bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: High-grade hidradenocarcinoma of the chest wall with insights from 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging and a review of the literature
Authors: Li Wenxin , Hu Xianwen , Tan Na , Wang Pan
Published: December 2024

Hidradenocarcinoma (HAC) is a rare neoplasm that typically occurs in the head and neck region but seldom affects the chest wall. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry remain essential for diagnosing HAC, although their clinical utility in determining metastasis can be limited. Given the pathological rarity and histopathological heterogeneity of HAC, we report a case demonstrating the utility of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) combined with immunohistochemical examination for the accurate diagnosis and staging of HAC. An 84-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a right chest wall and axillary mass. A pathological examination was performed, which revealed a malignancy of epithelial origin. The immunohistochemical examination confirmed a high-grade hidradenocarcinoma. Subsequently, PET/CT examination showed significant hypermetabolism in the right chest wall and its ipsilateral axillary and subclavian lymph nodes. Combined with pathological findings, these results confirmed metastatic hidradenocarcinoma, leading to a TNM classification of T2N3M (stage IV). A literature review revealed that HAC rarely occurs in the chest wall but tends to metastasize. However, the prognosis is favorable, especially with early diagnosis and surgical intervention. 18F-FDG PET/CT examination is a valuable staging tool in the comprehensive assessment of systemic tumor metastasis. Combining PET/CT with pathological examination enhances diagnostic and staging accuracy, enabling timely treatment and improving outcomes.
Hyaluronic acid–targeted topotecan liposomes improve therapeutic efficacy against lung cancer in animals
Authors: Xue Gangqiang , Tang Lu , Pan Xinyan , Li Sanni , Zhao Juan
Published: December 2024

Lung cancer, as a serious threat to human health and life, necessitating urgent treatment and intervention. In this study, we prepared hyaluronic acid (HA)-targeted topotecan liposomes for site-specific delivery to tumor cells. The encapsulation efficiency, stability, chemical structure, and morphology of HA-targeted topotecan liposomes were studied, and the release properties, cellular uptake capacity, and therapeutic efficacy of topotecan were further investigated. Results found that the coupling efficiency of HA on the surface of PEG-coated liposomes was determined to be 13.65 nmol/mg of lipid. The HA-targeted topotecan liposomes demonstrated a high encapsulation efficiency of 95% for topotecan, with an average particle size of 98.26 nm and excellent storage and dispersion stability. Drug release and cellular experiments indicated that the coating of HA further reduced the release rate of topotecan and decreased the survival rate of A549 cells, respectively. Flow cytometry and fluorescence staining analyses revealed that the HA-targeted topotecan liposomes enhanced the uptake of topotecan and exhibited significant anti-tumor effects on A549 cancer cells transplanted in mice. H&E staining showed that the pathological tissue treated with HA-targeted topotecan liposomes corresponded to Miller-Payne grade IV. Furthermore, these liposomes increased the accumulation of topotecan in tumors and extended the blood circulation time of the drug. Therefore, HA-targeted topotecan liposomes can be used as a new and easily prepared carrier in the field of lung chemotherapy, demonstrating considerable potential for anti-tumor therapy.
Determining the effective dose of esketamine combined with propofol for painless hysteroscopy: a prospective dose-finding study
Authors: Sheng Zhimin , Liu Xiang , Lin Kang , Liu Jie , Mao Junqin , Qian Xiaowei
Published: December 2024

Background

The combination of esketamine and propofol has become a common choice for total intravenous anesthesia in hysteroscopic procedures. However, the optimal effective dose has not yet been determined. The aim of this study was to determine the median effective dose (ED50) and 95% effective dose (ED95) of esketamine compounded with propofol for painless hysteroscopy.

Methods

A total of 40 patients aged 20–60 years and scheduled for painless hysteroscopy under intravenous anesthesia were recruited, and a total of 31 patients were enrolled for the final analysis. Using the Dixon’s up and down method, an initial dose of 0.5 mg/kg esketamine was administered intravenously before surgery, and after 1 min, it was followed by 2 mg/kg of propofol. If the hysteroscopy failed (a positive reaction) [defined as inadequate cervical dilatation, patient body movements interfering with surgical procedures during hysteroscopy placement, frowning, or Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) score <5 within 5 min], the subsequent patient’s esketamine dosage was increased by 0.1 mg/kg. Conversely (a negative reaction), the dosage was decreased by 0.1 mg/kg. The test was not stopped until at least 7 crossovers occurred. The perioperative adverse events of each patient were recorded. The ED50 and ED95 with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using probit regression.

Results

The ED50 and ED95 with 95% (CIs) of esketamine in patients were 0.287 (0.220–0.342) mg/kg and 0.429 (0.365–0.705) mg/kg, respectively. No serious adverse events were observed in any patients.

Conclusion

A dose of 0.429 mg/kg esketamine combined with propofol is recommended for painless hysteroscopy anesthesia, as it enhances anesthesia and postoperative analgesia efficacy without significant adverse reactions. However, potential risks associated with this dosage should be carefully considered in clinical practice.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html, identifier ChiCTR2300075564.
Evaluation of diflubenzuron–verapamil combination strategy for eco-safe management of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Sankar Manu , Yadav Divya , Kumar Sarita
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Aedes aegypti, the vector of multiple arboviral diseases, is a prime health concern worldwide. The surge in Aedes-borne diseases emphasizes the urgent need for efficient vector control measures. Synthetic pesticides used traditionally, however, present environmental concerns and issues like resistance development, causing the use of higher chemical doses. Hence, alternate interventions like the use of insect growth regulators (diflubenzuron; DFB) show promise because of their unique mechanism of action and environmental safety. Nevertheless, mosquitoes have the potential to develop resistance to any chemical. Thus, the present study investigates the use of DFB in combination with verapamil (DFB-V; 1:10) as a possible mosquito intervention measure.

Methods

The effects of both DFB and DFB-V were assessed on the larval development, adult emergence and expression of detoxification enzymes, non-specific esterases, glutathione S-transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and monooxygenases in laboratory-reared (AND-Ae. aegypti) and wild-caught (GVD-Ae. aegypti) strains of Ae. aegypti. The effects on the survival of non-target organisms were also investigated.

Results

The investigations showed that DFB-V treatment of the Ae. aegypti fourth instars caused a 1.16–1.37 fold higher adult emergence suppression than DFB alone, reducing the IE50 values. The DFB treatment increased β-esterases, AChE, and monooxygenases but reduced the GST and α-esterase levels. The effects enhanced with the use of DFB-V, causing a significant decrease in α-esterase (7.7-fold) and an increase in monooxygenases (7.8-fold) (p < 0.05) in AND-Ae. aegypti compared to the wild-caught strain. The variation in enzyme levels in the two strains may be due to the stress caused by insecticides of different chemical natures used in the fields. No negative effects were observed on the non-target organisms—Gambusia affinis, Mesocyclops thermocyclopoides, and Paramecium tetraurelia.

Conclusion

The studies showed the growth regulatory efficacy of DFB and probable role of GST and α-esterases in increasing the effects of DFB when synergized with verapamil. Further, the DFB-V combination did not result in any significant negative effects on the non-target organisms ascertaining its safe use. This is the first report unraveling the effects of the DFB–verapamil combination on the defense mechanism of Ae. aegypti. Further studies may assist in developing focused and eco-safe plans for managing Ae. aegypti populations effectively.
Nitrogen uptake dynamics of high and low protein wheat genotypes
Authors: Abiola Samson Olaniyi , Lacasa Josefina , Carver Brett F. , Arnall Brian D. , Ciampitti Ignacio A. , de Oliveira Silva Amanda
Published: December 2024

Increasing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and grain protein concentration (GPC) without excessive nitrogen (N) inputs requires understanding the genotypic variations in N accumulation, partitioning, and utilization strategies. This study evaluated whether high protein genotypes exhibit increased N accumulation (herein also expressed as N nutrition index, NNI) and partitioning (including remobilization from vegetative organs) compared to low-protein genotypes under low and high N conditions. Four winter wheat genotypes with similar yields but contrasting GPC were examined under two N rates (0 and 120 kg N ha-1) across two environments and four growing seasons in Oklahoma, US. As expected, the high-protein genotypes Doublestop CL+ (Dob) and Green Hammer (Grn) had greater GPC than the medium- (Gallagher, Gal) and low-protein genotypes (Iba), without any difference in grain yield. Total plant N accumulation at maturity showed diminishing increases for greater grain yield, and low-protein genotype showed greater N utilization efficiency (NUtE) than high-protein genotypes. The high-protein genotype Grn tended to achieve higher GPC by increasing total N uptake, while Dob exhibited a tendency towards higher N partitioning to grain (NHI). The allometric relationship between total N accumulation and biomass remained unchanged for both high- and low-protein genotypes. The N remobilization patterns differed between high- and low-protein genotypes. As N conditions improved, the proportional contributions of remobilized N from leaves tended to increase, while contributions from stems and chaff tended to decrease or remained unchanged for high-protein genotypes. This study highlights the importance of both N uptake capacity and efficient N partitioning to the grain as critical traits for realizing wheat’s dual goals of higher yield and protein. Leaf N remobilization plays a critical role during grain filling, sustaining plant N status and contributing to protein levels. The higher NUtE observed in the low-protein genotype Iba likely contributed to its lower GPC, emphasizing the trade-off between NUtE and GPC. The physiological strategies employed by high-protein genotypes, such as genotype Grn’s tendency for increased N uptake and Dob’s efficient N partitioning, provide a foundation for future breeding efforts aimed at developing resource-efficient and nutritionally superior wheat genotypes capable of achieving both increased yield and protein.
Rediscovering one’s own voice in a brief psychoanalytic group intervention aimed at malignant mesothelioma patients and their families
Authors: Franzoi Isabella Giulia
Published: December 2024

Occupational and/or environmental exposure to asbestos can lead to clinical manifestation of a variety of diseases, including malignant mesothelioma (MM), a rare cancer with a particularly high incidence rate in areas with a long history of asbestos processing. This paper aims to describe brief psychoanalytic groups (BPGs), which is an intervention model aimed at MM patients and their families in the early stages of the disease, shortly after diagnosis. The BPG model comprises 12 weekly sessions of 1 h each, co-led by two psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapists who are trained in working with cancer patients and their families and in the specifics of the BPG setting. Reflections in this paper on the BPGs will attempt to trace the voice of the group in clinical material, paying attention to its horizontal unfolding as a melodic development over time and its vertical unfolding as a harmonic interweaving between the different individual voices, which, even when opposed to each other, can find a generative interlocking of meaning. In the BPG, then, it is possible to set in motion transformations that allow one to embrace the different and diverse affective colorations of experience, evolve toward a thinking that is capable of incorporating intense emotions related to death and grief, follow healthier paths of interaction on an intrapsychic and interpersonal level, and find traces of one’s own vitality.
Assessing the quality of life in children with autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional study of contributing factors
Authors: Tedla Jaya Shanker , Asiri Faisal , Reddy Ravi Shankar , Sangadala Devika Rani , Gular Kumar , Kakaraparthi Venkata Nagaraj
Published: December 2024

Objective

The study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to typically developing peers, identify key influencing factors such as socio-demographic and comorbid conditions, and examine the impact of symptom severity on QoL outcomes.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia, 75 children with ASD were compared to 75 typically developing children matched for age and gender. QoL was evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), while the severity of autism symptoms was assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Additional variables, including socio-demographic factors, comorbid conditions, and family environment, were collected through structured interviews and clinical assessments. Statistical analyses, including independent samples t-tests, multiple linear regression, and ANOVA, were employed to compare QoL scores, identify predictors, and assess the impact of symptom severity on QoL outcomes.

Results

The mean overall QoL score for children with ASD was 57.86 (SD = 13.25) compared to 81.67 (SD = 10.89) for typically developing children (t = -10.56, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.90). Socioeconomic status (β = -0.25, t = -5.00, p < 0.001), comorbid ADHD (β = -0.35, t = -5.83, p < 0.001), and parental mental health issues (β = -0.45, t = -9.00, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of lower QoL. ANOVA results showed that children with severe autism symptoms had the lowest QoL scores (mean = 40.12, SD = 15.67; F = 20.45, p < 0.001, η² = 0.45).

Conclusion

Children with ASD showed significantly lower QoL, particularly in social and school functioning, highlighting the need for targeted interventions addressing core symptoms and environmental and family factors to improve outcomes.
Association between internet use and primary headache severity among Hungarian university students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Radvanyi Ildiko , Tibold Antal , Fejes Eva , Mak Kornel , Beke Szilvia , Fehér Gergely , Nyulas Rita , Gaal Valeria
Published: December 2024

Background

Recent studies suggest that increased digital technology usage could be a factor in the rising occurrence and severity of headache episodes. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether the severity of primary headaches (migraine and tension-type headache) is associated with problematic internet use taking many covariates into account.

Methods

We conducted an online cross-sectional survey using a quantitative, descriptive questionnaire, targeting university students enrolled in correspondence courses, aged 18 to 65. The survey included socio-demographic parameters, risk factors, concomitant diseases, medical history of headaches, and details of online activities. Psychometric measurements contained the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire, the 9-item short version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-SF), and the Athens Insomnia Questionnaire.

Results

A total of 550 responders (n = 480 female; n = 70 male) completed the online questionnaire package. Among the participants, 202 individuals (36.7%) reported experiencing headaches, 74 had migraines and 119 had tension-type headache. Internet addiction was detected in 46 (8.4%) participants. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed that significant risk factors of all primary headaches severity included being <30 years (p = 0.044, OR = 3.439), not having children (p = 0.014, OR = 2.493), being married (p = 0.035, OR = 2.528), spending more than 4 h per day on the internet (p = 0.021, OR = 1.088), experiencing mood disturbances (p = 0.033, OR = 1.345) and the presence of insomnia (p = 0.048, OR = 1.667). Furthermore, a slight positive correlation was identified between the amount of time individuals spent on the Internet and the severity of headaches (r = 0.138, r2 = 0.019, ß = 1.068, p = 0.049). Patients with migraine or tension-type headache showed different predecessors, internet use was only associated with the severity of tension-type headache (night-time internet use, OR = 3.075, p = 0.043, and internet addiction, OR = 1.221, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

This research marks one of the initial epidemiological investigations in Hungary concentrating on the possible adverse impact of online activities on the severity of headache. Although our study could find slight correlation between the role of online activities and internet addiction on the severity of primary headaches, the topic merits further investigation.
Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on adolescent and youth students’ mental health and bullying behaviors after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in China
Authors: Song Hong-Jun , Wang Cong , Mu Yun-Fei , Cai Jia , Deng Zhongyue , Wang Yu , Deng Ai-Ping , Liu Ting , Li Bin , Huang Yi , Chen Jin , Hu Yan , Liu Bo , Zhang Wei , Lu Lin , Ran Mao-Sheng
Published: December 2024

Background

Vaccination plays an important role in fighting against COVID-19. However, it is unclear about the association among vaccination, mental health, and bullying behaviors in China.

Method

This online survey was conducted to investigate the association among vaccination status, mental health problems and bullying behaviors in students from December 14, 2022 to February 28, 2023 in Sichuan, China. All participants (N = 82,873) were adolescents recruited via their teachers and professors. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Sleep Severity Index Scale (ISI) and Cyberbullying behaviors were tested.

Results

The rates of depression, anxiety and PTSD in participants without vaccination were significantly higher than that in those with vaccination. Moreover, participants with more doses of vaccines had significantly lower rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, school and cyber bullying (p < 0.001). The rates of homosexual orientation, drinking, smoking were higher in participants with three or more doses of vaccines than those with less doses of vaccines (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study suggests that COVID-19 vaccination will not only protect students’ physical health, but also improve mental health. It is crucial to explore the mechanism between vaccination and mental health problems and bullying behaviors in further studies.
Synthesis of MR fingerprinting information from magnitude-only MR imaging data using a parallelized, multi network U-Net convolutional neural network
Authors: McGee Kiaran P. , Sui Yi , Witte Robert J. , Panda Ananya , Campeau Norbert G. , Mostardeiro Thomaz R. , Sobh Nahil , Ravaioli Umberto , Zhang Shuyue (Lucia) , Falahkheirkhah Kianoush , Larson Nicholas B. , Schwarz Christopher G. , Gunter Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2024

Background

MR fingerprinting (MRF) is a novel method for quantitative assessment of in vivo MR relaxometry that has shown high precision and accuracy. However, the method requires data acquisition using customized, complex acquisition strategies and dedicated post processing methods thereby limiting its widespread application.

Objective

To develop a deep learning (DL) network for synthesizing MRF signals from conventional magnitude-only MR imaging data and to compare the results to the actual MRF signal acquired.

Methods

A U-Net DL network was developed to synthesize MRF signals from magnitude-only 3D T1-weighted brain MRI data acquired from 37 volunteers aged between 21 and 62 years of age. Network performance was evaluated by comparison of the relaxometry data (T1, T2) generated from dictionary matching of the deep learning synthesized and actual MRF data from 47 segmented anatomic regions. Clustered bootstrapping involving 10,000 bootstraps followed by calculation of the concordance correlation coefficient were performed for both T1 and T2 MRF data pairs. 95% confidence limits and the mean difference between true and DL relaxometry values were also calculated.

Results

The concordance correlation coefficient (and 95% confidence limits) for T1 and T2 MRF data pairs over the 47 anatomic segments were 0.8793 (0.8136–0.9383) and 0.9078 (0.8981–0.9145) respectively. The mean difference (and 95% confidence limits) were 48.23 (23.0–77.3) s and 2.02 (−1.4 to 4.8) s.

Conclusion

It is possible to synthesize MRF signals from MRI data using a DL network, thereby creating the potential for performing quantitative relaxometry assessment without the need for a dedicated MRF pulse sequence.
Application of laboratory frailty index in predicting delirium in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Liao Jingxian , Shen Xiaozhu , Du Zhiqiang , Miao Lei
Published: December 2024

Background

With the global aging population, community-acquired pneumonia and delirium are increasingly critical health issues among the elderly. The Laboratory Frailty Index provides an objective measure of frailty. This study explores its capacity in predicting delirium and examines the interplay between frailty and nutritional status in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

Methods and materials

This retrospective study included 481 elderly patients aged 75 and above diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia. The Laboratory Frailty Index was calculated by dividing the sum of abnormal indicator scores by the total number of test indicators, resulting in a score ranging from 0 to 1, with higher values indicating greater frailty.

Results

Higher Laboratory Frailty Index scores were associated with an increased risk of delirium. The index’s predictive accuracy improved when combined with nutritional assessments. Patients experiencing malnutrition alongside higher frailty scores exhibited a higher risk of adverse outcomes. Nutritional status mediated the relationship between frailty and delirium, underlining the significance of addressing both variables.

Conclusion

The Laboratory Frailty Index is a robust predictor of delirium in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia. These findings provide valuable insights for the early identification and intervention of delirium in clinical settings.
Incentives and drivers for private embedded generation through solar photovoltaic systems in South Africa
Authors: van Schalkwyk Louie , Scholtz Michelle
Published: December 2024

Renewable energy generation, especially in the form of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, is expected to play an important role in South Africa's future energy mix. The national government, along with various municipalities at local government level, are introducing regulatory incentives to promote the uptake of solar PV systems in the private sector. These incentives include feed-in tariffs, capital subsidies and tax benefits. In addition to the regulatory incentives, there are non-regulatory drivers that motivate private property owners to pursue solar PV systems. These drivers include environmental considerations, cost savings, energy security, tenant requirements, and green-energy finance. This study examines the various regulatory incentives to pursue solar PV systems available to private property owners located in the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality. The City of Cape Town is selected as a single case-study area as the municipality creates a conducive environment through its regulatory framework for private property owners to pursue private embedded generation systems. The study examines the different incentives applicable to residential and non-residential property owners. The research also establishes to what extent the regulatory incentives influence private property owners to pursue solar PV systems compared to non-regulatory drivers and benefits. The study reveals that the various regulatory incentives differ for residential and non-residential property owners. These differences impact the extent to which the regulatory incentives motivate particular private property owners to pursue solar PV systems. The research suggests that, although regulatory incentives play a role in private property owners' decision-making process, the non-regulatory drivers are the main motivating factors for private property owners pursuing solar PV systems.
Proposals for integrated public management of the menopausal transition and postmenopause through Spanish women's experiences: a qualitative study
Authors: Selva Clara
Published: December 2024

Introduction

In Spain, legislation protecting women during the menopausal transition and postmenopause is still in its early stages. For public policies to be effective, it is essential that their design, implementation, and evaluation actively involve women going through this stage. Only from their experience and perspective can the impact of measures be maximized and ensure that they truly respond to their needs and realities. The goal of this article is to identify and analyze proposals for action that public organizations in Spain could undertake to improve the management of and transition through menopause. On the basis of the initiatives identified through women's narratives, this study aims to establish a solid basis for the inclusion of future governmental policies and practices in Spain. Adapting to the economic conditions and sociocultural aspects specific to each region can stimulate reflection and debate on their policies regarding menopause.

Methods

This qualitative study, which was conducted in Spain, was based on 20 semistructured interviews with women who had experienced physiological and symptomatic menopause in the last five years, were postmenopausal, and were actively employed. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed following an inductive thematic analysis.

Results

The stories of the interviewees indicate three categories of government action comprising a set of specific measures. More specifically, the categories relate to: (a) proposals for accompaniment and social awareness, (b) educational and training proposals, and (c) political and regulatory proposals.

Conclusions

This study identifies governmental proposals and specific actions to improve support for the menopausal transition and postmenopause in Spain. While its findings may be applicable to other countries, further research is needed to explore how they could be adapted to the different socioeconomic and cultural realities of those contexts. Ultimately, the proposals presented lay the groundwork for developing public policies and laws that respond to the needs of women, improving their well-being and promoting gender equity in public health.
Donor derived cell free DNA in lung transplant recipients rises in setting of allograft instability
Authors: Smith Joshua B. , Peterson Ryan A. , Pomponio Raymond , Steele Mark , Gray Alice L.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between longitudinal monitoring of donor-derived cell free DNA (dd-cfDNA) in lung transplant recipients and a “gold standard” of existing tools (pulmonary function testing, radiographic imaging, laboratory and bronchoscopy data, clinical judgment) to assess allograft function.

Methods

24 consecutive transplant recipients were prospectively enrolled in this study measuring dd-cfDNA levels monthly in the first year after bilateral lung transplant. Blinded clinical adjudications were performed at the same timepoints to categorize allograft function as stable (FEV1 within 10% of prior value or when compared to best two averaged post-transplant values) or unstable. When deemed unstable, etiology of unstable graft function was elicited based on available clinical data. We then evaluated the association between dd-cfDNA and the clinical impression of allograft function using linear mixed models which adjusted for patient-level covariates and time since transplant.

Results

Unstable allografts were associated with 54.4% higher measures of dd-cfDNA, controlling for time since transplant and demographic covariates [adjusted mean ratio (aMR) = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.25–1.91]. Females tended to have higher measures of dd-cfDNA (aMR = 1.90 95%CI: 1.14–3.16). A two-fold increase in dd-cfDNA was associated with declines in FEV1 and FVC of 0.047 and 0.066 L, respectively, controlling for time since transplant and demographic covariates (slope: −0.047 95%CI: −0.076 to −0.019, and slope: −0.066 95%CI: −0.097 to −0.035, respectively). Discussion: Donor derived cell free DNA presents a potential additional minimally invasive clinical tool in lung transplant allograft monitoring within the first year of transplant, with unstable allografts correlating with higher dd-cfDNA values.
A microbead-enhanced electrochemical platform for β-amyloid peptide (1–42) detection
Authors: Razzino Claudia do Amaral , Sgobbi Lívia Flório , Cancino-Bernardi Juliana , Zapata Angelica Maria Mazuera , Costa Clara Cardoso , Zucolotto Valtencir , Vieira Lucia , Lobo Anderson Oliveira
Published: December 2024

Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form of dementia and is primarily characterized by the accumulation of β-amyloid and phosphorylated tau proteins in the brain, along with the degeneration of nerve cells, which leads to impairment of various cognitive functions. A significant biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease is the decreased level of soluble β-amyloid peptide (1–42) (Aβ1-42) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), as pathology progresses when CSF-Aβ1-42 levels drop below 192 pg mL−1. In this study, we developed an amperometric immunosensor based on magnetic beads as the platform for constructing the immunosensor. Monoclonal antibodies are immobilized on the MBs, enabling selective detection of Aβ1-42. The detection antibody is conjugated with the enzyme horseradish peroxidase, which, in the presence of H2O2 and hydroquinone, catalyzes the decomposition of H2O2 and the oxidation of hydroquinone to p-quinone, generating an electric current measured at a potential of −200 mV (vs. the Ag pseudo-reference electrode) using screen-printed carbon electrodes. The amperometric sandwich-type immunosensor demonstrates a linear response in the concentration range of 10 to 10,000 pg mL−1, with a detection limit of 7.4 pg mL−1, exhibiting excellent selectivity against the assessed interferents. These findings suggest the potential application of this immunosensor in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, offering a sensitive and specific tool for clinical analysis. Despite its high performance, further studies are required to validate its robustness and applicability in complex clinical samples.
Finance-driven sustainable development: the impact of green finance on agricultural non-point source pollution and its pathways
Authors: Shen Yang , Zhang Xiuwu
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Pollutants from farming and rural life have a serious negative impact on water and soil. The advantages of green finance in financial support and credit management can guide the green transformation of agricultural production, thus protecting the ecological environment.

Methods

Based on panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2021, the study used inventory analysis, entropy method and two-way fixed effect model to analyze the impact of green finance on agricultural non-point source pollution (ANSP) and the mediating mechanism.

Results

ANSP has experienced an inverted U-shaped trend of first rising and then falling, and the rural ecological environment is improving. At the time level, the ANSP produced by agricultural production in China experienced an inverted U-shaped evolution trend of first increasing and then decreasing during the sample period. At the spatial level, ANSP has a significant low regional differentiation. The ANSP of the central region and the coastal economic development area is higher than that of the western region. The results of linear regression show that green finance has a negative effect on ANSP. Promoting green finance in rural areas can effectively guide the green transformation of agriculture and reduce the dependence of crop cultivation on fertilizers and pesticides. This result held even after the elimination of endogeneity and after various tests. Land transfer and environmental supervision are important intermediary mechanisms. Under the influence of these two economic variables, the role of green finance in pollution reduction can be fully brought into play. However, there is regional heterogeneity in the negative effects of green finance on ANSPs. Its effect on pollution reduction is stronger in major grain-producing areas and regions with well-developed digital financial infrastructure.

Discussion

This study confirms once again that green finance has a negative effect on ANSP, and the findings help to decouple the development of the agricultural economy from emissions. The outstanding contribution of this study is the discovery of the role of land transfer and government environmental regulation. I order to give full play to the role of green finance in pollution reduction, this study provides relevant policy measures. These measures are intended to improve the green finance system and business model in agriculture and rural areas.
The role of the microbiome in allergic dermatitis-related otitis externa: a multi-species comparative review
Authors: Houtsaeger Cyrelle , Pasmans Frank , Claes Ingmar , Vandenabeele Sophie , Haesebrouck Freddy , Lebeer Sarah , Boyen Filip
Published: December 2024

The external ear canal, characterized by species-specific structural and physiological differences, maintains a hostile environment that prevents microbial overgrowth and foreign body entry, supported by factors such as temperature, pH, humidity, and cerumen with antimicrobial properties. This review combines several studies on the healthy ear canal’s structure and physiology with a critical approach to the potential existence of an ear microbiome. We use a comparative multi-species approach to explore how allergic conditions alter the ear canal microenvironment and cerumen in different mammalian species, promoting pathogen colonization. We propose a pathogenetic model in which allergic conditions disrupt the antimicrobial environment of the EEC, creating circumstances favorable for facultative pathogenic micro-organisms like Staphylococcus and Malassezia species, leading to otitis externa (OE). A better understanding of the underpinning mechanisms may lead to innovative approaches to disease mitigation.
Use of intrauterine dextrose as an alternative to systemic antibiotics for treatment of clinical metritis in dairy cattle: a microbiome perspective
Authors: Lection Jennine , Van Syoc Emily , Miles Asha , Hamilton Julia , Martinez Marcela , Bas Santiago , Silverman Justin , Barragan Adrian , Ganda Erika
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Clinical metritis (CM) has significant costs to dairy producers. Current treatment strategy involves systemic antibiotics; however, there is increasing concern about judicious antibiotic use. The study objective was to evaluate the effects of a non-antibiotic treatment vs. systemic antibiotic therapy on the vaginal discharge microbiome of dairy cows diagnosed with CM at 7 ± 3 DIM (days in milk). We hypothesize that both treatment methods will have a similar impact on the reproductive microbiome due to broad-spectrum bactericidal activity; therefore, there will not be significant differences amongst the microbiota after the completion of therapy.

Methods

Cows from a central Pennsylvania dairy were screened for CM at 7 ± 3 days DIM using a Metricheck™ device (n = 351). Cows with red-brown watery discharge were diagnosed with CM and eligible for enrollment. Eligible cows (n = 77) were blocked by parity and randomly allocated to one of two treatments starting on the day of diagnosis: (1) Intrauterine dextrose (DEX, n = 38): 1 l of an intrauterine 50% dextrose solution for 3 days, and (2) Systemic ceftiofur (CONV, n = 39): two injections of ceftiofur (6.6 mg/Kg of BW; Excede, Zoetis Inc.) 72 h apart. Cows were evaluated for clinical cure rate at 7 ± 3 and 14 ± 3 days post-diagnosis. Vaginal discharge samples were collected using the Metricheck™ at enrollment day [study day (sd) 0, pre-treatment], sd 7, and sd 14 for a subset of enrolled cows (DEX = 13, CONV = 14). Vaginal discharge samples were analyzed with 16S rRNA sequencing to evaluate changes in the microbiome between treatments.

Results

After treatment, there were only minor differences within the microbiome between the two treatments indicating the potential suitability of dextrose as an antibiotic-alternative treatment. Alpha diversity did not differ (Welch's t-test) between the treatments at any of the time points. Beta diversity based on PERMANOVA analysis did differ between treatments at sd 0 (P = 0.014) and again at sd 14 (P = 0.028), but not at sd 7 (P = 0.261).

Discussion

While 16S rRNA analysis does not provide information on bacterial viability, the relative similarity of the microbiome between the two groups immediately following treatment might suggest that intrauterine dextrose could be utilized as an alternative treatment for CM.
Novel coronaviruses and mammarenaviruses of hedgehogs from Russia including the comparison of viral communities of hibernating and active specimens
Authors: Lukina-Gronskaya A. V. , Chudinov I. K. , Korneenko E. V. , Mashkova S. D. , Semashko T. A. , Sinkova M. A. , Penkin L. N. , Litvinova E. M. , Feoktistova N. Yu , Speranskaya A. S.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Small mammals, especially rodents and bats, are known reservoirs of zoonotic viruses, but little is known about the viromes of insectivorous species including hedgehogs (order Eulipotyphla), which often live near human settlements and come into contact with humans.

Methods

We used high-throughput sequencing and metaviromic analysis to describe the viromes of 21 hedgehogs (Erinaceus sp.) sampled from summer 2022 to spring 2023. We captured 14 active animals from the wild (seven in European Russia and the other seven in Central Siberia). The remaining 7 animals were hibernating in captivity (captured in European Russia before the experiment).

Results and discussion

The diversity of identified viral taxa as well as the total number of reads classified as viral was high in all active animals (up to eight different viral families per animal), but significantly lower in hibernating animals (zero or no more than three different viral families per animal). The present study reports, for the first time, betacoronaviruses and mammasrenaviruses in hedgehogs from Russia. Erinaceus coronaviruses (EriCoVs) were found in 4 of 7 active animals captured in the wild, in European Russia, making it is the easiest finding of EriCoVs in Europe. One animal was found to carry of two different EriCoVs. Both strains belong to the same phylogenetic clade as other coronaviruses from European hedgehogs. Pairwise comparative analysis suggested that one of these two strains arose by recombination with an unknown coronavirus, since all of identified SNPs (n = 288) were found only in the local genome region (the part of ORF1b and S gene). The novel mammarenaviruses (EriAreVs) were detected in 2 out of 7 active and in 2 out of 7 hibernating animals from the European Russia. Several complete L and S segments of EriAreVs were assembled. All identified EriAreVs belonged to the same clade as the recently described MEMV virus from Hungarian hedgehogs. As the hibernating hedgehogs were positive for EriAreVs when kept in controlled conditions without contact with each other, we suggest the possibility of persistent arenavirus infection in hedgehogs, but further experiments are needed to prove this.
Research on Intelligent Identification Method for Pantograph Positioning and Skateboard Structural Anomalies Based on Improved YOLO v8 Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Ruihong , Xiang Baokang , Wu Long , Hu Yanli , Dou Litong , Huang Kaifeng
Published: December 2024

The abnormal structural state of the pantograph skateboard is a significant and highly concerning issue that has a significant impact on the safety of high-speed railway operation. In order to obtain real-time information on the abnormal state of the skateboard in advance, an intelligent defect identification model suitable to be used as a monitoring device for the pantograph skateboard was designed using a computer vision-based intelligent detection technology for pantograph skateboard defects, combined with an improved YOLO v8 model and traditional image processing algorithms such as edge extraction. The results show that the anomaly detection algorithm for the pantograph sliding plate structure has good robustness, maintaining recognition accuracy of 90% or above in complex scenes, and the average runtime is 12.32 ms. Railway field experiments have proven that the intelligent recognition model meets the actual detection requirements of railway sites and has strong practical application value.
Applying Recommender Systems to Predict Personalized Film Age Ratings for Parents
Authors: Papadakis Harris , Fragopoulou Paraskevi , Panagiotakis Costas
Published: December 2024

A motion picture content rating system categorizes a film based on its appropriateness for various audiences, considering factors such as portrayals of sex, violence, substance abuse, profanity, and other elements typically considered unsuitable for children or adolescents. This rating is usually coupled with a minimum desired age that the film is suitable for. In this work, we apply recommender systems to predict personalized film age ratings for parents. According to the proposed methodology, we reduce the personalized film age prediction problem to the classic item recommendation problem by applying a recommender system for each age film category. The recommender systems generate recommendations for each film age category. Finally, these recommendations are combined to provide the final age recommendation for the parent (user). The proposed methodology was applied to state-of-the-art recommender systems. In addition, we used them as baselines for comparing the direct application of a recommender system to the age prediction problem. This was achieved by treating each film as an item and assigning the given age as its rating. The experimental results highlight the efficiency of the proposed system when applied to a well-known real-world dataset.
A Multi-Agent Centralized Strategy Gradient Reinforcement Learning Algorithm Based on State Transition
Authors: Sheng Lei , Chen Honghui , Chen Xiliang
Published: December 2024

The prevalent utilization of deterministic strategy algorithms in Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning (MADRL) for collaborative tasks has posed a significant challenge in achieving stable and high-performance cooperative behavior. Addressing the need for the balanced exploration and exploitation of multi-agent ant robots within a partially observable continuous action space, this study introduces a multi-agent centralized strategy gradient algorithm grounded in a local state transition mechanism. In order to solve this challenge, the algorithm learns local state and local state-action representation from local observations and action values, thereby establishing a “local state transition” mechanism autonomously. As the input of the actor network, the automatically extracted local observation representation reduces the input state dimension, enhances the local state features closely related to the local state transition, and promotes the agent to use the local state features that affect the next observation state. To mitigate non-stationarity and reliability assignment issues in multi-agent environments, a centralized critic network evaluates the current joint strategy. The proposed algorithm, NST-FACMAC, is evaluated alongside other multi-agent deterministic strategy algorithms in a continuous control simulation environment using a multi-agent ant robot. The experimental results indicate accelerated convergence and higher average reward values in cooperative multi-agent ant simulation environments. Notably, in four simulated environments named Ant-v2 (2 × 4), Ant-v2 (2 × 4d), Ant-v2 (4 × 2), and Manyant (2 × 3), the algorithm demonstrates performance improvements of approximately 1.9%, 4.8%, 11.9%, and 36.1%, respectively, compared to the best baseline algorithm. These findings underscore the algorithm’s effectiveness in enhancing the stability of multi-agent ant robot control within dynamic environments.
Unsupervised Temporal Adaptation in Skeleton-Based Human Action Recognition
Authors: Tian Haitao , Payeur Pierre
Published: December 2024

With deep learning approaches, the fundamental assumption of data availability can be severely compromised when a model trained on a source domain is transposed to a target application domain where data are unlabeled, making supervised fine-tuning mostly impossible. To overcome this limitation, the present work introduces an unsupervised temporal-domain adaptation framework for human action recognition from skeleton-based data that combines Contrastive Prototype Learning (CPL) and Temporal Adaptation Modeling (TAM), with the aim of transferring the knowledge learned from a source domain to an unlabeled target domain. The CPL strategy, inspired by recent success in contrastive learning applied to skeleton data, learns a compact temporal representation from the source domain, from which the TAM strategy leverages the capacity for self-training to adapt the representation to a target application domain using pseudo-labels. The research demonstrates that simultaneously solving CPL and TAM effectively enables the training of a generalizable human action recognition model that is adaptive to both domains and overcomes the requirement of a large volume of labeled skeleton data in the target domain. Experiments are conducted on multiple large-scale human action recognition datasets such as NTU RGB+D, PKU MMD, and Northwestern–UCLA to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method.