bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unmet weight loss targets in real-world clinical practice: weight management and perceptions in China
Authors: Lin Ziwei , Si Si , Liu Jia , Zhu Hao , Xu Jiawei , Artime Esther , Khare Swarna , Higgins Victoria , Leith Andrea , Qu Shen
Published: November 2024

Aims

To describe weight management and perceptions in China.

Materials and methods

Data were from the Adelphi Real World Obesity Disease Specific Programme™, a cross-sectional survey between April and July 2022 of physicians managing people with obesity or overweight (PwO) and PwO in real-world clinical practice in China. At data collection, eligible PwO were aged ≥18 years, under weight management and/or had a body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg/m2.

Results

In total, 100 physicians and 801 PwO were enrolled. More than two thirds of PwO (70.7%; 531/751) were not diagnosed with obesity until a BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Most PwO (78%; 625/801) were on treatment for at least one obesity-related complication (ORC). Physicians commonly initiated weight loss discussions with PwO who already had an ORC (48.0%; 48/100). According to physicians and PwO, the mean target BMI was set at 25.8 kg/m2 and 24.3 kg/m2, and the mean target percentage weight loss was 19.6% and 23.7%, respectively. Over a median 6.4 months of weight management, the mean percentage weight loss was 4.1%. Few PwO achieved the weight loss target set by their physician (9.9%; 69/695) or themselves (2.0%; 14/696). Most physicians and PwO were unsatisfied with the current weight loss (92.3% [739/801] and 82.0% [650/793], respectively).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that earlier intervention may be needed to address obesity as a disease. Most physicians and PwO recognized the importance of normal weight, but few PwO achieved weight loss targets, which may suggest an unmet need for improved weight management.
Genomic regions and biological mechanisms underlying climatic resilience traits derived from automatically-recorded vaginal temperature in lactating sows under heat stress conditions
Authors: Wen Hui , Johnson Jay S. , Mulim Henrique A. , Araujo Andre C. , De Carvalho Felipe E. , Rocha Artur O. , Huang Yijian , Tiezzi Francesco , Maltecca Christian , Schinckel Allan P. , Brito Luiz F.
Published: November 2024

Climate change poses a growing threat to the livestock industry, impacting animal productivity, animal welfare, and farm management practices. Thus, enhancing livestock climatic resilience (CR) is becoming a key priority in various breeding programs. CR can be defined as the ability of an animal to be minimally affected or rapidly return to euthermia under thermally stressful conditions. The primary study objectives were to perform genome-wide association studies for 12 CR indicators derived from variability in longitudinal vaginal temperature in lactating sows under heat stress conditions. A total of 31 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located on nine chromosomes were considered as significantly associated with nine CR indicators based on different thresholds. Among them, only two SNPs were simultaneously identified for different CR indicators, SSC6:16,449,770 bp and SSC7:39,254,889 bp. These results highlighted the polygenic nature of CR indicators with small effects distributed across different chromosomes. Furthermore, we identified 434 positional genes associated with CR. Key candidate genes include SLC3A2, STX5, POLR2G, and GANAB, which were previously related to heat stress responses, protein folding, and cholesterol metabolism. Furthermore, the enriched KEGG pathways and Gene Ontology (GO) terms associated with these candidate genes are linked to stress responses, immune and inflammatory responses, neural system, and DNA damage and repair. The most enriched quantitative trait loci are related to “Meat and Carcass”, followed by “Production”, “Reproduction”, “Health”, and “Exterior (conformation and appearance)” traits. Multiple genomic regions were identified associated with different CR indicators, which reveals that CR is a highly polygenic trait with small effect sizes distributed across the genome. Many heat tolerance or HS related genes in our study, such as HSP90AB1, DMGDH, and HOMER1, have been identified. The complexity of CR encompasses a range of adaptive responses, from behavioral to cellular. These results highlight the possibility of selecting more heat-tolerant individuals based on the identified SNP for CR indicators.
Enhancing broadly neutralising antibody suppression of HIV by immune modulation and vaccination
Authors: Nel Carla , Frater John
Published: November 2024

Although HIV infection can be managed with antiretroviral drugs, there is no cure and therapy has to be taken for life. Recent successes in animal models with HIV-specific broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) have led to long-term virological remission and even possible cures in some cases. This has resulted in substantial investment in human studies to explore bNAbs as a curative intervention for HIV infection. Emerging data are encouraging, but suggest that combinations of bNAbs with other immunomodulatory agents may be needed to induce and sustain long-term viral control. As a result, a number of clinical trials are currently underway exploring these combinations. If successful, the impact for the millions of people living with HIV could be substantial. Here, we review the background to the use of bNAbs in the search for an HIV cure and how different adjunctive agents might be used together to enhance their efficacy.
Succession of the multi-site microbiome along pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumorigenesis
Authors: Zhu Yiqing , Liang Xiao , Zhi Mengfan , Li Lixiang , Zhang Guoming , Chen Changxu , Wang Limei , Wang Peng , Zhong Ning , Feng Qiang , Li Zhen
Published: November 2024

Background

To investigate microbial characteristics across multibody sites from chronic pancreatitis (CP), through pancreatic benign tumors, to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) at different stages.

Methods

16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) amplicon sequencing was conducted on saliva, duodenal fluid, and pancreatic tissue obtained via endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of patients with CP, pancreatic benign tumors, PDAC in stage I/II, III, and IV. The neutral community model (NCM) assessed the microbial assembly contribution and MaAslin2 identified the differential microbes.

Results

From CP to stage IV PDAC patients, there was a marked surge in influence of salivary and duodenal microbiota on constitution of pancreatic microbial communities. Our observations revealed a successive alteration in microbial species across various bodily sites during PDAC tumorigenesis. Notably, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Peptoanaerobacter stomatis, Propionibacterium acidifaciens, Porphyromonas endodontalis, Filifactor alocis, etc., sequentially increased along PDAC progression in pancreatic tissue, whereas bacteria commonly used as probiotics Bifidobacterium breve, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, etc., declined. Furthermore, the sequentially escalating trends of Peptoanaerobacter stomatis and Propionibacterium acidifaciens during PDAC tumorigenesis were mirrored in duodenal fluid and saliva. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Porphyromonas endodontalis, and Filifactor alocis, which intensified from CP to stage IV PDAC in pancreatic tissue, were also found to be enriched in saliva of patients with short-term survival (STS) compared with those with long-term survival (LTS).

Conclusions

Salivary and duodenal microorganisms were prominent factors in shaping pancreatic microbial landscape in PDAC context. Further exploration of these microbial entities is imperative to unravel their specific roles in PDAC pathogenesis, potentially yielding insights for future therapeutic strategies.
A DNA-based approach to infer species diversity of larvae and adults from the white grub genus Phyllophaga (Coleoptera: Scarabeidae)
Authors: Guzmán-Franco Ariel W. , Rivero-Borja Maribel , Marín-Jarillo Antonio , Tamayo-Mejía Fernando , Guzmán-Santillán Nayra , Guzmán-Santillán Tania
Published: November 2024

Scarabaeoidea is a diverse and widely distributed insect group; many are agricultural pests including species within the genus Phyllophaga. Species diversity studies in this taxonomic group are done mainly using morphological identification. However, despite existing taxonomic keys for adults and larvae, identification may be difficult due to their complex morphology. Molecular taxonomy can increase the value and accuracy of morphological species identification of larvae and adults. To test this, larvae collected from soil close to maize plants were identified using molecular taxonomy, and compared with adults captured using light traps. The larvae (2021) and adults (2022) were sampled on maize at the same locations in central Mexico. Molecular identification was achieved using three regions within the Cytochrome oxidase gene (cox), two in the Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), Cytochrome b (CytB) and 28S rDNA. Cox gene information was more useful than nuclear information (28S). Combined morphological and molecular taxonomy of adults distinguished between seven Phyllophaga species. Although two closely related species, P. polyphyla and P. ravida, were distinguished using cox gene information, greater resolution was obtained using CytB. All analyses identified cryptic species within P. vetula. Species found amongst sampled adults were similar to those found amongst larvae. However, the number of species was greater in adults than in larvae at the same locations. Larval information showed Phyllophaga community structure changed over time. Our findings will contribute to a better understanding of Phyllophaga’s ecology in maize.
Pharmacy services and psychiatric patient satisfaction among community-based health insurance users in Ethiopia
Authors: Chanie Gashaw Sisay , Atalay Wagaye , Alemayehu Tekletsadik Tekleslassie , Wube Bayleyegn Zemenu , Tadesse Gebresilassie , Fentahun Setegn , Wassie Yilkal Abebaw , Tesfaye Tegenu Chanie , Geremew Gebremariam Wulie
Published: November 2024

Background

The development of community-based health insurance (CBHI) was driven by the need to provide economic protection for the poor against unexpected healthcare expenses. This can lead to increased patient satisfaction with their overall care. Maintaining high levels of client satisfaction with pharmacy services is crucial for effectively treating patients with psychiatric disorders. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of pharmacy services on psychiatry patient satisfaction among users of CBHI in the psychiatric setting.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted at the psychiatric clinics with a systematic random sampling technique between December 2023 and May 2024. A structured interview questionnaire was used to gather data. Both bivariate and multivariate analysis were employed. In multivariate analysis, variables having a p-value of < 0.05 were deemed statistically significant.

Result

A total of 420 participants were enrolled with a response rate of 99.5%. Overall, 261 (62.1%) of the patients reported being satisfied with the pharmacy service. However, a significant number of patients expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the service, such as pharmacist counseling on medication side effects (43.1%), medication interactions (36.9%), and labeling and dispensing of medicines (42.4%). According to the study, living in an urban area [AOR = 2.0; 95% CI (1.25, 3.2); P = 0.04], being between the ages of 18–35 and 36–44 [AOR = 2.7, 95% CI (1.38, 5.3), p = 0.04] and [AOR = 3.3, 95% CI (1.6, 5.7), p = 0.001] respectively. First and second visits to the institution [AOR = 2.2; 95% CI (1.15, 4.4); P = 0.01] and [AOR = 1.9; 95% CI (1.13, 3.3); P = 0.01] respectively. Having two psychiatric disorders [AOR = 1.8, 95% CI (1.07, 3.07), p = 0.02] and all drug availability [AOR = 1.5, 95% CI (1.3, 3.43), p = 0.02], were positively associated with psychiatry patient pharmacy service satisfaction.

Conclusion

In this study, the users of CBHI psychiatric patients were generally satisfied with the pharmacy service. Additionally, being urban residency age (18–44 years), first and second visits to the institution, having two psychiatric disorders and all drug availability were found to have a significant impact on psychiatric patient pharmacy services satisfaction.
KS-cSCC-1 and KS-cSCC-2: two novel cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cell lines established from Japanese patients
Authors: Ito Takamichi , Tanaka Yuka , Kaku-Ito Yumiko , Tanegashima Keiko , Imajima Mao , Ichiki Toshio , Nakahara Takeshi
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common form of skin cancer. Less accessibility to the cSCC cell lines has limited analyses of this disease. Thus, we here aimed to establish novel cSCC cell lines from patient's cSCC lesions.

Methods

Two novel cSCC cell lines (named KS-cSCC-1 and KS-cSCC-2) were established from an axillary lymph node metastasis of a Japanese female and an inguinal lymph node metastasis of a Japanese male. The characteristics of the established cell lines were assessed by in vitro analyses.

Results

The cells were successfully maintained for more than 9 months, with a doubling time of 47.5 ± 1.11 h (KS-cSCC-1) and 39.2 ± 5.78 h (KS-cSCC-2). The cell lines exhibited constant growth, spheroid formation, and invasiveness. Short tandem repeat analyses and immunohistochemistry confirmed that both cell lines are identical to their original tumor. The KS-cSCC-1 cells were weakly positive for CK14 and strongly positive for CK10, while the KS-cSCC-2 showed opposite expression patterns. Chemosensitivity of the cell lines was further tested and the cells were sensitive to anticancer drugs which are used to treat cSCC.

Conclusion

The KS-cSCC-1 and KS-cSCC-2 cell lines were promising resources for basic and preclinical research on cSCC to better define the tumor characteristics and treatment strategy of this cancer.
Optimization of diagnosis and treatment of hematological diseases via artificial intelligence
Authors: Wang Shi-Xuan , Huang Zou-Fang , Li Jing , Wu Yin , Du Jun , Li Ting
Published: November 2024

Background

Optimizing the diagnosis and treatment of hematological diseases is a challenging yet crucial research area. Effective treatment plans typically require the comprehensive integration of cell morphology, immunology, cytogenetics, and molecular biology. These plans also consider patient-specific factors such as disease stage, age, and genetic mutation status. With the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), more “AI + medical” application models are emerging. In clinical practice, many AI-assisted systems have been successfully applied to the diagnosis and treatment of hematological diseases, enhancing precision and efficiency and offering valuable solutions for clinical practice.

Objective

This study summarizes the research progress of various AI-assisted systems applied in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of hematological diseases, with a focus on their application in morphology, immunology, cytogenetics, and molecular biology diagnosis, as well as prognosis prediction and treatment.

Methods

Using PubMed, Web of Science, and other network search engines, we conducted a literature search on studies from the past 5 years using the main keywords “artificial intelligence” and “hematological diseases.” We classified the clinical applications of AI systems according to the diagnosis and treatment. We outline and summarize the current advancements in AI for optimizing the diagnosis and treatment of hematological diseases, as well as the difficulties and challenges in promoting the standardization of clinical diagnosis and treatment in this field.

Results

AI can significantly shorten turnaround times, reduce diagnostic costs, and accurately predict disease outcomes through applications in image-recognition technology, genomic data analysis, data mining, pattern recognition, and personalized medicine. However, several challenges remain, including the lack of AI product standards, standardized data, medical–industrial collaboration, and the complexity and non-interpretability of AI systems. In addition, regulatory gaps can lead to data privacy issues. Therefore, more research and improvements are needed to fully leverage the potential of AI to promote standardization of the clinical diagnosis and treatment of hematological diseases.

Conclusion

Our results serve as a reference point for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of hematological diseases and the development of AI-assisted clinical diagnosis and treatment systems. We offer suggestions for further development of AI in hematology and standardization of clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Comparative genomic characterization of Cellulosimicrobium funkei isolate RVMD1 from Ma’an desert rock varnish challenges Cellulosimicrobium systematics
Authors: Alnaimat Sulaiman M. , Abushattal Saqr , Dmour Saif M.
Published: November 2024

Desert environments harbor unique microbial communities. This study focuses on Cellulosimicrobium funkei isolate RVMD1, isolated from rock varnish in the Ma’an Desert. Initial identification was achieved using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, followed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for comprehensive characterization. The genome comprises 4,264,015 base pairs (857 contigs) with a high G + C content of 74.59%. A total of 4,449 proteins were predicted. Comparative analysis utilizing OrthoANI, ANI, AAI, and dDDH metrics suggests that RVMD1 belongs to the C. cellulans group, with the highest similarity to C. funkei (97.71% ANI). Phylogenomic analysis of 43 Cellulosimicrobium genomes revealed significant heterogeneity within the genus. Our results challenge current systematics, with C. cellulans potentially representing up to 9 distinct genomospecies. Isolate RVMD1 shows genetic adaptations to its desert environment, including genes for denitrification, oxygen and sulfur cycling, and diverse hydrogen metabolism. Pangenomic analysis uncovered a considerable number of unique genes within RVMD1, highlighting its genetic distinctiveness. Gene family expansions suggest evolution in response to stressors like UV radiation and nutrient limitation. This study represents the first whole-genome analysis of a bacterium isolated from Jordanian rock varnish, emphasizing the value of WGS in understanding microbial diversity and adaptation in extreme environments.
How hand-made affects consumers’ perceived nutritional quality of organic food
Authors: Liu Qin , Cao Jun , Li Siyu , Wei Yunyun , Ma Conghong
Published: November 2024

This study analyzed the impact of handmade in depth on consumers’ perceived nutritional quality of organic food through three experiments. Experiment 1 found that handmade significantly enhanced consumers’ positive perceptions of nutritional quality of organic food. Experiment 2 revealed the mediating role of handicraft cultural identity between handmade and perceived nutritional quality. Experiment 3 further explored the moderating role of perceived authenticity on the impact of handmade. We found that these factors above significantly enhanced the positive effect of handmade on perceived nutritional quality. The findings suggest that handmade directly affected consumers’ perceived nutritional quality of organic food, which could be further strengthened through the mediating effect of handcraft cultural identity and the moderating effect of perceived authenticity. These findings provide important guidance for organic food manufacturers and marketers on marketing strategy-making that can help better meet consumer demand for high-quality organic food.
Impact of a virtual antenatal intervention for improved diet and iron intake in Kapilvastu district, Nepal - the VALID randomized controlled trial
Authors: Saville Naomi M. , Bhattarai Sanju , Giri Santosh , Sapkota Suprich , Morrison Joanna , Thapaliya Bibhu , Bhattarai Basudev , Yadav Samata , Arjyal Abriti , Copas Andrew , Haghparast-Bidgoli Hassan , Harris-Fry Helen , Piya Reecha , Baral Sushil C. , Hillman Sara L.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Counseling, together with iron and folic acid supplements, can improve hemoglobin levels in pregnant women, but few interventions have tested a virtual method of delivering counseling. We hypothesized that a virtual counseling intervention delivered via a mobile device (mHealth) would prevent and treat anemia, compared with routine antenatal care (ANC).

Methods

Virtual antenatal intervention for improved diet and iron intake (VALID) was a non-blinded parallel group two-arm, individually randomized superiority trial (1:1 allocation). Participants were pregnant women who were married, aged 13–49 years, able to answer questions, 12–28 weeks’ gestation and living in Kapilvastu district, Nepal. Women were randomized to receive routine ANC (control arm), or ANC plus a virtual antenatal intervention of two problem-solving counseling sessions via video call. The primary outcome was iron folic acid (IFA) tablet compliance (consumption on 12 or more days of the previous 14 days). Secondary outcomes were dietary diversity, promoted food consumption, iron bioavailability enhancement, and knowledge of iron-rich foods. Primary logistic regression analysis was by intention-to-treat, adjusting for baseline values.

Results

We enrolled 319 pregnant women (161 control, 158 intervention) from 23 January 2022 to 6 May 2022 and analyzed outcomes in 144 control and 127 intervention women. Compliance with IFA increased in both arms. In the intervention arm, compliance increased by 29.7 percentage points (pp) (49.0–78.7%) and 19.8 pp. in the control arm (53.8–73.6%). Despite the more significant increase in the intervention arm, we found no intervention effect upon IFA compliance (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75, 2.35; p = 0.334), dietary diversity, or ANC visits. The intervention increased knowledge of iron-rich foods (coefficient 0.96; 95% CI: 0.50, 1.41; p < 0.001), consumption of promoted foods (aOR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.08, 3.02; p = 0.023), behavior to enhance iron bioavailability (aOR: 4.41; 95% CI: 1.23, 15.83; p = 0.023), and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) knowledge (aOR: 4.06; 95% CI: 1.56, 10.54; p = 0.004). The total intervention cost was US$35,193, and the cost per pregnant woman receiving two virtual counseling sessions was US$277.

Conclusion

Virtual counseling can improve antenatal health behaviors, such as the consumption of promoted foods and methods to enhance bioavailability. Improved IFA consumption and ANC attendance may require additional family/community support.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN17842200, identifier ISRCTN17842200.
Protecting optimal childhood growth: systematic nutritional screening, assessment, and intervention for children at risk of malnutrition in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Murray Robert D. , Shaaban Sanaa Y. , Al Amrani Mohammed , Aldekhail Wajeeh , Alhaffaf Faisal A. , Alharbi Abdulaziz O. , Almehaidib Ali , Al-Suyufi Yasir , Al-Turaiki Muath , Amin Ahmed , Hasosah Mohammed Y. , Alkhormi Musa , Mirza Ziyad T. , Sleiman Rola , Sukkar Ghassan
Published: November 2024

Background

In 2024, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Advisory Board on Pediatric Nutrition (KSA-ABPN) reviewed childhood undernutrition in the Middle East. We sought to foster efficient nutritional care for infants and children at nutritional risk. Severe malnutrition due to starvation is rare in Saudi Arabia, so we focused on early recognition and treatment of children with mild growth impairment that forewarns risk for further nutritional decline. This paper summarizes our findings and introduces a recommended guide for nutritional screening, assessment, and follow-up interventions.

Objective

The KSA-ABPN aimed to build an algorithm with pathways and tools to facilitate up-to-date nutrition-care practices for infants and children. The algorithm is intended to encourage consistent professional training-for and use-of validated tools, adoption of standardized thresholds for intervention, and delivery of nutritional support. Consistent care will increase opportunities for comparative analyses of various treatment strategies and their health and cost outcomes.

Recommendations

We developed a 4-stage algorithm for identifying and caring for children at nutritional risk: (i) screening for clinical risk factors and age-related growth measures, (ii) observation of malnutrition-related physical signs, diet history, and/or laboratory detection of evidence indicating specific nutrient deficiencies, (iii) assessment of the severity of nutritional deficit, and (iv) development of a patient-specific Nutrition Care Plan that includes diet counseling, supplementation, routine monitoring, and follow-up.

Conclusions

By helping professionals identify nutritional risk and specific nutritional deficits in infants and children early in the clinical course, we seek to expand quality nutritional care and ensure that children grow and develop fully.
Characterization of sarcoma topography in Li-Fraumeni syndrome
Authors: Brockman Karin J. , Thompson Mone’t B. , Mirabello Lisa , Savage Sharon A. , Malayeri Ashkan , Hatton Jessica N. , Khincha Payal P.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome primarily caused by germline TP53 pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants. Soft tissue and bone sarcomas are among the most frequently occurring of the many LFS-associated cancer types. Cancer screening recommendations for LFS are centered around annual whole-body MRI (wbMRI), the interpretation of which can be challenging. This study aims to characterize sarcoma topography in LFS.

Methods

Study subjects included individuals from clinically and genetically ascertained cohorts of germline TP53 variant-carriers, namely the National Cancer Institute’s LFS longitudinal cohort study (NCI-LFS), the NCI Genetic Epidemiology of Osteosarcoma (NCI-GEO) study, and the germline TP53 Database.

Results

Data was aggregated for a total of 160 sarcomas that had detailed topography available. Abdominal sarcomas and extremity osteosarcomas were among the most frequent locations of sarcomas. Chi-squared analyses showed no statistical differences in sarcoma topography based on age (pediatric vs adult) or sex (male vs female). A case series of sarcomas from the NCI-LFS study highlights the diagnostic challenges due to topography-related imaging.

Discussion

While LFS-related sarcomas frequently occur in expected locations such as the extremities, they also occur in less typical sites, leading to difficulties in discerning between differential diagnoses on wbMRI and imaging. Prospective collection of detailed cancer topography in individuals with LFS will further aid in recommendations for radiologic interpretation and personalized screening in individuals with LFS.
Emerging horizons on molecular and circulating biomarkers in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Moretti Marta , Farina Antonella , Angeloni Antonio , Anastasi Emanuela
Published: November 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most aggressive and invasive type of pancreatic cancer and is expected to soon become the second leading cause of cancer-associated death. The high mortality rate is due to the clinical features that allow asymptomatic progression to advanced stages, a period when current therapeutic treatments have limited efficacy. To address these challenges, researchers are focused on identifying new molecular and circulating markers for early PDAC detection and precision medicine. In this mini-review, we report the most well-known and recently identified molecular and circulating biomarkers. This study aimed to emphasize the need for continued innovative research to develop diagnostic algorithms and therapies to improve the management of patients with PDAC.
Artificial intelligence application in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer: advance, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Ma Xiaoyu , Zhang Qiuchen , He Lvqi , Liu Xinyang , Xiao Yang , Hu Jingwen , Cai Shengjie , Cai Hongzhou , Yu Bin
Published: November 2024

Bladder cancer (BC) is a serious and common malignant tumor of the urinary system. Accurate and convenient diagnosis and treatment of BC is a major challenge for the medical community. Due to the limited medical resources, the existing diagnosis and treatment protocols for BC without the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) still have certain shortcomings. In recent years, with the development of AI technologies such as deep learning and machine learning, the maturity of AI has made it more and more applied to the medical field, including improving the speed and accuracy of BC diagnosis and providing more powerful treatment options and recommendations related to prognosis. Advances in medical imaging technology and molecular-level research have also contributed to the further development of such AI applications. However, due to differences in the sources of training information and algorithm design issues, there is still room for improvement in terms of accuracy and transparency for the broader use of AI in clinical practice. With the popularization of digitization of clinical information and the proposal of new algorithms, artificial intelligence is expected to learn more effectively and analyze similar cases more accurately and reliably, promoting the development of precision medicine, reducing resource consumption, and speeding up diagnosis and treatment. This review focuses on the application of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and treatment of BC, points out some of the challenges it faces, and looks forward to its future development.
Transcriptome and metabolome analyses provide crucial insights into the adaptation of chieh-qua to Fusarium oxysporum infection
Authors: Qiao Yanchun , Peng Jiazhu , Wu Bei , Wang Min , He Guoping , Peng Qingwu , Gao Yin , Liu Yuping , Yang Songguang , Dai Xiuchun
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Chieh-qua (Benincasa hispida Cogn. var. Chieh-qua How) is a wax gourd variety that is generally susceptible to infection and damage by Fusarium oxysporum during its cultivation. Therefore, analyzing the adaption mechanism of chieh-qua to F. Oxysporum infection is of great significance for cultivating resistant varieties.

Methods

Through comparative transcriptome analysis, comparative metabolome analysis, integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome and between F. Oxysporum infected samples and control samples of susceptible lines

Results

This study found that proteins such as NPR1, TGA and PR1 in plant hormone signal transduction pathway were up-regulated after infection, which may activate a series of plant secondary metabolic synthesis pathways. In addition, the expression of 27 genes in the flavonoid biosynthetic process in resistant lines after infection was significantly higher than that in susceptible lines, indicating that these genes may be involved in fungal resistance. This study also found that alternative splicing of genes may play an important role in responding to F. Oxysporum infection. For example, plant protein kinase genes such as EDR1, SRK2E and KIPK1 were not differentially expressed after F. Oxysporum infection, but the transcripts they produced differ at the transcription level. Finally, through comparative metabolome analysis, this study identified potentially functional substances such as oxalic acid that increased in content after F. Oxysporum infection. Through integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome, some differential expressed genes significantly related to differential metabolites were also identified.

Discussion

This study provides a basis for understanding and utilizing chieh-qua’s infection mechanism of F. Oxysporum through analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome.
Arabidopsis root apical meristem adaptation to an osmotic gradient condition: an integrated approach from cell expansion to gene expression
Authors: Píriz-Pezzutto Selene , Martínez-Moré Mauro , Sainz María Martha , Borsani Omar , Sotelo-Silveira Mariana
Published: November 2024

Climate change triggers abiotic stress, such as drought and high salinity, that can cause osmotic stress. Water availability can limit plant growth, and the root tip tissues initially sense it. Most experiments destined to understand root growth adaptation to osmotic stress apply homogeneous high osmotic potentials (osmotic shock) to shoots and roots. However, this treatment does not represent natural field conditions where a root may encounter increasing osmotic potentials while exploring the soil. Osmotic shock severely reduces root growth rate, decreasing cell division in the proximal meristem and reducing mature cell length. In this work, we developed an in vitro osmotic gradient experimental system with increasing osmotic potentials. The system generates a controlled osmotic gradient in the root growth zone while exposing the aerial tissues to control conditions. The osmotic gradient system allowed Arabidopsis seedlings of Col-0 and ttl1 mutant (affected in the gene TETRATRICOPEPTIDE THIOREDOXIN-LIKE 1 (TTL1)) to sustain proper root growth for 25 days, reaching osmotic potentials of -1.2 MPa. We demonstrated that roots of seedlings grown in the osmotic gradient sustain a higher root growth rate than those that were grown under a homogeneous high osmotic potential. Furthermore, we found out that the expression of some genes is modified in the roots grown in the osmotic gradient compared to those grown in osmotic shock. Our data indicate that using an osmotic gradient can improve our understanding of how plants respond to osmotic stress and help find new genes to improve plant field performance.
Ethylene and its crosstalk with hormonal pathways in fruit ripening: mechanisms, modulation, and commercial exploitation
Authors: Tipu Mohammad M. H. , Sherif Sherif M.
Published: November 2024

Ethylene is an important phytohormone that orchestrates a multitude of physiological and biochemical processes regulating fruit ripening, from early maturation to post-harvest. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of ethylene’s multifaceted roles in climacteric fruit ripening, characterized by a pronounced increase in ethylene production and respiration rates. It explores potential genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying ethylene’s action, focusing on key transcription factors, biosynthetic pathway genes, and signal transduction elements crucial for the expression of ripening-related genes. The varied sensitivity and dependency of ripening traits on ethylene are elucidated through studies employing genetic mutations and ethylene inhibitors such as AVG and 1-MCP. Additionally, the modulation of ripening traits by ethylene is influenced by its interaction with other phytohormones, including auxins, abscisic acid, gibberellins, jasmonates, brassinosteroids, and salicylic acid. Pre-harvest fruit drop is intricately linked to ethylene, which triggers enzyme activity in the abscission zone, leading to cell wall degradation and fruit detachment. This review also highlights the potential for applying ethylene-related knowledge in commercial contexts to enhance fruit quality, control pre-harvest drop, and extend shelf life. Future research directions are proposed, advocating for the integration of physiological, genetic, biochemical, and transcriptional insights to further elucidate ethylene’s role in fruit ripening and its interaction with other hormonal pathways.
Children’s number line estimation strategies: evidence from bounded and unbounded number line estimation tasks
Authors: Li Mengxia , Yang Jiahui , Ye Xiaolin
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the number line estimation (NLE) strategies utilized by children aged 4–7 across both bounded and unbounded NLE tasks. Drawing on prior research, it hypothesized that younger children would predominantly employ benchmark-based strategies, with endpoints as reference points, in bounded tasks, while older children would utilize a wider range of reference points including midpoints and quartiles. For unbounded tasks, it was anticipated that both younger and older children would adopt the scalloped strategy. A total of 181 Chinese children participated, representing three educational backgrounds: Middle Class (kindergarten), Senior Class (kindergarten), and Grade 1 (elementary school). They completed the bounded and unbounded NLE tasks with numbers ranging from 0 to 50. Data analysis focused on estimation accuracy using Percent Absolute Error (PAE) and contour analyses to examine strategy use. Results revealed that all age groups employed benchmark-based strategies using endpoints and midpoints in both bounded and unbounded tasks, and applied the scalloped strategy with units of integers 5 or 10 across all tasks. Findings suggest a coexistence of benchmark-based and scalloped strategies across task types, reflecting children’s intuitive estimation strategies. Furthermore, children aged 4 to 7 exhibited consistent strategy utilization, indicating a developmental stage characterized by reliance on specific reference points for estimation. This study contributes to understanding the developmental trajectory of number line estimation strategies in early childhood and emphasizes the importance of task type, learning experiences, and other factors in eliciting different estimation strategies.
The inclusion of habits in the stage model of self-regulated behavior change: an investigation of life events and red meat consumption in the UK
Authors: Whittle Colin , Nash Nick , Haggar Paul , Whitmarsh Lorraine
Published: November 2024

A shift to a diet with low or no red meat is considered necessary to end the environmental and health impacts caused by the current overconsumption of red meat. The self-regulated behavior change stage model (SSBC) proposes that people who intend to change their behavior progress through a series of discrete cognitive stages until, ultimately, they engage in the new behavior. However, what the consequences of habitual behaviors are for the initiation and progression through the stages of change have not yet been fully elucidated or investigated. We hypothesized that habitual behaviors that are antagonistic toward an alternative behavior will inhibit the initiation and progression through the stages of change. Furthermore, in line with the habit discontinuity hypothesis, we hypothesized that the experience of life events would counteract antagonistic habits and be positively associated with stages of change. Using a cross-sectional survey of people who consume red meat in the UK, our findings support the SSBC concept of stage-specific cognitive processes with goal intention and goal feasibility varying in importance depending on stage membership. However, personal norms were equally important for stage membership regardless of stage. Our hypotheses for antagonistic habits and life events were also partially supported; the antagonistic habit was not negatively associated with goal intention to change, but it was associated with a reduced likelihood of being in the final stage of change (i.e., of engaging in reduction). Experience of a life event was positively associated with goal intention to change, but it was negatively associated with being in a later stage of change. Overall, our findings provide novel theoretical insights into the role of habits and habit disruption in a stage model of behavior change. They also yield applied implications for understanding how to achieve a reduction in the over-consumption of red meat (or other, habitual, high greenhouse gas emitting behaviors) by supporting the importance of stage-tailored behavior change interventions and suggesting the potential to combine such stage-tailored intervention strategies with the strategy of targeting interventions to when existing habits are weakened due to context disruption.
Intervention with institutional caregivers for the purpose of supportive education for disadvantaged children: 3C
Authors: Dere Zeynep , Akagündüz Eğrikılınç Duygu
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Children in institutional care may have limited access to educational opportunities compared to children in parental care. Improving and enriching the educational practices of these children is important for their well-being. In this study, the Child Development, Communication and Care (3C) Training Program was prepared by the researchers. The 3C education approach emphasizes early childhood development and education. Particular focus is on the use of communication techniques in the education of young children. Our goal with 3C is to increase caregivers’ knowledge of child development and support them to communicate effectively with children. Through this curriculum framework, children are encouraged to interact effectively and empathically with others. Therefore, the curriculum framework emphasizes understanding emotions and building trusting relationships as key components in the holistic development of young disadvantaged children.

Methods

A quasi-experimental design with pre-test-post-control group was used in the study. 16 sessions of 3C were applied to the personnel in the experimental group via distance education. Data were collected from the participants before and after the start of the training program by using the Child Education Competence Scale-Parent Form, Personal Information Form, and Training Evaluation Questionnaire.

Results

As a result, significant differences were obtained between the experimental and control groups in favor of the group receiving training (z = 3.57, p<0.05). Accordingly, it can be said that 3C contributes to the holistic development of the child.

Discussion

It is hoped that such work could enhance the developmental outcomes of young children in institutional care and improve the quality of early childhood education.
Physiological parameters to support attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis in children: a multiparametric approach
Authors: Castro Ribeiro Thais , García Pagès Esther , Huguet Anna , Alda Jose A. , Badiella Llorenç , Aguiló Jordi
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a high-prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, frequently co-occurring with other psychiatric and medical conditions. Current diagnosis is time-consuming and often delays effective treatment; to date, no valid biomarker has been identified to facilitate this process. Research has linked the core symptoms of ADHD to autonomic dysfunction resulting from impaired arousal modulation, which contributes to physiological abnormalities that may serve as useful biomarkers for the disorder. While recent research has explored alternative objective assessment tools, few have specifically focused on studying ADHD autonomic dysregulation through physiological parameters. This study aimed to design a multiparametric physiological model to support ADHD diagnosis.

Methods

In this observational study we non-invasively analyzed heart rate variability (HRV), electrodermal activity (EDA), respiration, and skin temperature parameters of 69 treatment-naïve ADHD children and 29 typically developing (TD) controls (7-12 years old). To identify the most relevant parameters to discriminate ADHD children from controls, we explored the physiological behavior at baseline and during a sustained attention task and applied a logistic regression procedure.

Results

ADHD children showed increased HRV and lower EDA at baseline. The stress-inducing task elicits higher reactivity for EDA, pulse arrival time (PAT), and respiratory frequency in the ADHD group. The final classification model included 4 physiological parameters and was adjusted by gender and age. A good capacity to discriminate between ADHD children and TD controls was obtained, with an accuracy rate of 85.5% and an AUC of 0.95.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that a multiparametric physiological model constitutes an accurate tool that can be easily employed to support ADHD diagnosis in clinical practice. The discrimination capacity of the model may be analyzed in larger samples to confirm the possibility of generalization.
Acceptability of identification and management of perinatal anxiety: a qualitative interview study with postnatal women
Authors: Meades Rose , Moran Patricia M. , Hutton Una , Khan Rafiyah , Maxwell Margaret , Cheyne Helen , Delicate Amy , Shakespeare Judy , Hollins Kathryn , Pisavadia Kalpa , Doungsong Kodchawan (Pim) , Edwards Rhiannon Tudor , Sinesi Andrea , Ayers Susan
Published: November 2024

Background

Anxiety in pregnancy and postpartum is highly prevalent but under-recognized and few women receive adequate support or treatment. Identification and management of perinatal anxiety must be acceptable to women in the perinatal period to ensure that women receive appropriate care when needed. We aimed to understand the acceptability to women of how anxiety was identified and managed by healthcare professionals.

Method

We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 60 women across England and Scotland approximately 10 months after birth. Women were sampled from an existing systematically recruited cohort of 2,243 women who recorded mental health throughout pregnancy and after birth. All women met criteria for further assessment of their mental health by a healthcare professional. We analyzed the data using a theoretical framework of acceptability of healthcare interventions.

Results

Interview data fitted the seven constructs within the theoretical framework of acceptability. Women valued support before professional treatment but were poorly informed about available services. Services which treated women as individuals, which were accessible and in which there was continuity of healthcare professional were endorsed. Experience of poor maternity services increased anxiety and seeing multiple midwives dissuaded women from engaging in conversations about mental health. Having a trusted relationship with a healthcare professional facilitated conversation about and disclosure of mental health problems.

Conclusion

Women’s experiences would be improved if given the opportunity to form a trusting relationship with a healthcare provider. Interventions offering support before professional treatment may be valued and suitable for some women. Clear information about support services and treatment options available for perinatal mental health problems should be given. Physiological aspects of maternity care impacts women’s mental health and trust in services needs to be restored. Findings can be used to inform clinical guidelines and research on acceptable perinatal care pathways in pregnancy and after birth and future research.
On the elasticity, adhesion, and friction of PDMS at the nanometer scale
Authors: Lee W. J. , Ha J. W. , Kim J. M. , Caron A.
Published: November 2024

The interdependence of adhesion, friction, and elasticity of elastomers is relevant for various engineering applications. However, its investigation has been limited to smooth glass surfaces. We apply atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based methods to quantify PDMS’s elastic and tribological properties in single asperity contacts (quasi-static and sliding) with a nanometer-scale SiOx asperity under dry conditions. The selected experimental approach allows us to model the contact initiation with PDMS and its degradation. Combining quasi-static and reciprocal sliding experiments, we identify several contributions to adhesion and friction: junction formation, elastic deformation, rupture, and adhesive material transfer. Furthermore, we find correlations between the elastic deformation of PDMS/SiO2 junctions and their adhesion hysteresis on the one hand and the shear strength and the work of adhesion on the other.