bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caring for high-need patients
Authors: Hempel Susanne , Bolshakova Maria , Hochman Michael , Jimenez Elvira , Thompson Gina , Motala Aneesa , Ganz David A. , Gabrielian Sonya , Edwards Samuel , Zenner James , Dennis Ben , Chang Evelyn
Published: November 2023

Objective

We aimed to explore the construct of “high need” and identify common need domains among high-need patients, their care professionals, and healthcare organizations; and to describe the interventions that health care systems use to address these needs, including exploring the potential unintended consequences of interventions.

Methods

We conducted a modified Delphi panel informed by an environmental scan. Expert stakeholders included patients, interdisciplinary healthcare practitioners (physicians, social workers, peer navigators), implementation scientists, and policy makers. The environmental scan used a rapid literature review and semi-structured interviews with key informants who provide healthcare for high-need patients. We convened a day-long virtual panel meeting, preceded and followed by online surveys to establish consensus.

Results

The environmental scan identified 46 systematic reviews on high-need patients, 19 empirical studies documenting needs, 14 intervention taxonomies, and 9 studies providing construct validity for the concept “high need.” Panelists explored the construct and terminology and established that individual patients’ needs are unique, but areas of commonality exist across all high-need patients. Panelists agreed on 11 domains describing patient (e.g., social circumstances), 5 care professional (e.g., communication), and 8 organizational (e.g., staffing arrangements) needs. Panelists developed a taxonomy of interventions with 15 categories (e.g., care navigation, care coordination, identification and monitoring) directed at patients, care professionals, or the organization. The project identified potentially unintended consequences of interventions for high-need patients, including high costs incurred for patients, increased time and effort for care professionals, and identification of needs without resources to respond appropriately.

Conclusions

Care for high-need patients requires a thoughtful approach; differentiating need domains provides multiple entry points for interventions directed at patients, care professionals, and organizations. Implementation efforts should consider outlined intended and unintended downstream effects on patients, care professionals, and organizations.
An economic evaluation of pharmacopuncture versus usual care for chronic neck pain: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Doori , Kim Eun-San , Song Hyun Jin , Park Sun-Young , Park Kyoung Sun , Lee Yoon Jae , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: November 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the cost utility of pharmacopuncture in comparison with usual care for patients with chronic neck pain.

Methods

A 12-week, multicenter, pragmatic randomized controlled trial was conducted, and 101 patients suffering from chronic neck pain for more than six months were randomly placed into the pharmacopuncture and usual care groups to receive four weeks of treatment and 12 weeks of follow-up observations. The quality-adjusted life year (QALY) was calculated using EQ-5D and SF-6D. Concerning costs in 2019, a primary analysis was performed on societal perspective cost, and an additional analysis was performed on healthcare perspective cost.

Results

Compared to usual care, pharmacopuncture was superior as it showed a slightly higher QALY and a lower incremental cost of $1,157 from a societal perspective. The probability that pharmacopuncture would be more cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) of $26,374 was 100%. Pharmacopuncture was also superior from a healthcare perspective, with a lower incremental cost of $26. The probability that pharmacopuncture would be more cost-effective at a WTP of $26,374 was 83.7%.

Conclusions

Overall, pharmacopuncture for chronic neck pain was found to be more cost-effective compared to usual care, implying that clinicians and policy makers should consider new treatment options for neck pain.

Trial registration

Number NCT04035018 (29/07/2019) Clinicaltrials.gov; Number KCT0004243 (26/08/2019) Clinical Research Information Service.
Trajectories of primary health care utilization: a 10-year follow-up after the Swedish Patient Choice Reform of primary health care
Authors: Kohnke Hannes , Zielinski Andrzej , Beckman Anders , Ohlsson Henrik
Published: November 2023

Background

In January 2010, the choice reform was instituted in Swedish primary health care establishing free entry for private primary health care providers and enabling patients to choose freely among primary health care centers. The motivation behind the reform was to improve access to primary care and responsiveness to patient expectations. Reform effects on health care utilization have previously been investigated by using subgroup analyses assuming a pattern of homogeneous subgroups of the population. By using a different methodological approach, the aim of this study was to, from an equity perspective, investigate long term trends of primary health care utilization following the choice reform.

Method

A closed cohort was created based on register data from Region Skåne, the third most populated region in Sweden, describing individuals’ health care utilization between 2007–2017. Using a novel approach, utilization data, measured as primary health care visits, was matched with socioeconomic and geographic determinants, and analyzed using logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 659,298 individuals were included in the cohort. Sex differences in utilization were recorded to decrease in the older age group and to increase in the younger age group. Multivariable logistic regression showed increasing utilization in older men to be associated with higher socioeconomic position, while in women it was associated with lower socioeconomic position. Furthermore, groups of becoming high utilizers were all associated with lower socioeconomic position and with residence in urban areas.

Conclusion

The impact of demographic, socioeconomic and geographic determinants on primary health care utilization varies in magnitude and direction between groups of the population. As a result, the increase in utilization as observed in the general population following the choice reform is unevenly distributed between different population groups.
Gene expression profiles separate endometriosis lesion subtypes and indicate a sensitivity of endometrioma to estrogen suppressive treatments through elevated ESR2 expression
Authors: Marla Sushma , Mortlock Sally , Heinosalo Taija , Poutanen Matti , Montgomery Grant W. , McKinnon Brett David
Published: November 2023

Background

Endometriosis is a common, gynaecological disease characterised by the presence of endometrial-like cells growing outside the uterus. Lesions appear at multiple locations, present with variation in appearance, size and depth of invasion. Despite hormones being the recommended first-line treatment, their efficacy, success and side effects vary widely amongst study populations. Current, hormonal medication for endometriosis is designed to suppress systemic oestrogen. Whether these hormones can influence the lesions themselves is not yet clear. Evidence of hormone receptor expression in endometriotic lesions and their ability to respond is conflicting. A variation in their expression, activation of transcriptional co-regulators and the potential to respond may contribute to their variation in patient outcomes. Identifying patients who would benefit from hormonal treatments remain an important goal in endometriosis research.

Methods

Using gene expression data from endometriosis lesions including endometrioma (OMA, n = 28), superficial peritoneal lesions (SUP, n = 72) and deeply infiltrating lesions (DIE, n = 78), we performed principal component analysis, differential gene expression and gene correlation analyses to assess the impact of menstrual stage, lesion subtype and hormonal treatment on the gene expression.

Results

The gene expression profiles did not vary based on menstrual stage, but could distinguish lesion subtypes with OMA significantly differentiating from both SUP and DIE. Additionally, the effect of oestrogen suppression medication altered the gene expression profile in OMA, while such effect was not observed in SUP or DIE. Analysis of the target receptors for hormonal medication indicated ESR2 was differentially expressed in OMA and that genes that correlated with ESR2 varied significantly between medicated and non-medicated OMA samples.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate of the different lesion types OMA present with strongest response to hormonal treatment directly through ESR2. The data suggests that there may be the potential to target treatment options to individual patients based on pre-surgical diagnoses.
Platelet and mitochondrial RNA is decreased in plasma-derived extracellular vesicles in women with preeclampsia—an exploratory study
Authors: Lekva Tove , Sundaram Arvind Y.FM. , Roland Marie Cecilie Paasche , Åsheim June , Michelsen Annika E. , Norwitz Errol R. , Aukrust Pål , Gilfillan Gregor D. , Ueland Thor
Published: November 2023

Background

Circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increased in preeclampsia (PE) and are associated with severity and progression. We examined in this exploratory cohort study if the mRNAs and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in plasma-derived EVs were dysregulated in PE compared to normal pregnancy and display different temporal patterns during gestation.

Methods

We isolated EVs from plasma at weeks 22–24 and 36–38 in women with and without PE (n=7 in each group) and performed RNA-seq, focusing on mRNAs and lncRNAs. We validated highly expressed mitochondrial and platelet-derived RNAs discovered from central pathways in 60 women with/without PE. We examined further one of the regulated RNAs, noncoding mitochondrially encoded tRNA alanine (MT-TA), in leukocytes and plasma to investigate its biomarker potential and association with clinical markers of PE.

Results

We found abundant levels of platelet-derived and mitochondrial RNAs in EVs. Expression of these RNAs were decreased and lncRNAs increased in EVs from PE compared to without PE. These findings were further validated by qPCR for mitochondrial RNAs MT-TA, MT-ND2, MT-CYB and platelet-derived RNAs PPBP, PF4, CLU in EVs. Decreased expression of mitochondrial tRNA MT-TA in leukocytes at 22–24 weeks was strongly associated with the subsequent development of PE.

Conclusions

Platelet-derived and mitochondrial RNA were highly expressed in plasma EVs and were decreased in EVs isolated from women with PE compared to without PE. LncRNAs were mostly increased in PE. The MT-TA in leukocytes may be a useful biomarker for prediction and/or early detection of PE.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of high-power short-duration atrial fibrillation ablation technique on the incidence of silent cerebral embolism: a prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Chen Wei-Jie , Gan Chun-Xia , Cai Yang-Wei , Liu Yang-Yang , Xiao Pei-Lin , Zou Li-Li , Xiong Qing-Song , Qin Fang , Tao Xie-Xin , Li Ran , Du Hua-An , Liu Zeng-Zhang , Yin Yue-Hui , Ling Zhi-Yu
Published: November 2023

Background

High-power short-duration (HPSD) ablation strategy has emerged as a popular approach for treating atrial fibrillation (AF), with shorter ablation time. The utilized Smart Touch Surround Flow (STSF) catheter, with 56 holes around the electrode, lowers electrode-tissue temperature and thrombus risk. Thus, we conducted this prospective, randomized study to investigate if the HPSD strategy with STSF catheter in AF ablation procedures reduces the silent cerebral embolism (SCE) risk compared to the conventional approach with the Smart Touch (ST) catheter.

Methods

From June 2020 to September 2021, 100 AF patients were randomized 1:1 to the HPSD group using the STSF catheter (power set at 50 W) or the conventional group using the ST catheter (power set at 30 to 35 W). Pulmonary vein isolation was performed in all patients, with additional lesions at operator’s discretion. High-resolution cerebral diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (hDWI) with slice thickness of 1 mm was performed before and 24–72 h after ablation. The incidence of new periprocedural SCE was defined as the primary outcome. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test.

Results

All enrolled AF patients (median age 63, 60% male, 59% paroxysmal AF) underwent successful ablation. Post-procedural hDWI identified 106 lesions in 42 enrolled patients (42%), with 55 lesions in 22 patients (44%) in the HPSD group and 51 lesions in 20 patients (40%) in the conventional group (p = 0.685). No significant differences were observed between two groups regarding the average number of lesions (p = 0.751), maximum lesion diameter (p = 0.405), and total lesion volume per patient (p = 0.669). Persistent AF and CHA2DS2-VASc score were identified as SCE determinants during AF ablation procedure by multivariable regression analysis. No significant differences in MoCA scores were observed between patients with SCE and those without, both immediately post-procedure (p = 0.572) and at the 3-month follow-up (p = 0.743).

Conclusions

Involving a small sample size of 100 AF patients, this study reveals a similar incidence of SCE in AF ablation procedures, comparing the HPSD strategy using the STSF catheter to the conventional approach with the ST catheter.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04408716.

Graphical Abstract

AF = Atrial fibrillation, DWI = Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, HPSD = High-power short-duration, ST = Smart Touch, STSF = Smart Touch Surround Flow.
Retinal nerve fibre layer thinning and corneal nerve loss in patients with Bardet-Biedl syndrome
Authors: Belkadi Aziz , Thareja Gaurav , Khan Adnan , Stephan Nisha , Zaghlool Shaza , Halama Anna , Ahmed Ayeda Abdulsalam , Mohamoud Yasmin A. , Malek Joel , Suhre Karsten , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is an autosomal recessive, genetically heterogeneous, pleiotropic disorder caused by variants in genes involved in the function of the primary cilium. We have harnessed genomics to identify BBS and ophthalmic technologies to describe novel features of BBS.

Case presentation

A patient with an unclear diagnosis of syndromic type 2 diabetes mellitus, another affected sibling and unaffected siblings and parents were sequenced using DNA extracted from saliva samples. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) and retinal spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were used to identify novel ophthalmic features in these patients. The two affected individuals had a homozygous variant in C8orf37 (p.Trp185*). SD-OCT and CCM demonstrated a marked and patchy reduction in the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and loss of corneal nerve fibers, respectively.

Conclusion

This report highlights the use of ophthalmic imaging to identify novel retinal and corneal abnormalities that extend the phenotype of BBS in a patient with syndromic type 2 diabetes.
Preeclampsia impedes foetal kidney development by delivering placenta-derived exosomes to glomerular endothelial cells
Authors: Gu Mengqi , Chen Pengzheng , Zeng Dongmei , Jiang Xiaotong , Lv Qingfeng , Li Yuchen , Zhang Fengyuan , Wan Shuting , Zhou Qian , Lu Yuan , Wang Xietong , Li Lei
Published: November 2023

Background

Foetal renal dysplasia is still the main cause of adult renal disease. Placenta-derived exosomes are an important communication tool, and they may play an important role in placental (both foetal and maternal) function. We hypothesize that in women with preeclampsia, foetal renal dysplasia is impeded by delivering placenta-derived exosomes to glomerular endothelial cells.

Methods

In the present study, we established a PE trophoblast oxidative stress model to isolate exosomes from supernatants by ultracentrifugation (NO-exo and H/R-exo) and collected normal and PE umbilical cord blood plasma to isolate exosomes by ultracentrifugation combined with sucrose density gradient centrifugation (N-exo and PE-exo), then we investigated their effects on foetal kidney development by in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models.

Results

The PE trophoblast oxidative stress model was established successfully. After that, in in vitro studies, we found that H/R-exo and PE-exo could adversely affect glomerular endothelial cell proliferation, tubular formation, migration, and barrier functions. In ex vivo studies, H/R-exo and PE-exo both inhibited the growth and branch formation of kidney explants, along with the decrease of VE-cadherin and Occludin. In in vivo studies, we also found that H/R-exo and PE-exo could result in renal dysplasia, reduced glomerular number, and reduced barrier function in foetal mice.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we demonstrated that PE placenta-derived exosomes could lead to foetal renal dysplasia by delivering placenta-derived exosomes to foetal glomerular endothelial cells, which provides a novel understanding of the pathogenesis of foetal renal dysplasia.
Altered m6A RNA methylation governs denervation-induced muscle atrophy by regulating ubiquitin proteasome pathway
Authors: Sun Junjie , Zhou Hai , Chen Zehao , Zhang Han , Cao Yanzhe , Yao Xinlei , Chen Xin , Liu Boya , Gao Zihui , Shen Yuntian , Qi Lei , Sun Hualin
Published: November 2023

Background

Denervation-induced muscle atrophy is complex disease involving multiple biological processes with unknown mechanisms. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) participates in skeletal muscle physiology by regulating multiple levels of RNA metabolism, but its impact on denervation-induced muscle atrophy is still unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the changes, functions, and molecular mechanisms of m6A RNA methylation during denervation-induced muscle atrophy.

Methods

During denervation-induced muscle atrophy, the m6A immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) as well as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis were used to detect the changes of m6A modified RNAs and the involved biological processes. 3-deazidenosine (Daa) and R-2-hydroxyglutarate (R-2HG) were used to verify the roles of m6A RNA methylation. Through bioinformatics analysis combined with experimental verification, the regulatory roles and mechanisms of m6A RNA methylation had been explored.

Results

There were many m6A modified RNAs with differences during denervation-induced muscle atrophy, and overall, they were mainly downregulated. After 72 h of denervation, the biological processes involved in the altered mRNA with m6A modification were mainly related to zinc ion binding, ubiquitin protein ligase activity, ATP binding and sequence-specific DNA binding and transcription coactivator activity. Daa reduced overall m6A levels in healthy skeletal muscles, which reduced skeletal muscle mass. On the contrary, the increase in m6A levels mediated by R-2HG alleviated denervation induced muscle atrophy. The m6A RNA methylation regulated skeletal muscle mass through ubiquitin–proteasome pathway.

Conclusion

This study indicated that decrease in m6A RNA methylation was a new symptom of denervation-induced muscle atrophy, and confirmed that targeting m6A alleviated denervation-induced muscle atrophy.
Perinatal foodborne titanium dioxide exposure-mediated dysbiosis predisposes mice to develop colitis through life
Authors: Carlé Caroline , Boucher Delphine , Morelli Luisa , Larue Camille , Ovtchinnikova Ekaterina , Battut Louise , Boumessid Kawthar , Airaud Melvin , Quaranta-Nicaise Muriel , Ravanat Jean-Luc , Dietrich Gilles , Menard Sandrine , Eberl Gérard , Barnich Nicolas , Mas Emmanuel , Carriere Marie , Al Nabhani Ziad , Barreau Frédérick
Published: November 2023

Background

Perinatal exposure to titanium dioxide (TiO2), as a foodborne particle, may influence the intestinal barrier function and the susceptibility to develop inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) later in life. Here, we investigate the impact of perinatal foodborne TiO2 exposure on the intestinal mucosal function and the susceptibility to develop IBD-associated colitis. Pregnant and lactating mother mice were exposed to TiO2 until pups weaning and the gut microbiota and intestinal barrier function of their offspring was assessed at day 30 post-birth (weaning) and at adult age (50 days). Epigenetic marks was studied by DNA methylation profile measuring the level of 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytosine (5-Me-dC) in DNA from colic epithelial cells. The susceptibility to develop IBD has been monitored using dextran-sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. Germ-free mice were used to define whether microbial transfer influence the mucosal homeostasis and subsequent exacerbation of DSS-induced colitis.

Results

In pregnant and lactating mice, foodborne TiO2 was able to translocate across the host barriers including gut, placenta and mammary gland to reach embryos and pups, respectively. This passage modified the chemical element composition of foetus, and spleen and liver of mothers and their offspring. We showed that perinatal exposure to TiO2 early in life alters the gut microbiota composition, increases the intestinal epithelial permeability and enhances the colonic cytokines and myosin light chain kinase expression. Moreover, perinatal exposure to TiO2 also modifies the abilities of intestinal stem cells to survive, grow and generate a functional epithelium. Maternal TiO2 exposure increases the susceptibility of offspring mice to develop severe DSS-induced colitis later in life. Finally, transfer of TiO2-induced microbiota dysbiosis to pregnant germ-free mice affects the homeostasis of the intestinal mucosal barrier early in life and confers an increased susceptibility to develop colitis in adult offspring.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that foodborne TiO2 consumption during the perinatal period has negative long-lasting consequences on the development of the intestinal mucosal barrier toward higher colitis susceptibility. This demonstrates to which extent environmental factors influence the microbial-host interplay and impact the long-term mucosal homeostasis.
Monitoring of drought stress and transpiration rate using proximal thermal and hyperspectral imaging in an indoor automated plant phenotyping platform
Authors: Mertens Stien , Verbraeken Lennart , Sprenger Heike , De Meyer Sam , Demuynck Kirin , Cannoot Bernard , Merchie Julie , De Block Jolien , Vogel Jonathan T. , Bruce Wesley , Nelissen Hilde , Maere Steven , Inzé Dirk , Wuyts Nathalie
Published: November 2023

Background

Thermography is a popular tool to assess plant water-use behavior, as plant temperature is influenced by transpiration rate, and is commonly used in field experiments to detect plant water deficit. Its application in indoor automated phenotyping platforms is still limited and mainly focuses on differences in plant temperature between genotypes or treatments, instead of estimating stomatal conductance or transpiration rate. In this study, the transferability of commonly used thermography analysis protocols from the field to greenhouse phenotyping platforms was evaluated. In addition, the added value of combining thermal infrared (TIR) with hyperspectral imaging to monitor drought effects on plant transpiration rate (E) was evaluated.

Results

The sensitivity of commonly used TIR indices to detect drought-induced and genotypic differences in water status was investigated in eight maize inbred lines in the automated phenotyping platform PHENOVISION. Indices that normalized plant temperature for vapor pressure deficit and/or air temperature at the time of imaging were most sensitive to drought and could detect genotypic differences in the plants’ water-use behavior. However, these indices were not strongly correlated to stomatal conductance and E. The canopy temperature depression index, the crop water stress index and the simplified stomatal conductance index were more suitable to monitor these traits, and were consequently used to develop empirical E prediction models by combining them with hyperspectral indices and/or environmental variables. Different modeling strategies were evaluated, including single index-based, machine learning and mechanistic models. Model comparison showed that combining multiple TIR indices in a random forest model can improve E prediction accuracy, and that the contribution of the hyperspectral data is limited when multiple indices are used. However, the empirical models trained on one genotype were not transferable to all eight inbred lines.

Conclusion

Overall, this study demonstrates that existing TIR indices can be used to monitor drought stress and develop E prediction models in an indoor setup, as long as the indices normalize plant temperature for ambient air temperature or relative humidity.
CREaTor: zero-shot cis-regulatory pattern modeling with attention mechanisms
Authors: Li Yongge , Ju Fusong , Chen Zhiyuan , Qu Yiming , Xia Huanhuan , He Liang , Wu Lijun , Zhu Jianwei , Shao Bin , Deng Pan
Published: November 2023

Linking cis-regulatory sequences to target genes has been a long-standing challenge. In this study, we introduce CREaTor, an attention-based deep neural network designed to model cis-regulatory patterns for genomic elements up to 2 Mb from target genes. Coupled with a training strategy that predicts gene expression from flanking candidate cis-regulatory elements (cCREs), CREaTor can model cell type-specific cis-regulatory patterns in new cell types without prior knowledge of cCRE-gene interactions or additional training. The zero-shot modeling capability, combined with the use of only RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data, allows for the ready generalization of CREaTor to a broad range of cell types.
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an electronic mindfulness-based intervention to improve maternal mental health in the peripartum: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Branjerdporn Grace , Gillespie Kerri , Martin Elizabeth , Kissane Vivianne , De Young Alex , Ewais Tatjana , Goldsmith Kathleen , Wilson Susan , Adhikary Sam , McGahan Greg , Schulz Constanze , Beckmann Michael
Published: November 2023

Background

Perinatal women are highly vulnerable to developing mental health issues and particularly susceptible to a recurrence of psychiatric illness. Poor mental health during the perinatal period can have long-term impacts on the physical and psychiatric health of both mother and child. A potentially useful strategy to improve women’s mental health is through a mobile application teaching mindfulness, an evidence-based technique helping individuals focus on the present moment.

Methods

A mixed method, prospective randomised controlled trial. The study group comprise women aged 18 years and over, who are attending the public and private maternity clinics at Mater Mothers’ Hospital. A sample of 360 prenatal women will be randomised into the intervention group (with the use of the mindfulness app) or usual care. Participants will remain in the study for 11 months and will be assessed at four timepoints for changes in postnatal depression, mother-infant bonding, and quality of life. A cost-effectiveness evaluation will also be conducted using quality-adjusted life year (QALY) calculations. A random selection of intervention participants will be invited to attend focus groups to give feedback on the mindfulness app.

Discussion

Previous studies have found mindfulness interventions can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in a prenatal population. The risks of the intervention are low, but could be of significant benefit for women who are unable to attend face-to-face appointments due to geographical, financial, or time barriers; during endemic or pandemic scenarios; or due to health or mobility issues.

Trial registration

This study was approved by the Mater Misericordiae Human Research Ethics Committee (83,589). Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12622001581752 (https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=385107&isReview=true). Registered on 22 Dec. 2022.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: The design of network security protection trust management system based on an improved hidden Markov model
Authors: Chen Shaojun
Published: November 2023

With the growth of the Internet, network security issues have become increasingly complex, and the importance of node interaction security is also gradually becoming prominent. At present, research on network security protection mainly starts from the overall perspective, and some studies also start from the interaction between nodes. However, the trust management mechanisms in these studies do not have a predictive function. Therefore, to predict trust levels and protect network security, this paper innovatively proposes a trust management system for network security protection based on the improved hidden Markov model. The research divides the trust level of inter-node interactions by calculating the threat level of inter-node interactions and predicts the trust level of inter-node interactions through an optimized hidden Markov model. In addition, the study designs an estimation of the types of interactive threats between nodes based on alarm data. The research results show that when inactive interaction tuples are not excluded, the average prediction accuracy of the combined model is 95.5%. In response time, the maximum values of the active and passive cluster management pages are 38 ms and 33 ms, respectively, while the minimum values are 16 ms and 14 ms, with an average of 26.2 ms and 24 ms, respectively. The trust management system designed by the research institute has good performance and can provide systematic support for network security protection, which has good practical significance.
Pleiotropic properties of GOLDEN2-LIKE transcription factors for crop improvement
Authors: Kim Sangyun , Choi Heebak , Yi Taegyu , Gwak Dohoon , Ha Sun-Hwa
Published: November 2023

Crop improvement can be affected by enhancing the efficiency of photosynthesis-associated bioprocesses such as chlorophyll biosynthesis, chloroplast biogenesis, the functioning of photosystems including light-harvesting complexes, and carbon fixation. To achieve this, the GOLDEN2-LIKE (GLK) transcription factors represent promising targets since they play a positive role for greening traits in diverse plants. To scrutinize the pleiotropic impact of GLKs, we summarized all phenotypic traits reported in functional studies that used transgenic approaches to lose or gain gene functions. Additionally, we also discussed altered plant phenotypes with respect to their physiological–biochemical aspects and environmental stress responses. From these results, we conclude that GLKs consistently increase chlorophyll biosynthesis, enhance chloroplast division, and increase photosynthetic rate. They individually influence other traits including yield, phytochemical accumulation, and biotic and abiotic stress resistance. Collectively, GLKs have potential as key regulators to effect increases in overall agricultural quality across plant species. This suggests that they may be among the most promising target genes for future agro-biotechnology applications.
Preliminary analysis of amplified ground motion in Bangkok basin using HVSR curves from recent moderate to large earthquakes
Authors: Ornthammarath Teraphan , Jirasakjamroonsri Amorntep , Pornsopin Patinya , Rupakhety Rajesh , Poovarodom Nakhorn , Warnitchai Pennung , Toe Tun Tun Tha
Published: November 2023

Background

The Bangkok Basin has been known from non-instrumental observations of the local population to be subject to ground motion amplification due to the deep alluvial sediments and basin geometry. This study analyzes available seismic data to confirm that basin effects are significant in the Bangkok Basin. The paper contributes to the evaluation of basin effects by characterizing the engineering ground motion parameters and HVSR curves for the Bangkok basin which produce lengthening of ground motion duration with respect to nearby rock sites, albeit with very low ground motions. For this purpose, we analyzed ground motion records from seismic stations located within the Bangkok alluvial basin from 2007 to 2021. Recorded peak horizontal ground acceleration (PGA) for seismic stations inside the basin always exceeded 1 cm/s2 during eight earthquakes with Mw ≥ 5.5. Of these, two were intraslab events and six were shallow crustal earthquakes. These recorded ground motions shook high-rise buildings in Bangkok even though their epicentral distance exceeded 600 km.

Methods

Several time and frequency domain analyses (such as analysis of residual, HVSR, Hodogram plots, etc.) are used on the ground motion records in the Bangkok basin to determine the frequency content of recorded ground motion and to demonstrate the significance of surface waves induced by the deep basin in altering the engineering ground motion amplitudes. In addition, centerless circular array microtremor analysis is used to determine the depth of sedimentary basin to the bedrock.

Results

Based on comparisons from those stations located outside the Bangkok basin, we observed the capability of alluvial deposits in the Bangkok basin to amplify ground motion records by about 3 times. We observed that there is a unique site amplification effect between 0.3 and 0.1 Hz due to local surface waves and other moderate amplifications between 2 and 0.5 Hz due to a soft layer like other deep alluvial basins in other metropolitan areas.

Conclusion

We noticed that there is a unique site amplification effect between 0.1 and 0.3 Hz and smaller peaks around 2 and 0.5 Hz consistent with expectations for site amplification effects associated with deep basins. Moreover, we noticed the presence of low frequencies content of the surface wave generated within the basin which deserved further studies using the 2D/3D ground motion modelling through basin topography and velocity models.
Exploring the morphological dynamics of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linn. 1758) in Victoria Nile as depicted from geometric morphometrics
Authors: Tibihika Papius Dias , Curto Manuel , Meimberg Harald , Aruho Cassius , Muganga George , Lugumira Jerome Sebadduka , Namulawa Victoria Tibenda , Aanyu Margaret , Ddungu Richard , Ondhoro Constantine Chobet , Okurut Tom
Published: November 2023

Background

Various anthropogenic activities continue to threaten the fish biodiversity of the East African water bodies such as the Victoria Nile. Although the Victoria Nile is a significant source of livelihood for human populations, the biology and ecology of Nile tilapia in this ecosystem remain understudied with little or no information on the morphology of the fish given varying and immense anthropogenic activities. Here, we use geometric morphometrics to examine the morphology/shape variations of Nile tilapia populations in Victoria Nile to gain insights into their current ecological state.

Results

Our results indicate unexpectedly smaller Nile tilapia body weights in Victoria Nile than in L. Victoria. Despite this, nearly all the populations displayed a relative condition factor (Kn) of greater ≥1 suggesting a healthy stock. However, two populations, LMF and VN_Bukeeka demonstrated Kn values of less than one (< 1). We also report that some Upper and Lower Victoria Nile populations display morphological similarities. Apart from L. Albert, Nile tilapia populations from Lakes Victoria and Kyoga are morphologically divergent from the riverine ones. We note that Nile tilapia from Nalubale Dam Reservoir is morphologically distinct from the close neighbouring Victoria Nile populations which are likely allied to the influence of the Nalubale Hydroelectric power dam as a barrier.

Conclusion

Nile tilapia’s morphological variation appears to be influenced by various anthropogenic disturbances notably, overfishing, hydroelectric power dams, and fish translocational history in Uganda. Management should enforce regulatory frameworks to avert human-mediated activities as these are likely to compromise the sustainability of the fisheries. Further studies are required to follow these populations with molecular genetics and environmental data to gain a deeper understanding of the fish species for informed sustainable management and conservation options.
Detection and isolation of a new member of Burkholderiaceae-related endofungal bacteria from Saksenaea boninensis sp. nov., a new thermotolerant fungus in Mucorales
Authors: Takashima Yusuke , Yamamoto Kohei , Degawa Yousuke , Guo Yong , Nishizawa Tomoyasu , Ohta Hiroyuki , Narisawa Kazuhiko
Published: November 2023

Thermotolerance in Mucorales (Mucoromycotina) is one of the factors to be opportunistic pathogens, causing mucormycosis. Among thermotolerant mucoralean fungi, Burkholderiaceae-related endobacteria (BRE) are rarely found and the known range of hosts is limited to Rhizopus spp. The phylogenetic divergence of BRE has recently expanded in other fungal groups such as Mortierellaceae spp. (Mortierellomycotina); however, it remains unexplored in Mucorales. Here, we found a thermotolerant mucoralean fungus obtained from a litter sample collected from Haha-jima Island in the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands, Japan. The fungus was morphologically, phylogenetically, and physiologically characterized and proposed as a new species, Saksenaea boninensis sp. nov. Besides the fungal taxonomy, we also found the presence of BRE in isolates of this species by diagnostic PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene from mycelia, fluorescence microscopic observations, and isolation of the bacterium in pure culture. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of BRE revealed that it is distinct from all known BRE. The discovery of a culturable BRE lineage in the genus Saksenaea will add new insight into the evolutional origin of mucoralean fungus-BRE associations and emphasize the need to pay more attention to endofungal bacteria potentially associated with isolates of thermotolerant mucoralean fungi causing mucormycosis.
An adaptive steganography insertion technique based on wavelet transform
Authors: Alobaidi Taif , Mikhael Wasfy
Published: November 2023

Over the past few decades, there have been several successful methods developed for steganography. One popular technique is the insertion method, which is favored for its simplicity and ability to hold a reasonable amount of hidden data. This study introduces an adaptive insertion technique based on the two-dimensional discrete Haar filter (2D DHF). The technique involves transforming the cover image into the wavelet domain using 2D DWT and selecting a predetermined number of coefficients to embed the binary secret message. The selection process is carried out by analyzing the cover image in two non-orthogonal domains: 2D discrete cosine transform and 2D DHF. An adaptive algorithm is employed to minimize the impact on the unrepresented parts of the cover image. The algorithm determines the weights of each coefficient in each domain, and coefficients with low weights are chosen for embedding. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, samples from the BOSSbase and custom databases are used. The technique’s performance is measured using three metrics: mean squared error (MSE), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and structural similarity index (SSIM). Additionally, a visual inspection by humans is conducted to assess the resulting image. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms recently reported methods in terms of MSE, PSNR, SSIM, and visual quality.
Refractory esophageal–mediastinal fistula successfully treated with endoluminal vacuum therapy and enteral nutrition using a double-lumen elemental diet tube: a case report
Authors: Yoshidome Shizuka , Sasaki Ken , Fumoto Hideyuki , Tsuruda Yusuke , Shimonosono Masataka , Uchikado Yasuto , Matsushita Daisuke , Arigami Takaaki , Baba Kenji , Kurahara Hiroshi , Ohtsuka Takao
Published: November 2023

Background

Aortic–esophageal fistula (AEF) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has a high fatality rate and is difficult to treat. Endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT) has recently appeared and proven to be a useful method for anastomotic leakage.

Case presentation

A 76-year-old man underwent aortic arch replacement for a stent graft infection after TEVAR. Persistent mediastinitis and pyothorax were observed after aortic arch replacement, and further examination revealed an esophageal–mediastinal fistula (EMF). Over-the-scope clip (OTSC®) closure was performed to treat EMF but achieved no cure. Then, the patient was referred to our hospital. First, we removed the OTSC® that interfered with the treatment using the remOVE System® and started EVT using a double-lumen elemental diet tube (W–EDT®). The vacuum sponge was affixed to the vacuum side of W–EDT®, and enteral nutrition administered through W–EDT was combined with EVT. EMF was cured 11 days after EVT, and the patient was able to feed himself.

Conclusion

The combination of EVT and enteral nutrition feeding using W–EDT® is a successful novel procedure to treat refractory EMF.
Inborn errors of amino acid metabolism – from underlying pathophysiology to therapeutic advances
Authors: Ziegler Shira G. , Kim Jiyoung , Ehmsen Jeffrey T. , Vernon Hilary J.
Published: November 2023

Amino acids are organic molecules that serve as basic substrates for protein synthesis and have additional key roles in a diverse array of cellular functions, including cell signaling, gene expression, energy production and molecular biosynthesis. Genetic defects in the synthesis, catabolism or transport of amino acids underlie a diverse class of diseases known as inborn errors of amino acid metabolism. Individually, these disorders are rare, but collectively, they represent an important group of potentially treatable disorders. In this Clinical Puzzle, we discuss the pathophysiology, clinical features and management of three disorders that showcase the diverse clinical presentations of disorders of amino acid metabolism: phenylketonuria, lysinuric protein intolerance and homocystinuria due to cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) deficiency. Understanding the biochemical perturbations caused by defects in amino acid metabolism will contribute to ongoing development of diagnostic and management strategies aimed at improving the morbidity and mortality associated with this diverse group of disorders.
LIBERTY: Lightweight battery system for extended range at improved safety
Authors: Klocker Manuela , Leitgeb Werner , Breitfuß Christoph , Miguel Eduardo , Martinez-Laserna Egoitz , Grübner Eric , Worighi Imane , Bravo Yolanda , Da Costa Pito Sergio , Nacer-Bey Moussa , Bockrath Steffen , Schwarz Radu , De Bie Nick , Wang Zhangqi , Bergveld Henk Jan , F. Mendoza Joan Manuel , Picatoste Aitor , Justel Lozano Daniel , Storer David , Guazzagaloppa Jeremy , Jäger David , Schwarzberger Günter
Published: November 2023

The Horizon 2020 LC-BAT-10-2020 project LIBERTY ("Lightweight Battery System for Extended Range at Improved Safety") focusses on the areas of battery lifetime, increased range, safety and environmental sustainability. The project aims to develop a battery pack that will have the same useful lifetime as those of current combustion engines, i.e. up to 20 years or 300,000 km. At present, the lifetime of a battery is typically lower, with guarantees of up to 10 years or around 150,000 km. LIBERTY targets a range increase of up to 20% compared to the benchmark vehicle, thus allowing driving up to 500 km on a single charge. Then, an ultra-fast-charging below 18 minutes is targeted, less than half the time realized by contemporary technologies. Improved and standardized battery safety and environmental life-cycle sustainability performance will serve other important aspects addressed by this project. To reach these goals the project is currently researching and developing the LIBERTY innovations described in more detail in the following sections.
Continuous Auditing and Continuous Certification in MEDINA – Security Auditor’s View
Authors: Suhonen Tatu , Martínez Cristina
Published: November 2023

This paper discusses views on continuous auditing and continuous certification in the context of the MEDINA EU project and the security auditing industry. Based on an introduction of MEDINA, the notions of continuous auditing and continuous certification are introduced from a security auditor’s perspective to discuss the opportunities and challenges related to these topics. The paper also discusses further actions beyond this project in order to provide feedback on how continuous auditing and certification can be developed and introduced to the market.
The genome sequence of the Lunar-spotted Pinion, Cosmia pyralina (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Januszczak Inez ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: November 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Cosmia pyralina (the Lunar-spotted Pinion; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 803.3 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.39 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 19,901 protein coding genes.
Phenotypes associated with genetic determinants of type I interferon regulation in the UK Biobank: a protocol
Authors: Rioux Bastien , Chong Michael , Walker Rosie , McGlasson Sarah , Rannikmäe Kristiina , McCartney Daniel , McCabe John , Brown Robin , Crow Yanick J. , Hunt David , Whiteley William
Published: November 2023

Background Type I interferons are cytokines involved in innate immunity against viruses. Genetic disorders of type I interferon regulation are associated with a range of autoimmune and cerebrovascular phenotypes. Carriers of pathogenic variants involved in genetic disorders of type I interferons are generally considered asymptomatic. Preliminary data suggests, however, that genetically determined dysregulation of type I interferon responses is associated with autoimmunity, and may also be relevant to sporadic cerebrovascular disease and dementia. We aim to determine whether functional variants in genes involved in type I interferon regulation and signalling are associated with the risk of autoimmunity, stroke, and dementia in a population cohort. Methods We will perform a hypothesis-driven candidate pathway association study of type I interferon-related genes using rare variants in the UK Biobank (UKB). We will manually curate type I interferon regulation and signalling genes from a literature review and Gene Ontology, followed by clinical and functional filtering. Variants of interest will be included based on pre-defined clinical relevance and functional annotations (using LOFTEE, M-CAP and a minor allele frequency <0.1%). The association of variants with 15 clinical and three neuroradiological phenotypes will be assessed with a rare variant genetic risk score and gene-level tests, using a Bonferroni-corrected p-value threshold from the number of genetic units and phenotypes tested. We will explore the association of significant genetic units with 196 additional health-related outcomes to help interpret their relevance and explore the clinical spectrum of genetic perturbations of type I interferon. Ethics and dissemination The UKB has received ethical approval from the North West Multicentre Research Ethics Committee, and all participants provided written informed consent at recruitment. This research will be conducted using the UKB Resource under application number 93160. We expect to disseminate our results in a peer-reviewed journal and at an international cardiovascular conference.