bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Efficacy of Students Taking the English Writing 3 Course in an Online Learning Setting
Authors: Budiman Rahmat
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to examine the self-efficacy of students taking the English Writing 3 online tutorials at Universitas Terbuka. This study applied a quantitative approach and survey method was used to collect data. A single-stage sampling procedure was adopted to collect information about student self-efficacy. Using a questionnaire to collect data, a thorough understanding of student self-efficacy was developed. Student self-efficacy was scored on a five-point scale. The research participants were students taking the English Writing 3 online tutorials. Of 650 students, 233 students completed and returned the questionnaires. Descriptive analytics were used to describe and summarize the data in order to provide the ground for finding new facts. The findings indicated that the majority of students had high self-efficacy. The students demonstrated sufficient ability, confidence, and resilience to accomplish certain tasks that were necessary for their learning This study confirmed that male and female students did not significantly differ in self-efficacy. It was found that there may be a link between age (maturity) and self-efficacy. In addition, self-efficacy could be attributed to previous learning experience. It was apparent from this study that self-efficacy was dynamic; self-efficacy development and growth were likely influenced by student learning progressions. The present study has provided a deeper insight into the nature of students learning English writings in an online distance learning environment.
Partial femoral head replacement: a new innovative hip-preserving approach for treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head and its finite element analysis
Authors: Yang Yanjiang , Cheng Xiaodong , Chen Wei , Li Guimiao , Wang Yuchuan , Sun Weiyi , An Wen , Zhang Qi , Zhang Yingze
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Controversy remains regarding the optimal treatment for stage III Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). This study presents, for the first time, the precise treatment of stage III ONFH using the “substitute the beam for a pillar” technique and performs a comparative finite element analysis with other hip-preserving procedures.

Methods: A formalin-preserved femur of male cadavers was selected to obtain the CT scan data of femur. The proximal femur model was reconstructed and assembled using Mimics 20.0, Geomagic, and UG-NX 12.0 software with four different implant types: simple core decompression, fibula implantation, porous tantalum rod implantation, and partial replacement prosthesis. The finite element simulations were conducted to simulate the normal walking gait, and the stress distribution and displacement data of the femur and the implant model were obtained.

Results: The peak von Mises stress of the femoral head and proximal femur in the partial replacement of the femoral head (PRFH) group were 22.8 MPa and 37.4 MPa, respectively, which were 3.1%–38.6% and 12.8%–37.4% lower than those of the other three surgical methods.

Conclusion: The PRFH group exhibits better mechanical performance, reducing stress and displacement in the ONFH area, thus maintaining femoral head stability. Among the four hip-preserving approaches, from a biomechanical perspective, PRFH offers a new option for treating ONFH.
The game of academic publishing: a review of gamified publication practices in the social sciences
Authors: Köbli Nathalie Ann , Leisenheimer Luisa , Achter Mira , Kucera Teresa , Schadler Cornelia
Published: January 2024

In the last decades, academic publishing in the Social Sciences has experienced a shift toward research management by non-academic stakeholders and performance-based funding systems (PBFSs). The resulting conditions of knowledge production and dissemination are increasingly described with “game” metaphors. This article provides a literature review of research concerning publishing in the Social Sciences and discusses how gamification becomes a key element. Quantifying publication outcomes to assess and financially incentivize research performance results in a highly competitive playing field where access to goods and services is denied to those who play the game poorly. The pressure to publish leads to unethical behavior and predatory publishing which are two side-effects of gamified practices. The reviewed literature also shows unequal starting conditions in terms of gender and language inequalities, as well as the dominance of the Global North. We conclude that the gamification of publication practices in the Social Sciences leads to stressful and dreadful environments.
What underlies sex differences in heart failure onset within the first year after a first myocardial infarction?
Authors: Leboube Simon , Camboulives Louise , Bochaton Thomas , Amaz Camille , Bergerot Cyrille , Altman Mikhail , Loppinet Thomas , Cherpaz Maelle , Monsec Thierry , Sportouch Catherine , Trinh Annie , Soulier Camille , Bernard Anne , Derumeaux Genevieve , Mewton Nathan , Ovize Michel , Thibault Hélène
Published: January 2024

Background

Women are more likely to develop heart failure (HF) after myocardial infarction. However, diagnosis and reperfusion are often delayed.

Objectives

To compare the prevalence of HF after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI)-treated ST segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) between sexes and to study its associations with comorbidities, infarct size, and left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunctions (DD).

Methods

The patients with PPCI-treated anterior STEMI, from the CIRCUS study cohort, were followed up for 1 year and HF events were recorded. Evaluation of ejection fraction (LVEF) and DD were performed at baseline and at 1 year. The elevated LV filling pressure (LVFP) included Grades 2 and 3 DD.

Results

Of the 791 patients from the CIRCUS study, 135 were women. At 1 year, the proportion of patients who developed HF was 21% among men and 34% among women (p = 0.001). In the subset of 407 patients with available diastolic parameters, the rate of HF was also higher in women. HF during the initial hospitalization was comparable between the sexes. However, women had a higher incidence of rehospitalization for HF within the first year after STEMI (14.1% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.005). Women were older with a higher prevalence of hypertension. The infarct size and LVEF were similar between the sexes. Elevated LVFP was observed more frequently in women than in men during the initial hospitalization and at 1 year (26% vs. 12%, p = 0.04, and 22% vs. 12%, p = 0.006, respectively). Interestingly, only initial elevated LVFP (HR 5.9, 95% CI: 2.4–14.5, p < 0.001), age, and hypertension were independently associated with rehospitalization for HF.

Conclusions

After PPCI-treated anterior STEMI, despite comparable infarct size and LVEF, women presented a higher proportion of rehospitalization for HF than men. That was likely due to a greater DD associated with older age and hypertension.
Automated titanium fastener vs. hand-tied knots for prosthesis fixation in infective endocarditis
Authors: Kahrovic Amila , Angleitner Philipp , Herkner Harald , Werner Paul , Poschner Thomas , Alajbegovic Leila , Kocher Alfred , Ehrlich Marek , Laufer Günther , Andreas Martin
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To date, there is no evidence regarding the safety of automated titanium fastener compared with hand-tied knots for prosthesis fixation in infective endocarditis.

Methods

Between January 2016 and December 2022, a total of 220 patients requiring surgery for infective endocarditis were included in this retrospective analysis. The primary study endpoint was re-endocarditis during follow-up. The secondary study endpoints included stroke onset, all-cause mortality, and a composite outcome of either re-endocarditis, stroke, or all-cause mortality during follow-up.

Results

Suture-securing with an automated titanium fastener was performed in 114 (51.8%) patients, whereas the conventional technique of hand knot-tying was used in 106 (48.2%) patients. The risk of re-endocarditis was significantly lower in the automated titanium fastener group, as shown in a multivariable proportional competing risk regression model (adjusted sub-hazard ratio 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.11–0.99, p = 0.048). The multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that the automated titanium fastener group was not associated with an increased risk of stroke-onset or attaining the composite outcome, respectively, (adjusted hazard ratio 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.27–1.08, p = 0.082), (adjusted hazard ratio 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.42–1.02, p = 0.061). Also, this group was not associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, as demonstrated in the multivariable Poisson regression analysis (adjusted incidence-rate ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 0.83–2.42, p = 0.202).

Conclusions

The use of automated titanium fastener device seems to be safe for infective endocarditis. Analyses of larger cohorts are required.
Using the tectophase conceptual model to assess late Triassic–Early Jurassic far-field tectonism across the South-central Barents Sea shelf
Authors: Martins Gustavo , Ettensohn Frank R. , Knutsen Stig-Morten
Published: January 2024

The Upper Triassic–Lower Jurassic succession of the Barents Sea Shelf (BSS) represents one of Europe’s most prolific and strategic petroleum systems. This succession reflects various depositional environments and tectonostratigraphic events. Even though these strata are considered largely well-understood, connections with far-field stresses triggered by regional tectonics remain a subject of investigation. This study presents new interpretations that focus on relationships between the stratigraphic succession across the south-central BSS and Triassic–Jurassic Novaya Zemlya compressional tectonics. By applying the “tectophase model,” developed in the Appalachian Basin, to analyze this succession, the presence of foreland-basin depozones and associated far-field processes related to compressional tectonics in an adjacent orogen are suggested. This model addresses unconformity development, lithostratigraphic succession, and reactivation of structures. Use of this model suggests far-field tectonostratigraphic responses during two episodes of Novaya Zemlya tectonism, reflected in the coeval BSS stratigraphy. Overall, this tectonostratigraphic study aligns with other research suggesting a Late Triassic inception for Novaya Zemlya compressional tectonism, which influenced larger parts of the BSS through extensive clastic sedimentation, far-field structural reactivation, and flexural responses to deformational loading triggered by tectonics.
New evidence of predictive validity of SRSS-IE scores with middle and high school students
Authors: Lane Kathleen Lynne , Oakes Wendy Peia , Buckman Mark Matthew , Lane Nathan Allen , Lane Katie Scarlett , Fleming Kandace , Swinburne Romine Rebecca E. , Sherod Rebecca L. , Cantwell Emily Dawn , Chang Chi-Ning
Published: January 2024

Introduction

We report predictive validity of the newly defined Student Risk Screening Scale – Internalizing and Externalizing (SRSS-IE 9, with 9 items) when used for the first time by middle and high school teachers from 43 schools.

Methods

The sample included 11,773 middle school-aged students representing four geographic regions, and 7,244 high school-aged students representing three geographic regions.

Results

Results indicated fall SRSS-IE externalizing and internalizing latent factors as well as subscale scores (SRSS-E5, SRSS-I4, respectively) predicted year-end behavioral (office discipline referrals and in school suspensions) and academic (course failures) outcomes for middle and high school students as well as referrals to special education for middle school students. Internalizing scores also predicted referrals to special education for high school students. Externalizing and internalizing scores predicted nurse visits at the middle and high school levels with all models except for subscale models of internalizing in middle school. SRSS-IE 12 subscale scores for externalizing (SRSS-E7) and internalizing (SRSS-I5) using the original 12 items were similarly predictive of these outcomes, with few variations.

Discussion

We discuss educational implications, limitations, and directions for future inquiry.
How to ensure the sustainable supply of childcare educators: factors influencing student teachers’ career choice
Authors: Wang Xinghua , Liu Yi , Qiu Yue , Tang Jin , Wang Dan , Zou Jun
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Guided by the Factors Influencing Teaching Choice (FIT-Choice) model, this study investigates the career choices of student teachers majoring in childcare and analyses the factors influencing their career choices to address the teacher recruitment issue in the childcare industry in China.

Methods

A total of 444 participants from vocational colleges were selected, and questionnaires were used to ask about their career choice intention and the influencing factors.

Results and discussion

The FIT-Choice model is theoretically acceptable, although the subscales for personal utility value should be reformulated. Students majoring in childcare have a positive but weak intention to become childcare educators. Their career choice intentions are jointly influenced by their social influences, task perceptions, values and fallback career, with task perceptions and values playing mediating roles between social influences and career choice intentions.
Hemoglobin is associated with BMDs and risk of the 10-year probability of fractures in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Ren-xuan , Xu Na , Guo Yu-ning , Wang Yan , Liang Yan-wei , Zhou Xiao-lian , Jiang Wen-tong , Wei Jian-xia , Zhang Xin-yuan , Zhou Li-na , Zhu Lei , Zhou Yan-man , Xu Jin
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the associations between hemoglobin (HGB) levels and bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) population of different ages.

Method

This cross-sectional study included 641 patients with T2DM (57.9% males). BMD of the femoral neck (FN), total hip (TH), and lumbar spine (LS) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The 10-year probability of fracture was assessed using a fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX). HGB and other biochemical indices were measured in a certified laboratory at our hospital. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 and R language (R version 4.1.0). Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to identify the associations between HGB and BMD and fracture risk.

Results

Patients with osteoporosis have lower HGB levels than the non-osteoporotic population and lower FN BMD in patients with anemia than in the non-anemic population. In patients with T2DM, there was sex- and age-related variability in the correlation between HGB levels and BMDs and fracture risk. In older men, HGB level was an independent determinant of BMD and was positively correlated with FN and TH BMD. In non-older women, HGB level was an independent determinant of BMD and fracture risk, positively associated with BMDs and negatively associated with 10-year probability of fracture risk. GAMs revealed a positive linear association between HGB level and BMDs in non-older female patients but not in older male patients.

Conclusion

Our study provides a new perspective on the association of HGB level and BMDs with fracture risk. Relatively high HGB levels are a protective factor for bone quality in patients with T2DM. However, the bone-protective effect of HGB is influenced by age and sex and persists only in older men and non-older women with T2DM.
An ensemble model for short-term wind power prediction based on EEMD-GRU-MC
Authors: Wang Peilin , Su Chengguo , Li Li , Yuan Wenlin , Guo Chaoyu
Published: January 2024

As a kind of clean and renewable energy, wind power is of great significance for alleviating energy crisis and environmental pollution. However, the strong randomness and large volatility of wind power bring great challenges to the dispatching and safe operation of the power grid. Hence, accurate and reliable short-term prediction of wind power is crucial for the power grid dispatching department arranging reasonable day-ahead generation schedules. Targeting the problem of low model prediction accuracy caused by the strong intermittency and large volatility of wind power, this paper develops a novel ensemble model for short-term wind power prediction which integrates the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) algorithm, the gated recurrent unit (GRU) model and the Markov chain (MC) technique. Firstly, the EEMD algorithm is used to decompose the historical wind power sequence into a group of relatively stationary subsequences to reduce the influence of random fluctuation components and noise. Then, the GRU model is employed to predict each subsequence, and the predicted values of each subsequence are aggregated to get the preliminary prediction results. Finally, to further enhance the prediction accuracy, the MC is used to modified the prediction results. A large number of numerical examples indicates that the proposed EEMD-GRU-MC model outperforms the six benchmark models (i.e., LSTM, GRU, EMD-LSTM, EMD-GRU, EEMD-LSTM and EEMD-GRU) in terms of multiple evaluation indicators. Taking the spring dataset of the ZMS wind farm, for example, the MAE, RMSE and MAPE of the EEMD-GRU-MC model is 1.37 MW, 1.97 MW, and from 1.76%, respectively. Moreover, the mean prediction error of the developed model in all scenarios is less than or close to 2%. After 30 iterations, the proposed model uses an average of about 35 min to accurately predict the wind power of the next day, proving its high computation efficiency. It can be concluded that the ensemble model based on EEMD-GRU-MC is a promising prospect for short-term wind power prediction.
Digital twin modeling method based on IFC standards for building construction processes
Authors: Dai Chengyuan , Cheng Ke , Liang Bangxun , Zhang Xinyi , Liu Qizhou , Kuang Zengqin
Published: January 2024

Intelligent construction is a necessary way to improve the traditional construction method, and digital twin can be a crucial technology to promote intelligent construction. However, the construction field currently needs a unified method to build a standardized and universally applicable digital twin model, which is incredibly challenging in construction. Therefore, this paper proposes a general method to construct a digital twin construction process model based on the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard, aiming to realize real-time monitoring, control, and visualization management of the construction site. The method constructs a digital twin fusion model from three levels: geometric model, resource model, and behavioral model by establishing an IFC semantic model of the construction process, storing the fusion model data and the construction site data into a database, and completing the dynamic interaction of the twin data in the database. At the same time, the digital twin platform is developed to realize the visualization and control of the construction site. Combined with practical cases and analysis, the implementation effect of the method is shown and verified. The results show that the method can adapt itself to different scenarios on the construction site, which is conducive to promoting application of the digital twin in the field of construction and provides a reference to the research of practicing digital twin theory and practice.
Predicting climate change using an autoregressive long short-term memory model
Authors: Chin Seokhyun , Lloyd Victoria
Published: January 2024

Climate change is a pressing global issue. Mathematical models and global climate models have traditionally been invaluable tools in understanding the Earth’s climate system, however there are several limitations. Researchers are increasingly integrating machine learning techniques into environmental science related to time-series data; however, its application in the context of climate predictions remains open. This study develops a baseline machine learning model based on an autoregressive recurrent neural network with a long short-term memory implementation to predict the climate. The data were retrieved from the ensemble-mean version of the ERA5 dataset. The model developed in this study could predict the general trends of the Earth when used to predict both the climate and weather. When predicting climate, the model could achieve reasonable accuracy for a long period, with the ability to predict seasonal patterns, which is a feature that other researchers could not achieve with the complex reanalysis data utilized in this study. This study demonstrates that machine learning models can be utilized in a climate forecasting approach as a viable alternative to mathematical models and can be utilized to supplement current work that is mostly successful in short-term predictions.
Nanobodies: a promising approach to treatment of viral diseases
Authors: Minatel Vitória Meneghetti , Prudencio Carlos Roberto , Barraviera Benedito , Ferreira Rui Seabra
Published: January 2024

Since their discovery in the 1990s, heavy chain antibodies have garnered significant interest in the scientific community. These antibodies, found in camelids such as llamas and alpacas, exhibit distinct characteristics from conventional antibodies due to the absence of a light chain in their structure. Furthermore, they possess a single antigen-binding domain known as VHH or Nanobody (Nb). With a small size of approximately 15 kDa, these Nbs demonstrate improved characteristics compared to conventional antibodies, including greater physicochemical stability and enhanced biodistribution, enabling them to bind inaccessible epitopes more effectively. As a result, Nbs have found numerous applications in various medical and veterinary fields, particularly in diagnostics and therapeutics. Advances in biotechnology have made the production of recombinant antibodies feasible and compatible with large-scale manufacturing. Through the construction of immune phage libraries that display VHHs and subsequent selection through biopanning, it has become possible to isolate specific Nbs targeting pharmaceutical targets of interest, such as viruses. This review describes the processes involved in nanobody production, from hyperimmunization to purification, with the aim of their application in the pharmaceutical industry.
Industry influence on mental health research: depression as a case example
Authors: Cosgrove Lisa , Patterson Elissa H. , Bursztajn Harold J.
Published: January 2024

Emotional distress has been rising since before the COVID-19 pandemic and the public is told that depression is a major public health problem. For example, in 2017 depressive disorders were ranked as the third leading cause of “years lost to disability” and the World Health Organization now ranks depression as the single largest contributor to global disability. Although critical appraisals of the epidemiological data raise questions about the accuracy of population-based depression estimates, the dominance of the medical model and the marketing of psychotropics as “magic bullets,” have contributed to a dramatic rise in the prescription of psychiatric drugs. Unfortunately, the pharmaceutical industry’s influence on psychiatric research and practice has resulted in over-estimates of the effectiveness of psychotropic medications and an under-reporting of harms. This is because the principles that govern commercial entities are incongruent with the principles that guide public health research and interventions. In order to conduct mental health research and develop interventions that are in the public’s best interest, we need non-reductionist epistemological and empirical approaches that incorporate a biopsychosocial perspective. Taking depression as a case example, we argue that the socio-political factors associated with emotional distress must be identified and addressed. We describe the harms of industry influence on mental health research and show how the emphasis on “scaling up” the diagnosis and treatment of depression is an insufficient response from a public health perspective. Solutions for reform are offered.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and prognosis of melanoma 2 years after the pandemic in two Romanian counties
Authors: Apostu Adina Patricia , Vesa Ștefan Cristian , Frățilă Simona , Iancu Gabriela , Bejinariu Nona , Muntean Maximilian , Șenilă Simona C. , Baba Oana Alexandra , Secășan Cristina Pop , Ungureanu Loredana
Published: January 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the healthcare system and negatively affected the diagnosis and management of melanoma worldwide. The purpose of this study is to investigate the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and prognosis of melanoma.

Materials and methods

This retrospective cohort study included histopathologically confirmed melanoma cases from March 2019 to February 2023 in Cluj and Bihor counties. Data from the post-COVID-19 period (March 2021 to February 2023) were compared to the pre-COVID-19 period (March 2019 to February 2020) and the COVID-19 period (March 2020 to February 2021). Patient characteristics, monthly diagnostics, histological subtypes, and key histological features were analyzed using statistical tests.

Results

The number of melanoma cases diagnosed annually decreased by 31.37 and 23.75% in the first and second post-pandemic years, respectively, compared to pre-pandemic numbers. Diagnostic rates also decreased by 14.9 and 5.4% in the first and second post-pandemic years, respectively, compared to the pandemic period. Prognostic factors worsened in the post-pandemic period, with higher Breslow index and mitotic rate, and increased ulceration and thick melanomas compared to the pre-pandemic period.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic had a long-lasting impact on the diagnosis of melanoma in Romania, resulting in advanced stages and unfavorable prognostic factors. Larger global studies are needed to comprehensively understand the pandemic’s long-term effects on the diagnosis of melanoma.
Dynamic monitoring of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, APACHE II score, and SOFA score predict prognosis and drug resistance in patients with Acinetobacter baumannii–calcoaceticus complex bloodstream infection: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Wei Zhiyong , Zhao Lina , Yan Jia , Wang Xuejie , Li Qun , Ji Yuanyuan , Liu Jie , Cui Yan , Xie Keliang
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of dynamic monitoring of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II) score, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score in predicting 28-day prognosis and drug resistance in patients with bloodstream infection with Acinetobacter baumannii–calcoaceticus complex (Abc complex).

Patients and methods

In this research, individuals admitted to Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2017 to March 2023 with bloodstream infections and a minimum of one Abc complex positive blood culture were chosen. The risk factors for the 28-day prognosis and drug resistance were analyzed using logistic regression. The NLR, APACHE II score, and SOFA score were evaluated for predicting 28-day prognosis and drug resistance using an ROC curve analysis. The data were analyzed using R Studio to find correlations and conduct survival analysis with the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

The final statistical analysis included a total of 129 patients with bloodstream infections caused by Abc complex. Independent risk factors predicting mortality within 28 days were identified as follows: the SOFA score and APACHE II scores at 24 h, and APACHE II scores at 72 h after the onset of blood infection (p < 0.05). NLR, SOFA score, and APACHE II score did not predict drug resistance. Patients with Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii–calcoaceticus complex (CRAB) had shorter survival times than those with carbapenem-sensitive strains (40.77 days vs. 47.65 days, respectively, p = 0.0032).

Conclusion

The prognosis of Abc complex bloodstream infection is affected by both SOFA and APACHE II scores. Both scoring systems have similar prognostic values at different time points after infection, but for computational convenience, it is recommended to use the SOFA score. NLR exhibits limited effectiveness in predicting mortality within 28 days. Carbapenem-resistant individuals with Abc complex experience significantly reduced survival time. None of the three factors—SOFA score, APACHE II score, and NLR—can early predict the occurrence of CRAB infections effectively.
Aromatic amino acid metabolites alter interferon signaling and influenza pathogenesis
Authors: Anand Gautam , Clark-Dinovo Colin , Perry Alexandra M. , Goodwin Victoria M. , St. Raymond Emma , Sakleshpur Sonia , Steed Ashley L.
Published: January 2024

The ability of gut microbial metabolites to influence the host is increasingly recognized. The microbiota extensively metabolizes the three aromatic amino acids, tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. Previously we have found that a metabolite of tyrosine, 4-OH-phenylpropionic acid, can enhance type I interferon (IFN) signaling and protect from influenza pathogenesis in a murine model. Herein we screened 17 related aromatic amino acid metabolites for effects on IFN signaling in human lung epithelial cells and monocytes alone and in the presence of IFN-β, influenza, and LPS. While the tryptophan family metabolites reduced IFN signaling in both cell types, the tyrosine and phenylalanine metabolites had varied effects, which were cell-type dependent. Pooled treatment of all these metabolites reduced IFN signaling in both cell types and suggested a tryptophan metabolite effect dominance. Strikingly, when all the metabolites were pooled together, we found reduced influenza recovery in both cell types. RNA sequencing further validated reduced viral loads and decreased IFN signaling. Single gene silencing of significantly upregulated genes identified by RNA sequencing (EGR2, ATP6VD02, SPOCK1, and IL31RA) did not completely abrogate the metabolite induced decrease in IFN signaling. However, these upregulated targets suggested a mechanistic link to TGF-beta signaling. Treatment with a TGF-beta inhibitor and combined targeted gene silencing led to a significant reversal of metabolite induced IFN signaling suppression. Finally, we demonstrated that intranasal administration of these metabolites prior to influenza infection led to reduced animal morbidity, viral titers, and inflammation. Our work implies that microbial metabolites can alter IFN signaling mechanistically through TGF-beta and promote beneficial outcomes during influenza infection.
Navigating the landscape of mitochondrial-ER communication in health and disease
Authors: Ronayne Conor T. , Latorre-Muro Pedro
Published: January 2024

Intracellular organelle communication enables the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and health through synchronized adaptive processes triggered by environmental cues. Mitochondrial-Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) communication sustains cellular fitness by adjusting protein synthesis and degradation, and metabolite and protein trafficking through organelle membranes. Mitochondrial-ER communication is bidirectional and requires that the ER-components of the Integrated Stress Response signal to mitochondria upon activation and, likewise, mitochondria signal to the ER under conditions of metabolite and protein overload to maintain proper functionality and ensure cellular survival. Declines in the mitochondrial-ER communication occur upon ageing and correlate with the onset of a myriad of heterogeneous age-related diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, or neurodegenerative pathologies. Thus, the exploration of the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial-ER signaling and regulation will provide insights into the most fundamental cellular adaptive processes with important therapeutical opportunities. In this review, we will discuss the pathways and mechanisms of mitochondrial-ER communication at the mitochondrial-ER interface and their implications in health and disease.
Anomalous branching of the middle meningeal artery from the basilar artery: a systematic review
Authors: Salman Maryam A. , Mallah Saad I. , Almadi Faris Soloman , Almayman Talal , Corbally Martin
Published: January 2024

Background

Anomalous origin of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) from the basilar artery is a rare congenital neurological variant that has been detected in both children and adults with diagnoses ranging from intracranial haemorrhage to ependymoma. This review aims to investigate the anatomical course of an anomalous basilar-middle meningeal artery and its clinical presentation.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in PubMed using the keywords (middle meningeal artery) and (basilar artery). Ninety-four papers were identified, of which seven were included. One paper was further identified through cross-referencing.

Results

The average age of presentation was 43 years with a male predominance (7/9). In most cases, the MMA arose between the superior cerebellar artery and the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (8/9) (versus 1 case between the anterior inferior cerebellar artery and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery). The anomaly mostly presented on the left side (6/11), but was bilateral in one case. Most of the cases showed a pontine artery branching from the basilar artery arising 5 mm to 10 mm proximal to the superior cerebellar artery, which would then assume the trajectory of the MMA. In three cases, the vessel increased in calibre near the trigeminal ganglion. Foramen spinosum absence in the anomalous side was noted in 3/6 of the patients.

Conclusion

To avoid unexpected complications during neurosurgical and neuroradiointerventional procedures, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the anomalous routes of the MMA. This is especially important when it proves to be the only available route for embolization.
Executive function and adult homelessness, true impairment or frontal lobology?
Authors: Pluck Graham
Published: January 2024

Homelessness is associated with multiple risk factors for neurocognitive impairment. Past research with people experiencing homelessness has described “frontal lobe” dysfunction including behavioral disorders and executive cognitive impairments. In the current study, 72 adults experiencing homelessness were assessed with a standardized assessment of executive function, and interviewed regarding neurological and psychiatric history. When compared to a control sample of 25 never-homeless participants, and controlling for level of education, there was little evidence for executive dysfunction in the sample of people experiencing homelessness. Levels of substance abuse, past head injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder were notably high. However, there were no statistically significant associations between cognitive task performance and clinical or substance abuse variables. Gambling was surprisingly infrequent, but risk-taking behavior among intravenous drug users was common. Though in neither case was it linked to executive function. Overall, there was little evidence for executive impairment in this sample of people experiencing homelessness. I suggest that past research has often used inappropriate criteria for “normal” performance, particularly comparing people experiencing homelessness to control data of relatively high education level. This has led to elements of “frontal lobology,” that is, clinical neuroscience research that tends to overly link non-typical or pathological behavior to frontal lobe impairment. When appropriate comparisons are made, controlling for education level, as in this study, associations between executive function impairments and adult homelessness may be weaker than previously reported.
A single dose multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement enhances upper body resistance exercise performance
Authors: Beyer Kyle S. , Gadsden Max , Patterson-Zuber Patrick , Gonzalez Adam M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS) are commonly used by individuals looking to enhance exercise performance and augment adaptations to training. However, the efficacy of commercially available MIPS is largely dependent on the ingredient profile, and new formulations should be investigated to determine their effectiveness. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a commercially available MIPS product on performance during an upper body resistance exercise protocol.

Methods

Twenty resistance-trained participants (10 men, 10 women) volunteered to complete this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study consisting of 3 visits. Visit 1 consisted of body composition, 1-repetition maximum (1RM) testing, and familiarization. Visits 2 and 3 consisted of supplementation with either MIPS or placebo (PLA) 1 h prior to completion of an upper body resistance exercise workout during which power output, repetitions completed, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and perceived recovery were recorded. Assessments of reaction time, isometric mid-thigh pull, and perceived levels of focus, energy, fatigue, and “muscle pump” were also completed before supplementation, 1 h after supplementation, and immediately after exercise.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed significant main effects of trial for reaction time (p < 0.001) and bench press peak power (p = 0.026) indicating better performance during the MIPS trial. Furthermore, total number of repetitions completed significantly increased (p = 0.003) during the MIPS (96.90 ± 21.31 repetitions) trial compared to PLA (89.50 ± 18.37 repetitions). Additionally, overall session RPE was significantly lower (p = 0.002) during the MIPS (7.6 ± 1.2) trial compared to PLA (8.3 ± 0.9).

Discussion

These findings suggest that acute supplementation with this MIPS improved upper body resistance exercise performance while reducing participant RPE. Further research should investigate the efficacy of chronic supplementation with this MIPS as the acute response provided an ergogenic benefit.
Effect of transanal drainage tube on prevention of anastomotic leakage after anterior rectal cancer surgery taking indwelling time into consideration: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Xinzhen , Zhang Xiang , Li Xin , Yu Ao , Zhang Xiqiang , Dong Shuohui , Liu Zitian , Cheng Zhiqiang , Wang Kexin
Published: January 2024

Background

Placement of an indwelling transanal drainage tube (TDT) to prevent anastomotic leakage (AL) after anterior rectal cancer surgery has become a routine choice for surgeons in the recent years. However, the specific indwelling time of the TDT has not been explored. We performed this meta-analysis and considered the indwelling time a critical factor in re-analyzing the effectiveness of TDT placement in prevention of AL after anterior rectal cancer surgery.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies which evaluated the effectiveness of TDT in prevention of AL after rectal cancer surgery and considered the indwelling time of TDT were identified using a predesigned search strategy in databases up to November 2022. This meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled AL rates (Overall and different AL grades) and reoperation rates at different TDT indwelling times and stoma statuses.

Results

Three RCTs and 15 cohort studies including 2381 cases with TDT and 2494 cases without TDT were considered eligible for inclusion. Our meta-analysis showed that the indwelling time of TDT for ≥5-days was associated with a significant reduction (TDT vs. Non-TDT) in overall AL (OR=0.46,95% CI 0.34-0.60, p<0.01), grade A+B AL (OR=0.64, 95% CI 0.42-0.97, p=0.03), grade C AL (OR=0.35, 95% CI 0.24-0.53, p<0.01), overall reoperation rate (OR=0.36, 95%CI 0.24-0.53, p<0.01) and that in patients without a prophylactic diverting stoma (DS) (OR=0.24, 95%CI 0.14-0.41, p<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in any of the abovementioned indicators (p>0.05) when the indwelling time of TDT was less than 5 days.

Conclusion

Extending the postoperative indwelling time of TDT to 5 days may reduce the overall AL and the need for reoperation in patients without a prophylactic DS.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023407451, identifier CRD42023407451.
A global bibliometric and visualized analysis of the links between the autophagy and acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Gao Yao , Wu Zhenhui , Chen Yingfan , Shang Guangbin , Zeng Yingjian , Gao Yue
Published: January 2024

Background and objectives: Autophagy is a cellular process where damaged organelles or unwanted proteins are packaged into a double-membrane structure and transported to lysosomes for degradation. Autophagy plays a regulatory role in various hematologic malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, there are few bibliometric studies on the role of autophagy in AML. The purpose of this study is to clarify the role of autophagy in acute myeloid leukemia through bibliometric analysis.

Methods: The literature on autophagy and AML research from 2003 to 2023 was searched in Web of Science Core Collection, and bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer 1.6.18, Cite Space (6.1.R3), RStudio (R package bibliometrix), and Scimago Graphica were used to understand the current status and hotspots of autophagy and AML research. The study conducted an analysis of various dimensions including the quantity of publications, countries, institutions, journals, authors, co-references, keywords, and to predict future development trends in this field by drawing relevant visualization maps.

Results: A total of 343 articles were obtained, published in 169 journals, written by 2,323 authors from 295 institutions in 43 countries. The journals with the most publications were Blood and Oncotarget. China had the most publications, and Chongqing Medical University and Sun Yat-sen University had the most publications. The author with the highest number of publications was Tschan, Mario P. The main types of research included clinical research, in vitro experiments, in vivo experiments, public database information, and reviews, and the forms of therapeutic effects mainly focused on genetic regulation, traditional Chinese medicine combination, autophagy inhibitors, and drug targets. The research hotspots of autophagy and AML in the past 17 years have focused on genetic regulation, autophagy inhibition, and targeted drugs. Chemotherapy resistance and mitochondrial autophagy will be the forefront of research.

Conclusion: The gradual increase in the literature on autophagy and AML research and the decline after 2022 could be a result of authors focusing more on the type of research and the quality of the literature. The current research hotspots are mainly genetic regulation, autophagy inhibition, and autophagy-related targeted drugs. In future, autophagy will remain the focus of the AML field, with research trends likely to focus more on AML chemotherapy resistance and mitochondrial autophagy.
Mechanistic evaluation of antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory effect of campesterol ester derivatives in complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritic rats
Authors: Nazir Sarwat , Ahmad Ishtiaq , Mobashar Aisha , Sharif Ali , Shabbir Arham , Chaudhary Waqas Ashraf
Published: January 2024

Background: Current therapies for RA have limitations and side effects, leading to a growing need for safer treatment options. Natural compounds from plants are gaining attention for their therapeutic benefits and fewer side effects. One such compound is the campesterol derivative, a steroid derivative occurring in plants. Studies have shown that this derivative has anti-inflammatory properties and can impact the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. The primary objective of this study was to explore and assess the potential therapeutic effects of Campesterol Ester Derivatives (CED) utilizing a rat model of arthritis induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA).

Method: The rats were divided into specific experimental groups and treated with either CED or piroxicam (as a positive control) for a duration of 28 days. We determined the effects of CED on various parameters including paw edema, thermal hyperalgesia, and mechanical allodynia at different time points. Furthermore, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers and histological analyses were performed. Additionally, mRNA expression levels of inflammatory markers, both pro-inflammatory (such as TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-6, COX-1, COX-2, and IL-4) and anti-inflammatory were analyzed.

Results: In the arthritic rat model, CED exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects and resulted in a notable reduction in paw edema levels compared to the control group. Histopathological examination of the treated rats’ paws confirmed a decrease in inflammation and tissue damage, including reduced pannus formation and bone erosion. Importantly, there were no observable signs of damage to the liver and kidneys following CED treatment, indicating its safety profile and potential for organ protection. At the molecular level, CED treatment downregulated mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory markers, indicating its ability to suppress inflammation. Conversely, certain anti-inflammatory markers were upregulated following CED treatment, suggesting a positive influence on the immune response. The positive effects of CED were not limited to joint inflammation; it also showed systemic benefits by positively influencing hematological and biochemical parameters.

Conclusion: CED demonstrated promising therapeutic potential as an anti-inflammatory intervention for arthritis in the experimental rat model. Its ability to reduce inflammation, protect tissues, and improve organ function indicates its multifaceted benefits.
Structure of native photosystem II assembly intermediate from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Fadeeva Mariia , Klaiman Daniel , Kandiah Eaazhisai , Nelson Nathan
Published: January 2024

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Photosystem II (PSII) is a dimer consisting of at least 13 nuclear-encoded and four chloroplast-encoded protein subunits that collectively function as a sunlight-driven oxidoreductase. In this study, we present the inaugural structure of a green alga PSII assembly intermediate (pre-PSII-int). This intermediate was isolated from chloroplast membranes of the temperature-sensitive mutant TSP4, cultivated for 14 hours at a non-permissive temperature. The assembly state comprises a monomer containing subunits A, B, C, D, E, F, H, I, K, and two novel assembly factors, Psb1 and Psb2. Psb1 is identified as a novel transmembrane helix located adjacent to PsbE and PsbF (cytochrome b559). The absence of PsbJ, typically found in mature PSII close to this position, indicates that Psb1 functions as an assembly factor. Psb2 is an eukaryotic homolog of the cyanobacterial assembly factor Psb27. The presence of iron, coupled with the absence of QA, QB, and the manganese cluster, implies a protective mechanism against photodamage and provides insights into the intricate assembly process.