bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Annoying noise: effect of anthropogenic underwater noise on the movement and feeding performance in the red cherry shrimp, Neocaridina davidi
Authors: Azarm-Karnagh Sasan , López Greco Laura , Shafiei Sabet Saeed
Published: December 2023

Anthropogenic noise in marine and freshwater environments has increased dramatically, with a range of negative impacts and detrimental consequences on many aquatic animals across taxa. Benthic organisms, including many invertebrates, can sense underwater sounds, yet the responses they trigger in these organisms have received little attention. We conducted two laboratory-based experiments to investigate the effect of underwater sound playback on the movement behavior and feeding performance of the red cherry shrimp Neocaridina davidi as a model of freshwater decapod. Movement speed decreased significantly upon opening the divider in both the sound and control treatments. However, there were no significant sound-dependent changes overall between the control and sound treatments. The spatial distribution of shrimp in response to the sound treatment showed significant changes; shrimp spent more time at the farthest one-third position from the sound source. Feeding latency (latency to find food) also increased in the sound treatment compared to the control. Moreover, in terms of the number of successes and failures in finding the food source in the control treatment, significantly more shrimp succeeded in finding the food source. The number of revisits to the food source decreased in the sound treatment compared to control and more shrimp were significantly distracted in the sound treatment. Our study highlights the potential for human-made sound to impact on crustacean activity. Thus, they are prone to the impacts of anthropogenic noise, causing negative impacts on their movement-swimming activities, and feeding behavior. Behavioral changes observed, namely altered feeding and locomotory behavior may have wider-reaching negative effects, including detrimental impacts on animal fitness.
Single cell RNA-sequencing profiling to improve the translation between human IBD and in vivo models
Authors: Karmele Erik P. , Moldoveanu Ana Laura , Kaymak Irem , Jugder Bat-Erdene , Ursin Rebecca L. , Bednar Kyle J. , Corridoni Daniele , Ort Tatiana
Published: December 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for two conditions (Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis) that is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The use of pre-clinical animal models has been invaluable for the understanding of potential disease mechanisms. However, despite promising results of numerous therapeutics in mouse colitis models, many of these therapies did not show clinical benefits in patients with IBD. Single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) has recently revolutionized our understanding of complex interactions between the immune system, stromal cells, and epithelial cells by mapping novel cell subpopulations and their remodeling during disease. This technology has not been widely applied to pre-clinical models of IBD. ScRNA-seq profiling of murine models may provide an opportunity to increase the translatability into the clinic, and to choose the most appropriate model to test hypotheses and novel therapeutics. In this review, we have summarized some of the key findings at the single cell transcriptomic level in IBD, how specific signatures have been functionally validated in vivo, and highlighted the similarities and differences between scRNA-seq findings in human IBD and experimental mouse models. In each section of this review, we highlight the importance of utilizing this technology to find the most suitable or translational models of IBD based on the cellular therapeutic target.
Viperin mutation is linked to immunity, immune cell dynamics, and metabolic alteration during VHSV infection in zebrafish
Authors: Shanaka K. A. S. N. , Jung Sumi , Madushani K. P. , Kim Myoung-Jin , Lee Jehee
Published: December 2023

Viperin is a prominent antiviral protein found in animals. The primary function of Viperin is the production of 3’-deoxy-3’,4’-didehydro-cytidine triphosphate (ddhCTP), an inhibitory nucleotide involved in viral RNA synthesis. Studies in mammalian models have suggested that ddhCTP interferes with metabolic proteins. However, this hypothesis has yet to be tested in teleost. In this study, the role of Viperin in regulating metabolic alterations during viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) infection was tested. When infected with VHSV, viperin-/- fish showed considerably higher mortality rates. VHSV copy number and the expression of the NP gene were significantly increased in viperin-/- fish. Metabolic gene analysis revealed significant differences in soda, hif1a, fasn, and acc expression, indicating their impact on metabolism. Cholesterol analysis in zebrafish larvae during VHSV infection showed significant upregulation of cholesterol production without Viperin. In vitro analysis of ZF4 cells suggested a considerable reduction in lipid production and a significant upregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation with the overexpression of viperin. Neutrophil and macrophage recruitment were significantly modulated in viperin-/- fish compared to the wild-type (WT) fish. Thus, we have demonstrated that Viperin plays a role in interfering with metabolic alterations during VHSV infection.
Effect of sequential embryo transfer on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Teng Wending , Xian Hong , Wang Fang , Wang Yicheng , Meng Xiangqian , Zhang Xiaojian , Shan Xudong , Yi Jiangying
Published: December 2023

Background

Sequential embryo transfer has been recognized as a strategy to increase pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). However, its impact on assisted reproductive outcomes remains to be substantiated by robust evidence. This systematic review aims to summarize and analyze the available evidence to investigate the effect of sequential embryo transfer on assisted reproductive outcomes.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was executed across the Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus databases in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data were aggregated utilizing a random effects model, and the resultant outcomes were articulated as odds ratios (ORs) along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The pooled results revealed a statistically significant enhancement in reproductive outcomes for infertile patients undergoing sequential embryo transfer as evidenced by elevated rates of chemical pregnancy (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.23–2.27), clinical pregnancy (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.43–2.21), and ongoing pregnancy (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.03–2.31). Compared with cleavage-stage embryo transfer, sequential transfer yielded superior outcomes in terms of chemical pregnancy rate (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.35–3.19) and clinical pregnancy rate (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.37–2.31). Furthermore, among the repeated implantation failure (RIF) cohort, sequential embryo transfer surpassed blastocyst-stage transfer, delivering a heightened chemical pregnancy rate (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.19–2.53) and clinical pregnancy rate (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.19–2.27).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis indicates that sequential transfer may enhance clinical pregnancy rate in a small subgroup of well-selected women. While promising, further evidence from prospective studies is needed.
Understanding the molecular basis of resilience to Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Montine Kathleen S. , Berson Eloïse , Phongpreecha Thanaphong , Huang Zhi , Aghaeepour Nima , Zou James Y. , MacCoss Michael J. , Montine Thomas J.
Published: December 2023

The cellular and molecular distinction between brain aging and neurodegenerative disease begins to blur in the oldest old. Approximately 15–25% of observations in humans do not fit predicted clinical manifestations, likely the result of suppressed damage despite usually adequate stressors and of resilience, the suppression of neurological dysfunction despite usually adequate degeneration. Factors during life may predict the clinico-pathologic state of resilience: cardiovascular health and mental health, more so than educational attainment, are predictive of a continuous measure of resilience to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (ADRDs). In resilience to AD alone (RAD), core features include synaptic and axonal processes, especially in the hippocampus. Future focus on larger and more diverse cohorts and additional regions offer emerging opportunities to understand this counterforce to neurodegeneration. The focus of this review is the molecular basis of resilience to AD.
Surgical procedures and plasma exchange for ovarian teratoma-associated anti-N-methyl D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Hu Yue , Zhang Jianyuan , Zhang Peihai , Sun Baozhi , Zou Hongli , Cheng Lei
Published: December 2023

We reported a case of ovarian teratoma-associated Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis with recurrent epileptic seizures and disturbance of consciousness. Although surgical excision of the tumor remains the established standard of care, unlike other reported cases, the patient exhibited limited response to early oophorocystectomy, as well as IVIG and steroid therapy; however, a favorable response was observed with Plasma exchange (PE) initiated on postoperative day 12. Literature review revealed no definite recommended surgical extent for ovarian teratomas, and outstanding improvement in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis following PE. Our case raises the question regarding the optimal surgical extent for tumor resection, necessitating careful consideration when deciding between oophorectomy and adnexectomy as the preferred surgical procedure for anti-NMDAR encephalitis in female teens and adults. Furthermore, for refractory patients who fail to respond following tumor resection, PE can be performed early instead of immediately initiating second-line therapy.
Incidence and influencing factors of fertility concerns in breast cancer in young women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Shen Jiali , Jiang Hongzhan , Lin Huihui , He Jiaxi , Fan Siyue , Yang Liping , Yu Doudou , Qiu Rongliang , Lin Ende
Published: December 2023

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prevalence and influencing factors of fertility concerns in breast cancer in young women.

Methods

A literature search on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted up to February 2023 and was analyzed (Revman 5.4 software) in this study. The papers were chosen based on inclusion standards, and two researchers independently extracted the data. The included studies’ quality was evaluated using criteria set out by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. To identify significant variations among the risk factors, odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized.

Results

A total of 7 studies that included 1579 breast cancer in young women were enrolled in the study. The results showed that for breast cancer in young women, the incidence of fertility concerns 53%(95%CI [0.45,0.58]). The results showed that education (2.65, 95% CI 1.65–5.63), full-time work (0.12, 95% CI 1.03–1.93), fertility intentions (7.84, 95% CI 1.50–37.4), depression level (1.25, 95% CI 1.03–1.5), and endocrine therapy (1.32, 95% CI 1.08–1.62) were risk factors for fertility concerns in young women with BC. Having a partner (0.41, 95% CI 0.33–0.5), ≥1 child (0.3, 95% CI 0.22–0.4) were identified as protective factors against fertility concerns in young women with BC.

Conclusions

The incidence of fertility concerns in breast cancer in young women is at a moderately high level. We should pay more attention to the risk factors of fertility concerns to help breast cancer in young women cope with their fertility concerns and promote their psychological well-being.
Comparative effectiveness of tenofovir versus entecavir in patients with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis in Taiwan: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Yu-Han , Shen Chuan-Wei , Chen Chung-Yu , Bair Ming-Jong
Published: December 2023

Background: Tenofovir and entecavir demonstrated substantial effectiveness in the reversion of fibrosis and reversed cirrhosis in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis. However, there has not been a definitive conclusion regarding the association between entecavir and tenofovir on the risk of cirrhosis-related complications. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the comparative effectiveness between tenofovir and entecavir in HBV-related cirrhosis patients.

Methods: This was a retrospective study using Taiwan’s Health Insurance Research Database. We enrolled newly diagnosed HBV-related cirrhosis patients who initiated entecavir and tenofovir between 2011 and 2019. Treatment groups were determined by the initial HBV antiviral medication prescribed. The primary composite outcome was the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), death from any causes, and liver transplantation. The secondary outcomes included all the individual components of the primary outcome. The incidence rate was calculated for each outcome for both treatment groups using the Fine–Gray subdistribution hazard models. Propensity score adjustment was used to balance treatment groups.

Results: A total of 7,316 propensity score-matched treatment-naïve patients and 3,524 propensity score-matched treatment-experienced patients were included. Within treatment-naïve patients, those receiving tenofovir showed significantly lower hazards of developing the composite outcome (HR, 0.79; p < 0.0001), hepatocellular carcinoma (HR, 0.86; p = 0.027), mortality (HR, 0.75; p < 0.0001), and liver transplantation (HR, 0.70; p = 0.0189) than those receiving entecavir. As for treatment-experienced patients, tenofovir was associated with a significantly lower risk of the composite outcome (HR, 0.82; p = 0.0033) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HR, 0.60; p < 0.0001), but it did not show a significantly different risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 0.93; p = 0.3374) or liver transplantation (HR, 1.17; p = 0.5112) compared to entecavir.

Conclusion: Tenofovir presented a significantly lower incidence of cirrhosis-related complications than entecavir in patients with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis. However, no statistically significant difference in death and liver transplantation was seen in treatment-experienced patients.
Parental sex-dependent effects of either maternal or paternal eNOS deficiency on the offspring’s phenotype without transmission of the parental eNOS deficiency to the offspring
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Reichetzeder Christoph , Liu Yvonne , Hocher Johann-Georg , Hasan Ahmed A. , Lin Ge , Kleuser Burkhard , Hu Liang , Hocher Berthold
Published: December 2023

Background: Preclinical animal studies and clinical studies indicate that both maternal as well as paternal genetic alterations/gene defects might affect the phenotype of the next-generation without transmissions of the affected gene. Currently, the question of whether the same genetic defect present in the mother or father leads to a similar phenotype in the offspring remains insufficiently elucidated.

Methods: In this head-to-head study, we crossbred female and male mice with heterozygous endothelial eNOS knockout (eNOS+/−) with male and female wild-type (wt) mice, respectively. Subsequently, we compared the phenotype of the resulting wt offspring with that of wt offspring born to parents with no eNOS deficiency.

Results: Wt female offspring of mothers with heterozygous eNOS showed elevated liver fat accumulation, while wt male offspring of fathers with heterozygous eNOS exhibited increased fasting insulin, heightened insulin levels after a glucose load, and elevated liver glycogen content. By quantitative mass-spectrometry it was shown that concentrations of six serum metabolites (lysoPhosphatidylcholine acyl C20:3, phosphatidylcholine diacyl C36:2, phosphatidylcholine diacyl C38:1, phosphatidylcholine acyl-alkyl C34:1, phosphatidylcholine acyl-alkyl C36:3, and phosphatidylcholine acyl-alkyl C42:5 (PC ae C42:5) as well as four liver carbon metabolites (fructose 6-phosphate, fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, glucose 6-phosphate and fumarate) were different between wt offspring with eNOS+/− mothers and wt offspring with eNOS+/− fathers. Importantly, fumarate was inversely correlated with the liver fat accumulation in female offspring with eNOS+/− mothers and increased liver glycogen in offspring of both sexes with eNOS+/− fathers. The qRT-PCR results revealed that the gene expression patterns were different between wt offspring with eNOS+/− mothers and those offspring with eNOS+/− fathers. Different gene expression patterns were correlated with different observed phenotypic changes in male/female offspring born to mothers or fathers with a heterozygous eNOS genotype.

Conclusion: The identical parental genetic alteration (heterozygous eNOS deficiency), without being passed on to the offspring, results in distinct metabolic, liver phenotype, and gene expression pattern variations depending on whether the genetic alteration originated from the father or the mother.
Community and motivation among tennis officials: a cross-cultural multilevel analysis
Authors: Li Longxi , Li Yanfeng
Published: December 2023

Sport officials are pivotal to the development of the game at every level. Yet, the exploration of these officials’ job satisfaction and turnover intentions, especially within tennis, remains largely neglected. This study undertakes a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Referee Retention Scale (RRS) in a Chinese context (RRS-CN) and uses multilevel models (MLM) to explore the influence of perceived administrator consideration, mentoring, continuing education opportunities, remuneration, stress, and ecological factors on tennis officials’ sense of community and officiating motivation. Data from 523 tennis officials across 26 provinces in China were gathered via an online survey. Through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, the RRS-CN was validated as a culturally adaptive 25-item scale. In the following, MLM results revealed that officiating levels, socioeconomic status, perceived administrator consideration, mentoring, and levels of continuing education significantly predict officials’ sense of community. Additionally, we identified that continuing education, mentoring, and remuneration significantly influences officiating motivation. These findings underscore the importance of fair assignments, mentorship, and ongoing professional development in enhancing job satisfaction and retention. Future explorations are encouraged to extend the analysis to more ecological variables and further investigate their potential effects on systematic partial nesting, enhancing the generalizability and precision of measurement in job satisfaction and turnover studies across diverse cultural landscapes.
Treatment effects of adjunct group music therapy in inpatients with chronic schizophrenia: a systematic review
Authors: Lam Lissa , Chang Wing Chung , Grimmer Karen
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Pharmacological treatment may be effective for treating positive symptoms of schizophrenia; no evidence of clinically significant effects on negative and cognitive symptoms, social and behavioral functioning. This review investigated treatment outcomes of multiple (at least four sessions in 4 weeks) group music therapy sessions adjunct to standard care in inpatients with chronic schizophrenia.

Methods

A systematic review search of five electronic medical and psychological databases conducted using keywords “music therapy” and “schizophrenia” up to December 2021. Screening was performed for published articles on any adjunct multiple group music therapy (four sessions in 4 weeks minimum) adjunct to “treatment as usual” for inpatients with “chronic” schizophrenia. All study outcomes were all included. Risk of bias of all studies was assessed.

Results

1160 articles were screened, and 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 1,114 inpatients were included. Ten RCTs reported open group sessions with active structured music making (ASMM) combining passive music listening (PML) and/or active singing, playing instruments, and improvisations while three other studies applied PML only. Four studies reported significant outcomes for both positive and negative symptoms. Ten of the thirteen studies recorded significant improvements in negative symptoms, behavioral and social functioning. Lasting significant effects were found in a longitudinal RCT with 272 samples evaluated unguided pre-recorded PML as a coping method lasting up to six months and similar results found in another two longitudinal RCTs. Secondary outcomes measured cognition, mood, social interest and function, self-care ability, interpersonal relationships, and QoL all showed significant outcomes. The significance level for pre-post intervention and between-group measures ranged from p < 0.001 to p < 0.05. No negative effects were reported in any studies.

Conclusion

Evidence from this review suggests rehabilitation with adjunctive regular PML or combined ASMM in group settings may provide therapeutic engagement, contributing to improvements in social interest and participation. PML is low-cost and non-invasive therapy. Enhancing overall QoL as one type of psychosocial therapy. More rigorous longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are needed to investigate whether regular long-term individual PML and active group music therapy have the same significant treatment effects as coping and rehabilitation strategies.
Distinguishing functional and structural MRI abnormalities between bipolar and unipolar depression
Authors: Huang Shiqing , Wen Xiaoxia , Liu Zhiling , Li Cuiyun , He Yuqiu , Liang Jiaquan , Huang Wei
Published: December 2023

Background

This study aims to investigate the underlying characteristics of spontaneous brain activity by analyzing the volumes of the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus, as well as the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo), in order to differentiate between bipolar disorder (BD) and unipolar depressive disorder.

Methods

A total of 46 healthy controls, 58 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), and 61 patients with BD participated in the study and underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans. The researchers calculated the differences in volume, fALFF, and ReHo values among the three groups. Additionally, they conducted correlation analyses to examine the relationships between clinical variables and the aforementioned brain measures.

Results

The results showed that the BD group exhibited increased fALFF in the hippocampus compared to the healthy control (HC) and MDD groups. Furthermore, the ReHo values in the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus were significantly higher in the BD group compared to the HC group. The findings from the person correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between ReHo values in the hippocampus and both HAMD and HAMA scores. Moreover, there was no correlation between the volumes, fALFF, and ReHo values in the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus, and cognitive function levels (RBANS).

Conclusion

Taken together, these aberrant patterns of intrinsic brain activity in the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus may serve as quantitative indicators for distinguishing between BD and unipolar depression.
A health economic analysis of an integrated diabetes care program in China: based on real-world evidence
Authors: Liang Di , Zhu Wenjun , Huang Jiayan , Dong Yin
Published: December 2023

Introduction

An integrated care program was set up in China to improve the collaboration between primary healthcare centers and hospitals on diabetes management. This study aims to evaluate the economic value of this program with real-world data and to examine whether it can be promoted in primary healthcare settings in China.

Methods

This integrated diabetes care program was implemented in Yuhuan City, China, to coordinate primary care and specialty care, treatment and prevention services, as well as the responsibilities of doctors and nurses. Cost-effectiveness analysis was used to compare the short-term economic value of this program (intervention group) versus usual diabetes management (control group). The cost data were collected from a societal perspective, while the effectiveness indicators pointed to the improvement of control rates of fasting blood glucose (FBG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels after the 1 year intervention. In addition, cost-utility analysis was applied to evaluate the long-term value of the two groups. Patients’ long-term diabetes management costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were simulated by the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study Outcomes Model 2.

Results

The results showed that for 1% FBG, SPB, and DBP control rate improvement, the costs for the intervention group were 290.53, 124.39, and 249.15 Chinese Yuan (CNY), respectively, while the corresponding costs for the control group were 655.19, 610.43, and 1460.25 CNY. Thus, the intervention group’s cost-effectiveness ratios were lower than those of the control group. In addition, compared to the control group, the intervention group’s incremental costs per QALY improvement were 102.67 thousand CNY, which means that the intervention was cost-effective according to the World Health Organization’s standards.

Discussion

In conclusion, this study suggested that this integrated diabetes care program created short-term and long-term economic values through patient self-management support, primary care strengthening, and care coordination. As this program followed the principles of integrated care reform, it can be promoted in China. Also, its elements can provide valuable experience for other researchers to build customized integrated care models.
Heart rate variability status at rest in adult depressed patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Qianqian , Miao Xiangyang , Cao Yingying , Chi Aiping , Xiao Tao
Published: December 2023

Purposes

A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the differences in heart rate variability (HRV) between depressed patients and healthy individuals, with the purpose of providing a theoretical basis for the diagnosis of depression and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Methods

To search China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library databases to collect case–control studies on HRV in depressed patients, the retrieval date is from the establishment of the database to December 2022. Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) scale was used to evaluate literature quality, and Stata14.0 software was used for meta-analysis.

Results

This study comprised of 43 papers, 22 written in Chinese and 21 in English, that included 2,359 subjects in the depression group and 3,547 in the healthy control group. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with the healthy control group, patients with depression had lower SDNN [Hedges’ g = −0.87, 95% CI (−1.14, −0.60), Z = −6.254, p < 0.01], RMSSD [Hedges’ g = −0.51, 95% CI (−0.69,-0.33), Z = −5.525, p < 0.01], PNN50 [Hedges’ g = −0.43, 95% CI (−0.59, −0.27), Z = −5.245, p < 0.01], LF [Hedges’ g = −0.34, 95% CI (−0.55, − 0.13), Z = −3.104, p < 0.01], and HF [Hedges’ g = −0.51, 95% CI (−0.69, −0.33), Z = −5.669 p < 0.01], and LF/HF [Hedges’ g = −0.05, 95% CI (−0.27, 0.18), Z = −0.410, p = 0.682] showed no significant difference.

Conclusion

This research revealed that HRV measures of depressed individuals were lower than those of the healthy population, except for LF/HF, suggesting that people with depression may be more at risk of cardiovascular diseases than the healthy population.
Association of quantitative radiomic shape features with functional outcome after surgery for primary sporadic dorsal spinal meningiomas
Authors: Vychopen Martin , Arlt Felix , Wilhelmy Florian , Seidel Clemens , Barrantes-Freer Alonso , Güresir Erdem , Wach Johannes
Published: December 2023

Objective

Spinal meningiomas (SM) account for 25%–46% of all primary spinal tumors and show an excellent long-term disease control in case of complete resection. Therefore, the postoperative functional outcome is of high importance. To date, reports on dorsally located SM are scarce. Moreover, the impact of radiomics shape features on the functional outcome after surgery for primary dorsal SMs has not been analyzed yet.

Methods

We retrospectively performed an analysis of shape-based radiomic features in 3D slicer software and quantified the tumor volume, surface area, sphericity, surface area to volume ratio and tumor canal ratio. Subsequently, we evaluated the correlation between the radinomic parameters and the postoperative outcome according to Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score.

Results

Between 2010 and 2022, we identified 24 Females and 2 Males operated on dorsal SMs in our institutional database. The most common SM localization was thoracic spine (n = 20), followed by cervical (n = 4), and lumbar (n = 2). The univariate analysis and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed a strong diagnostic performance of sphericity in the prediction of postoperative functional outcome based on mJOA score (AUC of 0.79, sphericity cut-of value 0.738; p = 0.01). Subsequently, the patients were divided into two groups (mJOA improved vs. mJOA stable/worsened). Patients with improved mJOA score showed significantly higher sphericity (0.79 ± 0.1 vs. 0.70 ± 1.0; p = 0.03). Finally, we divided the cohort based on sphericity (<0.738 and ≥0.738). The group with higher sphericity exhibited a significantly higher positive mJOA difference 3 months postoperatively (16.6 ± 1.4 vs. 14.8 ± 3.7; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

In our study investigating primary sporadic dorsal SMs, we demonstrated that a higher degree of sphericity may be a positive predictor of postoperative improvement, as indicated by the mJOA score.
Development and internal validation of diagnostic prediction models using machine-learning algorithms in dogs with hypothyroidism
Authors: Corsini Andrea , Lunetta Francesco , Alboni Fabrizio , Drudi Ignazio , Faroni Eugenio , Fracassi Federico
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Hypothyroidism can be easily misdiagnosed in dogs, and prediction models can support clinical decision-making, avoiding unnecessary testing and treatment. The aim of this study is to develop and internally validate diagnostic prediction models for hypothyroidism in dogs by applying machine-learning algorithms.

Methods

A single-institutional cross-sectional study was designed searching the electronic database of a Veterinary Teaching Hospital for dogs tested for hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed based on suggestive clinical signs and thyroid function tests. Dogs were excluded if medical records were incomplete or a definitive diagnosis was lacking. Predictors identified after data processing were dermatological signs, alopecia, lethargy, hematocrit, serum concentrations of cholesterol, creatinine, total thyroxine (tT4), and thyrotropin (cTSH). Four models were created by combining clinical signs and clinicopathological variables expressed as quantitative (models 1 and 2) and qualitative variables (models 3 and 4). Models 2 and 4 included tT4 and cTSH, models 1 and 3 did not. Six different algorithms were applied to each model. Internal validation was performed using a 10-fold cross-validation. Apparent performance was evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

Results

Eighty-two hypothyroid and 233 euthyroid client-owned dogs were included. The best performing algorithms were naive Bayes in model 1 (AUROC = 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.83–0.86) and in model 2 (AUROC = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.97–0.99), logistic regression in model 3 (AUROC = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.86–0.89), and random forest in model 4 (AUROC = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.98–0.99). Positive predictive value was 0.76, 0.84, 0.93, and 0.97 in model 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Negative predictive value was 0.89, 0.89, 0.99, and 0.99 in model 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

Discussion

Machine learning-based prediction models were accurate in predicting and quantifying the likelihood of hypothyroidism in dogs based on internal validation performed in a single-institution, but external validation is required to support the clinical applicability of these models.
Establishment of the Interaction Simulation Model between Plug Seedlings and Soil
Authors: Zeng Fandi , Cui Ji , Li Xuying , Bai Hongbin
Published: December 2023

Currently, the simulation parameters for the model of the interaction between the transplanter, the plug seedlings, the soil, and the pot damage mechanism still need to be clarified. The optimization design of the planters and the improvement of planting quality are still urgent issues that need to be solved. In this paper, the simulation parameters of the pot and the soil were calibrated based on the pressure distribution measurement technology. With the actual collision impact force and matrix loss rate as the targets, a four-factor, three-level orthogonal test was designed to obtain the optimal parameters. Through the optimization analysis of the experimental results, it could be concluded that the pot–soil restitution coefficient, the pot–soil static friction coefficient, the pot–soil rolling friction coefficient, and the surface energy were 0.31, 0.88, 0.35, and 1.07 J/m2, respectively. The experimental verification of the optimal parameter combination showed that the relative error of the collision impact force was 1.65% and that the relative error of the matrix loss rate was 2.32%, which verified the model’s reliability. Based on the optimal parameters, the movement law of the hole tray seedlings was studied at different positions during the transplanting process. The plug seedlings collided not only with the planter but also with the soil, which led to the breakage and looseness of the pot structure. The relative error between the matrix loss rate of the transplanter inserting soil, the matrix loss rate of the transplanter that did not enter the soil, and the simulated matrix loss rate was less than 10%, which further proved the accuracy of the simulation model.
Quality Production of Sainfoin Swards Challenged by Global Change in Mountain Areas in the Western Mediterranean
Authors: Sebastià M.-Teresa , Banagar Fatemeh , Palero Noemí , Ibáñez Mercedes , Plaixats Josefina
Published: December 2023

Legume-based livestock forage systems are widespread and socially relevant agroecosystems that are essential for delivering high-quality forage. Therefore, it is critical to determine how climate change and management might affect the functioning of forage agroecosystems. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of sainfoin swards under different management regimes by combining results from an experiment on species diversity effects on yield developed under extreme climatic conditions and a survey of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) swards and nutritive value in mountain regions in Catalonia, Western Mediterranean. Our results show that 12–59% of the variability in forage nutritive value parameters was accounted for by management. Young cattle-grazed swards showed higher nutrition quality that decreased faster than sheep-grazed or only mown swards. Mixing sainfoin with orchardgrass increased fiber content (e.g., +22% neutral detergent fiber) and decreased protein (−26%) and lignin (−11%) compared to sainfoin monocultures. However, under the extreme climatic conditions of the last three years, the only diversity effect found on yield was the identity of the species present. We propose that a combination of different sainfoin management regimes might be beneficial regionally for both quality forage production and overall biodiversity conservation, whereas traditional systems may be vulnerable to changing climatic conditions.
A Time Window Analysis for Time-Critical Decision Systems with Applications on Sports Climbing
Authors: Oppel Heiko , Munz Michael
Published: December 2023

Human monitoring systems are already utilized in various fields like assisted living, healthcare or sport and fitness. They are able to support in everyday life or act as a pre-warning system. We developed a system to monitor the ascent of a sport climber. It is integrated in a belay device. This paper presents the first time series analysis regarding the fall of a climber utilizing such a system. A Convolutional Neural Network handles the feature engineering part of the sensor information as well as the classification of the task at hand. In this way, the time is implicitly considered by the network. An analysis regarding the size of the time window was carried out with a focus on exploring the respective results. The neural network models were then tested against an already-existing principle based on a mechanical mechanism. We show that the size of the time window is a decisive factor in a time critical system. Depending on the size of the window, the mechanical principle was able to outperform the neural network. Nevertheless, most of our models outperformed the basic principle and returned promising results in predicting the fall of a climber within up to 91.8 ms.
Facing Danger: Exploring Personality and Reactions of European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) towards Robotic Lawn Mowers
Authors: Rasmussen Sophie Lund , Schrøder Bettina Thuland , Berger Anne , Macdonald David W. , Pertoldi Cino , Briefer Elodie Floriane , Alstrup Aage Kristian Olsen
Published: December 2023

The populations of European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) are in decline, and it is essential that research identifies and mitigates the factors causing this. Hedgehogs are increasingly sharing habitats with humans, being exposed to a range of dangers in our backyards. Previous research has documented that some models of robotic lawn mowers can cause harm to hedgehogs. This study explored the personality and behaviour of 50 live hedgehogs when facing an approaching, disarmed robotic lawn mower. By combining a novel arena and novel object test, we found that 27 hedgehogs could be categorised as “shy” and 23 as “bold”, independently of sex and age. The encounter tests with a robotic lawn mower showed that the hedgehogs positioned themselves in seven different ways. Personality did not affect their reactions. Adult hedgehogs tended to react in a shyer manner, and the hedgehogs, generally, acted less boldly during their second encounter with the robotic lawn mower. Additionally, our results show that bold individuals reacted in a more unpredictable way, being more behaviourally unstable compared to the shy individuals. This knowledge will be applied in the design of a standardised hedgehog safety test, eventually serving to produce and approve hedgehog-friendly robotic lawn mowers.
Effect of Prepartum Maternal Supplementation with Diphenyl Diselenide on Biochemical, Immunological, and Oxidative Parameters of the Offspring
Authors: Rodrigues Cláudia Medeiros , Parmeggiani Eliana Burtet , Leal Karoline Wagner , Schneider Marla , Collet Silvana Giacomini , Cibin Francielli Weber Santos , Gomes Viviani , Blagitz Maiara Garcia , Rocha João Batista Teixeira da , Leal Marta Lizandra do Rêgo
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to assess the impact of prepartum maternal diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 supplementation on the development, biochemical, immune, and antioxidant parameters of calves. Eighteen Holstein breed calves were used, born to females who were or were not subjected to supplementation, at 42, 28, and 14 days prior to calving. The (PhSe)2 group (DDG) was administered 3 μmol/kg of (PhSe)2 in 4 mL of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), while the DMSO and NaCl groups were administered 4 mL of DMSO and 0.9% NaCl, subcutaneously. The calves were evaluated based on their weight, withers height, body condition score 24 h post-birth (0), as well on days 14, 28, 42, 56, 70. Blood samples were also taken to determine serum variables. Calves on the DDG showed higher average levels of total protein, albumin, and globulins on day 0, and the immunoglobulin G level was significantly higher than the other groups on days 0, 14, 56, 70. Maternal supplementation showed immunomodulatory effect on calves, evidenced by the exceptional rates of passive immunity transfer, as well as the enhancement of humoral immunity. Our research offers fresh insights into the immunomodulatory potential of (PhSe)2, making it a viable alternative in facing this challenging phase, rearing dairy calves.
Nutritional Strategies to Mitigate Post-Weaning Challenges in Pigs: A Focus on Glucans, Vitamin D, and Selenium
Authors: O’Doherty John , Dowley Alison , Conway Eadaoin , Sweeney Torres
Published: December 2023

This review examines the challenges faced by the pig industry, with a specific focus on improving the health and growth of weaned pigs. It emphasizes the immediate necessity of investigating alternative approaches to managing pig nutrition and health due to restrictions on the use of antibiotics and the prohibition of zinc oxide in weaned pig diets. The weaning phase is identified as a critical stage in piglet development, characterized by stressors that affect their gastrointestinal health, immune responses, and overall physiology. The primary challenge during weaning arises from transitioning piglets from a digestible milk-based diet to a less digestible cereal-based feed, causing nutritional stress. This manifests as reduced feed intake, leading to gastrointestinal disturbances, intestinal inflammation, and adverse effects on intestinal structure and microbiota. To address these challenges and optimize piglet development, various nutritional strategies have been explored. Notably, glucans, particularly β-glucans from fungi, cereals, algae, and yeast, show promise in alleviating weaning-related issues. Furthermore, it is important to highlight the critical roles played by Vitamin D and selenium in piglet nutrition. These essential nutrients can be sourced naturally from enriched mushrooms that are specifically enriched with Vitamin D and selenium, providing a sustainable dietary option. In conclusion, effective nutritional strategies, including glucans, Vitamin D, selenium, and enriched mushrooms, are beneficial for addressing weaning-related challenges.
Evaluation of Soybean Ingredients in Pet Foods Applications: Systematic Review
Authors: Kim Hee S. , Titgemeyer Evan C. , Curles Erica , Olsen Livia M. , Aldrich Charles G.
Published: December 2023

Soybean use has been low in pet foods, even though they are an excellent source of protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and gut fermentable fibers. The purpose of this evaluation was to conduct a systematic review of the public literature to explore how soybeans have been researched for pet food applications since 2000 and to provide strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for soybeans in the pet food industry. The review covered a total of 44 articles related to soybean ingredients and their potential value in the pet food arena. The articles were categorized by their research contents and narratively summarized to demonstrate useful information to both the pet and soybean industries. When soybean-based products have been adequately processed to reduce the antinutritive factors, they are comparable to processed animal proteins in nutritional value, palatability, and functionality in pet food processing. We conclude that various food processing technologies and the versatility of soybean ingredients allow soybean to have considerable inclusion potential in pet foods. More research on dietary soybean ingredients regarding pet food processing, fermentation benefits on health, and consumer acceptance will be needed to understand soybean’s position in the future pet food industry.
Utilizing Real-Time Heart Rate Variability during Psychological Intervention Program for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Study
Authors: Im Bohye , Keum Jooyoung , Kim Taeeun , Lee Kyo-il , Koo Kyo-in
Published: December 2023

This study explores the use of real-time heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring as an innovative tool in a psychological intervention program for complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). The research focuses on a 25-year-old male subject, presenting severe symptoms of CPTSD resulting from prolonged exposure to traumatic events. The intervention program, conducted over four sessions, integrated cognitive and physical therapies, including bottom-up and top-down approaches. Real-time HRV data, reflecting autonomic nervous system activity, were collected using a wearable heart rate sensor and analyzed alongside qualitative data from session transcripts and observational notes. The findings demonstrated a significant correlation between HRV changes and the subject’s psychological state during therapeutic interventions. Key HRV metrics, such as the change ratio of the RMSSD and SDNN, responded notably to traumatic event recounting and stabilization techniques, suggesting their potential as indicators of emotional and physiological states during therapy. The study, while limited by its single-subject design, lays the groundwork for further investigations into HRV-assisted psychotherapy for a broader CPTSD patient cohort.
Elastic Behavior of Transversely Isotropic Cylindrical Rock Samples under Uniaxial Compression Considering Ideal and Frictional Boundary Conditions
Authors: Winkler Manuel Bernhard , Frühwirt Thomas , Marcher Thomas
Published: December 2023

Conceptualizing sophisticated measurement set-ups as well as testing and evaluation procedures for laboratory experiments on anisotropic rocks requires a basic understanding of the potential specimen behavior. The focus of the present work was therefore to investigate the influence of different transversely isotropic parameters and their ratios on the elastic behavior of cylindrical rock samples in uniaxial compression tests. Parameter sets corresponding to soft anisotropic rocks were chosen based on naturally observed ranges for the five elastic transversely isotropic constants. Analytical results for the radial and vertical strain distributions around the sample circumference and a comparison with finite element simulations are presented. Further, the effect of interface friction between samples and loading platens was analyzed within the numerical models. The results suggest that radial strains around cylindrical anisotropic samples are rarely uniform except for specific combinations of parameters and isotropy plane inclinations. The effect of interface friction was found to have a clear influence on the developing elastic stress and strain distributions for samples with inclined isotropy planes. Nevertheless, no significant influence of frictional boundary conditions on the back-calibrated values of the elastic parameters could be identified, suggesting that friction-reducing measures in uniaxial compression tests on transversely isotropic samples with predominantly linear behavior are not required.