bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Novice to Skilled: RL-based Shared Autonomy Communicating with Pilots in UAV Multi-Task Missions
Authors: Backman Kal , Kulić Dana , Chung Hoam
Published: January 2025

Multi-task missions for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) involving inspection and landing tasks are challenging for novice pilots due to the difficulties associated with depth perception and the control interface. We propose a shared autonomy system, alongside supplementary information displays, to assist pilots to successfully complete multi-task missions without any pilot training. Our approach comprises of three modules: (1) a perception module that encodes visual information onto a latent representation, (2) a policy module that augments pilot’s actions, and (3) an information augmentation module that provides additional information to the pilot. The policy module is trained in simulation with simulated users and transferred to the real world without modification in a user study (

\(\mathbf{n=29}\)

), alongside alternative supplementary information schemes including learnt red/green light feedback cues and an augmented reality display. The pilot’s intent is unknown to the policy module and is inferred from the pilot’s input and UAV’s states. The assistant increased task success rate for the landing and inspection tasks from [16.67% & 54.29%] respectively to [95.59% & 96.22%]. With the assistant, inexperienced pilots achieved similar performance to experienced pilots. Red/green light feedback cues reduced the required time by 19.53% and trajectory length by 17.86% for the inspection task, where participants rated it as their preferred condition due to the intuitive interface and providing reassurance. This work demonstrates that simple user models can train shared autonomy systems in simulation, and transfer to physical tasks to estimate user intent and provide effective assistance and information to the pilot.
Sentiment Analysis of MOOC Reviews Based on Knowledge Dependency Tree
Authors: Wang Haijie , Jiao Jiajia
Published: January 2025

As an important online learning resource, Massive Open Online Courses have a large amount of comments, which can be exploited by aspect-level sentiment analysis to optimize MOOC teaching from different perspectives. However, there are two essential problems. One is that there is no open-source dataset on Chinese MOOC. The other problem is semantic information confusion caused by inherent polysemy of Chinese words and ambiguous expressions relatively relying on the context. In order to further characterize the special features of Chinese MOOC reviews, we build an open-source dataset with clean 5000 MOOC reviews and propose a sentiment knowledge dependency tree based graph neural network. The proposed model firstly uses the latest term frequency–inverse document frequency algorithm to extract high-frequency words, and combines it with the Semantic Orientation Pointwise Mutual Information algorithm so that a sentiment dictionary in the field of Chinese MOOCs is constructed. Then, the grammatical information of the dependency tree is merged with the sentiment knowledge information of the sentiment dictionary. Next, this novel model uses GCN to capture the long-distance feature information of the sentiment dependency tree, and finally adopts the softmax function for sentiment classification. To further improve the model's performance, we also use Bert to enhance the text representation for higher accuracy. Meanwhile, the comparative experiments demonstrate that our proposed model takes advantages of the customized dependency tree by knowledge dictionary to achieve more accurate sentiment analysis than the state-of-the-art methods under different word embedding approaches.
Parenchymal and inflammatory responses to ozone exposure in the aging healthy and surfactant protein C mutant lung
Authors: Cheminant Jenna R. , Deering-Rice Cassandra E. , Massa Christopher B. , Adhikari Ujjwal , Noll Jessica , Reilly Christopher A. , Venosa Alessandro
Published: January 2025

Environmental stress and genetic mutations in key functional nodes are linked to the pathogenesis and exacerbation of respiratory pathologies. These responses are exacerbated by aging, though the impact of these factors in combination is not clearly defined. Using a surfactant protein-C mutant line, our studies describe structural changes and phenotypic responses triggered by acute ozone exposure in the young/middle-aged/old lung. Spatial transcriptomics also found regionally distinct and enhanced activation in the aged lung.
A review and redefinition of the subgenus Aphyobranchius Wildekamp, 1977, in the seasonal killifish genus Nothobranchius Peters, 1868 (Teleostei: Nothobranchiidae), from ephemeral wetlands of eastern Tanzania
Authors: WATTERS BRIAN R. , NAGY BÉLA
Published: January 2025

Species belonging to the subgenus Aphyobranchius, of the seasonal killifish genus Nothobranchius, are reviewed and the definition of the subgenus is updated. Five species are recognized within this subgenus which, based primarily on morphological and molecular data, form two distinct groups: N. geminus, N. janpapi and N. luekei make up the N. janpapi species group, whereas N. fuscotaeniatus and N. lourensi comprise the N. lourensi species group. All known Aphyobranchius species occur in the central eastern and southern coastal plains region of Tanzania, associated mainly with the Ruvu, Rufiji, Kilombero, Mbezi and Luhule/Luhute river systems, with isolated occurrences in the lowermost reaches of the Wami and Matandu rivers. Features that allow distinction between the five Aphyobranchius species, as well as those that in a broader sense distinguish them from other Nothobranchius species, are documented in detail. Such features primarily comprise differences in elements of colour pattern, morphometric character, phylogenetic relationships, karyotype structure, habitat characteristics and niche preference, breeding behaviour and, to some extent, distribution. We further discuss the taxonomic, biogeographic, ecological and evolutionary aspects of the subgenus. Conservation status of the species range from Least Concern to Critically Endangered, according to IUCN Red List criteria. The main threats to their survival are habitat loss due to expansion of agriculture and urbanisation involving overexploitation of wetlands, and invasive species. Nothobranchius willerti, previously regarded as a member of Aphyobranchius, is here excluded from that subgenus, based on a reassessment of key morphological characters, habitat preference, breeding behaviour and, most importantly, molecular data that indicates a clear affiliation with other species of the subgenus Adiniops.
New species of Galathea Fabricius, 1793 and Nanogalathea Tirmizi & Javed, 1980 (Crustacea: Decapoda, Galatheidae) from the Western Pacific
Authors: MACPHERSON ENRIQUE , RODRÍGUEZ-FLORES PAULA C. , MACHORDOM ANNIE
Published: January 2025

Specimens of squat lobsters belonging to the family Galatheidae, representing the genera Galathea and Nanogalathea, were collected during several cruises carried out in New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Phoenix Islands. The study of these specimens integrating molecular and morphological data revealed the presence of eight new species in Galathea and one in Nanogalathea. We describe and illustrate these new species. Molecular data from mitochondrial markers were also included to support the taxonomic status of the species. Finally, a key to species for the genus Galathea from the Indian and Pacific Oceans is also provided.
Contribution to the genus Platybaetis Müller-Liebenau, 1980 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) in India
Authors: VASANTH M. , KUBENDRAN T. , SUBRAMANIAN K.A. , GATTOLLIAT J.-L. , SUTTINUN C. , LIMATEMJEN
Published: January 2025

We present the description of a new mayfly species, Platybaetis arunachalensis sp. nov., based on larval specimens collected from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Additionally, we provide the first complete description and a new record of Platybaetis uenoi Müller-Liebenau, 1980, based on recently collected larval specimens from Nagaland, India. This study includes taxonomic updates for the genus Platybaetis Müller-Liebenau, 1980 in India, along with a distribution map of Platybaetis species and ecological insights into their habitats. Our work enhances the understanding of Platybaetis diversity and distribution in India, contributing valuable information for future ecological and conservation studies.
New and previously described Acleotrema species (Monogenea, Diplectanidae) parasitizing sea chubs (Centrarchiformes: Kyphosidae) in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: SANTILLAN ANGEL L. , CRUCES CELSO L. , MONDRAGÓN-MARTÍNEZ AARÓN , ROJAS ROSA MARTÍNEZ- , CHERO JHON D.
Published: January 2025

During a study on the diversity of monogeneans infecting kyphosid fishes off the coast of Puerto Santa Rosa, Lambayeque region, northern Peru, specimens of the Cortez sea chub Kyphosus elegans (Peters) and the brassy chub K. vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard) were examined. Five diplectanids, including a new species, were identified: Acleotrema alejandroi sp. nov. from K. vaigiensis; A. diplobulbus (Yamaguti, 1968) from K. vaigiensis; A. nenue (Yamaguti, 1968) Dominques & Boeger, 2007 from both K. vaigiensis and K. elegans; A. oliveri (León-Régagnon, Pérez-Ponce de León & Garcia Prieto, 1997) from K. elegans and K. vaigiensis; A. spiculare (Yamaguti, 1968) from K. vaigiensis. Acleotrema alejandroi sp. nov. is easily differentiated from all congeneric species by its male copulatory organ (MCO), which is J-shaped with a spatulate distal end. The middle portion of MCO is surrounded by a sclerotized sac; and the distal portion of the sac bears an elongated, sclerotized U-shaped process. Acleotrema oliveri is redescribed based on examination of the type specimen (holotype and paratypes) and newly collected specimens. In addition, new morphometric data and whole-mount drawing of A. nenue, A. spiculare and A. diplobulbus are provided. Acleotrema nenuoides (Rakotofiringa, Oliver & Lambert, 1987) is considered a junior synonym of A. nenue. The present finding brings to 13, the number of known species of Acleotrema Johnston & Tiegs, 1922, and represents the first diplectanid species infecting kyphosid fishes from Peru. Furthermore, this study represents the first record of A. spiculare and A. diplobulbus after more than 50 years.
Two new species of Trigonidiidae (Orthoptera: Grylloidea) from southwest China
Authors: YUAN WEI , WU JIAWEI , MA LI-BIN , GU JUN-JIE
Published: January 2025

Two new species of Trigonidiinae (Orthoptera: Grylloidea; Trigonidiidae), Trigonidium albarum sp. nov. and Svistella prominens sp. nov., were discovered in Sichuan Province, China. T. albarum sp. nov. has a similar coloration to Trigonidium rubrumoculum He & Ma, 2022 and can be distinguished by different ectoparamere; while S. prominens sp. nov. and Svistella anhuiensis He, Li & Liu, 2009 have similar morphological characteristics and are distributed in the same area, but the new species is characterized by a dark yellow body and a semicircular protrusion on the lateral lobe of epiphallus. This article presents descriptions and illustrations of the new species.
A new genus of Drepanicinae (Neuroptera: Mantispidae) from the earliest Eocene Fur Formation, Denmark
Authors: MAKARKIN VLADIMIR N. , PERKOVSKY EVGENY E. , NIELSEN CHRISTIAN
Published: January 2025

Danomantispa frandseni gen. et sp. nov. (Neuroptera: Mantispidae: Drepanicinae) is described from the earliest Eocene Fur Formation, Denmark. This is the first record of Mantispidae from this formation, and the northernmost finding of Drepanicinae. The new genus is easily distinguished from other drepanicine genera by mantispine-like pterostigma: the distal crossvein between Sc and RA is located in the distal part of the pterostigma, and the section of Sc distad it is nearly straight and rather short. Both Cenozoic genera (this genus and Vectispa Lambkin, 1986) are to some degree intermediate between Drepanicinae and Mantispinae: Danomantispa gen. nov. is a drepanicine with a mantispine-like pterostigma, and Vectispa is most probably a mantispine with a drepanicine-like pterostigma. Data on the climatic conditions of the existence of the subfamily in the past and today are summarized. We assume that the Fur Formation climate at the time of D. frandseni sp. nov. was highest microthermal/low mesothermal.
The Declining Hegemony of Pirates and Drug Traffickers in Nigerian Waters Versus the Burden of US Conditions of Entry
Authors: Chilaka Edmund M.
Published: January 2025

This article examined the decline of piracy and drug trafficking in Nigerian waters vis-à-vis the challenging Conditions of Entry (CoE) by which ocean carriers are screened, prequalified and processed before entry into US ports, and how to pass those examinations. Although Nigeria dominates sea trade in the Gulf of Guinea, it also accounts for more of the insecurity and drug trafficking which compound the CoE handicap. Primary and secondary data sources were used, with qualitative analytical methodology, to interrogate the country’s maritime administration’s anti-piracy enforcement regime and the role played by new legislation. The findings confirm declining incidences of the problem with the conclusion that professionalizing the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s administration and concerted action by regional stakeholders are critical for sustained maritime domain security.
Dynamic persistence of institutions: Modeling the historical endurance of Red Vienna’s public housing utopia
Authors: Brandtner Christof , Ashur Parham , Srinivasa Desikan Bhargav
Published: January 2025

How does a daring idea like the utopia of affordable housing weather a century of change? The persistence of institutions—shared meanings that shape individual actions—is a central feature of organizational life. Recent scholarship stresses that institutions endure not because they are static but because they evolve as individuals maintain them. However, the search for micro-foundations has sidelined the macro-conditions of such dynamic persistence. Building on structural studies of meaning, we propose and illustrate a new, complementary theory-method package that can reveal how ideas are embedded and evolve in meaning structures. Dynamic modeling of discourse (DMD) tracks changing cultural meanings over time, doing justice to the assumption that institutional persistence can result from fluid changes in how institutions are instantiated as observable patterns of interactions at any given time. We develop three diagnostic measures for tracking both institutions and their instantiations in large corpora. Applying DMD to a 140-year corpus of reports of the City of Vienna, Austria, we show that the persistence of public housing as an institution was possible due to periodically changing instantiations—such as whether public housing policies subsidize landlords or tenants—with shifting affiliations to broader meanings. Our paper unlocks methodological doors to a dynamic, contextual approach to studying institutions that complements archival and ethnographic methods. It allows researchers to test theory-led expectations about persistence and provides a mixed-methods tool for historical research on organizations. We conclude with implications for structural studies of meaning, persistence, and change.
Can Islet Transplantation Possibly Reduce Mortality in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Isenberg Jeffrey S. , Kandeel Fouad
Published: January 2025

Islet transplantation (IT) is a successful natural cell therapy. But the benefits are known mostly to individuals with severe type 1 diabetes who undergo IT and the health care professionals that work to make the therapy available, reproducible, and safe. Data linking IT to overall survival in T1D might alter this situation and frame the therapy in a more positive light. Recent analysis of mortality in several cohorts suggests that IT has possible survival benefits when used alone or in conjunction with renal transplantation. Multi-center prospective studies with long-term follow-up of individuals that receive stand-alone IT versus individuals who qualify for but do not undergo the procedure would seem reasonable to undertake to confirm an IT survival benefit.
What is the evidence on immunomodulators and immunosuppressants for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis? – A Cochrane Review summary with commentary
Authors: Moretti Antimo
Published: January 2025

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and degenerative disease of the central nervous system, and a leading cause of neurological disability in adults. Many drugs with different mechanisms of action and potentially serious harms are available so far, thus requiring an evidence-based decision-making for clinicians managing MS patients.

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of immunomodulators and immunosuppressants for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Methods

A systematic search was performed in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and trials registers on 8 august 2022, including RCTs comparing immunomodulators and immunosuppressants versus placebo or another drug.

Results

The network meta-analysis (NMA) included 50 RCTs (with 36,541 participants). High-certainty evidence suggests that natalizumab largely reduces relapses at 12 (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.63) and 24 months (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.65), and cladribine (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.64) and alemtuzumab (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.68) largely reduce relapses at 24 months. Moreover, natalizumab probably reduces disability worsening over 2 years (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.75). For what concern safety, moderate-certainty evidence suggests that alemtuzumab probably results in a slight reduction of treatment discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs), while daclizumab, fingolimod, teriflunomide, interferon beta-1a. laquinimod, natalizumab, and glatiramer acetate probably result in a slight increase in treatment discontinuation treatment due to AEs.

Conclusions

Compared with placebo, two-year treatment with natalizumab, cladribine, or alemtuzumab decreases relapses more than with other DMTs. Natalizumab likely results in a large reduction of disability worsening after two years of treatment. People taking fingolimod, teriflunomide, glatiramer acetate, interferon beta-1a, laquinimod, natalizumab and daclizumab are more likely to discontinue the drug because of unwanted effects. Lack of data for treatment effects beyond two years and poor reporting of adverse events in short-term trials limit the applicability of these findings.
Association of daily step counts and step intensity with mortality among US adults: a cross–sectional study of NHANES 2005–2006
Authors: Peng Tianzhou , Liu Changhao , Yang Ti , Liao Leyi , Li Qingping , Liang Hanbiao , Zhang Jiapeng , Xie Chen , Wang Kai , Li Chuanjiang
Published: January 2025

Background & aims

We aimed to describe the dose–response relationship between daily step counts and intensity with respect to all–cause mortality among US adults diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Methods

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database spanning from 2005 to 2006, a cross–sectional study included 1,108 participants was performed to assess the relationship between daily step counts and step intensity with mortality.

Results

A total of 1,108 participants from the NHANES study were included, with a mean age of 49.5 ± 0.9 years. The sample consisted of 533 (48.1%) women, 809(73%) non–Hispanic whites, 122 (10.8%) non–Hispanic blacks, 133 (12.0%) Hispanic, and 44 (4.2%) individuals of other racial backgrounds. Using multivariable–adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, we found that compared to participants in the light–step group, there was significantly lower risk of mortality in the moderate (hazard ratio [HR], 0.47 [95% CI, 0.32–0.69]), high (HR, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.21–0.61]) and vigorous (HR,0.45 [95% CI, 0.22–0.93]) step groups. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses confirmed that the association between step count and mortality remained robust. However, after adjusting for all covariates, greater step intensity was not significantly associated with lower mortality. Further analysis revealed that age, BMI, and self–rated health could have confounded the relationship between step intensity and survival, potentially obscuring any direct effect of step intensity on mortality.

Conclusions

Accumulating a higher number of daily steps, rather than focusing on step intensity, was associated with a lower risk of all–cause mortality in individuals with MASLD. Our findings suggest that achieving 10,000 steps per day may be optimal for reducing the risk of all–cause mortality risk in this population.
Early onset neonatal bloodstream infections in South African hospitals
Authors: Theron Genevieve , Bekker Adrie , Bolton Larisse , Whitelaw Andrew , Engelbrecht Arnoldus , Erasmus Louisa , Fataar Aaqilah , Geldenhuys Chandre , Kunneke Marlize , Roux Dave Le , O’Connell Natasha , Reddy Kessendri , Rhoda Natasha , Tooke Lloyd , Wates Mark , Wessels Thandi , Dramowski Angela
Published: January 2025

Background

Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of death in low- and middle- income countries (LMIC). Increasing antibiotic resistance in early onset (< 72 h of life) bloodstream infection (EO-BSI) pathogens in LMIC has reduced the effectiveness of the recommended empiric antibiotic regimen (ampicillin plus gentamicin).

Methods

We retrospectively analysed blood culture-confirmed EO-BSI episodes at nine neonatal units from three central and six peripheral hospitals in the Western Cape Province, South Africa between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018. Clinical and electronic laboratory records were reviewed to determine pathogen profile, empiric antibiotic coverage rates and factors associated with EO-BSI attributable mortality, stratified by hospital type.

Results

Of the 8252 blood culture specimens submitted for the investigation of suspected EO-BSI, 136 EO-BSI episodes yielding 141 pathogens were identified with an EO-BSI rate of 1.3 and 0.5 episodes/1000 live births at central and peripheral hospitals respectively. Preterm (93/136; 68.3%) and low birth weight (84/136; 61.8%) neonates were most affected. The predominant pathogens were Streptococcus agalactiae (46/136; 34%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (17/136; 13%), Listeria monocytogenes (11/136; 8%), Acinetobacter baumannii (11/136; 8%) and Escherichia coli (11/136; 8%). The empiric antibiotic (ampicillin plus gentamicin) coverage rate was 64% (95% CI 51–74) at central hospitals and 84% (95% CI 74–94) at peripheral hospitals. Neonates with Gram-negative EO-BSI and discordant empiric antibiotic therapy had almost four-fold and three-fold higher odds of death respectively.

Conclusion

Preterm and low birth weight neonates are most vulnerable to EO-BSI and have higher odds of death with Gram-negative pathogens and discordant empiric antibiotic therapy.
International expert consensus on micronutrient supplement use during the early life course
Authors: Cetin Irene , Devlieger Roland , Isolauri Erika , Obeid Rima , Parisi Francesca , Pilz Stefan , van Rossem Lenie ,   Maternal Nutrition Delphi Study Group, Steegers-Theunissen Régine
Published: January 2025

Background

Growing evidence demonstrates that maternal nutrition is crucial for the health of the mother-to-be, and early life course of the offspring. However, for most micronutrients, guidelines are inconsistent. This Delphi study aimed to investigate the level of expert consensus on maternal nutrition and micronutrient needs during preconception, pregnancy and lactation.

Methods

We conducted a two-round web-based Delphi survey on various topics including general approaches to diet and supplement use, and existing guidelines. For the periods of preconception, pregnancy and lactation, questions focused on the importance and strength of evidence for supplement use with the following micronutrients for low- and high-risk populations: folic acid, choline, iodine, magnesium, calcium, iron, selenium, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, D and K.

Results

Thirty-five experts participated in the panel, who were healthcare professionals (HCPs), researchers and joint HCP-researchers with expertise in nutrition, gynaecology and/or obstetrics. Panellists reached consensus on the importance of diet and dietary supplement use during pregnancy and agreed on the lack of clarity and consistency in current guidelines, and the need for education in these areas for HCPs, pregnant people and the general population. For general low-risk populations, there was consensus on the importance of supplement use with iron and vitamin D from preconception through lactation, with folic acid and iodine from preconception through the second and third trimesters, respectively, with DHA from the first trimester through lactation and with calcium during lactation. Panellists agreed that the evidence for supplement use with each of these micronutrients during these phases to improve outcomes and/or foetal development is strong, except for vitamin D (preconception), DHA (first trimester), and iron (both periods). There was also consensus that supplement use advice should be tailored for people following vegan/vegetarian diets, restricted diets due to food intolerances, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and previous nutrition-related pregnancy complications.

Conclusion

The findings revealed robust consensus on various aspects of maternal nutrition, including the need for education, the lack of consistency in current guidelines on supplement use, the importance of supplement use across specific phases of pregnancy and the at-risk groups requiring tailored approaches.
Outcomes of operative and nonoperative management of myotendinous Achilles tendon ruptures: a systematic review
Authors: Lameire Darius L. , Ramelli Luca , Halai Mansur , Wasserstein David , Park Sam Si-Hyeong
Published: January 2025

Background

Achilles tendon ruptures are the most common lower extremity tendinous rupture. While there has been extensive research into the management of mid-substance Achilles tendon ruptures, there is a paucity of literature on the management of myotendinous Achilles tendon ruptures.

Methods

The aim of this systematic review is to compile all available literature on the treatment of myotendinous Achilles tendon tears. A systematic search of Web of Science, Embase, and Medline databases was performed for all studies published from database inception to April 13, 2024. All publications addressing the treatment of myotendinous Achilles ruptures of all levels of evidence were included. The PRISMA Checklist guided the reporting and data abstraction. Descriptive statistics are presented.

Results

A total of five studies with 70 patients were included for analysis. Sixty-seven patients underwent non-operative management with an average age ranging from 40.8 to 51.0 years. Three patients underwent operative management with ages of 16, 36, and 39. The majority of patients tore their Achilles tendon during sports. For nonoperatively treated patients, one group underwent immobilization for a total of 6 weeks and one study treated patients with functional rehabilitation. All patients were able to perform a single heel-raise, had good reported strength, and returned to work or sport. Nonoperative patients reported statistically significant improvements in subjective outcomes and high rates of satisfaction.

Conclusion

Both nonoperative and operative management of myotendinous Achilles tendon ruptures demonstrated good outcomes after injury, although there is a limited amount of literature on this topic. Given that nonoperative treatment appears to yield good strength and return to activity, it may be preferred for the majority of patients. Operative management may be indicated in high level athletes. Imaging to determine the exact location of injury, quality of remaining tendon, and gap distance may further aid when considering treatment options. Higher level evidence studies are required to determine the optimal treatment of myotendinous Achilles tendon ruptures.

Level of evidence

IV; Systematic review of Level IV-V studies.
Antibiofilm effect of Nano chitosan and calcium hydroxide intracanal medications and their effects on the microhardness and chemical structure of radicular dentine
Authors: Nasr Maha , Abdou Ahmed , Bassiouny Dina M. , Hassan Reham
Published: January 2025

Background

Disinfection of the root canal system is a challenge to all clinicians, calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2, one of the most popular intracanal medications used for this purpose, has some unwanted effects on dentine. This study aimed to investigate the antibiofilm effect of Nanochitosan (CSNPs) and Calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 intra canal medications and their effect on the microhardness and chemical structure of radicular dentine.

Methodology

A total of 52 extracted human mandibular premolars were used. Eighteen premolars were instrumented, sterilized, and inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis (
E. faecalis) then divided randomly into 2 groups based on the intracanal medication used: group (A) 2% CSNPs gel and group (B) Ca(OH)2 paste. Antibiofilm effect was evaluated using bacterial counts. For the effect on microhardness, 56 specimens were subjected to Vicker’s microhardness test before and after 1 week, and 4 weeks of medication application. Twelve cervical radicular dentine specimens (6 samples per group) were examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope.

Results

Both groups showed a significant reduction in the bacterial count at (p = 0.008) with no significant difference between them (P = 0.605). Ca(OH)2 showed the highest reduction in the microhardness compared to CSNPs groups after 1 week (P = 0.0495) and after 4 weeks (P = 0.0495). FTIR spectrum results revealed that the control group (no treatment) showed the highest significant Phosphate: amide ratio compared to both CSNPs and Ca(OH)2 at p = 0.006. SEM images revealed absence of discernible smear layer in CSNPs treated samples after 4 weeks and all the dentinal tubules were open.

Conclusions

Nanochitosan gel could be considered as a viable option as an intra canal medication.
Perceptions and barriers to the use and training of point-of-care ultrasound among Finnish emergency physicians – a nationwide survey
Authors: Järvinen J. , Hannula O. , Meuronen A. , Mattila K.
Published: January 2025

Background

Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has become integral to emergency medicine (EM) as a critical diagnostic support tool. In Finland, where EM was formally recognised as a specialty as recently as in 2013, a historical lack of systematic training for POCUS has existed. Such training has largely depended on individual initiative rather than a standardised program while many other areas of EM training have already seen the introduction of structured education. The aim of this study is to identify key factors and barriers influencing POCUS training, with the goal of improving its quality and delivery.

Methods

A nationwide survey was conducted among emergency physicians, trainees, and specialists across Finnish emergency departments from late 2020 to early 2021. The survey included detailed questions on POCUS training, perceived barriers to training, experiences of the successful initiation of more structured approaches, as well as attitudes towards the integration of POCUS into clinical practice. Statistical methods for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data were used.

Results

A total of 134 emergency physicians completed the survey, revealing a strong consensus among participants for several training needs. Key barriers identified include inadequate training, limited supervision, device availability, and time allocation. Notably, out of all open-ended questions, 96.5% of respondents called for the initiation of structured training programs that accommodate both foundational and advanced practitioner needs. Furthermore, hands-on training and senior support were highly valued.

Conclusions

The results highlight a need for reform in POCUS training in Finland, demonstrating a need for structured, competency-based educational frameworks that align with international standards. Improvements on training infrastructure, including enhanced mentorship and increased access to ultrasound equipment, are essential enablers of such a reform.

Clinical trial registration

Not applicable.
Targeting enolase 1 reverses bortezomib resistance in multiple myeloma through YWHAZ/Parkin axis
Authors: Gao Xuejie , Feng Qilin , Zhang Qikai , Zhang Yifei , Hu Chaolu , Zhang Li , Zhang Hui , Wang Guanli , Hu Ke , Ma Mengmeng , Wang Zhuning , Liu Yujie , An Dong , Yi Hongfei , Peng Yu , Wu Xiaosong , Chen Gege , Jia Xinyan , Cai Haiyan , Shi Jumei
Published: January 2025

Background

Enolase 1 (ENO1) is a conserved glycolytic enzyme that regulates glycolysis metabolism. However, its role beyond glycolysis in the pathophysiology of multiple myeloma (MM) remains largely elusive. Herein, this study aimed to elucidate the function of ENO1 in MM, particularly its impact on mitophagy under bortezomib-induced apoptosis.

Methods

The bone marrow of clinical MM patients and healthy normal donors was used to compare the expression level of ENO1. Using online databases, we conducted an analysis to examine the correlation between ENO1 expression and both clinicopathological characteristics and patient outcomes. To investigate the biological functions of ENO1 in MM and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved, we conducted the following experiment: construction of a subcutaneous graft tumor model, co-immunoprecipitation, western blot, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and cell functional assays.

Results

ENO1 was identified as an unfavorable prognostic factor in MM. ENO1 knockdown suppresses tumorigenicity and causes cell cycle arrest. Inhibition of ENO1-regulated mitophagy sensitizes tumor cells to apoptosis. ENO1 enhanced the stability of the YWHAZ protein by increasing the acetylation of lysine in YWHAZ while antagonizing its ubiquitination, which in turn promoted mitophagy. HDAC6 mediates the deacetylation of YWHAZ by deacetylating the K138 site of YWHAZ. Inhibition of HDAC6 increased YWHAZ acetylation and decreased YWHAZ ubiquitination. Furthermore, combination treatment with bortezomib and pharmaceutical agents targeting ENO1 has synergistic anti-MM effects both in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that ENO1 promotes MM tumorigenesis and progression. ENO1 activates mitophagy by promoting the stability of YWHAZ and inhibits apoptosis and thus, leads to the drug resistance. ENO1-dependent mitophagy promotes MM proliferation and suppresses the level of bortezomib-induced apoptosis. Inhibition of ENO1 may represent a potential strategy to reverse the resistance of MM to bortezomib.
Addressing unmet mental health needs of older adults in Turbo, Colombia: a multi-component psychosocial intervention feasibility study
Authors: Giebel Clarissa , Montoya Erika , Saldarriaga Gabriel , Caprioli Thais , Gabbay Mark , Martinez Danicza , Rua Jessica , Zuluaga Maria Isabel
Published: January 2025

Background

Older adults have lived through extreme and stressful live events in Colombia, including during the armed conflict. Without adequate mental health resources in place, the aim of this study was to feasibility test a co-produced community-integrated intervention for older adults to improve their mental health and well-being in Turbo, Colombia.

Methods

Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of community-based mental health interventions for older adults in LMICs, qualitative interviews with older adults and local stakeholders, as well as a mental health needs assessment survey of the local older adult population in Turbo, Colombia, we consulted older adults in the region to co-produce a community-based intervention. The co-produced intervention ran for three months in 2023, with two sessions provided per week in a community centre (26 sessions in total). The multi-component intervention included social engagement, educational interventions, physical activities, and peer support. Older adults were recruited from the local community. Twelve participants were interviewed about their experiences of the intervention and its feasibility.

Results

Eighteen older adults participated in the intervention, with 13 completing the 12 weeks. Attendance rate was high, with 10 participants attending between 90 to 100% of all 26 sessions. Qualitative interviews with 12 participants showed that participants valued the intervention and the activities it offered, that the intervention was feasible, and expressed a keen interest for the intervention to be continued.

Conclusions

This co-produced and evidence-based intervention for older victims of ‘La Violencia’ in Colombia has the potential to provide affordable, acceptable and relevant community-based resources supporting mental health and wellbeing within the community; providing care and support with trained facilitation. Normally, this group would not be able to access services to address their social and psychological isolation and distress. In light of limited mental health support across LMICs, this intervention could provide mental health for older adults in other communities in Colombia and elsewhere developed through co-production, cultural adaptation, subject to further evaluation.
Evaluation of host immune responses to Mycobacteriophage Fionnbharth by route of delivery
Authors: Smytheman Thomas , Pecor Tiffany , Miller Dana E. , Ferede Debora , Kaur Suhavi , Harband Matthew H. , Abdelaal Hazem F. M. , Guerrero-Bustamante Carlos A. , Freeman Krista G. , Harrington Whitney E. , Frenkel Lisa M. , Hatfull Graham F. , Coler Rhea N. , Larsen Sasha E.
Published: January 2025

For much of the last decade, tuberculosis (TB) was the leading cause of mortality due to an infectious pathogen (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M.tb). Approximately 1.3 million deaths in 2023 worldwide were attributed to TB disease. Focused intervention strategies to block transmission would significantly reduce the global health burden of TB. Mycobacteriophages (phages) are a sorely underutilized biologic therapy for the pathogen M.tb, and here we aimed to address outstanding questions about their utility for clinical applications. We aimed to determine the impact of repeated mucosal or intravenous (IV) delivery of representative anti-M.tb phage FionnbharthΔ45Δ47 (Fionnbharth) in a preclinical mouse model. In addition, we specifically sought to understand which route induced anti-phage antibodies, which may reduce the long-term impact of phage therapy. C57BL/6 mice were dosed weekly for 6 weeks by either route and serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf) were evaluated for anti-phage humoral responses by ELISA. We found that aerosol delivery disperses phage across all lung lobes where M.tb is also found after experimental infection by the same route. Repeated aerosol delivery was well tolerated and did not induce robust neutralizing humoral immunity. In contrast, Mice receiving IV phage developed increasing magnitude and neutralizing total IgG and IgA responses over time. To determine whether pre-treatment environmental exposure to Fionnbharth-like phages could induce antibody responses that are potentially neutralizing, ~ 500 human plasma samples from normal donors were evaluated by ELISA. We observed that 5% of samples had antibodies to Fionnbharth (with end point titers > 10− 3 dilution), although none were neutralizing. Furthermore, we found that highly-purified phage preparations did not activate mouse or human derived toll like receptor (TLR) 4 or TLR9 in HEKblue reporter assays. These data together support using Fionnbharth in anti-M.tb therapy phage cocktail strategies and that aerosol delivery should be prioritized for further efficacy testing.
Electrocoagulation-free strategy in minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass with hybrid revascularisation – a case report
Authors: Schuering Carla L. , Wert Leonhard , von Mackensen Johanna K. R. , Zwaans Vanessa I. T. , Kaemmel Julius , Heck Roland , Starck Christoph T. , Kempfert Jörg , Jacobs Stephan , Falk Volkmar , Al Alaa Abd El
Published: January 2025

Background

Hybrid coronary revascularisation benefits patients with multivessel disease, as it amalgamates the minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) procedure and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Case summary

We present a 63-year-old female with triple-vessel coronary artery disease including marked ostial stenosis of the left main coronary artery, as well as moderate stenosis of the right coronary artery. The risk of death following heart surgery (EuroSCORE II) is 4.27%. The patient exhibited multiple morbidities including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal impairment, extracardiac arteriopathy, and multiple prior gastrointestinal surgeries, as well as a recent episode of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. A MIDCAB procedure without electrocoagulation was stipulated by the ENT specialist due to the patient’s cochlear implant.

Conclusion

A successful MIDCAB procedure omitting electrocoagulation was performed for the first time for multivessel coronary disease in a multimorbid patient as part of a hybrid approach.
Exploring the adoption of diaphragm and lung ultrasound (DLUS) by physiotherapists, physical therapists, and respiratory therapists: an updated scoping review
Authors: Hayward Simon , Cardinael Camella , Tait Chloe , Reid Michael , McCarthy Andrew
Published: January 2025

Background

The adoption of diaphragm and lung ultrasound (DLUS) by physiotherapists, physical therapists, and respiratory therapists (“therapists”) to examine and assess the diaphragm and lungs continues to grow. The aim of this updated scoping review is to re-explore and re-collate the evidence around the adoption of DLUS by therapists.

Methods

This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Data sources searched included AMED, EmCare, CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PubMed and Pedro. Grey literature sources were searched alongside communication with leading authors in the field. The Participants, Concept and Context (PCC) approach was employed to formulate the research question. A charting form was developed and piloted to extract: title, authors, year of publication, country of origin, professional group involved (population), lung or diaphragm ultrasound (concept), evaluation method, educational, clinical or research setting (context), subject/disease/patient group, sample size, study design and professional group performing DLUS.

Results

133 studies met all inclusion criteria, an increase of 107 new studies compared to the original scoping review searches 7-years ago. Studies were included from 17 new countries and included 17 new participant populations. Lung ultrasound saw the largest increase in study number with education and implementation emerging as a new area of investigation. Full list of included studies is provided in Supplementary File 1.

Conclusion

The number of DLUS studies involving therapists continues to show international growth with studies investigating an increasing range of participant populations. Published studies now include research on DLUS adoption, implementation, and utility amongst all three of the therapy professions who use DLUS. The potential of DLUS and its direct impact on patient outcomes still needs to be explored further. However, DLUS remains a novel and innovative imaging technique in the hands of physiotherapists, physical therapists, and respiratory therapists as its utility continues to grow in various research, clinical and educational settings.
Cinnamaldehyde impacts key cellular signaling pathways for induction of programmed cell death in high-grade and low-grade human glioma cells
Authors: Kim Yoo Na , Patil Ketki , Pai S. Balakrishna
Published: January 2025

Objective

Primary tumors of the brain and a large percent of malignant brain tumors are gliomas. Gliomas comprise high-grade gliomas like glioblastoma multiforme (GBMs), many of which have mutation in the tumor suppressor p53 gene and low-grade gliomas (LGGs). LGGs can progress to GBMs due to various factors. The available treatment options for GBMs and LGGs include surgical resection, radiation and chemotherapy. The chemotherapeutic drug available in the clinic is temozolomide (TMZ). However, TMZ can cause damage to DNA if taken for prolonged period. This warrants the discovery of drugs that would potentially elicit less adverse side effects while maintaining anticancer activity. To this end, we evaluated the impact of cinnamaldehyde (CA), a single, purified component of the natural product cinnamon.

Results

The elucidation of the mechanism of action revealed the impact of CA on reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Moreover, its effect on the extrinsic programmed cell death pathway resulted in the increase of apoptotic cell populations, invoking multicaspase. Notably, the cell survival/death pivotal molecule Bcl-2 was impacted. These effects were observed in both the types of brain tumor cells studied: GBMs, represented by U251 cells (p53 mutated cell line) and LGGs represented by H4 cells. Results from the current study suggest potential for CA as a therapeutic option as it is expected to have fewer adverse side effects due to it being a component of a natural product and possibly deter the progression of LGGs to GBMs.
Sex differences in cognition, anxiety-phenotype and therapeutic effect of metformin in the aged apoE-TR mice
Authors: Lin Yingbin , Luo Xinqun , Wang Fangyu , Cai Huange , Lin Yuanxiang , Kang Dezhi , Fang Wenhua
Published: January 2025

Background

Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), depression, and anxiety, which were reported to improve after the administration of metformin. However, sex influence on the effect of ApoE4 and metformin on cognition and mental health is poorly understood.

Methods

ApoE3-TR and apoE4-TR mice of both sexes were randomly assigned to the normal saline and metformin groups from 13 months to 18 months of age. Behavior tests (MWM, EPM, OFT, TST, FST) were conducted to assess cognition, anxiety, and depression-like behaviors. The mice’s blood glucose was also recorded.

Results

Male aged apoE4-TR mice are more vulnerable to cognitive decline than females. Metformin improves the spatial memory of female, but not male apoE3-TR mice and female apoE4-TR mice while aggravating the cognitive impairment of male apoE4-TR mice. The anxiety-like phenotypes in male apoE4-TR mice are more severe than in male apoE3-TR mice, while metformin ameliorates the anxiety-like behaviors in the male apoE4-TR mice but not in male apoE3-TR mice. In addition, metformin alleviates depression-like behaviors in male and female apoE4-TR mice. The hypoglycemic effect of metformin is insignificant in both male and female apoE4-TR mice.

Conclusions

Male sex exacerbates APOE4-related cognitive impairment and anxiety in aged mice and is insensitive to the cognition improvement effect of metformin in the aged apoE3 mice. Male sex with APOE4 may experience more severe cognitive impairment after treatment with metformin while sensitive to the anti-anxiety effects of metformin. These findings identify sex-specific effects on ApoE4-based dementia, anxiety prevention, and therapy, emphasizing the importance of further sex dimension analyses in vivo and clinical studies.