bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neither Friend nor Foe: Ethnic Segregation in School Social Networks
Authors: Bracegirdle Chloe , Jonsson Jan O. , Spiegler Olivia
Published: December 2023

High levels of ethnic segregation have been widely observed in school friendship networks, whereas the degree to which school bullying networks are divided along ethnic lines remains uncertain. Using data from 981 students (53% girls, 47% boys; 11–14 years of age) in British schools, we sought to visualize, quantify, and compare the degree of ethnic segregation in friendship and bullying networks. Our findings contradict the common belief that ethnic segregation in friendship networks fosters interethnic conflict; instead, we identified similarly high levels of ethnic segregation in both friendship and bullying networks. Students may therefore simultaneously avoid positive and negative interethnic relationships. The findings indicate that positive and negative networks should both be considered to provide a comprehensive assessment of interethnic relations in the school environment.
Dating Apps and Mental Health Status: Is There a Link?
Authors: Freire Daniela , Rema João , Novais Filipa
Published: December 2023

Background:

The development of SexTech (Sexuality + Technology) has profoundly altered the way relationships are experienced, and an accessible example of that, which has millions of users, is the dating apps (Tinder, Grindr, and Bumble), which can locate partners with common interests nearby.

Aim:

To determine whether the use of dating apps is associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, or depression and to assess the main motivations for using dating apps in young people.

Methods:

An online questionnaire addressed to university students was designed with an initial part aimed at collecting the sociodemographic data of the sample, a second part to address motivations for the use of dating applications, and a third part designed to evaluate the anxiety and depression scores of the participants.

Outcomes:

This study had two main outcomes: anxiety and depression scores measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21).

Results:

Four hundred and ninety-seven people participated in the study, with an average age of 21.8 years. Seventy percent were female. Thirty-four percent of the students use or have used these applications. Recent users showed a statistically significantly higher depression score than non-users. However, the ones who ever used dating apps did not report significantly higher scores than non-users. Homosexual participants have a statistically significantly higher anxiety and depression score than heterosexual. The most stated reason for using apps was “meeting new people,” followed by “entertainment” and “curiosity.”

Clinical Implications:

To promote mental health and sex education, have more tools to respond to topics related to sexuality and technology.

Strengths and Limitations:

The DASS-21 questionnaire is an adequate tool for screening for anxiety and depression disorders. However, other methods should be added to establish a formal diagnosis. The methodology applied in this research allowed us to establish an association between variables but not causality. In any case, we argue that our results shed light on the impact that the much-used dating apps have on mental health and the main reasons for their use.

Conclusion:

Being a user of dating apps does not seem to impact mental health; however, recent use and belonging to a minority constitute predictors of more anxiety and depression symptoms.
Rice Basic Helix-Loop-Helix 079 (OsbHLH079) Delays Leaf Senescence by Attenuating ABA Signaling
Authors: Kim Suk-Hwan , Yoon Jungwon , Kim Hanna , Lee Sang-Ji , Paek Nam-Chon
Published: December 2023

Leaf senescence represents the final phase of leaf development and is characterized by a highly organized degenerative process involving the active translocation of nutrients from senescing leaves to growing tissues or storage organs. To date, a large number of senescence-associated transcription factors (sen-TFs) have been identified that regulate the initiation and progression of leaf senescence. Many of these TFs, including NAC (NAM/ATAF1/2/CUC2), WRKY, and MYB TFs, have been implicated in modulating the expression of downstream senescence-associated genes (SAGs) and chlorophyll degradation genes (CDGs) under the control of phytohormones. However, the involvement of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) TFs in leaf senescence has been less investigated. Here, we show that OsbHLH079 delays both natural senescence and dark-induced senescence: Overexpression of OsbHLH079 led to a stay-green phenotype, whereas osbhlh079 knockout mutation displayed accelerated leaf senescence. Similar to other sen-TFs, OsbHLH079 showed a gradual escalation in expression as leaves underwent senescence. During this process, the mRNA levels of SAGs and CDGs remained relatively low in OsbHLH079 overexpressors, but increased sharply in osbhlh079 mutants, suggesting that OsbHLH079 negatively regulates the transcription of SAGs and CDGs under senescence conditions. Additionally, we found that OsbHLH079 delays ABA-induced senescence. Subsequent RT-qPCR and dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed that OsbHLH079 downregulates the expression of ABA signaling genes, such as OsABF2, OsABF4, OsABI5, and OsNAP. Taken together, these results demonstrate that OsbHLH079 functions in delaying leaf yellowing by attenuating the ABA responses.
Comparison of the pulling technique versus the standard technique in microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kotb Sameh , Abdel-Rassoul Mohammed A. , Elkousy Mohamed Magdy , El-Shorbagy Galal , Elsayed Ahmed S. , Abdel-Rahman Sherif , Sayed Amr Moustafa
Published: December 2023

Background

We compare the outcome of microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy (MSV) using the pulling technique (P-MSV) compared to the standard technique (S-MSV).

Methods

A total of 60 patients were diagnosed with varicocele compounded with infertility and/or scrotal pain not responding to medical treatment. Twenty-nine patients were randomized to the P-MSV, while 31 were randomized to S-MSV. The number of ligated veins was counted intraoperative and compared. Follow-up was done at 1 and 3 months including clinical examination, scrotal duplex ultrasound scan, and semen analysis.

Results

A total of 85 sides were operated upon, 43 (50.5%) were done by the P-MSV technique while 42 (49.5%) were done by the S-MSV technique. The median gained cord length after using the P-MSV was [3 cm; IQR 2–5 cm]. For the P-MSV technique, the mean number of detected internal spermatic veins after cord pulling was (4 ± 1.3 SD) compared to (6 ± 1.4 SD) before pulling (P value < 0.01) and for the S-MSV was 3 (2.75–5). There was no statistical or clinically significant difference in the perioperative outcomes between both groups. The overall conception rate was 47.1%. Ninety-two percent of patients complaining of preoperative scrotal pain had resolution of the pain on follow-up with no statistical difference between both techniques (P values 0.53, 0.3 respectively). There was no statistical difference in the recurrence rate between both groups (P = 0.11). The number of ligated veins decreased significantly using the P-MSV technique leading to an improvement in the surgical feasibility of MSV.

Conclusion

There is a significant benefit for the new pulling technique in decreasing the number of internal spermatic veins which leads to improving the surgical feasibility of microsurgical varicocelectomy.
ORFeus: a computational method to detect programmed ribosomal frameshifts and other non-canonical translation events
Authors: Richardson Mary O. , Eddy Sean R.
Published: December 2023

Background

In canonical protein translation, ribosomes initiate translation at a specific start codon, maintain a single reading frame throughout elongation, and terminate at the first in-frame stop codon. However, ribosomal behavior can deviate at each of these steps, sometimes in a programmed manner. Certain mRNAs contain sequence and structural elements that cause ribosomes to begin translation at alternative start codons, shift reading frame, read through stop codons, or reinitiate on the same mRNA. These processes represent important translational control mechanisms that can allow an mRNA to encode multiple functional protein products or regulate protein expression. The prevalence of these events remains uncertain, due to the difficulty of systematic detection.

Results

We have developed a computational model to infer non-canonical translation events from ribosome profiling data.

Conclusion

ORFeus identifies known examples of alternative open reading frames and recoding events across different organisms and enables transcriptome-wide searches for novel events.
Investigating the impact of non-additive genetic effects in the estimation of variance components and genomic predictions for heat tolerance and performance traits in crossbred and purebred pig populations
Authors: de Oliveira Letícia Fernanda , Brito Luiz F. , Marques Daniele Botelho Diniz , da Silva Delvan Alves , Lopes Paulo Sávio , dos Santos Cassiane Gomes , Johnson Jay S. , Veroneze Renata
Published: December 2023

Background

Non-additive genetic effects are often ignored in livestock genetic evaluations. However, fitting them in the models could improve the accuracy of genomic breeding values. Furthermore, non-additive genetic effects contribute to heterosis, which could be optimized through mating designs. Traits related to fitness and adaptation, such as heat tolerance, tend to be more influenced by non-additive genetic effects. In this context, the primary objectives of this study were to estimate variance components and assess the predictive performance of genomic prediction of breeding values based on alternative models and two independent datasets, including performance records from a purebred pig population and heat tolerance indicators recorded in crossbred lactating sows.

Results

Including non-additive genetic effects when modelling performance traits in purebred pigs had no effect on the residual variance estimates for most of the traits, but lower additive genetic variances were observed, especially when additive-by-additive epistasis was included in the models. Furthermore, including non-additive genetic effects did not improve the prediction accuracy of genomic breeding values, but there was animal re-ranking across the models. For the heat tolerance indicators recorded in a crossbred population, most traits had small non-additive genetic variance with large standard error estimates. Nevertheless, panting score and hair density presented substantial additive-by-additive epistatic variance. Panting score had an epistatic variance estimate of 0.1379, which accounted for 82.22% of the total genetic variance. For hair density, the epistatic variance estimates ranged from 0.1745 to 0.1845, which represent 64.95–69.59% of the total genetic variance.

Conclusions

Including non-additive genetic effects in the models did not improve the accuracy of genomic breeding values for performance traits in purebred pigs, but there was substantial re-ranking of selection candidates depending on the model fitted. Except for panting score and hair density, low non-additive genetic variance estimates were observed for heat tolerance indicators in crossbred pigs.
Chromosome-scale genome assembly of the ‘Munstead’ cultivar of Lavandula angustifolia
Authors: Hamilton John P. , Vaillancourt Brieanne , Wood Joshua C. , Wang Haiyan , Jiang Jiming , Soltis Douglas E. , Buell C. Robin , Soltis Pamela S.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) is commercially important not only as an ornamental species but also as a major source of fragrances. To better understand the genomic basis of chemical diversity in lavender, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the ‘Munstead’ cultivar of L. angustifolia.

Data description

A total of 80 Gb of Oxford Nanopore Technologies reads was used to assemble the ‘Munstead’ genome using the Canu genome assembler software. Following multiple rounds of error correction and scaffolding using Hi-C data, the final chromosome-scale assembly represents 795,075,733 bp across 25 chromosomes with an N50 scaffold length of 31,371,815 bp. Benchmarking Universal Single Copy Orthologs analysis revealed 98.0% complete orthologs, indicative of a high-quality assembly representative of genic space. Annotation of protein-coding sequences revealed 58,702 high-confidence genes encoding 88,528 gene models. Access to the ‘Munstead’ genome will permit comparative analyses within and among lavender accessions and provides a pivotal species for comparative analyses within Lamiaceae.
Whole mitochondrial and chloroplast genome sequencing of Tunisian date palm cultivars: diversity and evolutionary relationships
Authors: Hamza Hammadi , Villa Sara , Torre Sara , Marchesini Alexis , Benabderrahim Mohamed Ali , Rejili Mokhtar , Sebastiani Federico
Published: December 2023

Background

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is the most widespread crop in arid and semi-arid regions and has great traditional and socioeconomic importance, with its fruit well-known for its high nutritional and health value. However, the genetic variation of date palm cultivars is often neglected. The advent of high-throughput sequencing has made possible the resequencing of whole organelle (mitochondria and chloroplast) genomes to explore the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of cultivated plants with unprecedented detail.

Results

Whole organelle genomes of 171 Tunisian accessions (135 females and 36 males) were sequenced. Targeted bioinformatics pipelines were used to identify date palm haplotypes and genome variants, aiming to provide variant annotation and investigate patterns of evolutionary relationship. Our results revealed the existence of unique haplotypes, identified by 45 chloroplastic and 156 mitochondrial SNPs. Estimation of the effect of these SNPs on genes functions was predicted in silico.

Conclusions

The results of this study have important implications, in the light of ongoing environmental changes, for the conservation and sustainable use of the genetic resources of date palm cultivars in Tunisia, where monoculture threatens biodiversity leading to genetic erosion. These data will be useful for breeding and genetic improvement programs of the date palm through selective cross-breeding.
Where the joy comes from: a qualitative exploration of deep GP-patient relationships
Authors: Thomas Hayley , Lynch Johanna , Burch Emily , Best Megan , Ball Lauren , Sturgiss Elizabeth , Sturman Nancy
Published: December 2023

Background

Relationship-based, whole person care is foundational to quality general practice. Previous research has identified several characteristics of deep General Practitioner (GP)-patient relationships and their association with improved patient concordance, satisfaction and perceived health outcomes. Psychological attachment theory has been used to understand therapeutic relationships, but has only been explored to a limited extent in the general practice context. Additionally, evolving changes in sociocultural and commercial practice contexts may threaten relationship-based care. In view of this, we aimed to explore the nature and experience of deep GP-patient relationships, as identified by patients, from GP and patient perspectives.

Methods

Semi-structured interview design. An initial survey assessed patients’ perceived depth of their relationship with their GP, using the Health Care Provider Attachment Figure Survey and Patient-Doctor Depth of Relationship Scale. Patients who reported a deep relationship, and their GPs, were purposively selected for individual interviews exploring their experience of these relationships. A post-interview survey assessed interviewees’ attachment styles, using the Modified and Brief Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. Patient interviewees also rated the patient-centredness of their GP’s clinic using the Person-Centred Primary Care Measure. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Thirteen patients and five GPs were interviewed. Four themes characterised deep relationships: the ‘professional’; human connection; trust; and ‘above and beyond’. Patient, GP and practice team all contributed to their cultivation.

Conclusions

We present a revised conceptual framework of deep GP-patient relationships. Deep relationships come to the fore in times of patient trouble. Like attachment relationships, they provide a sense of safety, caring and support for patients experiencing vulnerability. They can stretch GP boundaries and capacity for self-care, but also provide joy and vocational satisfaction. Patients may not always desire or need deep relationships with their GP. However, findings highlight the importance of enabling and cultivating these for times of patient hardship, and challenges of doing so within current healthcare climates.
Challenges of Implementing an Effective Primary Health Care Accreditation Program: a qualitative study in Iran
Authors: Gharibi Farid , Moshiri Esmaeil , Tavani Masoumeh Ebrahimi , Dalal Koustuv
Published: December 2023

Background

Accreditation is a prerequisite for scientific management of the health system, owing to its numerous benefits on health centres’ performance. The current study examined Iran’s primary healthcare accreditation program to ascertain the challenges to its successful implementation.

Methods

This qualitative study examined the perspectives of 32 managers and staff members in the pilot accreditation program (from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, and Aradan District Health Network). Three in-depth group interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire, and the data obtained were assessed using thematic analysis. As a result of this investigation identified six themes, 29 sub-themes, and 218 codes as challenges to the successful accreditation of primary health care in Iran.

Results

Six main themes, including “organisational culture”, “motivational mechanisms”, “staff workload”, “training system”, “information systems”, and “macro-executive infrastructure”, were identified as the main domain of challenges, with seven, five, two, four, three, and eight sub-themes respectively.

Conclusion

Accreditation of PHC in Iran faces significant challenges and obstacles that, if ignored, can jeopardise the program’s success and effectiveness. By identifying challenges and obstacles and making practical suggestions for overcoming them, the findings of this study can aid in the program’s successful implementation and achievement of desired outcomes.
Predictors for quality of life in older adults: network analysis on cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms
Authors: He Chaoqun , Kong Xiangyi , Li Jinhui , Wang Xingyi , Chen Xinqiao , Wang Yuanyi , Zhao Qing , Tao Qian
Published: December 2023

Background

Quality of life (QoL) of older adults has become a pivotal concern of the public and health system. Previous studies found that both cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) can affect QoL in older adults. However, it remains unclear how these symptoms are related to each other and impact on QoL. Our aim is to investigate the complex network relationship between cognitive and NPS symptoms in older adults, and to further explore their association with QoL.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 389 older individuals with complaints of memory decline. The instruments included the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, the Mini Mental State Examination, and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. Data was analyzed using network analysis and mediation analysis.

Results

We found that attention and agitation were the variables with the highest centrality in cognitive and NPS symptoms, respectively. In an exploratory mediation analysis, agitation was significantly associated with poor attention (β= -0.214,P < 0.001) and reduced QoL (β= -0.137,P = 0.005). The indirect effect of agitation on the QoL through attention was significant (95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.119, -0.035]). Furthermore, attention served as a mediator between agitation and QoL, accounting for 35.09% of the total effect.

Conclusions

By elucidating the NPS-cognition-QoL relationship, the current study provides insights for developing rehabilitation programs among older adults to ensure their QoL.
Preexisting depression and COVID-19: a cohort study on the risk of susceptibility and hospitalization
Authors: Nasirpour Nastaran , Esmailzadehha Neda , Hajebi Ahmad , Savari Ebtesam , Ghanbari Behrooz , Motevalian Abbas
Published: December 2023

Background

Depression can have negative effects on a person’s physical health. However, the available evidence on the risk of susceptibility to COVID-19 and its adverse outcomes in people with mental disorders, including depression, is limited and inconsistent. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between major depressive disorder (MDD) and the risk of susceptibility to COVID-19 infection and hospitalization. The data used in the study were obtained from the Employees’ Health Cohort Study of Iran (EHCSIR).

Methods

We conducted a cohort study that included 3355 participants who had complete data on major depressive disorder at baseline assessment and two annual telephone follow-ups between January 2020 and March 2022. Trained psychologists used the Persian version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI-2.1) to identify major depressive disorders during the baseline assessment. We applied log binomial regression models to adjust for sociodemographic factors and background health conditions.

Results

We found that 11.4% of participants had lifetime MDD and 7.3% had MDD in the past 12 months. During the pandemic, 26.1% of participants were infected with COVID-19, and 14.4% of those who were infected were hospitalized. The risk of susceptibility to COVID-19 infection was significantly higher among participants with lifetime MDD than among those without MDD (adjusted risk ratio (ARR) = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.06–1.47). However, lifetime MDD or 12-month MDD was not independently associated with hospitalization among COVID-19 cases.

Conclusions

Preexisting major depressive disorder may increase the risk of susceptibility to COVID-19.
The mental health of officials who regularly examine child sexual abuse material: strategies for harm mitigation
Authors: Mitchell Kimberly J. , Gewirtz-Meydan Ateret , Finkelhor David , O’Brien Jennifer E. , Jones Lisa M.
Published: December 2023

Background

The current study aims to better understand the mental health and subjective well-being of investigators and forensic examiners exposed to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) by examining which components of this work are associated with elevated mental health conditions and decreased well-being, as well as the intra-personal and organizational variables that may mitigate harm and improve well-being.

Methods

Police investigators, forensic examiners, and others connected with the criminal justice system from across the United States who were exposed to CSAM as part of their professions (N = 500) completed an anonymous online survey. Participants were recruited through connections with the National Criminal Justice Training Center.

Results

Duration, frequency, amount, and content of CSAM exposure was not related to poorer mental health with the exception of exposure to violent CSAM which was related to elevated post-traumatic stress symptoms. Several agency-level practices and policies, such as the availability of an Officer Wellness Program and more frequently knowing the final case resolution, were related to better mental health and well-being. Harm mitigation strategies, such as talking to other officers investigating the case and taking breaks from the material being viewed, were also related to better mental health.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that police agencies have options for implementing agency-level procedures and practices that have the potential to reduce the negative impact of CSAM investigations. Additionally, many investigators use strategies that are correlated with greater well-being, suggesting opportunities for improving training programs.
The psychosexual and psychosocial impacts of polygamous marriages: a cross-sectional study among Somali women
Authors: Barut Adil , Mohamud Samira Ahmed
Published: December 2023

Background

Polygamous marriages are common in many Africa countries. This study aimed to document psychosexual and psychosocial problems of Somali women engaged in monogamous or polygamous marriages.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 607 consecutive women who had presented between June 7 and October 1, 2022, to the Department of Gynaecology of Mogadishu Somali Turkey Training and Research Hospital in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia. Data included maternal age, type of marriage (polygamy, monogamy, and arranged marriage), wives’ education, husbands’ education, husband income, residence area (rural or urban), number of marriages, living in houses (same or different), number of co-wives, and age of marriage. The participants were asked to complete three questionnaires: The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), and the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18).

Results

Of 607 women, 435 (71.7%) had monogamous marriages and 172 (28.3%) had polygamous marriages. The mean age was 29.0 ± 7.2 years (range 16–46). In polygamous marriages, the mean number of wives a husband had was 2.4 ± 0.7 women (range 2– 4). The overall incidences of sexual dysfunction, low self-esteem and arranged marriage were 59.8%, 79.4% and 64.4%, respectively. Wives in polygamous marriages differed from those in monogamous marriages with significantly higher rate of illiterateness (41.9% vs. 27.4%, p = 0.004). Increases in husband income corresponded to higher rates of polygamous marriage. Women in polygamous marriages had significantly lower scores in the desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction sub-domains. Sexual dysfunction, with a significantly increased rate among women in polygamous marriages. Polygamous marriages were associated with significantly higher levels of anxiety, and depression, and a significantly higher total BSI score (p = 0.010, p = 0.004, and p = 0.020, respectively). Women in both groups had similar levels of low self-esteem (p > 0.05). In univariate analysis, polygamous marriage was in significant inverse associations with the total FSFI score and subdomain scores of desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, and sexual dysfunction and in significant associations with the BSI total score and subdomain scores of anxiety and depression (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that women in polygamous marriages experience considerably higher psychosexual and psychosocial adverse effects as compared with their monogamous counterparts.
Multi-staged development and pilot testing of a self-assessment tool for organizational health literacy
Authors: Klockmann Izumi , Jaß Leonie , Härter Martin , von dem Knesebeck Olaf , Lüdecke Daniel , Heeg Johanna
Published: December 2023

Background

Until now a comprehensive, consensus-based tool that can be used by a variety of health care organizations for assessing their organizational health literacy (OHL) is not available. Therefore, we aimed to develop and test a literature- and consensus-based self-assessment tool.

Methods

The study is based on a scoping review that was previously published by the authors. For the development of the self-assessment tool, the criteria identified in the literature were synthesized with criteria gained through group discussions with representatives of different types of health care organizations (N = 27) all based in Hamburg (Germany). Consensus on the criteria was reached by conducting a Delphi process (N = 22). A review by the project’s patient advisory council was included in the process. The self-assessment tool was converted into an online tool and refined by a pretest. Finally, the online survey was piloted (N = 53) and the reliability and item loadings for each scale were analyzed.

Results

In total, 77 criteria (items) characterizing a health literate health care organization were developed and grouped into five main categories (scales): (1) “easy access and navigation”, (2) “integration, prioritization, and dissemination of OHL”, (3) “qualification, quality management, evaluation, and needs assessment”, (4) “communication with target groups”, and (5) “involvement and support of target groups”. The results of the online survey showed that the tool is suitable for assessing an organization’s status quo on OHL. The psychometric analysis showed good to excellent internal consistency. Item analyses of the developed self-assessment tool was satisfactory.

Conclusions

We were able to define a set of 77 items to characterize OHL, which were integrated into a new, comprehensive, and consensus-based self-assessment tool to identify areas for improvement. We found evidence that the self-assessment tool, based on the identified criteria, consists of the assumed five scales. Further research should analyze the validity of the self-assessment tool on a higher detail level.
Deep learning prediction of hospital readmissions for asthma and COPD
Authors: Lopez Kevin , Li Huan , Lipkin-Moore Zachary , Kay Shannon , Rajeevan Haseena , Davis J. Lucian , Wilson F. Perry , Rochester Carolyn L. , Gomez Jose L.
Published: December 2023

Question

Severe asthma and COPD exacerbations requiring hospitalization are linked to increased disease morbidity and healthcare costs. We sought to identify Electronic Health Record (EHR) features of severe asthma and COPD exacerbations and evaluate the performance of four machine learning (ML) and one deep learning (DL) model in predicting readmissions using EHR data.

Study design and methods

Observational study between September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2017, of patients hospitalized with asthma and COPD exacerbations.

Results

This study included 5,794 patients, 1,893 with asthma and 3,901 with COPD. Patients with asthma were predominantly female (n = 1288 [68%]), 35% were Black (n = 669), and 25% (n = 479) were Hispanic. Black (44 vs. 33%, p = 0.01) and Hispanic patients (30 vs. 24%, p = 0.02) were more likely to be readmitted for asthma. Similarly, patients with COPD readmissions included a large percentage of Blacks (18 vs. 10%, p < 0.01) and Hispanics (8 vs. 5%, p < 0.01). To identify patients at high risk of readmission index hospitalization data of a subset of 2,682 patients, 777 with asthma and 1,905 with COPD, was analyzed with four ML models, and one DL model. We found that multilayer perceptron, the DL method, had the best sensitivity and specificity compared to the four ML methods implemented in the same dataset.

Interpretation

Multilayer perceptron, a deep learning method, had the best performance in predicting asthma and COPD readmissions, demonstrating that EHR and deep learning integration can improve high-risk patient detection.
Cardiovascular risk and renal injury profile in subjects with type 2 diabetes and non-albuminuric diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Di Marco Maurizio , Scilletta Sabrina , Miano Nicoletta , Marrano Nicola , Natalicchio Annalisa , Giorgino Francesco , Di Mauro Stefania , Filippello Agnese , Scamporrino Alessandra , Tribulato Paola , Bosco Giosiana , Di Giacomo Barbagallo Francesco , Scicali Roberto , Milluzzo Agostino , Ballirò Teresa , Frittitta Lucia , Castellino Pietro , Purrello Francesco , Piro Salvatore , Di Pino Antonino
Published: December 2023

Background

In the last years, the classical pattern of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has been partially overcome, because of the uncovering of a new DKD phenotype with significant renal dysfunction without presence of albuminuria: the non-albuminuric DKD (NA-DKD). To date, the cardiovascular risk associated with this phenotype is still debated. We investigated the cardiovascular risk and renal injury profile of NA-DKD subjects in comparison with other DKD phenotypes.

Methods

Pulse wave velocity (PWV), intima-media thickness, presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque, renal resistive index (RRI), and a panel of urinary biomarkers of kidney injury were evaluated in 160 subjects with type 2 diabetes, stratified according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) into four groups: controls (UACR < 30 mg/g and eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), A-DKD (Albuminuric-DKD, UACR ≥ 30 mg/g and eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), NA-DKD (UACR < 30 mg/g and eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), AL-DKD (Albuminuric and Low eGFR-DKD; UACR ≥ 30 mg/g and eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2).

Results

Subjects with NA-DKD showed a higher PWV (11.83 ± 3.74 m/s vs. 10.24 ± 2.67 m/s, P = 0.045), RRI (0.76 ± 0.11 vs. 0.71 ± 0.09, P = 0.04), and prevalence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque (59% vs. 31%, P = 0.009) compared with controls. These characteristics were similar to those of subjects with AL-DKD, whereas the profile of A-DKD subjects was closer to controls. After multiple regression analyses, we found that RRI, that is in turn influenced by eGFR (β = − 0.01, P = 0.01), was one of the major determinants of PWV (β = 9.4, P = 0.02). Urinary TreFoil Factor 3, a marker of tubular damage, was higher in NA-DKD subjects vs. controls (1533.14 ± 878.31 ng/mL vs. 1253.84 ± 682.17 ng/mL, P = 0.047). Furthermore, after multiple regression analyses, we found that urinary osteopontin was independently associated with PWV (β = 2.6, P = 0.049) and RRI (β = 0.09, P = 0.006).

Conclusions

Our data showed a worse cardiovascular and renal injury profile in NA-DKD subjects. This finding emphasizes the central role of eGFR in the definition of cardiovascular risk profile of diabetic subjects together with albuminuria.
Obesity indices and the risk of total and cardiovascular mortality among people with diabetes: a long-term follow-up study in Taiwan
Authors: Lu Chung-Yen , Chen Hsiao-Hui , Chi Kuan-Hui , Chen Pei-Chun
Published: December 2023

Background

The association between obesity indicators and mortality in individuals with diabetes remains unclear, and data on cardiovascular mortality are scarce. Therefore, we investigated the associations between the five adiposity indices and both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes.

Methods

This cohort study included 34,686 adults with diabetes who underwent a standard health-screening program between 1996 and 2017 in Taiwan. The dates and causes of death till January 2022 were retrieved from the National Death Registry. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in relation to body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR), body fat percentage (BF%), and A Body Shape Index (ABSI), using the third quintile as the reference group.

Results

During a median follow-up of 15 years, there were 8,324 deaths, of which 1,748 were attributed to cardiovascular disease. After adjusting for demographics, lifestyle factors and comorbidities, ABSI was associated with all-cause mortality in an exposure-response manner; the HR (95% CI) for first and fifth vs. third quintile was 0.78 (0.69–0.89) and 1.24 (1.14–1.35), respectively. A similar but weaker exposure-response relationship was found between WHR and mortality. People with a lower BMI and BF% had an increased risk of mortality (HR [95% CI] for the first vs. third quintiles, 1.33 [1.22, 1.44] and 1.42 [1.30, 1.56], respectively). No association was observed between waist circumference categories and risk of mortality. Similar results were observed for the association of BF%, waist circumference, and ABSI with cardiovascular mortality. However, no significant association was observed between BMI and cardiovascular mortality. The association between WHR and cardiovascular mortality was stronger than that between WHR and all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

ABSI demonstrated a consistent exposure-response relationship with both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in this Asian cohort with diabetes. Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring ABSI, a surrogate index of central adiposity, in patients with diabetes.
A deep learning model for predicting risks of crop pests and diseases from sequential environmental data
Authors: Lee Sangyeon , Yun Choa Mun
Published: December 2023

Crop pests reduce productivity, so managing them through early detection and prevention is essential. Data from various modalities are being used to predict crop diseases by applying machine learning methodology. In particular, because growth environment data is relatively easy to obtain, many attempts are made to predict pests and diseases using it. In this paper, we propose a model that predicts diseases through previous growth environment information of crops, including air temperature, relative humidity, dew point, and CO2 concentration, using deep learning techniques. Using large-scale public data on crops of strawberry, pepper, grape, tomato, and paprika, we showed the model can predict the risk score of crop pests and diseases. It showed high predictive performance with an average AUROC of 0.917, and based on the predicted results, it can help prevent pests or post-processing. This environmental data-based crop disease prediction model and learning framework are expected to be universally applicable to various facilities and crops for disease/pest prevention.
Targeting the myeloid microenvironment in neuroblastoma
Authors: Stip Marjolein C. , Teeuwen Loes , Dierselhuis Miranda P. , Leusen Jeanette H. W. , Krijgsman Daniëlle
Published: December 2023

Myeloid cells (granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages) play an important role in neuroblastoma. By inducing a complex immunosuppressive network, myeloid cells pose a challenge for the adaptive immune system to eliminate tumor cells, especially in high-risk neuroblastoma. This review first summarizes the pro- and anti-tumorigenic functions of myeloid cells, including granulocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) during the development and progression of neuroblastoma. Secondly, we discuss how myeloid cells are engaged in the current treatment regimen and explore novel strategies to target these cells in neuroblastoma. These strategies include: (1) engaging myeloid cells as effector cells, (2) ablating myeloid cells or blocking the recruitment of myeloid cells to the tumor microenvironment and (3) reprogramming myeloid cells. Here we describe that despite their immunosuppressive traits, tumor-associated myeloid cells can still be engaged as effector cells, which is clear in anti-GD2 immunotherapy. However, their full potential is not yet reached, and myeloid cell engagement can be enhanced, for example by targeting the CD47/SIRPα axis. Though depletion of myeloid cells or blocking myeloid cell infiltration has been proven effective, this strategy also depletes possible effector cells for immunotherapy from the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, reprogramming of suppressive myeloid cells might be the optimal strategy, which reverses immunosuppressive traits, preserves myeloid cells as effectors of immunotherapy, and subsequently reactivates tumor-infiltrating T cells.
Pre-hospital ECPR in an Australian metropolitan setting: a single-arm feasibility assessment—The CPR, pre-hospital ECPR and early reperfusion (CHEER3) study
Authors: Richardson S. A. C. , Anderson D. , Burrell A. J. C. , Byrne T. , Coull J. , Diehl A. , Gantner D. , Hoffman K. , Hooper A. , Hopkins S. , Ihle J. , Joyce P. , Le Guen M. , Mahony E. , McGloughlin S. , Nehme Z. , Nickson C. P. , Nixon P. , Orosz J. , Riley B. , Sheldrake J. , Stub D. , Thornton M. , Udy A. , Pellegrino V. , Bernard S.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Survival from refractory out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) without timely return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) utilising conventional advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) therapies is dismal. CHEER3 was a safety and feasibility study of pre-hospital deployed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for refractory OHCA in metropolitan Australia.

Methods

This was a single jurisdiction, single-arm feasibility study. Physicians, with pre-existing ECMO expertise, responded to witnessed OHCA, age < 65 yrs, within 30 min driving-time, using an ECMO equipped rapid response vehicle. If pre-hospital ECPR was undertaken, patients were transported to hospital for investigations and therapies including emergent coronary catheterisation, and standard intensive care (ICU) therapy until either cardiac and neurological recovery or palliation occurred. Analyses were descriptive.

Results

From February 2020 to May 2023, over 117 days, the team responded to 709 “potential cardiac arrest” emergency calls. 358 were confirmed OHCA. Time from emergency call to scene arrival was 27 min (15–37 min). 10 patients fulfilled the pre-defined inclusion criteria and all were successfully cannulated on scene. Time from emergency call to ECMO initiation was 50 min (35–62 min). Time from decision to ECMO support was 16 min (11–26 min). CPR duration was 46 min (32–62 min). All 10 patients were transferred to hospital for investigations and therapy. 4 patients (40%) survived to hospital discharge neurologically intact (CPC 1/2).

Conclusion

Pre-hospital ECPR was feasible, using an experienced ECMO team from a single-centre. Overall survival was promising in this highly selected group. Further prospective studies are now warranted.
Mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing interleukin-10 prevent allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Kuang Peng-Peng , Liu Xiao-Qing , Li Chan-Gu , He Bi-Xin , Xie Ying-Chun , Wu Zi-Cong , Li Cheng-Lin , Deng Xiao-Hui , Fu Qing-Ling
Published: December 2023

Backgrounds

Allergic airway inflammation is prevalent worldwide and imposes a considerable burden on both society and affected individuals. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic advantages of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) overexpressed interleukin-10 (IL-10) for the treatment of allergic airway inflammation, as both IL-10 and MSCs possess immunosuppressive properties.

Methods

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MSCs were engineered to overexpress IL-10 via lentiviral transfection (designated as IL-10-MSCs). MSCs and IL-10-MSCs were administered intravenously to mice with allergic inflammation induced by ovalbumin (OVA), and the features of allergic inflammation including inflammatory cell infiltration, Th cells in the lungs, and T helper 2 cell (Th2) cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were examined. MSCs and IL-10-MSCs were co-cultured with CD4+ T cells from patients with allergic rhinitis (AR), and the levels of Th2 cells and corresponding type 2 cytokines were studied. RNA-sequence was performed to further investigate the potential effects of MSCs and IL-10-MSCs on CD4+ T cells.

Results

Stable IL-10-MSCs were established and characterised by high IL-10 expression. IL-10-MSCs significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and epithelial goblet cell numbers in the lung tissues of mice with allergic airway inflammation. Inflammatory cell and cytokine levels in BALF also decreased after the administration of IL-10-MSCs. Moreover, IL-10-MSCs showed a stronger capacity to inhibit the levels of Th2 after co-cultured with CD4+ T cells from patients with AR. Furthermore, we elucidated lower levels of IL-5 and IL-13 in IL-10-MSCs treated CD4+ T cells, and blockade of IL-10 significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of IL-10-MSCs. We also reported the mRNA profiles of CD4+ T cells treated with IL-10-MSCs and MSCs, in which IL-10 played an important role.

Conclusion

IL-10-MSCs showed positive effects in the treatment of allergic airway inflammation, providing solid support for the use of genetically engineered MSCs as a potential novel therapy for allergic airway inflammation.
Coordination of host and endosymbiont gene expression governs endosymbiont growth and elimination in the cereal weevil Sitophilus spp.
Authors: Ferrarini Mariana Galvão , Vallier Agnès , Vincent-Monégat Carole , Dell’Aglio Elisa , Gillet Benjamin , Hughes Sandrine , Hurtado Ophélie , Condemine Guy , Zaidman-Rémy Anna , Rebollo Rita , Parisot Nicolas , Heddi Abdelaziz
Published: December 2023

Background

Insects living in nutritionally poor environments often establish long-term relationships with intracellular bacteria that supplement their diets and improve their adaptive and invasive powers. Even though these symbiotic associations have been extensively studied on physiological, ecological, and evolutionary levels, few studies have focused on the molecular dialogue between host and endosymbionts to identify genes and pathways involved in endosymbiosis control and dynamics throughout host development.

Results

We simultaneously analyzed host and endosymbiont gene expression during the life cycle of the cereal weevil Sitophilus oryzae, from larval stages to adults, with a particular emphasis on emerging adults where the endosymbiont Sodalis pierantonius experiences a contrasted growth-climax-elimination dynamics. We unraveled a constant arms race in which different biological functions are intertwined and coregulated across both partners. These include immunity, metabolism, metal control, apoptosis, and bacterial stress response.

Conclusions

The study of these tightly regulated functions, which are at the center of symbiotic regulations, provides evidence on how hosts and bacteria finely tune their gene expression and respond to different physiological challenges constrained by insect development in a nutritionally limited ecological niche.

Graphical Abstract
Long-term survival in venous thromboembolic disease: rivaroxaban vs. warfarin – propensity score matching study
Authors: Ramos-Isaza Estefan , Tuta-Quintero Eduardo , Bastidas-Goyes Alirio , Diaz-Quijano Diana , Aponte-Murcia Carolina , Espitia-Angel Julian , Pinto-Beltran Daniel , Rincón-Hernández Johan , Sánchez-Cuellar Juan , Pérez-Bueno Jesus , Giraldo-Cadavid Luis F.
Published: December 2023

Background

Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) is characterized by obstruction of venous blood flow by a thrombus. Survival data, frequency of disease recurrence, and bleeding rate in patients on anticoagulant therapy with warfarin compared to rivaroxaban in the Latin American population are limited in VTE.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching analysis was conducted in patients with pulmonary embolism and/or deep vein thrombosis anticoagulated with warfarin or rivaroxaban treated. Survival analysis was performed using a Kaplan-Meier curve for each of the intervention groups, and it was compared using a Log Rank test.

Results

Of 2193 potentially eligible patients with a suspected diagnosis of VTE, 505 patients entered the analysis; of these, 285 subjects were managed with warfarin and 220 anticoagulated with rivaroxaban. Major bleeding at 12 months occurred in 2.7% (6/220) of patients treated with Rivaroxaban, compared to 10.2% (29/285) in the Warfarin group in the unmatched population (p = 0.001). In the matched population, bleeding at 12 months occurred in 2.9% (6/209) of patients on Rivaroxaban and in 11.0% (23/209) of patients on Warfarin (p = 0.001). The survival rates at 6 months were 97.1% for Rivaroxaban and 97.6% for Warfarin (p = 0.76). At 12 months, the survival rates were 94.7% for Rivaroxaban and 95.7% for Warfarin (p = 0.61).

Conclusion

In the treatment of VTE, there is no differences on 6 and 12-month survival or a reduction in the occurrence of new thromboembolic events when comparing rivaroxaban to warfarin. However, a lower risk of major bleeding is observed at 12 months with Rivaroxaban.