bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of combined administration of Baekhogainsam-Tang and low-dose pilocarpine on frequent intractable xerostomia: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Su Il , Lee Young Chan , Kim Ji Won , Kim Bo-Hyung , Lee Junhee , Eun Young-Gyu
Published: November 2024

Background

Intractable xerostomia is defined as the subjective perception of dry mouth and persistent salivary gland hypofunction. Pilocarpine is an approved salivary sialagogue that is frequently prescribed for the treatment of intractable xerostomia; however, it often exhibits more side effects at high-doses and limited effectiveness at low-doses. Baekhogainsam-Tang (BIT) is a common herbal formula used by patients complaining of sore throats and thirst. It seems that BIT can compensate for the insufficient effect of low-dose pilocarpine. However, no clinical trials have studied the efficacy of combined administration of BIT and low-dose pilocarpine for intractable xerostomia. We aim to assess the non-inferior efficacy and fewer side effects of combined administration of BIT and low-dose pilocarpine compared with the administration of high-dose pilocarpine.

Methods

A randomized, open-label, parallel-group, multi-center trial will be conducted. A total of 120 patients with Sjogren’s syndrome having an unstimulated salivary flow rate (SFR) ≤0.1 mL/min or who have undergone radiotherapy to the head and neck with an unstimulated SFR ≤0.25 mL/min will be recruited competitively. They will be randomly allocated to either the experimental or control groups. The experimental group will receive BIT herbal granules three times and pilocarpine (2.5-mg) four times daily; meanwhile, the control group will receive only 5-mg pilocarpine four times daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcome is unstimulated SFR after 12 weeks of treatment. Secondary outcomes are stimulated SFR after 12 weeks of medication, as well as differences and mean percentage changes in unstimulated and stimulated SFR, visual analog scale, salivary scintigraphy, and questionnaires for both oral symptoms and quality of life during the clinical trial. An independent T test or Mann-Whitney U test will be performed to compare values between the two groups. The Paired T test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test will be performed to compare intragroup continuous values.

Conclusion

This trial will be significant evidence on the efficacy and safety of combined use of BIT and low-dose pilocarpine to treat intractable xerostomia.

Clinical trial registration

The Clinical Research Information Service of the Republic of Korea (ISRCTN, KCT0005982). Registered on 10 February 2021.
Unveiling dynamic hepatocyte plasticity in HepaRG cells with a dual CYP reporter system
Authors: Asano Riku , Iizaka Yohei , Kashima Makoto , Anzai Yojiro , Yamaguchi Shinpei , Tada Masako
Published: November 2024

Primary hepatocytes are widely utilized for investigating drug efficacy and toxicity, yet variations between batches and limited proliferation capacity present significant challenges. HepaRG cells are versatile cells, capable of maintaining an undifferentiated state and differentiating through dimethyl sulfoxide treatment, allowing for molecular analysis of hepatocyte plasticity. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of HepaRG cell plasticity, we used CYP3A4G/7R HepaRG cells engineered to express DsRed under the control of the fetus-specific CYP3A7 gene and EGFP under the adult-specific CYP3A4 gene promoter. In time-lapse imaging of CYP3A4G/7R HepaRG cells, we observed CYP3A7-DsRed expression transitioning from negative to positive during proliferation period and CYP3A4-GFP expression activating during differentiation. The de-differentiation potency of differentiated CYP3A4G/7R HepaRG cells was assessed using inhibitors and cytokines. It was found that Y-27632 (Y), A-83-01 (A), and CHIR99021 (C) (collectively referred to as YAC), which are known to promote liver regeneration in mice, did not induce CYP3A7-DsRed expression. Instead, these inhibitors increased CYP3A4-GFP expressing population. Furthermore, CHIR99021 alone increased CYP3A4-GFP-positive cells, while Wnt3a treatment increased CYP3A7-DsRed-positive cells, suggesting that Wnt signaling plays distinct roles in HepaRG cells. It was apparent that de-differentiated cells had increased CYP3A4 activity after a second round of differentiation, compared to differentiated cells after the first round. Transcriptomic analysis of HepaRG cells revealed distinct profiles between proliferative, differentiated, and de-differentiated states, highlighting their robust plasticity. Notably, hepatoblastic cells de-differentiated by YAC or C displayed transcriptome patterns similar to undifferentiated cells, whereas CYP3A7-DsRed and CYP3A4-GFP exhibited expression patterns different from those of undifferentiated cells. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of HepaRG cells while cautioning against solely relying on CYP3 family gene expression as a marker of differentiation.
Characteristics of ocular-related emergency department visits: Five-years data from a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshammari Abdulmohsen , Alqadhy Naif , Gharawi Abdulaziz , Alqahtani Bader , Alagha Saif , AlShenaiber Mohammed , Almalik Fahad , Alshibani Abdullah
Published: November 2024

Background

Ocular emergencies (OE) include ocular trauma, infections, retinal detachment, and uveitis. Due to the limited number of studies describing ocular emergencies requiring Emergency Department (ED) visits in Saudi Arabia, there is a need for further studies addressing this topic. Therefore, this study aimed to assess and describe the incidence, clinical presentation, and causes of ocular-related ED visits at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. Medical records were reviewed for all patients (all age groups) patients presenting at the ED from 1 January 2019 to 31 October 2023 where data for patients with any ocular emergency was extracted using an Excel sheet. Data analysis was performed using RStudio (R version 4.3.1). Baseline information was described using frequencies and proportions. Types of Ocular emergencies were described using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes and presented using frequencies and proportions. The distribution of ocular emergencies across months and age groups was expressed using chart figures.

Results

A total of 15,321 ocular-related ED visits were included in this study. Almost 51% of patients were males. The mean age at diagnosis was 25.5 ± 22.1 years. More than half of the patients (51.0%) were diagnosed during childhood (<18 years), while proportions of older ages declined gradually. Average presentations of ocular emergencies in a single month ranged from 200 to 400. Conjunctival disorders including conjunctivitis (29.8%) were the most frequent ocular emergencies.

Conclusion

The findings of this study showed that ocular emergencies are more prevalent in younger patients (aged <18 years), more commonly due to conjunctivitis. This highlights the need for policymakers to assess the causes of such emergency in this population and implement prevention strategies. Moreover, an average of 200 to 400 emergency visits per month are ocular-related. This finding could help policymakers understand the burden of ocular emergencies on the ED and the pressure that could add to the ED staff to provide appropriate care for these patients.
The impact of R&D factors flow and regional absorptive capacity on China’s economic growth: Theory and evidence
Authors: Li Xiumin , Liang Furong , Pi Yabin , Chen Diexin
Published: November 2024

Innovation is the source of economic growth. Innovation in a region comes from its own knowledge creation and knowledge spillovers from other regions. Previous studies showed that R&D factors flow benefits knowledge spillover, thereby promoting economic growth. But these studies ignored the impact of a region’s knowledge-absorptive capacity on knowledge spillovers. Ignoring the impact of regional absorptive capacity means that the knowledge spillover from the same R&D factors flow is the same, clearly inconsistent with reality. This thesis analyzes the impact of R&D factors flow on economic growth and explores the moderating effect of regional absorptive capacity on the relationship between R&D factors flow and economic growth from theoretical and empirical perspectives. First, we construct a knowledge creation and diffusion model of the new economic geography, including regional absorptive capacity, and analyze the theoretical logic of the flow of R&D factors and regional absorptive capacity influencing economic growth. Second, we employ spatial econometric models to examine the impact of R&D factors flow and regional absorptive capacity on economic growth, utilizing panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2008 to 2021. The results demonstrated a spatial positive correlation between regional economic growth in China. The R&D factors flow could have significantly promoted not just a region’s direct economic growth, but also the economic growth of surrounding regions via spatial spillover effects. Furthermore, the stronger the regional absorptive capacity, the greater the direct effects and spatial spillover effects of the R&D factors flow on economic growth. The novelty of this article is to introduce regional absorptive capacity into the theoretical model, refine the methodology for assessing regional absorptive capacity in empirical research, and examine its moderating effect between the inflow of R&D factors and regional economic growth. This article reveals that the positive impact of the inflow of R&D factors on spatial spillovers and economic growth varies depending on regional absorptive capacity. According to the conclusions above, enhancing regional absorptive capacity is equally important as facilitating the flow of R&D factors. Therefore, it is vital for a region to strengthen its absorptive capacity for new knowledge while promoting R&D factors flow. The study provides valuable policy insights for accelerating the flow of innovation factors, enhancing regional absorptive capacity, and consequently promoting long-term sustainable economic development in the region.
Long-term contamination by non-native fish assemblages in a Neotropical floodplain
Authors: Bezerra Luis Artur Valões , Libralato Simone , Kubečka Jan , Padial Andre Andrian
Published: November 2024

Biological invasions are a major threat to biodiversity in species-rich regions. Therefore, it is important to understand mechanisms behind the long-term establishment of non-native fish species in aquatic environments in the Neotropical region. Here, we associated fish biomass, species richness, and the proportion of non-native species (contamination and Kempton’s indices) to quantify the non-native pressure over fish biodiversity in lakes and rivers of the Parana River floodplain, seasonally, from 2000 to 2017. We divided species into native and non-native assemblages sampled in spatio-temporal gradients. Temporal trends were examined using linear regressions and generalised additive models. Fish biomass in gillnets increased for both native and non-native fish species, but their Kempton indices were inversely correlated. Extinction of native species occurred locally with biotic differentiation of non-native species in lakes, rivers, and ecosystem contamination. A constant increase in fish biomass resulted in overwhelming biodiversity of non-natives at the end of the time series evaluated. Native biotic resistance to introductions was not detected in deterministic trends. The observed patterns were consistent with previous studies showing native biotic homogenisation and extinction of species in response to biological invasions, landscape fragmentation, and riverine impoundments. Increases in abundance and species richness of non-native fish were the biodiversity drivers that resulted in non-native species outweighing native species in the Parana floodplain.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease and risk of incident lung cancer: A large prospective cohort study in UK Biobank
Authors: Liao Ye , Zhou Yunfeng , Zhou Xiaorui , Chen Jing , Chen Zhenhua , Liao Juan , Long Lu
Published: November 2024

Background

Some pathogenic mechanisms suggest a potential relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and respiratory diseases. However, evidence regarding the association between GERD and lung cancer is mixed. We aim to explore this relationship based on data from the large-scale UK Biobank study.

Materials and methods

We performed a cross-sectional and prospective cohort study in 501,569 (45.58% male) individuals included in the UK Biobank at baseline (2006–2010). The Cox proportional hazards model and logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between GERD and lung cancer, small cell lung cancer (SCLC), lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Results

During a mean follow-up of 11.54 years, 3,863 (0.84%) incident lung cancer cases were identified. In the cross-sectional analysis using logistic models, significant associations were found between GERD and prevalent lung cancer cases (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.45–2.38) and subtypes of lung cancer, with an OR (95% CI) of 3.19 (1.47–6.79) for SCLC, 2.08 (1.33–3.21) for LUSC, 1.85 (1.15–2.91) for LUAD. In the follow-up analysis using Cox models, GERD was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.14–1.34). Similar associations were also observed between GERD and SCLC (HR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.09–1.78), LUSC (HR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.18–1.65), and LUAD (HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02–1.33). The risk of lung cancer resulting from GERD was mainly elevated in former smokers (HR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.23–1.54) and current smokers (HR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04–1.34), but not in never-smokers (HR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.70–1.14). No significant association was observed in former smokers who had quit smoking for at least 25 years.

Conclusions

We found that GERD was positively associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, especially among smokers. Awareness of this association may be beneficial for prevention and treatment strategies of both diseases.
Urban–rural disparity in risky sexual behavior, HIV knowledge, and healthy practices among men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional study in Southeast China
Authors: Chen Wanjun , Chen Lin , He Lin , Chai Chengliang
Published: November 2024

To identify differences in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risky behavior and healthy practices between rural and urban men who have sex with men (MSM) in Southeast China, a cross-sectional study was conducted on MSM aged ≥ 18 years recruited from four community-based organizations (CBOs) in seven cities in Zhejiang Province between October 2022 and March 2023. An electronic survey questionnaire was completed by the study participants to collect HIV risky behavior and healthy practices. The chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used for analysis. Among the 1,993 MSM participants, 21.1% (420) were rural MSM. Compared with urban MSM, rural MSM was more likely to have a low level of education (high school and below; 46.2% vs. 40.2%, p = 0.028) and a low annual income (≤ 90,000 RMB; 71.2% vs. 64.7%, p = 0.013). Multiple logistic regression showed that, compared with urban MSM in the past 6 months behaviors, rural MSM had lower odds of finding casual sex partners on the Internet (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.790, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.633–0.986), using stimulants with online casual sex partners (aOR: 0.688, 95% CI: 0.506–0.936), and high odds of ever having sex with a female (aOR: 1.460, 95% CI:1.036–2.058). Rural MSM reported lower odds of an HIV knowledge score of 2–3 (aOR: 0.586, 95% CI: 0.454–0.756), HIV testing more than twice (aOR: 0.583, 95% CI: 0.455–0.748), and obtaining four to five types of HIV information (aOR: 0.661, 95% CI: 0.529–0.826), as well as higher odds of high/very high awareness of HIV infection risk (aOR: 2.312, 95% CI: 1.638–3.263), compared to urban MSM. Rural MSM and urban MSM reported discrepancies in HIV risky behavior, HIV knowledge and HIV-related healthy practices. Paying more attention to HIV risky behavior and improving healthy practices in rural areas may help to prevent HIV transmission.
A semantic classification of nominal technical terms in secondary school biology textbooks
Authors: Le Rurong , Yu Sheng , Zhang Xianhe
Published: November 2024

Nominal technical terms (NTTs), as crucial builders for disciplinary knowledge, can cause difficulties for students. However, previous studies have rarely associated NTTs with disciplinary knowledge construction. Apart from that, scholars of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) have mainly focused on making wordlists for one specific discipline based on corpora rather than on meanings. Moreover, the current categorization of technical terms cannot reveal their role in constructing disciplinary knowledge. Against this backdrop, we carried out a corpus-based study to classify NTTs in secondary school biology textbooks and to unveil the knowledge constructed by different types of those NTTs. As a result, we found that NTTs in those textbooks could fall into five major categories: Thing, Activity, Semiotic, Place, and Time. We also found intra-disciplinary differences in NTT distributions. The lexicogrammatical analysis indicates that the five types of NTTs can construct different knowledge. With the findings, we put forward implications for teaching biology in secondary schools.
Teacher experiences and understanding of citizen science in Australian classrooms
Authors: Braz Sousa Larissa , Kenneally Ciara , Golumbic Yaela , Martin John M. , Preston Christine , Rutledge Peter , Motion Alice
Published: November 2024

Citizen science represents an important opportunity for school students to make real-world connections with science through context-based learning with the potential to increase their engagement, enjoyment and understanding of science. However, to date, citizen science has not experienced wide uptake in school settings and there is a paucity of information about its implementation in the classroom. Here we present a mixed-method approach investigating teachers’ knowledge and use of citizen science in Australian classrooms. We explored teachers’ experience and perceptions of citizen science, and opportunities and barriers to incorporate citizen science as an educational approach through an online questionnaire. Among the teachers surveyed, 45% (n = 295) had personally participated in citizen science outside of school and 41% (n = 283) had incorporated citizen science projects in classroom lessons. Teachers (45%, n = 295) reported participating in citizen science initiatives multiple times. Also, most projects that teachers were involved in (77%, n = 292) were related to ecological studies, such as species monitoring. Citizen science was reported to be a relatively new approach; used by teachers for less than a year on average. The main challenges included a lack of knowledge, time, confidence, and clarity regarding citizen science project alignment with the Australian curriculum. Additionally, 92% of respondents said they would be more encouraged to use citizen science in classrooms if projects were aligned to the curriculum. Identifying ways to increase teachers’ openness to incorporate citizen science in their classrooms is crucial to its successful widespread, long-term, and meaningful implementation. Encouraging broader participation of teachers in citizen science based on their previous experiences could address their expectations and increase their confidence and feeling of ownership. These research findings suggest that meaningful and applicable citizen science programs could be co-created by addressing resource limitations and curriculum alignment challenges. Implementing solutions to these barriers is likely to contribute to the development of sustainable school-inclusive citizen science projects, with potential to positively impact science education in the long-term.
Prediction of high-grade cervical precancerous abnormalities: The role of personal factors, vaginal microflora, sexually transmitted infections, and high-risk human papillomavirus
Authors: Plisko Olga , Zodzika Jana , Jermakova Irina , Pcolkina Kristine , Prusakevica Amanda , Liepniece-Karele Inta , Zarina Marta , Storozenko Jelena , Rezeberga Dace
Published: November 2024

High-risk human papillomavirus infection (HR-HPV) is necessary but not the only factor needed to develop cervical cancer. It is essential to estimate cervical cancer development risk in the population of high-risk HPV-positive women and to avoid unnecessary examinations and treatment in low-risk individuals. The study aimed to identify associations between different personal factors, vaginal microflora, sexually transmitted, high-risk HPV infection, and various degrees of cervical precancerous lesions. A study was performed in 2016–2020. The study group consisted of 112 patients with abnormal cervical cytology results referred for colposcopic examination. 120 women who came for a routine gynecological check-up were included in the control group. Material from the cervix and upper vaginal fornix was taken for pH measurement, wet mount microscopy, testing the six most common high-risk HPV DNA types (16/18, 31, 33, 45, 58), HPV E6/E7 mRNA, and 7 genital infections–C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhea, T. vaginalis, M. hominis, M. genitalium, U. urealyticum, U. parvum. Results showed that women with all grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) more often were smokers, had increased vaginal pH levels, and had positive HR-HPV DNA and HR HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression. Abnormal vaginal microflora, especially types associated with aerobic vaginitis, and M. hominis were significantly more often found in women with CIN2+. The presence of C.trachomatis, U. parvum, and U.urealyticum did not differ between the groups. The most important factors independently associated with CIN2+ were positive high-risk HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression (OR 59.4, 95% CI 14.84–237.51), and positive high-risk HPV DNA (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.16–13.23). Higher education level was associated with reduced risk of CIN2+ (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.07–0.71). In conclusion, this study reports HR-HPV DNA of the most common six types and E6/E7 mRNA positivity as the most significant factors associated with CIN2+ lesions and higher education related to lower risk of high-grade cervical lesions.
Association of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy with necrotizing enterocolitis in very preterm infants: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Wenqian , Yang Jie , Jiang Siyuan , Lei Xiaoping , Zhou Ligang , Zhou Jianguo , Hu Liyuan , Gu Xinyue , Yun Cao , Du Lizhong , Zhou Wenhao , Lee Shoo , Yang Changyi , Hu Yu ,   on behalf of Chinese Neonatal Network
Published: November 2024

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) may affect fetal development and result in preterm delivery. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal emergency in very preterm infants (VPIs, gestational age less than 32 weeks). The relationship between maternal HDP and NEC is controversial. Objective To investigate the association between maternal HDP and NEC in VPIs.This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study based on the data from the Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) which were collected between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2021. Preterm infants born between 24+0 and 31+6 weeks of gestation were divided into HDP and no-HDP groups according to the 2015 Chinese guidelines for HDP. The primary outcome was the incidence of Bell’s stage II or higher NEC. Secondary outcomes included mortality and spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP). Of 27,660 women were included in the study analysis, 5405 (19.5%) were HDP and 22256 (80.5%) were no-HDP. NEC occurred in 5.2% (283/5,404) among HDP mothers and 5.3% (1,191/22,256) among no-HDP mothers. No significant association was observed between HDP and Bell’s stage II or higher NEC (aOR 0.87, 95% CI [0.72, 1.05]). However, even after adjustment, maternal HDP appeared to be protective for NEC requiring surgical intervention (aOR 0.60, 95% CI [0.43, 0.83]). There was no significant correlation between maternal HDP and neonatal mortality and SIP. Maternal HDP was not significantly associated with the incidence of Bell’s stage II or higher NEC. However, it was associated with the lower rate of NEC requiring surgical intervention.
A potential tool for marine biogeography: eDNA-dominant fish species differ among coastal habitats and by season concordant with gear-based assessments
Authors: Stoeckle Mark Y. , Ausubel Jesse H. , Hinks Greg , VanMorter Stacy M.
Published: November 2024

Effective ocean management asks for up-to-date knowledge of marine biogeography. Here we compare eDNA and gear-based assessments of marine fish populations using an approach that focuses on the commonest species. The protocol takes advantage of the “hollow curve” of species abundance distributions, with a minority of species comprising the great majority of individuals or biomass. We analyzed new and published teleost eDNA metabarcoding surveys from three neighboring northwest Atlantic coastal locations representing sandy, rocky, or estuary habitat. Fish eDNA followed a hollow curve species abundance distribution at each location—the 10 commonest taxa accounted for more than 90% of eDNA copies. Top ten taxa were designated eDNA-dominant species (eDDS) and categorized as habitat-associated (top 10 in one study) or as shared. eDDS by category were similarly abundant in concurrent bottom trawl and seine surveys. eDDS habitat category profiles correctly classified most (94%-100%) individual eDNA and capture measurements within surveys and recognized estuarine sites in other regional eDNA and seine studies. Using a category metric like that for habitats, eDDS demonstrated strong seasonal turnover concordant with trawl catch weights. eDNA seasonal profiles applied to historical trawl and seine records highlighted known long-term trends in mid-Atlantic fish populations. This study provides evidence that eDNA-abundant fish species differ among coastal habitats and by season consistent with gear-based assessments. Grouping abundant species by category facilitated comparisons among habitats and integration with established surveys. eDNA metabarcoding of dominant fish species potentially offers a useful tool for marine biogeography and ocean monitoring.
Scallop fishing activity characterization in Southern New England: Offshore wind demands and fisheries-dependent methods
Authors: Livermore Julia , Guilfoos Todd
Published: November 2024

Managers attempt to minimize spatial use conflicts in siting of offshore wind developments, but they must rely on available data to balance biological, commercial, and recreational needs. Marine spatial planning products are only as good as the data they are built upon and fishing data present major challenges due to their confidentiality and the difficulty in isolating true fishing activity. We present a methodology to increase the spatiotemporal resolution of fishing effort and exposure estimates for Southern New England scallop fishing activity using random decision forests to perform supervised classification on AIS data, with fallback to lower resolution datasets for vessels without AIS coverage. Final predictive accuracy of the tuned random forest AIS model was 97.9%, offering improvements of 24.7, 48.6, and 50% over VTR fishing footprints, and AIS and VMS speed cutoff methods, respectively, to predict whether vessel locations correspond to fishing activity. Comparison of the AIS model with VMS and VTR fallback to the VTR fishing footprints data product demonstrated that the increased precision of the AIS point data delineated as fishing dramatically changed how fishing effort, and therefore exposure in the form of fishery landings values, is distributed spatially in Southern New England wind energy areas. This is due to how the probability of fishing is distributed across location data points in the various products, which has implications for marine spatial planning and mitigation decision-making. Therefore, multiple data products should be considered when evaluating management options, as exposure estimates may differ depending on what inputs are used. The higher resolution AIS product may offer enhanced value in understanding exposure and impacts to individual vessels, especially once wind farms are under construction or operational.
Exploring machine learning algorithms in sickle cell disease patient data: A systematic review
Authors: Machado Tiago Fernandes , Neto Francisco das Chagas Barros , Gonçalves Marilda de Souza , Barbosa Cynara Gomes , Barreto Marcos Ennes
Published: November 2024

This systematic review explores the application of machine learning (ML) algorithms in sickle cell disease (SCD), focusing on diagnosis and several clinical characteristics, such as early detection of organ failure, identification of drug dosage, and classification of pain intensity. A comprehensive analysis of recent studies reveals promising results in using ML techniques for diagnosing and monitoring SCD. The review covers various ML algorithms, including Multilayer Perceptron, Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, Logistic Regression, Long short-term memory, Extreme Learning Machines, Convolutional Neural Networks, and Transfer Learning methods. Despite significant advances, challenges such as limited dataset sizes, interpretability concerns, and risks of overfitting are identified in studies. Future research directions entail addressing these limitations by harnessing larger and more representative datasets, enhancing model interpretability, and exploring advanced ML techniques like deep learning. Overall, this review underscores the transformative potential of ML in increasing the diagnosis, monitoring and define prognosis of sickle cell disease while also highlighting the need for further investigation in the field.
RTA408 alleviates retinal ganglion cells damage in mouse glaucoma by inhibiting excessive autophagy
Authors: Qian Hongmei , Chen Wei , Yuan Guomei , Luo Man , Zhang Li , Wu Biao , Huang Hanshi , Xu Jiahao , Wang Qiong , Li Mengyun
Published: November 2024

Background

Glaucoma, characterized by a high incidence and significant ocular harm, has been elucidated through various mechanisms. Excessive autophagy leading to the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is suggested as one potential cause for visual impairment in glaucoma.

Methods

A glaucoma model was established through anterior chamber injection of silicone oil in mice. RTA408 and the positive control tafluprost were administered for intervention. The efficacy was preliminarily assessed by intraocular pressure measurement. HE staining and fluorescent staining were used to assess RGC loss, while fluorescent staining and western blot were employed to evaluate the expression of Nrf2. The role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of glaucoma was investigated by artificially modulating autophagy levels.

Results

In glaucomatous mice, RTA408 significantly reduces the apoptosis levels of RGCs and decreases RGC loss. Further investigations reveal a notable upregulation of autophagy levels in glaucomatous mice, with RGC loss being associated with autophagy. RTA408 promotes the expression of Nrf2 and downstream antioxidant molecules, enhancing the antioxidant system while downregulating mitochondrial autophagy levels. This reduces RGC apoptosis and loss, demonstrating a protective effect against glaucoma.

Conclusion

Autophagy mediates the occurrence of glaucoma in mice, promoting RGC apoptosis. RTA408 alleviates RGCs damage by inhibiting excessive autophagy in the context of glaucoma.
Antimicrobial and acaricide sanitizer tablets produced by wet granulation of spray-dried soap and clove oil-loaded microemulsion
Authors: Gross Idejan P. , Lima Ana Luiza , Sousa Evalina C. , Souza Maiane S. , Cunha-Filho Marcilio , Silva Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da , Orsi Daniela Castilho , Sá-Barreto Livia L.
Published: November 2024

A novel sanitizer tablet containing clove essential oil (CO) microemulsion was developed. A preformulation study using nuclear magnetic resonance and thermal analyses showed component compatibility. The main components of the samples remained intact despite a color change, probably due to a strong acid-base interaction between eugenol and diethanolamine. The CO microemulsion showed acaricidal and larvicidal activities superior to the commercial product, with product efficacy of 99.9% and larvae mortality of 94%. Optimal spray-drying conditions were achieved with inlet and outlet temperatures of 50°C and 40°C, respectively, an aspiration rate of 1 m3 min⁻1, and a 0.25 L h⁻1 injection flow. The feed suspension comprised 50% (v/v) liquid soap, 37.5% (v/v) water, 12.5% (v/v) ethanol, and 5.0% (w/v) silica. This formulation and processing parameters allowed for successful free-flow powder formation, providing a suitable matrix for incorporating the CO microemulsion via wet granulation without heating. Finally, sanitizer tablets produced from such granules resulted in a uniform product with low weight variation (coefficient of variation of 0.15%), eugenol content of 95.5% ± 3.3, and friability of 0.58%. Furthermore, the tablets showed rapid aqueous dispersion, forming a colloidal system with particle sizes of 221 nm and a zeta potential of -17.2 mV. Antimicrobial activity tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the sanitizer tablet against bacteria and fungi, exhibiting comparable antimicrobial potency to isolated CO. Hence, the sanitizer tablet developed represents a promising candidate as a practical and efficient solution for pest control, offering strong antimicrobial and acaricidal activity.
Validation and invariance testing of the English Short Physical activity enjoyment scale
Authors: Weyland Susanne , Kaushal Navin , Fritsch Julian , Strauch Ulrich , Jekauc Darko
Published: November 2024

Enjoyment is recognized as a determinant of physical activity habits. The enjoyment of engaging in physical activity can be measured with the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Later versions of this scale have been shortened to capture the component of subjective feeling, which has been validated using German-speaking samples. The aim of this study was to examine internal consistency, factorial validity, criterion-related validity, test-retest reliability, and measurement invariance (across gender and languages) in an English-speaking population. Data on physical activity enjoyment and self-reported physical activity were collected through an online survey with a test-retest design (n = 276,189 female, M = 42.55, SD = 16.81 years) conducted from September 2023 to December 2023. In addition, a German-speaking sample (n = 1017, 497 female, M = 29.77, SD = 13.54 years) was analyzed to assess measurement invariance with respect to language. McDonald’s omega at time 1 was ω = 0.95. The confirmatory factor analysis supports the assumption of the unidimensional structure of PACES-S (χ2 = 19.8, df = 2, p < 0.05; CFI = 0.984; RMSEA = 0.180, 90% CI [0.113–0.256]), as the model fit can be estimated as good in view of the CFI value, while the sensitivity of the χ2 test is very high and the RMSEA may underestimate the model fit. Although the RMSEA value is higher than the conventional threshold, the small number of degrees of freedom may have a significant impact on this indicator. The criterion-related validity for light physical activity was r(107) = 0.26 (p < 0.05). The retest reliability was r(199) = 0.69 (p < 0.05). Further, the results supported measurement invariance across gender and partial measurement invariance across languages. Overall, the English PACES-S demonstrated good psychometric properties specifically for light intensity of physical activity, and can serve as an economical instrument to assess physical activity enjoyment.
First-in-Human Case Report
Authors: Stibbs Peter , Park Jong , Whitney Larry , Elmasri Fakhir
Published: November 2024

Management of large-volume venous thromboembolism (VTE) and inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis presents a complex therapeutic challenge. Traditional thrombectomy devices may be insufficient to rapidly and effectively clear thrombi, particularly in patients with contraindications to anticoagulation or a history of filter placement. This case report details the first-in-human use of the the Cleaner Vac thrombectomy system, a novel mechanical device designed for efficient removal of large volumes of thrombus while preserving venous structure.
ENSURING ACCURACY, ENSURING LIFE; A CRUCIAL ROLE OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN MEDICAL LABORATORIES
Authors: Akase Sughnen , Kpera Terwase
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The accuracy of diagnostic results in medical laboratories is paramount to ensuring effective patient care and treatment outcomes. This article explores the critical role of Quality Management Systems in maintaining the reliability, precision, and overall quality of laboratory services. It outlines the core components of a Quality Management Systems, including process control, documentation, staff training, risk management, and continuous improvement. This article examines how each contributes to enhanced operational performance and patient’s safety, it also addresses the common challenges laboratories face while implementing Quality Management System such as resource constraints, resistance to change, and compliance complexities, and it proposes strategic solutions to overcome these barriers. By highlighting the connection between quality management and patient outcomes, this article underscores the life-saving potential of a well-executed Quality management System in medical laboratories. Ultimately, Quality Management System serves as a foundation for excellence in healthcare diagnostics, where accuracy not only drives efficiency but also saves lives. The implementation of a Quality Management System in medical laboratories is critical to improving patient’s care. A Quality Management System enhances diagnostic accuracy, reduces turnaround time, and increases patient’s safety by minimizing errors. While challenges to implementation exist, particularly in resource-constrained settings, the long-term benefits of adopting a Quality Managment System far outweigh the initial costs. By fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement, Quality Management System helps laboratories deliver better, faster, and safer diagnostic services, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for patients.
Innovation through the implementation of technology in the context of school education: a systematic review
Authors: Freires Thiago , Lopes Amélia
Published: November 2024

While the central role that technology currently plays in the different domains of society is acknowledged, it is pressing to understand how it also affects the compulsory education setting. The increasing technological richness of the world influences everyday life and brings about higher expectations for schools to take a lead in shaping competent citizens for the twenty-first century. The aim of this article is to advance knowledge of how innovation is taking place in schools when it admits the implementation of technology as a fundamental dimension. This review draws on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and covers the period 2017–22 to identify 30 studies for inclusion. The analyses suggest that innovative practices are highly diverse in nature and that they target different disciplines and levels of compulsory education. Innovation is sensitive to place, historicity and time. It is often delayed by infrastructure issues (first-order barriers) and beliefs (second-order barriers), while among its key drivers are leadership, support networks and professional development.
La croissance démographique entre science et science-fiction :
Authors: Gastineau Bénédicte , Golaz Valérie , Dos Santos Stéphanie
Published: November 2024

RésuméDepuis 1950, les Nations Unies publient des projections de population. Ces projections suscitent depuis cette date de nombreuses inquiétudes aussi bien dans les organisations internationales, que dans l’opinion publique. La croissance de la population annoncée par les projections parait pour beaucoup annonciatrice de famines, dégradations des ressources, conflits. Les auteurs de science-fiction notamment anglo-saxonne se nourrissent de ces peurs pour leurs romans. La croissance démographique se retrouve au centre de l’intrigue de Make room! Make room!, Les Monades urbaines, Tous à Zanzibar… La science-fiction imagine ce que la science démographique ne prévoit pas : des modes de vie et de production, des organisations sociales contraintes par un « surpeuplement ». Si la science-fiction ne se révèle pas forcément comme un moyen de prédire l’avenir, elle est, entre 1950 et 1980, un bon révélateur des peurs et des angoisses liées à la croissance démographique.
Mots-clés : Démographie, science-fiction, projection, croissance démographique
AbstractThe United Nations has been publishing population projections since 1958. Since then, these projections have given rise to a great deal of concern among both international organisations and public opinion. The population growth predicted by the projections seems to many to herald famine, resource degradation and conflict. Science fiction writers, particularly in the English-speaking world, feed these fears into their novels. Population growth is central to the plot of Make Room! Make room!, Les Monades urbaines, Tous à Zanzibar... Science fiction imagines what demographic science does not: ways of living and producing, social organisations constrained by ‘overpopulation’. While science fiction was not necessarily a means of predicting the future, between 1950 and 1980 it did reveal the fears and anxieties associated with demographic growth.
Keywords: Demography, Science fiction, projection, population growth
Toxicity Reduction of Antiseptic Triclocarban by a Newly Isolated Strain Sphingobacterium sp. MC43
Authors: Sipahutar Merry Krisdawati
Published: November 2024

Triclocarban, an antimicrobial agent used in pharmaceutical and personal care products, is incompletely degraded during wastewater treatment. However, very little information about biodegradation has been published. This study is the first to describe triclocarban biodegradation and toxicity reduction using Sphingobacterium sp. MC43, a recently discovered plant-growth-promoting bacterium. Sphingobacterium sp. MC43 is a newly isolated strain isolated from agricultural soil with a history of pesticide use. The in vitro characterizations showed that Sphingobacterium sp. MC43 could use triclocarban as the only carbon source and at high concentration (30 μM), whereas phytotoxicity assays were used to evaluate the detoxification of triclocarban. Triclocarban at 30 μM concentration was 50% degraded in less than 72 hours. Sphingobacterium sp. MC43 was able to degrade triclocarban more effectively in recognition to additional carbon sources like acetate, carboxymethyl cellulose, and succinic acid as well as nitrogen sources like sodium acetate and urea. Concerned about triclocarban's harmful effects on plants, Vigna radiata was used to study how Sphingobacterium sp. MC43 can reduce toxicity. Triclocarban exposure caused damage to Vigna radiata plant, whereas Sphingobacterium sp. MC43 bioaugmentation significantly reduced this damage. This is likely because the bacteria's biomass and degrading power have grown. These results imply that this strain has a high triclocarban bioremediation efficiency and potentially reducing triclocarban uptake in Vigna radiata.
Kandungan Logam Berat Timbal (Pb) dan Seng (Zn) pada Kerang Hijau (Perna viridis) di Perairan Pantai Kelurahan Mangunharjo Kota Semarang
Authors: Muhtaroh Noor , Hidayat Jasron Wasiq , Muhammad Fuad
Published: November 2024

Kegiatan antropogenik dapat menyebabkan pencemaran logam berat timbal (Pb) dan seng (Zn) di Perairan Pantai Kelurahan Mangunharjo. Logam berat timbal (Pb) dan seng (Zn) dapat merugikan lingkungan dan ekosistem perairan terutama mempengaruhi kelangsungan hidup biota yang hidup di dalamnya, termasuk kerang hijau (Perna viridis. Mengkonsumsi kerang hijau (Perna viridis) yang tercemar logam berat dapat membahayakan kesehatan. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Januari-November 2022 di Perairan Pantai Kelurahan Mangunharjo Kota Semarang. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menganalisis kandungan logam berat timbal (Pb) dan seng (Zn) pada air, sedimen dan jaringan lunak kerang hijau (Perna viridis). Pengujian logam berat timbal (Pb) dan seng (Zn) menggunakan Atomic Absorpstion Spectrophotometer (AAS). Hasil penelitian nilai kandungan logam berat timbal (Pb) dan seng (Zn) pada air di stasiun 1 dan 3 melebihi baku mutu. Namun, nilai kandungan logam berat timbal (Pb) dan seng (Zn) pada sedimen, dan jaringan lunak kerang hijau (Perna viridis) masih dibawah baku mutu.
The Determinant Factors of Community Involvement in Becoming a Customer of the Waste Bank in Tamanjaya Village, Tamansari District, Indonesia
Authors: Annashr Nissa Noor , Muharry Andy , Yogaswara Dadan , Khoerunisa Nisa
Published: November 2024

Tamansari District has the 4th largest waste generation in Tasikmalaya City in 2021, namely 34.93 tons per day. The purpose of this study was to analyze the determinant factor of community involvement in becoming a customer of the Lestari Waste Bank. This research was included in the analytic observational study using a cross sectional design. The population in this study was all households living in RW 13, Tamanjaya Village, totaling 102 people. Sampling using total sampling technique. Therefore, the sample size involved in the study was 102 people. Data collection was carried out through an interview process with a questionnaire instrument. The data analysis consisted of univariate analysis, bivariate analysis using chi-square and fisher's exact tests and multivariate analysis using multiple logistic regression tests. The results showed that education level (p = 0.049; OR = 2.889), knowledge (p = 0.0001; OR = 6.333), attitude (p = 0.0001), socialization (p = 0.012; OR = 4.146), external support (p = 0.0001; OR = 14.074) were proven to be determinant factors for community involvement in becoming customers of the waste bank. The determinant factor most related to community involvement in becoming a customer of the Waste Bank was external support (OR = 8.636).
Pemetaan Geomorfologi Detail untuk Analisis Karakteristik Erosi Tebing Sungai pada Sebagian Penggal Sungai Oyo, Kabupaten Bantul, Provinsi DIY
Authors: Isbahuddin Muhammad , Setiawan Muhammad Anggri , Widyastuti Margaretha
Published: November 2024

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menyusun informasi geomorfologi dalam peta geomorfologi detail dan mengidentifikasi karakteristik erosi tebing sungai di area penelitian. Analisis karakteristik erosi tebing sungai penting dilakukan untuk mengetahui kondisi dan proses erosi tebing sungai serta upaya pengendalian yang tepat terhadap erosi tersebut. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah survei pemetaan geomorfologi. Pemetaan geomorfologi menggunakan interpretasi citra foto udara (perekaman menggunakan drone) dan survei langsung (terestris). Penyajian data dan analisis dalam penelitian ini dilakukan secara deskriptif. Pembuatan peta geomorfologi meliputi identifikasi morfologi, bentuklahan, dan proses geomorfologi. Pengamatan mekanisme erosi tebing sungai dilakukan dengan membagi segmen pengamatan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa interpretasi citra foto udara dan survei langsung, efektif untuk pembuatan peta geomorfologi detail. Mekanisme erosi tebing sungai yang sedang berlangsung adalah mekanisme erosi tebing sungai tipe D (failure of composite bank), dan gabungan tipe B (rotational failure) dan tipe D (failure of composite bank). Tipe mekanisme erosi tebing yang terjadi didominasi oleh tipe D yang ditandai dengan tebing menggantung (material tebing dominan tererosi pada bagian bawah).