the inclusion criteria. Unilateral effusion was seen in 14/30 cases (47%) and bilateral effusion in 16/30 cases (53%). Genetic abnormalities were present in 7/14 (50%) unilateral and 2/14 (14%) bilateral effusions (p = 0.046). Cases of bilateral effusion had higher rates of fetal intervention with thoracoamniotic shunt (69% vs. 14%; p = 0.004) and earlier delivery (33 vs. 36 weeks, p = 0.002). Bilateral effusions were found to have higher rates of respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal death (p = 0.03 and 0.04), respectively.

Conclusion

Pregnancies affected by primary fetal pleural effusion have a high rate of genetic abnormalities. Although bilateral fetal pleural effusions have worse perinatal outcomes, unilateral fetal pleural effusions have a high rate of genetic diagnosis and both unilateral and bilateral fetal pleural effusions warrant comprehensive prenatal genetic testing.
Association Between Influenza Vaccination and Acute Kidney Injury Among the Elderly: A Self‐Controlled Case Series
Authors: Cho Haerin , Lim Eunsun , Kim Hee‐Jin , Jeong Na‐Young , Choi Nam‐Kyong
Published: September 2024

Background

Several cases of renal complications, including acute kidney injury (AKI), after influenza vaccination have been reported, but the association remains unproven. We evaluated the association between influenza vaccination and AKI occurrence among the Korean elderly in the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 seasons.

Methods

We used a large database combining vaccination registration data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and claims data from the National Health Insurance Service. The study subjects were patients hospitalized with AKI for the first‐time following vaccination among those who received one influenza vaccine in the 2018–2019 or 2019–2020 season. Only those aged 65 or older at the date of vaccination were included. We performed a self‐controlled case series study, designating the risk period as 1 to 28 days post‐vaccination and the observation period as each influenza season. The adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) was calculated by adjusting for nephrotoxic drug use and influenza infection that may influence AKI occurrence using a conditional Poisson regression model.

Results

A total of 16 713 and 16 272 AKI events were identified during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 seasons, respectively. The aIRR for AKI was 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.79–0.87) in the 2018–2019 season. The aIRR for the 2019–2020 influenza season was similar to the 2018–2019 season (aIRR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.82–0.90).

Conclusions

Influenza vaccination is associated with a lower risk of AKI in the elderly over 65. This evidence supports the recommendation of annual influenza vaccination for the elderly. Further studies are needed to determine the biological mechanisms linking the influenza vaccine and AKI.
Immunolocalization of hordein synthesis and transport in developing barley endosperm
Authors: Tanner Gregory , van de Meene Allison , Bacic Anthony
Published: September 2024

The spatial accumulation of hordeins in the developing endosperm of barley grains was examined by immunofluorescence microscopy (immunolight microscopy [iLM]) and immunoelectron microscopy (iEM) to establish the timing and subcellular pattern of hordein synthesis and deposition. The pattern seen for hordeins was compared to other abundant grain proteins, such as serpin Z4 and lipid transfer protein 1 (LTP1). Hordein accumulates throughout grain development, from 6 to 37 days post‐anthesis (DPA). In contrast, serpin Z4 was present at 6 DPA, but the greatest synthesis and accumulation occurred during the middle of seed development, from 15 to 30 DPA. LTP1 accumulated later in seed development, from 15 to 30 DPA. Hordeins accumulated within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), were exocytosed from the ER membrane, and accumulated in protein bodies, which then fused either with the protein storage vacuoles or with other protein bodies, which also later fused with the protein storage vacuoles. iEM showed hordein, and LTP1 appeared not to traverse the Golgi apparatus (GA). Hordein, LTP1, and serpin Z4 colocalized to the same protein bodies and were co‐transported to the protein storage vacuole in the same protein bodies. It is likely that this represents a general transport mechanism common to storage proteins in developing grains.
Impact of adenotonsillectomy and palatal expansion on the apnea‐hypopnea index and minimum oxygen saturation in nonobese pediatric obstructive sleep apnea with balanced maxillomandibular relationship: A cross‐over randomized controlled trial
Authors: Magalhães Maria Cecilia , Normando David , Soares Carlos José , Araujo Eustaquio , Novaes Ricardo Maurício O , Teodoro Vinicius Vasconcelos , Flores‐Mir Carlos , Kim Ki Beom , Almeida Guilherme A.
Published: September 2024

Objective

To determine the impact and best management sequence between adenotonsillectomy (AT) and rapid palatal expansion (RPE) on the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) and minimum oxygen saturation (MinSaO2) in nonobese pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients presenting balanced maxillomandibular relationship.

Study Design/Methods

Thirty‐two nonobese children with balanced maxillomandibular relationship and a mean age of 8.8 years, with a graded III/IV tonsillar hypertrophy and maxillary constriction, participated in a cross‐over randomized controlled trial. As the first intervention, one group underwent AT while the other underwent RPE. After 6 months, interventions were switched in those groups, but only to participants with an AHI > 1 after the first intervention. OSA medical diagnosis with the support of Polysomnography (PSG) was conducted before (T0), 6 months after the first (T1) and the second (T2) intervention. The influence of sex, adenotonsillar hypertrophy degree, initial AHI and MinSaO2 severity, and intervention sequence were evaluated using linear regression analysis. Intra‐ and intergroup comparisons for AHI and MinSaO2 were performed using ANOVA and Tukey's test.

Results

The initial AHI severity and intervention sequence (AT first) explained 94.9% of AHI improvement. The initial MinSaO2 severity accounted for 83.1% of MinSaO2 improvement changes. Most AHI reductions and MinSaO2 improvements were due to AT.

Conclusions

Initial AHI severity and AT as the first intervention accounted for most of the AHI improvement. The initial MinSaO2 severity alone accounted for the most changes in MinSaO2 increase. In most cases, RPE had a marginal effect on AHI and MinSaO2 when adjusted for confounders.
Prognostic value of circulating tumor cells in oligorecurrent hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer patients undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy
Authors: Matrone Fabio , Del Ben Fabio , Montico Marcella , Muraro Elena , Steffan Agostino , Bortolus Roberto , Fratino Lucia , Donofrio Alessandra , Paduano Veronica , Zanchetta Martina , Turetta Matteo , Brisotto Giulia
Published: September 2024

Background

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an effective metastasis‐directed therapy for managing oligometastatic prostate cancer patients. However, it lacks reliable biomarkers for risk stratification. Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) show promise as minimally invasive prognostic indicators. This study evaluates the prognostic value of CTC in oligorecurrent hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer (orHSPC).

Methods

orHSPC patients with 1‐3 nodal and/or bone metastases undergoing SBRT were enrolled (N = 35), with a median follow‐up time of 42.1 months. CTC levels were measured at baseline (T0), 1 month (T1), and 3 months (T2) post‐SBRT using a novel metabolism‐based assay. These levels were correlated with clinical outcomes through Cox‐regression and Kaplan‐Meier analyses.

Results

Median CTC counts were 5 at T0, 8 at T1, and 5 at T2 with no significant variation over time. Multivariate analysis identified high (≥5/7.5 mL) T0 CTC counts (HR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3–6.5, p = 0.01, median DPFS 29.7 vs. 14.0 months) and having more than one metastasis (HR 3.9, 95% CI 1.8–8.6, p < 0.005, median DPFS 34.1 vs. 10.7 months) as independent predictors of distant progression‐free survival (DPFS). CTC assessment successfully stratified patients with a single metastasis (HR 3.4, 95% CI 1.1–10.2, p = 0.03, median DPFS 42.1 vs. 16.7 months), but not those with more than one metastasis. Additionally, a combined score based on CTC levels and the number of metastases effectively stratified patients.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that hypermetabolic CTC could enhance risk stratification in orHSPC patients undergoing SBRT, particularly in patients with limited metastatic burden, potentially identifying patients with indolent disease who are suitable for tailored SBRT interventions.