bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From theory to practice: insights and hurdles in collecting social media data for social science research
Authors: Chen Yan , Sherren Kate , Lee Kyung Young , McCay-Peet Lori , Xue Shan , Smit Michael
Published: May 2024

Social media has profoundly changed our modes of self-expression, communication, and participation in public discourse, generating volumes of conversations and content that cover every aspect of our social lives. Social media platforms have thus become increasingly important as data sources to identify social trends and phenomena. In recent years, academics have steadily lost ground on access to social media data as technology companies have set more restrictions on Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) or entirely closed public APIs. This circumstance halts the work of many social scientists who have used such data to study issues of public good. We considered the viability of eight approaches for image-based social media data collection: data philanthropy organizations, data repositories, data donation, third-party data companies, homegrown tools, and various web scraping tools and scripts. This paper discusses the advantages and challenges of these approaches from literature and from the authors' experience. We conclude the paper by discussing mechanisms for improving social media data collection that will enable this future frontier of social science research.
Digital pathology implementation in cancer diagnostics: towards informed decision-making
Authors: Sulaieva Oksana , Dudin Oleksandr , Koshyk Olena , Panko Mariia , Kobyliak Nazarii
Published: May 2024

Digital pathology (DP) has become a part of the cancer healthcare system, creating additional value for cancer patients. DP implementation in clinical practice provides plenty of benefits but also harbors hidden ethical challenges affecting physician-patient relationships. This paper addresses the ethical obligation to transform the physician-patient relationship for informed and responsible decision-making when using artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools for cancer diagnostics. DP application allows to improve the performance of the Human-AI Team shifting focus from AI challenges towards the Augmented Human Intelligence (AHI) benefits. AHI enhances analytical sensitivity and empowers pathologists to deliver accurate diagnoses and assess predictive biomarkers for further personalized treatment of cancer patients. At the same time, patients’ right to know about using AI tools, their accuracy, strengths and limitations, measures for privacy protection, acceptance of privacy concerns and legal protection defines the duty of physicians to provide the relevant information about AHI-based solutions to patients and the community for building transparency, understanding and trust, respecting patients' autonomy and empowering informed decision-making in oncology.
Measurement invariance of the teachers’ awareness scale in content-integrated education for multilingual learners
Authors: Park Jung Yeon , Kim Sujin , Chen Xiaowen
Published: May 2024

This study validates the scale, Critical Awareness toward Content-Language Integrated Education, recently designed to assess teachers’ awareness and beliefs toward Multilingual Learners (MLs) in content classrooms. By analyzing survey responses from a total of 458 teacher participants in the U.S., we examined evidence of validity, reliability, and measurement invariance. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) confirmed the three-factor structure, consisting of 34 items, with the suggestion to exclude one item out of 35 items. Multiple-group CFA (MG-CFA), considering teachers’ roles and for grade-levels of teaching, confirmed partial metric invariance and scalar invariance, with the constraints on three non-invariant items being released. Following the exclusion of the three items, subsequent data analyses were performed to compare teacher subgroups based on the finalized 31-item scale. The overall findings endorse the scale’s reliability and validity, supporting its applicability for researchers and practitioners in related fields.
Association of high vibration perception threshold with reduced renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhang Yongze , Zheng Biao , Li Yimei , Shen Ximei , Huang Lingning , Zhao Fengying , Yan Sunjie
Published: May 2024

Objective

To investigate the correlation between vibration sensory threshold (VPT) and renal function, including glomerulus and renal tubule, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

A total of 1274 patients with T2DM who were enrolled in the Department of Endocrinology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University between January 2017 and June 2020 were included. Patients were grouped according to VPT levels and divided into three groups, including the normal VPT group (VPT<15V), the mild-moderate elevated VPT group (VPT15~25V), and the severely elevated VPT group (VPT≥25 V). Linear correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between VPT and renal functions, including glomerulus markers urine microalbumin (MA) and urinary immunoglobulin G (U-IgG), and renal tubule marker α1-microglobulin (α1-MG). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. The binary logistic regression of the relation between VPT and CKD, eGFR<60 ml/min, and UACR >30 mg/g were expressed.

Results

In the mild-moderate and severely elevated VPT group, injury biomarkers of glomerulus (MA and U-IgG), renal tubule (α1-MG), and the incidence of CKD, eGFR<60 ml/min, and UACR > 30 mg/g were gradually increased compared with the normal VPT group. Furthermore, patients with diabetes and severely elevated VPT had significantly higher levels of MA (β=197.54, p=0.042) and α1-MG (β=11.69, p=0.023) compared to those with normal VPT. Also, patients with mild-moderate elevated VPT demonstrate significantly higher levels of MA (β=229.02, p=0.005). Patients in mild-moderate elevated VPT group (OR=1.463, 95% CI 1.005–2.127; OR=1.816, 95% CI 1.212–2.721) and severely elevated VPT group (OR=1.704, 95% CI 1.113–2.611; OR=2.027, 95% CI 1.248–3.294) are at a higher incidence of CKD and elevated levels of UACR>30mg/g compared to those in the VPT normal group. Moreover, the incidence of positive Upro was notably higher in the severely elevated VPT group (OR=1.738, 95% CI 1.182–2.556). However, this phenomenon was not observed in the incidence of eGFR <60 ml/min.

Conclusion

A higher VPT is positively associated with the incidence of CKD in patients with T2DM, particularly with elevated UACR. VPT may serve as a marker for glomerulus and renal tubule injury.
High C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio levels are associated with osteoporosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Li Yanyan , Liu Bo , Li Xin
Published: May 2024

Objective

Inflammation contributes to the development of metabolic bone diseases. The C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) is an inflammation-based marker with a prognostic value for several metabolic diseases. This study investigated the relationship between the CAR and osteoporosis (OP) in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).

Methods

Patients with PBC treated at Beijing Ditan Hospital between January 2018 and June 2023 were enrolled. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors influencing OP. The predictive value of CAR for OP was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Moreover, a restricted cubic spline (RCS) fitted with a logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between CAR and OP.

Results

The prevalence of OP among the patients with PBC was 26.9% (n = 82). CAR levels were higher in the OP group than in the non-OP group (0.33 (0.09, 0.61) vs. 0.08 (0.04, 0.18), P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that CAR was an independent predictor of OP in patients with PBC (odds ratio = 2.642, 95% confidence interval = 1.537-4.540, P < 0.001). CAR exhibited a good predictive ability for OP, with an areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.741. We found that individuals with CAR values > 0.1 have higher odds of OP. In addition, high CAR levels were associated with an increased prevalence of fragility fractures and high 10-year fracture risk.

Conclusion

High CAR levels were associated with greater odds of developing OP, and the CAR could serve as an independent predictor of OP in patients with PBC.
Short-term wind power forecasting using integrated boosting approach
Authors: Ahmed Ubaid , Muhammad Rasheed , Abbas Syed Sami , Aziz Imran , Mahmood Anzar
Published: May 2024

Rapidly increasing global energy demand and environmental concerns have shifted the attention of policymakers toward the large-scale integration of renewable energy resources (RERs). Wind energy is a type of RERs with vast energy potential and no environmental pollution is associated with it. The sustainable development goals: affordable and clean energy, climate action, and industry, innovation and infrastructure, can be achieved by integrating wind energy into the existing power systems. However, the integration of wind energy will bring instability challenges due to its intermittent nature. Mitigating these challenges necessitates the implementation of effective wind power forecasting models. Therefore, we have proposed a novel integrated approach, Boost-LR, for hour-ahead wind power forecasting. The Boost-LR is a multilevel technique consisting of non-parametric models, extreme gradient boosting (XgBoost), categorical boosting (CatBoost), and random forest (RF), and parametric approach, linear regression (LR). The first layer of the Boost-LR uses the boosting algorithms that process the data according to their tree development architectures and pass their intermediary forecast to LR which is deployed in layer two and processes the intermediary forecasts of layer one models to provide the final predicted wind power. To demonstrate the generalizability and robustness of the proposed study, the performance of Boost-LR is compared with the individual models of CatBoost, XgBoost, RF, deep learning networks: long short-term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent unit (GRU), Transformer and Informer models using root mean square error (RMSE), mean square error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and normalized root mean square error (NRMSE). Findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the Boost-LR as its forecasting performance is superior to the compared models. The improvement in MAE of Boost-LR is recorded as to be 31.42%, 32.14%, and 27.55% for the datasets of Bruska, Jelinak, and Inland wind farm, respectively as compared to the MAE of CatBoost which is revealed as the second-best performing model. Moreover, the proposed study also reports a literature comparison that further validates the effectiveness of Boost-LR performance for short-term wind power forecasting.
External exposome and all-cause mortality in European cohorts: the EXPANSE project
Authors: Nobile Federica , Dimakopoulou Konstantina , Åström Christofer , Coloma Fabián , Dadvand Payam , de Bont Jeroen , de Hoogh Kees , Ibi Dorina , Katsouyanni Klea , Ljungman Petter , Melén Erik , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark , Pickford Regina , Sommar Johan Nilsson , Tonne Cathryn , Vermeulen Roel C. H. , Vienneau Danielle , Vlaanderen Jelle J. , Wolf Kathrin , Samoli Evangelia , Stafoggia Massimo
Published: May 2024

Background

Many studies reported associations between long-term exposure to environmental factors and mortality; however, little is known on the combined effects of these factors and health. We aimed to evaluate the association between external exposome and all-cause mortality in large administrative and traditional adult cohorts in Europe.

Methods

Data from six administrative cohorts (Catalonia, Greece, Rome, Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands, totaling 27,913,545 subjects) and three traditional adult cohorts (CEANS-Sweden, EPIC-NL-the Netherlands, KORA–Germany, totaling 57,653 participants) were included. Multiple exposures were assigned at the residential addresses, and were divided into three a priori defined domains: (1) air pollution [fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), black carbon (BC) and warm-season Ozone (warm-O3)]; (2) land/built environment (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index—NDVI, impervious surfaces, and distance to water); (3) air temperature (cold- and warm-season mean and standard deviation). Each domain was synthesized through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), with the aim of explaining at least 80% of its variability. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were applied and the total risk of the external exposome was estimated through the Cumulative Risk Index (CRI). The estimates were adjusted for individual- and area-level covariates.

Results

More than 205 million person-years at risk and more than 3.2 million deaths were analyzed. In single-component models, IQR increases of the first principal component of the air pollution domain were associated with higher mortality [HRs ranging from 1.011 (95% CI: 1.005–1.018) for the Rome cohort to 1.076 (1.071–1.081) for the Swedish cohort]. In contrast, lower levels of the first principal component of the land/built environment domain, pointing to reduced vegetation and higher percentage of impervious surfaces, were associated with higher risks. Finally, the CRI of external exposome increased mortality for almost all cohorts. The associations found in the traditional adult cohorts were generally consistent with the results from the administrative ones, albeit without reaching statistical significance.

Discussion

Various components of the external exposome, analyzed individually or in combination, were associated with increased mortality across European cohorts. This sets the stage for future research on the connections between various exposure patterns and human health, aiding in the planning of healthier cities.
Genetic diversity, population structure and kinship relationships highlight the environmental influence on Uganda’s indigenous goat populations
Authors: Nantongo Ziwena , Birungi Josephine , Opiyo Stephen Obol , Shirima Gabriel , Mugerwa Swidiq , Mutai Collins , Kyalo Martina , Munishi Linus , Agaba Morris , Mrode Raphael
Published: May 2024

Knowledge about genetic diversity and population structure among goat populations is essential for understanding environmental adaptation and fostering efficient utilization, development, and conservation of goat breeds. Uganda’s indigenous goats exist in three phenotypic groups: Mubende, Kigezi, and Small East African. However, a limited understanding of their genetic attributes and population structure hinders the development and sustainable utilization of the goats. Using the Goat Illumina 60k chip International Goat Genome Consortium V2, the whole-genome data for 1,021 indigenous goats sourced from 10 agroecological zones in Uganda were analyzed for genetic diversity and population structure. A total of 49,337 (82.6%) single-nucleotide polymorphism markers were aligned to the ARS-1 goat genome and used to assess the genetic diversity, population structure, and kinship relationships of Uganda’s indigenous goats. Moderate genetic diversity was observed. The observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.378 and 0.383, the average genetic distance was 0.390, and the average minor allele frequency was 0.30. The average inbreeding coefficient (Fis) was 0.014, and the average fixation index (Fst) was 0.016. Principal component analysis, admixture analysis, and discriminant analysis of principal components grouped the 1,021 goat genotypes into three genetically distinct populations that did not conform to the known phenotypic populations but varied across environmental conditions. Population 1, comprising Mubende (90%) and Kigezi (8.1%) goats, is located in southwest and central Uganda, a warm and humid environment. Population 2, which is 59% Mubende and 49% Small East African goats, is located along the Nile Delta in northwestern Uganda and around the Albertine region, a hot and humid savannah grassland. Population 3, comprising 78.4% Small East African and 21.1% Mubende goats, is found in northeastern to eastern Uganda, a hot and dry Commiphora woodlands. Genetic diversity and population structure information from this study will be a basis for future development, conservation, and sustainable utilization of Uganda’s goat genetic resources.
Oropharyngeal microbial ecosystem perturbations influence the risk for acute respiratory infections in common variable immunodeficiency
Authors: Pulvirenti Federica , Giufrè Maria , Pentimalli Tancredi M. , Camilli Romina , Milito Cinzia , Villa Annalisa , Sculco Eleonora , Cerquetti Marina , Pantosti Annalisa , Quinti Isabella
Published: May 2024

Background

The respiratory tract microbiome is essential for human health and well-being and is determined by genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) suffer from respiratory and intestinal tract infections, leading to chronic diseases and increased mortality rates. While CVID patients’ gut microbiota have been analyzed, data on the respiratory microbiome ecosystem are limited.

Objective

This study aims to analyze the bacterial composition of the oropharynx of adults with CVID and its link with clinical and immunological features and risk for respiratory acute infections.

Methods

Oropharyngeal samples from 72 CVID adults and 26 controls were collected in a 12-month prospective study. The samples were analyzed by metagenomic bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and processed using the Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology (QIME) pipeline. Differentially abundant species were identified and used to build a dysbiosis index. A machine learning model trained on microbial abundance data was used to test the power of microbiome alterations to distinguish between healthy individuals and CVID patients.

Results

Compared to controls, the oropharyngeal microbiome of CVID patients showed lower alpha- and beta-diversity, with a relatively increased abundance of the order Lactobacillales, including the family Streptococcaceae. Intra-CVID analysis identified age >45 years, COPD, lack of IgA, and low residual IgM as associated with a reduced alpha diversity. Expansion of Haemophilus and Streptococcus genera was observed in patients with undetectable IgA and COPD, independent from recent antibiotic use. Patients receiving azithromycin as antibiotic prophylaxis had a higher dysbiosis score. Expansion of Haemophilus and Anoxybacillus was associated with acute respiratory infections within six months.

Conclusions

CVID patients showed a perturbed oropharynx microbiota enriched with potentially pathogenic bacteria and decreased protective species. Low residual levels of IgA/IgM, chronic lung damage, anti antibiotic prophylaxis contributed to respiratory dysbiosis.
Exploitation of CD3ζ to enhance TCR expression levels and antigen-specific T cell function
Authors: Degirmencay Abdullah , Thomas Sharyn , Holler Angelika , Burgess Samuel , Morris Emma C. , Stauss Hans J.
Published: May 2024

The expression levels of TCRs on the surface of human T cells define the avidity of TCR-HLA/peptide interactions. In this study, we have explored which components of the TCR-CD3 complex are involved in determining the surface expression levels of TCRs in primary human T cells. The results show that there is a surplus of endogenous TCR α/β chains that can be mobilised by providing T cells with additional CD3γ,δ,ε,ζ chains, which leads to a 5-fold increase in TCR α/β surface expression. The analysis of individual CD3 chains revealed that provision of additional ζ chain alone was sufficient to achieve a 3-fold increase in endogenous TCR expression. Similarly, CD3ζ also limits the expression levels of exogenous TCRs transduced into primary human T cells. Interestingly, transduction with TCR plus CD3ζ not only increased surface expression of the introduced TCR, but it also reduced mispairing with endogenous TCR chains, resulting in improved antigen-specific function. TCR reconstitution experiments in HEK293T cells that do not express endogenous TCR or CD3 showed that TCRα/β and all four CD3 chains were required for optimal surface expression, while in the absence of CD3ζ the TCR expression was reduced by 50%. Together, the data show that CD3ζ is a key regulator of TCR expression levels in human T cells, and that gene transfer of exogenous TCR plus CD3ζ improved TCR surface expression, reduced TCR mispairing and increased antigen-specific function.
Prevention of severe pitting corrosion of 13Cr pipeline steel by a sulfate reducing bacterium using a green biocide cocktail
Authors: Xu Lingjun , Khan Adnan , Kijkla Pruch , Kumseranee Sith , Punpruk Suchada , Gu Tingyue
Published: May 2024

To combat abiotic CO2 corrosion of pipelines, chromium steels (CrSs) are used to replace carbon steels, but CrSs can suffer very severe pitting corrosion caused by microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) because their passive films are not as good as those on high-grade stainless steels, and their MIC often involves (semi-)conductive corrosion product films. In this study, severe pitting corrosion (2.0 cm/a pitting corrosion rate) with a 7-day weight loss of 3.8 ± 0.5 mg/cm2 (0.26 mm/a uniform corrosion rate) was observed on 13Cr coupons incubated anaerobically with a highly corrosive pure-strain sulfate reducing bacterium (SRB) Desulfovibrio ferrophilus IS5 in 125 mL anaerobic vials filled with 50 mL enriched artificial seawater at 28°C. A popular green biocide, namely tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS), was enhanced by biofilm dispersing Peptide A (a 14-mer) to mitigate SRB MIC against 13Cr. The 7-day weight losses for coupons with 50 ppm (w/w) THPS, 50 ppm THPS + 100 nM (180 ppb) Peptide A and 100 ppm THPS were reduced to 2.2 ± 0.2 mg/cm2, 1.5 ± 0.5 mg/cm2, and 0.3 ± 0.2 mg/cm2, respectively. The pitting rates also decreased from 20 mm/a to 12 mm/a, 8.6 mm/a, and 1.5 mm/a, respectively based on the maximum pit depth data for the 7-day incubation. Electrochemical tests using a miniature electrochemical glass cell design supported the weight loss trend with additional transient corrosion rate information. THPS was found to be effective in mitigating severe pitting corrosion on 13Cr, and the enhancement effect of Peptide A for THPS was manifested. This work has significant implications in field applications when CrSs are considered as metal choices to replace carbon steels to combat abiotic CO2 corrosion in pipelines. When SRB MIC is a possible threat, a mitigation plan needs to be implemented to prevent potentially very severe pitting that can lead to pinhole leaks.
Assessing patient satisfaction among COVID-19 survivors in Northeast India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Saeed Shazina , Niazi Farah , Kaur Karuna Nidhi , Rana Shweta , Singhal Manmohan , Singh Harpreet
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study investigates patient satisfaction among COVID-19 survivors in Northeast India, motivated by the unique long-term healthcare needs of survivors and the critical role of patient satisfaction in assessing and enhancing healthcare quality. By focusing on this underexplored region, the research aims to uncover insights that can guide improvements in patient-centered care and healthcare service delivery in similar contexts.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted using a Simple Random Sampling technique. Data were collected through telephone interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire, including the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 (PSQ-18) for analysis. The PSQ-18 yielded seven subscale scores representing different dimensions of patient satisfaction. Statistical analysis using SPSS software was conducted to summarize socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, and patient satisfaction levels, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics.

Result

The results indicated a high acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination, with the majority of participants having received both doses. Patient satisfaction with healthcare services is generally positive, particularly in aspects related to doctor-patient communication and medical care quality. However, there are notable concerns regarding the affordability and timeliness of care. Regional variations across states, as well as factors like education and income, significantly influence patient satisfaction levels.

Conclusion

The study revealed generally good patient satisfaction levels in Northeast India. However, challenges in healthcare affordability and timeliness persist, influenced by regional disparities and socio-economic factors. Targeted interventions are needed to improve healthcare in the region.
Prolonged time to recovery and its predictors among trauma patients admitted to the intensive care units in comprehensive specialized hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia: a multicenter retrospective follow-up study, 2022
Authors: Messelu Mengistu Abebe , Ayenew Temesgen , Alamneh Tesfa Sewunet , Demile Tiruye Azene , Shibabaw Aster Tadesse , Belayneh Asnake Gashaw
Published: May 2024

Introduction

A prolonged time to recovery in the intensive care units has adverse effects on both the patients and the healthcare providers. However, there is limited evidence in African countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the time to recovery and its predictors among trauma patients admitted to intensive care units.

Methods

An institutional-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted on trauma patients hospitalized in intensive care units between 9 January 2019 and 8 January 2022. The charts of 450 patients were chosen using a simple random sampling technique. Data collection was conducted using smartphones and tablets. The data were then exported into STATA version 16 for analysis. The log-rank test and the Kaplan–Meier survival curve were fitted for analysis. An adjusted hazard ratio with 95% confidence intervals was reported to declare the strength of association between time to recovery and predictors in the multivariable Weibull regression analysis.

Results

The overall incidence density rate of recovery was 6.53 per 100 person-day observations, with a median time to recovery of 10 days. Significant predictors of time to recovery included being on mechanical ventilation (AHR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.64), having a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score between 9–12 and 13–15 (AHR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.47, and AHR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.53, respectively), experiencing polytrauma (AHR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.78), and having complications (AHR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.59).

Conclusion and recommendations

The incidence rate of recovery for trauma patients is lower than the national standard, and the median time to recovery is longer. Being on mechanical ventilation, mild and moderate GCS scores, polytrauma, and the presence of complications were significantly associated with prolonged time to recovery. Therefore, special attention has to be given to trauma patients who had polytrauma, complications, received mechanical ventilation, and had a lower GCS score.
Digital versus non-digital health interventions to improve iron supplementation in pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shao Yu , Meng Chao , Liang Ying-Zhi
Published: May 2024

Objective

To investigate the effects of digital health interventions for improving adherence to oral iron supplementation in pregnant women.

Literature search

Five databases were searched from their inception to October 2023 with no date restrictions.

Study selection

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of digital health interventions on adherence to oral iron supplementation (e.g., tablets and capsules) compared to non-digital health interventions for pregnant women were eligible.

Data synthesis

We calculated standardized mean differences (SMDs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for continuous variables using the inverse variance method. We calculated odds ratios (OR) with 95%CI for categorical variables using the Mantel–Haenszel model. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The risk of bias of the included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2.0.

Results

Ten trials with 1,633 participants were included. Based on 7 trials, digital health interventions can improve objective adherence rate comparing with non-digital health interventions (1,289 participants, OR = 4.07 [2.19, 7.57], p < 0.001, I2 = 69%) in pregnant women. Digital health interventions can improve subjective adherence behavior comparing with non-digital health interventions (3 trials, 434 participants, SMD = 0.82 [0.62, 1.01], p < 0.001, I2 = 0%) in pregnant women. Based on 3 trials, digital health interventions can improve tablets consumption comparing with non-digital health interventions (333 participants, SMD = 1.00 [0.57, 1.42], p < 0.001, I2 = 66%) in pregnant women. Digital health interventions can improve hemoglobin level comparing with non-digital health interventions (7 trials, 1,216 participants, MD = 0.59 [0.31, 0.88], p < 0.001, I2 = 93%) in pregnant women.

Conclusion

Digital health interventions were effective at improving adherence to oral iron supplementation and hemoglobin levels in pregnant women.
Distant organ metastasis patterns and prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma: a population-based retrospective study
Authors: Li Suyu , Pan Wuyuan , Song Jianrong , Zhen Lan , Chen Yusha , Liu Weijian , Zhang Yulong , Chen Lingsi , Huang Qiuyuan , Zheng Shixiong , Zheng Xiangqin
Published: May 2024

Background

Adenocarcinoma is a common histological subtype of cervical cancer, accounting for 10–15% of all cases. The prognosis of cervical adenocarcinoma with distant organ metastases remains unclear. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the patterns and prognosis of distant organ metastasis in cervical adenocarcinoma.

Methods

We obtained data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database spanning from 2010 to 2019. Cox regression, Kaplan–Meier, and log-rank analyses were conducted.

Results

We observed that adenocarcinoma (AC) of the cervix primarily metastasizes to single organs, with a rate of 73.3%. The lungs are the most common organs of metastasis, followed by the liver and bones. Patients with bone metastases have a median survival period of 12 months, which is slightly longer compared to metastasis in other organs. Distant organ metastasis, age, positive lymph nodes, higher AJCC stages, larger tumor diameter, and higher cell grades are related to poor prognosis (p < 0.001). Furthermore, we have observed that surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy can potentially provide benefits for patients with distant organ metastases.

Conclusion

Metastasis is an independent prognostic factor for cervical adenocarcinoma patients. Surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy can provide an overall survival advantage for patients with distant organ metastases.
Real-time PCR assays that detect genes for botulinum neurotoxin A–G subtypes
Authors: Pillai Segaran P. , Hill Karen K. , Gans Jason , Smith Theresa J.
Published: May 2024

The role of Real-Time PCR assays for surveillance and rapid screening for pathogens is garnering more and more attention because of its versatility and ease of adoption. The goal of this study was to design, test, and evaluate Real-Time TaqMan PCR assays for the detection of botulinum neurotoxin (bont/A-G) genes from currently recognized BoNT subtypes. Assays were computationally designed and then laboratory tested for sensitivity and specificity using DNA preparations containing bont genes from 82 target toxin subtypes, including nine bivalent toxin types; 31 strains representing other clostridial species; and an extensive panel that consisted of DNA from a diverse set of prokaryotic (bacterial) and eukaryotic (fungal, protozoan, plant, and animal) species. In addition to laboratory testing, the assays were computationally evaluated using in silico analysis for their ability to detect bont gene sequences from recently identified toxin subtypes. Seventeen specific assays (two for each of the bont/C, bont/D, bont/E, and bont/G subtypes and three for each of the bont/A, bont/B, and bont/F subtypes) were designed and evaluated for their ability to detect bont genes encoding multiple subtypes from all seven serotypes. These assays could provide an additional tool for the detection of botulinum neurotoxins in clinical, environmental and food samples that can complement other existing methods used in clinical diagnostics, regulatory, public health, and research laboratories.
Integration of food raw materials, food microbiology, and food additives: systematic research and comprehensive insights into sweet sorghum juice, Clostridium tyrobutyricum TGL-A236 and bio-butyric acid
Authors: Liu Mei-Han , Zhou Xiang , Zhang Miao-Miao , Wang Ya-Juan , Zhou Bo , Ding Nan , Wu Qing-Feng , Lei Cai-Rong , Dong Zi-Yi , Ren Jun-Le , Zhao Jing-Ru , Jia Cheng-Lin , Liu Jun , Lu Dong , Zhong Hai-Yan
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Sweet sorghum juice is a typical production feedstock for natural, eco-friendly sweeteners and beverages. Clostridium tyrobutyricum is one of the widely used microorganisms in the food industry, and its principal product, bio-butyric acid is an important food additive. There are no published reports of Clostridium tyrobutyricum producing butyric acid using SSJ as the sole substrate without adding exogenous substances, which could reach a food-additive grade. This study focuses on tailoring a cost-effective, safe, and sustainable process and strategy for their production and application.

Methods

This study modeled the enzymolysis of non-reducing sugars via the first/second-order kinetics and added food-grade diatomite to the hydrolysate. Qualitative and quantitative analysis were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometer, full-scale laser diffraction method, ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, the cell double-staining assay, transmission electron microscopy, and Oxford nanopore technology sequencing. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, pathway and process enrichment analysis, and homology modeling were conducted for mutant genes.

Results

The treated sweet sorghum juice showed promising results, containing 70.60 g/L glucose and 63.09 g/L fructose, with a sucrose hydrolysis rate of 98.29% and a minimal sucrose loss rate of 0.87%. Furthermore, 99.62% of the colloidal particles and 82.13% of the starch particles were removed, and the concentrations of hazardous substances were effectively reduced. A food microorganism Clostridium tyrobutyricum TGL-A236 with deep utilization value was developed, which showed superior performance by converting 30.65% glucose and 37.22% fructose to 24.1364 g/L bio-butyric acid in a treated sweet sorghum juice (1:1 dilution) fermentation broth. This titer was 2.12 times higher than that of the original strain, with a butyric acid selectivity of 86.36%. Finally, the Genome atlas view, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and evolutionary genealogy of genes: Non-supervised Orthologous (eggNOG) functional annotations, three-dimensional structure and protein cavity prediction of five non-synonymous variant genes were obtained.

Conclusion

This study not only includes a systematic process flow and in-depth elucidation of relevant mechanisms but also provides a new strategy for green processing of food raw materials, improving food microbial performance, and ensuring the safe production of food additives.
Enhancing of cerebral Abeta clearance by modulation of ABC transporter expression: a review of experimental approaches
Authors: Loeffler David A.
Published: May 2024

Clearance of amyloid-beta (Aβ) from the brain is impaired in both early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Mechanisms for clearing cerebral Aβ include proteolytic degradation, antibody-mediated clearance, blood brain barrier and blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier efflux, glymphatic drainage, and perivascular drainage. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are membrane efflux pumps driven by ATP hydrolysis. Their functions include maintenance of brain homeostasis by removing toxic peptides and compounds, and transport of bioactive molecules including cholesterol. Some ABC transporters contribute to lowering of cerebral Aβ. Mechanisms suggested for ABC transporter-mediated lowering of brain Aβ, in addition to exporting of Aβ across the blood brain and blood cerebrospinal fluid barriers, include apolipoprotein E lipidation, microglial activation, decreased amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor protein, and restricting the entrance of Aβ into the brain. The ABC transporter superfamily in humans includes 49 proteins, eight of which have been suggested to reduce cerebral Aβ levels. This review discusses experimental approaches for increasing the expression of these ABC transporters, clinical applications of these approaches, changes in the expression and/or activity of these transporters in AD and transgenic mouse models of AD, and findings in the few clinical trials which have examined the effects of these approaches in patients with AD or mild cognitive impairment. The possibility that therapeutic upregulation of ABC transporters which promote clearance of cerebral Aβ may slow the clinical progression of AD merits further consideration.
The amygdaloid body of the family Delphinidae: a morphological study of its central nucleus through calbindin-D28k
Authors: Sacchini Simona , Bombardi Cristiano , Arbelo Manuel , Herráez Pedro
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The amygdala is a noticeable bilateral structure in the medial temporal lobe and it is composed of at least 13 different nuclei and cortical areas, subdivided into the deep nuclei, the superficial nuclei, and the remaining nuclei which contain the central nucleus (CeA). CeA mediates the behavioral and physiological responses associated with fear and anxiety through pituitary-adrenal responses by modulating the liberation of the hypothalamic Corticotropin Releasing Factor/Hormone.

Methods

Five dolphins of three different species, belonging to the family Delphinidae (three striped dolphins, one common dolphin, and one Atlantic spotted dolphin), were used for this study. For a precise overview of the CeA’s structure, thionine staining and the immunoperoxidase method using calbindin D-28k were employed.

Results

CeA extended mainly dorsal to the lateral nucleus and ventral to the striatum. It was medial to the internal capsule and lateral to the optic tract and the medial nucleus of the amygdala.

Discussion

The dolphin amygdaloid complex resembles that of primates, including the subdivision, volume, and location of the CeA.
Nanoscience teaching and research program in South Africa
Authors: Lindsay Robert , Nel Janske
Published: May 2024

Since 2012, the National Nanoscience Teaching and Training Platform (NNPTTP), funded by the South African Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), has been responsible for overseeing Africa’s first-ever master’s in nanoscience program. For over a decade, the NNPTTP has seen the cooperation of four partner universities across South Africa, namely, the University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of the Free State (UFS), University of the Western Cape (UWC), and Nelson Mandela University (NMU), culminating in over 250 graduates trained in either nanophysics, nanochemistry, or nanobiology. Originally established to train professionals for a nanotechnology-based industry, both in South Africa and internationally, the program and platform has evolved into a testament to scientific collaboration. This paper discusses the program’s framework, successes and challenges, related research, and future plans.
Remotely prescribed, monitored, and tailored home-based gait-and-balance exergaming using augmented reality glasses: a clinical feasibility study in people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hardeman Lotte E. S. , Geerse Daphne J. , Hoogendoorn Eva M. , Nonnekes Jorik , Roerdink Melvyn
Published: May 2024

Background

Exergaming has the potential to increase adherence to exercise through play, individually tailored training, and (online) remote monitoring. Reality Digital Therapeutics (Reality DTx®) is a digital therapeutic software platform for augmented reality (AR) glasses that enables a home-based gait-and-balance exergaming intervention specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s disease (pwPD).

Objective

The primary objective was to evaluate the feasibility and potential efficacy of Reality DTx® AR exergaming intervention for improving gait, balance, and walking-adaptability fall-risk indicators. The secondary objective was to evaluate the potential superiority of AR glasses [Magic Leap 2 (ML2) vs. HoloLens 2 (HL2)].

Methods

This waitlist-controlled clinical feasibility study comprised three laboratory visits (baseline; pre-intervention; and post-intervention), a home visit, and a 6-week AR exergaming intervention. Five complementary gait-and-balance exergames were remotely prescribed (default five sessions/week of 30 active minutes/session), monitored, and tailored. Feasibility was assessed in terms of safety, adherence, and user experience. During laboratory visits, gait-and-balance capacity was assessed using standard clinical gait-and-balance tests and advanced walking-adaptability fall-risk assessments.

Results

In total, 24 pwPD participated. No falls and four near falls were reported. Session adherence was 104%. The User Experience Questionnaire scores for Reality DTx® ranged from above average to excellent, with superior scores for HL2 over ML2 for Perspicuity and Dependability. Intervention effects were observed for the Timed Up and Go test (albeit small), the Five Times Sit to Stand test, and walking speed. Walking-adaptability fall-risk indicators all improved post-intervention.

Conclusion

Reality DTx® is a safe, adherable, usable, well-accepted, and potentially effective intervention in pwPD. These promising results warrant future randomized controlled trials on the (cost-)effectiveness of home-based AR exergaming interventions for improving gait, balance, and fall risk.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05605249.
Role of inflammatory cytokine in mediating the effect of plasma lipidome on epilepsy: a mediation Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Xiangyi , Xiong Wenting , Li Man , Wu Luyan , Zhang Yuying , Zhu Chaofeng , Lin Wanhui , Chen Shenggen , Huang Huapin
Published: May 2024

Background

Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent serious brain disorders globally, impacting over 70 million individuals. Observational studies have increasingly recognized the impact of plasma lipidome on epilepsy. However, establishing a direct causal link between plasma lipidome and epilepsy remains elusive due to inherent confounders and the complexities of reverse causality. This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between specific plasma lipidome and epilepsy, along with their intermediary mediators.

Methods

We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) and mediation MR analysis to evaluate the causal effects of 179 plasma lipidomes and epilepsy, with a focus on the inflammatory cytokine as a potential mediator based on the genome-wide association study. The primary methodological approach utilized inverse variance weighting, complemented by a range of other estimators. A set of sensitivity analyses, including Cochran’s Q test, I2 statistics, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO global test and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses was performed to assess the robustness, heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy of results.

Results

Our findings revealed a positive correlation between Phosphatidylcholine (18:1_18:1) levels with epilepsy risk (OR = 1.105, 95% CI: 1.036–1.178, p = 0.002). Notably, our mediation MR results propose Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 12 levels (TNFSF12) as a mediator of the relationship between Phosphatidylcholine (18,1_18:1) levels and epilepsy risk, explaining a mediation proportion of 4.58% [mediation effect: (b = 0.00455, 95% CI: −0.00120-0.01030), Z = 1.552].

Conclusion

Our research confirms a genetic causal relationship between Phosphatidylcholine (18:1_18:1) levels and epilepsy, emphasizing the potential mediating role of TNFSF12 and provide valuable insights for future clinical investigations into epilepsy.
Contributions of loneliness to cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults are independent of other risk factors and Alzheimer’s pathology: a narrative review
Authors: Oken Barry S. , Kaplan Josh , Klee Daniel , Gallegos Autumn M.
Published: May 2024

Loneliness significantly contributes to cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults. Loneliness is a distressing feeling resulting from a perceived lack of social connection (i.e., a discrepancy between desired and actual social relationships), while social isolation is a related term that can be defined by number and type of social relationships. Importantly, loneliness is distinct from social isolation in that it is associated with a distressing self-perception. The primary focus of this narrative review is the impact of chronic loneliness on cognitive impairment and dementia among older adults. Loneliness has a significant association with many factors that are related to worse cognition, and therefore we include discussion on health, mental health, as well as the physiological effects of loneliness, neuropathology, and potential treatments. Loneliness has been shown to be related to development of dementia with a hazard ratio (HR) risk comparable to having a single APOE4 gene. The relationship of dementia to loneliness appears to be at least partially independent of other known dementia risk factors that are possibly associated with loneliness, such as depression, educational status, social isolation, and physical activity. Episodic memory is not consistently impacted by loneliness, which would be more typically impaired if the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia was due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. In addition, the several longitudinal studies that included neuropathology showed no evidence for a relationship between loneliness and AD neuropathology. Loneliness may decrease resilience, or produce greater cognitive change associated with the same level of AD neuropathology. Intervention strategies to decrease loneliness in older adults have been developed but need to consider key treatment targets beyond social isolation. Loneliness needs to be assessed in all studies of cognitive decline in elders, since it significantly contributes to the variance of cognitive function. It will be useful to better define the underlying mechanism of loneliness effects on cognition to determine if it is similar to other psychological factors related to excessive stress reactivity, such as neuroticism or even depression, which are also associated with cognitive decline. It is important from a health perspective to develop better strategies to decrease loneliness in older adults.