bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An eight-year follow-up study of Home Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in Finland
Authors: Kreivi Hanna-Riikka , Kotanen Petra , Siirala Waltteri
Published: September 2024

Background

Studies on long-term invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) via tracheostomy in chronic respiratory insufficiency are limited. The aim of this study was to clarify the use of HIMV (home invasive mechanical ventilation) within the Finnish population and to analyze the characteristics and survival rate of HIMV patients from 2015 to 2022.

Methods

Data on HIMV patients was collected annually from all Finnish Hospital District patient registries between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2022. Data included basic demographic data of the patients, underlying diagnosis, time from diagnosis to HIMV initiation, treatment duration, and mortality.

Results

This study included 179 patients. In 2015, there were 107 HIMV patients, and as of December 31, 2022, there were 95 patients. During the eight-year follow-up period, 84 patients (46.9%) died and there were 67 new patients between 2015 and2022. The prevalence of HIMV treatment in Finland was 2.4/100,000 on January 1,2015, and 1.8/ 100 000 on December 31, 2022. The average number of years living with HIMV for deceased patients at death was 10.1 ± 10.5 years largely depending on the underlying diagnosis. Of all the HIMV treatments, 32% were elective.

Conclusions

HIMV is a rare treatment in Finland, and based on our 8-year follow-up, prevalence of HIMV is diminishing. Given the high demands, and significant costs associated with HIMV, it is essential to prepare for long treatment, when planning HIMV. It is also advisable to prolong non-invasive ventilation (NIV) treatments for as long as possible.
A four year follow-up survey on the teledidactic TELUS ultrasound course: long-term benefits and implications
Authors: Höhne Elena , Schäfer Valentin S. , Neubauer Ricarda , Gotta Jennifer , Reschke Philipp , Wittek Agnes , Recker Florian
Published: September 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional medical education, prompting innovative teaching methods for practical skills training. The teledidactic TELUS ultrasound course, launched in 2020–2021, aimed to provide remote instruction in ultrasound techniques.

Objective

This study assesses the long-term impact of the teledidactic ultrasound course conducted during the study years on current clinical practice.

Methods

In 2024, a follow-up survey was conducted with former TELUS course students now practicing as physicians across various specialities. Participants rated their confidence in ultrasound examinations and its frequency in practice.

Results

21 out of 30 participants (70%) completed the survey. 71.4% rated the course experience as excellent (5/5 points). Most reported significant learning gains, especially in the FAST module. While all agreed the course enhanced their ultrasound skills, its impact on patient care received mixed reviews. Frequency of ultrasound use varied widely among specialities, with high use in surgery and internal medicine but less in psychiatry, neurology, and ophthalmology. Notably, 42,9% had not pursued further ultrasound training post-course.

Conclusion

The teledidactic ultrasound course effectively provided remote education, integrating skills into practice. Mixed reviews on patient care impact and speciality-specific ultrasound use suggest sustained integration depends on relevance and ongoing education. Self-assessment results support online ultrasound courses, indicating potential use in resource-limited or geographically constrained settings.
Real-world data to support post-market safety and performance of embolization coils: evidence generation from a medical device manufacturer and data institute partnership
Authors: Hochreiter-Hufford Amelia , Gatz Jennifer , Griggs Amy M. , Schoch Ryan D. , Birmingham Kimberly M. , Frederick Christopher , Price John , Snyder Scott
Published: September 2024

Background

Recognizing the limitations of pre-market clinical data, regulatory authorities have embraced total product lifecycle management with post-market surveillance (PMS) data to assess medical device safety and performance. One method of proactive PMS involves the analysis of real-world data (RWD) through retrospective review of electronic health records (EHR). Because EHRs are patient-centered and focused on providing tools that clinicians use to determine care rather than collecting information on individual medical products, the process of transforming RWD into real-world evidence (RWE) can be laborious, particularly for medical devices with broad clinical use and extended clinical follow-up. This study describes a method to extract RWD from EHR to generate RWE on the safety and performance of embolization coils.

Methods

Through a partnership between a non-profit data institute and a medical device manufacturer, information on implantable embolization coils’ use was extracted, linked, and analyzed from clinical data housed in an electronic data warehouse from the state of Indiana’s largest health system. To evaluate the performance and safety of the embolization coils, technical success and safety were defined as per the Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines. A multi-prong strategy including electronic and manual review of unstructured (clinical chart notes) and structured data (International Classification of Disease codes), was developed to identify patients with relevant devices and extract data related to the endpoints.

Results

A total of 323 patients were identified as treated using Cook Medical Tornado, Nester, or MReye embolization coils between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018. Available clinical follow-up for these patients was 1127 ± 719 days. Indications for use, adverse events, and procedural success rates were identified via automated extraction of structured data along with review of available unstructured data. The overall technical success rate was 96.7%, and the safety events rate was 5.3% with 18 major adverse events in 17 patients. The calculated technical success and safety rates met pre-established performance goals (≥ 85% for technical success and ≤ 12% for safety), highlighting the relevance of this surveillance method.

Conclusions

Generating RWE from RWD requires careful planning and execution. The process described herein provided valuable longitudinal data for PMS of real-world device safety and performance. This cost-effective approach can be translated to other medical devices and similar RWD database systems.
Clinicians’ perspectives of immersive tools in clinical mental health settings: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Cushnan Jessica , McCafferty Paul , Best Paul
Published: September 2024

Background

Virtual Reality in mental health treatment has potential to address a wide spectrum of psychological and neurocognitive disorders. Despite the proven benefits, integration into clinical practice faces significant challenges. There is a critical need for research into clinicians’ perceptions of virtual reality due to the gap between rapid technological advancements and their adoption in mental health services.

Method

A scoping review was conducted to comprehensively understand clinicians’ perspectives on the application of immersive virtual reality technologies within mental health settings. 4 data bases were searched, from inception, with the search areas of clinicians’, technology, perspectives and mental health. The scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR checklist. All results were thematically analysed to identify and categorise themes with a focus on qualitative analyses of clinicians’ experiences and perceptions of VR applications in therapeutic contexts.

Results

17 articles were selected, encompassing a range of mental health settings. The findings indicate that the integration of VR in clinical environments is heavily influenced by clinicians’ knowledge and experience, with unfamiliarity often leading to scepticism. Positive attitudes towards VR, bolstered by direct experience and training, were found to drive acceptance, as clinicians’ acknowledged its potential to complement traditional therapies. However, there are still gaps in understanding VR’s therapeutic applications, particularly concerning its impact on human interaction and its suitability for specific patient groups. Balancing VR’s clinical benefits with ethical and safety concerns is crucial, especially when working with vulnerable populations. Furthermore, structural and administrative support is essential to overcoming the financial and logistical challenges of VR implementation, ensuring its safe and effective integration into mental health care.

Conclusion

While VR holds significant potential for enhancing mental health care, its successful integration into clinical practice necessitates addressing existing gaps in knowledge, training, and structural support. By carefully balancing its clinical benefits with ethical, practical, and safety considerations, VR can be effectively utilised as a valuable tool in mental health treatment, providing innovative solutions while ensuring that patient care remains paramount.
Mesothelin- and nucleolin-specific T cells from combined short peptides effectively kill triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Thongchot Suyanee , Aksonnam Krittaya , Prasopsiri Jaturawitt , Warnnissorn Malee , Sa-nguanraksa Doonyapat , O-Charoenrat Pornchai , Thuwajit Peti , Yenchitsomanus Pa-thai , Thuwajit Chanitra
Published: September 2024

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), known for its aggressiveness and limited treatment options, presents a significant challenge. Adoptive cell transfer, involving the ex vivo generation of antigen-specific T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), emerges as a promising approach. The overexpression of mesothelin (MSLN) and nucleolin (NCL) in TNBC samples underscores their potential as targets for T cell therapy. This study explored the efficacy of multi-peptide pulsing of PBMCs to generate MSLN/NCL-specific T cells targeting MSLN+/NCL+ TNBC cells.

Methods

TNBC patient samples were confirmed for both MSLN and NCL expression via immunohistochemistry. Synthesized MSLN and NCL peptides were combined and administered to activate PBMCs from healthy donors. The cancer-killing ability of the resultant T cells was assessed using crystal violet staining, and their subtypes and cytotoxic cytokines were characterized through flow cytometry and cytokine bead array.

Results

Findings showed that 85.3% (127/149) of TNBC cases were positive for either MSLN or NCL, or both; with single positivity rates for MSLN and NCL of 14.1% and 28.9%, respectively. MSLN and NCL peptides, with high binding affinity for HLA-A*02, were combined and introduced to activated PBMCs from healthy donors. The co-pulsed PBMCs significantly induced TEM and TEMRA CD3+/CD8+ T cells and IFN-γ production, compared to single-peptide pulsed or unpulsed conditions. Notably, MSLN/NCL-specific T cells successfully induced cell death in MSLN+/NCL+ MDA-MB-231 cells, releasing key cytotoxic factors such as perforin, granzymes A and B, Fas ligand, IFN-γ, and granulysin.

Conclusions

These findings serve as a proof-of-concept for using multiple immunogenic peptides as a novel therapeutic approach in TNBC patients.
Brugada syndrome precipitated by uncomplicated malaria treated with dihydroartemisinin piperaquine: a case report
Authors: Amir Muzakkir , Mukhtar Irmayanti , Tandean Pendrik , Rahmani Muhammad Zaki
Published: September 2024

Background

Cardiovascular events following anti-malarial treatment are reported infrequently; only a few studies have reported adverse outcomes. This case presentation emphasizes cardiological assessment of Brugada syndrome, presenting as life-threatening arrhythmia during anti-malarial treatment. Without screening and untreated, this disease may lead to sudden cardiac death.

Case presentation

This is a case of 23-year-old male who initially presented with palpitations followed by syncope and shortness of breath with a history of malaria. He had switched treatment from quinine to dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHP). Further investigations revealed the ST elevation electrocardiogram pattern typical of Brugada syndrome, confirmed with flecainide challenge test. Subsequently, anti-malarial treatment was stopped and an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) was inserted.

Conclusions

Another possible cause of arrhythmic events happened following anti-malarial consumption. This case highlights the possibility of proarrhytmogenic mechanism of malaria infection and anti-malarial drug resulting in typical manifestations of Brugada syndrome.
Aboriginal families living with MJD in remote Australia: questions of access and equity
Authors: Massey Libby , Gilroy John , Kowal Emma , Doolan Denise , Clough Alan
Published: September 2024

Managing genetic disease using medically assisted reproductive technology is increasingly promoted as a feasible option, given revolutionary advances in genomics. Far less attention has been directed to the issue of whether there is equitable access to this option. Context and circumstance determine equitable access; however, reporting has drawn overwhelmingly from affluent Anglo-western populations in developed countries. The experiences of poorer, less educated subpopulations within affluent countries and populations in less developed countries are underreported. The ability of consumers to understand the opportunities and risks of medically assisted reproductive technology is likewise not well described in the literature despite significant technological complexity and evidence that genetic disease may be overrepresented within some disadvantaged population groups.

Equity is achieved by identifying barriers and allocating appropriate resources to enable understanding and access. In the case of utilising medically assisted technology, social and power relationships, regulations, and the presumptions of authority figures and policymakers reduce equitable access. Physical or cultural marginalisation from mainstream health services may result in reduced access to genetic and prenatal testing, in-vitro fertilisation and genetic screening of embryos necessary for medically assisted reproduction. Cost and regulatory frameworks can likewise limit opportunities to engage with services. Moreover, the quality of the information provided to prospective users of the technology and how it is received governs understanding of prevention and inhibits adequately informed choice.

Best practice care and adequately informed choice can only be achieved by conscientiously attending to these accessibility issues. Deep engagement with at-risk people and critical reflection on mainstream accepted standpoints is required. This paper outlines issues associated with engaging with medically assisted reproduction encountered by Aboriginal families living with Machado-Joseph Disease in some of the most remote areas of Australia. It is the right of these families to access such technologies regardless of where they live. Current barriers to access raise important questions for service providers with implications for practice as new technologies increasingly become part of standard medical care.
Recruitment of the m6A/m6Am demethylase FTO to target RNAs by the telomeric zinc finger protein ZBTB48
Authors: Nabeel-Shah Syed , Pu Shuye , Burke Giovanni L. , Ahmed Nujhat , Braunschweig Ulrich , Farhangmehr Shaghayegh , Lee Hyunmin , Wu Mingkun , Ni Zuyao , Tang Hua , Zhong Guoqing , Marcon Edyta , Zhang Zhaolei , Blencowe Benjamin J. , Greenblatt Jack F.
Published: September 2024

Background

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant internal modification on eukaryotic mRNA, and N6, 2′-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am), are epitranscriptomic marks that function in multiple aspects of posttranscriptional regulation. Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) can remove both m6A and m6Am; however, little is known about how FTO achieves its substrate selectivity.

Results

Here, we demonstrate that ZBTB48, a C2H2-zinc finger protein that functions in telomere maintenance, associates with FTO and binds both mRNA and the telomere-associated regulatory RNA TERRA to regulate the functional interactions of FTO with target transcripts. Specifically, depletion of ZBTB48 affects targeting of FTO to sites of m6A/m6Am modification, changes cellular m6A/m6Am levels and, consequently, alters decay rates of target RNAs. ZBTB48 ablation also accelerates growth of HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells and modulates FTO-dependent regulation of Metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) transcripts by controlling the binding to MTA1 mRNA of the m6A reader IGF2BP2.

Conclusions

Our findings thus uncover a previously unknown mechanism of posttranscriptional regulation in which ZBTB48 co-ordinates RNA-binding of the m6A/m6Am demethylase FTO to control expression of its target RNAs.
Astaxanthin attenuates glucose-induced liver injury in largemouth bass: role of p38MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways
Authors: Liao Zhihong , He Xuanshu , Chen Anqi , Zhong Jian , Lin Sihan , Guo Yucai , Cui Xin , Chen Baoyang , Zhao Wei , Niu Jin
Published: September 2024

Background

Astaxanthin (ASX) has been documented to exert beneficial influence on various processes in fish. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) serves as a common model for studying glucose-induced liver disease, making it imperative to investigate the regulatory mechanisms underlying its liver health.

Methods

Largemouth bass were fed with a control diet (CON), a high carbohydrate diet (HC), or a HC diet supplemented astaxanthin (HCA) for 8-weeks, followed by the glucose tolerance test (GTT). Primary hepatocytes were treated with low glucose and high glucose combined with different concentrations of astaxanthin for 48 h. The histopathology, enzymology, transcriptomics, molecular biology and cell biology were combined to investigate the mechanism of liver injury.

Results

This study provides evidence for the protective effects of ASX against growth performance reduction and hepatic liver injure in largemouth bass fed HC diet. In GTT, HCA diet exhibited an improvement in glucose tolerance following glucose loading. Although HCA diet did not restore the expression of insulin resistance-related genes in livers at different time during the GTT, the addition of ASX in the long-term HC diet did improve the insulin resistance pathway by regulating the PTP1B/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Hepatic transcriptome analyses showed that ASX plays an essential role in the modulation of glucose homeostasis in response to treated with HC diet. In in vitro study, ASX treatment resulted in an exaltation in cell viability and a reduction in the rate of cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, astaxanthin was observed to improve apoptosis induced by high-glucose via p38MAPK/bcl-2/caspase-3 signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Astaxanthin exhibited a protective effect against apoptosis by regulating p38MAPK/bcl-2/caspase-3 pathway, and ameliorated insulin resistance by activating the PTP1B/PI3K/Akt pathway. This study elucidated the mechanism of astaxanthin in the liver injury of largemouth bass from a new perspective and provided a new target for the treatment of insulin resistance.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of warming on soil fungal community and its function in a temperate steppe
Authors: Yu Yang , Chen Xin , Yi Yin , Xiao Chunwang
Published: September 2024

Background

The potential effects of global warming on soil fungal communities and their functions remain uncertain. To address this issue, we investigated the effects of 3-year simulated field warming on the community and function of fungi in a temperate steppe of Inner Mongolia, northern China.

Methods

The diversity and structure of the fungal community were measured by high-throughput sequencing. The functionality of fungal communities was identified by comparison with the ITS reference database.

Results

Our results showed that warming did not affect the diversity of fungi, but significantly increased the complexity of the fungal community, with fungal taxa more closely associating with each other. We observed that plant pathogens and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were the most abundant functional groups. Meanwhile, warming significantly decreased the relative abundance of animal pathogens.

Conclusions

Warming significantly increased the complexity of the fungal community, with soil pH being the main factor affecting soil fungal function. Our findings emphasize that the response of the fungal community and its functional groups to warming has significant implications for ecosystem biogeochemical cycling.
Midwestern specialty crop impacts on the environment and health: a scoping review
Authors: Balis Laura E. , Shaw Emily , Fung Uy Whitney , Nelson Katie , Isack Maryan , Flournoy Laura , Vest Daniele , Deelo Jessie , Yaroch Amy L.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The United States food system mainly relies on monoculture farming, leading to negative impacts on human and environmental health. Transitioning to specialty crop production (fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts) could alleviate challenges. The goal of this scoping review was to understand environmental and health impacts of locally distributed specialty crops in the Midwest.

Methods

Researchers searched databases for peer-reviewed literature and agricultural websites for grey literature. Inclusion criteria were specialty crop production; environmental, economic, or health outcomes; Midwest location; and local distribution. Researchers charted data based on the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance framework.

Results

Grey (n = 9) and peer-reviewed (n = 19) sources met inclusion criteria. Sources reported specialty crops reached diverse populations through community gardens and farmers’ markets with positive impacts on nutritional intake. Effectiveness of production practices on soil and plant quality and greenhouse gas emissions was mixed.

Conclusions

Local specialty crop production shows promise, but more rigorous study designs with long-term follow-up are needed.
Transitioning to sustainable food systems in a changing climate and gender equality: a brief review
Authors: Naheed Sanober , Rukhsana
Published: September 2024

Food security is unquestionably crucial to society's well-being. The world is experiencing unprecedented global shocks; therefore, it is critical to protect the agri-food systems. This concept is broad and complex, with various interpretations around the globe. The problems of social equity, environmental sustainability, and food security are interconnected and are rarely best addressed separately. The failure to address the farming sector, particularly that of women farmers, is the basis of the current discussion. Creating sustainable food systems requires moving from an agriculture-centred to a food system policy and research framework. This will be fundamental to fostering the complex and holistic transformation necessary to achieve sustainable food systems, which is, in turn, a prerequisite to achieving sustainable food and nutrition security. Therefore, the current study aims to establish the link between women's empowerment and food security. The study used a systematic literature review approach based on secondary data available in relevant and contemporary literature. The findings showed the scarcity of research in areas of gender response to climate change and coping strategies and cultural biases against women.

Moreover, most policies designed to improve and expand local communities’ capacity for adaptation are gender-neutral. Interdisciplinary research and innovation are likely to be the most effective methods for tackling food insecurity while considering its complex social, economic, and environmental components. The objective is to advance sustainable solutions. Therefore, in addition to academic thought, a focused approach to the issue is required; one must act following reality.
Trait-based study predicts glycerol/diol dehydratases as a key function of the gut microbiota of hindgut-fermenting carnivores
Authors: Li Qing , Ruscheweyh Hans-Joachim , Østergaard Lærke Hartmann , Libertella Micael , Simonsen Kim Skalborg , Sunagawa Shinichi , Scoma Alberto , Schwab Clarissa
Published: September 2024

Background

Microbial pdu and cob-cbi-hem gene clusters encode the key enzyme glycerol/diol dehydratase (PduCDE), which mediates the transformation of dietary nutrients glycerol and 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PD) to a variety of metabolites, and enzymes for cobalamin synthesis, a co-factor and shared good of microbial communities. It was the aim of this study to relate pdu as a multipurpose functional trait to environmental conditions and microbial community composition. We collected fecal samples from wild animal species living in captivity with different gut physiology and diet (n = 55, in total 104 samples), determined occurrence and diversity of pdu and cob-cbi-hem using a novel approach combining metagenomics with quantification of metabolic and genetic biomarkers, and conducted in vitro fermentations to test for trait-based activity.

Results

Fecal levels of the glycerol transformation product 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) were higher in hindgut than foregut fermenters. Gene-based analyses indicated that pduC harboring taxa are common feature of captive wild animal fecal microbiota that occur more frequently and at higher abundance in hindgut fermenters. Phylogenetic analysis of genomes reconstructed from metagenomic sequences identified captive wild animal fecal microbiota as taxonomically rich with a total of 4150 species and > 1800 novel species but pointed at only 56 species that at least partially harbored pdu and cbi-cob-hem. While taxonomic diversity was highest in fecal samples of foregut-fermenting herbivores, higher pduC abundance and higher diversity of pdu/cbi-cob-hem related to higher potential for glycerol and 1,2-PD utilization of the less diverse microbiota of hindgut-fermenting carnivores in vitro.

Conclusion

Our approach combining metabolite and gene biomarker analysis with metagenomics and phenotypic characterization identified Pdu as a common function of fecal microbiota of captive wild animals shared by few taxa and stratified the potential of fecal microbiota for glycerol/1,2-PD utilization and cobalamin synthesis depending on diet and physiology of the host. This trait-based study suggests that the ability to utilize glycerol/1,2-PD is a key function of hindgut-fermenting carnivores, which does not relate to overall community diversity but links to the potential for cobalamin formation.
Hyperexpansion of genetic diversity and metabolic capacity of extremophilic bacteria and archaea in ancient Andean lake sediments
Authors: Lezcano María Ángeles , Bornemann Till L. V. , Sánchez-García Laura , Carrizo Daniel , Adam Panagiotis S. , Esser Sarah P. , Cabrol Nathalie A. , Probst Alexander J. , Parro Víctor
Published: September 2024

Background

The Andean Altiplano hosts a repertoire of high-altitude lakes with harsh conditions for life. These lakes are undergoing a process of desiccation caused by the current climate, leaving terraces exposed to extreme atmospheric conditions and serving as analogs to Martian paleolake basins. Microbiomes in Altiplano lake terraces have been poorly studied, enclosing uncultured lineages and a great opportunity to understand environmental adaptation and the limits of life on Earth. Here we examine the microbial diversity and function in ancient sediments (10.3–11 kyr BP (before present)) from a terrace profile of Laguna Lejía, a sulfur- and metal/metalloid-rich saline lake in the Chilean Altiplano. We also evaluate the physical and chemical changes of the lake over time by studying the mineralogy and geochemistry of the terrace profile.

Results

The mineralogy and geochemistry of the terrace profile revealed large water level fluctuations in the lake, scarcity of organic carbon, and high concentration of SO42--S, Na, Cl and Mg. Lipid biomarker analysis indicated the presence of aquatic/terrestrial plant remnants preserved in the ancient sediments, and genome-resolved metagenomics unveiled a diverse prokaryotic community with still active microorganisms based on in silico growth predictions. We reconstructed 591 bacterial and archaeal metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), of which 98.8% belonged to previously unreported species. The most abundant and widespread metabolisms among MAGs were the reduction and oxidation of S, N, As, and halogenated compounds, as well as aerobic CO oxidation, possibly as a key metabolic trait in the organic carbon-depleted sediments. The broad redox and CO2 fixation pathways among phylogenetically distant bacteria and archaea extended the knowledge of metabolic capacities to previously unknown taxa. For instance, we identified genomic potential for dissimilatory sulfate reduction in Bacteroidota and α- and γ-Proteobacteria, predicted an enzyme for ammonia oxidation in a novel Actinobacteriota, and predicted enzymes of the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle in Planctomycetota, Gemmatimonadota, and Nanoarchaeota.

Conclusions

The high number of novel bacterial and archaeal MAGs in the Laguna Lejía indicates the wide prokaryotic diversity discovered. In addition, the detection of genes in unexpected taxonomic groups has significant implications for the expansion of microorganisms involved in the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur.
Automatic defect detection in infrared thermal images of ancient polyptychs based on numerical simulation and a new efficient channel attention mechanism aided Faster R-CNN model
Authors: Wang Xin , Jiang Guimin , Hu Jue , Sfarra Stefano , Mostacci Miranda , Kouis Dimitrios , Yang Dazhi , Fernandes Henrique , Avdelidis Nicolas P. , Maldague Xavier , Gai Yonggang , Zhang Hai
Published: September 2024

In recent years, the preservation and conservation of ancient cultural heritage necessitate the advancement of sophisticated non-destructive testing methodologies to minimize potential damage to artworks. Therefore, this study aims to develop an advanced method for detecting defects in ancient polyptychs using infrared thermography. The test subjects are two polyptych samples replicating a 14th-century artwork by Pietro Lorenzetti (1280/85–1348) with varied pigments and artificially induced defects. To address these challenges, an automatic defect detection model is proposed, integrating numerical simulation and image processing within the Faster R-CNN architecture, utilizing VGG16 as the backbone network for feature extraction. Meanwhile, the model innovatively incorporates the efficient channel attention mechanism after the feature extraction stage, which significantly improves the feature characterization performance of the model in identifying small defects in ancient polyptychs. During training, numerical simulation is utilized to augment the infrared thermal image dataset, ensuring the accuracy of subsequent experimental sample testing. Empirical results demonstrate a substantial improvement in detection performance, compared with the original Faster R-CNN model, with the average precision at the intersection over union = 0.5 increasing to 87.3% and the average precision for small objects improving to 54.8%. These results highlight the practicality and effectiveness of the model, marking a significant progress in defect detection capability, providing a strong technical guarantee for the continuous conservation of cultural heritage, and offering directions for future studies.
Advancements in understanding the mechanisms of lung–kidney crosstalk
Authors: Mendes Renata de Souza , Silva Pedro Leme , Robba Chiara , Battaglini Denise , Lopes-Pacheco Miquéias , Caruso-Neves Celso , Rocco Patricia R. M.
Published: September 2024

This narrative review delves into the intricate interplay between the lungs and the kidneys, with a focus on elucidating the pathogenesis of diseases influenced by immunological factors, acid–base regulation, and blood gas disturbances, as well as assessing the effects of various therapeutic modalities on these interactions. Key disorders, such as anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease, the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), and Anti-neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV), are also examined to shed light on their underlying mechanisms. This review also explores the relationship between acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute kidney injury (AKI), emphasizing how inflammatory mediators can lead to systemic damage and impact multiple organs. In ARDS, fluid overload exacerbates pulmonary edema, while imbalances in blood volume, such as hypovolemia or hypervolemia, can precipitate renal dysfunction. The review highlights how mechanical ventilation strategies can compromise renal blood flow, trigger systemic inflammation, and induce hemodynamic and neurohormonal alterations, all contributing to lung and kidney damage. The impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on lung–kidney interactions is evaluated, highlighting its role in severe respiratory failure and its renal implications. Emerging therapies, such as mesenchymal stem cells and extracellular vesicles, are discussed as promising avenues to mitigate organ damage and enhance outcomes in critically ill patients. Overall, this review offers a nuanced exploration of lung–kidney dynamics, bridging historical insights with contemporary perspectives. It underscores the clinical significance of these interactions in critically ill patients and advocates for integrated management approaches to optimize patient outcomes.
Enhancement of lactate fraction in poly(lactate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) biosynthesized by metabolically engineered E. coli
Authors: Zhang Binghao , Guo Pengye , Sun Xinye , Shang Yanzhe , Luo Yuanchan , Wu Hui
Published: September 2024

Poly(lactate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(LA-co-3HB)] is a high-molecular-weight biomaterial with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this study, the properties of P(LA-co-3HB) were examined and found to be affected by its lactate fraction. The efficiency of lactyl-CoA biosynthesis from intracellular lactate significantly affected the microbial synthesis of P(LA-co-3HB). Two CoA transferases from Anaerotignum lactatifermentans and Bacillota bacterium were selected for use in copolymer biosynthesis from 11 candidates. We found that cotAl enhanced the lactate fraction by 31.56% compared to that of the frequently used modified form of propionyl-CoA transferase from Anaerotignum propionicum. In addition, utilizing xylose as a favorable carbon source and blocking the lactate degradation pathway further enhanced the lactate fraction to 30.42 mol% and 52.84 mol%, respectively. Furthermore, when a 5 L bioreactor was used for fermentation utilizing xylose as a carbon source, the engineered strain produced 60.60 wt% P(46.40 mol% LA-co-3HB), which was similar to the results of our flask experiments. Our results indicate that the application of new CoA transferases has great potential for the biosynthesis of other lactate-based copolymers.

Graphical Abstract
Teacher-related factors associated with teacher–child interaction quality in preschool education
Authors: Tilbe Yohannes Tigro , Xiaosong Gai
Published: September 2024

Quality teacher–child interaction is considered one of the primary mechanisms through which educational experience fosters the development of children’s competencies. Teachers’ self-efficacy and beliefs about developmentally appropriate practices influence the quality of classroom interaction. However, the findings are mixed, and more research must be done within the preschool teacher population. The present study investigated teacher-related factors influencing teacher–child interaction quality with preschool children. Two rating scales and one observation measure were used to survey and observe 55 preschool teachers in preschool centres of Arba Minch town, Ethiopia. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between teacher factors (i.e., teacher belief, self-efficacy, teaching experience) and teacher–child interaction quality (emotional support, classroom organization, and instructional support). Teacher belief significantly predicted teachers’ emotional support and classroom organization, while teaching experience significantly predicted instructional support. The findings of this study have implications for concerned bodies striving to achieve the 2030 sustainable development goals aimed at increasing the supply of qualified teachers to ensure all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development and care so that they are ready for primary education, especially in the least developed countries.
Effectiveness of tramadol-including multimodal analgesia in spinal surgery: a single-center, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Okizuka Misa , Inose Ryo , Makio Satoshi , Muraki Yuichi
Published: September 2024

Background

Multimodal analgesia (MMA) is recommended for postoperative pain management; however, studies evaluating the effect of tramadol-including MMA on numerical rating scale (NRS)-based postoperative pain levels and the length of stay (LOS) in the hospital are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the before and after effects of tramadol-including MMA application, and assess its effect on postoperative NRS scores and LOS.

Methods

Patients who underwent spinal surgery under general anesthesia at the Rakuwakai Marutamachi Hospital in fiscal years 2020 and 2022 were included in this study. The outcomes between the pre- and post-intervention groups were compared through propensity score matching.

Results

Following propensity score matching, 249 patients were included in each group. MMA application significantly decreased the median LOS from 10 to 9 days (p < 0.001). Additionally, the median NRS scores exhibited a significant decrease from 4 to 3 on postoperative day (POD) 3 (p = 0.0109) and from 3 to 2 on POD 5 (p = 0.0087). Following MMA application, the number of patients receiving additional analgesics decreased significantly, from 38 to 6 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The introduction of tramadol-including MMA can effectively reduce postoperative pain and decrease the LOS for patients undergoing spinal surgery.
Successful outcome achieved with adjuvant chemotherapy with irinotecan plus cisplatin in rectal neuroendocrine carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Saegusa Yoshitaka , Akabane Shintaro , Shimomura Manabu , Okuda Hiroshi , Yano Takuya , Mochizuki Tetsuya , Inoue Wako , Yamaguchi Mizuki , Yamaguchi Shinji , Sentani Kazuhiro , Yamauchi Masami , Tokumo Kentaro , Ohdan Hideki
Published: September 2024

Background

Rectal neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) are rare and associated with poorer prognoses compared to conventional adenocarcinomas. The efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy for resectable rectal NECs remains uncertain. Herein, we present a case of rectal NEC successfully treated with postoperative chemotherapy using irinotecan plus cisplatin.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old woman with a history of endometrial cancer presented with an intramural rectal tumour detected on follow-up imaging. Colonoscopy revealed a 30 mm submucosal tumour, and laparoscopic low anterior resection was performed. Histopathological examination showed poorly differentiated atypical cells with solid growth patterns. Metastasis from the uterine cancer was ruled out due to histological differences between the primary uterine tumour and the rectal lesion, as well as the absence of hormone receptor immunohistochemical expression. Further immunohistochemical analysis revealed diffuse CD56 positivity, a high mitotic rate (> 20/10 high power fields) and a Ki-67 labelling index exceeding 70%. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of rectal NEC, T3N0M0, Stage IIB (UICC 8th edition), was established. Given the aggressive nature of the tumour evidenced by a high Ki-67 labelling index, adjuvant chemotherapy comprising six cycles of irinotecan plus cisplatin was administered to mitigate the risk of recurrence. At the 3-year follow-up, the patient was free of disease recurrence.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of multidisciplinary surgical interventions followed by adjuvant chemotherapy in managing rectal NECs.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association of all types of beverages high in fructose with asthma in children and adolescents
Authors: Keshavarz Fatemeh , Zeinalabedini Mobina , Ebrahimpour-Koujan Soraiya , Azadbakht Leila
Published: September 2024

Background

Asthma has become the most common chronic condition among children in recent decades. Environmental factors, including food, drive its rise. Sweetened beverages are a staple of children’s diets and cause various health issues. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the association of all types of high fructose beverages with asthma in children.

Method

We assessed observational studies published before November 2023, obtained from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The quality of articles was assessed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Studies with a pediatric population under 18 years that indicate the association between all kinds of beverages containing high fructose and asthma and evaluated risk estimates with 95% confidence intervals were included. We also followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA).

Results

In the final analysis, we included eleven studies with 164,118 individuals. Twenty-one effect sizes indicated a significant positive association between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption and odds of asthma (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.15–1.42; Pvalue < 0.001). Three effect sizes showed that total excess free fructose (tEFF) intake increases children’s asthma odds by 2.7 times (pooled OR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.30–5.73; Pvalue =0.008). However, five effect sizes in 100% fruit juice failed to show statically association with asthma prevalence in children (pooled OR: 1.43; 95%CI: 0.91–2.23; Pvalue =0.12).

Conclusion

In summary, SSB and tEFF raised asthma probabilities. No relationship was found between fruit juice and asthma in children and adolescents. We need more cohort studies with correct age selection to identify the precise link.
Metabolic Phenotyping from Whole-Blood Responses to a Standardized Exercise Test May Discriminate for Physiological, Performance, and Illness Outcomes: A Pilot Study in Highly-Trained Cross-Country Skiers
Authors: Karlsson Øyvind , Govus Andrew D. , McGawley Kerry , Hanstock Helen G.
Published: September 2024

Background

This study used metabolic phenotyping to explore the responses of highly-trained cross-country skiers to a standardized exercise test, which was part of the athletes’ routine testing, and determine whether metabolic phenotyping could discriminate specific physiological, performance, and illness characteristics.

Methods

Twenty-three highly-trained cross-country skiers (10 women and 13 men) participated in this study. Capillary whole-blood samples were collected before (at rest) and 2.5 min after (post-exercise) a roller-ski treadmill test consisting of 5–6 × 4-min submaximal stages followed by a self-paced time trial (~ 3 min) and analyzed using mass spectrometry. Performance level was defined by International Ski Federation distance and sprint rankings. Illness data were collected prospectively for 33 weeks using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analyses (OPLS-DA) followed by enrichment analyses were used to identify metabolic phenotypes of athlete groups with specific physiological, performance, and illness characteristics.

Results

Blood metabolite phenotypes were significantly different after the standardized exercise test compared to rest for metabolites involved in energy, purine, and nucleotide metabolism (all OPLS-DA p < 0.001). Acute changes in the metabolic phenotype from rest to post-exercise could discriminate athletes with: (1) higher vs. lower peak blood lactate concentrations; (2) superior vs. inferior performance levels in sprint skiing, and (3) ≥ 2 vs. ≤ 1 self-reported illness episodes in the 33-week study period (all p < 0.05). The most important metabolites contributing to the distinction of groups according to (1) post-exercise blood lactate concentrations, (2) sprint performance, and (3) illness frequency were: (1) inosine, hypoxanthine, and deoxycholic acid, (2) sorbitol, adenosine monophosphate, and 2-hydroxyleuroylcarnitine, and (3) glucose-6-phosphate, squalene, and deoxycholic acid, respectively.

Conclusion

Metabolic phenotyping discriminated between athlete groups with higher vs. lower post-exercise blood lactate concentrations, superior vs. inferior sprint skiing performance, and more vs. less self-reported illnesses. While the biological relevance of the identified biomarkers requires validation in future research, metabolic phenotyping shows promise as a tool for routine monitoring of highly-trained endurance athletes.
Machine learning in business and finance: a literature review and research opportunities
Authors: Gao Hanyao , Kou Gang , Liang Haiming , Zhang Hengjie , Chao Xiangrui , Li Cong-Cong , Dong Yucheng
Published: September 2024

This study provides a comprehensive review of machine learning (ML) applications in the fields of business and finance. First, it introduces the most commonly used ML techniques and explores their diverse applications in marketing, stock analysis, demand forecasting, and energy marketing. In particular, this review critically analyzes over 100 articles and reveals a strong inclination toward deep learning techniques, such as deep neural, convolutional neural, and recurrent neural networks, which have garnered immense popularity in financial contexts owing to their remarkable performance. This review shows that ML techniques, particularly deep learning, demonstrate substantial potential for enhancing business decision-making processes and achieving more accurate and efficient predictions of financial outcomes. In particular, ML techniques exhibit promising research prospects in cryptocurrencies, financial crime detection, and marketing, underscoring the extensive opportunities in these areas. However, some limitations regarding ML applications in the business and finance domains remain, including issues related to linguistic information processes, interpretability, data quality, generalization, and the oversights related to social networks and causal relationships. Thus, addressing these challenges is a promising avenue for future research.
Usefulness of bilateral cerebral regional oxygen saturation measurements in determining selective cerebral perfusion flow rate in a pediatric patient with aortic arch stenosis: a case report
Authors: Saito Junichi , Ichikawa Shino , Kudo Reiko , Saito Kurumi , Kiyokawa Masayo , Kushikata Tetsuya
Published: September 2024

Background

We report a pediatric case where bilateral regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) measurements were useful in determining the selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) flow rate.

Case presentation

A 9-year-old Japanese boy, 128 cm tall and weighing 25.6 kg, was scheduled for aortic arch reconstruction due to a 90–100 mmHg pressure gradient. Pediatric-sized oximetry sensors were attached to the bilateral forehead area. The rSO2 levels were 70–80% on the right and 80–90% on the left during cardiopulmonary bypass. Immediately following deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with the body temperature cooled to 25 °C, SCP was initiated from the right brachiocephalic artery at 10 mL/kg/min. As the rSO2 decreased steeply to 43–45% on the right and to 32–38% on the left, the SCP flow was increased to 15 mL/kg/min. The right rSO2 increased promptly to 50–60%, but the left rSO2 remained at 30–40%. After the SCP flow was increased to 20 mL/kg/min, bilateral rSO2 levels of 50–60% were obtained, and the SCP flow rate was maintained. The patient was transferred to the ICU postoperatively and extubated on the second postoperative day with no neurological abnormalities.

Conclusions

Bilateral rSO2 measurements are essential even for a pediatric patient undergoing SCP, despite the limited forehead area.