bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lacking sex-specific temperature preferences of 9 coexisting temperate sepsid dung fly species (Diptera: Sepsidae)
Authors: Dallo Ramon , Kapun Martin , Blanckenhorn Wolf
Published: June 2024

Many similar sepsid dung fly species coexist on European pastures, contradicting conventional wisdom of niche theory and competitive exclusion. We hypothesized that closely-related sepsid species on the same pasture in Switzerland avoid each other by having different spatio-temporal microhabitat niche preferences, thus enabling coexistence. A thermal racetrack experiment in the laboratory tested the thermal preferences of males and females of 9 coexisting temperate Sepsis dung fly species from Switzerland at two acclimation temperatures. The sepsid species investigated here showed no strong differences in thermal preferences. Flies of all species preferred to settle at cooler temperatures, and otherwise utilized the entire range (from 12°C to 30°C) offered for their activities. This was the case for both sexes, and also for both acclimation temperatures (18°C, 24°C). Our findings suggest that physiological thermal adaptation or acclimation is not an important mechanism by which adult sepsid flies avoid interspecific competition. Our experiment supports previous findings of widespread sepsid flies lacking local adaptation but high phenotypic plasticity, again highlighting the necessity of experimentally assessing putative biological mechanisms facilitating coexistence.
Stagnant crop productivity growth in southern Africa despite moderate climate trends
Authors: Lobell David , Lee Richard
Published: June 2024

Southern Africa is facing a unique combination of high rates of current food insecurity and projected declines in agro-climatic conditions due to climate change. Here we show using multiple satellite measures that, outside of South Africa, countries in the region have not experienced significant gains in cropland productivity in the past 20 years. This view contrasts with the rosier picture painted by official crop yield records. Satellite productivity measures show clear interannual responses to temperature and rainfall, yet we find that recent climate trends do not explain the productivity stagnation. Instead, much of the region has benefitted from increased rainfall and less warming than projected by most climate model simulations. Our results suggest that the region missed an opportunity to raise productivity in the face of benign climate trends, and there is a clear and urgent need to change course before climate impacts accelerate.
Pyracantha coccinea biochar synthesis, characterization, and use in the removal of cationic dyes
Authors: Pehlivan Erol
Published: June 2024

A variety of dyes are released into aquatic habitats, primarily as wastewater from textile companies. This study examined the adsorption capacities of low-cost adsorbents that were created to extract methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) from aqueous solutions. The fruits of Pyracantha coccinea (Red Firethorn), was the biomass that was used as biomass for biochar. The biomass was thermochemically converted into biochar using the slow pyrolysis procedure without oxygen. Pyrolysis was conducted in a traditional furnace. The final temperature for pyrolysis was determined to be 500°C, with a residence period of 30 minutes and a heating rate of 10°C per minute. FT-IR, SEM, EDX, and XRD were used to analyze the produced biochar. Each factor that affects the adsorption mechanism in batch experiments was thoroughly examined, including pH, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, and duration. The pH of the solution had a major effect on the adsorption process; for both dyes, the pH range of 8 to 9 was found to produce the maximum adsorption efficiency. The adsorption mechanism for the dyes is based on the Langmuir isotherm model. It was discovered that biochar's highest adsorption capabilities for MB and MG were 32.7 mg/g and 55.0 mg/g, respectively. The experiment data demonstrates how well this method fits the pseudo-second-order kinetic model for both dyes when the relevant equations are applied. The results show that biochar is more effective at removing MG and MB, respectively, after 90 and 120 minutes of contact time.
A Case Series of Noninvasive (non-iGAS) and Invasive (iGAS) Pediatric Group A Streptococcal Infections at a Tertiary Healthcare Center: Resurgence and Concomitant Viral Infections
Authors: Fields Susan , Butler Caroline , Fowler Sarah , Neshangi Srilatha , Camelo Ingrid
Published: June 2024

Background After a decrease in pediatric invasive group A streptococcal cases during the peak of the COVID-19 infection isolation guidelines in 2020 and 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documented a surge in cases in multiple states across the United States during late 2022.Methods We performed a retrospective chart review exploring both invasive pediatric group A streptococcal infections (iGAS) and noninvasive group A streptococcal infections (non-iGAS) admissions to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2023. Demographics, seasonality, concomitant viral and bacterial infections, antibiotic use preferences, pediatric intensive care (PICU) admission, and mortality were included.Results We found a substantial increase in both iGAS and non-iGAS cases during the study time. Most patients with iGAS presented were teenagers, white, and had sepsis and bacteremia. Non iGAS patients were not older than 11 years of age, were predominantly back, and had complicated pneumonia. Influenza was the most common concomitant virus seen in invasive and noninvasive cases, but our sample also included infections with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), metapneumovirus (HMPV), rhinovirus and adenovirus among others. Methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus (MSSA) aureus was the most common bacteria seen in patients with both invasive and noninvasive disease. Treatment optimization was only achieved after pediatric Infectious Diseases consultation.Conclusions The surge in noninvasive and invasive pediatric GAS disease seen at our institution matched the end of COVID-19 infection masking policies in the United States. This drastic rise should be recognized, and surveillance should be reinforced. Increased knowledge and understanding of this surge in group A streptococcal infections will allow for early intervention and treatment, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality.
Multi-modal Language Models in Bioacoustics with Zero-shot Transfer: A Case Study
Authors: Miao Zhongqi , Elizalde Benjamin , Deshmukh Soham , Kitzes Justin , Wang Huaming , Dodhia Rahul , Ferres Juan Lavista
Published: June 2024

Automatically detecting sound events with Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become increasingly popular in the field of bioacoustics, particularly for wildlife monitoring and conservation. Conventional methods predominantly employ supervised learning techniques that depend on substantial amounts of manually annotated bioacoustic data. However, manual annotation in bioacoustics is tremendously resource-intensive in terms of both human labor and financial resources, and it requires considerable domain expertise. Moreover, the supervised learning framework limits the application scope to predefined categories within a closed setting. The recent advent of multi-modal language models has markedly enhanced the versatility and possibilities within the realm of AI applications, as this technique addresses many of the challenges that inhibit the deployment of AI in real-world applications. In this paper, we explore the potential of multi-modal language models in the context of bioacoustics through a case study. We aim to showcase the potential and limitations of multi-modal language models in bioacoustic applications.
In our case study, we applied an Audio-Language model--—a type of multi-modal language model that aligns language with audio data—--named CLAP (Contrastive Language–Audio Pretraining) to eight bioacoustic benchmarks covering a wide variety of sounds previously unfamiliar to the model. We demonstrate that CLAP, out-of-the-box, can effectively recognize group-level categories such as birds, frogs, and whales across the benchmarks without the need for specific model fine-tuning or additional training, achieving a zero-shot transfer recognition performance comparable to supervised learning baselines. Moreover, we show that CLAP has the potential to perform tasks previously unattainable with supervised bioacoustic approaches, such as estimating relative distances and discovering unknown animal species. On the other hand, we also identify limitations of CLAP, such as the model's inability to recognize fine-grained species-level categories and the reliance on manually engineered text prompts in real-world applications.
RETRACTED: Characterization of therapeutic effects in Glioblastoma through integrated spatial single-cell multiome profiling of longitudinal samples: unveiling clinically relevant subtypes of pathological changes
Authors: De Smet Frederik , Vanmechelen Maxime , Nazari Pouya , Beckervordersandforth Jan , Leunissen Daphne , Cole Basiel , Decraene Brecht , De Visser Yanti , Shankar Gautam , Verduin Maikel , Pantano Daniele , González-Blas Carmen Bravo , Bevers Sien , Moors Tom , Telang Jayesh , Sebastian Ivey , Messiaen Julie , Herck Yannick Van , Geens Emma , Eekers Danielle , Claeys Annelies , Derweduwe Marleen , Hausen Axel zur , Bosisio Francesca , Weyns Frank , Daenekindt Thomas , Eyken Peter Van , Govers Mieke , Mennens Ferdinand , Hovinga Koos , De Vleeschouwer Steven , Clement Paul , Broen Martijn , Vooijs Marc , Sciot Raf , Antoranz Asier , Pey Jon , Speel Ernst-Jan , Hoeben Ann
Published: June 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Feasibility of iodine concentration parameter and extracellular volume fraction derived from dual-energy CT for distinguishing type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ epithelial ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Song Qingling , Li Ye , Wu Tingfan , Hu Wenjun , Liu Yijun , Liu Ailian
Published: June 2024

Objectives: To investigate the feasibility of using the iodine concentration (IC) parameter and extracellular volume (ECV) fraction derived from dual-energy CT for distinguishing between type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC).
Methods: This study retrospectively included 140 patients with EOC preoperatively underwent dual-energy CT scans. Patients were grouped as type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ EOC according to postoperatively pathologic results. Normalized IC (NIC, %) values from arterial-phase (AP), venous-phase (VP) and delay-phase (DP) were measured by two observers. ECV fraction (%) was calculated by DP-NIC and hematocrit. Intra-observer correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the agreement between measurements made by two observers. The differences of imaging parameters between the two groups were compared. Logistic regression was used to select independent predictive factors and establish combined parameter. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze performance of all parameters.
Results: The ICCs for all parameters exceeded 0.75. All parameters in type Ⅱ EOC were all significantly higher than those in type Ⅰ EOC (all P < 0.05). DP-NIC exhibited the highest Area under the curve (AUC) of 0.828, along with 88.51% sensitivity and 62.26% specificity. DP-NIC was identified as the independent factor. The sensitivity and specificity of ECV fraction were 83.91% and 67.92%, respectively. The combined parameter consisting of AP-NIC, VP-NIC, DP-NIC, and ECV fraction yielded an AUC of 0.848, with sensitivity of 82.76% and specificity of 75.47%. The AUC of the combined parameter was significantly higher than that of VP-NIC (P = 0.042).
Conclusion: It is valuable for dual-energy CT IC-based parameters and ECV fraction in preoperatively identifying type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ EOC.
Critical relevance statement
Dual-energy CT-normalized iodine concentration and extracellular volume fraction achieved satisfactory discriminative efficacy, distinguishing between type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
Development of a new EGFR-VHH-CAR T-cell therapy for treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Chenglin , Liu Yanyan , zhou danya , guo haoran , peng ying , Lian xueqi , lu shuangshuang , huang lei , wang zhimin
Published: June 2024

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), a primary form of esophageal cancer, is characterized by poor outcomes and limited treatment options. Targeting EGFR with chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (EGFR CAR-T) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for ESCC. Utilizing nanobodies enhances the specificity of antigen recognition and has become a popular method in CAR-T cell therapy. In this study, we introduced an EGFR-specific nanobody, EGFR-VHH-7D12, into the receptor binding domain of EGFR CAR-T cells and incorporated human interleukin 21 (hIL-21) to boost the efficacy of these cells. Our findings show that EGFR-VHH-7D12-equipped CAR-T cells can accurately target and eliminate EGFR-positive esophageal cancer cells both in vitro and in animal models. The addition of hIL-21 not only increased the proliferation of CAR-T cells but also led to a higher formation of memory T cell subsets in vitro. Furthermore, the presence of hIL-21 in these CAR-T cells resulted in increased expression of IFN-gamma when cultured with various human esophageal cancer cell lines (KYSE-30, KYSE-150, and KYSE-510) in vitro. Notably, CAR-T cells expressing both EGFR-VHH-7D12 and hIL-21 showed superior anti-tumor activity in a KYSE-150 xenograft mouse model. Our results indicate that the combined expression of hIL-21 in 7D12-CAR-T cells significantly enhances their anti-tumor capabilities, making them a highly promising option for ESCC treatment.
Effect of stabilizers on the detection of swine influenza A virus (swIAV) in spiked oral fluids over time
Authors: Grau K. , Lillie-Jaschniski K. , Graaf-Rau A. , Harder T. , Eddicks M. , Zöls S. , Zablotski Y. , Ritzmann M. , Stadler J.
Published: June 2024

Background
Aggregated samples such as oral fluids (OFs) display an animal friendly and time and cost-efficient sample type for swine Influenza A virus (swIAV) monitoring. However, further molecular and biological characterization of swIAV is of particular significance. The reportedly inferior suitability of aggregated samples for subtyping of swIAV presents a major drawback compared to nasal swabs, still considered the most appropriate sample type for this purpose (1). In addition, the viral load in the original sample, storage conditions and characteristics of different swIAV strains might further compromise the eligibility of aggregated samples for molecular detection and subtyping.
Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the suitability of stabilizing media to minimize the degradation of viral RNA and thus increase the detection and subtyping rate of swIAV by RT-qPCR in spiked OFs under different conditions (virus strain, storage temperature and viral load in the original sample) over a time span of 14 days.
Results
The use of stabilizing media in spiked OFs resulted in a significant higher probability to detect swIAV RNA compared to OFs without stabilizers (OR = 46.1, p < 0.001). In addition, the probability of swIAV degradation over time was significantly reduced in samples suspended with stabilizer (OR = 5.80, p < 0.001), in samples stored at 4°C (OR = 2.53, p < 0.001) and in samples spiked with the avian derived H1N1 subtype (OR = 2.26, p < 0.01). No significant differences in swIAV RNA detection and degradation of swIAV RNA in spiked OFs over time were observed between the three different stabilizing media.
Conclusion
Addition of stabilizers and storage of samples at cooled conditions highly significantly improved detection and subtyping of swIAV in spiked OFs.
Association between humoral serological markers levels and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection after the primary COVID-19 vaccine course among ANRS0001S COV- POPART cohort participants
Authors: Chalouni Mathieu , Loubet Paul , Lhomme Edouard , Ninove Laetitia , Barrou Benoit , Blay Jean-Yves , Hourmant Maryvonne , Seze Jérome , Laville Martine , Laviolle Bruno , Lelièvre Jean-Daniel , Morel Jacques , Quoc Stéphanie Nguyen , Spano Jean-Philippe , Terrier Benjamin , Thiebaut Anne , Viallard Jean-Francois , Vrtovsnik François , Circosta Sophie , Barquin Aude , Gharib Mariam , Tartour Eric , Parfait Béatrice , Thiébaut Rodolphe , Meyer Laurence , Lamballerie Xavier , Launay Odile , Wittkop Linda
Published: June 2024

Background We assessed the prognostic value of serological humoral markers measured one month after the last dose of the primary COVID-19 vaccine course for predicting the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 SARS-CoV-2 infection over the following six months in specific populations.Methods ANRS0001SCOV-POPART (NCT04824651) is a French nationwide multicenter prospective observational cohort study assessing the immune response to Covid-19 vaccines routinely administered to 11 subgroups of patients with chronic disease and a control group. Participants from the ANRS0001S COV-POPART were included if they received at least two doses of Covid-19 vaccine for the primary vaccine course, had measurements of anti-Spike, anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG-specific or neutralizing antibodies one month after the end of the primary vaccine course, without being infected by SARS-CoV-2 before the measurement. SARS-CoV-2 infections defined by a positive PCR/antigenic test or seroconversion to detectable anti nucleocapsid antibodies were evaluated until the first COVID-19 booster injection. Cox proportional hazards models taking into account interval-censored data were implemented to estimate the association between each antibody level and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Predictive performances were evaluated by the area under the receiving operating characteristic curve (AUROC).Results 2,570 adults with a chronic disease and 1,123 without a condition of interest were included. The cumulative probabilities of SARS-CoV-2 infections at five months were 6.0% 95% confidence interval: [5.0; 7.9] and 10.1% [8.3; 11.9], respectively. Higher levels of anti-Spike IgG antibody were associated with a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections in participants without a condition of interest, but not in the specific populations. Among the specific populations, AUROC were 74.5%, 74.9%, and 72.4% for anti-Spike IgG, anti-RBD IgG, and neutralizing antibodies, respectively. AUROC were superior in participants without a condition of interest, 82.0%, 81.2%, and 81.4% for anti-Spike IgG, anti-RBD IgG, and neutralizing antibodies, respectively.Conclusions Vaccine-induced antibody response after the primary course of Covid-19 infection only moderately discriminated between participants developing a SARS-CoV-2 infection during the Omicron wave.
Outcome after nintedanib therapy for fibrosing interstitial lung disease in patients without dyspnea
Authors: Okamoto Masaki , Yanagihara Toyoshi , Fujimoto Kiminori , Chikasue Tomonori , Tabata Kazuhiro , Zaizen Yoshiaki , Tominaga Masaki , Sumi Akiko , Nishii Yuuya , Matsuo Norikazu , Nouno Takashi , Kawaguchi Atsuhi , Hoshino Tomoaki
Published: June 2024

The effectiveness and tolerability of antifibrotic drugs for asymptomatic patients with fibrosing interstitial lung disease (FILD) are unknown. We compared outcomes after starting nintedanib between 17 patients without dyspnea and 56 with dyspnea, adjusting for confounding factors associated with prognosis of FILD. At baseline, there were no significant differences in the incidence of > 4% decrease (69% vs. 89%, P = 0.11) or decrease to < 90% (25% vs. 54%, P = 0.051) in SpO2 in 6-minute walk test. The incidence of annual progression [defined as > 10% decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC) or 15% decrease in diffusing capacity of lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), developing acute exacerbation, or FILD-related death] was significantly lower in non-dyspnea than dyspnea group (18% vs. 52%, adjusted P = 0.044). The relative change in DLCO was significantly slower in non-dyspnea group (adjusted P = 0.044), but FVC was not (adjusted P = 0.079). Overall survival defined by FILD-related death was longer in non-dyspnea group (adjusted P = 0.010). The discontinuation rate and therapeutic period of nintedanib were not significantly different between the two groups. Asymptomatic patients with FILD can have severe exercise-induced hypoxia and better outcome after nintedanib therapy compared with symptomatic patients. Antifibrotic drug therapy should not be avoided solely based on absence of symptoms.
A Comparative assessment of ant species richness under different shade coverages in the Coffee agroecosystem
Authors: Venugopal Remya , Swaran P R
Published: June 2024

Ants play key role in environment management due to their abundance, Diversity and functional importance. The present study examined the ant species diversity and relative abundance in coffee agro-ecosystem of Wayanad region of the Western Ghats (110.27’00”&110.58’52” and the East Longitude 750.47’50”&760.27’35”) under different intensity of canopies. Ants were recorded from August 2022 to September 2023 from all three sampling locations belonging to six coffee plantations ie; Site 1-Highly Shaded (HSC), Site 2-Moderately Shaded (MSC) and Site 3 -open (OC) coffee plantation. Ants were sampled by using pitfall traps, honey baits, litter sifting, soil core extraction, and transect sampling methods. During the study period, a total of 5311 individual ants were collected representing 51 species in 26 genera, and six subfamilies. The distribution of ants in different subfamily showed a dominance of Formicinae with seventeen morpho-species (32%) followed by Myrmicinae (28%). Shannon-Weiner (H1) diversity index value of site 1 has 3.435 while site 2 has an H1 value of 3.477and site 3 has 3.197. Site 2 has a slightly higher H1 value than site 1 owing to its high species richness of 48 ant species and site 3 has lowest H1 value with 38 ant species. Site 3 has higher Simpson’s (D) diversity index value than site 2 and site 1. High species dominance in habitat would automatically mean that there would be low evenness.
Research on the correlation between rash and complement C3, C4 levels and the occurrence and development of lupus nephritis
Authors: luo fei , Chen Yongkang , Xie Jingzhi , Zeng Yanzhen , Wei Jingwen , Liu Runzhi , Yin Hanqiu , Yin Songlou , Duan Lili , Zhou Dongmei
Published: June 2024

Objective
We here investigate the relationship between the appearance of skin rash, complement, and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis.
Methods
All data were collected from 71 patients with SLE (without LN) and 200 patients with LN treated at our hospital from August 2018 to August 2023. The latter group was further categorized into a high eGFR group (eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min; 100 cases) and a low eGFR group (eGFR < 60 ml/min; 100 cases). Basic clinical characteristics such as gender, age, fever, joint pain, rash, hair loss, along with laboratory indicators including cystatin C, complement C3, complement C4, and anti-dsDNA titers were gathered. The differences in clinical characteristics and hematological indicators between the SLE group and the LN group, as well as between the high eGFR group and the low eGFR group patients, were compared. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent risk factors for the progression from SLE to LN and independent risk factors for the deterioration of renal function in LN. Correlation studies were conducted to elucidate the relationship between independent factors and the disease. The predictive value of risk was assessed using ROC curves.
Results
Compared to the SLE group, the absence of skin rash and low complement C3 levels were significantly associated with the occurrence of LN. Multifactor analysis revealed that both skin rash (OR: 0.231, P < 0.001) and complement C3 (OR: 0.080, P < 0.001) were influencing factors for the development of lupus nephritis, while SLEDAI scores consistently showed no statistical significance. The combination of no skin rash and low complement C3 levels had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.708 in relation to LN, with a diagnostic sensitivity of 0.83 and specificity of 0.70, demonstrating good predictive efficacy. In the progression of LN, the absence of skin rash and low levels of complement C3 and C4 were significant in differential and correlation analyses; however, in multifactor analysis, low levels of complement C3 and C4 showed no statistical significance with p-value > 0.05. SLEDAI scores remained statistically insignificant, possibly due to treatment-induced differences.
Conclusion
The absence of skin rash and low levels of complement C3 are risk factors for the occurrence of LN, and their combined predictive diagnostic value is higher. Disease activity may not necessarily be the sole factor for further deterioration of kidney function.
Correlations between lichen planus and autoimmune diseases: A mendelian randomization study
Authors: Long Xuan , Zhang Guiying , Wang Qiaolin , Liao Jieyue , Zhou Wenyu
Published: June 2024

Background
Previous observational studies have found that lichen planus (LP) is associated with autoimmune diseases. To determine the association between LP and 15 autoimmune diseases, we applied the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, which uses genetic variants as a tool to improve causal inference.
Methods
We performed a two-sample MR with the genetic instruments identified for 15 autoimmune diseases. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for LP was sourced from the FinnGen (1,865 cases and 212,242 non-cases). The instrumental variables (IVs) for LP were genetic variations highly associated (P < 5 × 10− 6) with LP in the European population. UK Biobank, FinnGen data and IEU Open GWAS database were utilized for autoimmune diseases GWAS data. To calculate causal effects, odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are employed.
Results
We found genetic liability to LP was associated with a decreased risk of atopic dermatitis and ankylosing spondylitis, OR [95%CI] = 0.96[0.94, 0.99], PIVW = 0.013 and OR [95%CI] = 0.88[0.77, 0.99], PIVW = 0.047, respectively. Furthermore, it presents increased risk of higher odds ratios in: Type 1 diabetes (OR [95%CI] = 1.07[1.01, 1.14], PIVW = 0.027).
Conclusion
The MR study suggests that there may not be a significant association for LP contributing to the development of vitiligo, thyroid disease, SLE and Sjogren’s syndrome. On the contrast, we found that patients with LP are at decreased risk of AD and ankylosing spondylitis. no strong causal evidence of LP on the risk of vitiligo, thyroid disease, SLE and Sjogren’s syndrome.
Early administration of anamorelin improves cancer cachexia in patients with gastrointestinal cancer: An observational study
Authors: Matsumoto Toshihiko , Cho Sien , Nakasya Akio , Nagai Hiroki , Satake Hironaga , Yasui Hisateru
Published: June 2024

Purpose
To report the efficacy of anamorelin in patients with colorectal and gastric cancer with cachexia and in those receiving systemic chemotherapy.
Methods
We retrospectively collected real-world data from patients diagnosed with colorectal and gastric cancers experiencing cachexia who were treated with anamorelin. We evaluated the efficacy of treatment by measuring the improvements in appetite and body weight (BW) gain.
Results
Between June 2021 and October 2022, 43 cancer patients with cachexia—23 with gastric cancer and 20 with colorectal cancer—were treated with anamorelin. Median observation period was 7.3 months. The participants were 25 males with median age of 71 years and median BMI of 19.7. The ECOG PS distribution was 4, 33, 6 for grades 0, 1, and 2, respectively. Seven patients received supportive care only, while 36 received anamorelin with chemotherapy. Thirty-four had received chemotherapy previously (≤ 2 regimens) and nine had received ≥ 3 regimens. Median anamorelin treatment duration was 2.8 months; overall survival was 7.3 months. After 3 weeks, 24 experienced appetite improvement and 21 gained weight; after 12 weeks, 20 experienced appetite improvement and 15 gained weight. Multivariate analysis showed that anamorelin treatment before second-line chemotherapy and colorectal cancer correlated with appetite improvement and weight gain at 3 weeks. In the univariate analysis, anamorelin treatment before second-line chemotherapy correlated with weight gain at 12 weeks and with improved overall survival in patients with weight gain at 12 weeks.
Conclusion
Early anamorelin treatment contributes to appetite improvement and BW gain in colorectal and gastric cancers with cachexia.
An artificial intelligence-driven 3D-vectorcardiography technique for non-invasive prediction of obstructive coronary artery disease: a prospective study
Authors: Fezer Sophie , Heinroth Konstantin , Melnyk Hannes , Plehn Alexander , Michalski Roman , Tongers Jörn , Daniel Jan-Marcus , Dutzmann Jochen , Hortmann Marcus , Vogt Alexander , Sedding Daniel , Arya Arash
Published: June 2024

Cardiovascular disease, particularly coronary artery disease (CAD), is the leading cause of death in industrialized nations. Invasive coronary angiography is the diagnostic gold standard for ischemic heart disease but is costly, and complex. An innovative approach employs artificial intelligence (AI) in 3D-vectorcardiography for non-invasive identification of obstructive coronary lesions, integrating neural networks within a supervised learning framework. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of AI-driven 3D-vectorcardiography for noninvasive identification of obstructive CAD compared to invasive coronary angiography. In a prospective blinded study, 183 patients with possible CAD underwent AI-driven 3D-vectorcardiography before coronary angiography. A neural network AI algorithm calculated parameters, including a perfusion factor, to assess the probability of obstructive CAD. Investigators analyzing the AI-driven 3D-vectorcardiography and coronary angiographies were unaware of each other’s results. The clinical risk model had a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) of 0.617. Incorporating AI-driven 3D-vectorcardiography considerable improved prediction accuracy, achieving an AUC of 0.716. AI-driven 3D-vectorcardiography is a simple and effective diagnostic tool for enhancing the noninvasive detection of obstructive CAD. Further studies using fractional flow reserve (FFR) and microcirculation measurements are needed to better define its role in predicting cardiac ischemia and CAD.
Purification of Potential Antimicrobial Metabolites from Endo-Phytic Fusarium Oxysporum Isolated from Myrtus Communis
Authors: Khattak Saeed Ullah , Ahmad Mansoor , Ahmad Jamshaid , Ikram Saima , Ahmad Sajjad , Alshabrmi Fahad M , Alatawi Eid A.
Published: June 2024

The rise of microbial resistance and emerging infections pose significant health threats. Natural products from endophytic fungi offer a promising source of novel compounds with potential as major drug leads. This research aims to screen Myrtus communis and Moringa oleifera for endophytic fungi and screen their metabolites for antibacterial and antifungal potential. Six endophytic fungal strains were isolated using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium. The M. communis isolates were designated MC1, MC2, MC3, and the M. oleifera isolates were named MO1, MO2, MO3. Preliminary bioactivity testing revealed that the MC3 isolate exhibited significant growth inhibition against multidrug-resistant bacterial and fungal pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata. The MC3 isolate was identified as Fusarium oxysporum through morphological and microscopic methods. For metabolite production, the fungal strain was cultured in Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) medium at 28 °C for 14 days in a shaking incubator. The metabolites were purified using various chromatographic techniques, HPLC and GC-MS. The GC-MS analysis of F. oxysporum revealed multiple compounds at different retention times using the NIST-20 Library. Based on RSI values and probability indices, two compounds were targeted for further purification. Structure elucidation was performed using 1D and 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments on a Varian 500 NMR machine. The compounds identified were Ethyl isoallocholate (C26H44O5, exact mass 436.32) and 1-Monolinoleoyl glycerol trimethylsilyl ether (C27H56O4Si2, exact mass 500.37). The MS (NIST-20) library facilitated the investigation of the insilico antimicrobial activity of these compounds against alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase and elastase virulence proteins of P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis. Aspartic protease from Candida albicans was used to evaluate the insilico antifungal potential. All ligands and proteins were docked using the Glide Induced Fit Docking (IFD) algorithm. The compounds showed binding scores of -7.7 and -7.9 Kcal mol-1 against alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase, -7.3 and -6.5 Kcal mol-1 against elastase, and -7.6 and -7.2 Kcal mol-1 against aspartic protease. Invitro studies confirmed the inhibitory activity of these compounds against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis. Ethyl isoallocholate exhibited higher bioactivity against P. aeruginosa with inhibition rates of 41%, 27%, and 35% at concentrations of 1000, 500, and 250 μg mL-1, respectively. These results suggest that bioactive compounds from F. oxysporum have potential as antimicrobial agents, warranting further research.
Tunable TiAl 3 -Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites via In-Situ Reactive Printing: Insights from Operando Synchrotron Analysis and Microstructural Characterization
Authors: Tian Chenxi , Singh Kaushalendra , Wakai Akane , Dass Adrita , Bustillos Jenniffer , Chuang Andrew C. , Moridi Atieh
Published: June 2024

Additive-manufactured TiAl3-reinforced aluminum matrix composite (AMC) materials were fabricated by forming TiAl3 whiskers from the in-situ reaction between aluminum (Al) and titanium (Ti). The composite demonstrates enhancement of mechanical strength with tunable ductility compared to unreinforced material while using a feedstock mixture of only commercially available Al and Ti powder of standard size distribution. The enhancement to mechanical strength is attributed to both load transfer from the strong TiAl3 reinforcement and the Hall-Petch strengthening from the refined grain size of the Al matrix. Operando synchrotron analysis of the in-situ reactive printing (IRP) process, coupled with postmortem microstructural characterizations, reveals that the dispersed TiAl3 whiskers refine Al grain size by promoting heterogeneous nucleation through in-situ inoculation. This study validates the capability of IRP to strengthen the integration of material and geometry design in additive manufacturing by enabling the fabrication of highly tunable AMC.
The roles of total cholesterol, the neutrophil-to- high-density-lipoprotein ratio and the lymphocyte-to-high-density-lipoprotein ratio in the diagnosis and progression of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Tong Yangping , Li Bo , Hu Jue , Xu Wei , Li Fangyi , Liu Liang , Chen Sufen
Published: June 2024

Background
Parkinson’s disease (PD), is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease. Inflammation, immunity dysregulation and other pathological processes play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis and progression of PD. Nevertheless, the role of peripheral inflammatory markers in diagnosing and monitoring the progression of PD remains to be fully elucidated.
Patients and Methods
192 patients with PD were selected, and sex- and age-matched healthy individuals (n = 190) were included in the control group. Then, the persons’ basic information was collected, such as gender, age, smoking, blood lipids, and so on. Then, the neutrophil-to-high-density-lipoprotein ratio (NHR) and the lymphocyte -to-high-density-lipoprotein ratio (LHR), etc. were calculated. Then, the indicators were contrasted in the two groups, and, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were conducted. Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were utilized to determine the correlation between total cholesterol (TC), the NHR, the LHR, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and the progression of PD. The nomogram was drawn using R language.
Results
TC, triglyceride (TG), neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, serum albumin, the high-to-low-density-lipoprotein ratio (HLR), the monocyte-to-high-density-lipoprotein ratio (MHR), the NHR and the LHR in the PD group were significantly different from those in the control group (p < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that TC, the LHR, and the NHR were independent influencing factors for PD. Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses indicated a negative correlation between TC, the NHR, the LHR and the UPDRS scores in patients with PD. And it showed a negative correlation between the LHR and the Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) staging system. Moreover, it showed significant correlations between the LHR, the NLR, the LMR, and the duration of patients with PD. Furthermore, an accuracy model of the nomogram was structured for the indicators of PD, which showed adequately sensitivity and specificity using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to evaluate the diagnostic performance of TC, the LHR, and the NHR for PD.
Conclusions
The findings indicate that lower levels of TC, the NHR, and the LHR may be relevant for diagnosing and assessing the progression of PD, and they appear to be candidate biomarkers for PD.
Strengthening the relationship between community resilience and health emergency communications: Systematic review and model development
Authors: Vandrevala Tushna , Morrow Elizabeth , Coates Tracey , Boulton Richard , Crawshaw Alison F. , O’Dwyer Emma , Heitmeyer Carrie
Published: June 2024

Background Community resilience and health emergency communication are both crucial in promoting communities’ ability to endure crisis and emergencies. Yet, a notable gap in theory and evidence exists on the relationship between them. Aim The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between community resilience and health emergency communication and to identify strategies and interventions to strengthen their usefulness to each other. Based on the results, a secondary aim was to develop a model of community resilience for communications in health emergencies. Method A systematic literature review of evidence using electronic databases (Web of Science, Social Science Citation Index, PubMed/MEDLINE). Key search terms and inclusion/exclusion criteria were developed from the literature and the knowledge of the multidisciplinary team. Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations). Inductive thematic analysis generated key themes. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were applied to present the findings. Results The searches identified 300 articles, of which 86 met the inclusion criteria. Two main themes of the literature are (i) The relationship between emergency communication and community resilience: including building trust and collaboration within communities, identifying resources and their distribution, tailoring communication strategies, considering inclusion and equity, and community engagement and feedback, (ii) Strategies and interventions (illustrated by 16 case studies) identified were, facilitating community structures as channels for communication, respecting personal and private boundaries in health communication, targeting outreach for effective crisis communication, building resilience through communication initiatives, and demonstrating commitment to equity and inclusion in communications. Conclusion There is a small, yet valuable, body of evidence to demonstrate synergies and interactions in the relationship between community resilience and health emergency communications. The integrated model of community resilience and communications for health emergencies developed provides directions to explore for future research. Registration : CABI Digital Library searchRxiv: https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/searchRxiv.2024.00477
A Retrospective Review of MagnetOs Easypack PuttyTM Bone Graft Used Standalone in Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Davis Justin , Everist Brian , Butrico Casey , Sage Katherine
Published: June 2024

Spinal fusion surgeries remain a successful treatment for degenerative disc disease. While autograft is considered the gold standard bone graft, synthetic bone void fillers are increasingly used to limit donor site morbidity while giving sufficient graft volume. This retrospective clinical study evaluates MagnetOs Easypack Putty™ as a standalone graft without autograft in interbody fusion. An independent radiologist blinded to the clinical status provided evaluation of computed tomography (CT) images obtained at 12 months and graded each treated level based on the Brantigan-Steffee-Fraser (BSF) Classification. Twenty subjects were enrolled in the study. A total of 36 spinal levels were treated with an average of 1.8 levels per subject (L2-L3 to L5-S1). The primary endpoint of CT-based fusion was 94.4% (34/36 levels) based on the presence of bridging bone or locked pseudoarthrosis at 12 months. The high fusion rate was accompanied by consistent improvement in pain scores. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores decreased an average of 25% from 5.3/10 pre-operatively to 2.8/10 at 12 months post-operative, and all subjects who reported post-operative back or leg pain reported improved pain post-operatively. Although the patient population included risk factors and comorbidities, the fusion rate remained high, and no device-related adverse events (AEs) were observed. The high fusion rate and favorable safety profile support the performance of MagnetOs Easypack Putty for standalone use without autograft in interbody fusion procedures.
Exploring Healthcare Providers’ Perspectives of Childbirth Education Classes for Quality of Care and Positive Childbirth Experience: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study
Authors: AlKhunaizi Anwar Nader , Alhamidi Sami Abdulrahman , Al-Otaibi Areej Ghalib , AlAbdullah Amany Anwar , Alosaif Kawther Saleh , Zayer Meral Jehad Al
Published: June 2024

Background: Pregnancy is a significant transitional life experience that can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. Childbirth education is designed to improve health behaviors and offers information on psychological and physical changes that occur in pregnancy, signs that labor has begun, hospital routines and what to expect, how to manage pain through non-pharmacological strategies, the first hours of a newborn’s life, and the benefits of breastfeeding. Healthcare providers play an essential role in this education. To discover how healthcare providers view childbirth education classes, we explored their perceptions in relation to the quality of care and positive childbirth experiences.
Methods: An interpretative phenomenological qualitative approach was conducted in three government hospitals in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Data collection involved conducting semi-structured interviews with 15 participants. The sample consisted of physicians, nurses, and educators, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives.
Results: An interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted for data analysis.
One core category (Road to a Pleasant and Safe Journey) with three themes (Mother’s Experience, Obstacles, and Struggles of Healthcare Providers, and Solutions & Suggestions) emerged from the data analysis. The study findings indicate that childbirth education programs boost maternal health and facilitate a more positive delivery experience.
Conclusions: Receiving childbirth education about natural and instinctive childbirth was necessary for low-risk mothers to experience a positive childbirth experience. The education also enabled mothers to feel in control during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. From the results of this research the following recommendations can be made: childbirth education should be mandatory for all hospitals and primary healthcare institutions in the Kingdom and its curriculum should be standardized by the ministry of health and all healthcare providers employed in maternity care should be required to attend the standardized childbirth education programs.
Construction of scalable multi-channel DNA nanoplatform for the combined detection of multi-component biomarkers of cancer
Authors: Song Yiwei , Jin Xiuyan , zhao Yiou , Cheng Shuwen , Xu Sai , Bu Shengjun , Liu Liming , Zhou Chunyang , Pang Chunying
Published: June 2024

Single-level biomarker detection has the limitation of insufficient accuracy in cancer diagnosis. Therefore, the strategy of developing highly sensitive, multi-channel biosensors for multi-component biomarkers analysis is critical to improve the accuracy of early diagnosis of clinical tumors. Herein, in order to achieve efficient detection of up to ten targets for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer, a DNA-nanoswitch-based multi-channel (DNA-NSMC) biosensor was built based on the multi-module catalytic hairpin assembly-mediated signal amplification (CHA) and toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement (TDSD) reaction. In this work, only two different fluorescence signals are used as outputs, combined with modular segmentation strategy of DNA-nanoswitch-based reaction platform, the multi-channel detection of up to 10 targets is successfully achieved for the first time. The experimental results suggest that the proposed biosensor is a promising tool for simultaneously detecting multiple biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer, offering new strategies for the early screening, diagnosis, and treatment not only for ovarian cancer but also for other cancers.
The effect of partial region regeneration on regeneration and particulate emission characteristics of diesel particulate filters
Authors: Chen Zilong , Fang Jia , Zuo Zinong , Tian Wei , Yan Yan
Published: June 2024

This paper discusses the influence of partial region regeneration on both regeneration and emission performance by regeneration test bench. DPF substrate is divided into following four regions on the radial direction by the distribution of thermocouples. For the single region regeneration, region 2 has the highest maximum temperature, maximum temperature gradient, average diameter. The regeneration efficiency decreases when the loading area is far away from the center. The maximum total mass concentration is 0.36mg/m3 at region 4 due to the mass of carbon black loading. For double regions regeneration, the center and adjacent regions have positive effect on maximum temperature, maximum temperature gradient, regeneration efficiency and regeneration performance ration. The maximum total mass concentration and maximum average diameter are 0.2mg/m3 and 34nm at regions 14. For multiple regions regeneration, the lowest maximum temperature and the maximum temperature gradient are 565℃ and 8.3℃/m at regions 134, respectively. Regions 123 have maximum regeneration efficiency, performance ratio, total mass concentration and average diameter. The maximum and minimum average diameters are 101.8nm and 30.2nm at regions 123 and regions 134, respectively.