bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 100 top-cited articles in menopausal syndrome: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Jin Zishan , Tian Chuanxi , Kang Mengjiao , Hu Shiwan , Zhao Linhua , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2024

Background

Significant scientific research has been conducted concerning menopausal syndrome(MPS), yet few bibliometric analyses have been performed. Our aim was to recognise the 100 most highly cited published articles on MPS and to analytically evaluate their key features.

Methods

To identify the 100 most frequently cited articles, a search was conducted on Web of Science using the term 'menopausal syndrome'. Articles that matched the predetermined criteria were scrutinised to obtain the following data: citation ranking, year of publication, publishing journal, journal impact factor, country of origin, academic institution, authors, study type, and keywords.

Results

The publication period is from January 1, 2000, to August 31, 2022. The maximum number of citations was 406 and in 2012. The median citations per year was 39.70. Most of the articles focused on treatment and complications. These articles were published in 36 different journals, with the Journal of MENOPAUSE having published the greatest number (14%). Forty-eight articles (48%) were from the United States, with the University of Pittsburgh being the leading institute (9%). Joann E. Manson was the most frequent first author (n = 6). Observational studies were the most frequently conducted research type (n = 53), followed by experimental studies (n = 33). Keyword analysis identified classic research topics, including genitourinary syndrome of menopause, bone mineral density (BMD), and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) loci.

Conclusion

Using bibliometrics, we conducted an analysis to identify the inadequacies, traditional focal points, and potential prospects in the study of MPS across current scientific areas. Treatment and complications are at the core of MPS research, whereas prediction and biomarkers have less literature of high quality. There is a necessity for innovative analytical metrics to measure the real effect of these papers with a high level of citation on clinical application.
Fluorescent tools for the standardized work in Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Delgadillo-Guevara Mario , Halte Manuel , Erhardt Marc , Popp Philipp F.
Published: April 2024

Standardized and thoroughly characterized genetic tools are a prerequisite for studying cellular processes to ensure the reusability and consistency of experimental results. The discovery of fluorescent proteins (FPs) represents a milestone in the development of genetic reporters for monitoring transcription or protein localization in vivo. FPs have revolutionized our understanding of cellular dynamics by enabling the real-time visualization and tracking of biological processes. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in the appropriate use of FPs, specifically regarding their proper application, protein turnover dynamics, and the undesired disruption of cellular functions. Here, we systematically compared a comprehensive set of 15 FPs and assessed their performance in vivo by focusing on key parameters, such as signal over background ratios and protein stability rates, using the Gram-negative model organism Salmonella enterica as a representative host. We evaluated four protein degradation tags in both plasmid- and genome-based systems and our findings highlight the necessity of introducing degradation tags to analyze time-sensitive cellular processes. We demonstrate that the gain of dynamics mediated by the addition of degradation tags impacts the cell-to-cell heterogeneity of plasmid-based but not genome-based reporters. Finally, we probe the applicability of FPs for protein localization studies in living cells using standard and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy. In summary, our study underscores the importance of careful FP selection and paves the way for the development of improved genetic reporters to enhance the reproducibility and reliability of fluorescence-based research in Gram-negative bacteria and beyond.
Use of artificial intelligence in critical care: opportunities and obstacles
Authors: Pinsky Michael R. , Bedoya Armando , Bihorac Azra , Celi Leo , Churpek Matthew , Economou-Zavlanos Nicoleta J. , Elbers Paul , Saria Suchi , Liu Vincent , Lyons Patrick G. , Shickel Benjamin , Toral Patrick , Tscholl David , Clermont Gilles
Published: April 2024

Background

Perhaps nowhere else in the healthcare system than in the intensive care unit environment are the challenges to create useful models with direct time-critical clinical applications more relevant and the obstacles to achieving those goals more massive. Machine learning-based artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to define states and predict future events are commonplace activities of modern life. However, their penetration into acute care medicine has been slow, stuttering and uneven. Major obstacles to widespread effective application of AI approaches to the real-time care of the critically ill patient exist and need to be addressed.

Main body

Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) in acute and critical care environments support clinicians, not replace them at the bedside. As will be discussed in this review, the reasons are many and include the immaturity of AI-based systems to have situational awareness, the fundamental bias in many large databases that do not reflect the target population of patient being treated making fairness an important issue to address and technical barriers to the timely access to valid data and its display in a fashion useful for clinical workflow. The inherent “black-box” nature of many predictive algorithms and CDSS makes trustworthiness and acceptance by the medical community difficult. Logistically, collating and curating in real-time multidimensional data streams of various sources needed to inform the algorithms and ultimately display relevant clinical decisions support format that adapt to individual patient responses and signatures represent the efferent limb of these systems and is often ignored during initial validation efforts. Similarly, legal and commercial barriers to the access to many existing clinical databases limit studies to address fairness and generalizability of predictive models and management tools.

Conclusions

AI-based CDSS are evolving and are here to stay. It is our obligation to be good shepherds of their use and further development.
SuperCellCyto: enabling efficient analysis of large scale cytometry datasets
Authors: Putri Givanna H. , Howitt George , Marsh-Wakefield Felix , Ashhurst Thomas M. , Phipson Belinda
Published: April 2024

Advancements in cytometry technologies have enabled quantification of up to 50 proteins across millions of cells at single cell resolution. Analysis of cytometry data routinely involves tasks such as data integration, clustering, and dimensionality reduction. While numerous tools exist, many require extensive run times when processing large cytometry data containing millions of cells. Existing solutions, such as random subsampling, are inadequate as they risk excluding rare cell subsets. To address this, we propose SuperCellCyto, an R package that builds on the SuperCell tool which groups highly similar cells into supercells. SuperCellCyto is available on GitHub (https://github.com/phipsonlab/SuperCellCyto) and Zenodo (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10521294).
Smoking-associated gene expression alterations in nasal epithelium reveal immune impairment linked to lung cancer risk
Authors: de Biase Maria Stella , Massip Florian , Wei Tzu-Ting , Giorgi Federico M. , Stark Rory , Stone Amanda , Gladwell Amy , O’Reilly Martin , Schütte Daniel , de Santiago Ines , Meyer Kerstin B. , Markowetz Florian , Ponder Bruce A. J. , Rintoul Robert C. , Schwarz Roland F.
Published: April 2024

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. In contrast to many other cancers, a direct connection to modifiable lifestyle risk in the form of tobacco smoke has long been established. More than 50% of all smoking-related lung cancers occur in former smokers, 40% of which occur more than 15 years after smoking cessation. Despite extensive research, the molecular processes for persistent lung cancer risk remain unclear. We thus set out to examine whether risk stratification in the clinic and in the general population can be improved upon by the addition of genetic data and to explore the mechanisms of the persisting risk in former smokers.

Methods

We analysed transcriptomic data from accessible airway tissues of 487 subjects, including healthy volunteers and clinic patients of different smoking statuses. We developed a computational model to assess smoking-associated gene expression changes and their reversibility after smoking is stopped, comparing healthy subjects to clinic patients with and without lung cancer.

Results

We find persistent smoking-associated immune alterations to be a hallmark of the clinic patients. Integrating previous GWAS data using a transcriptional network approach, we demonstrate that the same immune- and interferon-related pathways are strongly enriched for genes linked to known genetic risk factors, demonstrating a causal relationship between immune alteration and lung cancer risk. Finally, we used accessible airway transcriptomic data to derive a non-invasive lung cancer risk classifier.

Conclusions

Our results provide initial evidence for germline-mediated personalized smoke injury response and risk in the general population, with potential implications for managing long-term lung cancer incidence and mortality.
Canakinumab treatment real world evidence in 3 monogenic periodic fever syndromes in 2009–2022: an interim analysis using the French JIR cohort database
Authors: Koné-Paut Isabelle , Georgin-Lavialle Sophie , Belot Alexandre , Jover Magali , Pouriel Mathilde , Lacoin Laure , Pillet Pascal , Hentgen Véronique
Published: April 2024

Background

Our study aimed to provide real-world evidence on the treatment patterns, effectiveness and safety of canakinumab in France in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency (MKD), and Tumor necrosis factor Receptor Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS).

Methods

This study used the JIR cohort, a multicentre international registry created in 2013 to collect data on patients with juvenile inflammatory rheumatic diseases. French patients diagnosed with FMF, MKD or TRAPS and treated with canakinumab were included in this study.

Results

31 FMF, 26 MKD and 7 TRAPS patients received canakinumab during the study period. Most of them initiated canakinumab at the recommended dose of 2 mg/kg or 150 mg, but less than half of FMF and MKD patients initiated it at the recommended frequency (every 4 weeks). Two years after initiation, the rate of patients still on treatment was 78.1% in FMF, 73.7% in MKD, and 85.7% in TRAPS patients. While the dose per injection remained globally the same over the course of the treatment, some adjustments of the dose intervals were observed. Six patients had a severe adverse event reported. Of those, three were possibly related to canakinumab.

Conclusion

This interim analysis showed a good maintenance of canakinumab treatment 2 years after initiation and confirmed its safety profile in real-life practice in France in patients diagnosed with FMF, MKD and TRAPS. The high variety of dose and interval combinations observed in canakinumab treated patients let suppose that physicians adapt the posology to individual situations rather than a fixed treatment plan.
Meta-analysis of epigenetic aging in schizophrenia reveals multifaceted relationships with age, sex, illness duration, and polygenic risk
Authors: Ori Anil P. S. , Olde Loohuis Loes M. , Guintivano Jerry , Hannon Eilis , Dempster Emma , St. Clair David , Bass Nick J. , McQuillin Andrew , Mill Jonathan , Sullivan Patrick F. , Kahn Rene S. , Horvath Steve , Ophoff Roel A.
Published: April 2024

Background

The study of biological age acceleration may help identify at-risk individuals and reduce the rising global burden of age-related diseases. Using DNA methylation (DNAm) clocks, we investigated biological aging in schizophrenia (SCZ), a mental illness that is associated with an increased prevalence of age-related disabilities and morbidities. In a whole blood DNAm sample of 1090 SCZ cases and 1206 controls across four European cohorts, we performed a meta-analysis of differential aging using three DNAm clocks (i.e., Hannum, Horvath, and Levine). To dissect how DNAm aging contributes to SCZ, we integrated information on duration of illness and SCZ polygenic risk, as well as stratified our analyses by chronological age and biological sex.

Results

We found that blood-based DNAm aging is significantly altered in SCZ independent from duration of the illness since onset. We observed sex-specific and nonlinear age effects that differed between clocks and point to possible distinct age windows of altered aging in SCZ. Most notably, intrinsic cellular age (Horvath clock) is decelerated in SCZ cases in young adulthood, while phenotypic age (Levine clock) is accelerated in later adulthood compared to controls. Accelerated phenotypic aging was most pronounced in women with SCZ carrying a high polygenic burden with an age acceleration of + 3.82 years (CI 2.02–5.61, P = 1.1E−03). Phenotypic aging and SCZ polygenic risk contributed additively to the illness and together explained up to 14.38% of the variance in disease status.

Conclusions

Our study contributes to the growing body of evidence of altered DNAm aging in SCZ and points to intrinsic age deceleration in younger adulthood and phenotypic age acceleration in later adulthood in SCZ. Since increased phenotypic age is associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality, our findings indicate that specific and identifiable patient groups are at increased mortality risk as measured by the Levine clock. Our study did not find that DNAm aging could be explained by the duration of illness of patients, but we did observe age- and sex-specific effects that warrant further investigation. Finally, our results show that combining genetic and epigenetic predictors can improve predictions of disease outcomes and may help with disease management in schizophrenia.
Collection methods of wild barn owl pellets at low environmental contamination and proposals of microbiological and ecological investigations
Authors: Caprari Claudio , Bucci Antonio , Divino Fabio , Giovacchini Simone , Mirone Enrico , Monaco Pamela , Perrella Giada , Quaranta Luca , Scalabrino Simone , Ranalli Giancarlo
Published: April 2024

Background

The barn owl Tyto alba is a medium-sized nocturnal raptor, predator of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects, distributed all over the world. Environmentally uncontaminated wild barn owl pellets are hard and rare to find and provide a natural matrix for biological investigations.

Results

Different solutions for collecting wild barn owl pellets at low environmental contamination are proposed. These solutions are based on a daily sanitized surface for sample retrieval, followed by rapid analysis. As an example of the possible investigations that can be carried out on these matrices, with the aim to highlight the relevance of the obtained results also from a biotechnological perspective. Two rare pellet samples from wild barn owl T. alba, appropriately collected in a rural area of central Italy, were analyzed using culture-dependent, molecular (Next-Generation Sequencing), and enzyme profile analysis techniques. The osteological observations of the bone remains provided useful information for identifying the prey, mainly rodents (Apodemus sp.). Under our experimental conditions, the results revealed both a wide heterogeneity between the pellet microbiota and a great percentage of uncultured bacteria not classified at the species level. Furthermore, microbial cultures of Malbranchea albolutea, Debaryomyces hansenii, and Lactobacillus sp. were isolated and studied.

Finally, we quantified the environmental impact of our experimental work in terms of CO2 equivalent release. To compensate for the release of 300 kg/CO2 eq., three Taxus. baccata L. were planted.

Conclusions

This work provides a starting point for developing an effective strategy to study and characterize wild barn owl pellets at low environmental contamination. It presents a simple and easy technique/protocol for collecting the pellets. The microbiota heterogeneity found in the two analyzed samples suggests that barn owl pellets can represent a potential natural reservoir for the discovery of new microorganisms to be used in various biotechnological applications. This could open the way for further large-scale studies on a greater number of samples and populations.

Graphical Abstract
Study of the mandibular canal and its surrounding canals by multi-view cone-beam computed tomography
Authors: Chen Yingqi , Liao Qianting , Wu Yuexia , He Rui , Zhang Nanxiang , Liao Yanfen , Lian Keqian
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To determine the mandibular anatomical structures by observing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) from multiple angles.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study analyzed 1593 consecutive CBCT images. Ultimately, 95 CBCTs met the inclusion criteria. The mandibular, inferior lingual, and bony canals at the tooth apex were studied by multi-angle observation CBCT. Descriptive statistics were used for statistical analysis.

Results

It is beneficial to further observe the anastomosis of the mandibular, lingual, and mandibular canals when the course of the mandibular lingual canal is observed on CBCT cross-section. The frequency of the inferior lingual canal anastomosis with the mandibular canal was 43.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 33, 53.3) in the sample. The mental foramen was located below the long axis of the tooth in a few samples, with an occurrence rate of 29.5% (95% CI 20.1, 38.8). The occurrence rate of various types of the bony canal at the apex of the tooth in canines, first premolars, second premolars, first molars, and second molars under the root apex was recorded through the multi-angle observation of the dental volume reformat (DVR) and three-dimensional (3D) levels in CBCT.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the utility of CBCT imaging in examining mandibular anatomy from multiple angles, providing valuable insights into anatomical variations, and enhancing our understanding of mandibular structures. This research emphasizes the crucial role of meticulous CBCT examination in precisely identifying and understanding key anatomical structures, ultimately reducing the risk of surgical complications.

Critical relevance statement

By examining cone-beam computed tomography scans from various perspectives, it is possible to determine the precise position of anatomical structures within the jaw. This allows for a more accurate assessment, reducing the risk of harm to these structures during treatment.

Key points

• It is crucial to utilize image data effectively to enhance the comprehension of human anatomy.

• We captured detailed images of the mandible from different angles and orientations utilizing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

• This study provides essential anatomical information for procedural planning to ensure optimal outcomes and patient safety.

Graphical Abstract
Reliability, costs, and radiation dose of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in diagnosis of radiologic sarcopenia in surgically menopausal women
Authors: Stuursma Annechien , Stroot Iris A. S. , Vermeulen Karin M. , Slart Riemer H. J. A. , Greuter Marcel J. W. , Mourits Marian J. E. , de Bock Geertruida H.
Published: April 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare reliability, costs, and radiation dose of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to MRI and CT in measuring muscle mass for the diagnosis of sarcopenia.

Methods

Thirty-four consecutive DXA scans performed in surgically menopausal women from November 2019 until March 2020 were analyzed by two observers. Observers analyzed muscle mass of the lower limbs in every scan twice. Reliability was assessed by calculating inter- and intra-observer variability. Reliability from CT and MRI as well as radiation dose from CT and DXA were collected from literature. Costs for each type of scan were calculated according to the guidelines for economic evaluation of the Dutch National Health Care Institute.

Results

The 34 participants had a median age of 58 years (IQR 53–65) and a median body mass index of 24.6 (IQR 21.7–29.7). Inter-observer variability had an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.997 (95% CI 0.994–0.998) with a relative variability of 0.037 ± 0.022%. Regarding intra-observer variability, observer 1 had an ICC of 0.998 (95% CI 0.996–0.999) with a relative variability of 0.019 ± 0.016% and observer 2 had an ICC of 0.997 (95% CI 0.993–0.998) with a relative variability of 0.016 ± 0.011%. DXA costs were €62, CT €77, and MRI €195. The estimated radiation dose of CT was 2.5–3.0 mSv, for DXA this was 2–4 µSv.

Conclusions

DXA has lower costs and a lower radiation dose, with low inter- and intra-observer variability, compared to CT and MRI for assessing lower limb muscle mass.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register; NL8068.

Critical relevance statement

DXA is a good alternative for CT and MRI in assessing lower limb muscle mass, with lower costs and lower radiation dose, while inter-observer and intra-observer variability are low.

Key points

• Screening for sarcopenia should be optimized as the population ages.

• DXA outperformed CT and MRI in the measured metrics.

• DXA validity should be further evaluated as an alternative to CT and MRI for sarcopenia evaluation.

Graphical Abstract
Small-molecule α-lipoic acid targets ELK1 to balance human neutrophil and erythrocyte differentiation
Authors: Zhang Yimeng , Zhou Ya , Li Xiaohong , Pan Xu , Bai Ju , Chen Yijin , Lai Zhenyang , Chen Qiang , Ma Feng , Dong Yong
Published: April 2024

Background

Erythroid and myeloid differentiation disorders are commonly occurred in leukemia. Given that the relationship between erythroid and myeloid lineages is still unclear. To find the co-regulators in erythroid and myeloid differentiation might help to find new target for therapy of myeloid leukemia. In hematopoiesis, ALA (alpha lipoic acid) is reported to inhibit neutrophil lineage determination by targeting transcription factor ELK1 in granulocyte-monocyte progenitors via splicing factor SF3B1. However, further exploration is needed to determine whether ELK1 is a common regulatory factor for erythroid and myeloid differentiation.

Methods

In vitro culture of isolated CD34+, CMPs (common myeloid progenitors) and CD34+ CD371– HSPCs (hematopoietic stem progenitor cells) were performed to assay the differentiation potential of monocytes, neutrophils, and erythrocytes. Overexpression lentivirus of long isoform (L-ELK1) or the short isoform (S-ELK1) of ELK1 transduced CD34+ HSPCs were transplanted into NSG mice to assay the human lymphocyte and myeloid differentiation differences 3 months after transplantation. Knocking down of SRSF11, which was high expressed in CD371+GMPs (granulocyte-monocyte progenitors), upregulated by ALA and binding to ELK1-RNA splicing site, was performed to analyze the function in erythroid differentiation derived from CD34+ CD123mid CD38+ CD371– HPCs (hematopoietic progenitor cells). RNA sequencing of L-ELK1 and S-ELK1 overexpressed CD34+ CD123mid CD38+ CD371– HPCs were performed to assay the signals changed by ELK1.

Results

Here, we presented new evidence that ALA promoted erythroid differentiation by targeting the transcription factor ELK1 in CD34+ CD371– hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs). Overexpression of either the long isoform (L-ELK1) or the short isoform (S-ELK1) of ELK1 inhibited erythroid-cell differentiation, but knockdown of ELK1 did not affect erythroid-cell differentiation. RNAseq analysis of CD34+ CD123mid CD38+ CD371– HPCs showed that L-ELK1 upregulated the expression of genes related to neutrophil activity, phosphorylation, and hypoxia signals, while S-ELK1 mainly regulated hypoxia-related signals. However, most of the genes that were upregulated by L-ELK1 were only moderately upregulated by S-ELK1, which might be due to a lack of serum response factor interaction and regulation domains in S-ELK1 compared to L-ELK1. In summary, the differentiation of neutrophils and erythrocytes might need to rely on the dose of L-ELK1 and S-ELK1 to achieve precise regulation via RNA splicing signals at early lineage commitment.

Conclusions

ALA and ELK1 are found to regulate both human granulopoiesis and erythropoiesis via RNA spliceosome, and ALA-ELK1 signal might be the target of human leukemia therapy.
Utilizing bioprinting to engineer spatially organized tissues from the bottom-up
Authors: Zhan Yichen , Jiang Wenbin , Liu Zhirong , Wang Zhenxing , Guo Ke , Sun Jiaming
Published: April 2024

In response to the growing demand for organ substitutes, tissue engineering has evolved significantly. However, it is still challenging to create functional tissues and organs. Tissue engineering from the ‘bottom-up’ is promising on solving this problem due to its ability to construct tissues with physiological complexity. The workflow of this strategy involves two key steps: the creation of building blocks, and the subsequent assembly. There are many techniques developed for the two pivotal steps. Notably, bioprinting is versatile among these techniques and has been widely used in research. With its high level of automation, bioprinting has great capacity in engineering tissues with precision and holds promise to construct multi-material tissues. In this review, we summarize the techniques applied in fabrication and assembly of building blocks. We elaborate mechanisms and applications of bioprinting, particularly in the 'bottom-up' strategy. We state our perspectives on future trends of bottom-up tissue engineering, hoping to provide useful reference for researchers in this field.
Sex-based differences in growth-related IGF1 signaling in response to PAPP-A2 deficiency: comparative effects of rhGH, rhIGF1 and rhPAPP-A2 treatments
Authors: Fernández-Arjona María del Mar , Navarro Juan Antonio , López-Gambero Antonio Jesús , de Ceglia Marialuisa , Rodríguez Miguel , Rubio Leticia , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Barrios Vicente , Chowen Julie A. , Argente Jesús , Rivera Patricia , Suárez Juan
Published: April 2024

Background

Children with pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A2 (PAPP-A2) mutations resulting in low levels of bioactive insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) and progressive postnatal growth retardation have improved growth velocity and height following recombinant human (rh)IGF1 treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate whether Pappa2 deficiency and pharmacological manipulation of GH/IGF1 system are associated with sex-specific differences in growth-related signaling pathways.

Methods

Plasma, hypothalamus, pituitary gland and liver of Pappa2ko/ko mice of both sexes, showing reduced skeletal growth, and liver of these mice treated with rhGH, rhIGF1 and rhPAPP-A2 from postnatal day (PND) 5 to PND35 were analyzed.

Results

Reduced body and femur length of Pappa2ko/ko mice was associated with increases in: (1) components of IGF1 ternary complexes (IGF1, IGFBP5/Igfbp5, Igfbp3, Igfals) in plasma, hypothalamus and/or liver; and (2) key signaling regulators (phosphorylated PI3K, AKT, mTOR, GSK3β, ERK1/2 and AMPKα) in hypothalamus, pituitary gland and/or liver, with Pappa2ko/ko females having a more prominent effect. Compared to rhGH and rhIGF1, rhPAPP-A2 specifically induced: (1) increased body and femur length, and reduced plasma total IGF1 and IGFBP5 concentrations in Pappa2ko/ko females; and (2) increased Igf1 and Igf1r levels and decreased Ghr, Igfbp3 and Igfals levels in the liver of Pappa2ko/ko females. These changes were accompanied by lower phospho-STAT5, phospho-AKT and phospho-ERK2 levels and higher phospho-AMPK levels in the liver of Pappa2ko/ko females.

Conclusions

Sex-specific differences in IGF1 system and signaling pathways are associated with Pappa2 deficiency, pointing to rhPAPP-A2 as a promising drug to alleviate postnatal growth retardation underlying low IGF1 bioavailability in a female-specific manner.
EEG emotion recognition based on differential entropy feature matrix through 2D-CNN-LSTM network
Authors: Wang Teng , Huang Xiaoqiao , Xiao Zenan , Cai Wude , Tai Yonghang
Published: April 2024

Emotion recognition research has attracted great interest in various research fields, and electroencephalography (EEG) is considered a promising tool for extracting emotion-related information. However, traditional EEG-based emotion recognition methods ignore the spatial correlation between electrodes. To address this problem, this paper proposes an EEG-based emotion recognition method combining differential entropy feature matrix (DEFM) and 2D-CNN-LSTM. In this work, first, the one-dimensional EEG vector sequence is converted into a two-dimensional grid matrix sequence, which corresponds to the distribution of brain regions of the EEG electrode positions, and can better characterize the spatial correlation between the EEG signals of multiple adjacent electrodes. Then, the EEG signal is divided into equal time windows, and the differential entropy (DE) of each electrode in this time window is calculated, it is combined with a two-dimensional grid matrix and differential entropy to obtain a new data representation that can capture the spatiotemporal correlation of the EEG signal, which is called DEFM. Secondly, we use 2D-CNN-LSTM to accurately identify the emotional categories contained in the EEG signals and finally classify them through the fully connected layer. Experiments are conducted on the widely used DEAP dataset. Experimental results show that the method achieves an average classification accuracy of 91.92% and 92.31% for valence and arousal, respectively. The method performs outstandingly in emotion recognition. This method effectively combines the temporal and spatial correlation of EEG signals, improves the accuracy and robustness of EEG emotion recognition, and has broad application prospects in the field of emotion classification and recognition based on EEG signals.
Intelligent multi-agent model for energy-efficient communication in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Saleem Kiran , Wang Lei , Bharany Salil , Ouahada Khmaies , Rehman Ateeq Ur , Hamam Habib
Published: April 2024

The research addresses energy consumption, latency, and network reliability challenges in wireless sensor network communication, especially in military security applications. A multi-agent context-aware model employing the belief-desire-intention (BDI) reasoning mechanism is proposed. This model utilizes a semantic knowledge-based intelligent reasoning network to monitor suspicious activities within a prohibited zone, generating alerts. Additionally, a BDI intelligent multi-level data transmission routing algorithm is proposed to optimize energy consumption constraints and enhance energy-awareness among nodes. The energy optimization analysis involves the Energy Percent Dataset, showcasing the efficiency of four wireless sensor network techniques (E-FEERP, GTEB, HHO-UCRA, EEIMWSN) in maintaining high energy levels. E-FEERP consistently exhibits superior energy efficiency (93 to 98%), emphasizing its effectiveness. The Energy Consumption Dataset provides insights into the joule measurements of energy consumption for each technique, highlighting their diverse energy efficiency characteristics. Latency measurements are presented for four techniques within a fixed transmission range of 5000 m. E-FEERP demonstrates latency ranging from 3.0 to 4.0 s, while multi-hop latency values range from 2.7 to 2.9 s. These values provide valuable insights into the performance characteristics of each technique under specified conditions. The Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR) dataset reveals the consistent performance of the techniques in maintaining successful packet delivery within the specified transmission range. E-FEERP achieves PDR values between 89.5 and 92.3%, demonstrating its reliability. The Packet Received Data further illustrates the efficiency of each technique in receiving transmitted packets. Moreover the network lifetime results show E-FEERP consistently improving from 2550 s to round 925. GTEB and HHO-UCRA exhibit fluctuations around 3100 and 3600 s, indicating variable performance. In contrast, EEIMWSN consistently improves from round 1250 to 4500 s.
Characterization of peer support services for substance use disorders in 11 US emergency departments in 2020: findings from a NIDA clinical trials network site selection process
Authors: Jennings Lindsey K , Lander Laura , Lawdahl Tricia , McClure Erin A. , Moreland Angela , McCauley Jenna L. , Haynes Louise , Matheson Timothy , Jones Richard , Robey Thomas E. , Kawasaki Sarah , Moschella Phillip , Raheemullah Amer , Miller Suzette , Gregovich Gina , Waltman Deborah , Brady Kathleen T. , Barth Kelly S.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Emergency departments (ED) are incorporating Peer Support Specialists (PSSs) to help with patient care for substance use disorders (SUDs). Despite rapid growth in this area, little is published regarding workflow, expectations of the peer role, and core components of the PSS intervention. This study describes these elements in a national sample of ED-based peer support intervention programs.

Methods

A survey was conducted to assess PSS site characteristics as part of site selection process for a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Clinical Trials Network (CTN) evaluating PSS effectiveness, Surveys were distributed to clinical sites affiliated with the 16 CTN nodes. Surveys were completed by a representative(s) of the site and collected data on the PSS role in the ED including details regarding funding and certification, services rendered, role in medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and naloxone distribution, and factors impacting implementation and maintenance of ED PSS programs. Quantitative data was summarized with descriptive statistics. Free-text fields were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

A total of 11 surveys were completed, collected from 9 different states. ED PSS funding was from grants (55%), hospital funds (46%), peer recovery organizations (27%) or other (18%). Funding was anticipated to continue for a mean of 16 months (range 12 to 36 months). The majority of programs provided “general recovery support (81%) Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) services (55%), and assisted with naloxone distribution to ED patients (64%). A minority assisted with ED-initiated buprenorphine (EDIB) programs (27%). Most (91%) provided services to patients after they were discharged from the ED. Barriers to implementation included lack of outpatient referral sources, barriers to initiating MOUD, stigma at the clinician and system level, and lack of ongoing PSS availability due to short-term grant funding.

Conclusions

The majority of ED-based PSSs were funded through time-limited grants, and short-term grant funding was identified as a barrier for ED PSS programs. There was consistency among sites in the involvement of PSSs in facilitation of transitions of SUD care, coordination of follow-up after ED discharge, and PSS involvement in naloxone distribution.
Conflict in Ukraine and the unsettling ripples: implications on food systems and development in North Africa
Authors: Ben Hassen Tarek , El Bilali Hamid
Published: April 2024

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has profoundly impacted food systems in North Africa. This paper aims to analyze the impact of the conflict on food security in North Africa and the potential long-term consequences for the global food system. The research explores both scholarly and grey literature, including government reports, academic articles, and news articles. The findings indicate that food systems in North Africa have been particularly affected by the conflict in Ukraine, owing to its influence on the global economy, trade dynamics, and food prices. The consequent high fertilizer prices have also affected local food production, decreasing yields and increasing food prices. However, those countries with substantial financial resources (cf. Algeria) will likely be able to mitigate the adverse effects on their citizens. In contrast, countries with limited resources (cf. Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia) or failed states (cf. Libya) may struggle to ensure the food security of their populations. The findings highlight the importance of considering these impacts when addressing global food security challenges. The food security situation in North Africa serves as a reminder of the interconnectivity of global food systems and the need for continued efforts to ensure food security for all.
The effect of psychological first-aid virtual education on the communication skills of nurses in disasters: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Madani Sayed Mohammad Sadegh , Bahramnejad Ali , Farsi Zahra , Alizadeh Azizeh , Azizi Maryam
Published: April 2024

Background

Disasters have affected the physical and mental health of people around the world. Since nurses are frontlines in disasters, it seems necessary to prepare for this responsibility. This study investigates the effect of psychological first-aid virtual education on the communication skills of nurses in disasters such as COVID pandemic.

Methods

In a randomized controlled trial, 55 nurses were selected by purposive sampling method from two hospitals in Isfahan and Tehran, Iran in December—November 2022 and randomly replaced in the intervention group who participated in psychological first aid virtual training and control group. The data were collected through the personal information form and Communication Skills –Test-Revised (CSTR).

Results

Two groups were homogeneous in terms of communication skills (p = 0.177), the total score of communication skills was significant between the two groups after the intervention (p < 0.0001). Regarding communication skills, in the pre-intervention phase, the subscale of “the ability to receive and send messages” and “insight into the communication process” the difference before the intervention was not significant between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, it was significant between the two groups after the intervention (p < 0.05), and regarding “emotional control”, “listening skills”, and “communication along with assertiveness” the difference before and after the intervention was not significant between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Pre-disaster training and virtual education can increase nurses’ communication skills in their ability to handle a disaster such as COVID pandemic. Virtual education of post-disaster psychological interventions is suggested.

Trial registration

IRCT20220923056023N1; date: 2023–01-31.
Correlation between induced polarization and sulfide content of rock samples obtained from seafloor hydrothermal mounds in the Okinawa Trough, Japan
Authors: Ohta Yusuke , Goto Tada-nori , Koike Katsuaki , Kashiwaya Koki , Lin Weiren , Tadai Osamu , Kasaya Takafumi , Kanamatsu Toshiya , Machiyama Hideaki
Published: April 2024

The physical properties of seafloor massive sulfides are crucial for interpreting sub-seafloor images from geophysical surveys, shedding light on the evolution of seafloor mineral deposits. While some studies have explored the relationship between electrical properties and the volume of conductive minerals in rocks from seafloor massive sulfide deposits, they primarily focused on artificial samples, leaving the characteristics of natural samples less understood. Moreover, there has been no comprehensive study detailing the general characteristics of electrical properties, particularly chargeability and relaxation time, in relation to the volumetric fraction of sulfides in rocks from massive sulfide mounds in typical hydrothermal areas. In this study, we employed complex conductivity measurements, elemental concentration analysis, and mineral content identification on to rock samples from the active hydrothermal zones of the Okinawa Trough in Japan. The complex conductivity observed was remarkably high, with a pronounced imaginary component and a broad frequency range. This is attributed to induced polarization extending beyond our measurement range. The rock samples were rich in conductive sulfide minerals such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, and galena. Using the Cole–Cole rock physics model, we established a correlation between rock chargeability and relaxation time coefficient with the volume fraction of conductive sulfide minerals, which deviated from previous findings. The intensity of induced polarization was notably higher than anticipated in earlier studies using artificial samples. Furthermore, we observed a distinct positive correlation between the coefficient of relaxation time and the increase in sulfide volume, likely due to the geometric characteristics of the sulfide minerals. Our findings suggest that rocks in massive sulfide mounds may generally construct sulfide clusters that lengthen the conductive path of the electrical carrier.

Graphical Abstract
Feasibility of diabetes self-management coaching program for individuals with type 2 diabetes in the Ethiopian primary care setting: a protocol for a feasibility mixed-methods parallel-group randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yehualashet Fikadu Ambaw , Kessler Dorothy , Bizuneh Segenet , Donnelly Catherine
Published: April 2024

Background

Diabetes mellitus is the third most prevalent chronic metabolic disorder and a significant contributor to disability and impaired quality of life globally. Diabetes self-management coaching is an emerging empowerment strategy for individuals with type 2 diabetes, enabling them to achieve their health and wellness goals. The current study aims to determine the feasibility of a diabetes self-management coaching program and its preliminary effectiveness on the clinical and psychosocial outcomes in the Ethiopian primary healthcare context.

Methods

The study will employ a mixed-method feasibility randomized controlled trial design. Forty individuals with type 2 diabetes will be randomly allocated to treatment and control groups using block randomization. The primary feasibility outcomes include acceptability, eligibility, recruitment, and participant retention rates, which will be computed using descriptive analysis. The secondary outcomes are self-efficacy, self-care activity, quality of life, and glycated hemoglobin A1c. For normally distributed continuous variables, the mean difference within and between the groups will be determined by paired sample Student t-test and independent sample Student t-test, respectively. Non-parametric tests such as the Mann-Whitney U test, the Wilcoxon signed rank test, and the Friedman analysis of variance test will determine the median difference for variables that violated the normality assumption. A repeated measure analysis of variance will be considered to estimate the variance between the baseline, post-intervention, and post-follow-up measurements. A sample of 10 volunteers in the treatment group will participate in the qualitative interview to explore their experience with the diabetes self-management coaching program and overall feasibility. The study will follow a qualitative content analysis approach to analyze the qualitative data. Qualitative and quantitative findings will be integrated using a joint display technique.

Discussion

Evidence reveals diabetes self-management coaching programs effectively improve HbA1c, self-efficacy, self-care activity, and quality of life. This study will determine the feasibility of a future large-scale randomized controlled trial on diabetes self-management coaching. The study will also provide evidence on the preliminary outcomes and contribute to improving the diabetes self-management experience and quality of life of individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration

The trial was registered online at ClinicalTrials.gov on 12/04/2022 and received a unique registration number, NCT05336019, and the URL of the registry is https://beta.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05336019.
AI-based support for optical coherence tomography in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Mares Virginia , Nehemy Marcio B. , Bogunovic Hrvoje , Frank Sophie , Reiter Gregor S. , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula
Published: April 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology across various fields, and its applications in the medical domain, particularly in ophthalmology, has gained significant attention. The vast amount of high-resolution image data, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, has been a driving force behind AI growth in this field. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes for blindness in the world, affecting approximately 196 million people worldwide in 2020. Multimodal imaging has been for a long time the gold standard for diagnosing patients with AMD, however, currently treatment and follow-up in routine disease management are mainly driven by OCT imaging. AI-based algorithms have by their precision, reproducibility and speed, the potential to reliably quantify biomarkers, predict disease progression and assist treatment decisions in clinical routine as well as academic studies. This review paper aims to provide a summary of the current state of AI in AMD, focusing on its applications, challenges, and prospects.
Cardiac markers in left-sided breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy: a prospective study
Authors: Chufal Kundan , Ahmad Irfan , Prakash Anuj , Miller Alexis , Umesh Preetha , Koul Varsha , Bajpai Ram , Dua Bharat , Gupta Priya , Gairola Munish
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To investigate the association between radiotherapy (RT) and cardiac biomarkers in women with left-sided breast cancer.

Methods

This prospective observational study recruited patients with stage I-III left-sided breast cancer without coronary heart disease who required adjuvant RT. High-sensitivity troponin I(hsTnI), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hsCRP) levels were measured pre-RT, immediately after RT, and 3 months post-RT. Cardiac-sparing RT techniques were utilized (Field-in-Field IMRT/VMAT ± voluntary deep inspiration breath-hold). Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests and multivariable quantile regression (QR).

Results

One hundred five patients completed the study, with 63 evaluable at three months post-RT. Pre- and post-RT biomarkers showed no significant differences. Median pre-RT and post-RT values were: hsTnI (0.012ng/mL; 0.012ng/mL), hsCRP (3.1 mg/L; 2.8 mg/L), and NT-proBNP (59pg/mL; 45pg/mL). Three months post-RT, hsTnI, hsCRP and NT-proBNP levels also showed no significant differences. Multivariable QR revealed no association between heart Dmean [median(IQR): 2.87 Gy (2.05–3.94)] and post-RT biomarkers. Age and BMI were associated with hsCRP and NT-proBNP, respectively.

Conclusions

hsTnI, NT-proBNP, and hsCRP are not correlated with contemporary low cardiac exposure in left-sided breast cancer patients treated with contemporary RT techniques.