bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of sagittal alignment, coronal balance, and segmental stability on preoperative patient-reported outcomes in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis
Authors: Wang Dong-Fan , Chen Xiao-Long , Han Di , Kong Chao , Lu Shi-Bao
Published: March 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between spinal alignment and preoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) and to identify the independent risk factors for worse preoperative PROs.

Methods

In total, 101 patients suffering from DLS were retrospectively studied within a single medical center. Age, sex, height, weight, and body mass index were uniformly recorded. PRO-related indicators include the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the Japanese Orthopedic Association’s (JOA) score, and the visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain. Sagittal alignment, coronal balance, and stability of the L4/5 level were evaluated through whole-spine anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and dynamic lumbar X-ray.

Results

Increasing age (P = 0.005), higher sagittal vertical axis (SVA) (P < 0.001), and global coronal imbalance (GCI) (P = 0.023) were independent risk factors for higher ODI. Patients with GCI had lower JOA scores (P = 0.001) than those with balanced coronal alignment. Unstable spondylolisthesis (P < 0.001) and GCI (P = 0.009) were two vital predictors of VAS-back pain. Increasing age (P = 0.031), local coronal imbalance (LCI) (P < 0.001), and GCI (P < 0.001) were associated with higher VAS-leg pain. Moreover, patients with coronal imbalance also exhibited significant sagittal malalignment based on the subgroup analysis.

Conclusion

DLS patients with higher SVA, unstable spondylolistheses, a combination of LCI/GCI, or increasing age were predisposed to have more severe subjective symptoms before surgery.
Utilising telehealth to support exercise and physical activity in people with Parkinson disease: a program evaluation using mixed methods
Authors: Flynn Allyson , Preston Elisabeth , Dennis Sarah , Canning Colleen G. , Allen Natalie E.
Published: March 2023

Background

Physical activity and exercise play a key role in managing Parkinson disease. This study aimed to: 1) determine if physiotherapy supported by telehealth helped people with Parkinson disease (PwP) to adhere to a home-based exercise program and maintain their physical activity; and 2) understand their experiences of using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A mixed methods program evaluation involving a retrospective file audit from a student-run physiotherapy clinic and semi-structured interviews exploring participants’ experiences of telehealth. Ninety-six people with mild to moderate disease received home-based telehealth physiotherapy for 21 weeks. The primary outcome was adherence to the prescribed exercise program. Secondary outcomes were measures of physical activity. Interviews were conducted with 13 clients and seven students and analysed thematically.

Results

Adherence to the prescribed exercise program was high. The mean (SD) proportion of prescribed sessions completed was 108% (46%). On average clients spent 29 (12) minutes per session, and 101 (55) minutes per week exercising. Physical activity levels were maintained, with clients taking 11,226 (4,832) steps per day on entry to telehealth, and 11,305 (4,390) steps per day on exit from telehealth. The semi-structured interviews identified important features of a telehealth service required to support exercise; a flexible approach of clients and therapists, empowerment, feedback, a therapeutic relationship, and mode of delivery.

Conclusions

PwP were able to continue exercising at home and maintain their physical activity when physiotherapy was provided via telehealth. The flexible approach of both the client and the service was imperative.
The research interest, capacity and culture of NHS staff in South East Scotland and changes in attitude to research following the pandemic: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Chinn David J , Pribanova Magdalena , Quirk Frances
Published: March 2023

Background

The UK National Health Service (NHS) is ideally placed to undertake research. The UK Government recently launched its vision of research within the NHS to improve research culture and activity amongst its staff. Currently, little is known about the research interest, capacity and culture of staff in one Health Board in South East Scotland and how their attitudes to research may have changed as a result of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Methods

We used the validated Research Capacity and Culture tool in an online survey of staff working in one Health Board in South East Scotland to explore attitudes to research at the organisation, team and individual level together with involvement in, barriers to and motivators to engage in research. Questions included changes in attitude to research as a result of the pandemic. Staff were identified by professional group: nurses/midwives, medical/dental, allied health professionals (AHP), other therapeutic and administrative roles. Median scores and interquartile ranges were reported and differences between groups assessed using the Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests with P < 0.05 accepted as statistical significance. Free-text entries were analysed using content analysis.

Results

Replies were received from 503/9145 potential respondents (5.5% response), of these 278 (3.0% response) completed all sections of the questionnaire. Differences between groups were noted in the proportions of those with research as part of their role (P = 0.012) and in being research-active (P < 0.001). Respondents reported high scores for promoting evidence-based practice and for finding and critically reviewing literature. Low scores were returned for preparing reports and securing grants. Overall, medical and other therapeutic staff reported higher levels of practical skills compared with other groups. Principal barriers to research were pressure of clinical work and lack of time, backfill and funds. 171/503 (34%) had changed their attitude to research as a result of the pandemic with 92% of 205 respondents more likely to volunteer for a study themselves.

Conclusion

We found a positive change in attitude to research arising from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Research engagement may increase after addressing the barriers cited. The present results provide a baseline against which future initiatives introduced to increase research capability and capacity may be assessed.
Muscle and bone characteristics of a Chinese family with spinal muscular atrophy, lower extremity predominant 1 (SMALED1) caused by a novel missense DYNC1H1 mutation
Authors: Mei Yazhao , Jiang Yunyi , Zhang Zhenlin , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2023

Background

Spinal muscular atrophy, lower extremity predominant (SMALED) is a type of non-5q spinal muscular atrophy characterised by weakness and atrophy of lower limb muscles without sensory abnormalities. SMALED1 can be caused by dynein cytoplasmic 1 heavy chain 1 (DYNC1H1) gene variants. However, the phenotype and genotype of SMALED1 may overlap with those of other neuromuscular diseases, making it difficult to diagnose clinically. Additionally, bone metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with SMALED1 have never been reported.

Methods

We investigated a Chinese family in which 5 individuals from 3 generations had lower limb muscle atrophy and foot deformities. Clinical manifestations and biochemical and radiographic indices were analysed, and mutational analysis was performed by whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing.

Results

A novel mutation in exon 4 of the DYNC1H1 gene (c.587T > C, p.Leu196Ser) was identified in the proband and his affected mother by WES. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the proband and 3 affected family members were carriers of this mutation. As leucine is a hydrophobic amino acid and serine is hydrophilic, the hydrophobic interaction resulting from mutation of amino acid residue 196 could influence the stability of the DYNC1H1 protein. Leg muscle magnetic resonance imaging of the proband revealed severe atrophy and fatty infiltration, and electromyographic recordings showed chronic neurogenic impairment of the lower extremities. Bone metabolism markers and BMD of the proband were all within normal ranges. None of the 4 patients had experienced fragility fractures.

Conclusion

This study identified a novel DYNC1H1 mutation and expands the spectrum of phenotypes and genotypes of DYNC1H1-related disorders. This is the first report of bone metabolism and BMD in patients with SMALED1.
Accelular nanofibrous bilayer scaffold intrapenetrated with polydopamine network and implemented into a full-thickness wound of a white-pig model affects inflammation and healing process
Authors: Kacvinská Katarína , Pavliňáková Veronika , Poláček Petr , Michlovská Lenka , Blahnová Veronika Hefka , Filová Eva , Knoz Martin , Lipový Břetislav , Holoubek Jakub , Faldyna Martin , Pavlovský Zdeněk , Vícenová Monika , Cvanová Michaela , Jarkovský Jiří , Vojtová Lucy
Published: March 2023

Treatment of complete loss of skin thickness requires expensive cellular materials and limited skin grafts used as temporary coverage. This paper presents an acellular bilayer scaffold modified with polydopamine (PDA), which is designed to mimic a missing dermis and a basement membrane (BM). The alternate dermis is made from freeze-dried collagen and chitosan (Coll/Chit) or collagen and a calcium salt of oxidized cellulose (Coll/CaOC). Alternate BM is made from electrospun gelatin (Gel), polycaprolactone (PCL), and CaOC. Morphological and mechanical analyzes have shown that PDA significantly improved the elasticity and strength of collagen microfibrils, which favorably affected swelling capacity and porosity. PDA significantly supported and maintained metabolic activity, proliferation, and viability of the murine fibroblast cell lines. The in vivo experiment carried out in a domestic Large white pig model resulted in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the first 1–2 weeks, giving the idea that PDA and/or CaOC trigger the early stages of inflammation. Otherwise, in later stages, PDA caused a reduction in inflammation with the expression of the anti-inflammatory molecule IL10 and the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ1), which could support the formation of fibroblasts. Similarities in treatment with native porcine skin suggested that the bilayer can be used as an implant for full-thickness skin wounds and thus eliminate the use of skin grafts.
Role of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 in morphological and functional changes of the blood–brain barrier in hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Barabási Beáta , Barna Lilla , Santa-Maria Ana Raquel , Harazin András , Molnár Réka , Kincses András , Vigh Judit P. , Dukay Brigitta , Sántha Miklós , Tóth Melinda E. , Walter Fruzsina R. , Deli Mária A. , Hoyk Zsófia
Published: March 2023

Background

Hypertriglyceridemia is closely linked to atherosclerosis related inflammatory processes and blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. Using apolipoprotein B-100 (APOB-100) transgenic mice, an animal model of chronic hypertriglyceridemia, we analyzed BBB function and morphology in vitro and ex vivo. Our objective was to determine which BBB characteristics are produced mainly by interleukin (IL)-6, an atherosclerosis promoting cytokine, and whether these actions can be antagonized by IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine.

Methods

Brain endothelial and glial cell cultures and brain microvessels were isolated from wild type (WT) and APOB-100 transgenic mice and were treated with IL-6, IL-10 and their combination. First, IL-6 and IL-10 production was measured in WT and APOB-100 microvessels using qPCR. Then functional parameters of endothelial cell cultures were analyzed and immunocytochemistry for key BBB proteins was performed.

Results

IL-6 mRNA levels were higher in brain microvessels than in brain parenchyma of APOB-100 transgenic mice. Transendothelial electric resistance and P-glycoprotein activity were lower, and paracellular permeability was higher in cultured APOB-100 brain endothelial cells. These features were sensitive to both IL-6 and IL-10 treatments. A decreased P-glycoprotein immunostaining was measured in transgenic endothelial cells under control conditions and in WT cells after treating them with IL-6. This effect was antagonized by IL-10. Changes in immunostaining for tight junction proteins were observed after IL-6 exposure, which were in part antagonized by IL-10. In glial cell cultures an increase in aquaporin-4 immunolabeling in the transgenic group and an increase in microglia cell density in WT glia cultures was detected after IL-6 treatment, which was antagonized by IL-10. In isolated brain microvessels a decrease in P-glycoprotein immunolabeled area fraction was measured in APOB-100 microvessels under control conditions and in WT microvessels after every cytokine treatment. ZO-1 immunolabeling showed characteristics similar to that of P-glycoprotein. No change was seen in claudin-5 and occludin immunoreactive area fractions in microvessels. A decrease in aquaporin-4 immunoreactivity was measured in WT microvessels treated by IL-6, which was antagonized by IL-10.

Conclusion

IL-6 produced in microvessels contributes to BBB impairment observed in the APOB-100 mice. We showed that IL-10 partly antagonizes the effects of IL-6 at the BBB.
Latest development in the fabrication and use of lignin-derived humic acid
Authors: Sutradhar Shrikanta , Fatehi Pedram
Published: March 2023

Humic substances (HS) are originated from naturally decaying biomass. The main products of HS are humic acids, fulvic acids, and humins. HS are extracted from natural origins (e.g., coals, lignite, forest, and river sediments). However, the production of HS from these resources is not environmentally friendly, potentially impacting ecological systems. Earlier theories claimed that the HS might be transformed from lignin by enzymatic or aerobic oxidation. On the other hand, lignin is a by-product of pulp and paper production processes and is available commercially. However, it is still under-utilized. To address the challenges of producing environmentally friendly HS and accommodating lignin in valorized processes, the production of lignin-derived HS has attracted attention. Currently, several chemical modification pathways can be followed to convert lignin into HS-like materials, such as alkaline aerobic oxidation, alkaline oxidative digestion, and oxidative ammonolysis of lignin. This review paper discusses the fundamental aspects of lignin transformation to HS comprehensively. The applications of natural HS and lignin-derived HS in various fields, such as soil enrichment, fertilizers, wastewater treatment, water decontamination, and medicines, were comprehensively discussed. Furthermore, the current challenges associated with the production and use of HS from lignin were described.
Differences in eco-physiological responses to the removal of adventitious roots between Syzygium nervosum A. Cunn. ex DC. and Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels saplings under waterlogging
Authors: Li Dadong , Miao Lingfeng , Tian Mengjie , Zhou Jingjing , Yang Weizong , Yang Fan
Published: March 2023

Key message

The production of adventitious roots partially counteracts the negative effects of waterlogging on the growth of Syzygium nervosum A. Cunn. ex DC. and Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels. S. cumini was more responsive and suffered from larger negative effects than S. nervosum after the removal of adventitious roots.

Context

Adventitious roots contain gas channels and functionally replace or compensate for the loss of primary roots that usually decay during waterlogging. However, the importance of adventitious roots on growth in waterlogged woody plants varies with species. Therefore, there has been some controversy about whether adventitious roots have beneficial effects on the growth of waterlogged plants.

Aims

We assessed whether S. nervosum and S. cumini differentially responded to the ablation of adventitious roots during waterlogging and whether compensatory responses occurred in the primary roots in both species.

Methods

S. nervosum and S. cumini saplings were subjected to waterlogging and adventitious root removal for 120 days, and morphological, physiological, biochemical parameters, and biomass were recorded.

Results

All plants survived waterlogging, and produced adventitious roots at the shoot base. Waterlogging had negative effects on the growth of both species, but the effect was more severe in S. cumini than in S. nervosum as seen from the values of comprehensive evaluation and total biomass. However, S. nervosum compensated for the ablation of adventitious roots with increased primary root dry mass, primary root activity, total root length, root tip number, and peroxidase activity.

Conclusions

S. nervosum with a high proportion of adventitious roots would be at an advantage during waterlogging. The removal of adventitious roots was detrimental to the growth of both species, but S. nervosum exhibited less damage than S. cumini due to its compensatory physiological responses and its primary roots.
A linear heuristic for multiple importance sampling
Authors: Sbert Mateu , Szirmay-Kalos László
Published: March 2023

Multiple importance sampling combines the probability density functions of several sampling techniques into an importance function. The combination weights are the proportion of samples used for the particular techniques. This paper addresses the determination of the optimal combination weights from a few initial samples. Instead of the numerically unstable optimization of the variance, in our solution the quasi-optimal weights are obtained by solving a linear equation, which leads to simpler computations and more robust estimations. The proposed method is validated with 1D numerical examples and with the direct lighting problem of computer graphics.
Symmetrized fractional total variation for signal and image analysis
Authors: Leaci Antonio , Tomarelli Franco
Published: March 2023

We introduce and study a variational model for signal and image analysis based on Riemann–Liouville fractional derivatives. Both the one-dimensional and two-dimensional cases are studied. The model exploits a quadratic fitting data term together with both right and left Riemann–Liouville fractional derivatives as regularizing terms, with the aim of achieving an orientation-independent analysis.
Glycaemia in low-premixed insulin analogue type 2 diabetes patients in a real-world setting: are the CGM targets met?
Authors: Krajnc Mitja , Kravos Tramšek Nika Aleksandra
Published: March 2023

Background

There are insufficient data on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in nonintensive insulin therapy patients. Using CGM and the recommended CGM targets, we wanted to evaluate low-premix insulin analogue therapy (biphasic aspart/NovoMix 30 and biphasic lispro 25/Humalog Mix 25) in real-world type 2 diabetes patients for glycaemic efficacy and especially hypoglycaemia.

Methods

The prospective observational study was performed on 35 patients who were treated with a low-premixed insulin. We used the Dexcom G6 system for CGM (9.6 ± 1 days) to measure the clinically relevant CGM parameters: glycaemic variability (%CV), TBR (time below range) < 3.0 mmol/l = 54 mg/dl (level 2 hypoglycaemia), TBR 3.0–3.8 (= 54–69 mg/dl), TIR (time in range) 3.9–10–0 mmol/l (70–180 mg/dl), TAR (time above range) 10–13.9 mmol/l (180–250 mg/dl) and TAR > 13.9 mmol/l (250 mg/dl). We also assessed clinical and demographic characteristics, laboratory HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, peak postprandial glucose values, and the percentage of hypoglycaemia between 00:00 and 06:00.

Results

In our patients, the average ± SD age was 70.4 ± 9.2 years, diabetes duration 17.4 ± 7.1 years, 51% were females, average daily insulin dose was 46.4 units (80% received biphasic aspart). The average ± SD TIR was 62.1 ± 12.2%, TBR < 3.0 mmol/l 0.8 ± 2.0%, TBR 3.0–3.8 mmol/l 1.5 ± 1.5%, TAR 10–13.9 mmol/l 29.2 ± 12.4%, TAR > 13.9 mmol/l 6.4 ± 7.2% and %CV 29.9 ± 7.1%. The average time in hypoglycemia was 33.1 min daily in our patients (11.5 min in the level 2 range). In the older/high-risk population, the TBR/TIR/TAR/level 2 TAR targets were met in 40/80/77/80%, respectively. For the general T2D people, level 2 TBR/TBR/TIR/TAR/level 2 TAR would be met in 74/83/34/77/49%. Average fasting blood glucose was 8.0 ± 2.5 mmol/l (144 ± 45 mg/dl), BMI 31.3 ± 5.1 kg/m2, daily insulin dose 46.4 ± 12.1 units, HbA1c 57.4 ± 5.4 mmol/mol (7.4 ± 0.7%). The glycaemic variability goal was met in 80% (with 66% meeting the lower 33% CV goal). 17 ± 12% of hypoglycaemia was nocturnal. People with TBR > 4% were significantly older.

Conclusions

Most of our type 2 diabetes patients, treated with low-premixed insulin, did not meet the recommended TBR target for older/high-risk patients while meeting the TIR and TAR targets. Nevertheless, the time spent in (total and nocturnal) hypoglycemia was short. The study indicates that the general type 2 diabetes population targets would mostly be met for TBR and %CV in our patients but not the TIR and TAR targets. CGM appears to be a useful clinical tool in these patients.
Productive and physiological implications of top-dress addition of branched-chain amino acids and arginine on lactating sows and offspring
Authors: Luise Diana , Correa Federico , Stefanelli Claudio , Simongiovanni Aude , Chalvon-Demersay Tristan , Zini Maddalena , Fusco Luciano , Bosi Paolo , Trevisi Paolo
Published: March 2023

Background

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including L-leucine (L-Leu), L-isoleucine (L-Ile), L-valine (L-Val), and L-arginine (L-Arg), play a crucial role in mammary gland development, secretion of milk and regulation of the catabolic state and immune response of lactating sows. Furthermore, it has recently been suggested that free amino acids (AAs) can also act as microbial modulators. This study aimed at evaluating whether the supplementation of lactating sows with BCAAs (9, 4.5 and 9 g/d/sow of L-Val, L-Ile and L-Leu, respectively) and/or L-Arg (22.5 g/d/sow), above the estimated nutritional requirement, could influence the physiological and immunological parameters, microbial profile, colostrum and milk composition and performance of sows and their offspring.

Results

At d 41, piglets born from the sows supplemented with the AAs were heavier (P = 0.03). The BCAAs increased glucose and prolactin (P < 0.05) in the sows’ serum at d 27, tended to increase immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgM in the colostrum (P = 0.06), increased the IgA (P = 0.004) in the milk at d 20 and tended to increase lymphocyte% in the sows’ blood at d 27 (P = 0.07). Furthermore, the BCAAs tended to reduce the Chao1 and Shannon microbial indices (P < 0.10) in the sows’ faeces. The BCAA group was discriminated by Prevotellaceae_UCG-004, Erysipelatoclostridiaceae UCG-004, the Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Treponemaberlinense. Arginine reduced piglet mortality pre- (d 7, d 14) and post-weaning (d 41) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Arg increased the IgM in the sow serum at d 10 (P = 0.05), glucose and prolactin (P < 0.05) in the sow serum at d 27 and the monocyte percentage in the piglet blood at d 27 (P = 0.025) and their jejunal expression of NFKB2 (P = 0.035) while it reduced the expression of GPX-2 (P = 0.024). The faecal microbiota of the sows in Arg group was discriminated by Bacteroidales. The combination of BCAAs and Arg tended to increase spermine at d 27 (P = 0.099), tended to increase the Igs (IgA and IgG, P < 0.10) at d 20 in the milk, favoured the faecal colonisation of Oscillospiraceae UCG-005 and improved piglet growth.

Conclusion

Feeding Arg and BCAAs above the estimated requirements for milk production may be a strategy to improve sow productive performance in terms of piglet average daily gain (ADG), immune competence and survivability via modulation of the metabolism, colostrum and milk compositions and intestinal microbiota of the sows. The synergistic effect between these AAs, noticeable by the increase of Igs and spermine in the milk and in the improvement of the performance of the piglets, deserves additional investigation.
In-hospital mortality for aspiration pneumonia in a tertiary teaching hospital: A retrospective cohort review from 2008 to 2018
Authors: Shin Dongho , Lebovic Gerald , Lin R. Jun
Published: March 2023

Background

Aspiration pneumonia is a preventable condition that has higher rates of recurrence and mortality compared to non-aspiration pneumonia. The primary objective of the study was to examine independent patient factors that are associated with mortality in those requiring acute admission for aspiration pneumonia at a tertiary institution. Secondary goals of the study were to review whether factors such as mechanical ventilation and speech language pathology intervention can impact patient mortality, length of stay (LOS), and costs relating to hospitalization.

Methods

Patients older than 18 years of age who were admitted with a primary diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2018 at Unity Health Toronto-St. Michael's hospital in Toronto, Canada, were included in the study. Descriptive analyses were performed on patient characteristics using age as a continuous variable as well as a dichotomous variable with age 65 as a cut-off. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent factors that contributed to in-hospital mortality and Cox proportional-hazard regression was used to identify independent factors that affected LOS.

Results

A total of 634 patients were included in this study. 134 (21.1%) patients died during hospitalization with an average age of 80.3 ± 13.4. The in-hospital mortality did not change significantly over the ten-year period ( p = 0.718). Patients who died had longer LOS with a median length of 10.5 days ( p = 0.012). Age [Odds Ratio (OR) 1.72, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 1.47–2.02, p < 0.05] and invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.54–4.31, p < 0.05) were independent predictors of mortality while female gender was found to be a protective factor (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.38–0.92, p = 0.02). Elderly patients had five times higher risk of dying during their hospital course when compared to younger patients [Hazard Ratio (HR) 5.25, 95% CI 2.99–9.23, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Elderly patients are a high-risk population for developing aspiration pneumonia and are at higher risk of death when hospitalized for this condition. This warrants improved preventative strategies in the community. Further studies involving other institutions and creating a Canada-wide database are required.

Graphical Abstract
Development and validation of a sensitive assay for the quantification of arachidonoylcyclopropylamide (ACPA) in cell culture by LC–MS/MS
Authors: Boyacıoğlu Özge , Reçber Tuba , Kır Sedef , Korkusuz Petek , Nemutlu Emirhan
Published: March 2023

Synthetic and natural cannabinoid derivatives are highly investigated as drug candidates due to their antinociceptive, antiepileptic and anticancer potential. Arachidonoylcyclopropylamide (ACPA) is a synthetic cannabinoid with antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic and endometrial carcinoma. Thus, ACPA has a great potential for being used as an anticancer drug for epithelial cancers. Therefore, determining the levels of ACPA in biological fluids, cells, tissues and pharmaceutical dosage forms is crucial in monitoring the effects of various pharmacological, physiological and pathological stimuli on biological systems. However, the challenge in the quantification of ACPA is its short half-life and lack of UV signal. Therefore, we developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC–MS/MS) method for sensitive and selective quantification of ACPA in cell culture medium and intracellular matrix. Multiple reaction monitoring in the positive ionization mode was used for detection with 344 → 203 m/z transitions. The separation of ACPA was performed on C18 column (50 × 3.0 mm, 2.1 μm) with the mobile phase run in the gradient mode with 0.1% formic acid (FA) in water and 0.1% FA in acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min. The assay was linear in the concentration range of 1.8–1000 ng/mL (r = 0.999). The validation studies revealed that the method was linear, sensitive, accurate, precise, selective, repeatable, robust and rugged. Finally, the developed method was applied to quantify ACPA in cell culture medium and intracellular matrix.
An evaluation of the impact of the implementation of the Tele-ICU: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Watanabe Taro , Ohsugi Koichi , Suminaga Yuri , Somei Masayuki , Kikuyama Kazuki , Mori Maiko , Maruo Hiroko , Kono Nao , Kotani Toru
Published: March 2023

Background

The telemedicine intensive care unit (Tele-ICU) is defined as a system in which intensive care professionals remotely provide care to critically ill patients and support the on-site staff in the intensive care unit (ICU) using secured audio–video and electronic links. Although the Tele-ICU is expected to resolve the shortage of intensivists and reduce the regional disparities in intensive care resources, the efficacy has not yet been evaluated in Japan because of a lack of clinically available system.

Methods

This was a single-center, historical comparison study in which the impact of the Tele-ICU on ICU performance and changes in workload of the on-site staff were evaluated. The Tele-ICU system developed in the United States was used. Data for 893 adult ICU patients before the Tele-ICU implementation and for all adult patients registered in the Tele-ICU system from April 2018 to March 2020 were abstracted and included. We investigated ICU and hospital mortality and length of stay and ventilation duration after the Tele-ICU implementation in each ICU, and compared between pre and post implementation and changes over time. We also assessed physician workload as defined by the frequency and duration of access to the electronic medical record (EMR) of the targeted ICU patients.

Results

After the Tele-ICU implementation 5438 patients were included. In unadjusted data pre/post study showed significant decreases in ICU (8.5–3.8%) and hospital (12.4–7.7%) mortality and ICU length of stay (p < 0.001), and those values were maintained for 2 years. In data stratified by predicted hospital mortality, ICU and hospital actual mortality in high and medium risk patients decreased significantly after the implementation. Ventilation duration was shortened (p < 0.007). Access frequency of the on-site physicians decreased by 25%, and the decrease occurred in the daytime shift and in the physicians with 3–15 years of work experience.

Conclusions

Our study showed the Tele-ICU implementation was associated with lower mortality, especially in medium and high risk patients, and decreased EMR-related tasks of on-site physicians. These results suggest that the Tele-ICU could be a solution of the shortage of intensivists and regional disparities for intensive care.
An intensity index and its application for summertime extratropical cyclones in East Asia
Authors: Wang Sitao , Qin Yujing , Lu Chuhan , Guan Zhaoyong
Published: March 2023

The intensity definition and classification of the extratropical cyclone (EC) are still less studied than the tropical cyclone, due to the relatively ambiguous structure and diverse life cycle of ECs. In this study, a two-dimensional objective cyclone identification method based on outermost closed isolines is used to obtain the EC-related datasets, and the summertime ECs in East Asia are classified by the relationship between ECs of different intensities and the corresponding precipitation. The results show that compared with the cyclone mean depth, central wind and other traditional intensity indicators, the cyclone intensity index that is the maximum product of the EC-associated wind speed and specific humidity, has the highest correlation with the EC-associated maximum precipitation (r = 0.74). To simplify the definition of cyclone intensity index, the vqmax within the radius of 300 km from the cyclone center is defined as the cyclone intensity. According to the relationship between EC and precipitation intensity and the precipitation grades in China, the ECs in East Asia are classified into four levels. Accordingly, the EC-associated maximum precipitation increases substantially with the raising of cyclone level. In particular, 32.8% of heavy rain events in East Asia in summer are related to ECs of the strongest category. The results will facilitate a better understanding of the relationship between the strongest category EC and local precipitation.
Cognitive framework for blended mathematical sensemaking in science
Authors: Kaldaras Leonora , Wieman Carl
Published: March 2023

Background

Blended mathematical sensemaking in science (“Math-Sci sensemaking”) involves deep conceptual understanding of quantitative relationships describing scientific phenomena and has been studied in various disciplines. However, no unified characterization of blended Math-Sci sensemaking exists.

Results

We developed a theoretical cognitive model for blended Math-Sci sensemaking grounded in prior work. The model contains three broad levels representing increasingly sophisticated ways of engaging in blended Math-Sci sensemaking: (1) developing qualitative relationships among relevant variables in mathematical equations describing a phenomenon (“qualitative level”); (2) developing mathematical relationships among these variables (“quantitative level”); and (3) explaining how the mathematical operations used in the formula relate to the phenomenon (“conceptual level”). Each level contains three sublevels. We used PhET simulations to design dynamic assessment scenarios in various disciplines to test the model. We used these assessments to interview undergraduate students with a wide range of Math skills. Interview analysis provided validity evidence for the categories and preliminary evidence for the ordering of the categories comprising the cognitive model. It also revealed that students tend to perform at the same level across different disciplinary contexts, suggesting that blended Math-Sci sensemaking is a distinct cognitive construct, independent of specific disciplinary context.

Conclusion

This paper presents a first-ever published validated cognitive model describing proficiency in blended Math-Sci sensemaking which can guide instruction, curriculum, and assessment development.
Performance evaluation of SimPET-L and SimPET-XL: MRI-compatible small-animal PET systems with rat-body imaging capability
Authors: Seo Minjee , Ko Guen Bae , Kim Kyeong Yun , Son Jeong-Whan , Byun Jung Woo , Lee Yun-Sang , Kim Kyeong Min , Park Jang Woo , Kim Kipom , Lee Taekwan , Lee Jae Sung
Published: March 2023

Background

SimPET-L and SimPET-XL have recently been introduced with increased transaxial fields of view (FOV) compared with their predecessors (SimPET™ and SimPET-X), enabling whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of rats. We conducted performance evaluations of SimPET-L and SimPET-XL and rat-body imaging with SimPET-XL to demonstrate the benefits of increased axial and transaxial FOVs.

Procedures

The detector blocks in SimPET-L and SimPET-XL consist of two 4 × 4 silicon photomultiplier arrays coupled with 20 × 9 array lutetium oxyorthosilicate crystals. SimPET-L and SimPET-XL have an inner diameter (bore size) of 7.6 cm, and they are composed of 40 and 80 detector blocks yielding axial lengths of 5.5 and 11 cm, respectively. Each system was evaluated according to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association NU4-2008 protocol. Rat imaging studies, such as 18F-NaF and 18F-FDG PET, were performed using SimPET-XL.

Results

The radial resolutions at the axial center measured using the filtered back projection, 3D ordered-subset expectation maximization (OSEM), and 3D OSEM with point spread functions correction were 1.7, 0.82, and 0.82 mm FWHM in SimPET-L and 1.7, 0.91, and 0.91 mm FWHM in SimPET-XL, respectively. The peak sensitivities of SimPET-L and SimPET-XL were 6.30% and 10.4% for an energy window of 100–900 keV and 4.44% and 7.25% for a window of 250–750 keV, respectively. The peak noise equivalent count rate with an energy window of 250–750 keV was 249 kcps at 44.9 MBq for SimPET-L and 349 kcps at 31.3 MBq for SimPET-XL. In SimPET-L, the uniformity was 4.43%, and the spill-over ratios in air- and water-filled chambers were 5.54% and 4.10%, respectively. In SimPET-XL, the uniformity was 3.89%, and the spill-over ratio in the air- and water-filled chambers were 3.56% and 3.60%. Moreover, SimPET-XL provided high-quality images of rats.

Conclusion

SimPET-L and SimPET-XL show adequate performance compared with other SimPET systems. In addition, their large transaxial and long axial FOVs provide imaging capability for rats with high image quality.
Image-derived input functions from dynamic 15O–water PET scans using penalised reconstruction
Authors: Young Peter , Appel Lieuwe , Tolf Andreas , Kosmidis Savvas , Burman Joachim , Rieckmann Anna , Schöll Michael , Lubberink Mark
Published: March 2023

Background

Quantitative positron emission tomography (PET) scans of the brain typically require arterial blood sampling but this is complicated and logistically challenging. One solution to remove the need for arterial blood sampling is the use of image-derived input functions (IDIFs). Obtaining accurate IDIFs, however, has proved to be challenging, mainly due to the limited resolution of PET. Here, we employ penalised reconstruction alongside iterative thresholding methods and simple partial volume correction methods to produce IDIFs from a single PET scan, and subsequently, compare these to blood-sampled input curves (BSIFs) as ground truth. Retrospectively we used data from sixteen subjects with two dynamic 15O-labelled water PET scans and continuous arterial blood sampling: one baseline scan and another post-administration of acetazolamide.

Results

IDIFs and BSIFs agreed well in terms of the area under the curve of input curves when comparing peaks, tails and peak-to-tail ratios with R2 values of 0.95, 0.70 and 0.76, respectively. Grey matter cerebral blood flow (CBF) values showed good agreement with an average difference between the BSIF and IDIF CBF values of 2% ± and a coefficient of variation (CoV) of 7.3%.

Conclusion

Our results show promising results that a robust IDIF can be produced for dynamic 15O–water PET scans using only the dynamic PET scan images with no need for a corresponding MRI or complex analytical techniques and thereby making routine clinical use of quantitative CBF measurements with 15O–water feasible.
SEmHuS: a semantically embedded humanitarian space
Authors: Shamoug Aladdin , Cranefield Stephen , Dick Grant
Published: March 2023

Humanitarian crises are unpredictable and complex environments, in which access to basic services and infrastructures is not adequately available. Computing in a humanitarian crisis environment is different from any other environment. In humanitarian environments the accessibility to electricity, internet, and qualified human resources is usually limited. Hence, advanced computing technologies in such an environment are hard to deploy and implement. Moreover, time and resources in those environments are also limited and devoted for life-saving activities, which makes computing technologies among the lowest priorities for those who operate there. In humanitarian crises, interests and preferences of decision-makers are driven by their original languages, cultures, education, religions, and political affiliations. Hence, decision-making in such environments is usually hard and slow because it solely depends on human capacity in absence of proper computing techniques. In this research, we are interested in overcoming the above challenges by involving machines in humanitarian response. This work proposes and evaluates a text classification and embedding technique to transform historical humanitarian records from human-oriented into a machine-oriented structure (in a vector space). This technique allows machines to extract humanitarian knowledge and use it to answer questions and classify documents. Having machines involved in those tasks helps decision-makers in speeding up humanitarian response, reducing its cost, saving lives, and easing human suffering.
Biological control of onion white rot disease using potential Bacillus subtilis isolates
Authors: Amin M. M. , Ahmed M. F. A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a very important vegetable crop all over the world, particularly in Egypt for local consumption and exportation. White rot disease is the most serious disease of Allium spp. caused by the soil-borne fungus Sclerotium cepivorum Berk.

Results

In this investigation, five tested isolates of Bacillus subtilis showed an antagonistic effect and significantly reduced the linear growth of the pathogen in vitro. B. subtilis isolates no. 2 and 4 caused the highest reduction of S. cepivorum growth, 75.78 and 74.33%, respectively, while isolate no. 3 was the least effective one, causing 66.67% growth reduction. Under field conditions at two successive seasons (2019/20 and 2020/21), all tested bioagent treatments reduced the percentage of infection than Folicure as an officially recommended fungicide. B. subtilis isolate no. 2 showed the highest efficacy (78.57 and 77.78%) followed by isolates no. 4 (74.29 and 72.22%), while B. subtilis isolate no. 3 showed the lowest efficacy (42.86 and 50.00%), respectively, for both successive seasons. All treatments increased dry onion bulb yield and improved its quality than the untreated control plants. The chemical changes of total carbohydrates, total nitrogen contents, total soluble solids (TSS %) and enzymes activity related to defense mechanisms in treated plants by biological treatments were considered.

Conclusion

This study aimed to find effective biological agents of B. subtilis isolates against the white rot of onion and evaluate their effect on yield parameters, components and quality.
Influence of host egg age on parasitic potential of the entomophagous, Telenomus remus Nixon (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) against the Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and investigations on the developmental biology and ultrastructure of egg parasitoid immature stages
Authors: Priyanka S. Lekha , Jeyarani S. , Sathiah N. , Mohankumar S. , Nakkeeran S.
Published: March 2023

Background

Biological control through augmentative release of egg parasitoids is a potential tool in integrated management of field crop pests. The egg parasitoid, Telenomusremus Nixon (1937) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), is found promising against the fall armyworm, Spodopterafrugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in different parts of the world. However, fundamental information on the parasitic capabilities with reference to the host eggs of progressing ages is very limited. The investigations reported herein focused on the influence of host egg age on the parasitic potential, developmental biology and morphological features of the sexes of T.remus that could aid in decisions on their field release. The laboratory experiments were carried out with FAW egg masses of different ages (24, 48 and 72 h old). Host eggs glued to paper strips (3 × 5 cm) were offered to T.remus for parasitization at the parasitoid: host ratio 1:40 under standard laboratory conditions. Developmental biology of immature stages of T.remus and the adult sexual dimorphism were studied through stereomicroscopic and scanning electron microscopic examinations on 24 h old FAW egg masses parasitized by T.remus.

Result

Parasitic potential of T.remus on FAW eggs of different ages indicated the highest level of parasitization on 24 h old eggs with 98.2% parasitization, followed by 48 h old eggs and 72 h old eggs of the host were avoided by the parasitoid female and hence no parasitism occurred. The developmental duration of T.remus on 24 h old FAW eggs was recorded as 9.61 days and 48 h old eggs as 9.52 days, respectively. Microscopic examinations revealed the presence of six immature bio-stages viz., egg (1 day), two larval instars (each 1 day), pre-pupal (1 day), pupal (5 days) and adult stage with a total developmental duration of 9 days. T.remus adults can be differentiated by the morphology, type and number of antennal segments. The scape or the basal antennal segment was slender and longer in males, whereas shorter in females. T.remus female has a club typed antenna with 11 segments, while male has geniculate antenna with 12 segments.

Conclusions

The parasitoid exhibited selective preference for fresh stages of eggs than the matured ones indicating requirement of early field interventions coinciding with fresh brood emergence of FAW. Among the six stages of development, the pupal duration was found to be the longest in the study indicating that in augmentative biocontrol, host eggs with fully developed parasitoid stages, especially the pupal stage could be the appropriate one for field deployment.
Evaluation of stem cell differentiation medicated with calcium phosphate nanoparticles in chlorohexidine paste
Authors: Mahran Abeer Hashem , Fahmy Sarah Hossam , Ibrahim Sarah Shokry
Published: March 2023

Background

Our present study aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium phosphate nanoparticles in chlorohexidine paste on the odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells. The human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) were examined for viability and proliferation via trypan blue stain test and MTT assay. This was followed by evaluating the alkaline phosphatase assay and detecting the Dentin matrix protein (DMP-1) marker via immunofluorescence staining to confirm the odontogenic differentiation.

Results

In viability testing, nano calcium phosphate in Chlorohexidine (CHX) and nano calcium hydroxide showed no significant difference regarding trypan blue staining and MTT assay. Moreover, DMP-1 marker detection revealed a higher expression with nano calcium hydroxide compared to nano calcium phosphate in CHX, while ALP showed no significant difference.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis conveyed, it can be concluded that nano calcium phosphate in CHX can induce the proliferation and differentiation of HDPSCs.
Simulium surveillance and control in Mahenge, Tanzania: time to think bigger and utilize drone-based remote sensing technology
Authors: Mushi Vivian
Published: March 2023

Despite the ongoing onchocerciasis control program that has been in place in Mahenge for more than two decades using the Community Directed Treatment with Ivermectin (CDTI) strategy, the persistent transmission of onchocerciasis has been observed, proving that CDTI alone is unable to interrupt the transmission. This letter aims to highlight how drone-based remote sensing technology can be utilized for Simulium surveillance and control in Mahenge and suggest measures that can be employed to initiate the vector control intervention using the proposed technology in Mahenge. The drone-based technology in Mahenge could assist in the identification of Simulium breeding sites even in inaccessible parts of rivers and streams, mapping the microenvironmental composition, and suggesting potential control measures, including whether to apply larviciding using drones or where the ground control effort of slashing and clearing should be prioritized. Therefore, now is an opportune time to combine CDTI and Simulium control interventions to achieve sustainable onchocerciasis control in Mahenge.