bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The risk of pediatric cardiovascular diseases in offspring born to mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus: a nationwide study
Authors: Cha Jong Ho , Hwang Jae Kyoon , Choi Young-Jin , Na Jae Yoon
Published: December 2023

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a common autoimmune disease predominantly affecting women, has been linked to various complications during pregnancy. The transfer of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies from SLE-affected mothers to their offspring can lead to neonatal lupus and cardiac issues. This study investigated the association between maternal SLE and the risk of pediatric cardiovascular disorders.

Methods

The study utilized South Korea's National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database, covering 3,505,737 children born between 2007 and 2017 and tracked until 2020. Maternal SLE cases were identified using the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases Tenth revision (ICD-10) codes and linked with delivery records. Cardiologic disorders were categorized into congenital heart disease (CHD), arrhythmic disorders, and acquired heart disease. Propensity score matching with 1:4 ratios was applied to the set control group.

Results

Among 3,505,737 children, 0.7% (n = 23,330) were born to mothers with SLE. The incidence of preterm birth was significantly higher in the maternal SLE group (5.9% vs. 3.0%). Compared with the control group, children born to mothers with SLE exhibited a significantly elevated risk of overall CHDs (5.5%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–1.29), including atrial septal defect (1.18; 1.09–1.28) and patent ductus arteriosus (1.15; 1.03–1.30). In addition, a notably higher risk was observed in arrhythmic disorders (complete atrioventricular block 7.20; 2.41–21.49) and acquired cardiac disorders, including cardiomyopathy (1.40; 1.17–1.68) and mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome (MCLS) (1.27; 1.15–1.43).

Conclusions

Maternal SLE is associated with congenital and acquired cardiac disorders in offspring, including structural, arrhythmic, and MCLS. This study highlights the need for continuous cardiovascular monitoring from the prenatal stage to preadolescence in these children due to multifactorial influences involving maternal autoantibodies, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors.
Protective effect of empagliflozin against palmitate-induced lipotoxicity through AMPK in H9c2 cells
Authors: Song Min-Woo , Cui Wenhao , Lee Chang-Gun , Cui Rihua , Son Young Ho , Kim Young Ha , Kim Yujin , Kim Hae Jin , Choi Sung-E. , Kang Yup , Kim Tae Ho , Jeon Ja Young , Lee Kwan-Woo
Published: December 2023

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have recently emerged as novel cardioprotective agents. However, their direct impact on cardiomyocyte injury is yet to be studied. In this work, we investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of empagliflozin (EMPA), an SGLT2 inhibitor, in mitigating palmitate (PA)-induced cardiomyocyte injury in H9c2 cells. We found that EMPA significantly attenuated PA-induced impairments in insulin sensitivity, ER stress, inflammatory cytokine gene expression, and cellular apoptosis. Additionally, EMPA elevated AMP levels, activated the AMPK pathway, and increased carnitine palmitoyl transferase1 (CPT1) gene expression, which collectively enhanced fatty acid oxidation and reduced stress signals. This study reveals a novel mechanism of EMPA’s protective effects against PA-induced cardiomyocyte injury, providing new therapeutic insights into EMPA as a cardioprotective agent.
Expanding the therapeutic potential of Salvia miltiorrhiza: a review of its pharmacological applications in musculoskeletal diseases
Authors: Ye Zhiqiang , Liu Yuyu , Song Jintong , Gao Yin , Fang Haiping , Hu Zilong , Zhang Min , Liao Wenwei , Cui Liao , Liu Yanzhi
Published: December 2023

Salvia miltiorrhiz, commonly known as “Danshen” in Chinese medicine, has longstanding history of application in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, including promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, calming the mind, tonifying the blood, and benefiting the “Qi”, recent studies have revealed its significant positive effects on bone metabolism. This potential has garnered attention for its promising role in treating musculoskeletal disorders. Consequently, there is a high anticipation for a comprehensive review of the potential of Salvia miltiorrhiza in the treatment of various musculoskeletal diseases, effectively introducing an established traditional Chinese medicine into a burgeoning field. Aim of the review: Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) present significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Previous studies have demonstrated the high efficacy and prospects of Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients for treatment of MSDs. This review aims to illuminate the newfound applications of Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients in the treatment of various MSDs, effectively bridging the gap between an established medicine and an emerging field. Methods: In this review, previous studies related to Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients on the treatment of MSD were collected, the specific active ingredients of Salvia miltiorrhiza were summarized, the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients for the treatment of MSDs, as well as their potential molecular mechanisms were reviewed and discussed. Results: Based on previous publications, Salvianolic acid A, salvianolic acid B, tanshinone IIA are the representative active ingredients of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Their application has shown significant beneficial outcomes in osteoporosis, fractures, and arthritis. Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients protect against MSDs by regulating different signaling pathways, including ROS, Wnt, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling. Conclusion: Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients demonstrate promising potential for bone diseases and have been explored across a wide variety of MSDs. Further exploration of Salvia miltiorrhiza’s pharmacological applications in MSDs holds great promise for advancing therapeutic interventions and improving the lives of patients suffering from these diseases.
Evaluation of variable new antigen receptors (vNARs) as a novel cathepsin S (CTSS) targeting strategy
Authors: Smyth P. , Ferguson L. , Burrows J. F. , Burden R. E. , Tracey S. R. , Herron Ú. M. , Kovaleva M. , Williams R. , Porter A. J. , Longley D. B. , Barelle C. J. , Scott C. J.
Published: December 2023

Aberrant activity of the cysteine protease Cathepsin S (CTSS) has been implicated across a wide range of pathologies. Notably in cancer, CTSS has been shown to promote tumour progression, primarily through facilitating invasion and migration of tumour cells and augmenting angiogenesis. Whilst an attractive therapeutic target, more efficacious CTSS inhibitors are required. Here, we investigated the potential application of Variable New Antigen Receptors (vNARs) as a novel inhibitory strategy. A panel of potential vNAR binders were identified following a phage display panning process against human recombinant proCTSS. These were subsequently expressed, purified and binding affinity confirmed by ELISA and SPR based approaches. Selected lead clones were taken forward and were shown to inhibit CTSS activity in recombinant enzyme activity assays. Further assessment demonstrated that our lead clones functioned by a novel inhibitory mechanism, by preventing the activation of proCTSS to the mature enzyme. Moreover, using an intrabody approach, we exhibited the ability to express these clones intracellularly and inhibit CTSS activity whilst lead clones were also noted to impede cell invasion in a tumour cell invasion assay. Collectively, these findings illustrate a novel mechanistic approach for inhibiting CTSS activity, with anti-CTSS vNAR clones possessing therapeutic potential in combating deleterious CTSS activity. Furthermore, this study exemplifies the potential of vNARs in targeting intracellular proteins, opening a range of previously “undruggable” targets for biologic-based therapy.
Intrageneric structural variation in organelle genomes from the genus Dystaenia (Apiaceae): genome rearrangement and mitochondrion-to-plastid DNA transfer
Authors: Park Seongjun , Park SeonJoo
Published: December 2023

Introduction

During plant evolution, intracellular DNA transfer (IDT) occurs not only from organelles to the nucleus but also between organelles. To further comprehend these events, both organelle genomes and transcriptomes are needed.

Methods

In this study, we constructed organelle genomes and transcriptomes for two Dystaenia species and described their dynamic IDTs between their nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, or plastid and mitochondrial genomes (plastome and mitogenome).

Results and Discussion

We identified the putative functional transfers of the mitochondrial genes 5′ rpl2, rps10, rps14, rps19, and sdh3 to the nucleus in both Dystaenia species and detected two transcripts for the rpl2 and sdh3 genes. Additional transcriptomes from the Apicaceae species also provided evidence for the transfers and duplications of these mitochondrial genes, showing lineage-specific patterns. Intrageneric variations of the IDT were found between the Dystaenia organelle genomes. Recurrent plastid-to-mitochondrion DNA transfer events were only identified in the D. takeshimana mitogenome, and a pair of mitochondrial DNAs of plastid origin (MIPTs) may generate minor alternative isoforms. We only found a mitochondrion-to-plastid DNA transfer event in the D. ibukiensis plastome. This event may be linked to inverted repeat boundary shifts in its plastome. We inferred that the insertion region involved an MIPT that had already acquired a plastid sequence in its mitogenome via IDT. We propose that the MIPT acts as a homologous region pairing between the donor and recipient sequences. Our results provide insight into the evolution of organelle genomes across the family Apiaceae.
Physiological and transcriptomic analyses of response of walnuts (Juglans regia) to Pantoea agglomerans infection
Authors: An Xiu-Hong , Wang Ning , Wang Hongxia , Li Yan , Si Xiao-Yu , Zhao Shugang , Tian Yi
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Walnut blight is a serious bacterial disease that affects the yield and quality of walnuts. Pantoea agglomerans is one of the main causative agents of walnut blight. However, there have been few studies on the response of walnuts to P. agglomerans infection.

Methods

In this study, the soluble sugar, photosynthesis, antioxidant enzyme activities, and secondary metabolites were measured, and the transcriptomic analysis was performed to determine the response of walnut tissue cultures to P. agglomerans infection.

Results

After pathogen inoculation, the soluble sugar content decreased, and photosynthesis was inhibited. Antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase and peroxidase) activities and secondary metabolites (phenol and flavonoid) contents increased, especially in the early stages of inoculation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway is induced after infection, and pathogen infection promotes ABA and ethylene signal transduction and inhibits auxin signaling. In addition, SA and JA-related gene expression was altered after inoculation with P. agglomerans, and the FLS- and calcium-mediated disease resistance signaling pathways were activated. Furthermore, our results suggested an involvement of the R-protein RPM-mediated disease resistance pathway in the response of walnuts to bacterial infections.

Discussion

Our findings indicated that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, hormone signal transduction, and plant-pathogen interaction have key roles in pathogenic inoculation, which provide insights into the molecular mechanisms in the response of walnuts to P. agglomerans infection.
Deciphering key factors in pathogen-suppressive microbiome assembly in the rhizosphere
Authors: Andargie Yohannes Ebabuye , Lee GyuDae , Jeong Minsoo , Tagele Setu Bazie , Shin Jae-Ho
Published: December 2023

In a plant-microbe symbiosis, the host plant plays a key role in promoting the association of beneficial microbes and maintaining microbiome homeostasis through microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs). The associated microbes provide an additional layer of protection for plant immunity and help in nutrient acquisition. Despite identical MAMPs in pathogens and commensals, the plant distinguishes between them and promotes the enrichment of beneficial ones while defending against the pathogens. The rhizosphere is a narrow zone of soil surrounding living plant roots. Hence, various biotic and abiotic factors are involved in shaping the rhizosphere microbiome responsible for pathogen suppression. Efforts have been devoted to modifying the composition and structure of the rhizosphere microbiome. Nevertheless, systemic manipulation of the rhizosphere microbiome has been challenging, and predicting the resultant microbiome structure after an introduced change is difficult. This is due to the involvement of various factors that determine microbiome assembly and result in an increased complexity of microbial networks. Thus, a comprehensive analysis of critical factors that influence microbiome assembly in the rhizosphere will enable scientists to design intervention techniques to reshape the rhizosphere microbiome structure and functions systematically. In this review, we give highlights on fundamental concepts in soil suppressiveness and concisely explore studies on how plants monitor microbiome assembly and homeostasis. We then emphasize key factors that govern pathogen-suppressive microbiome assembly. We discuss how pathogen infection enhances plant immunity by employing a cry-for-help strategy and examine how domestication wipes out defensive genes in plants experiencing domestication syndrome. Additionally, we provide insights into how nutrient availability and pH determine pathogen suppression in the rhizosphere. We finally highlight up-to-date endeavors in rhizosphere microbiome manipulation to gain valuable insights into potential strategies by which microbiome structure could be reshaped to promote pathogen-suppressive soil development.
Network crafting, goal attainment, and work-to-family facilitation among hotel employees: the mediating roles of positive affect and information exchange
Authors: Zhang Hongshuo , Liu Jiakun , Wang Huatian , Li Kongqi
Published: December 2023

Background

The hospitality industry is experiencing new developmental opportunities after the coronavirus pandemic, such as the expansion of digital presence, the introduction of wellness offerings to cater to health-conscious guests, and a growing focus on local and sustainable tourism. However, despite these positive changes, we still lack knowledge on how hospitality workers can proactively adjust their work conditions to excel in their professional domain while also flourishing in their family domain. Thus, the current study proposed and examined how network crafting behaviors can have positive effects on hotel employees’ work goal attainment and work-to-family facilitation. Based on the affectivity theories and the social cognitive theory, we examined the mediating roles of positive affect and information exchange on the relationship between network crafting behaviors and work goal attainment and work-to-family facilitation.

Methods

We collected data from three 5-star hotels in Jinan, China. We sent out the surveys in three waves to avoid the common method bias. We obtained 199 valid responses in total in three waves and entered them into the data analysis. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine our hypotheses.

Results

We found that network crafting was positively related to hotel employees’ work goal attainment and work-to-family facilitation. We also confirmed the mediating roles of positive affect and information exchange in this relationship.

Conclusion

We revealed a dual process of network crafting – that is, a positive affective process and an information exchange process. We contribute to the social network and networking literature by highlighting an optimization-oriented networking strategy, rather than one simply maximizing networks. We enrich the work-family enrichment literature by suggesting an effective behavioral strategy that can transmit the resources and gains from one domain to the other domain.
Analysis of pre-service teachers’ knowledge about the entrepreneurial competence: a case study of a Spanish university
Authors: Arruti Arantza , Benitez Estibaliz , Paños-Castro Jessica
Published: December 2023

Introduction

This research is based on the role played by the entrepreneurial competence (EC), entrepreneurial education (EE) and teachers in the social, economic and cultural development of a society. The general objective of the study is to analyze the level of knowledge pre-service, those who are studying, or have recently studied, the Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education at the University of Deusto (Spain) (DPEUD) have about the EC.

Methods

A questionnaire, based on EntreComp Framework, underwent expert validation and was applied to a sample of 304 students.

Results

The data showed that 25% of the respondents believed that EE was related to educating through entrepreneurship; more than 45% did not know about EntreComp and EntreCompEdu, whereas only three participants were aware of how to use them; and more than 10% of the pre-service teachers did not consider assessing the CE.

Discussion

These results lead to the conclusion that there is a need for EE to form part of the different national teacher training strategies; and for policy makers to include EE in the different educational frameworks, laws and decrees. In addition, it can be concluded that social, cultural and economic value can be created through entrepreneurial actions; that EC should be assessed; and that teachers should motivate students to share and implement entrepreneurial ideas and actions.
Chinese version of exercise dependence scale-revised: psychometric analysis and exploration of risk factors
Authors: Shao Yingbo , Zhang Haoyu , Zhang Xiaonan , Liang Qian , Zhang Hui , Zhang Feifei
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Exercise addiction (EA) is a dysfunctional behavior characterized by exaggerated training which has adverse effects on physiology and psychology. To examine the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R) and the social and psychological aspects related to EA, a large sample behavioral study was conducted.

Methods

College students were selected as the target group. All of them were asked to finish the scales about exercise, including the Chinese version of EDS-R and the Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revised scales. A confirmatory factor analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, and hierarchical regression test were performed to test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of EDS-R and find the explanatory variables of EA.

Results

A total of 837 (556 female) students with a mean age of 20.38 years were recruited in the present study. The Chinese version of EDS-R showed good reliability and validity (McDonald’sω= 0.973, CR = 0.99, AVE = 0.80) in Chinese college students. EA was positively correlated with exercise frequency and ability motivation across the study sample. Besides, the Mann-Whitney U test revealed that the exercise motivation difference is the primary cause of the gender gap in EA.

Conclusion

The Chinese version of EDS-R is a relatively robust and accurate instrument to assess the risk of EA. Additionally, exercise frequency and motivation may be the potential risk factors for EA. The screening of risk factors is of great significance for the early detection and prevention of EA.
Prevalence and correlates of current cigarette smoking among transgender women in Argentina
Authors: Cartujano-Barrera Francisco , Mejia Raul M. , Radusky Pablo D. , Cardozo Nadir , Duarte Mariana , Fabian Solange , Caballero Romina , Zalazar Virginia , Ramos-Pibernus Alixida , Alpert Ash B. , Cupertino Ana Paula , Frola Claudia , Aristegui Ines
Published: December 2023

Objective

To assess the prevalence of current cigarette smoking among transgender women in Argentina, and to examine the unique associations of current cigarette smoking with demographic and psychosocial factors.

Methods

This study is a secondary data analysis of the TransCITAR – a prospective cohort study of transgender individuals living in Buenos Aires, Argentina – baseline data. The baseline survey collected information on sociodemographic characteristics, perceived health status, depressive symptoms, suicide attempts, current cigarette smoking, alcohol use disorder, and substance use. Participants were also asked about lifetime experiences of physical and sexual violence perpetrated by partners, clients and/or the police, and experiences of gender identity stigma in the past year from healthcare workers and the police. Lastly, participants were asked if they had ever been arrested. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare proportions in categorical variables and student t-test was used for continuous variables. Significant associations with current cigarette smoking were tested in a logistic regression model adjusted for all significant associations.

Results

A total of 41.7% of participants (n = 393) reported current cigarette smoking. Compared to their non-smoking counterparts, participants who reported current cigarette smoking (1) had completed less education, (2) were more likely to be born in Argentina, (3) more likely to had migrated to Buenos Aires from other parts of the country, (4) more likely to report a history of sex work, (5) more likely to perceive their health as excellent, (6) more likely to screen positive for hazardous alcohol drinking, (7) more likely to report any substance and cocaine use in the past year, (8) more likely to experience gender identity stigma from the police in the past year, and (9) more likely to being arrested in their lifetime (all p’s < 0.05). After controlling for all significant associations, education level of less than high school (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.02–2.12), hazardous drinking (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI 1.30–5.37), and any substance use in the last year (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.16–3.94) were positively and independently associated with current cigarette smoking.

Conclusion

Among transgender women in Argentina, current cigarette smoking was more than double the rate for cisgender women. Current cigarette smoking was associated with education, hazardous drinking, and any drug use. These results will inform future smoking cessation interventions among transgender women in Argentina.
Metropolis-Hastings algorithm in joint-attention naming game: experimental semiotics study
Authors: Okumura Ryota , Taniguchi Tadahiro , Hagiwara Yoshinobu , Taniguchi Akira
Published: December 2023

We explore the emergence of symbols during interactions between individuals through an experimental semiotic study. Previous studies have investigated how humans organize symbol systems through communication using artificially designed subjective experiments. In this study, we focused on a joint-attention-naming game (JA-NG) in which participants independently categorized objects and assigned names while assuming their joint attention. In the Metropolis-Hastings naming game (MHNG) theory, listeners accept provided names according to the acceptance probability computed using the Metropolis-Hastings (MH) algorithm. The MHNG theory suggests that symbols emerge as an approximate decentralized Bayesian inference of signs, which is represented as a shared prior variable if the conditions of the MHNG are satisfied. This study examines whether human participants exhibit behavior consistent with the MHNG theory when playing the JA-NG. By comparing human acceptance decisions of a partner's naming with acceptance probabilities computed in the MHNG, we tested whether human behavior is consistent with the MHNG theory. The main contributions of this study are twofold. First, we reject the null hypothesis that humans make acceptance judgments with a constant probability, regardless of the acceptance probability calculated by the MH algorithm. The results of this study show that the model with acceptance probability computed by the MH algorithm predicts human behavior significantly better than the model with a constant probability of acceptance. Second, the MH-based model predicted human acceptance/rejection behavior more accurately than four other models (i.e., Constant, Numerator, Subtraction, Binary). Among the models compared, the model using the MH algorithm, which is the only model with the mathematical support of decentralized Bayesian inference, predicted human behavior most accurately, suggesting that symbol emergence in the JA-NG can be explained by the MHNG.
Organ donation after euthanasia in a patient living with dementia: a landmark case report
Authors: van Dijk Nathalie , Vliegen Fabiënne , Ham Angelique , de Jongh Wim , Berkhout Freek Jan , Blankevoort Jeroen , ten Hoopen Rankie , Bollen Jan , van Mook Walther
Published: December 2023

Background

Organ donation after euthanasia (ODE) has been performed over 100 times in the Netherlands, primarily involving patients suffering from a neurodegenerative or psychiatric disease. In recent years, the number of euthanasia cases related to dementia has increased in the Netherlands, with some patients living with dementia expressing a wish for organ donation after euthanasia.

Methods

We describe a unique case of a 67-year-old female diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia as part of frontotemporal dementia who requested and underwent organ donation after euthanasia.

Results

The patient had expressed her explicit wishes for both euthanasia and organ donation, which were discussed with her family physician, the Euthanasia Expertise Center (EE), and an organ donation coordinator. The patient was informed that to proceed with ODE, she should still be capable of voicing a voluntary and well-considered request for organ donation. The legally required euthanasia assessment procedure was carefully completed before ODE. Multiple healthcare professionals assessed the patient's competence, voluntariness, and unbearable suffering. Thereafter the patient's ODE request was granted, and both lungs and kidneys were successfully donated and transplanted. Post hoc analysis confirmed that all due diligence criteria for euthanasia were met, and the patient's relatives received an anonymous letter of gratitude from one of the organ recipients.

Conclusions

This unique case demonstrates that ODE is feasible from medical, ethical, and legal perspectives in patients living with dementia. This case highlights several aspects essential to enable an ODE request by a patient living with dementia to be granted, such as the role of the physician performing euthanasia, the relevance of the decision-making capacity of the patient, the presence of an advance directive, and the involvement of and support by relatives and caregivers. However, several unresolved ethical issues surrounding ODE in patients with dementia, especially in patients with advanced stages of dementia, warrant further exploration, including the timing of discussing organ donation after the initial euthanasia request.
Medical residency in Portugal: a cross-sectional study on the working conditions
Authors: Chen-Xu José , Miranda Castilho Bruno , Moura Fernandes Bruno , Silva Gonçalves Diana , Ferreira André , Gonçalves Ana Catarina , Ferreira Vieira Maycoll , Silva Andreia M. , Borges Fábio , Paes Mamede Mónica
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The current European crisis in human resources in health has opened the debate about working conditions and fair wages. This is the case with Resident doctors, which have faced challenges throughout Europe. In Portugal, they account for about a third of the doctors in the Portuguese National Health Service. No studies to date objectively demonstrate the working conditions and responsibilities undertaken. This study aims to quantify the residents' workload and working conditions.

Methods

Observational, retrospective cross-sectional study which involved a survey on the clinical and training activity of Portuguese residents, actively working in September 2020. The survey was distributed through e-mail to residents' representatives and directly to those affiliated with the Independent Union of Portuguese Doctors. The descriptive analysis assessed current workload, and logistic regression models analyzed associations with geographical location and residency seniority.

Results

There were a total of 2,012 participants (19.6% of invited residents). Of the residents giving consultations, 85.3% do so with full autonomy. In the emergency department, 32.1% of the residents work 24 h shifts and 25.1% work shifts without a specialist doctor present. Regarding medical training, 40.8% invest over EUR 1,500 annually. Autonomy in consultations was associated with being a Family Medicine resident (OR 4.219, p < 0.001), being a senior resident (OR 5.143, p < 0.001), and working in the Center (OR 1.685, p = 0.009) and South regions (OR 2.172, p < 0.001). Seniority was also associated with investing over EUR 1,500 in training annually (OR 1.235, p = 0.021).

Conclusion

Residents work far more than the contracted 40 h week, often on an unpaid basis. They present a high degree of autonomy in their practice, make a very significant personal and financial investment in medical training, with almost no time dedicated to studying during working hours. There is a need to provide better working conditions for health professionals, including residents, for the sake of the sustainability of health systems across Europe.
Os odontoideum: database analysis of 260 patients regarding etiology, associated abnormalities, and literature review
Authors: Menezes Arnold H.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Since the first description of os odontoideum in 1886, its origin has been debated. Numerous case series and reports show both a possible congenital origin and origin from the secondary to craniovertebral junction (CVJ) trauma. We conducted a detailed analysis of 260 surgically treated cases to document the initial symptoms, age groups, radiographic findings, and associated abnormalities, aiming to enhance the confirmation of the etiology. A literature search (1970–2022) was performed to correlate our findings.

Methods and materials

A total of 260 patients underwent surgical management of a referral database of 520 cases (1978–2022). All patients were examined by plain radiography and myelotomography as needed until 1984, and since then, CT and MRI have been employed. History of early childhood (aged below 6 years) CVJ trauma was investigated, including obtaining emergency department's initial radiographs from the referral and subsequent follow-up. Associated radiographic and systemic abnormalities were noted, and the atlas development was followed.

Results

The age of the patients ranged from 4 to 68 years, mostly between 10 and 20 years. There were 176 males and 86 females. Orthotopic os odontoideum was identified in 24 patients, and 236 patients had dystopic os odontoideum. Associated abnormalities were found in 94 of 260 patients, with 73 exhibiting syndromic abnormalities and 21 having Chiari I malformation. Two sets of twins had spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia. Of 260 patients, 156 experienced early childhood trauma /. Among these, 54 initially presented with normal radiographs but later demonstrated anterior atlas hypertrophy. In addition, a smaller posterior C1 arch was observed, leading to the development of os odontoideum. Two children had initial CVJ trauma as documented by MRI, with subsequent classical findings of os odontoideum and atlas changes. Syndromic patients had an earlier presentation. The literature reviewed confirms the multifactorial etiology.

Conclusions

The early presentation and associated abnormalities (such as Down syndrome, Klippel–Feil syndrome, Chiari I malformation, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Morquio syndrome, and others) along with case reports documenting familial, hereditary, and twin presentations strongly support a congenital origin. Likewise, surgical complications are more prevalent in syndromic patients (40%) compared to 15% in other cases, as reported in the literature. The documentation of normal odontoid in early childhood trauma cases followed by the later development of os odontoideum provides evidence supporting trauma as an etiological factor. This process also involves vascular changes in both the atlas and the formation of os odontoideum. Associated abnormalities exhibit an earlier presentation and are only seen in cases with a non-traumatic origin.
Oscillometry in Stable Single and Double Lung Allograft Recipients Transplanted for Interstitial Lung Disease: Results of a Multi-Center Australian Study
Authors: Sim Joan P. Y. , Nilsen Kristopher , Borg Brigitte M. , Levvey Bronwyn , Vazirani Jaideep , Ennis Samantha , Plit Marshall , Snell Gregory I. , Darley David R. , Tonga Katrina O.
Published: December 2023

Peak spirometry after single lung transplantation (SLTx) for interstitial lung disease (ILD) is lower than after double lung transplantation (DLTx), however the pathophysiologic mechanisms are unclear. We aim to assess respiratory mechanics in SLTx and DLTx for ILD using oscillometry. Spirometry and oscillometry (tremoflo® C-100) were performed in stable SLTx and DLTx recipients in a multi-center study. Resistance (R5, R5–19) and reactance (X5) were compared between LTx recipient groups, matched by age and gender. A model of respiratory impedance using ILD and DLTx data was performed. In total, 45 stable LTx recipients were recruited (SLTx n = 23, DLTx n = 22; males: 87.0% vs. 77.3%; median age 63.0 vs. 63.0 years). Spirometry was significantly lower after SLTx compared with DLTx: %-predicted mean (SD) FEV1 [70.0 (14.5) vs. 93.5 (26.0)%]; FVC [70.5 (16.8) vs. 90.7 (12.8)%], p < 0.01. R5 and R5–19 were similar between groups (p = 0.94 and p = 0.11, respectively) yet X5 was significantly worse after SLTx: median (IQR) X5 [−1.88 (−2.89 to −1.39) vs. −1.22 (−1.87 to −0.86)] cmH2O.s/L], p < 0.01. R5 and X5 measurements from the model were congruent with measurements in SLTx recipients. The similarities in resistance, yet differences in spirometry and reactance between both transplant groups suggest the important contribution of elastic properties to the pathophysiology. Oscillometry may provide further insight into the physiological changes occurring post-LTx.
A Novel Deep Learning Segmentation and Classification Framework for Leukemia Diagnosis
Authors: Alzahrani A. Khuzaim , Alsheikhy Ahmed A. , Shawly Tawfeeq , Azzahrani Ahmed , Said Yahia
Published: December 2023

Blood cancer occurs due to changes in white blood cells (WBCs). These changes are known as leukemia. Leukemia occurs mostly in children and affects their tissues or plasma. However, it could occur in adults. This disease becomes fatal and causes death if it is discovered and diagnosed late. In addition, leukemia can occur from genetic mutations. Therefore, there is a need to detect it early to save a patient’s life. Recently, researchers have developed various methods to detect leukemia using different technologies. Deep learning approaches (DLAs) have been widely utilized because of their high accuracy. However, some of these methods are time-consuming and costly. Thus, a need for a practical solution with low cost and higher accuracy is required. This article proposes a novel segmentation and classification framework model to discover and categorize leukemia using a deep learning structure. The proposed system encompasses two main parts, which are a deep learning technology to perform segmentation and characteristic extraction and classification on the segmented section. A new UNET architecture is developed to provide the segmentation and feature extraction processes. Various experiments were performed on four datasets to evaluate the model using numerous performance factors, including precision, recall, F-score, and Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC). It achieved an average 97.82% accuracy for segmentation and categorization. In addition, 98.64% was achieved for F-score. The obtained results indicate that the presented method is a powerful technique for discovering leukemia and categorizing it into suitable groups. Furthermore, the model outperforms some of the implemented methods. The proposed system can assist healthcare providers in their services.
An Efficient Closed-Form Formula for Evaluating r-Flip Moves in Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization
Authors: Alidaee Bahram , Wang Haibo , Sua Lutfu S.
Published: December 2023

Quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) is a classic NP-hard problem with an enormous number of applications. Local search strategy (LSS) is one of the most fundamental algorithmic concepts and has been successfully applied to a wide range of hard combinatorial optimization problems. One LSS that has gained the attention of researchers is the r-flip (also known as r-Opt) strategy. Given a binary solution with n variables, the r-flip strategy “flips” r binary variables to obtain a new solution if the changes improve the objective function. The main purpose of this paper is to develop several results for the implementation of r-flip moves in QUBO, including a necessary and sufficient condition that when a 1-flip search reaches local optimality, the number of candidates for implementation of the r-flip moves can be reduced significantly. The results of the substantial computational experiments are reported to compare an r-flip strategy-embedded algorithm and a multiple start tabu search algorithm on a set of benchmark instances and three very-large-scale QUBO instances. The r-flip strategy implemented within the algorithm makes the algorithm very efficient, leading to very high-quality solutions within a short CPU time.
Numerical and Experimental Investigations to Assess the Impact of an Oil Jet Nozzle with Double Orifices on the Oil Capture Performance of a Radial Oil Scoop
Authors: Jiang Le , Lyu Yaguo , Li Yanjun , Liu Yewei , Hou Yankun , Liu Zhenxia
Published: December 2023

To study the influence of orifice spacing on the oil–air two-phase flow and the oil capture efficiency of an oil scoop in an under-race lubrication system, an experimental platform for under-race lubrication was built, and a calculation model for the oil–air two-phase flow field was established. The rationality of the experiment and the validity of the numerical model were verified by comparing the experimental and numerical results. The results showed that under the same oil supply pressure, the captured oil mass flow rate of the double-orifice structure was much higher than that of the single-orifice structure, though it was still less than twice that of the single-orifice structure. When applying a tandem layout structure of double orifices to an under-race lubrication system, the orifice spacing of the tandem layout structure should be determined based on a full evaluation of the influence of the orifice spacing and working condition parameters on the oil capture performance. Otherwise, it may lead to a decrease in oil capture efficiency, with the maximum reduction even reaching 12%.
Enhancing Anthocyanin Extraction from Wine Lees: A Comprehensive Ultrasound-Assisted Optimization Study
Authors: Umsza-Guez Marcelo A. , Vázquez-Espinosa Mercedes , Chinchilla Nuria , Aliaño-González María José , Oliveira de Souza Carolina , Ayena Kodjovi , Fernández Barbero Gerardo , Palma Miguel , Carrera Ceferino
Published: December 2023

Wine lees, an important by-product of the wine industry, pose a major environmental problem due to the enormous quantities of solid–liquid waste that are discarded annually without defined applications. In this study, the optimization of a method based on a Box–Behnken design with surface response has been carried out to obtain extracts with high anthocyanin content and potent antioxidant activity. Six variables have been considered: %EtOH, temperature, amplitude, cycle, pH, and ratio. The developed method exhibited important repeatability properties and intermediate precision, with less than 5% CV being achieved. Furthermore, these novel methods were successfully applied to diverse wine lees samples sourced from Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah varieties (Vitis vinifera), resulting in extracts enriched with significant anthocyanin content and noteworthy antioxidant activity. Additionally, this study evaluated the influence of grape variety, fermentation type (alcoholic or malolactic), and sample treatment on anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity, providing valuable insights for further research and application in various sectors. The potential applications of these high-quality extracts extend beyond the winemaking industry, holding promise for fields like medicine, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals, thus promoting a circular economy and mitigating environmental contamination.
Fish Skin Grafts Affect Adenosine and Methionine Metabolism during Burn Wound Healing
Authors: Kotronoulas Aristotelis , de Lomana Adrián López García , Einarsdóttir Helga Kristín , Kjartansson Hilmar , Stone Randolph , Rolfsson Óttar
Published: December 2023

Burn wound healing is a complex process orchestrated through successive biochemical events that span from weeks to months depending on the depth of the wound. Here, we report an untargeted metabolomics discovery approach to capture metabolic changes during the healing of deep partial-thickness (DPT) and full-thickness (FT) burn wounds in a porcine burn wound model. The metabolic changes during healing could be described with six and seven distinct metabolic trajectories for DPT and FT wounds, respectively. Arginine and histidine metabolism were the most affected metabolic pathways during healing, irrespective of burn depth. Metabolic proxies for oxidative stress were different in the wound types, reaching maximum levels at day 14 in DPT burns but at day 7 in FT burns. We examined how acellular fish skin graft (AFSG) influences the wound metabolome compared to other standard-or-care burn wound treatments. We identified changes in metabolites within the methionine salvage pathway, specifically in DPT burn wounds that is novel to the understanding of the wound healing process. Furthermore, we found that AFSGs boost glutamate and adenosine in wounds that is of relevance given the importance of purinergic signaling in regulating oxidative stress and wound healing. Collectively, these results serve to define biomarkers of burn wound healing. These results conclusively contribute to the understanding of the multifactorial mechanism of the action of AFSG that has traditionally been attributed to its structural properties and omega-3 fatty acid content.
Automatic Detection of Maintenance Scenarios for Equipment and Control Systems in Industry
Authors: Koteleva Natalia , Valnev Vladislav
Published: December 2023

The well-known methods of scene extraction on video are focused on analyzing the similarity between frames. However, they do not all analyze the composition of the image scene, which may remain the same during maintenance. Therefore, this paper proposes an algorithm for equipment maintenance scene detection based on human hand tracking. It is based on the assumption that, when servicing technological equipment, it is possible to determine the change in repair action by the position of the service engineer’s hands. Thus, certain information and the algorithm that processes these changes allow us to segment the video into actions performed during the service. We process the time series obtained by moving the hand position using spectral singular value decomposition for multivariate time series. To verify the algorithm, we performed maintenance on the control cabinet of a mining conveyor and recorded the work on a first-person video, which was processed using the developed method. As a result, we obtained some scenes corresponding to opening the control cabinet, de-energizing the unit, and checking the contacts with a multimeter buzzer test. A third-person video of motor service was similarly processed. The algorithm demonstrated the results in separate scenes of removing screws, working with a multimeter, and disconnecting and replacing motor parts.
New Ways to Modelling and Predicting Ionosphere Variables
Authors: Radicella Sandro M.
Published: December 2023

The new way of thinking science from Newtonian determinism to nonlinear unpredictability and the dawn of advanced computer science and technology can be summarized in the words of the theoretical physicist Michel Baranger, who, in 2000, said in a conference: “Twenty-first-century theoretical physics is coming out of the chaos revolution; it will be about complexity and its principal tool will be the computer.”. This can be extended to natural sciences in general. Modelling and predicting ionosphere variables have been considered since many decades as a paramount objective of research by scientists and engineers. The new approach to natural sciences influenced also ionosphere research. Ionosphere as a part of the solar–terrestrial environment is recognized to be a complex chaotic system, and its study under this new way of thinking should become an important area of ionospheric research. After discussing the new context, this paper will try to review recent advances in the exploration of ionosphere parameter time series in terms of chaos theory and the use of machine-learning algorithms.
The Synoptic Characteristics of Icing Events on Transmission Lines in Southern China
Authors: Shen Huan , Wan Bingcheng , Zhou Shaohui , Kang Jia , Chen Huansang , Gao Zhiqiu
Published: December 2023

This study utilizes the ECMWF ERA5 climate reanalysis database and data from the Southern China Transmission Lines Icing Observation System and applies the T-mode principal component analysis, an objective synoptic pattern classification method, to investigate synoptic characteristics associated with transmission line icing events in southern China between 2014 and 2021. The findings reveal that Southern China’s winter synoptic conditions can be categorized into four patterns, with the predominant pattern featuring a centrally located 850 hPa high-pressure system in Inner Mongolia’s western region. This pattern facilitates the convergence of northwesterly cold air from the north and southwesterly moisture from the south over southern China, resulting in balanced conditions conducive to transmission line icing. Furthermore, during a specific icing event in Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province, in February 2022, the atmospheric stratification exhibited a distinctive “cold–warm–cold” structure with a pronounced inversion layer, characteristic of freezing and rainy weather conditions that create the requisite environment for transmission line icing. Within the dominant icing synoptic pattern, a northwesterly airflow transports cold air from central Siberia to southern China, accompanied by two primary low-level water vapor transport pathways: one originating as a southwest low-level jet carrying moisture from the Bay of Bengal to the Chinese mainland, and the other stemming from the South China Sea. These findings provide valuable insights into the synoptic conditions contributing to transmission line icing events in the region.