bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of internet-based smartphone apps consistently improved consumers' healthy eating behaviors: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Seid Awole , Fufa Desta Dugassa , Bitew Zebenay Workneh
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Digital tools, such as mobile apps and the Internet, are being increasingly used to promote healthy eating habits. However, there has been inconsistent reporting on the effectiveness of smartphones and web-based apps in influencing dietary behaviors. Moreover, previous reviews have been limited in scope, either by focusing on a specific population group or by being outdated. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to investigate the impacts of smartphone- and web-based dietary interventions on promoting healthy eating behaviors worldwide.

Methods

A systematic literature search of randomized controlled trials was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Global Health, Informit, Web of Science, and CINAHL (EBSCO). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to prepare the entire document. EndNote (version 20) was used for reference management. The risk of bias in the articles was assessed using the “Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0)” by the Cochrane Collaboration. Narrative synthesis, using text and tables, was used to present the results. The study was registered in PROSPERO under protocol number CRD42023464315.

Results

This review analyzed a total of 39 articles, which consisted of 25 smartphone-based apps and 14 web-based apps. The studies involved a total of 14,966 participants. Out of the 25 studies, 13 (52%) showed that offline-capable smartphone apps are successful in promoting healthier eating habits. The impact of smartphone apps on healthy adults has been inconsistently reported. However, studies have shown their effectiveness in chronically ill patients. Likewise, internet-based mobile apps, such as social media or nutrition-specific apps, have been found to effectively promote healthy eating behaviors. These findings were consistent across 14 studies, which included healthy adults, overweight or obese adults, chronically ill patients, and pregnant mothers.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings suggest that smartphone apps contribute to improving healthy eating behaviors. Both nutrition-specific and social media-based mobile apps consistently prove effective in promoting long-term healthy eating habits. Therefore, policymakers in the food system should consider harnessing the potential of internet-based mobile apps and social media platforms to foster sustainable healthy eating behaviors.
How do students’ learning goals differ? A text mining approach to reveal the individual differences
Authors: Ng Hilary K. Y.
Published: January 2024

Extensive research has demonstrated that setting learning goals could benefit academic performance, learning motivation, and attendance rate. The current research further focused on the content of learning goals with the text mining approach. This research uncovered three main differences between high-achieving students and their counterparts. Specifically, high-achieving students exhibited a higher tendency to devise goals aligning with the course objectives. They were more driven by their desire for academic excellence and personal growth. Lastly, they expressed themselves with higher linguistic alignment with the context. This research enriched the understanding of the characteristics of learning goals and provided practical implications for educators to develop a more inclusive and supportive learning environment that address diverse student needs.
Unraveling institutional complexity in engaged education practices: rationales, responses, and roles of individual practitioners
Authors: Tijsma Geertje , Demeijer Frederique , Zweekhorst Marjolein , Urias Eduardo
Published: January 2024

Despite the growing trend to integrate engaged education activities in (Higher) Education Institutions ((H)EIs), their adoption responds to diverse and often conflicting rationales. These rationales are shaped by institutional logics at both the field and organizational level, and their conflicting nature is a manifestation of the institutional complexity that arises when organizations and the individuals within them are confronted with divergent prescriptions from multiple institutional logics. This study examines how engaged practitioners in (H)EIs experience institutional complexity and how they respond to such complexities. We conducted research at the intersection of field-level and organizational-level logics, and individual responses. Our findings show that engaged practitioners who initiate engaged education that follows the principles of the dominant market and corporate logics do not experience institutional complexity, and we therefore refer to them as compliers. Conversely, those whose intentionality follow the minority state logic take different roles in their response to the underlying institutional complexity. Those roles may refer to the adherence to multiple conflicting logics while keeping them apart (compartmentalizers), the (selective) combination of elements of dominant and minority logics (combiners), or the (partial) rejection of the dominant logic to protect the minority logic (protectors). The implications of our study offer valuable insights into the change process in (H)EIs concerning the integration of engaged educational processes and activities.
Thyroid diseases in children and adolescents requiring surgical treatment—indications, techniques, results, and complications based on 10 years of the single center’s own experience
Authors: Sosnowska-Sienkiewicz Patrycja , Danielewicz Dajana , Januszkiewicz-Lewandowska Danuta , Rusak Paulina , Anderko Iwona , Rzepecki Maciej , Niedziela Marek , Harasymczuk Jerzy , Mańkowski Przemysław
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Although thyroid abnormalities are observed less frequently in children than in adults, the increased incidence of thyroid cancer makes it mandatory for all pediatric surgeons to be knowledgeable about the disorders of this gland. Thyroid abnormalities can be associated with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism and euthyroidism and/or symmetric or asymmetric enlargement of the gland.

Aim

The present study was undertaken to retrospectively analyze the indications, surgical techniques used, results obtained, and complications found in the surgical treatment of thyroid diseases in children and adolescents in a surgical center for the macro-region of western Poland.

Methods

The data of 148 patients undergoing total or partial thyroidectomy between 2013 and 2022 were analyzed from the medical records of the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Traumatology, and Urology of the Medical University of Poznan, Poland.

Results

A total of 95 children underwent subtotal thyroidectomy and 64 underwent total thyroidectomy, of which the procedure was widened to include prophylactic removal of neck lymph nodes in 45 patients. There were 113 girls (76%) in the analyzed group, and the average age of the patients at the time of surgical treatment was 15 years. The average time from the diagnosis of thyroid disease to surgery was 4 months, ranging from 2 weeks to 3 years. Of the 64 patients undergoing total thyroid resection, 35 (54.69%) were diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Conclusions

Collaboration within a multidisciplinary team ensures optimal surgical outcomes in children and adolescents with thyroid disease. With extreme caution, thyroid removal is a safe procedure with few complications, but the experience of the surgeon performing thyroid surgery in children remains crucial. Despite the absence of such a diagnosis in the first fine-needle aspiration biopsy, the high percentage of thyroid carcinomas in the analyzed group may be because the initial biopsy was performed in a less experienced center, also in terms of histopathological laboratory. Hence, we point out the necessity of performing a repeat fine-needle aspiration biopsy (according to the Bethesda classification) in a more experienced center before the final decision of thyroidectomy.
The geological controlling factors of the heterogeneity of a bioclastic limestone reservoir—a case study of the Cretaceous Kh2 layer in A oilfield, Iraq
Authors: Ling Can , Zhang Xiran , Fu Meiyan , Huang Tingting , Duan Guanghui , Gao Shumin
Published: January 2024

Reservoir heterogeneity is one of the key factors affecting the exploration and development of oil and gas reservoirs. The Kh2 layer in the A field of Central Iraq is a major pay zone with strong longitudinal and lateral heterogeneity. The heterogeneity, controlled by geological factors, has not yet been confirmed, which seriously restricts the development of this pay zone. This study aims to establish a geological pattern for the reservoir heterogeneity of bioclastic limestone, providing a geological basis for heterogeneity evaluation. Based on the core observation, thin-section identification, and physical property analysis, the microfacies are classified, and the diagenetic sequences and the pore structure of the Kh2 layer are analyzed. Seven types of microfacies are developed in the Kh2 layer, namely, planktic foraminiferal wackestone (MFT1), lamellar bioclastic wackestone (MFT2), intraclastic–bioclastic packstone (MFT3), green algal packstone (MFT4), green alga–pelletoid packstone (MFT5), bioclastic–intraclastic packstone (MFT6), and intraclastic grainstone (MFT7). The heterogeneity of the different microfacies and heterogeneity within the same microfacies were evaluated using the variation coefficient of permeability tested from cores collected from wells and calculated by well-logging at different intervals. The highest heterogeneity was observed in the lamellar bioclastic wackestone (MFT2), with an average variation coefficient of 0.72. The lowest heterogeneity was observed in the green algal packstone (MFT4), with an average variation coefficient of 0.11. The vertical heterogeneity of the permeability is mainly controlled by sedimentation, while the lateral heterogeneity is mainly influenced by cementation, bioturbation, and the distribution of green algae. Finally, a micro-scale geological pattern for determining the reservoir heterogeneity of bioclastic limestone reservoirs is established. This study can guide the current injection development and remaining oil prediction in oilfields with similar backgrounds.
A novel recognition method for complex power quality disturbances based on Markov transition field and improved densely connected network
Authors: Zhou Lei , Gu Shuifu , Liu Yi , Zhu Chaoqun
Published: January 2024

In order to solve the difficulty that complex power quality disturbances (PQDs) are difficult to recognize accurately and efficiently under the new power system background, this paper proposes a novel PQDs recognition method based on markov transition field (MTF) and improved densely connected network (DenseNet). Firstly, the one-dimensional PQDs signal is mapped into the two-dimensional image with clear texture features by using MTF encoding method. Then, a DenseNet-S lightweight network is designed and the convolutional attention module (CBAM) is introduced to improve its feature extraction ability, so as to enhance the performance of the network. Finally, the images are input into the improved model for training and learning, and PQDs recognition is realized through the optimal model. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, experimental tests are carried out based on IEEE 1159 standard simulation dataset and real-world field measured signals dataset, and compared with existing recognition methods. The results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the recognition accuracy and noise robustness of complex PQDs, and has more advantages in disturbances recognition efficiency. It can meet the recognition accuracy and efficiency requirements of massive and complex PQDs events in engineering applications.
Rapid identification of bacteria in water by multi-wavelength transmittance spectroscopy and the artificial neural network
Authors: Hu Yuxia , Zhu Yunhao , Hu Dun , Zhou Na , Xiu Lei , Li Weihua , Xie Jiaqi , Zhang Yiming , Yan Pu
Published: January 2024

Background: Multi-wavelength transmittance spectroscopy, in combination with the artificial neural network, has been a novel tool used to identify and classify microorganisms in recent years.

Methods: In our work, the transmittance spectra in the region from 200 to 900 nm for four bacterial species of interest, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K.pneumoniae), and Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhi), were recorded using an ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer. Considering too much redundant data on the full-wave band spectra, the characteristic wavelength variables were selected using the competitive adaptive reweighting sampling (CARS) algorithm. Spectra of the initial training set of these targeted microorganisms were used to create identification models representing the spectral variability of each species using four kinds of neural networks, namely, backpropagation (BP), radial basis function network (RBF), generalized regression neural network (GRNN), and probabilistic neural network (PNN).

Results: The blinded isolate spectra of targeted species were identified using the four identification models given above. Compared to fullband modeling, after using CARS to screen the wavelength variables, four identification models are established for the 35 preferred characteristic wavelengths, and the prediction performance of the four models is notably improved. Among them, the CARS–PNN model is the best, and the identification rates of all targeted bacteria were achieved with 100% accuracy; the calculation time is just approximately 0.04 s.

Discussion: The use of CARS can effectively remove useless information from the spectra, reduce model complexity, and enhance model prediction performance. Multi-wavelength transmission spectroscopy, combined with the CARS–PNN method, can provide a new method for the rapid detection of bacteria in water and could be readily extended for bacterial microbiological detection in blood and food.
The descriptive epidemiology of pre-omicron SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections and severe outcomes in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Shaw Souradet Y. , Kindrachuk Jason , McKinnon Lyle , Biegun Jeffery C. S. , Reimer Jocelyn N. , Loeppky Carla , Wei Yichun Joy , Bullard Jared , Van Caeseele Paul , Stein Derek R.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Vaccination plays a key role in curbing severe outcomes resulting from COVID-19 disease. With the Omicron variant and the relaxing of public health protections breakthrough infections are increasingly common, and certain groups remain at higher risk for severe outcomes from breakthrough infections. We analysed population-based public health data from Manitoba, Canada to understand characteristics of those experiencing breakthrough infections and severe outcomes from breakthrough infections. Data from previous pandemic stages can provide valuable information regarding severe outcomes associated with breakthrough infection in the Omicron and future phases.

Methods

Positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests from Cadham Provincial Laboratory were linked to case information from the population-based Public Health Information Management System. A retrospective design was used with time-to-event analyses to examine severe outcomes among those experiencing breakthrough infection.

Results

Breakthrough cases were more likely to have 2 + chronic conditions, compared to age-, sex-, and time-period matched unvaccinated cases (24% vs. 17%), with hypertension (30%), diabetes (17%), and asthma (14%) being the most prevalent chronic conditions amongst breakthrough cases. Severe outcomes resulting from breakthrough infection was associated with age and chronic conditions, with those with 2 + chronic conditions at higher risk of severe outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio: 3.6, 95% confidence intervals: 2.0-6.4). Risk of severe outcomes varied by age group, with those 70 + years at over 13 times the risk of severe outcomes (95% CI: 4.5-39.8), compared to those 18-29 years of age.

Discussion

Our results demonstrate the impact of chronic conditions on the likelihood of, and severity of outcomes from breakthrough infections. These findings underscore the importance of vaccination programs prioritizing vulnerable populations.
Effects of polyphenolic maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) extract on the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and activation of mast cells in a mouse model of Crohn’s disease-like colitis
Authors: Ortiz-Cerda Tamara , Argüelles-Arias Federico , Macías-García Laura , Vázquez-Román Victoria , Tapia Gladys , Xie Kangzhe , García-García María Desirée , Merinero Manuel , García-Montes Josefa-María , Alcudia Ana , Witting Paul K. , De-Miguel Manuel
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Crohn’s disease (CD) involves activation of mast cells (MC) and NF-кB in parallel with the PPAR-α/NLRP3 inflammasome/IL-1β pathway in the inflamed colon. Whether polyphenols from maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) represent a natural alternative treatment for CD is unclear. Therefore, we used an animal model of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced CD-like colitis to investigate protective effects of maqui extract through monitoring NLRP3 inflammasome and MC activation in colon tissue.

Methods

Maqui extract was administered via orogastric route to mice after (post-Treatment group) or prior (pre-Treatment group) to TNBS-induction. Colon pathology was characterized by histoarchitectural imaging, disease activity index (DAI), and assessing NF-кB, p-NF-кB, PPAR-α/NLRP3 expression and IL-1β levels.

Results

Compared to mice treated with TNBS alone administration of anthocyanin-rich maqui extract improved the DAI, colon histoarchitecture and reduced both colon wet-weight and transmural inflammation. Induction with TNBS significantly increased colonic NLPR3 inflammasome activation, while co-treatment with maqui extract (either post- or pre-Treatment) significantly downregulated NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 levels, which manifested as reduced colonic IL-1β levels. Supplemented maqui extract marginally diminished NF-кB activity in epithelial cells but reached statistical significance in immune cells (as judged by decreased NF-кB phosphorylation). PPAR-α signaling was largely unaffected by Maqui whereas MC infiltration into the colon mucosa and submucosa decreased and their level of degranulation was suppressed.

Conclusion

These outcomes show the post- and pre- Treatment effect of a polyphenolic extract rich in anthocyanins from maqui the acute phase of TNBS- induced CD-like colitis is linked to suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome and reduced MC responses. These data indicate that maqui extract represents a potential nutraceutical for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Association between altered tryptophan metabolism, plasma aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists, and inflammatory Chagas disease
Authors: Ambrosio Laura Fernanda , Volpini Ximena , Quiroz Juan Nahuel , Brugo María Belén , Knubel Carolina Paola , Herrera Melisa Rocío , Fozzatti Laura , Avila Pacheco Julián , Clish Clary B. , Takenaka Maisa C. , Beloscar Juan , Theumer Martín Gustavo , Quintana Francisco Javier , Perez Ana Rosa , Motrán Claudia Cristina
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Chagas disease causes a cardiac illness characterized by immunoinflammatory reactions leading to myocardial fibrosis and remodeling. The development of Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCC) in some patients while others remain asymptomatic is not fully understood, but dysregulated inflammatory responses are implicated. The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation. Certain tryptophan (Trp) metabolites have been identified as AhR ligands with regulatory functions.

Methods, results, and discussion

We investigated AhR expression, agonist response, ligand production, and AhR-dependent responses, such as IDO activation and regulatory T (Treg) cells induction, in two T. cruzi-infected mouse strains (B6 and Balb/c) showing different polymorphisms in AhR. Furthermore, we assessed the metabolic profile of Trp catabolites and AhR agonistic activity levels in plasma samples from patients with chronic Chagas disease (CCD) and healthy donors (HD) using a luciferase reporter assay and liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS) analysis. T. cruzi-infected B6 mice showed impaired AhR-dependent responses compared to Balb/c mice, including reduced IDO activity, kynurenine levels, Treg cell induction, CYP1A1 up-regulation, and AhR expression following agonist activation. Additionally, B6 mice exhibited no detectable AhR agonist activity in plasma and displayed lower CYP1A1 up-regulation and AhR expression upon agonist activation. Similarly, CCC patients had decreased AhR agonistic activity in plasma compared to HD patients and exhibited dysregulation in Trp metabolic pathways, resulting in altered plasma metabolite profiles. Notably, patients with severe CCC specifically showed increased N-acetylserotonin levels in their plasma. The methods and findings presented here contribute to a better understanding of CCC development mechanisms and may identify potential specific biomarkers for T. cruzi infection and the severity of associated heart disease. These insights could be valuable in designing new therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, this research aims to establish the AhR agonistic activity and Trp metabolic profile in plasma as an innovative, non-invasive predictor of prognosis for chronic Chagas disease.
Modified live vaccine strains of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus cause immune system dysregulation similar to wild strains
Authors: Stepanova Katerina , Toman Miroslav , Sinkorova Jana , Sinkora Simon , Pfeiferova Sarka , Kupcova Skalnikova Helena , Abuhajiar Salim , Moutelikova Romana , Salat Jiri , Stepanova Hana , Nechvatalova Katerina , Leva Lenka , Hermanova Petra , Kratochvilova Mirka , Dusankova Blanka , Sinkora Marek , Horak Vratislav , Hudcovic Tomas , Butler John E. , Sinkora Marek
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) emerged about 30 years ago and continues to cause major economic losses in the pork industry. The lack of effective modified live vaccines (MLV) allows the pandemic to continue.

Background and objective

We have previously shown that wild strains of PRRSV affect the nascent T cell repertoire in the thymus, deplete T cell clones recognizing viral epitopes essential for neutralization, while triggering a chronic, robust, but ineffective antibody response. Therefore, we hypothesized that the current MLV are inappropriate because they cause similar damage and fail to prevent viral-induced dysregulation of adaptive immunity.

Methods

We tested three MLV strains to demonstrate that all have a comparable negative effect on thymocytes in vitro. Further in vivo studies compared the development of T cells in the thymus, peripheral lymphocytes, and antibody production in young piglets. These three MLV strains were used in a mixture to determine whether at least some of them behave similarly to the wild virus type 1 or type 2.

Results

Both the wild and MLV strains cause the same immune dysregulations. These include depletion of T-cell precursors, alteration of the TCR repertoire, necrobiosis at corticomedullary junctions, low body weight gain, decreased thymic cellularity, lack of virus-neutralizing antibodies, and production of non-neutralizing anti-PRRSV antibodies of different isotypes.

Discussion and conclusion

The results may explain why the use of current MLV in young animals may be ineffective and why their use may be potentially dangerous. Therefore, alternative vaccines, such as subunit or mRNA vaccines or improved MLV, are needed to control the PRRSV pandemic.
Brain metastases and lung cancer: molecular biology, natural history, prediction of response and efficacy of immunotherapy
Authors: Sereno Maria , Hernandez de Córdoba Irene , Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Gerardo , Casado Enrique
Published: January 2024

Brain metastases stemming from lung cancer represent a common and challenging complication that significantly impacts patients’ overall health. The migration of these cancerous cells from lung lesions to the central nervous system is facilitated by diverse molecular changes and a specific environment that supports their affinity for neural tissues. The advent of immunotherapy and its varied combinations in non-small cell lung cancer has notably improved patient survival rates, even in cases involving brain metastases. These therapies exhibit enhanced penetration into the central nervous system compared to traditional chemotherapy. This review outlines the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of brain metastases in lung cancer and explores the efficacy of novel immunotherapy approaches and their combinations
Clinical characteristics and novel strategies of immune checkpoint inhibitor rechallenge therapy for non-small cell lung cancer: a comprehensive review
Authors: Zhang Hao , Hu Yujun , Wu Tingting , Chen Yeshan , Yang Bin , Xie Tao
Published: January 2024

Treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has entered the immunotherapy era, marked by significant survival improvements due to the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, owing to factors, such as disease progression, long-term use, and side effects, some patients discontinue immunotherapy, resulting in limited subsequent treatment option and a negative impact on their survival and quality of life. We have collected relevant data which reveal that ICI rechallenge may be an effective clinical strategy. However, many factors affect the efficacy of rechallenge, including patient characteristics, initial treatment drugs, treatment duration, efficacy, toxicity, and side effects. Additionally, the side effects of rechallenge and mechanisms of reversing drug resistance play crucial roles. Identifying suitable candidates, optimizing treatment plans and duration, enhancing treatment efficacy, and minimizing toxicity and adverse effects in rechallenges are pressing clinical needs. Addressing these issues can provide guidance for the clinical use of immunotherapy rechallenges to better serve patients. This review focuses on the clinical considerations and strategies for immune therapy rechallenges in NSCLC.
Programmed cell death in tumor immunity: mechanistic insights and clinical implications
Authors: Wang Man , Yu Fei , Zhang Yuan , Li Peifeng
Published: January 2024

Programmed cell death (PCD) is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of cell suicide that is controlled by various signaling pathways. PCD plays an important role in a multitude of biological processes, such as cell turnover, development, tissue homeostasis and immunity. Some forms of PCD, including apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and necroptosis, contribute to carcinogenesis and cancer development, and thus have attracted increasing attention in the field of oncology. Recently, increasing research-based evidence has demonstrated that PCD acts as a critical modulator of tumor immunity. PCD can affect the function of innate and adaptive immune cells, which leads to distinct immunological consequences, such as the priming of tumor-specific T cells, immunosuppression and immune evasion. Targeting PCD alone or in combination with conventional immunotherapy may provide new options to enhance the clinical efficacy of anticancer therapeutics. In this review, we introduce the characteristics and mechanisms of ubiquitous PCD pathways (e.g., apoptosis, autophagy-dependent cell death, pyroptosis and ferroptosis) and explore the complex interaction between these cell death mechanisms and tumor immunity based on currently available evidence. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of PCD-based approaches by outlining clinical trials targeting PCD in cancer treatment. Elucidating the immune-related effects of PCD on cancer pathogenesis will likely contribute to an improved understanding of oncoimmunology and allow PCD to be exploited for cancer treatment.
Macrophage subpopulation identity in Drosophila is modulated by apoptotic cell clearance and related signalling pathways
Authors: Brooks Elliot C. , Zeidler Martin P. , Ong Albert C. M. , Evans Iwan R.
Published: January 2024

In Drosophila blood, plasmatocytes of the haemocyte lineage represent the functional equivalent of vertebrate macrophages and have become an established in vivo model with which to study macrophage function and behaviour. However, the use of plasmatocytes as a macrophage model has been limited by a historical perspective that plasmatocytes represent a homogenous population of cells, in contrast to the high levels of heterogeneity of vertebrate macrophages. Recently, a number of groups have reported transcriptomic approaches which suggest the existence of plasmatocyte heterogeneity, while we identified enhancer elements that identify subpopulations of plasmatocytes which exhibit potentially pro-inflammatory behaviours, suggesting conservation of plasmatocyte heterogeneity in Drosophila. These plasmatocyte subpopulations exhibit enhanced responses to wounds and decreased rates of efferocytosis when compared to the overall plasmatocyte population. Interestingly, increasing the phagocytic requirement placed upon plasmatocytes is sufficient to decrease the size of these plasmatocyte subpopulations in the embryo. However, the mechanistic basis for this response was unclear. Here, we examine how plasmatocyte subpopulations are modulated by apoptotic cell clearance (efferocytosis) demands and associated signalling pathways. We show that loss of the phosphatidylserine receptor Simu prevents an increased phagocytic burden from modulating specific subpopulation cells, while blocking other apoptotic cell receptors revealed no such rescue. This suggests that Simu-dependent efferocytosis is specifically involved in determining fate of particular subpopulations. Supportive of our original finding, mutations in amo (the Drosophila homolog of PKD2), a calcium-permeable channel which operates downstream of Simu, phenocopy simu mutants. Furthermore, we show that Amo is involved in the acidification of the apoptotic cell-containing phagosomes, suggesting that this reduction in pH may be associated with macrophage reprogramming. Additionally, our results also identify Ecdysone receptor signalling, a pathway related to control of cell death during developmental transitions, as a controller of plasmatocyte subpopulation identity. Overall, these results identify fundamental pathways involved in the specification of plasmatocyte subpopulations and so further validate Drosophila plasmatocytes as a heterogeneous population of macrophage-like cells within this important developmental and immune model.
Enhanced CT-based radiomics model to predict natural killer cell infiltration and clinical prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Meng Xiangzhi , Xu Haijun , Liang Yicheng , Liang Mei , Song Weijian , Zhou Boxuan , Shi Jianwei , Du Minjun , Gao Yushun
Published: January 2024

Background

Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for tumor prognosis; however, their role in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. The current detection methods for NSCLC are inefficient and costly. Therefore, radiomics represent a promising alternative.

Methods

We analyzed the radiogenomics datasets to extract clinical, radiological, and transcriptome data. The effect of NK cells on the prognosis of NSCLC was assessed. Tumors were delineated using a 3D Slicer, and features were extracted using pyradiomics. A radiomics model was developed and validated using five-fold cross-validation. A nomogram model was constructed using the selected clinical variables and a radiomic score (RS). The CIBERSORTx database and gene set enrichment analysis were used to explore the correlations of NK cell infiltration and molecular mechanisms.

Results

Higher infiltration of NK cells was correlated with better overall survival (OS) (P = 0.002). The radiomic model showed an area under the curve of 0.731, with 0.726 post-validation. The RS differed significantly between high and low infiltration of NK cells (P < 0.01). The nomogram, using RS and clinical variables, effectively predicted 3-year OS. NK cell infiltration was correlated with the ICOS and BTLA genes (P < 0.001) and macrophage M0/M2 levels. The key pathways included TNF-α signaling via NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Conclusions

Our radiomic model accurately predicted NK cell infiltration in NSCLC. Combined with clinical characteristics, it can predict the prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the gene expression and pathways underlying NK cell infiltration in NSCLC.
Bidialectal variety switching: the effects of language use and social contexts
Authors: Zeng Wenqi , Shea Christine , Beckman Jill , Kutlu Ethan
Published: January 2024

While previous research shows that bilinguals' ability to mix and switch between two separate languages is influenced by both cross-language similarity and language use contexts, little attention has been paid to bidialectal populations. Given the linguistic and sociolinguistic differences between bilingualism and bidialectalism, it is thus unclear to what extent mechanisms underlying bidialectal variety switching resemble those underlying bilinguals. To investigate the effects of cross-variety phonological distance and variety use contexts on variety switching, we tested two groups of Chinese speakers in a bidialectal auditory word recognition task. Both groups speak a regional dialect (Chengdu Mandarin or Cantonese) as their native language and are also highly proficient in Standard Mandarin. Participants' language background and linguistic experience are collected by a language background questionnaire. Mixing and switching between two varieties are costly for bidialectal speakers in comprehension. Mixing costs can be attributed to variety switches instead of the mere presence of a mixed-variety context. While variety switch and mixing costs are not influenced by cross-variety phonological distance, they are modulated by variety dominance and habitual variety use contexts. This study highlights the similarities between bidialectals and bilinguals in language processing, as well as the significance of recognizing between- and within-group differences in conducting psycholinguistics research with multilingual populations.
Coral settlement induction by tetrabromopyrrole is widespread among Caribbean corals and compound specific
Authors: Sneed Jennifer M. , Demko Alyssa M. , Miller Margaret W. , Yi Dongqi , Moore Bradley S. , Agarwal Vinayak , Paul Valerie Jean
Published: January 2024

Tetrabromopyrrole (TBP) is a readily biosynthesized marine proteobacterial compound that induces coral settlement (attachment and metamorphosis) at concentrations ranging from 50 – 250 ng ml-1 (0.13 – 0.65 µM). This suggests a great potential for the use of this compound as a settlement inducer for restoration purposes. However, the applicability and optimal concentration of TBP for many coral species is not yet known. Furthermore, TBP is an unstable compound, which may present both challenges and benefits to its potential use for restoration purposes. In order to assess the utility of this compound for restoration, settlement induction by TBP was assessed among a wide range of Caribbean coral species. Additionally, a suite of halogenated compounds (tribromopyrrole, pentabromopseudolin, dibromophenol, tribromophenol, bromophene, n-methyl tetrabromopyrrole, tetrachloropyrrole, dibromoindole, n-methyl tetrachloropyrrole and dibromopyridine) that are related to TBP, some of which have similar antibiotic and antialgal properties, were also tested for settlement induction activity. These compounds were chosen based on their structural similarity to TBP or their identity as a product within the bacterial TBP biosynthetic pathway. TBP induced settlement in nine of ten coral species tested including seven not previously reported (Dendrogyra cylindrus, Orbicella faveolata, Colpophyllia natans, Diploria labyrinthiformis, Pseudodiploria clivosa, Acropora cervicornis, Montastraea cavernosa) at concentrations ranging from 0.375 – 1.5 µM. No other compound tested induced settlement, demonstrating a high degree of specificity for TBP.
Influence of cultivation duration on microbial taxa aggregation in Panax ginseng soils across ecological niches
Authors: Shi Zhenting , Yang Meling , Li Kexin , Yang Li , Yang Limin
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Microbial communities are crucial for plant health and productivity. However, the influence of cultivation age on the ecological processes in assembling plant microbiomes at various ecological niches remains unclear.

Methods

We selected 12 samples from ginseng farmlands with different cultivation years (N4: 4 years old, N6: 6 years old). We used soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and high-throughput sequencing (16S rDNA and ITS) to examine the rhizoplane (RP), rhizosphere (RS), and bulk soil (BS).

Results

Our results indicated that cultivation years significantly affect the soil microbiome’s diversity and community composition across different ecological niches. The BS microbiome experienced the largest effect, while the RS experienced the smallest. N6 showed a greater impact than N4. This effect was more pronounced on the fungal communities than the bacterial communities of various ecological niches and can be closely related to the soil’s physicochemical properties. In N4 soils, we observed an upward trend in both the number of ASVs (amplicon sequence variations) and the diversity of soil microbial taxa across various ecological niches. In N4RP, the bacteria Sphingomonas, known for degrading toxic soil compounds, was present. All ecological niches in N4 showed significant enrichment of Tetracladium fungi, positively associated with crop yield (N4RP at 6.41%, N4RS at 11.31%, and N4BS at 3.45%). In N6 soils, we noted a stark decline in fungal diversity within the BS, with a 57.5% reduction in ASVs. Moreover, Sphingomonas was abundantly present in N6RS and N6BS soils. The relative abundance of the pathogen-inhibiting fungus Exophiala in N6RP and N6RS reached 34.18% and 13.71%, respectively, marking increases of 4.9-fold and 7.7-fold. Additionally, another pathogeninhibiting fungus, Humicola, showed significant enrichment in N6BS, with a 7.5-fold increase. The phenolic acid-producing fungus Pseudogymnoascus in N6RP, N6RS, and N6BS showed increases of 2.41-fold, 2.55-fold, and 4.32-fold, respectively. We hypothesize that functional genes related to the metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides, as well as signaling molecules and interactions, regulate soil microbial taxa in ginseng from different cultivation years.

Discussion

In conclusion, our study enhances understanding of plant-microbe interactions and aids the sustainable development of medicinal plants, particularly by addressing ginseng succession disorder.
Risk factors for intraoperative in-stent thrombosis during stent-assisted coiling of paraclinoid aneurysms
Authors: Zeng Chun , Wang Jing
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To identify independent risk factors for intraoperative in-stent thrombosis (IST) in paraclinoid aneurysms (PAs).

Methods

172 PA patents undergoing stent-assisted coiling (SAC) were divided into an IST group (n = 12) and a non-IST group (n = 160). Clinical characteristics, aneurysm morphologies, and laboratory parameters were measured. We performed independent t tests (for normally distributed data) or non-parametric tests (for non-normally distributed data) to compare continuous parameters. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with a stepwise forward method was conducted to determine independent risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated, and the Delong test was employed for comparisons.

Results

Independent risk factors for IST included size ratio (SR) (p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 3.909, confidence interval [CI] = 1.925–7.939), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) inhibition (p = 0.028, OR = 0.967, CI = 0.938–0.996), and reaction time (R) (p = 0.006, OR = 0.326, CI = 0.147–0.725). The combined factors (SR, ADP inhibition, and R) exhibited area under the curves of 0.870, 0.720, 0.716, and 0.697, with cutoff values of 2.46, 69.90%, and 4.65, respectively.

Conclusion

The SR, ADP inhibition, and R values were independent risk factors for the IST in the PAs undergoing SAC. For PAs with a large SR, surgeons could prepare for long-term dual antiplatelet therapy before SAC.
Data-driven analysis and prediction of dynamic postprandial metabolic response to multiple dietary challenges using dynamic mode decomposition
Authors: Skantze Viktor , Jirstrand Mats , Brunius Carl , Sandberg Ann-Sofie , Landberg Rikard , Wallman Mikael
Published: January 2024

Motivation

In the field of precision nutrition, predicting metabolic response to diet and identifying groups of differential responders are two highly desirable steps toward developing tailored dietary strategies. However, data analysis tools are currently lacking, especially for complex settings such as crossover studies with repeated measures.

Current methods of analysis often rely on matrix or tensor decompositions, which are well suited for identifying differential responders but lacking in predictive power, or on dynamical systems modeling, which may be used for prediction but typically requires detailed mechanistic knowledge of the system under study. To remedy these shortcomings, we explored dynamic mode decomposition (DMD), which is a recent, data-driven method for deriving low-rank linear dynamical systems from high dimensional data.

Combining the two recent developments “parametric DMD” (pDMD) and “DMD with control” (DMDc) enabled us to (i) integrate multiple dietary challenges, (ii) predict the dynamic response in all measured metabolites to new diets from only the metabolite baseline and dietary input, and (iii) identify inter-individual metabolic differences, i.e., metabotypes. To our knowledge, this is the first time DMD has been applied to analyze time-resolved metabolomics data.

Results

We demonstrate the potential of pDMDc in a crossover study setting. We could predict the metabolite response to unseen dietary exposures on both measured (R2 = 0.40) and simulated data of increasing size (Rmax2= 0.65), as well as recover clusters of dynamic metabolite responses. We conclude that this method has potential for applications in personalized nutrition and could be useful in guiding metabolite response to target levels.

Availability and implementation

The measured data analyzed in this study can be provided upon reasonable request. The simulated data along with a MATLAB implementation of pDMDc is available at https://github.com/FraunhoferChalmersCentre/pDMDc.
Association between serum γ-glutamyl transferase and advanced colorectal adenoma among inpatients: a case-control study
Authors: Wang Huijie , Zheng Huanwei , Cao Xu , Meng Ping , Liu Jinli , Zuo Haiying , Zhang Teng , Wang Zhichao
Published: January 2024

Emerging evidence suggests a link between γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and various malignancies. However, the relationship between GGT and advanced colorectal adenoma, a critical precursor to colorectal cancer, remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate this relationship. We conducted a single-center retrospective study from April 2015 to June 2022, enrolling 3534 inpatients including 525 cases and 3009 controls. Data were extracted from the electronic medical records, encompassing clinicodemographic characteristics, co-morbidities, and several blood biochemical indicators. Utilizing logistic regression and curve fitting, we explored the relationship between GGT and advanced colorectal adenoma. After adjustment for confounding factors, we found that for each 20-unit increase in GGT, the risk of advanced colorectal adenoma increased by 6% (OR= 1.06 [1.01–1.12]). Moreover, individuals with high GGT levels (≥50 U/L) had a 61% higher risk of advanced colorectal adenoma compared to those with low GGT levels (<50 U/L) (OR=1.61 [1.13–2.31]). Subgroup analysis demonstrated the robustness of these findings across subjects with different characteristics. High GGT levels were associated with higher odds of advanced colorectal adenoma. Our findings suggest that elevated GGT levels may serve as a potential diagnostic marker for advanced colorectal adenoma, providing new insights into its screening strategies.
Emerging trends and thematic evolution of immunotherapy for glioma based on the top 100 cited articles
Authors: Zhou Yan , Liu Min , Huang Xing , Liu Zhen , Sun Yun , Wang Minjie , Huang Tao , Wang Xianke , Chen Long , Jiang Xiaobing
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to depict the scientific advancements in immunotherapy for glioma by analyzing the top 100 most frequently cited articles over the past 20 years.

Methods

The top 100 most influential papers in immunotherapy for glioma were identified from the Web of Science Core Collection. Citations, countries/regions, institutions, journals, authorships, keywords, and references were extracted and analyzed by CiteSpace, VOSviewer, R software, and an online bibliometric platform.

Results

The United States possessed a robust global presence, leading in terms of publications and maintaining strong collaborative ties with numerous countries. The institution that made the greatest contributions was Duke University, with 16 papers. Heimberger AB, Sampson JH, and Reardon DA secured the top three positions with 15, 12, and 11 papers, respectively. “Macrophage ontogeny,” “microglia,” “polarization,” “mass cytometry,” “tumor mutation burden,” “sensitivity,” “msh6,” “pd-1 blockade,” and “dna repair” were the recent hot keywords. “Microglia” and “polarization” as the emerging research directions should be given more consideration.

Conclusions

This is the first bibliometric analysis to identify the top 100 papers on immunotherapy for glioma. “Microglia” and “polarization” will be hot spots for future research. The clinical efficacy of glioma immunotherapy is not yet satisfactory, and there is an urgent need to search for more tumor specific antigens and targets that can assist in early diagnosis, precise treatment, prognosis, and recurrence prediction of glioma.