bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salt stress affects the bacterial communities in rhizosphere soil of rice
Authors: Zhou Yujie , He Zhizhou , Lin Qiuyun , Lin Yuehui , Long Kaiyi , Xie Zhenyu , Hu Wei
Published: December 2024

Salt is a primary factor limiting the utilization of saline lands in coastal beach areas, with rhizosphere microorganisms playing a crucial role in enhancing crop stress resistance and exhibiting high sensitivity to environmental changes. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the preferred crop for reclaiming salinized soils. This study determined the microbial communities in rhizosphere soil of rice under different salt stress treatments by high-throughput sequencing. We found that salt stress changed the bacterial community diversity, structure and function in rhizosphere soil of rice. Salt stress significantly reduced the richness and diversity of bacterial communities in rhizosphere soil of rice. The bacterial community was characterized by higher abundance of the phyla Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria; the relative abundances of Firmicutes, Acidobacteriota and Myxococcota were decreased, while Bacteroidota and Cyanobacteria were increased under salt stress. The functions of bacterial communities in rhizosphere soil of rice mainly include chemoheterotrophy, aerobic_chemoheterotrophy, phototrophy etc., chemoheterotrophy and aerobic_chemoheterotrophy were significantly higher NS3 (adding 3‰ NaCl solution to the base soil) treatment than NS6 (adding 6‰ NaCl solution to the base soil) treatment. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the development of specialized salt-tolerant microbial agents for rice cultivation and offer a viable strategy for improving the soil environment of saline coastal lands through the application of beneficial microorganisms.
β-lactam antibiotics induce metabolic perturbations linked to ROS generation leads to bacterial impairment
Authors: Ye Dongyang , Sun Jing , Jiang Ran , Chang Jiashen , Liu Yiming , Wu Xiangzheng , Li Luqi , Luo Yihan , Wang Juan , Guo Kangkang , Yang Zengqi
Published: December 2024

Understanding the impact of antibiotics on bacterial metabolism is crucial for elucidating their mechanisms of action and developing more effective therapeutic strategies. β-lactam antibiotics, distinguished by their distinctive β-lactam ring structure, are widely used as antimicrobial agents. This study investigates the global metabolic alterations induced by three β-lactam antibiotics-meropenem (a carbapenem), ampicillin (a penicillin), and ceftazidime (a cephalosporin)-in Escherichia coli. Our comprehensive metabolic profiling revealed significant perturbations in bacterial metabolism, particularly in pathways such as glutathione metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, pyrimidine metabolism, and purine metabolism. Antibiotic treatment markedly increased reactive oxygen species levels, with meropenem reaching nearly 200 ± 7%, ampicillin at 174 ± 11%, and ceftazidime at 152 ± 7%. Additionally, β-lactam antibiotics elevated 8-OHdG levels to 4.73 ± 0.56-fold for meropenem, 2.49 ± 0.19-fold for ampicillin, and 3.19 ± 0.34-fold for ceftazidime; 8-OHG levels increased to 5.57 ± 0.72-fold for meropenem, 3.08 ± 0.31-fold for ampicillin, and 4.45 ± 0.66-fold for ceftazidime, indicating that oxidative stress enhances oxidative damage to bacterial DNA and RNA. Notably, we observed a selective upregulation of specific amino acids associated with cellular repair mechanisms, indicating a metabolic adaptation to counteract oxidative damage. These findings illustrate that β-lactam antibiotics induce a complex metabolic perturbations associated with ROS production, potentially compromising critical cellular components. This study enhances our understanding of the intricate relationship between antibiotic action and bacterial metabolism, providing valuable insights for developing effective strategies against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Emamectin·chlorfenapyr-induced fatal leukoencephalomyelopathy with delayed hyperthermia: insecticide endanger public safety
Authors: Li Xun , Yang Yun , Zhang Yajing , Zhang Xuebin , Zhao Na , Yue Wei
Published: December 2024

Background

Emamectin·chlorfenapyr is a compound comprising chlorfenapyr and emamectin benzoate that is widely used in agriculture. Chlorfenapyr toxicity has been verified in animals; however, its true mechanism and progression in humans remain to be elucidated. Cases of emamectin·chlorfenapyr poisoning are seldom.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 65-year-old female who attempted suicide by consuming 30 g of 9.5% chlorfenapyr and 0.5% emamectin benzoate 14 days before admission to our hospital. Laboratory tests revealed extremely high creatinine kinase levels upon admission. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse and symmetric T2 hyperintensities in the entire white matter tract of the brain and spinal cord, and cytological smears of the cerebrospinal fluid showed abnormal lymphocyte aggregation. The patient died 19.5 h after admission owing to cardiopulmonary arrest and hyperthermia.

Conclusion

Further research is needed on how to perform flow cytometry in patients with emamectin·chlorfenapyr intoxication, and to elucidate the immunological mechanism underlying the inflammatory response caused by emamectin·chlorfenapyr and provide new insights into antidote development.
Predictive model for PSA persistence after radical prostatectomy using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Du Haotian , Wang Guipeng , Yan Yongchao , Li Shengxian , Yang Xuecheng
Published: December 2024

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of a machine learning model for predicting prostate-specific antigen (PSA) persistence after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods

Data from 470 patients who underwent RP at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2018 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Ten risk factors, including age, body mass index (BMI), preoperative PSA, biopsy Gleason score, total prostate specific antigen density (PSAD), clinical tumor stage, clinical lymph node status, seminal vesicle invasion, capsular invasion and positive surgical margin, were included in the analysis. The data were randomly divided into a training set and a test set at a ratio of 7:3, and seven different machine learning algorithms were compared. The confusion matrix, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the model, and the random forest algorithm found to be the optimal prediction model.

Results

In the entire cohort, 142 (30.21%) patients developed PSA persistence. Based on all included risk factors, the random forest model had the best effect among the seven models, with an AUC of 0.8607 in the training set and 0.8011 in the test set. The feature importance results showed that capsular invasion, positive surgical margin, preoperative PSA and biopsy Gleason score were the four most important risk factors for PSA persistence after RP.

Conclusion

The Random Forest algorithm performed excellently in this study and can be used to construct a predictive model for PSA persistence. By incorporating clinical data from the Asian region and exploring the risk factors for PSA persistence, this study contributes to the existing research and aids clinicians in assessing the risk of PSA persistence occurrence, enabling timely treatment planning and improving patient prognosis.
Nonoperative management of rectal cancer
Authors: Williams Hannah , Lee Christina , Garcia-Aguilar Julio
Published: December 2024

The management of locally advanced rectal cancer has changed drastically in the last few decades due to improved surgical techniques, development of multimodal treatment approaches and the introduction of a watch and wait (WW) strategy. For patients with a complete response to neoadjuvant treatment, WW offers an opportunity to avoid the morbidity associated with total mesorectal excision in favor of organ preservation. Despite growing interest in WW, prospective data on the safety and efficacy of nonoperative management are limited. Challenges remain in optimizing multimodal treatment regimens to maximize tumor regression and in improving the accuracy of patient selection for WW. This review summarizes the history of treatment for rectal cancer and the development of a WW strategy. It also provides an overview of clinical considerations for patients interested in nonoperative management, including restaging strategies, WW selection criteria, surveillance protocols and long-term oncologic outcomes.
Voriconazole: a review of adjustment programs guided by therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Jiang Li , Lin Zhiqiang
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Exploring adjustments to the voriconazole dosing program based on therapeutic drug monitoring results to implement individualized therapy.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were systematically searched to obtain study about voriconazole dose adjustment program guided by therapeutic drug monitoring. Quality evaluation and summarization of the obtained studies were performed to obtain program adjustments for voriconazole under therapeutic drug monitoring.

Results

A total of 1,356 and 2,979 studies were searched on PubMed and Embase, respectively, and after removing irrelevant and duplicated studies, a total of 25 studies were included. A loading dose of 5 mg/kg q12 h or 200 mg q12 h and a maintenance dose of 50 mg q12 h or 100 mg q24 h is recommended for patients with Child-Pugh C. And in patients with Child-Pugh C, CYP2C19 genotype had no significant effect on voriconazole blood concentrations. Recommendations for presenting dosing programs based on different CYP2C19 genotypes are inconsistent, and genetic testing is not routinely recommended prior to dosing from a pharmacoeconomic perspective. Additionally, in adult patients, if the voriconazole trough concentration is subtherapeutic, the voriconazole dose should be increased by 25%∼50%. If the voriconazole trough concentration is supratherapeutic,the voriconazole dose should be decreased by 25%∼50%. If a drug-related adverse event occurs, hold 1 dose, decrease subsequent dose by 50%.In pediatric patients, if the voriconazole trough concentration is subtherapeutic, increase the voriconazole dose by 1∼2 mg/kg or increase the voriconazole dose by 50%. If the voriconazole trough concentration is supratherapeutic, reduce the voriconazole dose by 1 mg/kg or hold 1 dose, and decrease the subsequent dose by 25%.

Conclusion

It is recommended that all patients on voriconazole should have their initial dosing program selected on the basis of their hepatic function or other influencing factors (e.g., pathogens, infections, C-reactive protein, albumin, or obesity), and that therapeutic concentrations should be achieved through appropriate dosage adjustments guided by therapeutic drug monitoring. Routine genetic testing for voriconazole application in patients is not considered necessary at this time. However, there has been a great deal of research and partial consensus on individualized dosing of voriconazole, but there are still some critical issues that have not been resolved.
Impact of baicalin and components of Scutellaria baicalensis on renal fibrosis of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Li Jiarui , Zhuang Yuan , Fan Guoyong , Wang Simeng , Yan Enhui , Guo Jianpeng , Zhang Chi , Jiang Shicui
Published: December 2024

Background

Fibrosis is key in the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Baicalin (BA), wogonin (WGN), and wogonoside (WGS) have renoprotective effects. The mechanism of alleviation of DKD progression, by improving renal fibrosis, is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms and effects of a Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. (Lamiaceae) mixture (MIX, WGN:BA:WGS = 4:2:1) on DKD in a spontaneous DKD model.

Methods

Male db/m mice were controls, and db/db mice were diabetes models. Both groups received daily oral gavage of normal saline. Treatment groups received daily oral gavage of BA or MIX (20 mg/kg) for 10 weeks. Biochemical indicators and kidney lesions were assessed. Fibrosis-related proteins were detected by immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.

Results

MIX significantly reduced body weight (40.97 ± 1.43 vs. 42.26 ± 1.60), improved insulin sensitivity (63.70 ± 8.98 vs. 109.48 ± 0.69), lowered the renal hypertrophy index (19.81 ± 2.86 vs. 28.94 ± 0.256), and decreased blood urea nitrogen levels (7.57 ± 0.79 vs. 9.57 ± 0.38) and the urine protein/creatinine ratio (0.50 ± 0.06 vs. 0.80 ± 0.18). MIX also enhanced lipid profiles and renal function by improving renal tubular dilation, restoring renal structures, and reducing glomerulosclerosis, basal membrane thickening, and glycogen deposition. These effects were achieved by reducing the protein and gene expression of collagen II (Col-II), connective tissue growth factor, and collagen I (Col-I).

Conclusion

MIX inhibits the transforming growth factor-β/Smads signaling pathway, thus alleviating renal fibrosis, and can be used to develop a treatment for DKD.
The Impact of Piriformospora indica on plant heat and drought tolerance
Authors: Ji Hao , Zhang Min , Huang Chuanhuang , Lin Wei , Lu Yin , Wang Peijie , Dong Bin , He Bizhu , Wu Binghua , Guo Lijin
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the global rise in temperatures has led to drought and heat becoming major environmental stresses that limit plant growth. Previous research has demonstrated the potential of Piriformospora indica in augmenting plant stress resistance. However, specific studies on its effects and underlying mechanisms in cuttings of Rosa chinensis, Jasminum sambac, and Rhododendron simsii Planch are relatively limited. The objective of this study is to explore the effects and mechanisms of P. indica on cuttings and tissue-cultured seedlings of these plants under conditions of drought and high-temperature stress. The experiment involved subjecting P. indica-inoculated and non-inoculated plants to drought (one week without watering) and high-temperature (24-hour exposure to 45°C) stress in a controlled environment chamber. Indicators such as chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fv/Fm, and antioxidant enzyme activity were measured. The results showed that inoculation with P. indica significantly increased the survival rate of the three types of plant cuttings under drought conditions by 13%, 17%, and 16.6% respectively, and resulted in a substantial decrease in malondialdehyde content alongside an increase in chlorophyll content. Under high-temperature stress at 45°C, the chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fv/Fm values increased by 27.3%, 10.3%, and 51.1% compared to the control group. Furthermore, heat tolerance tests at 42°C showed a 2% higher survival rate in the P. indica inoculated Rhododendron tissue-cultured seedlings than in the control group, with a positive effect observed on the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase. These findings demonstrate that inoculation with P. indica significantly enhances the resistance of Rhododendron, Jasminum sambac, and Rosa to drought and high-temperature stresses, providing insights for sustainable agricultural development and the comprehensive exploitation of the potential value of P. indica.
Comprehensive mapping of molecular cytogenetic markers in pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) and related species
Authors: Harun Arrashid , Song Shipeng , You Xixi , Liu Hui , Wen Xiaopeng , Fang Zhongming , Cheng Zhihao , Chen Chunli
Published: December 2024

Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus; 2n=22) is an important fruit crop from the Cactaceae family, originally domesticated in Mexico and the USA, and is now widely cultivated for its nutritional benefits. It is characterized by its distinctive triangular-shaped stems and large, showy flowers, thriving in arid and semi-arid environments, particularly in hot, dry climates. However, systematic chromosomal studies, including chromosomal mapping of cytogenetic markers in pitaya, are limited, presenting challenges for its cytogenetic improvement. To address this issue, we designed oligo-barcodes specific to thirty-three chromosome regions based on the pitaya reference genome and applied them to both pitaya and cactus (Selenicerus grandifloras; 2n=22) for oligo-barcodes mapping, karyotyping, and chromosome identification. We utilized FISH technology, employing oligo, rDNA, and tandem repeat probes for chromosomal mapping, identification, and karyotyping of pitaya and related species. We successfully localized oligo-barcodes on eleven pairs of chromosomes in both pitaya and cactus, demonstrating the effectiveness of the synthesized oligo-barcodes. We used two ribosomal DNA (rDNA) probes (45S and 5S) and two tandem repeat probes (GTR11 and STR3) in pitaya (both diploid and tetraploid) and two other Cactaceae species (S. grandifloras and Opuntia humifusa; 2n=40) for chromosomal mapping. The analysis of rDNA distribution and CMA (Chromomycin A3) banding across different chromosomes in pitaya and cacti highlights the concept of conserved rDNA. This study provides fundamental insights into cytogenetic markers and their localization across different chromosomes in pitaya and other Cactaceae species.
“I am the gatekeeper”: why and how ministerial media advisers have been empowered
Authors: Johansson Karl Magnus
Published: December 2024

Although policy advisers have been amply studied, far fewer studies have examined media advisers. And, so far, adviser research has offered few insights into the relationship between these two key groups of political staffers. This article claims that media advisers have been empowered. It offers a rational functionalist explanation, which emphasises concerns about functional efficiency. Media generates functional pressures for the institutional strengthening of media advisers, solidifying their role. This argument is examined empirically through a case study of ministerial media adviser (MMA) empowerment in Sweden, based on interviews conducted among MMAs and political journalists. The data tell us that MMAs are on the rise, that they have become more controlling toward journalists and more assertive within ministerial staff. In the process, MMAs have come to constitute a category of their own as they have converged among themselves but diverged from policy advisers. The interview evidence indicates that MMAs also have a role in government policy, as the media has contributed to more integration of communication and policy, but additional research is needed. Overall, this work has implications for research on political communication, executives, and advisers—especially for debates about political professionals in government.
Play-mirth theory: a cognitive appraisal theory of humor
Authors: Hatzithomas Leonidas
Published: December 2024

This work aims to introduce a general theory of humor elicitation and appreciation, the play-mirth theory, which is based on the cognitive appraisal perspective. Two experiments test the theory’s central hypothesis: that is, to experience humor, one must interpret (a) a stimulus as a playful turn and (b) the turn as consistent with their motives. In the first experiment, 104 undergraduate students rated the appraisal determinants of successful and failed humor experiences that they recalled. In the second experiment, appraisals of playful turn (i.e., present or absent), situational state (i.e., motive-inconsistent/motive-consistent), and motivational state (punishment/reward) were manipulated. Overall, 150 undergraduate students were exposed to the manipulated stimuli and answered a structured questionnaire. The findings provide the first experimental evidence that two appraisals (i.e., playful turn and motive-consistency) do elicit humor. Play-mirth hypothesis sufficiently differentiates humorous from nonhumorous experiences as well as mirth from other positive emotions such as joy, and relief.
Nocturnal hypoxia in patients with sleep disorders: exploring its role as a mediator between neurotic personality traits and psychological symptoms
Authors: Jiang Fei , Huang Jinsong , Fan Lijun , Dong Xiaoyan , Yang Chunyan , Zhou Wenzhu
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Sleep disorders often coexist with personality and psychological issues, alongside nocturnal hypoxia. This study investigates the potential mediating role of nocturnal hypoxia between personality traits and psychological symptoms in individuals with sleep disorders.

Methods

A cohort comprising 171 participants reporting sleep disturbances was recruited from Dalian Seventh People’s Hospital. Psychological symptoms were assessed using the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), while personality traits were evaluated using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). Nocturnal hypoxia status was determined through overnight polysomnography.

Results

Mediation analysis, conducted using SPSS 23.0, demonstrated that the cumulative time of nocturnal peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) < 85% (T85) partially mediated the relationship between neuroticism and various psychological symptoms, including somatization (c=0.207, c’=0.164, a*b=0.043, proportion of mediation 20.8%), interpersonal sensitivity (c=0.360, c’=0.326, a*b=0.034, proportion of mediation 9.6%), depression (c=0.277, c’=0.234, a*b=0.042, proportion of mediation 15.3%), anxiety (c=0.240, c’=0.199, a*b=0.041, proportion of mediation 16.9%), hostility (c=0.241, c’=0.205, a*b=0.036, proportion of mediation 14.9%), phobic anxiety (c=0.271, c’=0.241, a*b=0.030, proportion of mediation 11.1%), and psychoticism (c=0.298, c’=0.266, a*b=0.032, proportion of mediation 10.8%).

Discussion

These findings underscore the potential mediating role of nocturnal hypoxia in the association between neuroticism personality traits and psychological symptoms among individuals with sleep disorders. Our research holds considerable significance in advancing the quest for personalized treatments targeting psychological symptoms in individuals with sleep disorders.
Development of a remote implementation support strategy to enhance integration of depression treatment into primary care settings in rural India
Authors: Pedersen Gloria A. , Haney Juliana Restivo , Singh Abhishek , Choubey Shivangi , Bondre Ameya , Vorapanya Vorapat , Bhan Anant , Tugnawat Deepak , Patel Vikram , Naslund John A. , Ramaswamy Rohit
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Contextually responsive implementation support strategies are needed to enhance the integration of mental health services into primary health care. Technical assistance is widely used as a core “capacity building” strategy, primarily for increasing the motivation and capacity of individuals (e.g., frontline workers) to adopt evidence-based interventions in healthcare settings. This article documents the systematic design of a technical assistance strategy for supporting primary care staff (e.g., nurses) in integrating depression care, from screening to treatment, aligned with a non-communicable disease program across seven health facilities in the Sehore District of Madhya Pradesh, India.

Methods

We conducted a mapping exercise of local health facilities with dedicated staff and a literature review to inform the development of the technical assistance strategy.

Results

Reporting guidelines guided the structure of the strategy protocol. The evidence-supported strategy, called Remote Coaching Support, is tailored to the local setting. It uses quality improvement methods like the Plan-Do-Act-Study cycle and training materials to help coaches deliver support remotely via video/phone-based calls and WhatsApp messaging with the overall goal of increasing uptake and fidelity of depression screening and referral among primary care staff in alignment with an existing non-communicable diseases program.

Conclusion

The development of Remote Coaching Support involved iterative improvements through team meetings and practice-training feedback, though limitations exist due to a lack of systematic implementation standards, especially in this setting. This strategy will be tested in increasing scales to refine its application, with effectiveness and acceptability results to be evaluated in a randomized control trial.
Association between excessive screen time and falls, with additional risk from insufficient sleep duration in children and adolescents, a large cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Zhang Runquan , Zhu Haiyuan , Xiao Qin , Wu Qiqi , Jin Yuqing , Liu Tao , Liu Dan , Cui Chunxia , Dong Xiaomei
Published: December 2024

Objective

Falls is a major global public health issue that occur in all age groups. However, the association between screen time, sleep duration and falls in children and adolescents remains unclear.

Methods

This study included children and adolescents who participated in the 2017 Nutrition and Health Surveillance of Children and Lactating Mothers in China. Screen time, sleep duration and falls in the past 12 months were assessed using baseline questionnaires completed by the participants. We utilized a multivariate logistic regression model to estimate the association between screen time, sleep duration, and falls in children and adolescents. Stratified analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed using the same modelling strategies.

Results

A total of 564 participants (5.7%) self-reported falls in the past 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that high screen time (> 2 h per day) was associated with a higher incidence of falls (cOR:1.46, 95% CI: 1.22–1.74, p < 0.001). The combination of high screen time and low sleep duration was associated with an increased risk of falls compared to the recommended low screen time and high sleep duration group (cOR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.25–2.09, p < 0.001). After adjusting for relevant covariates, the associations remained significant (aOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.08–1.56, p = 0.006; aOR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.10–1.87, p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that both high screen time and the combination of high screen time and low sleep duration were associated with an increased risk of falls. Interventions to promote healthy physical development should commence in early childhood to decrease the incidence of fall injuries in children and adolescents.
Analysis of risk factors for sepsis-related liver injury and construction of a prediction model
Authors: He Yong , Wang Chi , He Wan , Zhang He , Ding Fei , Liu Ying , He He , Ying Binwu , Nie Xin
Published: December 2024

Background

Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality in critically ill patients, and the liver is a key organ affected by sepsis. Sepsis-related liver injury (SRLI) is an independent risk factor for multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and mortality. However, there is no clear diagnostic standard for SRLI, making early detection and intervention challenging.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of serum indices for the occurrence of SRLI in adults to guide clinical practice.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the predictive value of serum indices for SRLI in adults. We retrospectively analyzed data from 1,573 sepsis patients admitted to West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from January 2015 to December 2019. Patients were divided into those with and without liver injury. Stepwise logistic regression identified independent risk factors for SRLI, and a predictive model was constructed. The model’s diagnostic efficacy was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

Our results showed that alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), carbon dioxide combining power (CO2-CP), antithrombin III (AT III), fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW-CV) were independent predictors of SRLI. The area under the curve (AUC) of the predictive model was 0.890, with a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 82.91%, indicating excellent diagnostic value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study developed a highly accurate predictive model for SRLI using clinically accessible serum indicators, which could aid in early detection and intervention, potentially reducing mortality rates.
Understanding student engagement in vaccination education: an interview-based multi-stakeholder study
Authors: Schlopsna Melissa , Scheersoi Annette
Published: December 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of informed decision-making, especially concerning vaccination for disease prevention. This highlights the need for scientific literacy, trust, and understanding of relevant concepts such as pathogens, immune responses, and transmission pathways. Additionally, societal and ethical considerations are integral for a comprehensive approach. While collaborating with medical professionals and fostering argumentation and decision-making skills hold promise for enhancing engagement with these topics in educational settings, understanding students’ perspectives is essential for maintaining their motivation to learn and their interest in such complex subjects. Therefore, a qualitative study involving interviews with secondary school students, experienced educators, and vaccination experts familiar with school environments was conducted to identify factors fostering student engagement and interest in immunobiology and vaccines. The findings highlight focal areas of student interest in the topic and the value of involving students in lesson planning. They also underscore the importance of real-world relevance and the need for clear, student-centered communication with medical professionals. Recommendations for educators include integrating interactive learning activities, real-world examples, and case studies.
Assessing the correlation between park view elements and exercise physiological indicators of walkers, joggers, and runners: a case study of Century Park in Shanghai
Authors: Wang Nan , Wei Weixuan , Qian Yuhui , Gao Hang , Qiu Han
Published: December 2024

Objective

To explore the correlation between park view elements and their combinations on the heart rate (HR) and speed of walkers, joggers, and runners in different groups of people’s profiles and walking types, provide suggestions for the planning and design of walking suitability of walking trails in parks, and guide people with different walking needs to scientifically choose walking trails in parks.

Methods

Profile data and exercise data of users who recorded walking activities in Century Park are collected on Strava, and the park view images (PVIs) were taken and segmented semantically. Data are grouped according to gender, age, weight and exercise type, and the quantitative relationship between HR, speed and 17 park view elements is studied by Spearman correlation analysis.

Results

(1) The influence of the same park view elements on the exercise physiological indicators of different genders is small; (2) Park view elements combination based on sky, grass-plant and tree can better stabilize the walking HR of the older adult; (3) Semi-enclosed trail dominated by tree can improve the walking HR and speed of people with larger body weight; (4) Natural routes dominated by sidewalk-path and supplemented by tree and sky elements are more suitable for walking, while the trails with larger sky area, no trees and wider trails are more suitable for running.
Causal contextual bandits with one-shot data integration
Authors: Subramanian Chandrasekar , Ravindran Balaraman
Published: December 2024

We study a contextual bandit setting where the agent has access to causal side information, in addition to the ability to perform multiple targeted experiments corresponding to potentially different context-action pairs—simultaneously in one-shot within a budget. This new formalism provides a natural model for several real-world scenarios where parallel targeted experiments can be conducted and where some domain knowledge of causal relationships is available. We propose a new algorithm that utilizes a novel entropy-like measure that we introduce. We perform several experiments, both using purely synthetic data and using a real-world dataset. In addition, we study sensitivity of our algorithm's performance to various aspects of the problem setting. The results show that our algorithm performs better than baselines in all of the experiments. We also show that the algorithm is sound; that is, as budget increases, the learned policy eventually converges to an optimal policy. Further, we theoretically bound our algorithm's regret under additional assumptions. Finally, we provide ways to achieve two popular notions of fairness, namely counterfactual fairness and demographic parity, with our algorithm.
Explainable machine learning for predicting recurrence-free survival in endometrial carcinosarcoma patients
Authors: Bove Samantha , Arezzo Francesca , Cormio Gennaro , Silvestris Erica , Cafforio Alessia , Comes Maria Colomba , Fanizzi Annarita , Accogli Giuseppe , Cazzato Gerardo , De Nunzio Giorgio , Maiorano Brigida , Naglieri Emanuele , Lupo Andrea , Vitale Elsa , Loizzi Vera , Massafra Raffaella
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Endometrial carcinosarcoma is a rare, aggressive high-grade endometrial cancer, accounting for about 5% of all uterine cancers and 15% of deaths from uterine cancers. The treatment can be complex, and the prognosis is poor. Its increasing incidence underscores the urgent requirement for personalized approaches in managing such challenging diseases.

Method

In this work, we designed an explainable machine learning approach to predict recurrence-free survival in patients affected by endometrial carcinosarcoma. For this purpose, we exploited the predictive power of clinical and histopathological data, as well as chemotherapy and surgical information collected for a cohort of 80 patients monitored over time. Among these patients, 32.5% have experienced the appearance of a recurrence.

Results

The designed model was able to well describe the observed sequence of events, providing a reliable ranking of the survival times based on the individual risk scores, and achieving a C-index equals to 70.00% (95% CI, 59.38–84.74).

Conclusion

Accordingly, machine learning methods could support clinicians in discriminating between endometrial carcinosarcoma patients at low-risk or high-risk of recurrence, in a non-invasive and inexpensive way. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study proposing a preliminary approach addressing this task.
More absolute moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with better health-related quality of life in outpatients with an acquired brain injury
Authors: MacDonald Emily E. , Pellerine Liam P. , Miller Katerina E. , Frayne Ryan J. , O’Brien Myles W.
Published: December 2024

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a patient-perceived measure of physical, social, and emotional health. Acquired brain injury (ABI) occurs due to damage to the brain after birth. Individuals with an ABI typically present with reduced HRQoL and require additional support to maintain their HRQoL. Although structured exercise training has been shown to improve HRQoL in individuals with ABI, there is little research on habitual, real-world activity. Most activity research characterizes moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in absolute terms; however, relative physical activity levels have been promoted for research in clinical populations. We tested whether longer MVPA durations, measured in absolute/relative levels, are associated with higher HRQoL in outpatients with ABIs. In total, 26 adults (54 ± 13 years, 16 females) with ABI completed the Quality of Life After Brain Injury questionnaire, a 6-min walk test (a measure of aerobic fitness; 490 ± 105 m), and wore an activPAL device 24 h/day for 7 days. Participants had an average HRQoL score of 53.4 ± 15.0 (out of 100), with 20 of 26 showing impaired HRQoL (score <60). Absolute MVPA (74.6 ± 91.0 min/week, b = 0.09, p = 0.03) was associated with HRQoL, whereas total physical activity (565.7 ± 264.8 min/week, p = 0.47), light physical activity (LPA; 491.1 ± 224.3 min/week, p = 0.98), and step count (5,960 ± 3,037 steps/day, p = 0.24) were not. Neither relative LPA (521.4 ± 244.9) nor relative MVPA (33.5 ± 34.9 min/week) were associated with HRQoL (both p values > 0.14). Targeting more absolute MVPA, but not necessarily relative MVPA, may be an effective strategy for interventions aiming to improve HRQoL in individuals with ABI.
Do negative attitudes toward older adults vary by occupation? Focus on the stereotype content model
Authors: Kudo Yasuyuki , Shimizu Yuho , Karasawa Kaori
Published: December 2024

Do negative attitudes toward older adults vary according to the occupation of the older adult? Addressing this question is crucial to foster continued employment opportunities for older individuals. To explore this, we conducted an online experiment with Japanese participants, examining how negative attitudes fluctuate when comparing non-older and older adults within specific occupations. This study applied the stereotype content model across 16 occupations and unveiled a three-cluster solution, indicating variations in stereotype mappings between non-older and older workers. Moreover, it was observed that the propensity for these differences varied across clusters. Notably, in occupations where the workers were perceived as more competent and warmer than the general older adults, stereotypes shifted more positively when participants were informed that the workers were older. Conversely, in occupations where workers were perceived as more competent and less warm, both competence and warmth shifted in a negative direction with the introduction of age information. In addition, respect—the degree to which the target person is esteemed and/or admired by others—was strongly associated with both competence and warmth. It is anticipated that the insights gleaned from this study can inform practical interventions aimed at mitigating negative attitudes toward older adults concerning employment.
The effectiveness of waxing or epilation compared to conventional methods of hair removal in reducing the incidence of surgical site infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cutteridge Joseph , Garrido Pierre , Staniland Tim , Lim Arthur , Totty Joshua , Lathan Ross , Smith George , Chetter Ian
Published: December 2024

Background

Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems by elevating patient morbidity and mortality and driving up financial costs. Preoperative skin preparation is crucial for preventing SSIs; however, certain traditional methods of hair removal have been found to increase the risk of SSI development. Mechanical epilation and waxing constitute two relatively explored methods of hair removal, which may hold potential to accelerate wound healing due to the activation of stem cells within hair follicles. This review assesses the efficacy of preoperative hair removal via waxing and mechanical epilation in reducing SSI incidence.

Methods

This systematic review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (ref: CRD42023423798) and a protocol previously published in a peer-reviewed journal. All findings are reported according to PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria encompassed adult patients undergoing any surgical procedure, comparing waxing or epilation against other hair removal methods or no hair removal, with SSI incidence as the primary outcome. There was no restriction on study size or quality to ensure a comprehensive literature evaluation.

Results

The review found no studies meeting the selection criteria out of 576 records screened.

Discussion/conclusion

This review has identified no literature regarding the use of waxing and mechanical epilation as methods of preoperative hair removal. The lack of experimental evidence combined with the potential physiological advantages of these techniques indicate that this could be a valuable area of future research. These techniques may represent novel approaches to SSI prevention, particularly beneficial in high-risk surgical disciplines like vascular surgery.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=423798, PROSPERO (CRD42023423798).
An in vivo evaluation of the safety and efficacy of using decellularized bovine parietal peritoneum membranes as dural substitutes
Authors: Doskaliyev Aidos , Ogay Vyacheslav , Mussabekov Islambek , Satov Muratbek , Zhetpisbayev Berik , Mustafin Khalit , Bobrova Xeniya , Auezova Raushan , Akshulakov Serik
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The reconstruction of dura matter is a challenging problem for neurosurgeons. A number of materials for dural reconstruction have recently been developed, but some of them have poor biocompatibility, poor mechanical properties, and adverse effects. Bovine parietal peritoneum is a promising natural material for regenerative medicine and reconstructive surgery. In this study, we conducted an in vivo evaluation of the safety and efficacy of using decellularized bovine peritoneum membranes (BPMs) as natural dural substitutes in a rabbit model.

Methods

The dural defects in mature New Zealand rabbits were studied. A BPM was sutured on the dural defect area of each animal. Autologous periosteum and collagen membranes (Lyoplant®) were used to facilitate a comparison with the BPMs. ELISA, histomorphological analysis, and hematological analysis were carried out to examine the safety and efficacy of using BPMs as dural substitutes.

Results

Our results showed that the BPMs demonstrated a deterioration rate that is suitable for gathering newly formed meningothelial tissue. The thickness and density of BPM fibers prevents resorption in the first few days after use as a plastic material, and the regeneration of the dura mater does not occur at an accelerated pace, meaning that the gradual formation of fibrous tissue prevents adhesion to the brain surface. It was observed that the BPM can integrate with the adjacent tissue to repair dural defects. Moreover, the transplantation of BPMs did not cause significant adverse effects or immunological responses, indicating the safety and good biocompatibility of the BPM.

Conclusion

Thus, our in vivo study in a rabbit model showed that decellularized BPMs may represent a biocompatible natural material that can be used in cases requiring dura matter repair without significant adverse effects.
Surgical effect of the medial wall resection of the cavernous sinus for functional pituitary adenomas
Authors: Liang Xiao , Li Zhuoqun , Xing Mengyang , Gao Wenbo , Liu Pengfei
Published: December 2024

Background

The surgical treatment of pituitary adenomas (PAs) is aimed at achieving maximal tumor resection, relieving the compression, and correcting the disorders of pituitary hormones. Parasellar dural invasion is a primary factor in the failure of the surgery. By comparing the two operations of tumor excision combined with resection of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus (MW) and simple tumor excision, we further confirmed the clinical effectiveness and safety of the resection technique of the MW.

Methods

41 patients with functional pituitary adenoma (FPA) were divided into two groups according to the operation. The experimental group consisted of 20 patients who underwent tumor excision combined with resection of the MW via endonasal transsphenoidal approach and 21 patients who underwent simple pituitary tumor excision as the control group. Both groups were followed up for 12 months and matched for age, sex, BMI, tumor type, Knosp grade, maximum tumor diameter, hypertension, diabetes, and coronary disease. Perioperative-related indicators, biochemical remission rates, tumor recurrence rates, and complications were assessed.

Results

A total of 21 medial walls were removed in 20 patients, 15 (71%) specimens had pathologically confirmed tumor invasion. Biochemical remission rates and average operative duration in the experimental group were more than in the control group (P < 0.05). The remaining perioperative indicators, complications, and tumor recurrence rates had no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The technique of the MW removal via endonasal transsphenoidal approach for FPAs is safe and effective, with a high biochemical remission. The average operative duration for MW removal may be longer than that for simple tumor excision.
Confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in skuas, Antarctica 2024
Authors: Bennett-Laso Benjamín , Berazay Bárbara , Muñoz Gabriela , Ariyama Naomi , Enciso Nikita , Braun Christina , Krüger Lucas , Barták Miloš , González-Aravena Marcelo , Neira Victor
Published: December 2024

From December 2023 to March 2024, a surveillance program aiming to detect Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was conducted on Antarctica territories, specifically at Fildes Peninsula (King George Island, Maritime Antarctic), and James Ross Island. At Fildes Peninsula, samples from marine birds and mammals were collected from four accessible sampling locations with significant animal colonies: Ardley Island, hosting a large concentration of Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua); Ardley Cove, where small groups of likely non-breeding Chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarcticus) were present; seal haul-out sites of Southern elephant (Mirounga leonina) and Weddell (Leptonycotes wedellii); and, a nesting site of Southern giant petrels (Macronectes giganteus). Additionally, six samples were collected from five dead skuas near the Lachman lakes on James Ross Island (63.7989S, 57.8105W) on March 3, 2024. Despite collecting a total of 943 samples from Fildes Peninsula, all results tested negative for HPAI, and no animals displayed clinical signs or behaviors consistent with HPAI infection. However, all skua samples from James Ross Island tested positive for HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4 by specific real-time RT-PCR reactions, confirming the first recorded HPAI-related mortality event in Antarctica (south of 60°S), specifically in skuas. Further research is necessary to genetically characterize the virus and better understand the role of skuas in viral dissemination in Antarctica.
Development of a web-based tool to assess daily rating of perceived exertion in agility dogs
Authors: Sellon Debra C. , Shoben Abigail , Pechette Markley Arielle , McFarlane Dianne , Marcellin-Little Denis J.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To develop a web-based tool for daily use by agility handlers to log rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for dogs as an aid in quantifying daily exercise and training load and to improve training and conditioning strategies.

Procedures

Focus group meetings with small groups of handlers were conducted via internet—based video conferencing using a semi-structured interview format. Meeting notes were coded for reflexive thematic analysis. The RPE logging tool was revised based on handler feedback. Each handler was asked to log their dog’s daily RPE data for 1 week. Data were analyzed to assess compliance and timeliness of entries. Participants completed a post-logging questionnaire to provide feedback about their experiences.

Results

Eighteen agility dog handlers participated in all phases of the project. Handler and dog demographics were similar to previously reported demographics of agility participants in the United States. Reflexive thematic analysis of their comments related to the initial draft RPE logging tool yielded 3 initial themes, all of which supported a fourth and major theme: the need for specific and detailed training resources before agility handlers utilized the RPE tool. Of 18 handlers, 14 (78%) submitted logging records for the full week. Median time for data entry was 87 s (IQR = 56–117 s), and 92% of logging records were entered within 1 day of the events which were being recorded. In the follow-up questionnaire the handlers did not identify any major concerns. Based on all available data from the handlers, a final version of the RPE logging tool was produced.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Agility dog handlers are very interested in developing and validating tools to quantify training load for their dogs. The final RPE logging tool was quick and easy to use. Further validation of this logging tool is required with a larger number of handlers and comparison to physiologic data from exercising dogs.