bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TECRR: a benchmark dataset of radiological reports for BI-RADS classification with machine learning, deep learning, and large language model baselines
Authors: Hussain Sadam , Naseem Usman , Ali Mansoor , Avendaño Avalos Daly Betzabeth , Cardona-Huerta Servando , Bosques Palomo Beatriz Alejandra , Tamez-Peña Jose Gerardo
Published: October 2024

Background

Recently, machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and natural language processing (NLP) have provided promising results in the free-form radiological reports’ classification in the respective medical domain. In order to classify radiological reports properly, a high-quality annotated and curated dataset is required. Currently, no publicly available breast imaging-based radiological dataset exists for the classification of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories and breast density scores, as characterized by the American College of Radiology (ACR). To tackle this problem, we construct and annotate a breast imaging-based radiological reports dataset and its benchmark results.

The dataset was originally in Spanish. Board-certified radiologists collected and annotated it according to the BI-RADS lexicon and categories at the Breast Radiology department, TecSalud Hospitals Monterrey, Mexico. Initially, it was translated into English language using Google Translate. Afterwards, it was preprocessed by removing duplicates and missing values. After preprocessing, the final dataset consists of 5046 unique reports from 5046 patients with an average age of 53 years and 100% women. Furthermore, we used word-level NLP-based embedding techniques, term frequency-inverse document frequency (TF-IDF) and word2vec to extract semantic and syntactic information. We also compared the performance of ML, DL and large language models (LLMs) classifiers for BI-RADS category classification.

Results

The final breast imaging-based radiological reports dataset contains 5046 unique reports. We compared K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Naive Bayes (NB), Random Forest (RF), Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), Gradient-Boosting (GB), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) and Biomedical Generative Pre-trained Transformer (BioGPT) classifiers. It is observed that the BioGPT classifier with preprocessed data performed 6% better with a mean sensitivity of 0.60 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.391-0.812) compared to the second best performing classifier BERT, which achieved mean sensitivity of 0.54 (95% CI, 0.477-0.607).

Conclusion

In this work, we propose a curated and annotated benchmark dataset that can be used for BI-RADS and breast density category classification. We also provide baseline results of most ML, DL and LLMs models for BI-RADS classification that can be used as a starting point for future investigation. The main objective of this investigation is to provide a repository for the investigators who wish to enter the field to push the boundaries further.
Obesity cardiomyopathy could contribute to sudden cardiac death: a Japanese epidemiological morphological study
Authors: Kaimori Ryo , Nishida Haruto , Tamura Mari , Kuroki Kohji , Murata Kumi , Kawamura Kazuhiro , Mori Shinjiro , Daa Tsutomu
Published: October 2024

Background

We aimed to clarify the existence and pathological features of obesity cardiomyopathy (OCM) in Japan using our series of autopsy cases.

Methods

In this retrospective autopsy study, OCM was defined as cardiac hypertrophy (≥ 400 g in men, ≥ 320 g in women) of unknown aetiology in individuals with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 kg/m2 according to the Japanese definition of obesity). We compared cases of OCM with those with obesity without cardiac hypertrophy (OB) and normal weight without cardiac hypertrophy (normal control). Macroscopically, heart weight and cardiac parameters, including epicardial adipose tissue, were measured. Fibrosis, cardiomyocyte diameter, and adipose tissue infiltration were analysed microscopically.

Results

Of the 294 cases, we identified 19 cases of OCM (6.5%) and compared them with the OB and normal control groups. Patients with OCM were slightly younger than non-OCM patients (p = 0.081). The median heart weight was significantly heavier in OCM cases than in OB cases (435 g, interquartile range [IQR] 408–515 g vs. 360 g, IQR 341–385 g). Macroscopically, OCM hearts had a “globoid” appearance with a thickened right ventricular outflow tract. Some OCM cases showed focal interstitial fibrosis in the left ventricle. Approximately half the OCM cases were diagnosed with sudden cardiac death (SCD), with significant differences.

Conclusions

The prevalence of OCM may be higher than expected in Japan, and this may be a specific pathological finding. Given that approximately half the cases of OCM were due to SCD, OCM may cause SCD, emphasizing the need to recognise and diagnose OCM.
National school food standards in England: a cross-sectional study to explore compliance in secondary schools and impact on pupil nutritional intake
Authors: Pallan Miranda , Murphy Marie , Morrison Breanna , Sitch Alice , Adamson Ashley , Bartington Suzanne , Dobell Alexandra , Duff Rhona , Frew Emma , Griffin Tania , Hurley Kiya , Lancashire Emma , McLeman Louise , Passmore Sandra , Pokhilenko Irina , Rowland Maisie , Ravaghi Vahid , Spence Suzanne , Adab Peymane
Published: October 2024

Background

Many countries have introduced school food standards to improve the dietary intakes of school-aged children. England has school food standards (SFS) legislation in place but little is known about how well secondary schools comply with this. We aimed to assess compliance with the SFS legislation in English secondary schools and explore the impact of the SFS on pupils’ nutritional intake.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study with English secondary schools from 2019 to 2022. We compared SFS compliance and pupil nutritional intake in schools mandated or not mandated to comply with the SFS legislation, and explored the association between school compliance and pupil nutritional intake. We assessed the percentage of SFS (%SFS) complied with by reviewing school food menus and observing food served in school canteens. We assessed pupil nutritional intake using a 24-hour dietary recall measure (Intake24) and estimated intakes of free sugar (primary outcome) and other nutrients/foods. We used adjusted multilevel models to compare pupil intakes in the SFS-mandated and SFS-non-mandated schools, and to explore the association between school SFS compliance and pupil intakes.

Results

36 schools (23 not mandated and 13 mandated to comply with the SFS) and 2,273 pupils participated. The median %SFS complied with was 63.9% (interquartile range 60.0–70.0%). This was similar for SFS-non-mandated (64.5%) and SFS-mandated schools (63.3%). Compliance was highest for standards applying to lunchtime (median = 81.3%) and lowest for those applying across the whole school day (median = 41.7%). It was also lower for standards restricting high fat, sugar and energy-dense items (median = 26.1%) than for standards aiming to increase dietary variety (median = 92.3%). Pupils from SFS-mandated schools had a lower mean lunchtime intake of free sugar (g) (adjusted mean difference: -2.78g; 95% CI: -4.66g to -0.90g). There were few significant associations between %SFS complied with and pupil nutritional intake.

Conclusions

English secondary schools do not fully comply with SFS legislation regardless of whether they are mandated to comply. Schools and caterers may require monitoring and support to fully comply. There is little evidence that SFS compliance is associated with better pupil nutritional intake. Food environments outside of school also need to be considered.

Study registration

ISRCTN68757496 (17-10-2019).
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of depression: a bibliometrics and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Nie Xi , Zhang Feng , Wei Yuhan , Zeng Weiting , Zhang Yuchuan , Lin Haixiong
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study aims to reveal the current knowledge map, research hotspots of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies on depression, as well as identify the brain regions associated with depression.

Methods

CiteSpace was conducted to analyze the publication outputs, country, institution, cited journals, author and cited author, references, keyword cocurrence and burst keywords of fMRI studies in depression from 2010 to 2024. And a meta-analysis of fMRI was used to identify brain regions associated with depression using Neurosynth.

Results

A total of 4,049 publications were included, and Gong Qiyong was the most prolific authors. Neuroimage, Biological Psychiatry, and Human Brain Mapping were prominent journals. Default mode network (DMN), prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and anterior cingulate cortex were the popular keywords. The fMRI studies on depression have mainly focused on major depression, especially the DMN. Functional connectivity and regional homogeneity of brain regions were research hotspots. The meta-analysis revealed significant differences in brain regions between patients with depression and healthy controls, including the Amygdala_L, Insula_R, Frontal_Inf_Oper_R, Cingulum_Post_L, Putamen_L, Thalamus_R, Angular_L, Precuneus_R, Frontal_Sup_R, Occipital_Inf_L.

Conclusions

This study sheds light on key issues and future directions in fMRI research on depression, elucidating the brain regions related to depression.

Graphical Abstract
Gut-first Parkinson’s disease is encoded by gut dysbiome
Authors: Munoz-Pinto Mário F. , Candeias Emanuel , Melo-Marques Inês , Esteves A. Raquel , Maranha Ana , Magalhães João D. , Carneiro Diogo Reis , Sant’Anna Mariana , Pereira-Santos A. Raquel , Abreu António E , Nunes-Costa Daniela , Alarico Susana , Tiago Igor , Morgadinho Ana , Lemos João , Figueiredo Pedro N. , Januário Cristina , Empadinhas Nuno , Cardoso Sandra Morais
Published: October 2024

Background

In Parkinson's patients, intestinal dysbiosis can occur years before clinical diagnosis, implicating the gut and its microbiota in the disease. Recent evidence suggests the gut microbiota may trigger body-first Parkinson Disease (PD), yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate how a dysbiotic microbiome through intestinal immune alterations triggers PD-related neurodegeneration.

Methods

To determine the impact of gut dysbiosis on the development and progression of PD pathology, wild-type male C57BL/6 mice were transplanted with fecal material from PD patients and age-matched healthy donors to challenge the gut-immune-brain axis.

Results

This study demonstrates that patient-derived intestinal microbiota caused midbrain tyrosine hydroxylase positive (TH +) cell loss and motor dysfunction. Ileum-associated microbiota remodeling correlates with a decrease in Th17 homeostatic cells. This event led to an increase in gut inflammation and intestinal barrier disruption. In this regard, we found a decrease in CD4 + cells and an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood of PD transplanted mice that could contribute to an increase in the permeabilization of the blood–brain-barrier, observed by an increase in mesencephalic Ig-G-positive microvascular leaks and by an increase of mesencephalic IL-17 levels, compatible with systemic inflammation. Furthermore, alpha-synuclein aggregates can spread caudo-rostrally, causing fragmentation of neuronal mitochondria. This mitochondrial damage subsequently activates innate immune responses in neurons and triggers microglial activation.

Conclusions

We propose that the dysbiotic gut microbiome (dysbiome) in PD can disrupt a healthy microbiome and Th17 homeostatic immunity in the ileum mucosa, leading to a cascade effect that propagates to the brain, ultimately contributing to PD pathophysiology. Our landmark study has successfully identified new peripheral biomarkers that could be used to develop highly effective strategies to prevent the progression of PD into the brain.

Graphical Abstract
A Police Response Effort Index to complement counts and harm indices in understanding crime and policing demand
Authors: Curtis-Ham Sophie , Jones Ryan , Dunstan Emily , Looc Renee , Jordan Cathrin
Published: October 2024

Responding to crime and non-crime policing demand in the increasingly complex policing environment calls for increasingly nuanced means of measuring demand. Complementing traditional crime counts, the recent development of crime harm indices provides one such means, whereby crimes are weighted by estimates of their harm or severity. Analysis using crime harm indices has shown that high harm victims, offenders, locations and times differ from the people and places that unweighted crime counts would highlight as a priority for police resource. However, crime harm indices apply only to crime, so they cannot be used to analyse both crime and non-crime demand, and harm is but one way of differentiating demand types. We therefore present an additional, complementary tool: the Police Response Effort Index (PREI). The PREI provides values for weighting crime and non-crime demand types by the amount of effort (time) typically involved during police’s initial response. It enables police to make decisions and target interventions with a more nuanced understanding of when, where and on whom police effort concentrates. This paper describes the development of the New Zealand PREI, providing a potential template for other jurisdictions.
Surface microlayer-mediated virome dissemination in the Central Arctic
Authors: Rahlff Janina , Westmeijer George , Weissenbach Julia , Antson Alfred , Holmfeldt Karin
Published: October 2024

Background

Aquatic viruses act as key players in shaping microbial communities. In polar environments, they face significant challenges such as limited host availability and harsh conditions. However, due to the restricted accessibility of these ecosystems, our understanding of viral diversity, abundance, adaptations, and host interactions remains limited.

Results

To fill this knowledge gap, we studied viruses from atmosphere-close aquatic ecosystems in the Central Arctic and Northern Greenland. Aquatic samples for virus-host analysis were collected from ~60 cm depth and the submillimeter surface microlayer (SML) during the Synoptic Arctic Survey 2021 on icebreaker Oden in the Arctic summer. Water was sampled from a melt pond and open water before undergoing size-fractioned filtration, followed by genome-resolved metagenomic and cultivation investigations. The prokaryotic diversity in the melt pond was considerably lower compared to that of open water. The melt pond was dominated by a Flavobacterium sp. and Aquiluna sp., the latter having a relatively small genome size of 1.2 Mb and the metabolic potential to generate ATP using the phosphate acetyltransferase-acetate kinase pathway. Viral diversity on the host fraction (0.2–5 µm) of the melt pond was strikingly limited compared to that of open water. From the 1154 viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs), of which two-thirds were predicted bacteriophages, 17.2% encoded for auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) with metabolic functions. Some AMGs like glycerol-3-phosphate cytidylyltransferase and ice-binding like proteins might serve to provide cryoprotection for the host. Prophages were often associated with SML genomes, and two active prophages of new viral genera from the Arctic SML strain Leeuwenhoekiella aequorea Arc30 were induced. We found evidence that vOTU abundance in the SML compared to that of ~60 cm depth was more positively correlated with the distribution of a vOTU across five different Arctic stations.

Conclusions

The results indicate that viruses employ elaborate strategies to endure in extreme, host-limited environments. Moreover, our observations suggest that the immediate air-sea interface serves as a platform for viral distribution in the Central Arctic.
Highly sensitive multiplexed colorimetric lateral flow immunoassay by plasmon-controlled metal–silica isoform nanocomposites: PINs
Authors: Shin Minsup , Kim Wooyeon , Yoo Kwanghee , Cho Hye-Seong , Jang Sohyeon , Bae Han-Joo , An Jaehyun , Lee Jong-chan , Chang Hyejin , Kim Dong-Eun , Kim Jaehi , Lee Luke P. , Jun Bong-Hyun
Published: October 2024

Lateral flow assay (LFA) systems use metal nanoparticles for rapid and convenient target detection and are extensively studied for the diagnostics of various diseases. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are often used as probes in LFAs, displaying a single red color. However, there is a high demand for colorimetric LFAs to detect multiple biomarkers, requiring the use of multicolored NPs. Here, we present a highly sensitive multiplexed colorimetric lateral flow immunoassay by multicolored Plasmon-controlled metal–silica Isoform Nanocomposites (PINs). We utilized the localized surface plasmon resonance effect to create multi-colored PINs by precisely adjusting the distance between the NPs on the surface of PINs through the controlled addition of reduced gold and silver precursors. Through simulations, we also confirmed that the distance between nanoparticles on the surface of PINs significantly affects the color and colorimetric signal intensity of the PINs. We achieved multicolored PINs that exhibit stronger colorimetric signals, offering a new solution for LFA detection with high sensitivity and a 33 times reduced limit of detection (LOD) while maintaining consistent size deviations within 5%. We expect that our PINs-based colorimetric LFA will facilitate the sensitive and simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers in point-of-care testing.

Graphical Abstract
Understanding leadership challenges faced by humanitarian aid workers: insights from the experiences of NNPHL training participants
Authors: Nyarko Godfred , Marnicio Ariana , Bollettino Vincenzo
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the self-reported leadership challenges experienced by humanitarian aid workers who participated in the National NGO Program on Humanitarian Leadership (NNPHL) Program. Data were drawn from NNPHL program participants describing leadership challenges they faced in their humanitarian work. Responses were analyzed qualitatively revealing 10 broad themes of leadership challenges: (1) organizational capacity and resource constraints, (2) managerial decision-making styles, (3) bureaucracy and external influence, (4) purpose, motivation, and influence, (5) coordination and cooperation, (6) trust and cohesion within teams, (7) staff well-being and burnout, (8) identity and diversity, (9) self-efficacy and confidence, (10) security. These findings were then situated in the broader literature on challenges identified in humanitarian aid contexts. Humanitarian aid workers offer valuable first-hand insights into the leadership challenges they face in their work. Understanding leadership challenges from the perspective of aid workers provides valuable insight that can be used to inform decision-making and policy development within humanitarian organizations. The findings can also help inform and shape the development of humanitarian training programs by tailoring humanitarian education curricula to address the challenges encountered by aid workers themselves.
Multistage carcinogenesis in occupational cholangiocarcinoma: the impact of clonal expansion and risk estimation
Authors: Watanabe Masahiko , Haeno Hiroshi , Mimaki Sachiyo , Tsuchihara Katsuya
Published: October 2024

Background

Both mutation induction and clonal expansion of mutated cells cause cancer. The probability of cancer development depends on mutations, clonal growth rates, and carcinogenic mechanisms. A recent study showed cases of occupational cholangiocarcinomas that originate multifocally, with higher mutation burden levels than those in common cholangiocarcinomas. This study aimed to identify the effect of clonal expansion on and estimate the risk of occupational and common intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ICCs) using a multistage model modified to include the effect of cell expansion at any carcinogenic stage.

Methods

The age-specific incidence of common ICC estimated from the Vital Statistics in Japan and the prognosis of ICC, and mutation frequencies of occupational and common ICC available from the previous report, were applied to a multistage model modified with cell proliferation effects. From the fittest model, the risk after exposure was estimated.

Results

The required number of stages for carcinogenesis was estimated to be three based on the incidences and mutation frequencies of occupational and common ICCs. Based on this estimation, the predicted incidence curve under the model was similar to that estimated from the ICC mortality rate, except for older adults. The model indicated a minor effect of clonal expansion on the observed occupational ICC risk. It predicted a rapid decrease in ICC risk after the cessation of occupational exposure, although the time of clinical detection of cancer after the exposure was affected by latency. The model predicted an increase in cancer risk in older adults caused by cell expansion and common background mutations. However, the risk in older adults was overestimated in the case of common ICC; this divergence could influence occupational ICC cases.

Conclusions

Three-stage ICC carcinogenesis has been proposed. The high mutation burden levels caused by occupational exposure led to an immediate incidence of cancer. After a long period of relatively low cancer risk, an increased risk in older adults was also predicted.
The visual construction of the people’s country and the Chinese nation: political aesthetics in the Ethno-documentaries of New China
Authors: Wu Tian
Published: October 2024

This paper discusses the political positioning of the people and the cultural image of the Chinese nation through the lens of the Social-historical Scientific Documentary Films of China’s ethnic minorities (hereafter referred to as “the Ethno-documentaries”) by restoring the problem to the site of the investigation of humanities and social sciences and the General Surveys on (Folk) Arts in the early years of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in the 1950s. Through detailed analysis of specific Ethno-documentary films, this paper explores how the social sciences conducted its “Social and Historical Investigation of China’s Ethnic Minorities” via the medium of film to convey the advanced social concepts and ideological work of the new regime through the historical narrative of art and politics. This study highlights three key points. First, the “Chinese nation” as a modern political concept dates its origins back to the 1920s with the emergence of the “National Heritage Reorganization Movement” and the “Doubting Antiquity School.” However, it was only through the medium of the Ethno-documentaries that this concept was visually and aurally represented in films for the first time, which draws our attention to the fact that the entry point for understanding modern China lies in discerning the relationship between culture and politics. Second, when discussing the relationship between culture and politics, this study juxtaposes the Ethno-documentaries and “art for workers-peasants-soldiers,” which developed during the same period. These two forms of art focus respectively on national history and the suffering of the lower classes of society, and it is this intertextual nature of the historical narrative that jointly anchors the cultural and historical view of New China. Lastly, historical view is the core of the humanities, social sciences, and art disciplines in New China. Previous studies have mainly attributed certain phenomena to the “politicization” or “pan-politicization” of a particular historical period due to disciplinary barriers and cultural trauma and have stopped discussing such topics in depth. In contrast, the significance of the political aesthetics in the Ethno-documentaries is to have transformed classical Chinese artistic language into a modern one to represent the Chinese people and the Chinese nation. It also raises a question of re-sinicization of many modern political issues that have persisted until now: How do today’s Chinese art works vividly depict the prosperity of this country and its hardworking and courageous people?
A functional exercise program improves pain and health related quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fernandes Giovana , Nery Michele , Meireles Sandra Mara , Santos Rebeka , Natour Jamil , Jennings Fabio
Published: October 2024

Background/objective

Fibromyalgia is a non-inflammatory syndrome characterized by generalized muscle pain, with other symptoms. Numerous forms of physical training for this population have been studied through high-quality randomized clinical trials involving strength, flexibility, aerobic conditioning and multicomponent exercise interventions. This research evaluated the effectiveness of a functional exercise program at reducing pain, improving functional capacity, increasing muscle strength as well as improving flexibility, balance and quality of life in individuals with fibromyalgia.

Methods

Eighty-two women with fibromyalgia were randomized into two groups. The functional exercise group performed functional exercises in 45-minute sessions twice per week for 14 weeks. The stretching exercise group performed flexibility exercises with the same duration and frequency. Outcome measures were: visual analog scale for widespread pain; Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire for health-related quality of life; Timed Up and Go test for functional performance; one-repetition maximum for muscle strength, Sit and Reach test on Wells bench for flexibility; Berg Balance Scale for balance; SF-36 for general quality of life.

Results

After the intervention, the functional exercise group had a statistically significant reduction in pain (interaction p = 0.002), and improvement in health-related quality of life measured by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (interaction p < 0.001) and in general health state domain of SF-36 (interaction p = 0.043) compared to the stretching exercise group. No significant differences between groups were found regarding improvements in functional capacity, muscle strength, flexibility or balance.

Conclusion

Functional exercise training was effective at reducing pain and improving quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia compared to stretching exercises.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03682588 First prospectively registered in March 2018.
AgriScan: Next.js powered cross-platform solution for automated plant disease diagnosis and crop health management
Authors: Seyam Touhidul Alam , Pathak Abhijit
Published: October 2024

Plant diseases present a formidable challenge to the agricultural sector worldwide, leading to significant losses, with the US experiencing annual losses amounting to one-third of crop production. Diagnosis of crop diseases through optical observation of leaf symptoms is particularly daunting for farmers with limited resources. Therefore, there is an urgent need for enhanced detection, monitoring, and prediction methods to mitigate agricultural losses effectively. Harnessing the power of computer vision and deep learning, this paper introduces a cross-platform system designed to automate plant leaf disease diagnosis. The system employs convolutional neural networks to classify 46 disease categories, trained on a dataset comprising 96,206 images of healthy and infected plant leaves. The user interface, accessible across multiple platforms including Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux, allows farmers to capture photos of infected leaves and receive real-time disease classification along with confidence percentages. By empowering farmers to maintain crop health and prevent the application of incorrect fertilizers, the system aims to optimize crop productivity. Performance evaluation includes metrics such as classification accuracy and processing time, with the model achieving an impressive overall accuracy of 93.45% across 46 common disease classes spanning 16 crop species.
Smart integration in agriculture: an Arduino-driven rice grain dryer for optimal post-harvest management
Authors: Nebrida Alan P.
Published: October 2024

In the field of agriculture, the post-harvest stage often presents a multitude of obstacles that have the potential to undermine the quality and longevity of the crop. One of the primary obstacles in rice production is the effective drying of rice grains, which is crucial for preventing problems such as mold growth, discoloration, and unintentional germination. To tackle this issue, we propose an innovative solution: a rice grain drying system driven by an Arduino microcontroller. This device effectively combines technology accuracy with agricultural needs. The system is equipped with a very precise temperature sensor to maintain a uniform drying environment, fluctuating within the range of 50–60 °C. The use of a nichrome heater, selected for its consistent and dependable heat production, is complemented by an air blower to ensure the even distribution of heat throughout the drying chamber. One notable characteristic of this innovation is its significant drying capacity of 50 kg in each operation. The effectiveness of the product was verified by a rigorous testing process. A batch of glutinous rice weighing 25 kg, initially containing 25.5% moisture, was successfully reduced to 13.5% moisture content within a time frame of 125 min. In a similar vein, a batch of grains weighing 40 kg, which had just undergone threshing, had a moisture content of 22% initially. Remarkably, this batch achieved the desirable moisture level of 14% within a mere two-hour timeframe. This innovative technology not only provides a resolution to the difficulties faced in post-harvest processes but also signifies a fundamental change in thinking, introducing a fresh era where intelligent technology seamlessly integrates with traditional agricultural methods.
Clinical outcome of ultrasonographic detected undifferentiated synovitis in patients with arthralgia
Authors: Mortada Mohamed A. , Kamal Doaa E. , Alian Samah M.
Published: October 2024

Background

In the early stages of rheumatic diseases, individuals may present with nonspecific musculoskeletal symptoms (such as arthralgia) in the absence of clinical synovitis. Ultrasound (US) looks potentially helpful, particularly in the absence of symptomatic arthritis. This research aims to study the clinical outcomes of undifferentiated synovitis detected by ultrasound in patients who complain of arthralgia and their predicting factors.

Results

From 174 patients with arthralgia, 42% of cases went into remission, and 58% remained as persistent inflammatory arthritis (PIA) (26.4% persisted as undifferentiated arthritis, 31.6% differentiated into specific rheumatic diseases of whom 9.2% became rheumatoid arthritis, 6.3% developed spondyloarthropathy, and other diseases) after 2 years of follow-up. Regression analysis showed that patients with Power Doppler (PD) grade (I or II), grayscale (GS) synovitis grade (II or III), and GS synovitis ≥ grade II in one wrist were significant predictors for PIA in undifferentiated arthralgia’s patients.

Conclusions

Approximately 60% of patients with arthralgia developed inflammatory arthritis (IA) after 2 years of follow-up, with 77% of them having US synovitis at the onset of the study. A positive PD signal, grade (II or III) GS synovitis, or ≥ grade II at one wrist were all independently related to the development of PIA in arthralgia patients.
Identification of nitric oxide-mediated necroptosis as the predominant death route in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zhang Ting , Rui Wenjing , Sun Yue , Tian Yunyun , Li Qiaoyan , Zhang Qian , Zhao Yanchun , Liu Zongzhi , Wang Tiepeng
Published: October 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) involves multiple forms of neuronal cell death, but the dominant pathway involved in disease progression remains unclear. This study employed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of brain tissue to explore gene expression patterns across different stages of PD. Using the Scaden deep learning algorithm, we predicted neurocyte subtypes and modelled dynamic interactions for five classic cell death pathways to identify the predominant routes of neuronal death during PD progression. Our cell type-specific analysis revealed an increasing shift towards necroptosis, which was strongly correlated with nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression across most neuronal subtypes. In vitro experiments confirmed that nitric oxide (NO) is a key mediator of necroptosis, leading to nuclear shrinkage and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential via phosphorylation of the PIP1/PIP3/MLKL signalling cascade. Importantly, specific necroptosis inhibitors significantly mitigated neuronal damage in both in vitro and in vivo PD models. Further analysis revealed that NO-mediated necroptosis is prevalent in early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and across multiple brain regions but not in brain tumours. Our findings suggest that NO-mediated necroptosis is a critical pathway in PD and other neurodegenerative disorders, providing potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Culturally safe and ethical biomarker and genomic research with Indigenous peoples—a scoping review
Authors: Pra Rebecca Dal , O’Brien Penny , Nguyen Huong X. T. , Luke Joanne , Smith Robyn A. , Withall Adrienne , Radford Kylie , Lavrencic Louise M. , Watson Rosie , Flicker Leon , Logiudice Dina
Published: October 2024

Background

Indigenous peoples globally continue to be underrepresented in biomarker, genomic, and biobanking research. The aim of this study was to identify core components of culturally safe and ethical biomarker and genomic research with Indigenous peoples in Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Canada and the USA.

Methods

A scoping review with a systematic search strategy was conducted utilising electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL and Global Health. Key search terms included ‘biomarkers’ and ‘genomics’ research involving Indigenous peoples in relation to ethical and legal principles of respect, sovereignty, governance and existing policies. Original research studies published from the year 2000 to the 1st of August 2023 were reviewed in a systematic manner. Components of culturally safe and ethical research processes were identified and synthesised descriptively. The quality of included studies was assessed using an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool through an Indigenous lens.

Results

Seven interrelated research components were identified from seventeen studies as core processes to enhance the cultural safety of biomarker and genomic research. These included building relationships and community engagement, learning, research coordination, logistics, consent, samples and biospecimens, biobank structures and protections and policy. The importance of ensuring self-determination, ownership and decision-making power is emphasised in processes to establish and conduct biomarker and genomic research with Indigenous peoples.

Conclusions

Components that contribute to the cultural safety of biomarker and genomic research processes identified in this scoping review were assembled into a theoretical framework to guide research practice. Further evaluation is required by Indigenous peoples and communities to appropriate and adapt this framework for local use to promote the cultural safety of research processes and minimise barriers to Indigenous peoples’ participation in biomarker and genomic research.
Cost-effectiveness Analysis Comparing Conventional and Digital Software Supported Management for Hypothyroidism
Authors: Kim Jung Hyun , Shin Jaeyong , Kim Man S , Moon Jae Hoon
Published: October 2024

Background

Wearable devices can now leverage the established correlation between thyroid function and heart rate to monitor thyroid function alongside exercise levels and heart rate. The objective was to assess the cost-effectiveness of introducing a wearable/mobile-based thyroid function digital monitoring solution for the management of hypothyroidism compared to the conventional management approach.

Methods

A decision-analytic Markov state-transition simulation model employed for using a simulated cohort of 10 000 40-year-old patients with hypothyroidism to estimate costs and health outcomes. Cost-effectiveness from the health care sector perspective was evaluated using a 4.5% annual discount rate and the costs adjusted to 2022 levels, and lifetime outcomes were presented through incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses evaluated the robustness of the results.

Results

The digital monitoring solution supported group yielded an additional 0.65 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) with an incremental cost of $11 700.87, resulting in an ICER value of $17 988.97 per QALY gained. Digital-powered software could be an optimal strategy in 99% of iterations against willingness-to-pay thresholds of $32 255/QALY gained. The ICER was most sensitive to the annual cost of a digital monitoring solution for hypothyroidism.

Conclusion

The incorporation of the digital monitoring solution has demonstrated positive cost-effectiveness in hypothyroidism management when compared to the standard care. The cost of the digital monitoring solution and its sensitivity are key factors in determining cost-effectiveness. Striking a balance among the cost of digital monitoring support, the precision of hormonal level monitoring, and its effectiveness for the specific group of hypothyroid patients in real-world clinical practice is essential.
Evaluation of Osteogenic Phenotype in Postmenopausal Women Receiving Anabolic and Antiresorptive Osteoporosis Therapies
Authors: Kobelski Margaret M , Ramchand Sabashini K , Tsai Joy N , Leder Benjamin Z , Demay Marie B
Published: October 2024

Aging of the general population has led to a substantial increase in the prevalence of osteoporosis over the past decades. While there are effective pharmacological agents that increase bone formation, decrease bone resorption, and decrease fracture risk, they do not uniformly cure osteoporosis. This has prompted investigations to examine whether combination therapy (COMBO) with these agents can result in an additive benefit. Since concomitant therapy with denosumab and teriparatide has shown promise in this respect, investigations were undertaken to explore whether the changes in osteogenic phenotype could provide insight into the cellular and molecular mechanism of this effect.

Investigations were performed in postmenopausal women receiving denosumab, teriparatide, or both for 3 months. Histomorphometric parameters were the primary outcome, while exploratory studies examined RNA expression in bone biopsies as well as in sorted and cultured bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Osteogenic colony forming units of BMSCs were also evaluated. The studies demonstrated that COMBO results in an increase in osteoprogenitors, evidenced by an increase in osteoblastic colony-forming units. This was associated with an increased in BMSC expression of LGR6 (leucine-rich repeat containing G protein–coupled receptor 6), a stem cell marker and activator of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. These data suggest that enhancement of canonical Wnt signaling contributes to the increase in osteoprogenitors and consequently an increase in bone density in postmenopausal women receiving COMBO for osteoporosis.
Real-World Clinical and Healthcare Resource Burden Among Burosumab-Naïve Patients With Familial Hypophosphatemia
Authors: Imel Erik A , Li Zhiyi , Heerssen Heather M , Princic Nicole , Schwartz Hana , Zhao Yang , Dahir Kathryn M
Published: October 2024

Objective

To examine the real-world clinical and healthcare resource burden of familial hypophosphatemia (FH).

Methods

In a retrospective, observational cohort study using MarketScan claims data from 2017 to 2021, clinical characteristics and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs were compared between burosumab-naïve pediatric and adult patients with ≥ 1 FH diagnosis code and matched controls without FH. Patient characteristics were evaluated at baseline, and disease characteristics, HCRU, and costs were evaluated over a 12-month follow-up period. Outcomes were analyzed descriptively. Costs were additionally analyzed using multivariate regression models.

Results

Overall, 570 patients with FH and 1710 non-FH matched controls were included. Approximately 10% of study participants were aged < 18 years. Patients with FH had 7.8-fold higher mean baseline comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index). The prevalence of morbidities over the 12-month follow-up period was higher in patients with FH than controls, including renal disease (33% vs 3%), arthralgia (25% vs 10%), osteoarthritis (17% vs 6%), and delayed growth/walking difficulty (16% vs 2%; all P < .001). All-cause HCRU was significantly greater for patients with FH than controls over follow-up, including the proportion of patients with at least one inpatient admission (60% vs 4%), outpatient emergency room visit (52% vs 16%), and outpatient pharmacy prescription (96% vs 71%; all P < .001). The mean annual total healthcare cost per patient was also 22.6-fold higher for patients with FH than controls (adjusted cost difference = $129 643; P < .001). Differences were apparent across all age groups.

Conclusion

Compared with non-FH matched controls, burosumab-naïve patients with FH experienced multiple morbidities and had substantially higher HCRU and costs.
Incidence of Concurrent Cerebral Desaturation and Electroencephalographic Burst Suppression in Cardiac Surgery Patients
Authors: Ramachandran Rushil Vladimir , Behera Alkananda , Hussain Zaid , Peck Jordan , Ananthakrishanan Ajay , Mathur Priyam , Banner-Goodspeed Valerie , Muehlschlegel J. Danny , Pittet Jean-Francois , Bardia Amit , Schonberger Robert , Marcantonio Edward R. , Kveraga Kestutis , Subramaniam Balachundhar
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

Increased intraoperative electroencephalographic (EEG) burst suppression is associated with postoperative delirium. Cerebral desaturation is considered as one of the factors associated with burst suppression. Our study investigates the association between cerebral desaturation and burst suppression by analyzing their concurrence. Additionally, we aim to examine their association with cardiac surgical phases to identify potential for targeted interventions.

METHODS:

We retrospectively analyzed intraoperative 1-minute interval observations in 51 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Processed EEG and cerebral oximetry were collected, with the anesthesiologists blinded to the information. The associations between cerebral desaturation (defined as a 10% decrease from baseline) and burst suppression, as well as with phase of cardiac surgery, were analyzed using the Generalized Logistic Mixed Effect Model. The results were presented as odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A value of P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:

The odds of burst suppression increased 1.5 times with cerebral desaturation (odds ratio [OR], 1.52, 95% CI, 1.11–2.07; P = .009). Compared to precardiopulmonary bypass (pre-CPB), the odds of cerebral desaturation were notably higher during CPB (OR, 22.1, 95% CI, 12.4–39.2; P < .001) and post-CPB (OR, 18.2, 95% CI, 12.2–27.3; P < .001). However, the odds of burst suppression were lower during post-CPB (OR, 0.69, 95% CI, 0.59–0.81; P < .001) compared to pre-CPB. Compared to pre-CPB, the odds of concurrent cerebral desaturation and burst suppression were notably higher during CPB (OR, 52.3, 95% CI, 19.5–140; P < .001) and post-CPB (OR, 12.7, 95% CI, 6.39–25.2; P < .001). During CPB, the odds of cerebral desaturation (OR, 6.59, 95% CI, 3.62–12; P < .001) and concurrent cerebral desaturation and burst suppression (OR, 10, 95% CI, 4.01–25.1; P < .001) were higher in the period between removal of aortic cross-clamp and end of CPB. During the entire surgery, the odds of burst suppression increased 8 times with higher inhalational anesthesia concentration (OR, 7.81, 95% CI, 6.26–9.74; P < .001 per 0.1% increase).

CONCLUSIONS:

Cerebral desaturation is associated with intraoperative burst suppression during cardiac surgery, most significantly during CPB, especially during the period between the removal of the aortic cross-clamp and end of CPB. Further exploration with simultaneous cerebral oximetry and EEG monitoring is required to determine the causes of burst suppression. Targeted interventions to address cerebral desaturation may assist in mitigating burst suppression and consequently enhance postoperative cognitive function.
Microtubules and actin filaments direct nuclear movement during the polarisation of Marchantia spore cells
Authors: Attrill Sarah T. , Mulvey Hugh , Champion Clément , Dolan Liam
Published: October 2024

The multicellular haploid stage of land plants develops from a single haploid cell produced by meiosis – the spore. Starting from a non-polar state, these spores develop polarity, divide asymmetrically and establish the first axis of symmetry. Here, we show that the nucleus migrates from the cell centroid to the basal pole during polarisation of the Marchantia polymorpha spore cell. A microtubule organising centre on the leading edge of the nucleus initiates a microtubule array between the nuclear surface and the cortex at the basal pole. Simultaneously, cortical microtubules disappear from the apical hemisphere but persist in the basal hemisphere. This is accompanied by the formation a dense network of fine actin filaments between the nucleus and the basal pole cortex. Experimental depolymerisation of either microtubules or actin filaments disrupts cellular asymmetry. These data demonstrate that the cytoskeleton reorganises during spore polarisation and controls the directed migration of the nucleus to the basal pole. The presence of the nucleus at the basal pole provides the cellular asymmetry for the asymmetric cell division that establishes the apical-basal axis of the plant.
Cuticular hydrocarbons promote desiccation resistance by preventing transpiration in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Nayal Kamar , Krupp Joshua J. , Abdalla Osama H. M. H. , Levine Joel D.
Published: October 2024

Desiccation is a fundamental challenge confronted by all terrestrial organisms, particularly insects. With a relatively small body size and large surface-to-volume ratio, insects are susceptible to rapid evaporative water loss and dehydration. To counter these physical constraints, insects have acquired specialized adaptations, including a hydrophobic cuticle that acts as a physical barrier to transpiration. We previously reported that genetic ablation of the oenocytes – specialized cells required to produce cuticular hydrocarbons (HCs) – significantly reduced survivorship under desiccative conditions in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Although increased transpiration – resulting from the loss of the oenocytes and HCs – was hypothesized to be responsible for the decrease in desiccation survival, this possibility was not directly tested. Here, we investigated the underlying physiological mechanisms contributing to the reduced survival of oenocyte-less (oe−) flies. Using flow-through respirometry, we show that oe− flies, regardless of sex, exhibited an increased rate of transpiration relative to wild-type controls, and that coating oe− flies with fly-derived HC extract restored the rate to near-wild-type levels. Importantly, total body water stores, including metabolic water reserves, as well as dehydration tolerance, measured as the percentage of total body water lost at the time of death, were largely unchanged in oe− flies. Together, our results directly demonstrate the critically important role played by the oenocytes and cuticular HCs to promote desiccation resistance.