bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
tRNA-derived small RNAs in human cancers: roles, mechanisms, and clinical application
Authors: Zhou Manli , He Xiaoyun , Zhang Jing , Mei Cheng , Zhong Baiyun , Ou Chunlin
Published: April 2024

Transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are a new type of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) produced by the specific cleavage of precursor or mature tRNAs. tsRNAs are involved in various basic biological processes such as epigenetic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translation regulation, thereby affecting the occurrence and development of various human diseases, including cancers. Recent studies have shown that tsRNAs play an important role in tumorigenesis by regulating biological behaviors such as malignant proliferation, invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis, immune response, tumor resistance, and tumor metabolism reprogramming. These may be new potential targets for tumor treatment. Furthermore, tsRNAs can exist abundantly and stably in various bodily fluids (e.g., blood, serum, and urine) in the form of free or encapsulated extracellular vesicles, thereby affecting intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Meanwhile, their abnormal expression is closely related to the clinicopathological features of tumor patients, such as tumor staging, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis of tumor patients; thus, tsRNAs can be served as a novel type of liquid biopsy biomarker. This review summarizes the discovery, production, and expression of tsRNAs and analyzes their molecular mechanisms in tumor development and potential applications in tumor therapy, which may provide new strategies for early diagnosis and targeted therapy of tumors.
Architecting the metabolic reprogramming survival risk framework in LUAD through single-cell landscape analysis: three-stage ensemble learning with genetic algorithm optimization
Authors: Sun Xinti , Nong Minyu , Meng Fei , Sun Xiaojuan , Jiang Lihe , Li Zihao , Zhang Peng
Published: April 2024

Recent studies have increasingly revealed the connection between metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression. However, the specific impact of metabolic reprogramming on inter-patient heterogeneity and prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) still requires further exploration. Here, we introduced a cellular hierarchy framework according to a malignant and metabolic gene set, named malignant & metabolism reprogramming (MMR), to reanalyze 178,739 single-cell reference profiles. Furthermore, we proposed a three-stage ensemble learning pipeline, aided by genetic algorithm (GA), for survival prediction across 9 LUAD cohorts (n = 2066). Throughout the pipeline of developing the three stage-MMR (3 S-MMR) score, double training sets were implemented to avoid over-fitting; the gene-pairing method was utilized to remove batch effect; GA was harnessed to pinpoint the optimal basic learner combination. The novel 3 S-MMR score reflects various aspects of LUAD biology, provides new insights into precision medicine for patients, and may serve as a generalizable predictor of prognosis and immunotherapy response. To facilitate the clinical adoption of the 3 S-MMR score, we developed an easy-to-use web tool for risk scoring as well as therapy stratification in LUAD patients. In summary, we have proposed and validated an ensemble learning model pipeline within the framework of metabolic reprogramming, offering potential insights for LUAD treatment and an effective approach for developing prognostic models for other diseases.
Endovascular repair of bilateral isolated common iliac artery aneurysms with unsuitable anatomy utilizing an aortic bifurcated unibody endograft and modified sandwich technique to preserve pelvic blood flow: a case series
Authors: Liao Haodong , Zhou Enquan , Tang Yongjiang , He Chunshui
Published: April 2024

Bilateral isolated common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAAs) are rare, and endovascular repair of CIAAs has emerged as an alternative to traditional open surgical repair. The primary goal of therapy is to exclude the aneurysm sac while maintaining perfusion of at least one internal iliac artery (IIA) to prevent pelvic ischemia. Although the iliac branch device (IBD) has improved the feasibility of preserving the IIA, its applicability is limited to a specific subset of aneurysm anatomy. We present a case series of three patients with bilateral isolated CIAAs in whom preoperative CT scans revealed an absence of a landing zone, the diameter of proximal CIA diameter was less than 13.0 mm, and normal diameter of the nonaneurysmal infrarenal aorta, making it challenging to use an IBD alone or a standard bifurcated aortic endograft to provide a proximal landing zone for iliac artery stenting. To overcome the small diameter of the infrarenal aorta, we implanted an aortic bifurcated unibody endograft. Then, we utilized a balloon-expandable covered stent-graft with overdilation as a modified sandwich technique to create an “eye of the tiger” configuration to prevent gutter leakage. The final angiography performed during the procedure revealed successful exclusion of the aneurysms, with blood flow to the right IIA and no type III endoleak. During the postoperative follow-up period, no patients exhibited symptoms associated with pelvic ischemia. There were no endoleaks or sac expansions on the two-year follow-up CT scans, and all external and internal iliac graft limbs were patent. This study demonstrated that a combination of an aortic bifurcated unibody endograft and a modified sandwich technique can effectively treat bilateral isolated CIAAs with certain anatomical constraints.
Detection of dynamic lung hyperinflation using cardiopulmonary exercise testing and respiratory function in patients with stable cardiac disease: a multicenter, cross-sectional study
Authors: Kominami Kazuyuki , Noda Kazuki , Minagawa Nanaho , Yonezawa Kazuya , Ueda Masanori , Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Murata Makoto , Akino Masatoshi
Published: April 2024

Background

Many patients with heart disease potentially have comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, there are not enough opportunities for screening, and the qualitative differentiation of shortness of breath (SOB) has not been well established. We investigated the detection rate of SOB based on a visual and qualitative dynamic lung hyperinflation (DLH) detection index during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and assessed potential differences in respiratory function between groups.

Methods

We recruited 534 patients with heart disease or patients who underwent simultaneous CPET and spirometry (369 males, 67.0 ± 12.9 years) to scrutinize physical functions. The difference between inspiratory and expiratory tidal volume was calculated (TV E-I) from the breath-by-breath data. Patients were grouped into convex (decreased TV E-I) and non-convex (unchanged or increased TV E-I) groups based on their TV E-I values after the start of exercise.

Results

Among the recruited patients, 129 (24.2%) were categorized in the convex group. There was no difference in clinical characteristics between the two groups. The Borg scale scores at the end of the CPET showed no difference. VE/VCO2 slope, its Y-intercept, and minimum VE/VCO2 showed no significant difference between the groups. In the convex group, FEV1.0/FVC was significantly lower compared to that in the non-convex group (69.4 ± 13.1 vs. 75.0 ± 9.0%). Moreover, significant correlations were observed between FEV1.0/FVC and Y-intercept (r=-0.343), as well as between the difference between minimum VE/VCO2 and VE/VCO2 slope (r=-0.478).

Conclusions

The convex group showed decreased respiratory function, suggesting a potential airway obstruction during exercise. A combined assessment of the TV E-I and Y-intercept of the VE/VCO2 slope or the difference between the minimum VE/VCO2 and VE/VCO2 slopes could potentially detect COPD or airway obstruction.
Natural language processing (NLP) to facilitate abstract review in medical research: the application of BioBERT to exploring the 20-year use of NLP in medical research
Authors: Masoumi Safoora , Amirkhani Hossein , Sadeghian Najmeh , Shahraz Saeid
Published: April 2024

Background

Abstract review is a time and labor-consuming step in the systematic and scoping literature review in medicine. Text mining methods, typically natural language processing (NLP), may efficiently replace manual abstract screening. This study applies NLP to a deliberately selected literature review problem, the trend of using NLP in medical research, to demonstrate the performance of this automated abstract review model.

Methods

Scanning PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases, we identified 22,294 with a final selection of 12,817 English abstracts published between 2000 and 2021. We invented a manual classification of medical fields, three variables, i.e., the context of use (COU), text source (TS), and primary research field (PRF). A training dataset was developed after reviewing 485 abstracts. We used a language model called Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers to classify the abstracts. To evaluate the performance of the trained models, we report a micro f1-score and accuracy.

Results

The trained models’ micro f1-score for classifying abstracts, into three variables were 77.35% for COU, 76.24% for TS, and 85.64% for PRF.

The average annual growth rate (AAGR) of the publications was 20.99% between 2000 and 2020 (72.01 articles (95% CI: 56.80–78.30) yearly increase), with 81.76% of the abstracts published between 2010 and 2020. Studies on neoplasms constituted 27.66% of the entire corpus with an AAGR of 42.41%, followed by studies on mental conditions (AAGR = 39.28%). While electronic health or medical records comprised the highest proportion of text sources (57.12%), omics databases had the highest growth among all text sources with an AAGR of 65.08%. The most common NLP application was clinical decision support (25.45%).

Conclusions

BioBERT showed an acceptable performance in the abstract review. If future research shows the high performance of this language model, it can reliably replace manual abstract reviews.
The effect of goal-directed crystalloid versus colloid administration on postoperative spirometry parameters: a substudy of a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Obradovic Mina , Luf Florian , Reiterer Christian , Schoppmann Sebastian , Kurz Andrea , Fleischmann Edith , Kabon Barbara
Published: April 2024

Background

Pulmonary function is impaired after major abdominal surgery and might be less impaired by restrictive fluid administration. Under the assumption of a fluid-sparing effect of colloids, we tested the hypothesis that an intraoperative colloid-based goal-directed fluid management strategy impairs postoperative pulmonary function parameters less compared to goal-directed crystalloid administration.

Methods

We performed a preplanned, single-center substudy within a recently published trial evaluating the effect of goal-directed crystalloids versus colloids on a composite of major complications. Sixty patients undergoing major open abdominal surgery were randomized to Doppler-guided intraoperative fluid replacement therapy with lactated Ringer’s solution (n = 31) or unbalanced 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (n = 29). A blinded investigator performed bedside spirometry (Spirobank-G, Medical International Research, Rome, Italy) preoperatively as well as 6, 24, and 48 h postoperatively.

Results

Median total intraoperative fluid requirements were significantly higher during crystalloid administration compared to patients receiving colloids (4567 ml vs. 3044 ml, p = 0.01). Six hours after surgery, pulmonary function parameters did not differ significantly between the crystalloid — and the colloid group: forced vital capacity (FVC): 1.6 l (1.2–2 l) vs. 1.9 l (1.5–2.4 l), p = 0.15; forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1): 1.1 l (0.9–1.6 l) vs. 1.4 l (1.2–1.7 l), p = 0.18; and peak expiratory flow (PEF): 2 l.sec−1 (1.5 – 3.6 l.sec −1) vs. 2.3 l.sec −1 (1.8 – 3.4 l.sec −1), p = 0.23. Moreover, postoperative longitudinal time × group interactions of FVC, FEV1, and PEF between 6 and 48 postoperative hours did not differ significantly.

Conclusion

Postoperative pulmonary function parameters were similarly impaired in patients receiving goal-directed crystalloid administration as compared to goal-directed colloid administration during open abdominal surgery.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00517127, registered on August 16, 2007) and EudraCT (2005-004602-86).
Exploring the immune-inflammatory mechanism of Maxing Shigan Decoction in treating influenza virus A-induced pneumonia based on an integrated strategy of single-cell transcriptomics and systems biology
Authors: Zhang Shiying , Li Bei , Zeng Liuting , Yang Kailin , Jiang Junyao , Lu Fangguo , Li Ling , Li Weiqing
Published: April 2024

Background

Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza virus. Maxing Shigan Decoction (MXSGD) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine prescription for the prevention and treatment of influenza. However, its mechanism remains unclear.

Method

The mice model of influenza A virus pneumonia was established by nasal inoculation. After 3 days of intervention, the lung index was calculated, and the pathological changes of lung tissue were detected by HE staining. Firstly, transcriptomics technology was used to analyze the differential genes and important pathways in mouse lung tissue regulated by MXSGD. Then, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) was used to verify the changes in mRNA expression in lung tissues. Finally, intestinal microbiome and intestinal metabolomics were performed to explore the effect of MXSGD on gut microbiota.

Results

The lung inflammatory cell infiltration in the MXSGD group was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The results of bioinformatics analysis for transcriptomics results show that these genes are mainly involved in inflammatory factors and inflammation-related signal pathways mediated inflammation biological modules, etc. Intestinal microbiome showed that the intestinal flora Actinobacteriota level and Desulfobacterota level increased in MXSGD group, while Planctomycetota in MXSGD group decreased. Metabolites were mainly involved in primary bile acid biosynthesis, thiamine metabolism, etc. This suggests that MXSGD has a microbial–gut–lung axis regulation effect on mice with influenza A virus pneumonia.

Conclusion

MXSGD may play an anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory role by regulating intestinal microbiome and intestinal metabolic small molecules, and ultimately play a role in the treatment of influenza A virus pneumonia.
Multi-omics and immunogenomics analysis revealed PFKFB3 as a targetable hallmark and mediates sunitinib resistance in papillary renal cell carcinoma: in silico study with laboratory verification
Authors: Lu Zhongwen , Pan Yongsheng , Wang Songbo , Wu Jiajin , Miao Chenkui , Wang Zengjun
Published: April 2024

Glycolysis-related metabolic reprogramming is a central hallmark of human cancers, especially in renal cell carcinoma. However, the regulatory function of glycolytic signature in papillary RCC has not been well elucidated. In the present study, the glycolysis-immune predictive signature was constructed and validated using WGCNA, glycolysis-immune clustering analysis. PPI network of DEGs was constructed and visualized. Functional enrichments and patients’ overall survival were analyzed. QRT-PCR experiments were performed to detect hub genes’ expression and distribution, siRNA technology was used to silence targeted genes; cell proliferation and migration assays were applied to evaluate the biological function. Glucose concentration, lactate secretion, and ATP production were measured. Glycolysis-Immune Related Prognostic Index (GIRPI) was constructed and combined analyzed with single-cell RNA-seq. High-GIRPI signature predicted significantly poorer outcomes and relevant clinical features of pRCC patients. Moreover, GIRPI also participated in several pathways, which affected tumor immune microenvironment and provided potential therapeutic strategy. As a key glycolysis regulator, PFKFB3 could promote renal cancer cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Blocking of PFKFB3 by selective inhibitor PFK-015 or glycolytic inhibitor 2-DG significantly restrained renal cancer cells’ neoplastic potential. PFK-015 and sunitinib could synergistically inhibit pRCC cells proliferation. Glycolysis-Immune Risk Signature is closely associated with pRCC prognosis, progression, immune infiltration, and therapeutic response. PFKFB3 may serve as a pivotal glycolysis regulator and mediates Sunitinib resistance in pRCC patients.
The role of the brain renin-angiotensin system in Parkinson´s disease
Authors: Labandeira-Garcia Jose Luis , Labandeira Carmen M. , Guerra Maria J. , Rodriguez-Perez Ana I.
Published: April 2024

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) was classically considered a circulating hormonal system that regulates blood pressure. However, different tissues and organs, including the brain, have a local paracrine RAS. Mutual regulation between the dopaminergic system and RAS has been observed in several tissues. Dysregulation of these interactions leads to renal and cardiovascular diseases, as well as progression of dopaminergic neuron degeneration in a major brain center of dopamine/angiotensin interaction such as the nigrostriatal system. A decrease in the dopaminergic function induces upregulation of the angiotensin type-1 (AT1) receptor activity, leading to recovery of dopamine levels. However, AT1 receptor overactivity in dopaminergic neurons and microglial cells upregulates the cellular NADPH-oxidase-superoxide axis and Ca2+ release, which mediate several key events in oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and α-synuclein aggregation, involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. An intraneuronal antioxidative/anti-inflammatory RAS counteracts the effects of the pro-oxidative AT1 receptor overactivity. Consistent with this, an imbalance in RAS activity towards the pro-oxidative/pro-inflammatory AT1 receptor axis has been observed in the substantia nigra and striatum of several animal models of high vulnerability to dopaminergic degeneration. Interestingly, autoantibodies against angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and AT1 receptors are increased in PD models and PD patients and contribute to blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysregulation and nigrostriatal pro-inflammatory RAS upregulation. Therapeutic strategies addressed to the modulation of brain RAS, by AT1 receptor blockers (ARBs) and/or activation of the antioxidative axis (AT2, Mas receptors), may be neuroprotective for individuals with a high risk of developing PD or in prodromal stages of PD to reduce progression of the disease.
Impact of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic on food security among Ho indigenous community of Jharkhand, India
Authors: Ghosh-Jerath Suparna , Dhasmana Ayushi , Nair Swati C. , Kapoor Ridhima
Published: April 2024

Background

Food insecurity and hunger are global concerns further exacerbated by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to understand the depth of this impact, especially among smallholder farmers, and recognize specific coping strategies that offered resilience to inform preparedness in future. The present cross-sectional study assessed the impact of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic on different dimensions of food security among smallholder farmers of Ho indigenous community of Jharkhand, India. It also explored potential resilient attributes of their food systems.

Results

Most of the respondents (67.2%) reported reduced food consumption at the household (HH) level. Majority faced difficulty in accessing food from different food sources; however, easier access to government food security programmes was highlighted. Around 40% reported change in their ability to purchase farming inputs. Market vendors reported disruptions in food procurement owing to travel restrictions; however, no change was reported for home-produced foods in agricultural lands/kitchen gardens. Prices of indigenous foods produced locally decreased/remained same; however, for cereals, pulses, and other HH staples, prices increased during second wave. Difficulty in accessing wild food environment (OR: 1.7, CI 0.40, 7.75), change in food prices (OR: 19.9, CI 5.25, 76.02), decrease in HH income (OR: 9.2, CI 2.99, 28.60) were found to be significantly associated with reduction in HH food consumption (p < 0.01). The coping strategies adopted by the community included sale of cultivated and wild produce in local weekly markets to ensure additional income.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the need to reinforce the traditional ecological knowledge of the Ho community and focus on practices around their food systems, engrained into their socio-cultural ecosystems that may offer resilience against future stresses. In addition, the need of systemic support to ensure the social and economic well-being of the community needs to be prioritized.
Public perceptions of courts and cooperation with police
Authors: Simpson Rylan , Pappas Laceé N.
Published: April 2024

The police depend upon public cooperation to effectively control crime. Understanding factors that impact people’s willingness to cooperate with the police is thus an important area of empirical research. Drawing upon survey data from a sample of adults (N = 364), we employ a series of regression models to explore the relationship between participants’ perceptions of courts and their willingness to cooperate with the police. Our analyses reveal that participants’ perceptions of courts are associated with their willingness to report crime to the police, particularly minor crime, but not their willingness to assist the police if asked. We discuss our results with respect to discretionary crime reporting, the measurement of cooperation with police, and the nature of interventions aimed at enhancing criminal justice perceptions.
War-related stress scale
Authors: Vargová Lenka , Jozefiaková Bibiána , Lačný Martin , Adamkovič Matúš
Published: April 2024

Background

The current war in Ukraine has affected the well-being of people worldwide. In order to understand how difficult the situation is, specific stressors associated with war need to be measured. In response, an inventory of war-related stressors including its short form, has been developed.

Methods

A list of potential war-related stressors was created, and the content validity of each item assessed. The list, along with other validated scales, was administered to a representative sample of the Slovak population (effective N = 1851). Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validity analysis and network analysis were carried out to determine the optimal scale (long and short form) focused on war-related stressors.

Results

The full version of the scale consists of 21 items, further divided into three factors: society-related stressors, person-related stressors, and security-related stressors. The short version of the scale comprises nine items loaded onto one factor. These items cover concerns for one’s safety and future, access to necessities, potential worsening of the economic situation, and the risk of conflict escalation, including a nuclear threat. The results of the network analysis indicate that concern about escalation and fear of an economic crisis play a central role.

Conclusions

The scale attempts to encompass a wide spectrum of areas that are affected by war and its potential consequences on individuals who reside outside the conflict zone. Given the complexity of the issue, researchers are invited to modify the scale, tailoring it to specific cultural, geographical, and temporal contexts.
Quantification of the spatial distribution of individual mangrove tree species derived from LiDAR point clouds
Authors: Kasai Katsumi , Yanagisawa Hideaki , Goto Kazuhisa
Published: April 2024

Mangrove forests have unquestionably high environmental and ecological value. Mangrove trees are believed to have habitat zonation that is controlled mainly by the relative sea level. However, earlier discussions of mangrove habitats have remained limited in terms of their quality and quantity because of a lack of high-resolution spatial information of microtopography and trees. To clarify mangrove habitability over a wide forest area, we compounded mobile laser scanning (MLS) and aerial laser scanning (ALS) LiDAR dataset of the Miyara River mangrove on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, Japan. The MLS provided sub-canopy data, while the unmanned aerial vehicle ALS data mainly provided a point cloud of the canopy. We corrected point clouds and combined these data. The results indicated that ALS is unable to reconstruct the microtopography of the dense mangrove area well. Moreover, tree species were not identifiable from the ALS data. However, by applying MLS to the mangrove forest, we obtained high-resolution microtopography and tree information inside the forest, although the measurement area was limited to comparison with ALS. By combining ALS and MLS point clouds, 3D point clouds of the forest were well reconstructed. From these point clouds, a high-resolution digital elevation model was created. Subsequently, we segmented trees individually from composite MLS point clouds and identified each tree species. Consequently, the spatial distribution of thousands of mangrove trees was reconstructed at the Miyara River mouth. The spatial distribution of mangrove tree species together with earlier aerial photographs suggests that mangrove species have been segregated in accordance with changes in their elevation and environment over 40 years. Our findings suggest that the distribution of the species changed sensitively along with dynamic variation of the microtopography.
Improvement of epilepsy secondary to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome with intestinal microbiota preparations: a case report
Authors: Lin Chuhui , Zeng Ting , Deng Yuhong
Published: April 2024

Background

Epilepsy secondary to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can be challenging to manage. The potential interactions between antiretroviral drugs and antiepileptic drugs may result in the failure of both treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to develop more effective strategies to enhance the clinical outcomes of patients.

Case presentation

We report a case of epilepsy secondary to AIDS. After administration of Bacteroides Fragilis 839 (BF839), the secondary generalized tonic-clonic seizures disappeared, the frequency of complex partial seizures decreased by 70%, and the duration of each episode was shortened. Additionally, long-term diarrhea associated with antiretroviral therapy for AIDS resolved, and the syphilis serofast reaction turned negative. No serious adverse reactions were observed during the three-year follow up.

Conclusions

This case report suggests that the specific gut microbiota preparation could possibly improve refractory epilepsy in HIV patients while also potentially alleviating adverse reactions to antiretroviral drugs and concurrent syphilis infection. Our case may provide a new perspective for the treatment of HIV infection/AIDS.
Exploring Undergraduate Biochemistry Students’ Gesture Production Through an Embodied Framework
Authors: Randa Lora , Wang Song , Poolos Zoe , Figueroa Vanna , Bridgeman Anna , Bussey Thomas , Sung Rou-Jia
Published: April 2024

Students often use gesture to complement verbal descriptions of 3D biomolecular structure. Here, the authors uncover two emergent patterns of gesture production by undergraduates while explaining the mechanism of K+ channel function. They also identify shifts in gesture use following exposure to an augmented reality-based virtual 3D model of the channel.
A novel whole-team training programme for adult eating disorder services in England: rationale, development and preliminary evaluation
Authors: Novogrudsky Kat , Gray Tom , Mitchell Emily , Attoe Chris , Kern Nikola , Griffiths Jess , Serpell Lucy , Treasure Janet , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: April 2024

Aims and method

In response to recommendations for improving the quality and coordination of care delivered by eating disorder services, a whole-team training programme was commissioned by Health Education England in 2020. This paper describes the development and evaluation of the Eating Disorder Services for Adults (EDSA) whole-team training course, delivered to National Health Service adult eating disorder community teams in England. Course participants (n = 561) in the first two EDSA training cohorts (2021 and 2022) were asked to complete questionnaires at intake and after each session, asking about their views on the training.

Results

All course aspects were rated as highly enjoyable, meeting participants’ training needs and fostering reflective practice. Thematic analysis identified themes relating to key innovative features of the course and suggestions for improvements.

Clinical implications

Preliminary evaluation suggests that EDSA is valued by clinicians to enhance their knowledge, skills and ability to improve eating disorder patient care.
An information-theoretic analog of the twin paradox
Authors: Kovačević Mladen , Pinelis Iosif , Kountouris Marios
Published: April 2024

We revisit the familiar scenario involving two parties in relative motion, in which Alice stays at rest while Bob goes on a journey at speed βc along an arbitrary trajectory and reunites with Alice after a certain period of time. It is a well-known consequence of special relativity that the time that passes until they meet again is different for the two parties and is shorter in Bob's frame by a factor of

. We investigate how this asymmetry manifests itself from an information-theoretic viewpoint. Assuming that Alice and Bob transmit signals of equal average power to each other during the whole journey, and that additive white Gaussian noise is present at both sides, we show that the maximum number of bits per second that Alice can transmit reliably to Bob is always higher than the one Bob can transmit to Alice. Equivalently, the energy per bit invested by Alice is lower than that invested by Bob, meaning that the traveler is less efficient from the communication perspective, as conjectured by Jarett and Cover.
Pro-Con Debate: Universal Versus Selective Continuous Monitoring of Postoperative Patients
Authors: Blike George T. , McGrath Susan P. , Ochs Kinney Michelle A. , Gali Bhargavi
Published: April 2024

In this Pro-Con commentary article, we discuss use of continuous physiologic monitoring for clinical deterioration, specifically respiratory depression in the postoperative population. The Pro position advocates for 24/7 continuous surveillance monitoring of all patients starting in the postanesthesia care unit until discharge from the hospital. The strongest arguments for universal monitoring relate to inadequate assessment and algorithms for patient risk. We argue that the need for hospitalization in and of itself is a sufficient predictor of an individual’s risk for unexpected respiratory deterioration. In addition, general care units carry the added risk that even the most severe respiratory events will not be recognized in a timely fashion, largely due to higher patient to nurse staffing ratios and limited intermittent vital signs assessments (e.g., every 4 hours). Continuous monitoring configured properly using a “surveillance model” can adequately detect patients' respiratory deterioration while minimizing alarm fatigue and the costs of the surveillance systems. The Con position advocates for a mixed approach of time-limited continuous pulse oximetry monitoring for all patients receiving opioids, with additional remote pulse oximetry monitoring for patients identified as having a high risk of respiratory depression. Alarm fatigue, clinical resource limitations, and cost are the strongest arguments for selective monitoring, which is a more targeted approach. The proponents of the con position acknowledge that postoperative respiratory monitoring is certainly indicated for all patients, but not all patients need the same level of monitoring. The analysis and discussion of each point of view describes who, when, where, and how continuous monitoring should be implemented. Consideration of various system-level factors are addressed, including clinical resource availability, alarm design, system costs, patient and staff acceptance, risk-assessment algorithms, and respiratory event detection. Literature is reviewed, findings are described, and recommendations for design of monitoring systems and implementation of monitoring are described for the pro and con positions.
The missense mutation C667F in murine β-dystroglycan causes embryonic lethality, myopathy and blood-brain barrier destabilization
Authors: Tan Rui Lois , Sciandra Francesca , Hübner Wolfgang , Bozzi Manuela , Reimann Jens , Schoch Susanne , Brancaccio Andrea , Blaess Sandra
Published: April 2024

Dystroglycan (DG) is an extracellular matrix receptor consisting of an α- and a β-DG subunit encoded by the DAG1 gene. The homozygous mutation (c.2006G>T, p.Cys669Phe) in β-DG causes muscle-eye-brain disease with multicystic leukodystrophy in humans. In a mouse model of this primary dystroglycanopathy, approximately two-thirds of homozygous embryos fail to develop to term. Mutant mice that are born undergo a normal postnatal development but show a late-onset myopathy with partially penetrant histopathological changes and an impaired performance on an activity wheel. Their brains and eyes are structurally normal, but the localization of mutant β-DG is altered in the glial perivascular end-feet, resulting in a perturbed protein composition of the blood-brain and blood-retina barrier. In addition, α- and β-DG protein levels are significantly reduced in muscle and brain of mutant mice. Owing to the partially penetrant developmental phenotype of the C669F β-DG mice, they represent a novel and highly valuable mouse model with which to study the molecular effects of β-DG functional alterations both during embryogenesis and in mature muscle, brain and eye, and to gain insight into the pathogenesis of primary dystroglycanopathies.
Η εφαρμογή της τεχνητής νοημοσύνης στη δημόσια διοίκηση
Authors: Μπούκας Νικόλαος
Published: April 2024

Σκοπός της εν λόγω διατριβής είναι η διερεύνηση των διαφορετικών πτυχών της ενσωμάτωσης της τεχνητής νοημοσύνης στη δημόσια διοίκηση, καθώς επίσης και η διενέργεια μίας προσπάθειας διαλεύκανσης των ηθικών διλλημάτων που συνεπάγεται η ενσωμάτωση αυτή. Η ενσωμάτωση και αξιοποίηση της τεχνητής νοημοσύνης στο σύνολο των πτυχών της δημόσιας διοίκησης δεν αρκεί να πραγματοποιηθεί μόνο επειδή αυτή αποτελεί ένα καινοτόμο τεχνολογικό σύστημα. Ακόμη και αν επέλθει πλήρης εξάλειψη των ηθικών κινδύνων που απορρέουν από την αξιοποίηση συστημάτων τεχνητής νοημοσύνης, δεν μπορεί να καταστεί εφικτή αν δεν εφαρμοστεί κάτω από ειδικά σχεδιασμένες στρατηγικές που θέτουν ως επίκεντρο την εξυπηρέτηση των πολιτών. Άρα, η ερώτηση που χρήζει απάντησης δεν πρέπει να αφορά στο με ποιον τρόπο μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί η τεχνητή νοημοσύνη για την επίλυση των προβλημάτων των δημόσιων υπηρεσιών, αλλά στο ποια προβλήματα είναι αυτά που πρέπει να επιλυθούν μέσω της χρήσης της τεχνητής νοημοσύνης, το πώς μπορούν να επιλυθούν και για ποιον λόγο. Γενικότερα, θεωρούμε ότι την αποκλειστική ευθύνη για τα αποτελέσματα των ενεργειών και αποφάσεων των συστημάτων τεχνητής νοημοσύνης πρέπει να την έχει πάντα ο άνθρωπος, ενώ τα συστήματα αυτά δεν θα πρέπει να χρησιμοποιούνται όταν υπάρχει η πιθανότητα να καθοδηγήσουν, προς συγκεκριμένη κατεύθυνση, το ανθρώπινο υποσυνείδητο ή την ανθρώπινη συμπεριφορά, ώστε να καταλήξει να προκληθεί βλάβη προς τον ίδιο ή άλλον άνθρωπο. Σε κάθε περίπτωση, η από κοινού δημιουργία ενός κανονιστικού πλαισίου ηθικής και δεοντολογίας για την χρήση των συστημάτων τεχνητής νοημοσύνης, από τους κυβερνητικούς φορείς και από τους ίδιους τους πολίτες, κρίνεται αμφοτεροβαρώς επικερδής, ωφέλιμη και αναγκαία.
Impact of yoga on the central and peripheral vascular function among desk-based workers: A single-centred trial study
Authors: Shruthi P Poovitha , Kamath Koustubh , K Vaishali , K N Shivashankar , Sugumar Suresh , Ravichandran Sneha , David Leena R , Hogg Peter , V Guruprasad , K R Banumathe , Saha Shovan , Kadavigere Rajagopal
Published: April 2024

Background The aim of this study was to observe and analyze vascular function in ‘prolonged sitting’, followed by a yoga routine and pranayama intervention. Participants in this study include those who work from desks in offices. The study required the participants to attend on three separate days at random, and they had to finish a computerized test on each day. On the first day, participants were required to complete a computer test while sitting still for four hours (with the exception of washroom breaks). The next day, they underwent a computerized test along with a pranayama intervention. Finally, on the last day, they underwent a computerized test along with a yoga intervention. At the start of the study and after two and four hours, we measured the diameter and velocity of the common carotid artery (CCA) and superficial femoral artery (SFA). Methods The study was a within-subjects prospective single-center trial conducted in the Department of Radio-Diagnosis and Imaging, Kasturba Medical Hospital, Manipal, India, between September 2022 and January 2023. Participants were asked to do one of the following ‘activities’ over successive weeks: Week 1 – Prolonged sitting; Week 2 – Pranayama intervention; and Week 3 – Yoga intervention during prolonged sitting. The baseline and follow-up variables of pulse velocity, endothelial thickness, and shear rate were assessed for normality through a Shapiro-Wilk Test. Results Our sample included 11 participants with moderate physical activity, five with high physical activity and one with low physical activity. Yoga intervention comprised participants sitting continuously for four hours, with a yoga session intervention being provided every hour, lasting for 10 minutes. Conclusions Yoga improves vascular functions in prolonged sitting conditions. This routine can promote the concept of interrupted sitting and ways to reduce it with efficient yoga practice without changing the work culture and provide better physical relief. Trial registration Clinical Trials Registry – India ( CTRI/2022/09/045628), date of registration: 19/09/2022(CTRI/2022/9/045628)https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/main1.php?EncHid=16349.27799,
Effect of ethanol extract of nigella sativa L seeds and propofol on BDNF protein level as neuroplasticity and neuroprotection of traumatic brain injury in rats
Authors: Kulsum Kulsum , Syahrul Syahrul , Hasbalah Kartini , Balqis Ummu
Published: April 2024

Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a change in brain function or evidence of brain pathology caused by external mechanical forces. Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a neurotropin that functions as a neuron protective. Nigella sativa L is reported to have an antioxidant effect, administration of Nigella Sativa L to rats treated with ischemia-reperfusion brain injury. Propofol is an anesthetic agent frequently used intravenously in the management of TBI. The effect of propofol on brain tissue after TBI may be neuroprotective. We aimed to compare the potential of Nigella sativa L and propofol as neuroplasticity and neuroprotection in rats with TBI. Methods This was a laboratory experimental animal model with the post-test only control group design, namely measuring the effect of treatment by comparing the five groups of rats consisting of 30 rats. BDNF levels in rat brain tissue were collected at day 7 of treatment and measured by ELISA. Results The average BDNF protein levels per group, namely G1 (221,243 pg/mL), G2 (172,139 pg/mL), G3 (255,483 pg/mL), G4 (227,089 pg/mL), and G5 (272,603 pg/mL) respectively. Based on the ANOVA statistic, p-value = 0.032 (there was a significant difference between groups), with the Levene Test (0.077) or having variance between the same groups, sequentially the difference in average BDNF protein levels of the five groups is G5>G3>G4>G1>G2, meaning that the combination of Nigella sativa and propofol has more potential to increase BDNF protein levels than Nigella sativa, and Nigella sativa has more potential than propofol. Conclusion We concluded that both nigella sativa and propofol have the potential to increase BDNF protein levels. Nigella Sativa L had a better effect than propofol in repairing damaged neuron cells (neuroplasticity) and increasing BDNF protein levels (neuroprotection) for 7 days of administration in rat traumatic brain injury.
Ambient Air Pollution and Chronic kidney disease risk in Deltan communities: A Policy Brief, 2023
Authors: Okoye Ogochukwu , Carnegie Elaine , Mora Luca
Published: April 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a persistent, devastating, yet neglected, non-communicable disease in developing and emerging countries. National, regional, and international agencies’ communications and reports on non-communicable diseases intentionally or non-intentionally do not feature CKD. The traditional risk factors for CKD, such as hypertension and diabetes, which have received relatively ample attention, do not sufficiently explain the high burden of CKD in these countries. Ambient air pollution is an emerging significant environmental risk factor for CKD; however, epidemiological data and evidence are lacking for susceptible populations in developing countries. The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is a petrochemical hub known for environmental degradation, including air pollution, and thus, serves as a good case study for investigating the association between air pollution and CKD. This brief is based on the results of a mixed-methods study conducted in four communities situated near an oil and gas refinery in Warri, Nigeria. Air pollutant concentrations measured in partnership with citizen scientists showed that all except one air pollutant (ozone) exceeded the WHO acceptable limits in all four communities. The overall prevalence of CKD was high (12.3%) but even higher (18%) in a socially deprived semi-urban community closest to the oil refinery. Hypertension, diabetes, other behavioral risk factors, and exposures associated with CKD were prevalent among the inhabitants of the four communities. However, public environmental health information and education are lacking. A multifaceted approach is required to mitigate air pollution and the associated health risks in the state. Public inclusion is strongly recommended for the planning and implementation of future interventions. Kidney disease prevention and treatment should be emphasized in health policies and insurance schemes.
Development and application of a learning enjoyment scale for pedagogical activities
Authors: Merghani Tarig , Babiker Rasha , O. Alawad Azza
Published: April 2024

The impact of learning enjoyment on motivation, enthusiasm, and overall learning experiences is significant. Previous studies, lacking an unbiased tool for measuring enjoyment and confronting various influencing factors, produced conflicting results regarding enjoyment levels in different instructional methods. Hence, we developed a learning enjoyment scale for evaluating both active and passive educational activities. We applied the developed scale to 112 first-year medical and dental students to assess their enjoyment during didactic physiology lectures and explored possible associated factors. Within this data note, we present students’ responses to the developed LES. The LES encompasses six dimensions: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, concentration, and enjoyment. Students provided ratings for each dimension on a five-point Likert scale, spanning from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The cumulative scores across the six dimensions range from a minimum of 6 to a maximum of 30. These total scores can be categorized as excellent (> 24), acceptable (18-24), or low (< 18). The second section of the dataset examines specific factors influencing overall enjoyment, such as teacher proficiency, topic difficulty, active student participation, objectives fulfillment, low stress levels, and self-perceived acquisition of skills. In addition to objective measurement of students’ enjoyment level, the LES can be utilized for quantitative cross-comparisons between different teaching activities. By employing this dataset, we will undertake an analysis to determine the internal consistency of the Learning Enjoyment Scale (LES), with the anticipation that the outcomes will be published in another venue.
Case Report: Impression Making for Flabby Ridge: An Innovative Approach
Authors: Gnanam Padmashini , Selvaraj Siddharthan , Kumarasan Patmeni , Dhandapani Satish Vasanth
Published: April 2024

A flabby ridge is an area of mobile soft tissue found superficially, which affects both maxillary and mandibular alveolar ridges. It is a common finding in long term denture wearers, where the rate of bone resorption is very fast leading to development of hyperplastic soft tissue over the alveolar bone. Fabricating a denture over the flabby ridge poses a problem to the dentist because masticatory forces can displace this mobile denture-bearing tissue, leading to altered denture positioning and loss of peripheral seal. Forces exerted during the act of impression making can result in distortion of the mobile tissue leading to ill-fitting dentures. All these factors compromise the retention, stability, and support of the complete denture. This paper presents a case report for a patient with Kelly’s Combination Syndrome, wherein, an innovative impression technique was used to record the flabby ridges during the process of denture construction. The resultant denture was more comfortable for the patient and did not exert undue pressure over the hypermobile tissues.
Spectra without stories: reporting 94% dark and unidentified ancient proteomes
Authors: Chiang Yun , Welker Frido , Collins Matthew James
Published: April 2024

Background Data-dependent, bottom-up proteomics is widely used for identifying proteins and peptides. However, one key challenge is that 70% of fragment ion spectra consistently fail to be assigned by conventional database searching. This ‘dark matter’ of bottom-up proteomics seems to affect fields where non-model organisms, low-abundance proteins, non-tryptic peptides, and complex modifications may be present. While palaeoproteomics may appear as a niche field, understanding and reporting unidentified ancient spectra require collaborative innovation in bioinformatics strategies. This may advance the analysis of complex datasets. Methods 14.97 million high-impact ancient spectra published in Nature and Science portfolios were mined from public repositories. Identification rates, defined as the proportion of assigned fragment ion spectra, were collected as part of deposited database search outputs or parsed using open-source python packages. Results and Conclusions We report that typically 94% of the published ancient spectra remain unidentified. This phenomenon may be caused by multiple factors, notably the limitations of database searching and the selection of user-defined reference data with advanced modification patterns. These ‘spectra without stories’ highlight the need for widespread data sharing to facilitate methodological development and minimise the loss of often irreplaceable ancient materials. Testing and validating alternative search strategies, such as open searching and de novo sequencing, may also improve overall identification rates. Hence, lessons learnt in palaeoproteomics may benefit other fields grappling with challenging data.