bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of morning versus night-time administration of proton pump inhibitor (pantoprazole) on thyroid function test in levothyroxine-treated primary hypothyroidism: a prospective cross-over study
Authors: Awasthi Avivar , Chakraborty Partha Pratim , Agrawal Neeti , Sinha Anirban , Pandey Anuj Kumar , Maiti Animesh
Published: June 2023

Background

One of the common causes of suboptimal control of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in levothyroxine-treated hypothyroidism is coadministration of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Morning administration of pantoprazole has been shown to suppress intragastric pH to a greater extent. We therefore aimed to determine the effect of pantoprazole at different time points of the day on thyroid function test (TFT) in levothyroxine-treated overt primary hypothyroidism.

Methods

In this single centre, hospital based, prospective, two arm cross-over study (AB, BA), participants were randomized into 2 groups based on morning (6:00 am – 7:00 am simultaneously with the scheduled levothyroxine tablet) (group M) and evening (30 min before dinner) intake of 40 mg pantoprazole tablet (group N). After the initial 6 weeks (period 1), a washout period of 1 week for pantoprazole was given, and then both the groups crossed over for another 6 weeks (period 2). Patients were instructed to continue the same brand of levothyroxine tablet at empty stomach 1-hour before breakfast. Serum TSH was measured at baseline, week 6, and week 13.

Results

Data from 30 patients, who completed the study with 100% compliance, were analysed. Mean TSH values of the study participants were significantly higher both at week 6 and week 13 compared to the baseline. Mean baseline serum TSH concentrations for groups M and N were 2.70 (± 1.36), and 2.20 (± 1.06) µlU/mL, respectively. Mean serum TSH concentrations at the end periods 1 and 2 for group M were 3.78 (± 4.29), and 3.76 (± 2.77) while the levels in group N were 3.30 (± 1.90), and 4.53 (± 4.590) µlU/mL, respectively. There was a significant rise in serum TSH concentration across periods 1 and 2 in both the groups (F2, 58 = 3.87, p = 0.03). Within group changes in TSH across periods 1 and 2 were not statistically significant. Similarly difference in TSH between the groups, either at 6 weeks or at 13 weeks, were also not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Concomitant use of pantoprazole, even for 6 weeks, leads to significant elevation in serum TSH in levothyroxine-treated patients who are biochemically euthyroid, irrespective of timing of pantoprazole intake. Early morning and night-time administration of pantoprazole have similar effect on TFT in these patients.
A simplified workflow with end-point validation of real-time electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing of retinoic acid stimulated neurogenesis in human SH-SY5Y cells in vitro
Authors: Joos-Vandewalle Julia , Steenkamp Vanessa , Prinsloo Earl
Published: June 2023

Objective

Retinoic acid (RA) is known to transition proliferating SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells towards functional neurons. However, the activity of RA is restricted due to its photolability where any findings from prolonged time course observations using microscopy may alter outcomes. The aim of the study was to establish a real-time, long-term (9-day) protocol for the screening of differentiation events using Electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS).

Results and discussion

A differentiation baseline for SH-SY5Y cells was established. Cells were seeded and exposed to repeated spikes of RA using the xCELLigence real-time cell analyser single plate (RTCA-SP) for real-time monitoring and identification of differentiation activity over a 9 day period in order to be more representative of differentiation over a prolonged timeline. Specific features associated with differentiation (growth inhibition, neurite outgrowths) were confirmed by end-point analysis.

RA-induced growth inhibition and assumed phenotypic changes (i.e. neurite outgrowth) were identified by the xCELLigence analysis and further confirmed by end-point metabolic and phenotypic assays. Change in cellular morphology and neurite outgrowth length was identified by end-point fluorescence detection followed by computational analysis. Based on this it was possible to identify SH-SY5Y phenotypic differentiation with distinct phases observed over 9 days using Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) cell index traces providing a path to application in larger scale neurotrophic factor screening using this scalable technology.
The controversial effect of smoking and nicotine in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Salehi Zahra , Motlagh Ghoochani Bibi Fatemeh Nobakht , Hasani Nourian Yazdan , Jamalkandi Sadegh Azimzadeh , Ghanei Mostafa
Published: June 2023

The effects of nicotine and cigarette smoke in many diseases, notably COVID-19 infection, are being debated more frequently. The current basic data for COVID-19 is increasing and indicating the higher risk of COVID-19 infections in smokers due to the overexpression of corresponding host receptors to viral entry. However, current multi-national epidemiological reports indicate a lower incidence of COVID-19 disease in smokers. Current data indicates that smokers are more susceptible to some diseases and more protective of some other. Interestingly, nicotine is also reported to play a dual role, being both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. In the present study, we tried to investigate the effect of pure nicotine on various cells involved in COVID-19 infection. We followed an organ-based systematic approach to decipher the effect of nicotine in damaged organs corresponding to COVID-19 pathogenesis (12 related diseases). Considering that the effects of nicotine and cigarette smoke are different from each other, it is necessary to be careful in generalizing the effects of nicotine and cigarette to each other in the conducted researches. The generalization and the undifferentiation of nicotine from smoke is a significant bias. Moreover, different doses of nicotine stimulate different effects (dose-dependent response). In addition to further assessing the role of nicotine in COVID-19 infection and any other cases, a clever assessment of underlying diseases should also be considered to achieve a guideline for health providers and a personalized approach to treatment.
Late surgical ventricular septal defect closure in a low middle-income country setting: a case series
Authors: Kalezi Zawadi Edward , Majani Naizihijwa , Simbila Alphonce Nsabi , Mongella Stella , Sharau Godwin Godfrey , Nkya Deogratias , Kubhoja Sulende
Published: June 2023

Background

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the commonest type of congenital heart lesion accounting for up to 40% of congenital heart defects. Well timed VSD closures are reported to yield excellent long-term outcomes. Late surgical VSD closures, particularly from the developing countries, are infrequently reported.

Case presentation

We report three cases of African children aged between 13 and 14 years who had late VSD presentations. They reported complaints of growth failure and recurrent respiratory infections since early infancy which necessitated frequent visits to primary health care facilities. They were found to have large ventricular septal defects by thoracic echocardiography. Diagnostic cardiac catheterization was done to all three patients to rule out irreversible pulmonary hypertension. After promising cardiac catheterization findings, they all underwent successful surgical VSD repair with good early outcomes.

Conclusion

VSD surgical closure is ideal in children below 2 years, however, it can be done in children who present at advanced age despite being considered high risk patients. All three of our patients who presented late had successful surgical VSD repairs with promising immediate outcome. The role of genetics in the protection against developing irreversible pulmonary vascular disease in these patients is a possible area for future studies.
Prospective comparison of [18F]AlF-NOTA-octreotide PET/MRI to [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in neuroendocrine tumor patients
Authors: Boeckxstaens Lennert , Pauwels Elin , Vandecaveye Vincent , Deckers Wies , Cleeren Frederik , Dekervel Jeroen , Vandamme Timon , Serdons Kim , Koole Michel , Bormans Guy , Laenen Annouschka , Clement Paul M. , Geboes Karen , Van Cutsem Eric , Nackaerts Kristiaan , Stroobants Sigrid , Verslype Chris , Van Laere Koen , Deroose Christophe M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Fluorine-18-labeled SSAs have the potential to become the next-generation tracer in SSTR-imaging in neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients given their logistical advantages over the current gold standard gallium-68-labeled SSAs. In particular, [18F]AlF-OC has already shown excellent clinical performance. We demonstrated in our previous report from our prospective multicenter trial that [18F]AlF-OC PET/CT outperforms [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-SSA, but histological confirmation was lacking due to ethical and practical reasons. In this second arm, we therefore aimed to provide evidence that the vast majority of [18F]AlF-OC PET lesions are in fact true NET lesions by analyzing their MR characteristics on simultaneously acquired MRI. We had a special interest in lesions solely detected by [18F]AlF-OC (“incremental lesions”).

Methods

Ten patients with a histologically confirmed neuroendocrine tumor (NET) and a standard-of-care [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT, performed within 3 months, were prospectively included. Patients underwent a whole-body PET/MRI (TOF, 3 T, GE Signa), 2 hours after IV injection of 4 MBq/kg [18F]AlF-OC. Positive PET lesions were evaluated for a corresponding lesion on MRI. The diagnostic performance of both PET tracers was evaluated by determining the detection ratio (DR) for each scan and the differential detection ratio (DDR) per patient.

Results

In total, 195 unique lesions were detected: 167 with [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE and 193 with [18F]AlF-OC. The DR for [18F]AlF-OC was 99.1% versus 91.4% for [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE, significant for non-inferiority testing (p = 0.0001). Out of these 193 [18F]AlF-OC lesions, 96.2% were confirmed by MRI to be NET lesions. Thirty-three incremental lesions were identified by [18F]AlF-OC, of which 91% were confirmed by MRI and considered true positives.

Conclusion

The DR of [18F]AlF-OC was numerically higher and non-inferior to the DR of [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE. [18F]AlF-OC lesions and especially incremental lesions were confirmed as true positives by MRI in more than 90% of lesions. Taken together, these data further validate [18F]AlF-OC as a new alternative for SSTR PET in clinical practice.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04552847. Registered 17 September 2020, https://beta.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04552847
Regulation of chromatin organization during animal regeneration
Authors: Jia Xiaohui , Lin Weifeng , Wang Wei
Published: June 2023

Activation of regeneration upon tissue damages requires the activation of many developmental genes responsible for cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and tissue patterning. Ample evidence revealed that the regulation of chromatin organization functions as a crucial mechanism for establishing and maintaining cellular identity through precise control of gene transcription. The alteration of chromatin organization can lead to changes in chromatin accessibility and/or enhancer-promoter interactions. Like embryogenesis, each stage of tissue regeneration is accompanied by dynamic changes of chromatin organization in regeneration-responsive cells. In the past decade, many studies have been conducted to investigate the contribution of chromatin organization during regeneration in various tissues, organs, and organisms. A collection of chromatin regulators were demonstrated to play critical roles in regeneration. In this review, we will summarize the progress in the understanding of chromatin organization during regeneration in different research organisms and discuss potential common mechanisms responsible for the activation of regeneration response program.
Residual insecticide surface treatment for preventing malaria: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Munn Zachary , Stone Jennifer C. , Barker Timothy Hugh , Price Carrie , Pollock Danielle , Kabaghe Alinune Nathanael , Gimnig John E. , Stevenson Jennifer C.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Malaria presents a significant global public health burden, although substantial progress has been made, with vector control initiatives such as indoor residual surface spraying with insecticides and insecticide-treated nets. There now exists many different approaches to apply residual insecticide to indoor and outdoor surfaces in malaria-endemic settings, although no comprehensive systematic reviews exist evaluating these interventions. This manuscript outlines the protocol for a systematic review which aims to synthesise the best available evidence regarding full or partial indoor or outdoor residual insecticide surface treatment for preventing malaria.

Methods and analysis

This review will comprehensively search the literature (both published and unpublished) for any studies investigating the effectiveness of residual insecticide surface treatment for malaria. Studies will be screened to meet the inclusion criteria by a minimum of two authors, followed by assessment of risk of bias (using appropriate risk-of-bias tools for randomised and non-randomised studies) and extraction of relevant information using structured forms by two independent authors. Meta-analysis will be carried out where possible for epidemiological outcomes such as malaria, anaemia, malaria-related mortality, all-cause mortality and adverse effects. Certainty in the evidence will be established with GRADE assessments.

Ethics and dissemination

A full review report will be submitted to the Vector Control & Insecticide Resistance Unit, Global Malaria Program, WHO. A version of this report will be submitted for publication in an open access peer-reviewed journal. The report will inform the development of WHO recommendations regarding residual insecticide treatment for malaria. This systematic review does not require ethics approval as it is a review of primary studies.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO 293194.
Parametric quintic spline for time fractional Burger’s and coupled Burgers’ equations
Authors: Hammad D. A. , Semary Mourad S. , Khattab Ahmed G.
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the numerical solutions of time fractional Burger’s and coupled Burgers’ equations are obtained using the parametric quintic spline method with a local truncation error of order eight in distance direction. Additionally, the von Neumann method was utilized for studying the stability analysis of the present method. Finally, to show the accuracy of this method, some examples with different cases for Burger’s and coupled Burgers’ equations are presented and their results are compared with the previous methods.
Low dose IV buprenorphine inductions for patients with opioid use disorder and concurrent pain: a retrospective case series
Authors: Murray John P. , Pucci Geoffrey , Weyer George , Ari Mim , Dickson Sarah , Kerins Angela
Published: June 2023

Background

Hospitalizations are a vital opportunity for the initiation of life-saving opioid agonist therapy (OAT) for patients with opioid use disorder. A novel approach to OAT initiation is the use of IV buprenorphine for low dose induction, which allows patients to immediately start buprenorphine at any point in a hospitalization without stopping full agonist opioids or experiencing significant withdrawal.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of 33 patients with opioid use disorder concurrently treated with full agonist opioids for pain who voluntarily underwent low dose induction at a tertiary academic medical center. Low dose induction is the process of initiating very low doses of buprenorphine at fixed intervals with gradual dose increases in patients who recently received or are simultaneously treated with full opioid agonists. Our study reports one primary outcome: successful completion of the low dose induction (i.e. transitioned from low dose IV buprenorphine to sublingual buprenorphine-naloxone) and three secondary outcomes: discharge from the hospital with buprenorphine-naloxone prescription, self-reported pain scores, and nursing-assessed clinical opiate withdrawal scale (COWS) scores over a 6-day period, using descriptive statistics. COWS and pain scores were obtained from day 0 (prior to starting the low dose induction) to day 5 to assess the effect on withdrawal symptoms and pain control.

Results

Thirty patients completed the low dose induction (30/33, 90.9%). Thirty patients (30/33, 90.9%) were discharged with a buprenorphine prescription. Pain and COWS scores remained stable over the course of the study period. Mean COWS scores for all patients were 2.6 (SD 2.8) on day 0 and 1.6 (SD 2.6) on day 5. Mean pain scores for all patients were 4.4 (SD 2.1) on day 0 and 3.5 on day 5 (SD 2.1).

Conclusions

This study found that an IV buprenorphine low dose induction protocol was well-tolerated by a group of 33 hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder with co-occurring pain requiring full agonist opioid therapy. COWS and pain scores improved for the majority of patients. This is the first case series to report mean daily COWS and pain scores over an extended period throughout a low dose induction process.
Barriers to Third Mission: organizational and individual antecedents
Authors: Naranjo-Africano Gloria , Vega-Jurado Jaider , Manjarres-Henríquez Liney
Published: June 2023

The fulfillment of the University’s Third Mission has led the university to become a key actor for social and economic development in its regions of influence through a much closer linkage with the different agents in its environment. Thus, the literature has highlighted both the benefits derived from the Third University Mission, the difficulties inherent in the process and the existence of various barriers that can hinder its consolidation in the academic environment. Within the framework of these studies, it has been possible to identify three types of barriers to adopting the third mission: process, researcher, and ally or partner. It is worth mentioning that most of the research developed to date has focused on the study of the impact of the barriers on the development of the Third Mission but not on the analysis of the factors that can influence or attenuate the perception of these barriers. This is surprising if one considers that identifying these factors is relevant in designing strategies to promote the University’s Third Mission. Therefore, this article aims to identify the factors that influence or attenuate the researcher’s perception of different types of barriers to developing Third Mission activities. The study was based on data from a survey applied to a sample of academics categorized in the National System of Science, Technology and Innovation of Colombia and linked to 6 higher education institutions in the Colombian Caribbean region. Binary logistic regression models were established to analyze the data obtained. The results obtained suggest that, in addition to the researcher's previous experience in the external sector, their perception of the existence of processes or support services provided by the university for the promotion of relationships with actors in the socioeconomic environment is important to mitigate the barriers perceived during the development of Third Mission activities, especially when these activities are located in the support for the management and execution of technology transfer activities. In particular, it was found that as the academic's perception of the policies and procedures, support activities, and the university's technology transfer capacity improves, the barriers of both the researcher and those associated with the process are dissipated. This implies that universities should advance in the institutionalization of the third mission and in strengthening the functions of promotion, advice and support, as well as promotion structures and thus be able to mitigate the perceived barriers to the development of the University’s Third Mission.
Business resilience skills for SMEs
Authors: Kotsios Panagiotis
Published: June 2023

The goal of this research was to investigate the skills and values that can be related to building resilient Small and Medium Enterprises. Primary data on the topic were collected through survey research in a sample of 266 Greek and Polish business owners and managers during the summer of 2020. According to the replies, the Personal characteristics and Values category had the highest importance levels, but their adequacy levels were high as well. Especially Reliability, Integrity and Work ethics have been pointed out as vital for the long-term viability of a business while facing crises situations. The largest mismatch between importance and adequacy, by order of importance, were Communication, Risk identification and assessment, Financial Management, Planning and organisation and Customer-orientation, and these may constitute priority areas for inclusion in business training programs.
Characterization of metagenome-assembled genomes from the International Space Station
Authors: Singh Nitin K. , Wood Jason M. , Patane Jose , Moura Livia Maria Silva , Lombardino Jonathan , Setubal João Carlos , Venkateswaran Kasthuri
Published: June 2023

Background

Several investigations on the microbial diversity and functional properties of the International Space Station (ISS) environment were carried out to understand the influence of spaceflight conditions on the microbial population. However, metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of ISS samples are yet to be generated and subjected to various genomic analyses, including phylogenetic affiliation, predicted functional pathways, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence characteristics.

Results

In total, 46 MAGs were assembled from 21 ISS environmental metagenomes, in which metaSPAdes yielded 20 MAGs and metaWRAP generated 26 MAGs. Among 46 MAGs retrieved, 18 bacterial species were identified, including one novel genus/species combination (Kalamiella piersonii) and one novel bacterial species (Methylobacterium ajmalii). In addition, four bins exhibited fungal genomes; this is the first-time fungal genomes were assembled from ISS metagenomes. Phylogenetic analyses of five bacterial species showed ISS-specific evolution. The genes pertaining to cell membranes, such as transmembrane transport, cell wall organization, and regulation of cell shape, were enriched. Variations in the antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) and virulence genes of the selected 20 MAGs were characterized to predict the ecology and evolution of biosafety level (BSL) 2 microorganisms in space. Since microbial virulence increases in microgravity, AMR gene sequences of MAGs were compared with genomes of respective ISS isolates and corresponding type strains. Among these 20 MAGs characterized, AMR genes were more prevalent in the Enterobacter bugandensis MAG, which has been predominantly isolated from clinical samples. MAGs were further used to analyze if genes involved in AMR and biofilm formation of viable microbes in ISS have variation due to generational evolution in microgravity and radiation pressure.

Conclusions

Comparative analyses of MAGs and whole-genome sequences of related ISS isolates and their type strains were characterized to understand the variation related to the microbial evolution under microgravity. The Pantoea/Kalamiella strains have the maximum single-nucleotide polymorphisms found within the ISS strains examined. This may suggest that Pantoea/Kalamiella strains are much more subjective to microgravity changes. The reconstructed genomes will enable researchers to study the evolution of genomes under microgravity and low-dose irradiation compared to the evolution of microbes here on Earth.
Skin microbiome differentiates into distinct cutotypes with unique metabolic functions upon exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Leung Marcus H. Y. , Tong Xinzhao , Shen Zhiyong , Du Shicong , Bastien Philippe , Appenzeller Brice M. R. , Betts Richard J. , Mezzache Sakina , Bourokba Nasrine , Cavusoglu Nukhet , Aguilar Luc , Misra Namita , Clavaud Cécile , Lee Patrick K. H.
Published: June 2023

Background

The effects of air pollutants, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), on the skin microbiome remain poorly understood. Thus, to better understand the interplay between air pollutants, microbiomes, and skin conditions, we applied metagenomics and metabolomics to analyze the effects of PAHs in air pollution on the skin microbiomes of over 120 subjects residing in two cities in China with different levels of air pollution.

Results

The skin microbiomes differentiated into two cutotypes (termed 1 and 2) with distinct taxonomic, functional, resistome, and metabolite compositions as well as skin phenotypes that transcended geography and host factors. High PAH exposure was linked to dry skin and cutotype 2, which was enriched with species with potential biodegradation functions and had reduced correlation network structure integrity. The positive correlations identified between dominant taxa, key functional genes, and metabolites in the arginine biosynthesis pathway in cutotype 1 suggest that arginine from bacteria contributes to the synthesis of filaggrin-derived natural moisturizing factors (NMFs), which provide hydration for the skin, and could explain the normal skin phenotype observed. In contrast, no correlation with the arginine biosynthesis pathway was observed in cutotype 2, which indicates the limited hydration functions of NMFs and explains the observed dry skin phenotype. In addition to dryness, skin associated with cutotype 2 appeared prone to other adverse conditions such as inflammation.

Conclusions

This study revealed the roles of PAHs in driving skin microbiome differentiation into cutotypes that vary extensively in taxonomy and metabolic functions and may subsequently lead to variations in skin–microbe interactions that affect host skin health. An improved understanding of the roles of microbiomes on skin exposed to air pollutants can aid the development of strategies that harness microbes to prevent undesirable skin conditions.
Online multidisciplinary treatment of binge eating disorder in people with high weight: a case series study
Authors: Valdez-Aguilar Mariana , Vazquez-Arevalo Rosalia , López-Aguilar Xóchitl , Ruíz Martínez Ana Olivia , Rosinska Magda , Mancilla-Díaz Juan Manuel
Published: June 2023

Background

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most frequent eating behavior among the general population (Guerdjikova in Med Clin 103:669–680, 2019). Many studies on interventions and BED treatments have been carried out in the United States and Europe, few have been reported in Latin American populations. People with this disorder not only have physical consequences of it but also social and psychological ones, therefore a multidisciplinary treatment approach is a good option to treat this condition.

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of a multidisciplinary online intervention (i.e., psychological, nutritional, and physical activity) in patients with BED.

Method

The design was a case series study of two clinical treatment groups, with pre-test and post-test psychometric measures along with two follow-ups (at 2 and 6 months). Fifteen people diagnosed with BED (2 men and 13 women), with a mean age of 34.93 years (SD=11.91) and a mean initial BMI of 42, participated in this study. The treatment was carried out over the span of 28 sessions, each one being two hours per week consisting of 1 hour of group therapy and 1 hour of individual therapy. There were four evaluations: pre, post and two follow-ups.

Results

Five patients did not complete the treatment (30%). The comparisons were made through the non-parametric Friedman test, finding a statistically significant decrease in binge eating symptoms (x2=15.57; p=.001), anxiety symptoms (x2=15.96; p=.001) and depression (x2=15.03; p=.002). There was an improvement in clarity (x2=11.60; p=.010) and emotional regulation (x2=7.75; p=.050), only in women. The patients reduced their body weight, and improved their eating and exercise habits by introducing fruits and vegetables and including 20-30 minutes of physical activity into their daily routine. Regarding the Objective Clinical Change Index, in terms of the objective clinical change, a positive change was observed in all the variables addressed.

Conclusions

The data presented allowed us to conclude that the online multidisciplinary intervention was effective in the treatment of BED.

Trial registration Retrospectively registered
Feature selection of the respiratory microbiota associated with asthma
Authors: Salman Reem , Alzaatreh Ayman , Al Bataineh Mohammad T.
Published: June 2023

The expanding development of data mining and statistical learning techniques have enriched recent efforts to understand and identify metagenomics biomarkers in airways diseases. In contribution to the growing microbiota research in respiratory contexts, this study aims to characterize respiratory microbiota in asthmatic patients (pediatrics and adults) in comparison to healthy controls, to explore the potential of microbiota as a biomarker for asthma diagonosis and prediction. Analysis of 16 S-ribosomal RNA gene sequences reveals that respiratory microbial composition and diversity are significantly different between asthmatic and healthy subjects. Phylum Proteobacteria represented the predominant bacterial communities in asthmatic patients in comparison to healthy subjects. In contrast, a higher abundance of Moraxella and Alloiococcus was more prevalent in asthmatic patients compared to healthy controls. Using a machine learning approach, 57 microbial markers were identified and used to characterize notable microbiota composition differences between the groups. Among the selected OTUs, Moraxella and Corynebacterium genera were found to be more enriched on the pediatric asthmatics (p-values < 0.01). In the era of precision medicine, the discovery of the respiratory microbiota associated with asthma can lead to valuable applications for individualized asthma care.
The Zhu-Lu formula: a machine learning-based intraocular lens power calculation formula for highly myopic eyes
Authors: Guo Dongling , He Wenwen , Wei Ling , Song Yunxiao , Qi Jiao , Yao Yunqian , Chen Xu , Huang Jinhai , Lu Yi , Zhu Xiangjia
Published: June 2023

Background

To develop a novel machine learning-based intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formula for highly myopic eyes.

Methods

A total of 1828 eyes (from 1828 highly myopic patients) undergoing cataract surgery in our hospital were used as the internal dataset, and 151 eyes from 151 highly myopic patients from two other hospitals were used as external test dataset. The Zhu-Lu formula was developed based on the eXtreme Gradient Boosting and the support vector regression algorithms. Its accuracy was compared in the internal and external test datasets with the Barrett Universal II (BUII), Emmetropia Verifying Optical (EVO) 2.0, Kane, Pearl-DGS and Radial Basis Function (RBF) 3.0 formulas.

Results

In the internal test dataset, the Zhu-Lu, RBF 3.0 and BUII ranked top three from low to high taking into account standard deviations (SDs) of prediction errors (PEs). The Zhu-Lu and RBF 3.0 showed significantly lower median absolute errors (MedAEs) than the other formulas (allP < 0.05). In the external test dataset, the Zhu-Lu, Kane and EVO 2.0 ranked top three from low to high considering SDs of PEs. The Zhu-Lu formula showed a comparable MedAE with BUII and EVO 2.0 but significantly lower than Kane, Pearl-DGS and RBF 3.0 (allP < 0.05). The Zhu-Lu formula ranked first regarding the percentages of eyes within ± 0.50 D of the PE in both test datasets (internal: 80.61%; external: 72.85%). In the axial length subgroup analysis, the PE of the Zhu-Lu stayed stably close to zero in all subgroups.

Conclusions

The novel IOL power calculation formula for highly myopic eyes demonstrated improved and stable predictive accuracy compared with other artificial intelligence-based formulas.
Investigation of appropriate needle length considering skin thickness with the real injection posture for insulin injections in diabetic patients
Authors: Torii-Goto Aya , Hirai Kana , Inukai Yuri , Hoshina Yoshimi , Shiomi Kazumi , Ito Junko , Yoshikawa Masae
Published: June 2023

Background

Insulin treatment is widely used not only for type 1 but also for type 2 diabetes patients. Insulin must be injected into the subcutaneous tissue to be effective. The needle length has been shortened for safety and efficiency. However, whether patients use an appropriate needle length is unclear.

Methods

Skin thickness was measured by ultrasound with patients in their usual posture during injection. Furthermore, the effect of the intervention in which the needle length was changed was investigated.

Results

Thirty-eight percent of the patients had fluid leakage and injected the needle intradermally. The average skin thickness was 3.3 mm while sitting, which was greater than that in a previous report including measurements taken while lying down. Consequently, the skin thickness was > 4 mm in 9.5% of the patients who used 4-mm needles. Cases of leakage and intradermal injection decreased when the needle length was changed.

Conclusions

This study identified that the needle length should be considered in patients with thick skin or a lower body mass index due to possibility of intradermal injection.
The core mangrove microbiome reveals shared taxa potentially involved in nutrient cycling and promoting host survival
Authors: Wainwright Benjamin J. , Millar Trevor , Bowen Lacee , Semon Lauren , Hickman K. J. E. , Lee Jen Nie , Yeo Zhi Yi , Zahn Geoffrey
Published: June 2023

Background

Microbes have fundamental roles underpinning the functioning of our planet, they are involved in global carbon and nutrient cycling, and support the existence of multicellular life. The mangrove ecosystem is nutrient limited and if not for microbial cycling of nutrients, life in this harsh environment would likely not exist. The mangroves of Southeast Asia are the oldest and most biodiverse on the planet, and serve vital roles helping to prevent shoreline erosion, act as nursery grounds for many marine species and sequester carbon. Despite these recognised benefits and the importance of microbes in these ecosystems, studies examining the mangrove microbiome in Southeast Asia are scarce.cxs

Results

Here we examine the microbiome ofAvicenia albaandSonneratia albaand identify a core microbiome of 81 taxa. A further eight taxa (Pleurocapsa,Tunicatimonas,Halomonas,Marinomonas,Rubrivirga,Altererythrobacte,Lewinella,andErythrobacter) were found to be significantly enriched in mangrove tree compartments suggesting key roles in this microbiome. The majority of those identified are involved in nutrient cycling or have roles in the production of compounds that promote host survival.

Conclusion

The identification of a core microbiome furthers our understanding of mangrove microbial biodiversity, particularly in Southeast Asia where studies such as this are rare. The identification of significantly different microbial communities between sampling sites suggests environmental filtering is occurring, with hosts selecting for a microbial consortia most suitable for survival in their immediate environment. As climate change advances, many of these microbial communities are predicted to change, however, without knowing what is currently there, it is impossible to determine the magnitude of any deviations. This work provides an important baseline against which change in microbial community can be measured.
Lesions and pathogens found in pigs that died during the nursery period in five Danish farms
Authors: Barington Kristiane , Eriksen Esben Østergaard , Kudirkiene Egle , Pankoke Karen , Hartmann Katrine Top , Hansen Mette Sif , Jensen Henrik Elvang , Blirup-Plum Sophie Amalie , Jørgensen Benjamin Meyer , Nielsen Jens Peter , Olsen John Elmerdahl , Goecke Nicole Bakkegård , Larsen Lars Erik , Pedersen Ken Steen
Published: June 2023

Background

Diagnosing and treatment of diseases in pigs are important to maintain animal welfare, food safety and productivity. At the same time antimicrobial resistance is increasing, and therefore, antibiotic treatment should be reserved for individuals with a bacterial infection. The aim of the study was to investigate gross and histological lesions and related pathogens in pigs that died during the nursery period in five Danish farms. In addition, high throughput, real-time qPCR monitoring of specific porcine pathogens in fecal sock and oral fluid samples were carried out to investigate the between-farm and between-batch variation in the occurrence of pathogens.

Results

Twenty-five batches of nursery pigs from five intensive, indoor herds were followed from weaning (approximately four weeks) to the end of nursery (seven to eight weeks post weaning). Gross and histological evaluation of 238 dead and 30 euthanized pigs showed the highest prevalence of lesions in the skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, and joints. Gross and histological diagnoses of lung and joint lesions agreed in 46.5% and 62.2% of selected pigs, respectively. Bacteriological detection of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus suis or Staphylococcus aureus infections in joints, lungs and livers was confirmed as genuine infection on immunohistochemical staining in 11 out of 70 tissue sections. The real-time qPCR analysis of pooled samples showed that most pathogens detected in feces and in oral fluid in general followed the same shedding patterns in consecutive batches within herds.

Conclusions

Gross assessment should be supplemented with a histopathological assessment especially when diagnosing lesions in the lungs and joints. Moreover, microbiological detection of pathogens should optimally be followed up by in situ identification to confirm causality. Furthermore, routine necropsies can reveal gastric lesions that may warrant a change in management. Real-time qPCR testing of fecal sock samples and oral fluid samples may be used to monitor the infections in the individual herd and testing one batch seems to have a good predictive value for subsequent batches within a herd. Overall, optimal diagnostic protocols will provide a more substantiated prescription of antibiotics.
Sex and age estimation with machine learning algorithms with parameters obtained from cone beam computed tomography images of maxillary first molar and canine teeth
Authors: Senol Deniz , Secgin Yusuf , Duman Burak Suayip , Toy Seyma , Oner Zulal
Published: June 2023

Background

The aim of this study is to obtain a highly accurate and objective sex and age estimation by using the parameters of maxillary molar and canine teeth obtained from cone beam computed tomography images in the input of machine learning algorithms. Cone beam computed tomography images of 240 people aged between 25 and 54 were randomly selected from the archive systems of the hospital and transferred to Horos Medikal. 3D curved multiplanar reconstruction was applied to these images and a 3D image was obtained. The resulting image was brought to the orthogonal plane and the measurements were made by superimposing them.

Results

The results were grouped in four different age groups (25–30, 31–36, 37–49, 50–54) and recorded. As a result of our study, the highest accuracy rate was found as 0.81 in sex estimation with ADA Boost Classifier algorithm, while in age estimation, the highest accuracy rate was found as 0.84 between 25–30 and 31–36 age groups with random forest algorithm, as 0.74 between 25–30 and 37–49 age groups with random forest and ADA Boost Classifier algorithms and as 0.85 between 25–30 and 50–54 age groups with random forest algorithm.

Conclusions

Our study differs from other studies in two aspects; the first is the selection of a sensitive method such as cone beam computed tomography, and the second is the selection of machine learning algorithms. As a result of our study, the highest accuracy rate was found as 0.81 in sex estimation and as 0.85 in age estimation with parameters of maxillary canine and molar teeth.
Susceptibility of processed and stored cassava, plantain, yam, and cocoyam to coffee bean weevil (Araecerus fasciculatus De Geer)
Authors: Adeoti Joy Oluwafunke , Ogungbite Olaniyi Charles , Salami Olufemi Samson , Odeyemi Olusola Olasumbo
Published: June 2023

Background

Coffee bean weevil (Araecerus fasciculatusDeGeer) (Coleoptera: Anthribidae) infestation is a major challenge affecting processed, dried, and stored foods globally. However, the growth performance of this insect pest in processed and stored cassava, plantain, yam, and cocoyam is poorly understood. Resolving this will guide future biotechnological efforts on these food products. In the study, the susceptibility rate of the processed and stored product of cassava, yam, cocoyam, and plantain to the growth performance of the coffee bean weevil at laboratory conditions (20 ± 5 °C and 70 ± 5% R.H.) was investigated. The anti-nutritional (phytate, alkaloids, saponin, tannin, and oxalate) contents of this stored food were used to characterize the survival rate ofA. fasciculatus.The study was carried out for 6 months between December 2012 and May 2013.

Results

Results show that the adult longevity, growth, and feeding of the adultA. fasciculatusdecrease in order from Cassava, Plantain, Yam to Cocoyam. Cocoyam has the highest tannin, alkaloid, and phytate values, which are possible factors that inhibited the growth of the larvae, pupae, and adults’A. fasciculatus. The highest weight loss occurred in cassava followed by plantain. The anti-nutritional factors determine the hatchability of theA. fasciculatuseggs and throughout its development stages. This study revealed that processed and stored products (e.g., cocoyam) with high anti-nutritional factors can surviveA. fasciculatusunder prolonged storage.

Conclusions

From this study, it is observed that high anti-nutritional compounds in the stored food products inhibit the growth ofAraecerus fasciculatus, especially in cocoyam. The result is important in food security and management in developing countries where food insecurity has become a major challenge.
Isolation and characterization of three bacteriophages infecting Erwinia amylovora and their potential as biological control agent
Authors: Hassan Wessam , Ahmed Osman , Hassan Rasha E. , Youssef Sahar A. , Shalaby A. A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Fire Blight, incited by Erwinia amylovora, is one of the most damaging pear and apple diseases in the world. Fire blight was introduced to Egypt in the 1960 and threatens the Egypt’s costs for pear industry. Currently, Phage therapy is considered to be secured biological method for controlling plant bacterial diseases. This investigation aimed to isolate and identify molecularly for bacteria causing fire bright disease. As well as isolation and identification bacteriophages via spot and plaque assay techniques from pear fire blight lesions and soil. On the other hand, bacteriophages were identified based on plaque morphology, virion morphology, physical characters, profile of DNA restriction and protein.

Results

Pathogenicity test revealed that healthy seedlings and pear fruits were responsive to fire blight E. amylovora. Considering the relatively wide host range and greatest protein and genetic variability, using restriction enzyme pattern, the three diversity phage isolates named, EAP1, EAP2 and EAP3 showed a lack of diversity out of five were fatherly characterized. The phages confirmed the close relation of EAP1, EAP2 to Siphoviridae (hexagonal head and long flexible non-contractile tail) and EAP3 to Myoviridae (icosahedral head and contractile tail). The phages retained higher lytic competence of 90.4; 92.68 and 95.25% for EAP1, EAP2 and EAP3, respectively. The phages were stable at strong alkaline (pH 10) 2% salt solution conditions and UV spectra. While EAP3 phage revealed the hexagonal head and very short tail that belongs to Myoviridae family. Bacteriophages were characterized by digestion of the phage DNA with three restriction endonucleases and were placed into three groups based on the patterns. Bacteriophages were 9 used for reducing bacterial infection populations and severity on pear. In a bioassay, the biocontrol of E. amylovora was evaluated using disks of immature pear fruit. On the pear disk surface, bacterial exudate was considerably suppressed by all phage isolates. According to measurements of the bacterial population still present on the disk surface, phage therapy could reduce it by up to 97%. Bacteriophages reduced pear fire blight disease severity on pear fruit trails.

Conclusion

The results indicated that bacteriophage isolates may demonstrate variable reactivity against E. amylovora. Bacteriophages reduced pear fire blight disease severity on pear fruit trials. The results indicated that bacteriophage isolates may demonstrate variable reactivity against E. amylovora.
The effects of continuous catheter adductor canal block for pain management in knee replacement therapy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jabur Aiden , Nam Hyun Jae , Dixon Asher , Cox Tynan , Randall Hayden , Sun Jing
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Adductor canal block has emerged as a favourable element of multimodal analgesia regimens for total knee arthroplasty, due to the exclusive sensory blockade it provides. However, it is controversial as to whether a single shot or continuous technique adductor canal block is superior. This meta-analysis examined the effect of both these techniques on pain management associated with total knee arthroplasty.

Methods

All randomised controlled trials published on Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EMBASE, Scopus, and PsychINFO were systematically searched. The PEDro scale was used to assess the quality of studies. A total of 8 articles, 2 of which were split by subgroup analyses to create 10 studies, with 828 adults were selected for inclusion in the analysis. The mean difference and effect size with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were analysed for the pooled results.

Results

Statistically significant pooled effects of analgesia technique in favour of catheter use were found in the reduction of pain scores and VAS scores, and total rescue analgesia dosage. No significant changes were observed in the hospital stay time. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with BMI 30 or more reported higher pain scores than those with BMI below 30.

Conclusion

Based upon studies that are currently available, our meta-analysis appears to demonstrate that continuous administration of analgesia through an adductor canal catheter provides greater pain reduction in total knee arthroplasty than single shot analgesia. Despite these current findings, future studies with larger sample sizes and greater control of study parameters are required to confirm the current findings.
Synthesis of biologically active sulfonamide-based indole analogs: a review
Authors: Mushtaq Irfan , Ahmed Adnan
Published: June 2023

The class of heterocyclic compounds exhibits a variety of pharmacological actions, long employed as an active ingredient in drug design and production. Indole and its derivatives are crucial in medicinal chemistry. Due to its physiological action, it has been gaining a lot of interest by exhibiting antibacterial, anticonvulsant, antifungal, antimalarial, antidiabetic, antidepressant, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. The indole moiety constitutes a benzene ring fused with a pyrrole ring to form a bicyclic structure with a nitrogen atom as the major component and is produced by a variety of techniques. The sulfonamide analogs of indole usually referred to as sulfa medicines have recently been produced and exhibit strong antimicrobial actions. The goal of this work is to present the most recent methods for synthesizing indole-sulfonamide derivatives, together with data on their reported activities and synthetic scheme from 2010 to 2023. We anticipate that this review will help medicinal chemists rationally develop pharmacologically active derivatives of indole with sulfonamide scaffolds.

Graphical Abstract