bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Geriatric Rehabilitation Inpatients with Nocturia: RESORT
Authors: Bower Wendy F. , Lau Lisa , Whishaw D. Michael , Reijnierse Esmee M. , Maier Andrea B.
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Nocturnal lower urinary tract symptoms are common in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients but have not been well described. The aim of this study was to compare patient characteristics stratified by self-reported nocturia severity in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. Methods: The REStORing health of acutely unwell adulTs (RESORT) is an observational, longitudinal, prospective inception cohort of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients who underwent a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) at admission and discharge. Nocturia was captured by item 7 of the American Urology Association Symptom Score (AUASS) and dichotomised as ≤1 void and >1 void at night as per the International Continence Society definition. Differences in demographic, functional, and medical characteristics of the inpatients with and without nocturia >1 were compared. Results: Overall, 641 inpatients completed the nocturia item (mean age 82.6 [SD 7.7] years, 59.9% female). Nocturia occurred >once per night in 57.4%; mean number of episodes was 1.96 (SD 1.38), ranging from 0 to 5. There was no change in nocturia severity between admission and discharge. Daily urinary incontinence, urinary urgency, and comorbid illness were independently associated with multiple nocturia episodes. A history of falls within the last year, difficulty climbing stairs pre-admission, higher faecal incontinence score, impaired quality of life domains, higher levels of anxiety and depression were significantly more common in inpatients with multiple episodes of nocturia compared to no or only one episode of nocturia. Conclusion: Lower urinary tract symptoms, poor functional status and frailty markers were associated with repeated episodes of nocturia. Targeted intervention may reduce the severity of nocturia, with potential to improve sleep quality, impact therapeutic gains and influence discharge destination.
Perceived Stress, Hair Cortisol, and Hair Cortisone in Relation to Appetite-Regulating Hormones in Patients with Obesity
Authors: Kuckuck Susanne , Lengton Robin , Meeusen Renate E.H. , van der Valk Eline S. , Hillegers Manon H.J. , Penninx Brenda W.J.H. , Kavousi Maryam , Visser Jenny A. , Boon Mariëtte R. , van den Berg Sjoerd A.A. , van Rossum Elisabeth F.C.
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Stress predicts unhealthy eating, obesity, and metabolic deterioration, likely mediated by altered levels of appetite-regulating hormones. Yet, evidence regarding the association between long-term stress and levels of appetite-regulating hormones in humans is lacking. Methods: We included 65 patients with obesity (44 women) to investigate the cross-sectional association of long-term biological stress (scalp hair cortisol and cortisone) and long-term psychological stress (Perceived Stress Scale) with overnight-fasted serum levels of the hormonal appetite regulators leptin, adiponectin, insulin, pancreatic polypeptide, gastric-inhibitory peptide, peptide tyrosine-tyrosine, cholecystokinin and agouti-related protein, adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index. Results: Hair cortisone and, in trend, hair cortisol were positively associated with cholecystokinin (p = 0.003 and p = 0.058, respectively). No other associations between stress measures and hormonal appetite regulators were observed. Conclusion: Long-term biological stress, measured using scalp hair glucocorticoid levels, is associated with elevated levels of circulating cholecystokinin. More research is needed to pinpoint potential effects on appetite.
Twenty Years of Sustained Improvement in Quality of Care and Outcomes for Patients Hospitalized With Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: Data From The Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Program
Authors: Xian Ying , Li Shen , Jiang Tian , Beon Chandler D. , Poudel Remy , Thomas Kathie , Reeves Mathew J. , Smith Eric E. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Sheth Kevin N. , Messé Steven R. , Schwamm Lee H. , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

The Get With The Guidelines-Stroke program is a quality improvement initiative designed to enhance adherence to evidence-based stroke care. Since its inception in 2003, over 2800 hospitals in the United States have participated in the program.

METHODS:

We examined patient characteristics, adherence to performance measures, and in-hospital outcomes in patients hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, and transient ischemic attack in The Get With The Guidelines-Stroke hospitals from 2003 through 2022. We quantified temporal changes in performance measure adherence and clinical outcomes over time. Performance measure denominators consisted of patients who were eligible, excluding those with contraindications.

RESULTS:

Over the 20 years of the program, a total of 7837 849 stroke cases (median age 71 years, 51.0% female; 69.2% ischemic strokes, 3.9% SAHs, 11.5% ICHs, and 15.3% TIAs) were entered into the registry. Except for antithrombotics at discharge, in which the baseline performance was >92%, there was sustained improvement in all performance metrics regardless of type of cerebrovascular event (
P
<0.01 for all). In patients with acute ischemic stroke, large improvements were observed for anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation (55.7% in 2003 to 97.2% in 2022), smoking cessation counseling (44.7%–97.8%), dysphagia screening (53.8%–83.5%), thrombolytic treatment for patients arriving by 3.5 hours, treat by 4.5 hours (15.2%–92.9%), door-to-needle time within 60 minutes (19.0%–75.3%), and endovascular door-to-puncture time within 90 minutes (54.7%–62.8%). Similar improvements were also observed for measures relevant to patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, and transient ischemic attack. Multivariable analysis showed that there was a sustained increase in odds of receiving each performance measure over time, independent of patient and hospital characteristics for each type of cerebrovascular event. After risk adjustment, there were temporal trends that patients were less likely to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility, and, for ischemic stroke only, more likely to be discharged directly home.

CONCLUSIONS:

During the first 20 years, Get With The Guidelines-Stroke participation was associated with sustained improvement in evidence-based care and outcomes for patients with stroke and transient ischemic attack in the United States.
Using fMRI to examine nonlinear mixed selectivity tuning to task and category in the human brain
Authors: Taylor JohnMark , Xu Yaoda
Published: October 2024

Recent experimental and theoretical work has shown that nonlinear mixed selectivity, where neurons exhibit interaction effects in their tuning to multiple variables (e.g., stimulus and task), plays a key role in enabling the primate brain to form representations that can adapt to changing task contexts. Thus far, all such studies have relied on invasive neural recording techniques. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of measuring nonlinear mixed selectivity tuning in the human brain noninvasively using fMRI pattern decoding. To do so, we examined the joint representation of object category and task information across human early, ventral stream, and dorsal stream areas while participants performed either an oddball detection task or a one-back repetition detection task on the same stimuli. These tasks were chosen to equate spatial, object-based, and feature-based attention, in order to test whether task modulations of visual representations still occur when the inputs to visual processing are kept constant between the two tasks, with only the subsequent cognitive operations varying. We found moderate but significant evidence for nonlinear mixed selectivity tuning to object category and task in fMRI response patterns in both human ventral and dorsal areas, suggesting that neurons exhibiting nonlinear mixed selectivity for category and task not only exist in these regions, but also cluster at a scale visible to fMRI. Importantly, while such coding in ventral areas corresponds to a rotation or shift in the object representational geometry without changing the representational content (i.e., with the relative similarity among the categories preserved), nonlinear mixed selectivity coding in dorsal areas corresponds to a reshaping of representational geometry, indicative of a change in representational content.
Rhythm-based Temporal Expectations: Unique Contributions of Predictability and Periodicity
Authors: Solli Sandra , Danielsen Anne , Leske Sabine , Blenkmann Alejandro O. , Doelling Keith B. , Solbakk Anne-Kristin , Endestad Tor
Published: October 2024

Anticipating events and focusing attention accordingly are crucial for navigating our dynamic environment. Rhythmic patterns of sensory input offer valuable cues for temporal expectations and facilitate perceptual processing. Rhythm-based temporal expectations may rely on oscillatory entrainment, where neural activity and perceptual sensitivity synchronize with periodic stimuli. However, whether entrainment models can account for aperiodic predictable rhythms remains unclear. Our study aimed to delineate the distinct roles of predictability and periodicity in rhythm-based expectations. Participants performed a pitch-identification task preceded by periodic predictable, aperiodic predictable, or aperiodic unpredictable temporal sequences. By manipulating the temporal position of the target sound, we observed how auditory perceptual performance was modulated by the target position's relative phase relationship to the preceding sequences. Results revealed a significant performance advantage for predictable sequences, both periodic and aperiodic, compared with unpredictable ones. However, only the periodic sequence induced an entrained modulation pattern, with performance peaking in synchrony with the inherent sequence continuation. Event-related brain potentials corroborated these findings. The target-evoked P3b, possibly a neural marker of attention allocation, mirrored the behavioral performance patterns. This supports our hypothesis that temporal attention guided by rhythm-based expectations modulates perceptual performance. Furthermore, the predictive sequences were associated with enhanced target-preceding negativity (akin to the contingent negative variation), indicating enhanced target preparation. The periodic-specific modulation likely reflects more precise temporal expectations, potentially involving neural entrainment and/or more focused attention. Our findings suggest that predictability and periodicity influence perception through distinct mechanisms.
Luticola centraloporea sp. nov.—a new diatom (Bacillariophyceae: Diadesmidaceae) species from Europe and North America
Authors: RYBAK MATEUSZ , GETLER KAROL , KOCIOLEK JOHN PATRICK
Published: October 2024

Among the diatoms of the genus Luticola D.G.Mann, many have elliptical and linear-elliptic valves. Most of these species have been incorrectly identified in the past as the brackish water taxon Luticola mutica. In the present work, we describe a new terrestrial species—Luticola centraloporea sp. nov. The species has a similar outline to Luticola mutica but is distinguished from all other similar taxa in the genus due to the unique position of the isolated pore, which is located practically in the middle of the valves. The new taxon was observed with two populations, one from North America, and a second one from Europe, suggesting that it may actually have a wide distribution in the Northern Hemisphere. The new species is compared with morphologically similar species of the genus.
Rediscovery of Portulaca trianthemoides (Portulacaceae) in southern Africa after 89 years
Authors: WOODENBERG WYNSTON R. , GOVENDER YANADAYALAN , RAMDHANI SYD
Published: October 2024

Portulaca trianthemoides was described in 1931 and known previously only from the type locality in Soutpansberg, Limpopo, South Africa. It has not been collected since 1934; however, a recent rediscovery of the species led us to investigate the name (typification) and propose an emended description. Some aspects of the ecology of the species are also discussed, and first images of live plants are provided. Despite its restricted distribution area, an estimation of the population size is more than c. 15,000 individuals, suggesting that the species is not of conservation concern.
Salvia tainingensis, a neglected new species of Lamiaceae from Fujian Province, China
Authors: XIE DAN , ZHANG MENG-HUA , DONG SHU-PENG , GAO YUAN-LONG , ZHANG DAI-GUI , NING ZU-LIN
Published: October 2024

A species could not be known to the world of science if it not be discovered and described, considerable number of new species are neglected due to the plant itself and some other external restricted factors. On the basis of morphological and molecular evidences, a new species previously identified as Salvia scapiformis is now described and illustrated as Salvia tainingensis, named after Taining County in Fujian Province, where it was discovered. S. tainingensis does not closely resemble S. scapiformis, but is more similar to Salvia glabrifolia and Salvia daiguii, which were once identified as S. scapiformis, in terms of leaf shape, apex, base, corolla color, and connective length. However, it can be easily distinguished from the latter two by its thinly leathery leaves, serrate leaf margins, densely villous or glabrescent leaf abaxial, and the X-shaped arrangement of connective and filament.
A New Paradigm for Automated Ground Clutter Removal: Global Regression Filtering
Authors: Hubbert J.C. , Meymaris G. , Romatschke U. , Ellis S. , Dixon M.
Published: October 2024

Ground clutter filtering is an important and necessary step for quality control of ground-based weather radars and this is widely done in the spectral domain via use of the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). To accomplish spectral clutter filtering, the I (in-phase) and Q (quadrature) time series are multiplied by a window function, such as the Blackman window, which suppresses clutter leakage. Subsequently, the clutter is filtered from the Doppler spectrum by setting spectral coefficients to zero where there is clutter signal. Recently, it has been shown with simulations that a regression clutter filter is a viable alternative. To demonstrate the regression filter, it is applied to radar data from both National Science Foundation-National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF-NCAR) S-band polarimetric radar (S-Pol), and NEXRAD (Next Generation Weather Radar). A regression filter can be applied directly to the non-windowed time series data, thus avoiding the signal attenuation from a window function, which is required for spectral domain clutter filters such as GMAP (Gaussian Model Adaptive Processing). It is shown that the regression filter rejects clutter as effectively as the spectral technique, or better, but has the distinct advantage that standard error of estimates of the radar variables are in general improved by about 25% to 50% over a comparable spectral domain filter. The regression filter is straightforward and can be executed in real time.
Sensorimotor Synchronization Abilities for Polyrhythmic Tasks in Artistic Swimming: A Comparison Between Elite, Novice, and Non-Artistic Swimmers
Authors: Trongjitpituk Ravisara , Homma Miwako
Published: October 2024

We investigated sensorimotor synchronization abilities across swimmers of different artistic expertise levels. Elite, novice, and non-artistic female swimmer participants completed finger and foot tapping tasks involving single and polyrhythmic patterns that were intended to simulate the rhythmic coordination required in artistic swimming. Although no significant group differences were found in basic sensorimotor synchronization skills, elite athletes exhibited superior performance on polyrhythmic tasks. This observed superior performance could be partly attributable to a pre-existing predisposition for such motor skills and/or the effects of rigorous training. These findings highlight the critical impact of sport-specific demands on temporal control skills and suggest important implications for training methodologies in artistic swimmers.
Millets, Shifting Cultivation and the Adivasis: Looking Through Culture, Policy and Politics
Authors: Mummidi Thanuja
Published: October 2024

The year 2023 is celebrated as the International Year of Millets, declared by the United Nation’s General Assembly in March 2021 on the proposal submitted by the Government of India. Millet cultivation and consumption are being championed as the panacea for climate change and a solution for global hunger and nutrition. India’s lead in this connection is to make herself the global hub for millets. The Food and Agricultural Organisation of the UN recognise and promote millets as a pathway for sustainable development, enhancement of biodiversity and transformer of agrifood systems, besides empowering smallholder farmers and providing new sustainable market opportunities for the producers and consumers. However, the indigenous people of the globe or the Adivasis in India, who have predominantly cultivated and consumed millets primarily through the technology of shifting cultivation, find little mention or no mention in the context. The contemporary environment is ripe to revisit the intricacies of the closely knitted culture of the Adivasi and their shifting cultivation. The overarching challenges of climate change and sustainable development seem to compel the bringing back of the discarded ‘baby with the bath water’. The article will focus on the Konda Reddis (Andhra Pradesh state) and podu, their traditional way of cultivation (shifting cultivation). Podu is not an isolated cultivation technology, it is, for the Konda Reddis, the prism of their culture. Will the politics of policy resurrect the Adivasi and shifting cultivation?
A data-driven framework for occupancy optimisation strategies towards energy demand reduction in non-domestic buildings
Authors: Soong Evelyn (Yun Min) , Gori Virginia , Oraiopoulos Argyris
Published: October 2024

Proactive strategies for data-driven operational schedules based on monitored occupancy patters can enable energy demand reduction and optimal resource utilisation. A replicable framework that enables strategic closure of specific thermal zones is introduced and design and operational considerations are discussed. The potential of the framework is illustrated through a case study building, where up to 6% annual energy savings were estimated, highlighting the effectiveness of zone closures. Further findings indicated that total energy savings from the simultaneous closure of multiple zones were marginally larger compared to savings from closing off zones individually, depending on zone capacity and use. Therefore, balanced considerations should take place prior to selecting which zones to close off, also taking into account user acceptability, capacity of systems and controls as well as the internal layout of the building. The research enhances the understanding of the relationship between occupancy and energy demand, while offering recommendations for more energy efficient and sustainable building design and operations that require minimal capital cost.

Practical Application: This paper provides design and operational considerations based on a robust and replicable framework for energy savings by optimising operational building schedules based on monitored occupancy patterns. This allows a proactive implementation of data-driven strategies that maximise resource utilisation, such as closure of specific zones during periods of low occupancy, without requiring any physical intervention. The findings on a case study building demonstrate that annual energy savings can be achieved, underscoring the potential for substantial cost reductions and improved energy efficiency. Applications can also extend to optimising energy demand for energy flexibility.
An Exploration of the Knowledge and Current Practices of Frontline Workers Regarding Elder Abuse
Authors: Marrs Sarah A. , Yelvington Miranda , Rhodes Annie , O’Hara Courtney , MacDonald Catherine , Gendron Tracey
Published: October 2024

Annually, approximately 16% of adults aged 60 and older are victims of abuse in community settings. A critical first step toward effectively intervening and reducing the prevalence of elder abuse is to better understand the current state of knowledge, beliefs, and practices. This qualitative descriptive study explored the perceptions of US frontline community workers regarding elder abuse through focus groups and interviews conducted in the spring and summer of 2021. Participants represented various aging and victim services ( n = 9), healthcare ( n = 7), and law enforcement ( n = 8). Thematic data analysis led to the emergence of three major themes in our data: societal influence, individual circumstances, and nature of abuse. Our findings point out several directions in which researchers and policymakers can begin moving the field forward. These include the need to focus on prevention strategies as well as the need to reduce ageist beliefs and attitudes.
Distributed annular diffuse vibration isolator: Isolating shaft vibration of guide roller in printing machine
Authors: Lei Xiaofei , Wu Hengliang , Jiang Song , Xu Zhuofei , Chen Yijun , Liu Chong
Published: October 2024

The operating stability of guide roller in the printing machine is an important factor to affect the paper tape transmission, and the severe vibration of guide roller can becomes erratic the printing quality. In this paper, a novel distributed annular diffuse vibration isolator is proposed to suppress the shaft vibration of the guide roller and improve the printing performance. For discussing isolation performance, dynamic stiffness method is used for establishing the theoretical model of the proposed isolator, and calculate the vibration transmission ratio and normalized modal displacement. The results indicate that three vibration isolation frequency bands, which are 86–140, 182–224, and 236–2000 Hz, can effectively block vibration energy transmission; the normalized modal displacement decreases less between 0 and 50 Hz, decreases significantly between 50 and 1000 Hz. Finally, the experimental platform on vibration isolator of guide roller is set up to verify the vib-isolating performance. These experiment results confirm the vibration transmission ratios obtained from the experiments consistently align with the trends predicted by the theoretical model, and show that vibration acceleration RMS reaches the maximum when the driving frequency is 50 Hz, the maximal RMS before isolator is 122.7 dB; When the driving frequency is 20 Hz, the RMS reaches the minimum, and the minimum is 94 dB. Thus it indicted that the proposed vibration-isolator has excellent vibration isolation performance, can isolate the vibration of the guide roller effectively in a wide frequency range.
Bayesian blockwise inference for joint models of longitudinal and multistate data with application to longitudinal multimorbidity analysis
Authors: Chen Sida , Alvares Danilo , Jackson Christopher , Marshall Tom , Nirantharakumar Krish , Richardson Sylvia , Saunders Catherine L , Barrett Jessica K
Published: October 2024

Multistate models provide a useful framework for modelling complex event history data in clinical settings and have recently been extended to the joint modelling framework to appropriately handle endogenous longitudinal covariates, such as repeatedly measured biomarkers, which are informative about health status and disease progression. However, the practical application of such joint models faces considerable computational challenges. Motivated by a longitudinal multimorbidity analysis of large-scale UK health records, we introduce novel Bayesian inference approaches for these models that are capable of handling complex multistate processes and large datasets with straightforward implementation. These approaches decompose the original estimation task into smaller inference blocks, leveraging parallel computing and facilitating flexible model specification and comparison. Using extensive simulation studies, we show that the proposed approaches achieve satisfactory estimation accuracy, with notable gains in computational efficiency compared to the standard Bayesian estimation strategy. We illustrate our approaches by analysing the coevolution of routinely measured systolic blood pressure and the progression of three important chronic conditions, using a large dataset from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum database. Our analysis reveals distinct and previously lesser-known association structures between systolic blood pressure and different disease transitions.
Ritual Meals of Chaṭha: Exploring Gastronomical Activities in a Religious and Festive Setting
Authors: Yadav Akanksha , Srivastava Akash Kumar , Chandra Vinita
Published: October 2024

Festivals and rituals have been pivotal for transmitting and preserving cultural values, with food assuming a central role in these communal observances. This study delves into the intricate interplay between culinary practices, cultural identity, and religious expression by examining the Hindu festival of Chat.ha. The investigation centers on the multifaceted nature of Chat.ha. By closely examining the processes of procurement, preparation, offering, and consumption of ritualistic foods during the festival, this research looks into how these gastronomic traditions contribute to fostering a sense of unity, highlighting cultural heritage, and intertwining between religious beliefs and societal norms. Exploring the culinary landscape of Chat.ha unveils the profound religious and sociocultural dimensions inherent in food-related practices, emphasizing how the daily act of sustenance transforms into a bridge for religious connection and collective bonding. Based on our fieldwork in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Patna (Bihar), and Sahibganj (Jharkhand), we document several aspects of the festival food of Chat.ha and how they offer a window into the many culinary customs of societies, emphasizing the connections between food and cultural identity, interpersonal interactions, and religious beliefs.
A Systematic Review Toward a Comprehensive Framework for Measuring Non-chronological Age
Authors: Deshpande Nidhi , Jain Poorva , Huang Gaojian
Published: October 2024

As populations age globally, there is a need to refine the understanding of aging beyond simply chronological age. Therefore, this study used the PRISMA framework to synthesize literature on alternative aging metrics beyond chronological age. We analyzed articles from 6 databases (SCOPUS, PsychINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, Engineering Village, and PubMed) and selected 18 articles that explored factors that lead to older adults’ individual differences. Findings indicated the necessity of a consistent terminology that better describes one’s cognitive and physical functioning, such as “non-chronological age.” Also, the review found that daily cognitive, physical, and social activities may result in different non-chronological ages. A comprehensive tool to measure non-chronological age and thereby provide a more accurate representation of aging that incorporates these critical factors is needed. The findings may contribute to the development of theories in non-chronological age.
A little less structuration, a little more action: Examining entrepreneurial agency in two marginal ecosystems
Authors: Giazitzoglu Andreas , Volery Thierry , Musu Antoine
Published: October 2024

Entrepreneurs form and grow businesses in relation to the localised context around them (structure) and also through their own choices and actions (agency). In this way, structure and agency intersect in the lived experiences of entrepreneurs. The purpose of this work is to explore entrepreneurial agency in two ecosystems that, as structures, constrain entrepreneurship within them: Newcastle Upon Tyne (UK) and Perth (Australia). We add to extant analysis that empirically looks at the active agency entrepreneurs participate in, as they attempt to overcome the structural level constraints they encounter. Methodologically, we draw on phenomenological data, arriving at a highly detailed insight, drawing attention to the strong local entrepreneurial communities and distinctive cognitive mindsets that entrepreneurs in the ecosystems we study have agentically developed and cultivated. We suggest how future analysis of entrepreneurial agency may unfold and consider the implications of our insight from a policy implementation perspective.
Bioanalytical method development and validation of docetaxel and carvacrol in mice plasma using LC-QqQ-MS/MS
Authors: Gogikar Shiva Kumar , Sen Sibu , Daravath Sandeep , Aalhate Mayur , Mahajan Srushti , Ateeq Mohd Aman Mohd , Singh Pankaj Kumar , Dikundwar Amol G.
Published: October 2024

Present work describes the development of a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry-based bioanalytical method for the reliable simultaneous quantification of docetaxel (DXL) and carvacrol (CVL) in the mice plasma. A rapid and sensitive bioanalytical method was developed and optimized in mice plasma using Paclitaxel as an internal standard. Validation of the bioanalytical method was performed according to the ICH M10 guideline covering the range of 9.62–1923.08 ng/mL in the mice plasma milleu at the low, mid, and high-quality control concentrations of 28.86 ng/mL, 961.54 ng/mL, and 1346.15 ng/mL, respectively for both the analytes. Validation parameters such as accuracy, precision, carryover-test, matrix effect, and reinjection reproducibility were carried out and were found in limits. Stability studies (Benchtop, autosampler, freeze-thaw, and long-term) were performed and found to be within limits. The developed bioanalytical method was found to be suitable for the simultaneous quantification of DXL and CVL in the mice plasma.
A novel method to predict white blood cells after kidney transplantation based on machine learning
Authors: He Songping , Li Xiangxi , Zhao Zunyuan , Li Bin , Tan Xin , Guo Hui , Chen Yanyan , Lu Xia
Published: October 2024

Background

Abnormal white blood cell count after kidney transplantation is an important adverse clinical outcome. The abnormal white blood cell count in patients after surgery may be caused by the use of immunosuppressive agents and other factors. A lower white blood cell count than normal will greatly increase the probability of adverse outcomes such as infection and reduce the success rate of surgery.

Objective

To establish a machine learning prediction model of leukocyte drop to abnormal level after kidney transplantation, and provide reference for clinical treatment.

Methods

A total of 546 kidney transplant patients were selected as the study subjects. The time correlation feature of the ratio of the duration time of each variable to the total time in different intervals was innovatively introduced. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm was used for correlation analysis of 85 candidate variables, and the top 20 variables were retained in the end. Eight machine learning algorithms, including Logistic-L1, Logistic-L2, support vector machine, decision tree, random forest, multilayer perceptron, extreme gradient boosting and light gradient boosting machine, were used for the five-fold cross-validation on all data sets, and the algorithm with the best performance was selected as the final prediction algorithm based on the average area under the curve.

Results

As the final prediction model, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve values of the multilayer perceptron model in test set were 71.34%, 61.18%, 82.28% and 77.30%, respectively. The most important factors affecting leukopenia after surgery were the proportion of time of lymphocyte less than normal, blood group AB, gender, and platelet CV.

Conclusions

The multilayer perceptron model explored in this study shows significant potential in predicting abnormal white blood cell counts after kidney transplantation. This model can help stratify risk following transplantation, subject to external and/or prospective validation.
Upregulation of PRRX2 by silencing Marveld3 as a protective mechanism against radiation-induced ferroptosis in skin cells
Authors: Cao Jinming , Wu Mengyao , Mo Wei , Zhao Min , Gu Liming , Wang Xi , Zhang Bin , Cao Jianping
Published: October 2024

Background

Radiation-induced skin injury (RISI) represents a significant complication in patients receiving radiotherapy and individuals exposed to nuclear accidents, characterized by a protracted wound-healing process relative to injuries from other etiologies. Current preventive and management approaches remain inadequate. Consequently, investigating efficacious intervention strategies that target the disease’s progression characteristics holds significant practical importance.

Methods

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) and overexpression plasmid were used to modulate the expression of Marvel domain containing 3 (Marveld3) and paired related homeobox 2 (PRRX2). Protein and mRNA levels were estimated by Western Blot and real-time PCR, respectively. Intracellular levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), a terminal product of lipid peroxidation, were measured following the manufacturer’s protocol for MDA assay kit. Similarly, intracellular levels of ferrous iron (Fe2+) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined using their respective assay kits. Lipid peroxidation status within the cells was evaluated via BODIPY staining. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to ascertain the expression of PRRX2 in skin tissues collected at various time points following irradiation of rats. The H-score method was used to evaluate the percentage of positively stained cells and staining intensity. RNA sequencing, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were conducted by OE Biotech Company.

Results

In this study, our findings indicated that Marveld3 suppression could effectively inhibit lipid peroxidation levels in irradiated skin cells, concomitantly reducing intracellular Fe2+ content. Additionally, the silencing of Marveld3 effectively abrogated the impact of a ferroptosis agonist on cellular viability, resulting in the upregulation of 66 and 178 genes, as well as the downregulation of 188 and 31 genes in irradiated HaCaT and WS1 cells, respectively. Among the differentially expressed genes, the PRRX2 which was found to be involved in the process of ferroptosis, exhibited statistically significant upregulation. And the upregulation of PRRX2 expression may attenuate radiation-induced lipid peroxidation in skin cells, thereby functioning as a potential stress-responsive mechanism to counteract radiation effects.

Conclusions

This study elucidates the role of Marveld3 in radiation-induced ferroptosis in skin cells. Inhibition of Marveld3 led to the upregulation of PRRX2, which subsequently resulted in a reduction of Fe2+ and ROS levels, as well as the suppression of lipid peroxidation. These effects collectively mitigated the occurrence of ferroptosis.
Digitalization of railway transportation through AI-powered services: digital twin trains
Authors: Sarp Salih , Kuzlu Murat , Jovanovic Vukica , Polat Zekeriya , Guler Ozgur
Published: October 2024

Digitalization is a key concept that transformed the various industries through technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Twin (DT). Although innovations provided by the advancement of digitalization have paved the way for more efficient operations and products for transportation, the rail transportation sector struggles to keep up with the rest of the transportation industry, since trains are designed to last for decades, and the insufficient infrastructure investment leads to multiple railroad derailments across the globe. Therefore, the primary aim is to transform current railway systems into human-centric, adaptable, sustainable and future-proof networks, aligning with Industry 5.0 (I5.0) and Circular Economy (CE) model supported by the restorative and long-lasting design of the trains. This transformation necessitates leveraging digitalization and emerging technologies to address the needs of passengers, operators, and maintenance personnel. This article provides a comprehensive review focusing on the application of IoT, AI, CE principles, and digital twin trains to existing railway infrastructure and assets. The analysis delves into developing system architecture for proposed solutions and their impact on operation, maintenance, sustainability, and passenger comfort, supported by track record analysis. The integration of these technologies and concepts, particularly AI-powered services, is anticipated to yield immediate advancements in the digitalization of railway transportation, enhancing efficiency and safety measures.
Critical resistance to carbapenem and aminoglycosides in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: spread of blaNDM/16S methylase armA harboring isolates with intrinsic resistance mechanisms in Kerman, Iran
Authors: Soltani Behnaz , Ahmadrajabi Roya , Kalantar-Neyestanaki Davood
Published: October 2024

Background

Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) is one of the main Gram-negative bacterium causes of infections in hospital settings, and the spread of them is a significant challenge to public health.

Methods

A total of 30 non-duplicate isolates of CRPA were collected. Antibacterial susceptibility of isolates to antibiotic agents, AmpC β-lactamase production, and biofilm formation were determined. Minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations (MBIC) of isolates to cefepime (FEP), imipenem (IPM), ceftazidime (CAZ), and meropenem (MEM) were evaluated with/without cloxacillin (CLX). The carbapenemase and 16 S rRNA methylase genes were identified by PCR, and the transcription levels of oprD, ampC, and mexA genes were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). ERIC-PCR was used to detect genetic relationships among isolates.

Results

All isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR) and strong biofilm producers. The resistance genes including blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaSIM, blaGES, and armA were detected in 21 (70%), 6 (20%), 3 (10%), 2 (6.6%), 1 (3.3%), and 17 (56.6%) of the isolates, respectively. CLX at 500 and 1000 µg/mL significantly reduced the level of MIC to MEM, IPM, CAZ, and FEP, also at 2000 µg/mL significantly reduced the level of MBIC to MEM, IPM, CAZ, and FEP. In all isolates, the transcription levels of oprD were significantly downregulated as well as significantly increased for ampC and mexA. ERIC-PCR typing results divided 30 isolates into four clusters A to D.

Conclusion

In this study, we reported the spread of different clones of CRPA harboring co-existence of various carbapenemase genes with armA 16 S rRNA methylase for the first time in Kerman, Iran. Also, our isolates had several mechanisms of resistance to carbapenems as well as ability biofilm formation along with resistance to aminoglycosides, the further spread of which could cause serious challenges in our hospital settings. Therefore, serious monitoring is necessary to reduce their prevalence.
Adolescents’ physical activity during and beyond the Covid-19 pandemic: a qualitative study exploring the experiences of young people living in the context of socioeconomic deprivation
Authors: Alliott Olivia , Fairbrother Hannah , van Sluijs Esther
Published: October 2024

Background

Adolescent physical activity levels are low and are shown to decline with age into adulthood. Emerging literature suggests these trends were exacerbated during the Covid-19 pandemic. We aimed to understand, from the perspective of adolescents living in deprived communities, whether the Covid-19 pandemic influenced their physical behaviour and explore their ideas for physical activity promotion moving forward.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to recruit older adolescents (13-18-year-old) living in one of the 20% most deprived areas in the UK, as defined by the UK Index of Multiple Deprivation. A mix of in-person and online one-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted between July 2021- March 2022. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and anonymised. Data were imported into Nvivo software and analysed drawing on Braun and Clarke’s six phases of thematic analysis.

Results

The sample consisted of 16 adolescents and included a mix of genders. The following themes were generated during the data analysis: (1) Physical activity behaviour in everyday life (prepandemic), (2) The impact of Covid-19 on physical activity (during) and (3) Young people’s ideas about physical activity promotion (moving forward). Participants described themselves as inactive, with their activity limited to active travel, informal activity and physical education. Experiences of the pandemic were largely negative, impacting participants’ physical and mental health. Ideas around physical activity promotion ranged from the individual to the societal level.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest the Covid-19 pandemic had a major impact on young people living in the context of socioeconomic deprivation. Physical activity promotion efforts should focus on school-based opportunities and the provision of safe and low-cost opportunities in socioeconomically deprived areas. As we aim to build back from the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting young people living in socioeconomically deprived communities should be prioritised.
Effect of ionizing radiation on the shear bond strength of two different adhesive systems in primary teeth. in-vitro study
Authors: Shahin Nourhan Mahmoud , Nagi Basma Mahmoud , Amin Amin El Sayed , Badran Amira Saad
Published: October 2024

Background

Radiotherapy is a treatment modality used for head and neck cancer patients. It has a negative influence on bonding strength of adhesives. Little information is available about the effect of radiotherapy on bonding strength of adhesives in primary teeth. Therefore, this in vitro study aimed to detect the best adhesive system and ideal time to apply restorations in primary irradiated teeth regarding adhesive shear bond strength.

Methods

Dentin samples from primary teeth were randomly assigned to four groups based on restoration application time and radiation exposure, (G1: control, G2: preradiation, G3: 24 h postradiation, and G4: 6 months postradiation) with 20 samples per group. These groups were further divided into 2 subgroups according to the adhesive system used, with 10 samples per subgroup. (1) 3M™ Single Bond Universal Adhesive (SB), (2) 3M AdperSingle Bond 2 (AS). Samples were exposed to gamma radiation from a cobalt-60 machine. One shot of 60 Gy of radiation was delivered. Then samples were subjected to a shear bond strength test. The load was applied until failure and the maximum load was recorded. Numerical data are presented as mean and standard deviation values, then distributed according to Shapiro–Wilk test or Levene's test and analyzed via two-way ANOVA. The significance level was set at p < 0.05 for all tests. Statistical analysis was performed with R statistical analysis software version 4.4.1 for Windows (Team RC, R: A language and environment for statistical computing. R foundation for statistical computing, 2023).

Results

Compared with the AS subgroup, the SB subgroup presented significantly greater values (p < 0.001). For SB, there was no significant difference among the G1 and G4 groups (p > 0.001). However, there was a significant difference between G1, G2, and G3 (p < 0.001, P = 0.025, P = 0.265 ns respectively), and G3 presented the lowest values. For AS, there was no significant difference between groups G1 and G4 (p =  < 0.001). Compared with the other groups, G3 presented a significant difference (p = 0.265 ns) and the lowest results.

Conclusion

Restorations performed 24 h after radiation had lower bond strength than those performed six months after radiation. Regardless of the adhesive system used, SB performed better than AS in terms of the shear bond strength.
Clinical utility index for root canal sealers
Authors: Chandak Manoj , Patel Aditya , Patel Satyawansingh , Agrawal Paridhi , Chandak Rakhi , Ikhar Anuja
Published: October 2024

Background

Effective endodontic treatment requires the use of a root canal sealer with optimal properties to ensure a hermetic seal, prevent reinfection, and promote healing. Despite the availability of various sealers, a standardized evaluation system still needs to be improved.

Objectives

To develop a Clinical Utility Index (CUI) that systematically evaluates and ranks root canal sealers based on their sealing ability, antimicrobial efficacy, flow rate, and solubility.

Methods

The CUI was developed through a structured process involving expert identification, panel discussions, and the establishment of scoring criteria. Five sealers were evaluated (Sealers A, B, C, D, and E). Mean values for the core properties were calculated, and sealers were ranked accordingly. The total CUI for each sealer was computed based on the assigned scores for each property.

Results

Sealer B achieved the highest CUI at 95%, demonstrating superior performance across all core properties. Sealer C followed with a CUI of 80%, while Sealer A ranked third with 60%. Sealers D and E showed the lowest performance, with CUIs of 30% and 35%, respectively, highlighting deficiencies in multiple properties.

Discussion

The CUI provides a comprehensive evaluation framework for root canal sealers, facilitating informed decision-making by practitioners. Sealer B's high CUI underscores the importance of balancing sealing ability, antimicrobial effect, flow rate, and solubility. The results align with existing literature emphasizing the critical role of these properties in endodontic success.

Conclusion

The CUI offers a robust and balanced method for evaluating root canal sealers, aiding in selecting the most suitable sealer based on empirical data. Future research should refine the index and validate its applicability in diverse clinical scenarios to enhance endodontic treatment outcomes.