bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linarine inhibits inflammatory responses in dry eye disease mice by modulating purinergic receptors
Authors: Liu Pei , Jiang Pengfei , Tan Kang , Yu Yunfeng , Qin Genyan , Liu Tingting , Tian Sainan , Peng Jun , Peng Qinghua
Published: September 2024

Background

Linarine is a natural chemical component widely found in Buddleja officinalis Maxim., Chrysanthemum indicum L., Mentha canadensis L., and other medicinal plants. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that linarine with good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities can inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of many kinds of tumor cells. Moreover, linarine showed protective effect on the liver, kidneys, and other organs.

Methods

Inflammation model of human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) was constructed using NaCl induction, and cytotoxicity was detected by the CCK8 assay. The levels of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were measured using Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Chronic painful stimulation (tail clamping) in combination with Benzalkonium Chloride Solution drops in a desiccator established a mouse model of dry eye disease (DED). The following parameters were recorded: body mass, anal temperature, tear secretion, tear film rupture time, and corneal fluorescein staining. The levels of inflammatory factors mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), IL-1β, Interleukin 18(IL-18), A2A, A3, P2X4, P2X7, P2Y1 were measured by using immunofluorescence (IF) staining.

Results

Linarine can inhibit the secreation of TNF-α, and IL-1β in HCECs. Linarine prolonged tear film rupture time, promoted tear secretion, repaired corneal damage, and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors of MAPK, NF-kB, JNK, IL-1β, IL-18, and modulated the levels of the purinergic receptor.

Conclusions

Linarine is effective in treating dry eye in mice by inhibiting purinergic receptors-mediated inflammatory response.
Generation characteristics of internal solitary waves in the Northern Andaman sea based on MODIS observations and numerical simulations
Authors: Huang Songsong , Wang Jing , Li Zhixin , Yang Zhan , Lu Yage
Published: September 2024

The generation characteristics of internal solitary waves (ISWs) in the northern Andaman Sea are studied using remote sensing data and numerical simulations. The dataset comprises 230 images taken by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) from 2020 to 2023, which reveal two distinct propagation directions of ISWs: southeastward (type-SE) and southwestward (type-SW). Generation hotspots are identified at the southern sill of the Preparis South Channel for type-SE ISWs and over the eastern shelf break for type-SW ISWs. Here, ISWs are intermittently generated, resulting in wave-free spatial gaps. The observed gaps motivate the hypothesis that ISWs are phase-locked with semidiurnal tides, resulting in specific generation time windows around slack tides. This study also reveals that the generation of ISWs is closely related to tidal ranges, with larger tidal ranges leading to more frequent ISWs. Specifically, type-SE and type-SW ISWs are detected only when the tidal range exceeds 1.3 m and 1.4 m, respectively. Numerical simulations with the MIT general circulation model further show that both types of ISWs are generated by nonlinear steepening of internal tides. The influence of background currents on ISW generation is also examined, which supports the proposed generation time window hypothesis. These findings highlight spatial gaps are attributable to the synergistic effects of MODIS observation times and intermittent generation of ISWs.
Development and validation of a prognostic score for TIPS placement in patients with viral hepatitis cirrhosis-related portal hypertension: a multi-center retrospective study
Authors: Que Zenglong , Wu Mingsong , Lai Shujie , Wang Lei , Mu Zhiyong , Yang Jinhui , Xiong Wei , Hu Hong , Liu Aimin , An Xuan , Yu Haodong , Cao Qin , Zhang Yanmei , Luo Wenwen , Wang Jun , Chen Dongfeng , Liu Fuquan , Zhang Dazhi , Wen Liangzhi
Published: September 2024

Introduction

There is no established scoring model focused on viral hepatitis patients to predict the prognosis after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). We aimed to develop and validate a novel model based on the largest cohort for better prediction of both short-term (1 year) and long-term (3 years) postoperative prognoses after TIPS in viral hepatitis cirrhosis-related portal hypertension patients.

Methods

A total of 925 viral hepatitis cirrhosis-related portal hypertension patients who underwent TIPS from nine hospitals were divided into the training and external validation cohorts. A novel Viral-associated Index of Post-TIPS score (VIPs) model was developed after performing Cox regression analysis. The VIPs model was compared to five previous models, namely, Child–Pugh, MELD, ALBI, CCG, and FIPS. Furthermore, X-tile software was used to stratify patients into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups.

Results

The VIPs model included age, ascites, albumin, prothrombin time, total bilirubin, and sodium for post-TIPS prognosis prediction. The model demonstrated satisfying predictive efficiency in both discrimination and calibration, with an area under the curve of 0.781/0.774 (1 year/3 years) in the training cohort and 0.771/0.775 (1 year/3 years) in the external validation cohort, respectively.

Discussion

We first developed and externally validated a novel VIPs model for better prediction of both short-term and long-term postoperative prognoses after TIPS in Chinese patients with viral hepatitis cirrhosis-related portal hypertension.
Mapping the IscR regulon sheds light on the regulation of iron homeostasis in Caulobacter
Authors: dos Santos Naara M. , Picinato Beatriz A. , Santos Lucas S. , de Araújo Hugo L. , Balan Andrea , Koide Tie , Marques Marilis V.
Published: September 2024

The role of the iron–sulfur [Fe-S] cluster transcriptional regulator IscR in maintaining [Fe-S] homeostasis in bacteria is still poorly characterized in many groups. Caulobacter crescentus and other Alphaproteobacteria have a single operon encoding [Fe-S] cluster biosynthesis enzymes. We showed that the expression of this operon increases in iron starvation, but not in oxidative stress, and is controlled mainly by IscR. Transcriptome analysis comparing an iscR null mutant strain with the wild-type (wt) strain identified 94 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 47 upregulated and 47 downregulated genes in the ΔiscR mutant. We determined the IscR binding sites in conditions of sufficient or scarce iron by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation followed by DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq), identifying two distinct putative DNA binding motifs. The estimated IscR regulon comprises 302 genes, and direct binding to several regulatory regions was shown by Electrophoresis Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA). The results showed that the IscR and Fur regulons partially overlap and that IscR represses the expression of the respiration regulator FixK, fine-tuning gene regulation in response to iron and redox balance.
Secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity produced by thermophilic bacteria from a high-altitude hydrothermal system
Authors: Pardo-Esté Coral , Cortés Johanna , Castro-Severyn Juan , Pérez Vilma , Henriquez-Aedo Karem , Cuadros Fabian , Yañez Carolina , Cuadros-Orellana Sara , Dorador Cristina , Molina Veronica , Eissler Yoanna , Paquis Pablo , Jeffrey Wade H. , Pozo Patricia , Pérez Pablo A. , Hengst Martha B.
Published: September 2024

Thermophilic microorganisms possess several adaptations to thrive in high temperature, which is reflected as biosynthesis of proteins and thermostable molecules, isolation and culture represent a great methodological challenge, therefore High throughput sequencing enables screening of the whole bacterial genome for functional potential, providing rapid and cost-effective information to guide targeted cultures for the identification and characterization of novel natural products. In this study, we isolated two thermophilic bacterial strains corresponding to Bacillus LB7 and Streptomyces LB8, from the microbial mats in the Atacama Desert. By combining genome mining, targeted cultures and biochemical characterization, we aimed to identify their capacity to synthesize bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties. Additionally, we determined the capability to produce bioactive compounds under controlled in vitro assays and detected by determining their masses by Thin-Layer Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (TLC/MS). Overall, both isolates can produce antimicrobial (e.g., Myxalamide C by-product) and antioxidants (e.g. Dihydroxymandelic Acid, Amide biotine and Flavone by-products) compounds. Bacillus LB7 strain possesses a more diverse repertoire with 51.95% of total metabolites unmatched, while Streptomyces LB8 favors mainly antioxidants, but has over 70% of unclassified compounds, highlighting the necessity to study and elucidate the structure of novel compounds. Based on these results, we postulate that the uncultured or rare cultured thermophiles inhabiting high-altitude hydrothermal ecosystems in the Atacama Desert offer a promising opportunity to the study of novel microbial bioactive compounds.
Anatomical and molecular development of the human primary visual cortex
Authors: Murphy Kathryn M. , Monteiro Leanne
Published: September 2024

The human primary visual cortex (V1) development is pivotal to understanding cortical maturation and neuroplasticity. Theories on V1 development range from early maturation models, which emphasize the early peak of synapses in infancy, to those suggesting an extended developmental timeline where key plasticity mechanisms continue to mature well into adulthood. Classic histological approaches have supported early development, while recent molecular studies highlight prolonged or multiple windows of plasticity, indicating that V1 remains susceptible to experience-dependent modifications beyond childhood. This review consolidates findings from both anatomical and molecular studies, tracing the development of V1 from prenatal stages through aging. The evidence reveals that human V1 develops across multiple timescales, with some aspects maturing early and others gradually changing across the lifespan. Reflecting on Cajal’s early work, this review underscores the importance of methodological advancements in revealing the intricate details of V1’s development.
Perinatal management and follow-up in a child with a prenatal diagnosis of OTC deficiency: a case report
Authors: Martín-Rivada Álvaro , Murray Hurtado Mercedes , Martín-Hernández Elena
Published: September 2024

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is the most common disorder of the urea cycle and is caused by a mutation of the OTC gene, located on chromosome X. Its prevalence is estimated at 1 in 80,000 to 56,500 births, but this X-chromosomal inheritance results in males being more affected than females. In neonates affected with this disorder, hyperammonemia after birth can lead to neurological and liver damage that can be fatal. We present a child with a prenatal diagnosis based on an older sibling with the same pathology, which led us to adopt an intensive treatment since the delivery. He was admitted in a neonatal unit and treatment with protein restriction, 10% glucose saline serum and glycerol phenylbutyrate was initiated. To date, after 3.5 years of follow up, growth and neurological development have been adequate, biochemical control has been appropriate except for a simple and mild decompensation during the course of a gastroenteritis. This case emphasises the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to avoid potential complications.
Machine learning-driven survival prediction in gestational trophoblastic neoplasms: a focus on PSTT and ETT prognosis
Authors: Alshwayyat Sakhr , Haddadin Zena , Alshwayyat Mustafa , Alshwayyat Tala Abdulsalam , Odat Ramez M. , Al-kurdi Mohammed Al-mahdi , Kharmoum Saoussane
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) and epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) have not been well summarized. Consequently, we conducted the largest to date series of samples of both types and employed machine learning (ML) to assess treatment effectiveness and develop accurate prognostic models for patients with GTN. Gestational choriocarcinoma (GCC) was used as the control group to show the clinical features of PTSS and ETT.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database provided the data used for this study’s analysis. To identify the prognostic variables, we conducted Cox regression analysis and constructed prognostic models using five ML algorithms to predict the 5-year survival. A validation method incorporating the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to validate the accuracy and reliability of the ML models. We also investigated the role of multiple therapeutic options using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Results

The study population comprised 725 patients. Among them, 139 patients had ETT, 107 had PSTT, and 479 had GCC. There were no significant differences in survival between the different tumor groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that metastasis was a significant prognostic factor for GCC, while older age and radiotherapy were significant prognostic factors for PTSS and ETT. ML models revealed that the Gradient Boosting classifier accurately predicted the outcomes, followed by the random forest classifier, K-Nearest Neighbors, Logistic Regression, and multilayer perceptron models. The most significant contributing factors were tumor size, year of diagnosis, age, and race.

Discussion

Our study provides a method for treatment and prognostic assessment of patients with GTN. The ML we developed can be used as a convenient individualized tool to facilitate clinical decision making.
Identification of SikCDPK family genes to low-temperature by RNA-seq approaches and functional analysis of SikCDPK1 in Saussurea involucrata (Kar. & Kir.)
Authors: Shi Guangzhen , Liu Yuling , Tian Xiaohan , Guo Jiaxiu , Zhu Xinxia
Published: September 2024

Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinases (CDPKs) are a class of serine/threonine protein kinases encoded by several gene families that play key roles in biotic and abiotic stresses response and plant growth and development. However, snow lotus (Saussurea involucrata kar L.) CDPKs has rarely been reported. In this study, 20 CDPK genes in snow lotus were identified based on transcriptome data and classified into four groups (I-IV) based on their structural features and phylogenetic analyses. Among them, the transcript levels of SikCDPK1 were significantly induced by low temperature and multiple hormone treatments, and SikCDPK1 gene was found to have different expression in snow lotus seeds, leaves, stems and roots. The full-length promoter activity of SikCDPK1 gene was higher than that of the 5’ end deletion fragment, and the promoter fragment containing the low temperature inducing element had increased activation after low temperature treatment. The promoter activity of SikCDPK1 gene was mainly expressed in roots and rosette leaves. In addition, overexpressing plants of SikCDPK1 were more tolerant compared to the wild type after being subjected to low temperature stress. Physiological analyses indicated that SikCDPK1 improved plant tolerance to low temperature stress by maintaining cell membrane stability and reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These findings provided insights into CDPK gene families in snow lotus and broaden our understanding of the biological role of SikCDPK1 and the mechanism of low temperature stress tolerance in snow lotus.
Influence of problem-solving ability and personality variables on the improvement and creativity of tactical decisions in basketball
Authors: Díaz-Rodríguez Carlos , Pérez-Córdoba Eugenio
Published: September 2024

Background

Basketball players are increasingly required not only to read the tactical actions that take place in a game but also to make correct tactical decisions. This includes greater creativity in the type of solutions they must provide when faced with various tactical situations. To acquire these skills, young players need training in which personality and general intelligence variables significantly influence the learning process.

Methods

A Perceptual Tactical Training (PTT) program was implemented, correlated with the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and the Raven’s Progressive Matrices test, to observe improvements in tactical perception and decision-making among young basketball players.

Results

The PTT produced significant improvements in tactical solutions and tactical perception for all players. Players who scored high in general intelligence found it easier to perceive tactical situations but struggled to generate original tactical solutions. Conversely, players with high psychoticism and high general intelligence were more capable of creating innovative tactical solutions but did not excel in perceiving tactical game situations.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the individual differences in intelligence and personality traits among young players to enhance their tactical decision-making and creative abilities.
Understanding resilience among migrant women in a humanitarian reception center: a qualitative study
Authors: Jiménez-Lasserrotte María del Mar , Sánchez-Ojeda María Angustias , Vázquez-González Gloria , Ruiz-Fernández María Dolores , Peña-Rodríguez Azahara , Fernández-Medina Isabel María , Granero-Molina José
Published: September 2024

Background

The European Union receives thousands of irregular migrants and refugees annually. Irregular migrant women are admitted to Humanitarian Reception Centers. These migrants face multiple adversities on their migration journey, and resilience is key to coping with process. The aim of this study was to describe and understand irregular migrant women’s experience of resilience when living in humanitarian reception centers.

Methods

Descriptive qualitative study. In-depth interviews and a focus group were carried out with 21 migrant women from different African countries, with an average age of 31.8 years. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data using ATLAS.ti computer software.

Results

Three main themes emerged: (1) Irregular migrant women in transit: extreme vulnerability. (2) Migration support networks. (3) Promoting irregular migrant women’s resilience.

Conclusion

The harshness of the migration process tests the resilience of irregular migrant women, who are a vulnerable group at high risk of social exclusion. Their time in humanitarian reception centers is significant in their process of developing resilient behaviors. The multidisciplinary resources of the humanitarian reception center help the irregular migrant women in their personal development.
Electronic cigarette use and consumption patterns in medical university students
Authors: Dilektasli Asli Gorek , Guclu Ozge Aydin , Ozpehlivan Arzu , Durak Vahide Aslihan , Gezmis Izzet , Ozgur Anıl , Cinar Burak , Demirdogen Ezgi , Ozturk Nilufer Aylin Acet , Ozkaya Guven , Coskun Funda , Ursavas Ahmet , Uzaslan Esra , Karadag Mehmet
Published: September 2024

Background

A major public health hazard is youth e-cigarette use. Although new, e-cigarette health hazards are becoming well-known in the literature. E-cigarette sale restrictions and laws differ globally. In this cross-sectional study, we studied medical university students’ tobacco and e-cigarette use and characteristics in a country where sales and import of e-cigarettes are banned. The primary objective is to determine the prevalence of electronic cigarette use and understand consumption patterns among medical faculty students in this setting.

Materials and methods

The questionnaire was sent using a web-based student information system. Sociodemographic features, tobacco and e-cigarette use, consumption patterns, and e-cigarette risk perceptions were covered in 54 questions.

Results

The study comprised 1,054 students (48.7% male) aged 21.5 ± 2.6 years who completed the questionnaire. 37.7%, 20.9% and 23.6% have smoked cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or water pipes. Current cigarette smokers were 17.0%, e-cigarette users 4.0%, and water pipe smokers 4.5%. E-cigarette users were 52.3% dual smokers. The most common symptoms reported by e-cigarette users were cough (58.4%) and dyspnea (54.2%). Multivariable models showed that the male sex, greater monthly income, and a current smoker friend were independent risk factors for e-cigarette ever use, while the male sex, paternal current smoking, and close friends’ current smoking status were risk factors for dual use among medical trainees. Many medical students who used electronic cigarettes underestimated nicotine’s health hazards and harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes. Despite e-cigarette sales being prohibited in our country, 56.4% and 25.4% of e-cigarette users provided e-cigarettes from tobacco shops and through online sales, respectively.

Conclusion

Medical university students use tobacco most often by smoking cigarettes. Despite medical university students being aware of the health hazards of e-cigarettes, the current use of electronic cigarettes is 4.0%. Male sex, greater monthly income, and having current smoker friends are independent risk factors for e-cigarette use, while paternal smoking is a risk factor for dual use among medical trainees. Although in the country, sales of e-cigarettes are banned, ever-use rates for e-cigarettes were remarkably high at 20.9%, and the ease of accessing e-cigarettes was striking.
Progress made in digitalizing antimicrobial resistance surveillance in a One Health approach in Kenya
Authors: Chuchu Veronicah M. , Njung’e Joseph , Muasa Bridgit , Gathira Muchira , Olela Geoffrey , Bubi Kinuthia S. , Ashaba Justus , Githii Susan , Ndanyi Romona , Tanui Emmanuel , Irungu John Irungu , Azegele Allan , Kadam Rigveda , Ferreyra Cecilia
Published: September 2024

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to global public health, affecting human and animal health, agriculture, food safety, and the environment. The control of AMR is often challenging, particularly when data are scanty or siloed in individual sectors. To develop evidence-based control policies for AMR, an electronic information system that integrates AMR data from various sectors, in a One Health approach, is critical.

Methodology

Acknowledging the interconnectedness of AMR in humans, animals, and the environment and the need to assess the AMR burden using a One Health approach, Kenya’s National Antimicrobial Stewardship Interagency Committee (NASIC), with support from FIND, integrated human and animal health AMR data at the national AMR data repository and developed the One Health AMR Surveillance System (OHAMRS). The OHAMRS comprises two core digital components: interoperability middleware for integrating data from various sources and a DHIS2 web portal for the analysis and visualization of AMR surveillance data from the human and animal health sectors. These components are scalable for future inclusion of data from other One Health sectors, e.g., the environment, food/feed, and aquaculture sectors.

Results

The OHAMRS has 42 dashboards that facilitate the presentation, interpretation, and dissemination of actionable information relating to AMR, including 17 dashboards for human and animal health priority pathogens and 8 for drug-resistance indicators. The priority pathogen dashboards provide visualization of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, resistance and susceptibility trends, resistance tables, and geospatial susceptibility maps. Other dashboards include surveillance sites and specimen reports, data completeness, data reconciliation, sample testing workload, a One Health intersectoral dashboard, and other reporting tools for diverse stakeholders.

Discussion

Digitalizing AMR surveillance through a One Health lens is pivotal to understand AMR prevalence and patterns across various sectors. The OHAMRS provides comprehensive data analysis and presentation, informing policymaking on AMR control. Digital tools such as the OHAMRS are vital in facilitating the availability of data and actionable information on AMR required to address the AMR crisis in Kenya.
Improved staffing policies and practices in healthcare based on a conceptual model
Authors: Wei Ning , Wang Zhongwei , Li Xiyuan , Zhang Yibing , Zhang Jing , Huang Ziying , Wang Xiao
Published: September 2024

Background

Staffing policies are critical in healthcare facilities. However, problems from a mismatch between staff numbers requirements and offers are frequently encountered. This research examines the joint effects of quantitative and qualitative staff mismatch in a healthcare organization in China to understand how staffing management policies affect staffing adequacy and how staffing adequacy leads to important human resource (HR) outcomes.

Methods

In a previous study, we identified four dimensions of staffing management policies, namely decision-making, data management, productivity optimization, and title vs. competency. Based on this categorization, an 11-item scale was generated and evaluated for psychometric quality. A quantitative study was conducted with 1,323 healthcare professionals (including clinical and administrative staff) working at the hospital, matched by dyads and teams. A conceptual model with work engagement as a mediator between quantitative staffing adequacy interactions and qualitative staffing adequacy was tested with structural equations.

Results

The findings indicate that staffing policies do exert effects on staffing adequacy. These findings further indicate that quantitative and qualitative staffing adequacy interact in explaining work engagement and team performance and that the moderated mediation occurs as hypothesized.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that both types of staffing adequacies contribute to higher team performance via a heightened sense of work engagement from healthcare professionals. Furthermore, a modulation is observed between the two types of staffing adequacies during the promotion of higher team performance. The supported model is helpful in improving staffing management policies and increasing staffing fit so as to improve hospital performance.
Antibiotic susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Saudi Arabia: a national antimicrobial resistance surveillance study
Authors: Thabit Abrar K. , Alghamdi Ammar M. , Miaji Musaab Y. , Alharbi Feras S. , Jawah Anas F. , Alturki Fatimah , Hosin Nehal , Bazuqamah Mohammed , Almutairi Masaad Saeed , Alhamed Hamad , Elhendawy Alaa , Atallah Dalya , Humadi Abdulaziz A. , Alfifi Khalid A. , Alfadel Khadija , Eljaaly Khalid , Elfaky Mahmoud A. ,   the Saudi AntiMicrobial Surveillance (SAMS) study group
Published: September 2024

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen causing healthcare-associated infections. Most surveillance studies from Saudi Arabia that assessed the resistance by P. aeruginosa were conducted in single centers or did not use broth microdilution (BMD), the gold standard test. This is the first national multicenter study to assess the resistance profiles of P. aeruginosa isolates in Saudi Arabia using BMD.

Methods

Between 2022 and 2023, isolates from various infection sites were collected from seven hospitals in seven different regions of Saudi Arabia. The isolates were shipped to an academic microbiology lab, where their susceptibility was tested by BMD following Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines using Sensititre GNX3F plates. %Susceptibility to each antibiotic, and MIC50 and MIC90 were determined.

Results

In total, 185 P. aeruginosa isolates were collected. Most isolates came from respiratory specimens (34.1%), followed by urine (21.1%) and skin/soft tissue (17.8%). The highest susceptibility was to amikacin (76.8%). Concurrently, susceptibility to meropenem was 52%, but it was 43.8% to colistin. While all P. aeruginosa isolates met the definition of multidrug-resistance, 41 (22.2%) were difficult-to-treat and 10 (5.4%) were pandrug-resistant. Difficult-to-treat isolates made up 30.3% of skin and soft tissue isolates, 25.4% of respiratory isolates, 21.7% of blood isolates, and 17.9% of urine isolates.

Conclusion

Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrated an unexpectedly high level of resistance to several commonly used antibiotics. Therefore, antimicrobial stewardship and infection control policies should be strictly enforced by hospitals across the country to optimize treatment, prevent the emergence and spread of resistant strains, and track resistance trends with local antibiograms.
Modifying a multidisciplinary method to address challenging behavior in nursing home residents with dementia to involve family caregivers
Authors: Tasseron-Dries Petra E. M. , Smaling Hanneke J. A. , van der Steen Jenny T. , Achterberg Wilco P.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Challenging behavior and pain are common in nursing home residents with dementia. Challenging behavior and pain can be related and are stressful for residents, family caregivers and healthcare professionals. The STA OP! method provides a step-by-step protocol to manage challenging behavior and pain in nursing home residents with dementia. However, this method does not include a prominent and active role for family caregivers.

Methods

The STA OP! method was modified to include a role for family caregivers, in co-creation with family caregivers and healthcare professionals using elements of a realist approach. In separate meetings, two advisory groups comprised of family caregivers and professionals discussed ideas on how to involve family caregivers in STA OP!. Furthermore, barriers to involving family and possible solutions to overcome those barriers were discussed. Experts who had experience with the STA OP! method assessed the feasibility of the ideas in a nominal group technique meeting.

Results

Thirty-eight ideas emerged in the advisory groups. The two ideas that generated the most discussion were Inviting family for a multidisciplinary meeting, and Assessment of pain in collaboration with family caregivers. Eventually, 21 ideas and suggestions to overcome possible barriers were included in a manual for the training of healthcare professionals in the adapted method, now called STA OP! with family.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals and family caregivers collaborated well to shape the involvement of family caregivers in this method for managing challenging behavior and pain. The collected ideas supported by all involved resulted in a modified method: STA OP! with family and can now be tested in daily practice.
An Ultrasonic Ridge-Tracking Method Based on Limiter Sliding Window Filter and Fuzzy Pure Pursuit Control for Ridge Transplanter
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhou Jinhao , Liu Yutong , Zhang Tengfei , Yan Meng , Chen Ji , Zhou Chunjian , Hu Jianping , Chen Xinxin
Published: September 2024

There are various types of fruits and vegetables that need to be planted on ridges. In order to allow for seedlings with a certain row space and seedling space, the ridge transplanter should be able to track along the ridge. Therefore, an ultrasonic ridge-tracking method and system were developed to let the ridge transplanter track the ridge accurately. The ultrasonic ridge-tracking method mainly contains a limiter sliding window filtering algorithm and a fuzzy look-ahead distance decision model. The limiter sliding window filtering algorithm was proposed to filter the abnormal measuring results to avoid disoperation of the steering mechanism. Moreover, the fuzzy look-ahead distance decision model was proposed to determine the optimal look-ahead distance in order to obtain a desirable tracking performance. Additionally, a comparison experiment of the proposed ultrasonic ridge-tracking method and the universal pure pursuit method was conducted. The experimental results show that the greatest mean absolute errors of the lateral deviations of the ultrasonic ridge-tracking method and universal pure pursuit were 10.56 mm and 13.11 mm. The greatest maximum absolute errors of the lateral deviations of the ultrasonic ridge-tracking method and universal pure pursuit were 18.87 mm and 23.23 mm. In addition, the greatest root mean square error of the lateral deviation of the ultrasonic ridge-tracking method and the universal pure pursuit method were 13.52 mm and 15.66 mm. According to the ridge-tracking performance of the proposed ultrasonic ridge-tracking method, it can be used in practical transplanting conditions. Moreover, in other fields, robots or intelligent machinery can also apply the proposed ultrasonic ridge-tracking method to track objects similar to ridges.
Novel Specifications Regarding Biogas Production from Agriengineering Activities in Romania
Authors: Halmaciu Ioana-Ancuta , Ionel Ioana , Miutescu Maria-Cristina , Grecu Eugenia
Published: September 2024

This study centers on examining the carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio and metal levels in various batches of manure and their potential impact on biogas production through anaerobic fermentation. A novel aspect of this research involves the utilization of nine distinct batches sourced exclusively from livestock manure found in Romanian farms, without mixing with other potential substrates. At present, the farms are not harvesting manure for energy, but they are keen to invest in biogas production in the future as a necessary step towards renewable energy in a circular economy and a bio-waste management model. As a general conclusion that is resulting, it is shown that both the C/N ratio and the content of heavy metals in animal manure must be known when dealing with the animal manure fermentation process, especially when aiming for biogas production. The C/N ratio in the analyzed samples ranges from 6.7 to 30.2. While the ideal ratio is often considered 20–30, good methane production can occur outside this range, as seen in Sample B (small pig farm), with a C/N ratio of 13.8, proving the highest methane output. This shows that the C/N ratio is important but not the only factor influencing biogas generation. The metal content in the manure samples is similar to other studies, with potassium (K) ranging from 1.64% to 8.96%. Calcium (Ca) and K are the main metals found, posing little concern. The variation in values is linked to feed recipes. Monitoring heavy metals is crucial not only for biogas production but also for the safe use of animal manure as fertilizer, as soil contamination limits must be continuously supervised. The results are also valuable for the management of waste used as fertilizer in agricultural fields in accordance with EU law.
The Application of Deep Learning to Accurately Identify the Dimensions of Spinal Canal and Intervertebral Foramen as Evaluated by the IoU Index
Authors: Wu Chih-Ying , Yeh Wei-Chang , Chang Shiaw-Meng , Hsu Che-Wei , Lin Zi-Jie
Published: September 2024

Artificial intelligence has garnered significant attention in recent years as a rapidly advancing field of computer technology. With the continual advancement of computer hardware, deep learning has made breakthrough developments within the realm of artificial intelligence. Over the past few years, applying deep learning architecture in medicine and industrial anomaly inspection has significantly contributed to solving numerous challenges related to efficiency and accuracy. For excellent results in radiological, pathological, endoscopic, ultrasonic, and biochemical examinations, this paper utilizes deep learning combined with image processing to identify spinal canal and vertebral foramen dimensions. In existing research, technologies such as corrosion and expansion in magnetic resonance image (MRI) processing have also strengthened the accuracy of results. Indicators such as area and Intersection over Union (IoU) are also provided for assessment. Among them, the mean Average Precision (mAP) for identifying intervertebral foramen (IVF) and intervertebral disc (IVD) through YOLOv4 is 95.6%. Resnet50 mixing U-Net was employed to identify the spinal canal and intervertebral foramen and achieved IoU scores of 79.11% and 80.89%.
Manufacturing, Processing, and Characterization of Self-Expanding Metallic Stents: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Vanaei Saeedeh , Hashemi Mahdi , Solouk Atefeh , Asghari Ilani Mohsen , Amili Omid , Hefzy Mohamed Samir , Tang Yuan , Elahinia Mohammad
Published: September 2024

This paper aims to review the State of the Art in metal self-expanding stents made from nitinol (NiTi), showing shape memory and superelastic behaviors, to identify the challenges and the opportunities for improving patient outcomes. A significant contribution of this paper is its extensive coverage of multidisciplinary aspects, including design, simulation, materials development, manufacturing, bio/hemocompatibility, biomechanics, biomimicry, patency, and testing methodologies. Additionally, the paper offers in-depth insights into the latest practices and emerging trends, with a special emphasis on the transformative potential of additive manufacturing techniques in the development of metal stents. By consolidating existing knowledge and highlighting areas for future innovation, this review provides a valuable roadmap for advancing nitinol stents.
The Spectrum of Adrenal Lesions in a Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Martin Carmen Sorina , Andrei Marian , Voicu Bianca Alina , Riță Miruna Alexandra , Taralunga Ana Alice , Sîrbu Anca Elena , Cima Luminita Nicoleta , Stoian Iulia , Barbu Carmen Gabriela , Calu Valentin , Miron Adrian , Fica Simona
Published: September 2024

Background: Adrenal tumors are a common finding in clinical practice, and only detailed evaluation may reveal secretory and metabolic abnormalities or their malignant character. We aimed to highlight epidemiological data, rates of malignancy, clinical or secretory characteristics, and the cardiometabolic implications of adrenal masses. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the medical files of 474 patients with adrenal pathology hospitalized between January 2007 and January 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic, using the ICD-10 codes. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 264 patients with adrenal tumors were enrolled in the study. Patients underwent clinical examination, abdominal imaging, and hormonal evaluation, and some of them underwent a pathological exam after adrenalectomy. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 56 (17) years, with 81.06% of patients being female. The median follow-up period was 41.5 (70) months, ranging from 6 months to 13 years. Adrenal tumors were most frequently seen in older female patients, with 83.47% of them being over 40 years old. The malignancy rate was 4.54%. Hormonally nonfunctioning tumors (71.95%) predominated, and overt hypercortisolism was present in 10.61% of patients, as was mild autonomous cortisol secretion in 5.31% of patients, primary hyperaldosteronism in 8.71% of patients, and adrenal paraganglioma in 3.41% of patients. Cardiometabolic comorbid conditions were similar in patients with functioning and nonfunctioning tumors. Conclusions: All patients with adrenal tumors should receive a complete hormonal workup and detailed malignancy risk assessment. Even though a hormonally active tumor predisposes to cardiometabolic comorbid conditions, a nonfunctioning lesion may also be associated with such disorders and needs thorough assessment.
Comparison between Conditioned Pain Modulation Paradigms Using Cold Pressor Conditioning Stimulus versus Ischemic Pressure Stimulus in Women with Fibromyalgia and Its Impact on Clinical Status: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Riquelme-Aguado Víctor , González-Álvarez María Elena , Zabarte-Del Campo Alazne , Fernández-Carnero Josué , Gil-Crujera Antonio , Gómez-Esquer Francisco , Villafañe Jorge Hugo
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome characterized by widespread chronic pain as the primary symptom. Neurophysiological pain mechanisms, such as the function of the descending inhibitory system, are impaired in this condition. The main objective of this study was to compare the results of two paradigms to evaluate CPM in women with FM. The secondary objective was to correlate the results of each CPM paradigm with the clinical status of patients with FM. Methods: One hundred and three FM women were divided into two groups: fifty patients diagnosed with FM were assigned to the conditioned pain modulation (CPM) group using a cold pressor stimulus, and fifty-three patients were assigned to the CPM group using the ischemic pressure stimulus. The main outcome measures were pain intensity, disability, mechanical hyperalgesia, and CPM. Results: The primary analysis revealed significant differences between the results obtained from the different CPM protocols. Poorer outcomes in the cold pressor test correlated with higher pain intensity and a greater disability index. Conclusions: Pain modulation abnormalities in FM patients were evident when using either the cold pressor or ischemic pressure stimuli to establish the CPM paradigm. The cold pressor conditioning stimulus elicited a stronger response than the ischemic pressure stimulus in FM patients.
Prevalence Estimation of the PALB2 Germline Variant in East Asians and Koreans through Population Database Analysis
Authors: Park Jong Eun , Kang Min-Chae , Lee Taeheon , Cho Eun Hye , Jang Mi-Ae , Won Dongju , Park Boyoung , Ki Chang-Seok , Kong Sun-Young
Published: September 2024

PALB2 is a tumor suppressor gene. Heterozygous germline pathogenic variants of PALB2 significantly increase the lifetime risk of breast cancer and moderately increase the risk of ovarian and pancreatic cancers. This study analyzed the estimated prevalence of PALB2 variants globally, focusing on East Asian and Korean populations, where limited data were previously available. We examined 125,748 exomes from the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD), including 9197 East Asians, and additional data from 5305 individuals in the Korean Variant Archive and 1722 in the Korean Reference Genome Database. All PALB2 variants were interpreted according to guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Clinical Genome Resource. The global prevalence of PALB2 variants was 0.18%, with the highest prevalence in Finnish populations (0.41%) and the lowest in Ashkenazi Jewish populations (0.04%). East Asians had a prevalence of 0.09%. By combining data from Korean genome databases and gnomAD totaling 8936 individuals, the overall prevalence of PALB2 variants in the Korean population was determined to be 0.13%. This study is the first comprehensive investigation of PALB2 variant prevalence in East Asians and Koreans using gnomAD and Korean genome databases. These findings provide essential reference data for future research and highlight the importance of region-specific genetic studies that will inform genetic counseling and hereditary cancer risk management.
Comparative Analysis of Deep Learning Methods on CT Images for Lung Cancer Specification
Authors: Kalkan Muruvvet , Guzel Mehmet S. , Ekinci Fatih , Akcapinar Sezer Ebru , Asuroglu Tunc
Published: September 2024

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, ranking first in men and second in women. Due to its aggressive nature, early detection and accurate localization of tumors are crucial for improving patient outcomes. This study aims to apply advanced deep learning techniques to identify lung cancer in its early stages using CT scan images. Methods: Pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNNs), including MobileNetV2, ResNet152V2, InceptionResNetV2, Xception, VGG-19, and InceptionV3, were used for lung cancer detection. Once the disease was identified, the tumor’s region was segmented using models such as UNet, SegNet, and InceptionUNet. Results: The InceptionResNetV2 model achieved the highest detection accuracy of 98.5%, while UNet produced the best segmentation results, with a Jaccard index of 95.3%. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of deep learning models, particularly InceptionResNetV2 and UNet, in both detecting and segmenting lung cancer, showing significant potential for aiding early diagnosis and treatment. Future work could focus on refining these models and exploring their application in other medical domains.
Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer in Non-Curative Patients: A Study on Survival and Palliative Care Needs
Authors: Guerrero-Ramos Félix , González-Padilla Daniel Antonio , Pérez-Cadavid Santiago , García-Rojo Esther , Tejido-Sánchez Ángel , Hernández-Arroyo Mario , Gómez-Cañizo Carmen , Rodríguez-Antolín Alfredo
Published: September 2024

Objective: To assess the survival outcomes of patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are not candidates for curative treatment and to identify the factors influencing these outcomes. Methods: We conducted an analysis of patients diagnosed with MIBC who were either unable or unwilling to undergo curative therapy. We evaluated overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) and examined their associations with various clinical variables. Additionally, we assessed emergency department visits and palliative procedures. Results: The study included 142 patients with a median age of 79.4 years and a Charlson Comorbidity Index of 9.8. At diagnosis, 59.2% of the patients had localized disease, 23.2% had metastatic disease, and 49.3% presented with hydronephrosis. Curative treatment was excluded due to comorbidities in 40.1% of cases and advanced disease stage in 36.6%. The 1-year and 2-year OS rates were 42.8% and 23.6%, respectively, with a median survival of 10.6 months. The 1-year and 2-year CSS rates were 49.6% and 30.2%, respectively, with a median survival of 11.9 months. Worse survival outcomes were associated with advanced disease stage and the presence of hydronephrosis. Patients excluded from curative treatment solely due to age had a relatively better prognosis. On average, patients visited the emergency department three times: 19% underwent palliative transurethral resection of the bladder tumor, 14.8% received radiotherapy to control hematuria, and nephrostomy tubes were placed in 26.1% of cases. Conclusions: Patients with MIBC who are unable or unwilling to undergo curative treatment have a median overall survival of less than one year, with worse outcomes observed in those with advanced disease stage and hydronephrosis.
Impact of the Lung Microbiota on Development and Progression of Lung Cancer
Authors: Belaid Amine , Roméo Barnabé , Rignol Guylène , Benzaquen Jonathan , Audoin Tanguy , Vouret-Craviari Valérie , Brest Patrick , Varraso Raphaëlle , von Bergen Martin , Hugo Marquette Charles , Leroy Sylvie , Mograbi Baharia , Hofman Paul
Published: September 2024

The past several years have provided a more profound understanding of the role of microbial species in the lung. The respiratory tract is a delicate ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Detecting microbial DNA, pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and metabolites in sputum is poised to revolutionize the early diagnosis of lung cancer. The longitudinal monitoring of the lung microbiome holds the potential to predict treatment response and side effects, enabling more personalized and effective treatment options. However, most studies into the lung microbiota have been observational and have not adequately considered the impact of dietary intake and air pollutants. This gap makes it challenging to establish a direct causal relationship between environmental exposure, changes in the composition of the microbiota, lung carcinogenesis, and tumor progression. A holistic understanding of the lung microbiota that considers both diet and air pollutants may pave the way to improved prevention and management strategies for lung cancer.