bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The quality of group interactions in medical problem–based learning in China: the roles of intercultural sensitivity and group ethnic composition
Authors: Wang Rong , Liu Chuanyong , Zhang Shu-Yong
Published: September 2023

Background

Chinese universities are increasingly recruiting foreign students, and problem-based learning (PBL) is an effective approach to integrating those students. This study focuses on the role of intercultural sensitivity and group ethnic composition on the quality of group interaction in medical problem-based learning in China.

Methods

This paper reports an investigation of the differences in three types of group interaction (exploratory questions, cumulative reasoning, and handling conflict) among 139 s-year medical undergraduates from two backgrounds (Chinese and foreign) in a PBL setting. The roles of intercultural sensitivity, group ethnic composition, and students’ personal characteristics including age, gender and ethnicity on students’ perceptions of the three types of interaction were quantitatively analyzed. A 35-item questionnaire and demographic survey were administered to second year medical undergraduates.

Results

The results indicated that group ethnic composition was a significant negative predictor while intercultural sensitivity was a strong positive predictor of group interactions involving exploratory questions and cumulative reasoning. In addition, group heterogeneity in terms of age and ethnicity were significant predictors of group interaction.

Conclusions

The findings of this study provide insights for strategically designing effective multiethnic group learning environments that encourage interaction and collaboration.
Towards practice change: a qualitative study examining the impact of a Child Psychiatric Access Program (Project TEACH) on Primary Care Provider practices in New York State during pandemic times
Authors: Khoury Nayla M. , Cogswell Alex , Arthur Melissa , Ryan Maureen , MacMaster Eric , Kaye David
Published: September 2023

Background

This study aims to explore the perceived impact of Project TEACH (Training and Education for the Advancement of Children’s Health), a New York State Office of Mental Health funded Child Psychiatric Access Program (CPAP), on pediatric Primary Care Providers (PCPs) and their practice. Practice change over time was assessed in the context of rising mental health needs and in the context of COVID19 pandemic.

Methods

Focus groups utilizing a semi-structured format were conducted with pediatric PCPs who have been high utilizers of Project TEACH over the past 5–10 years and PCPs in similar regions who have been low or non-utilizers of the program. The semi-structured interview focused on practice change, asking about pediatric mental health, practice setting and flow, professional development, and changes over time in the context of COVID-19 pandemic and Project TEACH.

Results

Themes identified include increasing confidence of PCPs, particularly those who are high utilizers of the phone consultation line, increased routine use of screening and comfort bridging pediatric patients with mental health needs. Challenges include rising mental health needs, inadequate mental health services, difficulties with family follow through and high emotional burden on PCPs caring for these patients. In this context, participants noted that collaboration with Project TEACH provided needed emotional support.

Conclusions

Integrated care and CPAPs such as Project TEACH are vital to helping PCPs handle rising mental health needs particularly in current crisis times. Ongoing systemic challenges accessing care remain and contribute to emotional burden placed on pediatric PCPs.
Evidence of Australian wild deer exposure to N. caninum infection and potential implications for the maintenance of N. caninum sylvatic cycle
Authors: Huaman Jose L. , Pacioni Carlo , Doyle Mark , Forsyth David M. , Helbig Karla J. , Carvalho Teresa G.
Published: September 2023

Infections with the coccidian parasite Neospora caninum affect domestic and wild animals worldwide. In Australia, N. caninum infections cause considerable losses to the cattle industry with seroprevalence of 8.7% in beef and 10.9% in dairy cattle. Conversely, the role of wild animals, in maintaining the parasite cycle is also unclear. It is possible that native or introduced herbivorous species could be reservoir hosts of N. caninum in Australia, but to date, this has not been investigated. We report here the first large-scale screening of N. caninum antibodies in Australian wild deer, spanning three species (fallow, red and sambar deer). Consequently, we also assessed two commercial cELISA tests validated for detecting N. caninum in cattle for their ability to detect N. caninum antibodies in serum samples of wild deer. N. caninum antibodies were detected in 3.7% (7/189, 95% CI 1.8 – 7.45) of the wild deer serum samples collected in south-eastern Australia (n = 189), including 97 fallow deer (Dama dama), 14 red deer (Cervus elaphus), and 78 sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). Overall, our study provides the first detection of N. caninum antibodies in wild deer and quantifies deer's potential role in the sylvatic cycle of N. caninum.
Intraoperative and early postoperative pain in cats that underwent ovariohysterectomy using a spay hook: a randomised, masked, experimental study
Authors: de Menezes Mareliza Possa , de Faria Luís Guilherme , Franco Guilherme Galhardo , Ido Cléber Kazuo , Kawamoto Fernando Yoiti Kitamura , de Souza João Augusto Leonel , Gomide Paula Regina Silva , Filgueira Fabrícia Geovânia Fernandes , Yamada Diego Iwao , Minto Bruno Watanabe
Published: September 2023

Background

This study aimed to compare the feasibility and practicality of the ovariohysterectomy (OHE) technique in cats with or without a spay hook with respect to the incision size, surgical time, surgical variables, and intra- and postoperative pain. Twenty-nine female cats underwent OHE using a spay hook (spay hook group [SHG], n = 15) or without using a spay hook (control group [CG], n = 14) to achieve the ovaries and cervix. Physiological parameters were monitored during the intraoperative period, and postoperative pain was assessed using a multidimensional composite and visual analogue pain scales.

Results

The SHG had a significantly shorter operative time than the CG. The variables in the intraoperative period showed no statistically significant difference between both groups, as well as the early postoperative pain.

Conclusions

Less invasive OHE using a spay hook could potentially be a viable and feasible technique when performed by an inexperienced surgeon with appropriate training, especially in sterilisation campaigns, reducing the time to perform the procedure and increasing the number of animals spayed per time.
Stimulators of immunogenic cell death for cancer therapy: focusing on natural compounds
Authors: Amiri Mina , Molavi Ommoleila , Sabetkam Shahnaz , Jafari Sevda , Montazersaheb Soheila
Published: September 2023

A growing body of evidence indicates that the anticancer effect of the immune system can be activated by the immunogenic modulation of dying cancer cells. Cancer cell death, as a result of the activation of an immunomodulatory response, is called immunogenic cell death (ICD). This regulated cell death occurs because of increased immunogenicity of cancer cells undergoing ICD. ICD plays a crucial role in stimulating immune system activity in cancer therapy. ICD can therefore be an innovative route to improve anticancer immune responses associated with releasing damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Several conventional and chemotherapeutics, as well as preclinically investigated compounds from natural sources, possess immunostimulatory properties by ICD induction. Natural compounds have gained much interest in cancer therapy owing to their low toxicity, low cost, and inhibiting cancer cells by interfering with different mechanisms, which are critical in cancer progression. Therefore, identifying natural compounds with ICD-inducing potency presents agents with promising potential in cancer immunotherapy. Naturally derived compounds are believed to act as immunoadjuvants because they elicit cancer stress responses and DAMPs. Acute exposure to DAMP molecules can activate antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells (DCs), which leads to downstream events by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer cells (NKs). Natural compounds as inducers of ICD may be an interesting approach to ICD induction; however, parameters that determine whether a compound can be used as an ICD inducer should be elucidated. Here, we aimed to discuss the impact of multiple ICD inducers, mainly focusing on natural agents, including plant-derived, marine molecules, and bacterial-based compounds, on the release of DAMP molecules and the activation of the corresponding signaling cascades triggering immune responses. In addition, the potential of synthetic agents for triggering ICD is also discussed.
Equilibrium in the governance of cross-sectoral policies: how does it translate into practice?
Authors: Smits Pernelle , Préval Johanne , Denis Jean-Louis , Divay Gerard , Bourgeault Jacques , Touati Nassera
Published: September 2023

Background

There is growing interest from health researchers in the governance of Health in All Policies (HiAP). Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has re-ignited managers’ interest in HiAP governance and in health prevention activities that involve actors from outside health ministries. Since the dynamics of these multi-actor, multi-sectoral policies are complex, the use of systems theory is a promising avenue toward understanding and improving HiAP governance. We focus on the concept of equilibrium within systems theory, especially as it points to the need to strike a balance between actors that goes beyond synergies or mimicry—a balance that is essential to HiAP governance.

Method

We mobilized two sources of data to understand how the concept of equilibrium applies to HiAP governance. First, we reviewed the literature on existing frameworks for collaborative governance, both in general and for HiAP specifically, in order to extract equilibrium-related elements. Second, we conducted an in-depth case study over three years of an HiAP implemented in Quebec, Canada.

Results

In total, we identified 12 equilibrium-related elements relevant to HiAP governance and related to knowledge, actors, learning, mindsets, sustainability, principles, coordination, funding and roles. The equilibria were both operational and conceptual in nature.

Conclusions

We conclude that policy makers and policy implementers could benefit from mobilizing these 12 equilibrium-related elements to enhance HiAP governance. Evaluators of HiAP may also want to consider and integrate them into their governance assessments.
N-acetylglucosamine inhibits inflammation and neurodegeneration markers in multiple sclerosis: a mechanistic trial
Authors: Sy Michael , Newton Barbara L. , Pawling Judy , Hayama Ken L. , Cordon Andres , Yu Zhaoxia , Kuhle Jens , Dennis James W. , Brandt Alexander U. , Demetriou Michael
Published: September 2023

Background

In the demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic-active brain inflammation, remyelination failure and neurodegeneration remain major issues despite immunotherapy. While B cell depletion and blockade/sequestration of T and B cells potently reduces episodic relapses, they act peripherally to allow persistence of chronic-active brain inflammation and progressive neurological dysfunction. N-acetyglucosamine (GlcNAc) is a triple modulator of inflammation, myelination and neurodegeneration. GlcNAc promotes biosynthesis of Asn (N)-linked-glycans, which interact with galectins to co-regulate the clustering/signaling/endocytosis of multiple glycoproteins simultaneously. In mice, GlcNAc crosses the blood brain barrier to raise N-glycan branching, suppress inflammatory demyelination by T and B cells and trigger stem/progenitor cell mediated myelin repair. MS clinical severity, demyelination lesion size and neurodegeneration inversely associate with a marker of endogenous GlcNAc, while in healthy humans, age-associated increases in endogenous GlcNAc promote T cell senescence.

Objectives and methods

An open label dose-escalation mechanistic trial of oral GlcNAc at 6 g (n = 18) and 12 g (n = 16) for 4 weeks was performed in MS patients on glatiramer acetate and not in relapse from March 2016 to December 2019 to assess changes in serum GlcNAc, lymphocyte N-glycosylation and inflammatory markers. Post-hoc analysis examined changes in serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) as well as neurological disability via the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Results

Prior to GlcNAc therapy, high serum levels of the inflammatory cytokines IFNγ, IL-17 and IL-6 associated with reduced baseline levels of a marker of endogenous serum GlcNAc. Oral GlcNAc therapy was safe, raised serum levels and modulated N-glycan branching in lymphocytes. Glatiramer acetate reduces TH1, TH17 and B cell activity as well as sNfL, yet the addition of oral GlcNAc dose-dependently lowered serum IFNγ, IL-17, IL-6 and NfL. Oral GlcANc also dose-dependently reduced serum levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, which is increased in the brain of MS patients. 30% of treated patients displayed confirmed improvement in neurological disability, with an average EDSS score decrease of 0.52 points.

Conclusions

Oral GlcNAc inhibits inflammation and neurodegeneration markers in MS patients despite concurrent immunomodulation by glatiramer acetate. Blinded studies are required to investigate GlcNAc’s potential to control residual brain inflammation, myelin repair and neurodegeneration in MS.
Gender roles perceptions and ideal number of children: case study of Emirati youth
Authors: Shukla Ankita , Karabchuk Tatiana , Al Neyadi Latifa Mohammed
Published: September 2023

Background

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a traditional society with patriarchal values. The country has been experiencing a decline in fertility rates, bringing the total fertility rate for the national population to 3.3 children per woman, the lowest since 1970s. Existing literature indicates that having gender-egalitarian attitudes is associated with lower fertility rates. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the perceptions of gender roles among the highly educated Emirati youth and examine whether these attitudes influence their desire to have children. By doing so, we aim to gain insights into the factors contributing to the country’s declining fertility rates.

Methods

This study utilized data from a cross-sectional quantitative survey. The survey was developed and administered in February–March 2019 to a purposive sample of 300 young Emirati males and females aged 18–30 years, studying at the UAE University. Both bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed to examine the levels of youths’ perception towards gender roles and desired fertility.

Results

The data collected from Emirati youths revealed that 50% of them supported the traditional perspective on marriage, 30% considered motherhood is the most important thing for women, and a small percentage supported economic independence of women and husband participation in household chores/child-rearing. On average Emirati youth ideally wished to have 5.4 children in their future families, with a preference for sons over daughters. Youths who favoured women’s economic independence and equal participation in household work contribution by spouses desired a lower number of children which is in line with the modernization theory and cultural evolution.

Conclusion

The UAE has been facing continuous decline in fertility rates. The study indicates that ideal number of children is much higher than the current fertility rates in the country. To bridge this gap, the government could implement family policies that create an environment conducive to fulfilling the ideal desires of young Emiratis regarding family size. Moreover, present findings indicate that perceptions of equal gender roles could be a contributing factor to the declining fertility rates among the young generation. Promoting gender equality attitudes and strengthening institutional support for childbearing could become key strategy to address these issues.
Instruments measuring evidence-based practice behavior, attitudes, and self-efficacy among healthcare professionals: a systematic review of measurement properties
Authors: Landsverk Nils Gunnar , Olsen Nina Rydland , Brovold Therese
Published: September 2023

Background

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is well known to most healthcare professionals. Implementing EBP in clinical practice is a complex process that can be challenging and slow. Lack of EBP knowledge, skills, attitudes, self-efficacy, and behavior can be essential barriers that should be measured using valid and reliable instruments for the population in question. Results from previous systematic reviews show that information regarding high-quality instruments that measure EBP attitudes, behavior, and self-efficacy in various healthcare disciplines need to be improved. This systematic review aimed to summarize the measurement properties of existing instruments that measure healthcare professionals’ EBP attitudes, behaviors, and self-efficacy.

Methods

We included studies that reported measurement properties of instruments that measure healthcare professionals’ EBP attitudes, behaviors, and self-efficacy. Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, HaPI, AMED via Ovid, and Cinahl via Ebscohost were searched in October 2020. The search was updated in December 2022. The measurement properties extracted included data on the item development process, content validity, structural validity, internal consistency, reliability, and measurement error. The quality assessment, rating of measurement properties, synthesis, and modified grading of the evidence were conducted in accordance with the COSMIN methodology for systematic reviews.

Results

Thirty-four instruments that measure healthcare professionals’ EBP attitudes, behaviors or self-efficacy were identified. Seventeen of the 34 were validated in two or more healthcare disciplines. Nurses were most frequently represented (n = 53). Despite the varying quality of instrument development and content validity studies, most instruments received sufficient ( +) ratings on content validity, with the quality of evidence graded as “very low” in most cases. Structural validity and internal consistency were the measurement properties most often assessed, and reliability and measurement error were most rarely assessed. The quality assessment results and overall rating of these measurement properties varied, but the quality of evidence was generally graded higher for these properties than for content validity.

Conclusions

Based on the summarized results, the constructs, and the population of interest, several instruments can be recommended for use in various healthcare disciplines. However, future studies should strive to use qualitative methods to further develop existing EBP instruments and involve the target population.

Trial registration

This review is registered in PROSPERO. CRD42020196009. Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020196009
Ultrasound-guided acupotomy for trigger finger: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liang Yong-shan , Chen Ling-yan , Cui Yao-yun , Du Chun-xiao , Xu Yun-xiang , Yin Lun-hui
Published: September 2023

Background

Trigger finger is a common condition in the hand, and ultrasound-guided acupotomy for trigger finger has been widely used in recent years.

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided acupotomy for trigger finger.

Methods

We searched for relevant studies in the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Embase, PubMed, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wanfang Data, and other resources from their inception to January 2023. Randomized controlled trials of ultrasound-guided acupotomy for trigger finger were included. The meta-analysis was carried out using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 15.1.

Results

Overall, 15 studies with 988 patients were included. The experimental group was treated with ultrasound-guided acupotomy, and the Control group received traditional acupotomy, traditional operation or injection of medication. Meta-analysis showed that the overall clinical effectiveness (OR = 4.83; 95% CI 2.49–9.37; I2 = 73.1%; P < 0.001) in the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group. And the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score (WMD =  − 1; 95% CI − 1.24, − 0.76; I2 = 99%; P < 0.001), the QuinneII classification (WMD = − 0.84; 95% CI − 1.28, − 0.39; I2 = 99.1%, P < 0.001), the incidence of complications (RR = 0.26; 95% CI 0.11, 0.63; I2 = 0%, P = 0.003), and the recurrence rate (RR = 0.14; 95% CI 0.03, 0.74; I2 = 0%; P = 0.021) were significantly lower in the experimental group.

Conclusion

Our systematic review and meta-analysis can prove the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided acupotomy in the treatment of trigger finger, but this still needs to be verified by a clinical standard large sample test.
Peripheral blood microR-146a and microR-29c expression in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia and its clinical value
Authors: Wang Jingcai , Guo Chunyan , Yang Lixin , Sun Peng , Jing Xiaoqing
Published: September 2023

Background

We investigated changes in microR-29c and microR-146a expression in the serum of children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, analysed their relationship with inflammatory factors and disease severity, and evaluated their diagnostic significance.

Methods

Fifty-six children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia were enrolled as the Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia group; 37 healthy children were enrolled as the control group. The microR-29c or microR-146a serum expression levels were determined using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Interleukin-17, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 beta levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The correlation between serum microR-29c or microR-146a expression and inflammatory factors was analysed using the Pearson’s method. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum microR-29c, microR-146a, and their combined detection in Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.

Results

Compared with that in healthy children, the microR-29c and microR-146a serum levels were significantly downregulated in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia; the decrease was more obvious in children with severe cases than that in those with mild cases. In addition, microR-29c and microR-146a were negatively correlated with increased expression of interleukin-17, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 beta. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that a combination of microR-29c and microR-146a was highly suitable for diagnosing Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.

Conclusion

Serum microR-29c and microR-146a were underexpressed in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, and diagnostic accuracy was significantly improved with combined microR-29c and microR-146a detection. Therefore, both microR-29c and microR-146a levels can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.
Glycaemic control using mobile-based intervention in patients with diabetes undergoing coronary artery bypass—study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Song Yangwu , Nan Yifeng , Feng Wei
Published: September 2023

Background

Applying technology through the use of the Internet and mobile phones can help provide education and trained peer support for patients with diabetes after coronary artery bypass (CABG). We are conducting a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of mobile-based coaching intervention in improving risk-factor control and secondary prevention in patients with diabetes after CABG.

Methods

The glycaemic control using miniprogram-based intervention in patients with diabetes undergoing coronary artery bypass to promote self-management (GUIDE ME) study is a multi-centre, randomized controlled trial of mobile intervention versus standard treatment with 6 months follow-up conducted in 2 hospitals in China. The interventions are education and a reminder system based on the WeChat mini-program. Participants in the intervention groups receive 180 videos (including lines) about secondary prevention education for 6 months as well as the standard treatment. Behavioural change techniques, such as prompting barrier identification, motivational skills, and goal setting, are employed. A total sample size of 820 patients would be adequate for the GUIDE ME study. The primary outcome is the change of glycaemic haemoglobin (HbA1c) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include a change in the proportions of patients achieving HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and medication adherence.

Discussion

This trial is the first to investigate the efficacy of mobile phone WeChat-based video coaching and medication reminder mini-program system to improve self-management in patients with diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD) after CABG and has the potential to be applied in resource-limited settings across diverse populations. If successful, such mobile intervention could be used and scaled up to improve care for this high-risk group of patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials, NCT04192409. Registered on December 10, 2019.
Echocardiographic parameters in COVID-19 patients and their association with ICU mortality: a prospective multicenter observational study
Authors: Havaldar Amarja Ashok , Kumar Merugu Vinay , Kumar Raman , Yarramalle Surya Prakash , Khan Mohammad Saif , Misra Krushna Chandra , Kamble Shubhangi , Sangale Atul , Prakash Jay , Kartik Munta , Selvam Sumithra
Published: September 2023

Background

Echocardiography has become an integral part of the management of critically ill patients. It helps to diagnose and treat various conditions. COVID-19 patients can develop cardiac dysfunction. We planned to study the echocardiographic parameters in COVID-19 patients.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational multicenter study after institutional ethical committee approval. COVID-19 pneumonia patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) were enrolled. The echocardiographic evaluation was done within 24–48 hours of admission. Assessment of the left and right heart with systolic and left ventricular diastolic function evaluation was done. The primary outcome was ICU mortality. The secondary outcomes were the length of ICU stay and duration of mechanical ventilation.

Results

Among 573 patients mean age was 57.17 (14.67) with 68.60% being males. On day 1 of ICU, invasive mechanical ventilation was used in 257 (45%) patients. One hundred and forty-eight (25.83%) patients were on vasopressors when echocardiography was performed. Severe left ventricle (LV) systolic dysfunction was seen in 8.7% of patients and had higher odds of mortality [2.48(1.058–5.807), p = 0.037] followed by E and e′ with odds ratio of [0.984(0.971–0.998), p = 0.021] and 0.897 (0.805–0.998), p = 0.046], respectively. E/e′ indicative of filling pressure of the LV was not found to be significant. Troponin I, E/A, and RV dilatation were similar among survivors and non-survivors.

Conclusion

Echocardiographic evaluation in COVID-19 patients showed severe LV systolic dysfunction was associated with ICU mortality. E/e′ was not found to be significant but lower e′ was associated with higher mortality.

Trial registration IEC 131/2020, CTRI/2020/06/025858 date 13th June 2020
Trichinella spiralis dipeptidyl peptidase 1 suppressed macrophage cytotoxicity by promoting M2 polarization via the STAT6/PPARγ pathway
Authors: Yan Shu Wei , Zhang Ru , Guo Xin , Wang Bo Ning , Long Shao Rong , Liu Ruo Dan , Wang Zhong Quan , Cui Jing
Published: September 2023

Trichinella spiralis dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (TsDPP1), or cysteine cathepsin C, is a secretory protein that is highly expressed during the infective larvae and adult worm stages in the intestines. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which recombinant TsDPP1 (rTsDPP1) activates macrophages M2 polarization and decreases macrophage cytotoxicity to kill newborn larvae via ADCC. RAW264.7 macrophages and murine peritoneal macrophages were used in this study. The results of the immunofluorescence test (IFT) and confocal microscopy showed that rTsDPP1 specifically bound to macrophages, and the binding site was localized on the cell membrane. rTsDPP1 activated macrophage M2 polarization, as demonstrated by high expression levels of Arg1 (M2 marker) and M2-related genes (IL-10, TGF-β, CD206 and Arg1) and high numbers of CD206+ macrophages. Furthermore, the expression levels of p-STAT6, STAT6 and PPARγ were obviously increased in rTsDPP1-treated macrophages, which were evidently abrogated by using a STAT6 inhibitor (AS1517499) and PPARγ antagonist (GW9662). The results indicated that rTsDPP1 promoted macrophage M2 polarization through the STAT6/PPARγ pathway. Griess reaction results revealed that rTsDPP1 suppressed LPS-induced NO production in macrophages. qPCR and flow cytometry results showed that rTsDPP1 downregulated the expression of FcγR I (CD64) in macrophages. The ability of ADCC to kill newborn larvae was significantly decreased in rTsDPP1-treated macrophages, but AS1517499 and GW9662 restored its killing capacity. Our results demonstrated that rTsDPP1 induced macrophage M2 polarization, upregulated the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibited macrophage-mediated ADCC via activation of the STAT6/PPARγ pathway, which is beneficial to the parasitism and immune evasion of this nematode.
The gametogenic cycle and spawning of the short-necked clam, Paphia undulata Born, 1778 (Bivalvia: Veneridae) from Timsah Lake, Suez Canal, Egypt
Authors: Mahmoud Mostafa A. M. , Yassien Mohamed H.
Published: September 2023

Background

Paphia undulata, The Short-Necked Clam, is an edible marine bivalve that is consumed internationally and locally in Egypt. Overfishing and pollution have caused population declines in Egyptian fisheries during the last decade. Accurate reproductive biology knowledge is critical for designing long-term exploitation strategy for this resource. P. undulata spawning and gametogenic cycle research were carried out from January to December 2020 along Timsah Lake, Suez Canal, Egypt.

Results

These clams are functionally dioecious with a very low incidence of hermaphroditism. The sex ratio of the clam population was 1.0:1.07:0.04 for male, female and hermaphrodite respectively. The shell lengths of the collected clams were 4.64 ± 0.83 cm in males, 4.55 ± 0.9 cm in females and 4.19 ± 0.3 cm in hermaphrodite clams. The sizes at the onset of sexual maturity in both males and females were 2.1 cm and 2.5 cm respectively.

Conclusions

Reproductive studies revealed that this species has a prolonged spawning season that is not restricted to a specific period.
Ovarian cancer beyond imaging: integration of AI and multiomics biomarkers
Authors: Hatamikia Sepideh , Nougaret Stephanie , Panico Camilla , Avesani Giacomo , Nero Camilla , Boldrini Luca , Sala Evis , Woitek Ramona
Published: September 2023

High-grade serous ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological malignancy. Detailed molecular studies have revealed marked intra-patient heterogeneity at the tumour microenvironment level, likely contributing to poor prognosis. Despite large quantities of clinical, molecular and imaging data on ovarian cancer being accumulated worldwide and the rise of high-throughput computing, data frequently remain siloed and are thus inaccessible for integrated analyses. Only a minority of studies on ovarian cancer have set out to harness artificial intelligence (AI) for the integration of multiomics data and for developing powerful algorithms that capture the characteristics of ovarian cancer at multiple scales and levels. Clinical data, serum markers, and imaging data were most frequently used, followed by genomics and transcriptomics. The current literature proves that integrative multiomics approaches outperform models based on single data types and indicates that imaging can be used for the longitudinal tracking of tumour heterogeneity in space and potentially over time. This review presents an overview of studies that integrated two or more data types to develop AI-based classifiers or prediction models.

Relevance statement Integrative multiomics models for ovarian cancer outperform models using single data types for classification, prognostication, and predictive tasks.

Key points

• This review presents studies using multiomics and artificial intelligence in ovarian cancer.

• Current literature proves that integrative multiomics outperform models using single data types.

• Around 60% of studies used a combination of imaging with clinical data.

• The combination of genomics and transcriptomics with imaging data was infrequently used.

Graphical Abstract
Harnessing the energy transition from total dependence on fossil to renewable energy in the Arabian Gulf region, considering population, climate change impacts, ecological and carbon footprints, and United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Salem Hilmi S. , Pudza Musa Yahaya , Yihdego Yohannes
Published: September 2023

The aim of this research is to investigate various issues related to oil consumption and environmental impacts in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, in relation to population, climate change impacts, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN’s SDGs), and ecological and carbon footprints. The GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) are almost entirely dependent on fossil energy sources (oil and natural gas) domestically, industrially, commercially, economically, and transportation-wise. Although the total population of the GCC countries is around 60 million, making up only 0.76% of the world’s population (8 billion), they do consume 5.15 million barrels per day (bbl/d) of oil, forming nearly 5.8% of the world’s daily consumption, which is around 88.4 million bbl/d as of 2021. Moreover, daily per capita consumption of oil in the GCC countries is about 0.09 barrels, while it is about 0.06 barrels in the USA. These figures indicate that the GCC’s countries combined and per capita, although not industrialized and small in population, consume large quantities of oil, compared to other countries of the world that are industrialized and/or densely populated, such as the USA, India, Japan, Russia, and Germany. The high rates of oil consumption in the GCC countries, associated with the highest per capita ecological and carbon footprints worldwide, have led to negative impacts on the environment, climate, and public health. The results of this work show that some of the GCC countries have the highest per capita ecological and carbon footprints. Thus, the GCC countries should effectively reduce their dependence on fossil energy sources and gradually replace them with renewable energy sources, especially photovoltaic (PV) solar energy. Furthermore, the statistics presented in this article and the outcomes reached uncover that the GCC countries lag behind with regard to various indicators of the UN’s SDGs. This implies the GCC countries are not taking adequate actions to encounter environmental problems, in order to fulfill some of the UN’s SDGs by 2030.
People's migrations and plants for food: a review for fostering sustainability
Authors: Hanazaki Natalia , Pieroni Andrea , Ludwinsky Rafaela Helena , Gonçalves Maiara Cristina , Prakofjewa Julia , Peroni Nivaldo , Soukand Renata
Published: September 2023

Human movements via migrations facilitate the transport of plants and knowledge. Migrations were always present in our human history, but conflicts and environmental changes are contributing to the increase in people’s movements to and from different parts of the world. In this literature review, our focus is on the ethnobotany of food plants and migrations, and the adaptations following this process. We analyzed 58 studies dealing with human migrations and food plants, including both internal migrations and international ones, over a wide period from several centuries to the present but with the predominance of migrations since the second half of the twentieth century. Most studies reported migrations between countries or regions (80%) in which people search for better economic opportunities. Other reasons for migrations were refugees, mandatory displacements, and slavery. The studies included cultivated plants, gathered plants (foraged), and food plants purchased on markets or obtained via exchanges or importation. We discuss the identitarian role of food plants in the processes of maintenance, abandonment, replacement, and incorporation of plants; although the evidences of abandonment are the most difficult to track. After the migration, the maintenance of a food identity will depend on several variables, including how important it is to keep a distinct identity, the plant resources available, the people’s agency of the plant resources, and also the reasons for each migratory movement. Finally, we discuss the implications of this ethnobotanical knowledge and practices related to food plants for sustainability.
Diffusion tensor imaging in trigeminal neuralgia: beyond the normal morphology
Authors: Elkholy Shaima Fattouh , Gadalla Amr Abd Elfattah Hassan , Mohammad Mohammad Edrees , Mahmoud Bahaa Eldin
Published: September 2023

Background

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is an electric-like recurrent pain of a sudden onset and is localized to the area supplied by the trigeminal nerve, and the patients are usually free in between the attacks. It’s one of the most common causes of facial pain and is commonly induced by mechanical irritation, and there’s strong evidence suggesting an insult at the trigeminal nerve root which is usually caused by a neurovascular compression. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in the detection of microstructural changes of normal appearing trigeminal nerve in patients with trigeminal neuralgia and the correlation between DTI parameters and pain severity.

Results

Thirty one cases were included in the study (16 patients with TN and 15 healthy controls) underwent MRI with diffusion tensor imaging. The fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the trigeminal nerves were recorded and then comparison between the affected and unaffected sides in TN patients and healthy controls was done, also the degree of FA reduction was correlated with the pain severity in TN groups. The mean FA value of the affected trigeminal nerves was 0.43 ± 0.083, while that of the unaffected sides was 0.56 ± 0.058. The mean FA value of the trigeminal nerves in the healthy controls was 0.54 ± 0.057. A significant statistical differences was found between affected and unaffected sides (P < 0.00001) and between the affected sides and healthy controls (P < 0.0003), while no statistically significant difference was detected between the unaffected side and the healthy controls. A strong negative correlation was found between the pain score and the degree of FA reduction (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Diffusion tensor imaging is a functional MRI technique which can detect the microstructural changes in the normal appearing trigeminal nerves in patients with trigeminal neuralgia with a strong negative correlation between the severity of pain and the degree of FA reduction of the affected trigeminal nerve.
Effects of tissue type and season on the detection of regulated sugarcane viruses by high throughput sequencing
Authors: Bolus Stephen , Wathen-Dunn Kate , Grinstead Samuel C. , Hu Xiaojun , Malapi Martha , Mollov Dimitre
Published: September 2023

High throughput sequencing (HTS) can supplement and may replace diagnostic tests for plant pathogens. However, the methodology and processing of HTS data must first be optimized and standardized to ensure the sensitivity and repeatability of the results. Importation of sugarcane into the United States is highly regulated, and sugarcane plants are subjected to strict quarantine measures and diagnostic testing, especially for the presence of certain viruses of regulatory concern. Here, we tested whether HTS could reliably detect four RNA and three DNA sugarcane viruses over three seasons (fall, winter, and spring) and in three tissue types (root, stem, and leaves). Using HTS on ribosomal depleted total RNA samples, we reliably detected RNA viruses in all tissue types and across all seasons, but we failed to confidently detect DNA viruses in some samples. We recommend that future optimization be employed to ensure the robust and reliable detection of all regulated sugarcane viruses by HTS.
Streaming seismic attributes
Authors: Geng Zhicheng , Fomel Sergey , Liu Yang , Wang Qinghan , Zheng Zhisheng , Chen Yangkang
Published: September 2023

Local seismic attributes play an important role in seismic processing and interpretation. However, the iterative regularized inversion required by the calculation of local seismic attributes makes it prohibitively expensive for real-time processing tasks. In this paper, we present an efficient method for estimating local seismic attributes, such as local frequency and local spectrum, using streaming computation. In our approach, the local attributes can be computed by updating the previously calculated attribute value using one new data point at a time, making it unnecessary to conduct the iterative inversion and thus significantly speeding up the computation for online usage. We apply our method to synthetic and field data to demonstrate its efficiency and effectiveness in accurately characterizing nonstationary seismic signals.
Dissociation between neuroanatomical and symptomatic subtypes in schizophrenia
Authors: Chai Chao , Ding Hao , Du Xiaotong , Xie Yingying , Man Weiqi , Zhang Yu , Ji Yi , Liang Meng , Zhang Bin , Ning Yuping , Zhuo Chuanjun , Yu Chunshui , Qin Wen
Published: September 2023

Background

Schizophrenia is a complex and heterogeneous syndrome with high clinical and biological stratification. Identifying distinctive subtypes can improve diagnostic accuracy and help precise therapy. A key challenge for schizophrenia subtyping is understanding the subtype-specific biological underpinnings of clinical heterogeneity. This study aimed to investigate if the machine learning (ML)-based neuroanatomical and symptomatic subtypes of schizophrenia are associated.

Methods

A total of 314 schizophrenia patients and 257 healthy controls from four sites were recruited. Gray matter volume (GMV) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores were employed to recognize schizophrenia neuroanatomical and symptomatic subtypes using K-means and hierarchical methods, respectively.

Results

Patients with ML-based neuroanatomical subtype-1 had focally increased GMV, and subtype-2 had widespread reduced GMV than the healthy controls based on either K-means or Hierarchical methods. In contrast, patients with symptomatic subtype-1 had severe PANSS scores than subtype-2. No differences in PANSS scores were shown between the two neuroanatomical subtypes; similarly, no GMV differences were found between the two symptomatic subtypes. Cohen’s Kappa test further demonstrated an apparent dissociation between the ML-based neuroanatomical and symptomatic subtypes (P > 0.05). The dissociation patterns were validated in four independent sites with diverse disease progressions (chronic vs. first episodes) and ancestors (Chinese vs. Western).

Conclusions

These findings revealed a replicable dissociation between ML-based neuroanatomical and symptomatic subtypes of schizophrenia, which provides a new viewpoint toward understanding the heterogeneity of schizophrenia.
Generalizability of Self-Supervised Training Models for Digital Pathology: A Multicountry Comparison in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Shao Zhuchen , Dai Liuxi , Jonnagaddala Jitendra , Chen Yang , Wang Yifeng , Fang Zijie , Zhang Yongbing
Published: September 2023

PURPOSE

In this multicountry study, we aim to explore the effectiveness of self-supervised learning (SSL) in colorectal cancer (CRC)–related predictive tasks using large amount of unlabeled digital pathology imaging data.

METHODS

We adopted SimSiam to conduct self-supervised pretraining on two large whole-slide image CRC data sets from the United States and Australia. The SSL pretrained encoder is then used in several predictive tasks, including supervised predictive tasks (tissue classification, microsatellite instability v microsatellite stability classification), and weakly supervised predictive tasks (polyp type classification and adenoma grading, and 5-year survival prediction). Performance on the tasks was compared between models using SSL pretraining and those using ImageNet pretraining, and performance for one-country pretraining was compared with two-country pretraining.

RESULTS

We demonstrate that SSL pretraining outperforms ImageNet pretraining in predictive tasks, that is, SSL pretraining outperforms the ImageNet pretraining by 3.01% of [Formula: see text] score on average over supervised predictive tasks and 1.53% of AUC on average over weakly supervised predictive tasks. Furthermore, two-country SSL pretraining has shown more stable performance than single-country pretraining, that is, two-country pretraining outperforms at least one of the single-country pretrainings by 1.93% of [Formula: see text] on average over supervised predictive tasks and 1.36% of AUC on average over weakly-supervised predictive tasks.

CONCLUSION

We find that using unlabeled image data for SSL pretraining in CRC related tasks is more effective than using ImageNet pretraining. Furthermore, SSL pretraining using data from multiple countries achieve more stable performance and better generalization than single-country pretraining.
Tirzepatide Immunogenicity on Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy, and Safety: Analysis of Data From Phase 3 Studies
Authors: Mullins Garrett R , Hodsdon Michael E , Li Ying Grace , Anglin Greg , Urva Shweta , Schneck Karen , Bardos Jennifer N , Martins Ricardo Fonseca , Brown Katelyn , Calderon Boris
Published: September 2023

Context

Antidrug antibodies (ADA) can potentially affect drug pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy.

Objective

This work aimed to evaluate treatment-emergent (TE) ADA in tirzepatide (TZP)-treated participants across 7 phase 3 trials and their potential effect on pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety.

Methods

ADA were assessed at baseline and throughout the study until end point, defined as week 40 (SURPASS-1, -2, and -5) or week 52 (SURPASS-3, -4, Japan-Mono, and Japan-Combo). Samples for ADA characterization were collected at SURPASS trial sites. Participants included ADA-evaluable TZP-treated patients with type 2 diabetes (N = 5025). Interventions included TZP 5, 10, or 15 mg. ADA were detected and characterized for their ability to cross-react with native glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (nGIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (nGLP-1), neutralize tirzepatide activity on GIP and GLP-1 receptors, and neutralize nGIP and nGLP-1.

Results

TE ADA developed in 51.1% of tirzepatide-treated patients. Proportions were similar across dose groups. Maximum ADA titers ranged from 1:20 to 1: 81 920 among TE ADA+ patients. Neutralizing antibodies (NAb) against TZP activity on GIP and GLP-1 receptors were observed in 1.9% and 2.1% of patients, respectively. Less than 1.0% of patients had cross-reactive NAb against nGIP or nGLP-1. TE ADA status, ADA titer, and NAb status had no effect on the pharmacokinetics or efficacy of TZP. More TE ADA+ patients experienced hypersensitivity reactions or injection site reactions than TE ADA– patients. The majority of hypersensitivity and injection site reactions were nonserious and nonsevere, and most events occurred and/or resolved irrespective of TE ADA status or titer.

Conclusion

Immunogenicity did not affect TZP pharmacokinetics or efficacy. The majority of hypersensitivity or injection site reactions experienced by TE ADA+ patients were mild to moderate in severity.