bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of the protective effects of silymarin/silibinin against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Singh Mandeep , Kadhim Mustafa M. , Turki Jalil Abduladheem , Oudah Shamam Kareem , Aminov Zafar , Alsaikhan Fahad , Jawhar Zanko Hassan , Ramírez-Coronel Andrés Alexis , Farhood Bagher
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Although doxorubicin chemotherapy is commonly applied for treating different malignant tumors, cardiotoxicity induced by this chemotherapeutic agent restricts its clinical use. The use of silymarin/silibinin may mitigate the doxorubicin-induced cardiac adverse effects. For this aim, the potential cardioprotective effects of silymarin/silibinin against the doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity were systematically reviewed.

Methods

In this study, we performed a systematic search in accordance with PRISMA guideline for identifying all relevant studies on “the role of silymarin/silibinin against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity” in different electronic databases up to June 2022. Sixty-one articles were obtained and screened based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirteen eligible papers were finally included in this review.

Results

According to the echocardiographic and electrocardiographic findings, the doxorubicin-treated groups presented a significant reduction in ejection fraction, tissue Doppler peak mitral annulus systolic velocity, and fractional shortening as well as bradycardia, prolongation of QT and QRS interval. However, these echocardiographic abnormalities were obviously improved in the silymarin plus doxorubicin groups. As well, the doxorubicin administration led to induce histopathological and biochemical changes in the cardiac cells/tissue; in contrast, the silymarin/silibinin co-administration could mitigate these induced alterations (for most of the cases).

Conclusion

According to the findings, it was found that the co-administration of silymarin/silibinin alleviates the doxorubicin-induced cardiac adverse effects. Silymarin/silibinin exerts its cardioprotective effects via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic activities, and other mechanisms.
Maternal and congenital syphilis in Indigenous Peoples: a scoping review of the worldwide literature
Authors: Cardoso Andrey Moreira , Caldas Aline Diniz Rodrigues , Oliveira Evelin Santos , Paixão Enny Santos , Soares Maria Auxiliadora Santos , dos Santos Idália Oliveira , Barreto Maurício Lima , Ichihara Maria Yury Travassos
Published: May 2023

Background

Syphilis is among the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. When it occurs during pregnancy, it can seriously affect the fetus and newborn`s health. The scarcity of studies on maternal and congenital syphilis in Indigenous Peoples remains an obstacle to its control in these populations. This study aimed to explore the breadth of the literature, map updated evidence, and identify knowledge gaps on maternal and congenital syphilis in Indigenous Peoples worldwide.

Methods

We conducted a Scoping review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - Extension for Scoping Reviews. In March 2021, we collected data through a priority search on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and SciELO.

Results

The strategy yielded 24 studies for analysis. Data in the articles were collected from 1989 to 2020, half from 2015 onwards. Studies were in Oceania and the Americas, mainly in South America (66.7%), particularly in Brazil (50.0%). The topics assessed were Data quality related to maternal and congenital syphilis (20.8%); Diagnosis, provision, access, and use of health services (62.5%); Disease frequency and health inequities (54.2%); Determinants of maternal syphilis and congenital syphilis (20.8%); and Outcomes of maternal and congenital syphilis in the fetus (20.8%). The results show that the available literature on maternal and congenital syphilis is sparse and concentrated in some geographic areas; the frequency of these diseases in Indigenous Peoples varies but is generally higher than in the non-indigenous counterparts; the quality of surveillance data and health information systems is poor; multiple healthcare barriers exist; and the diversity of terms to identify Indigenous Peoples is a challenge to mapping scientific outputs on Indigenous Peoples’ health.

Conclusions

Maternal and congenital syphilis in Indigenous Peoples is a double-neglected condition and research in this area should be given the priority and encouragement it deserves globally. Reliable data and improving access to health care are needed to reduce the burden of syphilis and correctly inform policies and health services response to mitigate ethnic-racial inequalities in maternal and congenital syphilis.
The impact of JUUL market entry on cigarette sales: evidence from a major chain retailer in Canada
Authors: Xu Yingying , Sen Anindya , Chen Tengjiao , Harris Christopher M. , Prakash Shivaani
Published: May 2023

Background

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), such as the JUUL system, are nicotine products for adults who currently smoke cigarettes but are looking for an alternative to combustible cigarettes. Sales of ENDS products were legislatively acknowledged and authorized federally in Canada with the Royal Assent of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act in 2018.

Methods

With the unique dataset from a major chain retailer in Canada, we evaluated the impacts of JUUL market entry on cigarette sales across Canada from January 2017 to August 2019 using two-way fixed effects panel regression models by leveraging on the entry time variation at the city level. We conducted various robustness checks and a permutation test to validate our results.

Results

Our estimates suggested that JUUL market entry was, on average, significantly correlated with a 1.65% per-month decrease in cigarette sales during the initial months, and with a potentially larger impact on urban areas. Our results were robust across various specifications and tests. These findings implied that JUUL and combustible cigarettes act as economic substitutes during the study time period in Canada.

Conclusions

These results suggested that local availability of ENDS products, such as JUUL, has the potential to reduce local cigarette consumption.
Cardiomyocyte-targeting exosomes from sulforaphane-treated fibroblasts affords cardioprotection in infarcted rats
Authors: Papini Gaia , Furini Giulia , Matteucci Marco , Biemmi Vanessa , Casieri Valentina , Di Lascio Nicole , Milano Giuseppina , Chincoli Lucia Rosa , Faita Francesco , Barile Lucio , Lionetti Vincenzo
Published: May 2023

Background

Exosomes (EXOs), tiny extracellular vesicles that facilitate cell–cell communication, are being explored as a heart failure treatment, although the features of the cell source restrict their efficacy. Fibroblasts the most prevalent non-myocyte heart cells, release poor cardioprotective EXOs. A noninvasive method for manufacturing fibroblast-derived exosomes (F-EXOs) that target cardiomyocytes and slow cardiac remodeling is expected. As a cardioprotective isothiocyanate, sulforaphane (SFN)-induced F-EXOs (SFN-F-EXOs) should recapitulate its anti-remodeling properties.

Methods

Exosomes from low-dose SFN (3 μM/7 days)-treated NIH/3T3 murine cells were examined for number, size, and protein composition. Fluorescence microscopy, RT-qPCR, and western blot assessed cell size, oxidative stress, AcH4 levels, hypertrophic gene expression, and caspase-3 activation in angiotensin II (AngII)-stressed HL-1 murine cardiomyocytes 12 h-treated with various EXOs. The uptake of fluorescently-labeled EXOs was also measured in cardiomyocytes. The cardiac function of infarcted male Wistar rats intramyocardially injected with different EXOs (1·1012) was examined by echocardiography. Left ventricular infarct size, hypertrophy, and capillary density were measured.

Results

Sustained treatment of NIH/3T3 with non-toxic SFN concentration significantly enhances the release of CD81 + EXOs rich in TSG101 (Tumor susceptibility gene 101) and Hsp70 (Heat Shock Protein 70), and containing maspin, an endogenous histone deacetylase 1 inhibitor. SFN-F-EXOs counteract angiotensin II (AngII)-induced hypertrophy and apoptosis in murine HL-1 cardiomyocytes enhancing SERCA2a (sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2a) levels more effectively than F-EXOs. In stressed cardiomyocytes, SFN-F-EXOs boost AcH4 levels by 30% (p < 0.05) and significantly reduce oxidative stress more than F-EXOs. Fluorescence microscopy showed that mouse cardiomyocytes take in SFN-F-EXOs ~ threefold more than F-EXOs. Compared to vehicle-injected infarcted hearts, SFN-F-EXOs reduce hypertrophy, scar size, and improve contractility.

Conclusions

Long-term low-dose SFN treatment of fibroblasts enhances the release of anti-remodeling cardiomyocyte-targeted F-EXOs, which effectively prevent the onset of HF. The proposed method opens a new avenue for large-scale production of cardioprotective exosomes for clinical application using allogeneic fibroblasts.
12-week combined strength and endurance exercise attenuates CD8+ T-cell differentiation and affects the kynurenine pathway in the elderly: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Boßlau Tim Konstantin , Wasserfurth Paulina , Reichel Thomas , Weyh Christopher , Palmowski Jana , Nebl Josefine , Joisten Niklas , Belen Sergen , Schenk Alexander , Hahn Andreas , Zimmer Philipp , Krüger Karsten
Published: May 2023

Background

Age-related accumulation of highly differentiated CD8+effector memory re-expressing CD45RA (EMRA) T-cells and disruption of the kynurenine (KYN) pathway are associated with chronic inflammation and the development of insulin resistance.

In this study the aim was to investigate the effects of 12-week combined strength and endurance exercise on CD8+T-cell differentiation and KYN pathway metabolites. Ninety-six elderly subjects (f/m, aged 50—70) were randomized to a control (CON) or exercise (EX) group. The EX group completed combined strength and endurance training twice weekly for one hour each time at an intensity of 60% of the one-repetition maximum for strength exercises and a perceived exertion of 15/20 for endurance exercises. The EX group was also randomly subdivided into two groups with or without a concomitant balanced diet intervention in order to examine additional effects besides exercise alone. Before and after the intervention phase, the proportions of CD8+T-cell subsets and levels of KYN pathway metabolites in peripheral blood were determined.

Results

The CD8+EMRA T-cell subsets increased in the CON group but remained almost unchanged in the EX group (p = .02). Plasma levels of kynurenic acid (KA) increased in the EX group and decreased in the CON group (p = .03). Concomitant nutritional intervention resulted in lower levels of quinolinic acid (QA) compared with exercise alone (p = .03). Overall, there was a slight increase in the QA/KA ratio in the CON group, whereas it decreased in the EX group (p > .05).

Conclusions

Combined strength and endurance training seems to be a suitable approach to attenuate CD8+T-cell differentiation in the elderly and to redirect the KYN pathway towards KA. The clinical relevance of these effects needs further investigation.
Serum E-selectin and endothelial cell-specific Molecule-1 levels among people living with HIV on long term ART in Uganda: a pilot cross-sectional study
Authors: Semulimi Andrew Weil , Batte Charles , Bayiyana Alice , Nakabuye Mariam , Mukisa John , Castelnuovo Barbara , Ratanshi Rosalind Parkes , Kirenga Bruce J , Ssinabulya Isaac
Published: May 2023

Background

Prolonged exposure to HIV and anti-retroviral therapy (ART) has been linked with endothelial cell activation which subsequently predisposes people living with HIV (PLWH) to cardiovascular diseases. Serum biomarkers of endothelial cell activation such as E-Selectin and endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (ESM-1) could aid in early detection of PLWH at a risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, there is a paucity of data on these biomarkers like E-selectin and endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (ESM-1) among PLWH on long term ART (≥ 10 years) in Uganda. The aim of this study is to determine the serum levels of these biomarkers in this population.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study where we randomly sampled 73 stored serum samples of PLWH who were enrolled in the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) ART long term (ALT cohort). We measured serum levels of E-selectin and ESM-1 by ELISA. Data was summarized using median and interquartile range. Inferential statistics were performed to determine predictors of elevated levels of E-selectin.

Results

Of the 73 samples analyzed, 38 (52.1%) were from female participants. The mean age was 54 ± 9.0 years. Twenty participants (27.4%) had a history of smoking while 52 (71.2%) had a history of alcohol intake. Twenty-five (34.3%) of the participants were overweight whereas 4 (5.6%) were obese. Fifty-four (74%) had an undetectable viral load (≤ 0 copies/ml) and the mean duration of ART at the time of sampling (2014/2015) was 10.4 ± 0.4 years. While serum levels of ESM-1 were not detectable in any of our samples, the median E-selectin levels was 147.6 μm/L ranging from 8.44 μm/L and 1,979.36 μm/L. Sixty-seven participants (91.8%) had elevated levels of E-selectin (> 39 μm/L). CD4 count > 500 cells/µl compared to lower counts was a predictor of elevated levels of E-Selectin (adjusted Odd Ratio 12.5, 95% CI (1.03 — 149.95, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The majority (91.8%) of PLWH on long term ART had elevated levels of E-selectin. Having high CD4 count (> 500 cells/µl) was predictive of elevated levels of E-Selectin. Future work should longitudinally assess the trend of levels of E-selectin and ESM-1 while assessing for cardiovascular diseases endpoint.
Cervical sagittal balance after consecutive three-level hybrid surgery versus anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: radiological results from a single-center experience
Authors: Chen Shihao , Deng Yuxiao , Liu Hao , Wu Tingkui , Huang Kangkang , He Junbo , Wang Beiyu
Published: May 2023

Introduction

According to the different numbers and relative locations of cervical disc replacement (CDR) and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), three-level hybrid surgery (HS) has many constructs. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the sagittal alignment parameters of HS and ACDF for cervical degenerative disc disease (CDDD) and the association of the respective parameters.

Methods

This study involved patients with three-level CDDD who underwent ACDF or HS at our institution between June 2012 and August 2021. This follow-up included one-level CDR and two-level ACDF (type I group), two-level CDR and one-level ACDF (type II group) and three-level ACDF. Cervical sagittal alignment parameters included cervical lordosis (CL), segment alignment (SA), T1 slope (T1S), C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1S-CL, C2 slope (C2S), occipital to C2 angle (O-C2A) and segment range of motion (ROM). Postoperative complications included adjacent segment degeneration, imbalance, prosthetic subsidence and heterotopic ossification.

Results

The three groups with a total of 106 patients were better matched in terms of demographics. Patients who underwent HS had significantly higher CL than those who underwent ACDF at 1 week, 6 months, 12 months and the final follow-up after surgery, as well as significantly better SA at 12 months and the final follow-up. There was no significant difference in T1S, SVA, T1S-CL, C2S, O-C2A or segment ROM among the three groups after surgery. The T1S-CL was significantly associated with C2S in the type I and type II groups at the preoperative and final follow-up. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications among the three groups.

Conclusions

Most improvements in cervical sagittal alignment (CL, SA, T1S, SVA, T1S-CL, C2S, O-C2A, and segmental ROM) were observed in all three groups postoperatively. HS was more advantageous than ACDF in the maintenance of postoperative CL and SA. Thus, three-level HS may be better for maintaining cervical curvature. The number of replacement segments differed in those who underwent HS but did not affect the correlation between T1S-CL and C2S, both of which are well balanced.
Investigating significant health trends in growth hormone treatments registry: rationale, aims and design of a nationwide prospective registry (study protocol)
Authors: Schnabel Dirk , Kreitschmann-Andermahr Ilonka , Strasburger Christian J. , Pittrow David , Pausch Christine , Woelfle Joachim ,   for the INSIGHTS-GHT Study Group
Published: May 2023

Background

Somatropin treatment is indicated in a variety of disorders including growth hormone (GH) deficiency, Prader–Willi and Turner syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency and others. To date, almost all studies have been limited to single GH products, and no independent registry across indications and somatropin products was ever established.

Aim

The present investigator-initiated registry named INSIGHTS-GHT aims to provide comprehensive information on various aspects of somatropin treatment in Germany in approved indications within routine clinical practice: drug utilization, effectiveness (including real final height, body composition), tolerability, quality of life, other patient related outcomes (PRO), and health economic variables.

Methods

Registry (prospective observational study) in specialised pediatric and adult endocrinology centres in Germany. Patients of any age are eligible for documentation, if they are on ongoing or newly initiated treatment with any approved somatropin or somatropin-related product within the labelling, available for long term follow-up documentation, and if they provided informed consent. Subjects may switch, discontinue/interrupt or initiate somatropin products at any time. They are followed up for at least 3 years (minimal study duration). Documentation is planned once or twice per year to record somatropin utilisation (product, dosing), other medications, laboratory status (glucose, lipids, GH function including stimulation tests, IGF-I, IGFBP3), if applicable, pubertal development, auxological parameters, body composition and bone age. Patient reported outcome (PRO) measures include, but are not limited to, Short Form 12 in adults and adolescents aged 14 years and over. Safety reporting includes adverse events.

Conclusions

The registry documents children and adults in one joint registry, includes, at present, patients in Germany and allows documentation of patients on all approved somatropin and other growth hormone preparations. It will allow to describe the transition of subjects from adolescence to adulthood (treatment and height), to describe switches between somatotropin preparations, to perform responder analyses, and to analyse differences and similarities of somatropin utilization (by age group, sex, setting, and PRO instrument). INSIGHTS-GHT offers a broad, comprehensive research platform to assess multiple relevant aspects of somatropin treatment and outcomes (including the transition of subjects from adolescence to adulthood), allows the documentation of all GH products including long-acting GH preparations after their introduction, and will evaluate the data independently of funders.

Trial registration BfArM Nr. NIS7492, DRKS registry DRKS00027394.
Secure attachment predicts lower societal cost amongst severely antisocial adolescents
Authors: Bachmann Christian J , Humayun Sajid , Stevens Madeleine , O’Connor Thomas G , Scott Stephen
Published: May 2023

Background

Social and economic costs associated with antisocial behaviour are well-established, but little is known about the potential costs savings/benefits of secure attachment in this high-risk group. We aimed to provide the first test of attachment quality as a distinct predictor of economic costs.

Methods

111 adolescents (10–17 years of age, M = 15.0, SD = 1.6; 71% male) referred to young offender services due to high levels of antisocial behaviour were included. Costs were measured by detailed service-use interview, and attachment security to mother and father elicited through the Child Attachment Interview. The level of antisocial behaviour and callous-unemotional traits were assessed. Cost predictors were calculated using generalised linear models.

Results

Mean 12-months service costs were £5,368 (sd 5,769) per adolescent, with justice system and educational service costs being the main components. After adjusting for covariates, economic costs were predicted by attachment quality to fathers, with a difference of £2,655 per year between those with secure (£3,338) versus insecure attachment (£5,993); significant cost effects were not found for attachment quality to mothers. Higher levels of callous-unemotional traits, lower verbal IQ, higher levels of antisocial behaviour, and older age were also significant cost predictors.

Conclusions

Secure attachment to fathers is a predictor of reduced public cost in adolescents with severe antisocial behaviour. This novel finding for severely antisocial youth extends previous findings in less antisocial children and underscores the public health and policy benefits of good caregiving quality and the value of population-level dissemination of evidence-based interventions that improve caregiving quality.
Expression of L1 retrotransposons in granulocytes from patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ukadike Kennedy C. , Najjar Rayan , Ni Kathryn , Laine Amanda , Wang Xiaoxing , Bays Alison , Taylor Martin S. , LaCava John , Mustelin Tomas
Published: May 2023

Background

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have autoantibodies against the L1-encoded open-reading frame 1 protein (ORF1p). Here, we report (i) which immune cells ORF1p emanates from, (ii) which L1 loci are transcriptionally active, (iii) whether the cells express L1-dependent interferon and interferon-stimulated genes, and (iv) the effect of inhibition of L1 ORF2p by reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

Results

L1 ORF1p was detected by flow cytometry primarily in SLE CD66b+CD15+ regular and low-density granulocytes, but much less in other immune cell lineages. The amount of ORF1p was higher in neutrophils from patients with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) > 6 (p = 0.011) compared to patients with inactive disease, SLEDAI < 4. Patient neutrophils transcribed seven to twelve human-specific L1 loci (L1Hs), but only 3 that are full-length and with an intact ORF1. Besides serving as a source of detectable ORF1p, the most abundant transcript encoded a truncated ORF2p reverse transcriptase predicted to remain cytosolic, while the two other encoded an intact full-length ORF2p. A number of genes encoding proteins that influence L1 transcription positively or negatively were altered in patients, particularly those with active disease, compared to healthy controls. Components of nucleic acid sensing and interferon induction were also altered. SLE neutrophils also expressed type I interferon-inducible genes and interferon β, which were substantially reduced after treatment of the cells with drugs known to inhibit ORF2p reverse transcriptase activity.

Conclusions

We identified L1Hs loci that are transcriptionally active in SLE neutrophils, and a reduction in the epigenetic silencing mechanisms that normally counteract L1 transcription. SLE neutrophils contained L1-encoded ORF1p protein, as well as activation of the type I interferon system, which was inhibited by treatment with reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Our findings will enable a deeper analysis of L1 dysregulation and its potential role in SLE pathogenesis.
Time to relapse in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and DNA-methylation-based biological age
Authors: Nannini Drew R. , Cortese Rene , Egwom Peter , Palaniyandi Senthilnathan , Hildebrandt Gerhard C.
Published: May 2023

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a mature B cell neoplasm with a predilection for older individuals. While previous studies have identified epigenetic signatures associated with CLL, whether age-related DNA methylation changes modulate CLL relapse remains elusive. In this study, we examined the association between epigenetic age acceleration and time to CLL relapse in a publicly available dataset. DNA methylation profiling of 35 CLL patients prior to initiating chemoimmunotherapy was performed using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Four epigenetic age acceleration metrics (intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration [IEAA], extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration [EEAA], PhenoAge acceleration [PhenoAA], and GrimAge acceleration [GrimAA]) were estimated from blood DNA methylation levels. Linear, quantile, and logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to assess the association between each epigenetic age metric and time to CLL relapse. EEAA (p = 0.011) and PhenoAA (p = 0.046) were negatively and GrimAA (p = 0.040) was positively associated with time to CLL relapse. Simultaneous assessment of EEAA and GrimAA in male patients distinguished patients who relapsed early from patients who relapsed later (p = 0.039). No associations were observed with IEAA. These findings suggest epigenetic age acceleration prior to chemoimmunotherapy initiation is associated with time to CLL relapse. Our results provide novel insight into the association between age-related DNA methylation changes and CLL relapse and may serve has biomarkers for treatment relapse, and potentially, treatment selection.
Coral fauna across the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary at Zagros and Sistan Suture zones and Yazd Block of Iran
Authors: Baron-Szabo Rosemarie C. , Schlagintweit Felix , Rashidi Koorosh
Published: May 2023

From the upper Maastrichtian (Tarbur Fm.) and Paleocene of Iran, 20 species of scleractinian corals belonging to 17 genera and 14 families, and one species of the octocoral Heliopora are newly recorded. Furthermore, coral species previously described from the upper Maastrichtian Tarbur Fm. and the Paleocene are revised and included in the evaluation, resulting in a total of 37 species from 28 genera belonging to 20 families (including 3 subfamilies) for the Iranian K/Pg-boundary time period. The majority of the taxa (21 out of 37 = 57%) crossed the K/Pg-boundary. The genera Acropora and Stylocoeniella are recorded from strata older than the Paleogene (upper Maastrichtian) for the first time; for Lobopsammia it is the first report from strata older than the Eocene (Selandian‒Thanetian). The vast majority of the coral taxa occurring in both the upper Maastrichtian (Tarbur Fm.) and the Paleocene of Iran have been reported from a variety of both reefal and non-reefal paleoenvironments. On the species level, a slight majority of the corals from the upper Maastrichtian (Tarbur Fm.) are endemic (14 out of 27 species = 52%). In contrast, the vast majority of the Paleocene Iranian corals are cosmopolitan to subcosmopolitan; only 4 taxa are endemic during the Paleocene. While the upper Maastrichtian coral fauna of Iran shows greatest affinities to contemporaneous assemblages of Europe and the Caribbean, the Paleocene coral fauna is most closely related to contemporaneous coral associations of central Asia, Europe, and North America.
Mean-field optimal control in a multi-agent interaction model for prevention of maritime crime
Authors: Orlando Gianluca
Published: May 2023

We study a multi-agent system for the modeling maritime crime. The model involves three interacting populations of ships: commercial ships, pirate ships, and coast guard ships. Commercial ships follow commercial routes, are subject to traffic congestion, and are repelled by pirate ships. Pirate ships travel stochastically, are attracted by commercial ships and repelled by coast guard ships. Coast guard ships are controlled. We prove well-posedness of the model and existence of optimal controls that minimize dangerous contacts. Then we study, in a two-step procedure, the mean-field limit as the number of commercial ships and pirate ships is large, deriving a mean-field PDE/PDE/ODE model. Via Γ-convergence, we study the limit of the corresponding optimal control problems.
What is public health? a scoping review
Authors: Azari Razieh , Borisch Bettina
Published: May 2023

Background

during the last hundred years, several major public health issues have already afflicted humanity. Most frequently cited definitions of public health have stemmed from long-standing definitions, which raises several concerns including whether these definitions can respond to today’s public health challenges. The present study aimed to identify and review available public health definitions in the first place.

Methods

in this scoping review, we undertook an electronic search in four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and EBSCOhost) from inception until June 06, 2022, and a grey literature search in Google Scholar. Moreover, reference lists of publications included in the scoping review were screened manually for additional relevant publications. All types of scientific publications, in English, that focused on the definition of public health and provided an original definition were included. Year, type, disciplinary fields of publications, objectives of publications, and public health definitions were extracted.

Results

5651 publications were identified through the scoping search, of which five were subjected to full-text review. Of these publications, two were included. An additional nine publications were identified through the manual screening. A total 11 of publications were included in the scoping review. Of the 11 definitions included in this review, the latest original definitions date back to about two decades ago.

Conclusions

there is a noticeable lack of updated definitions of public health. Considering our findings and the ever-changing nature of public health issues, there is an urgent need for re-assessing and updating public health definitions.
Multidisciplinary physician survey assessing knowledge of the female athlete triad and relative energy deficiency in sport
Authors: Warrick Alexandra E. , Hassid Brandon , Coleman Brandon , Cansino Catherine , Faustin Marcia
Published: May 2023

Background

Short and long-term health consequences surrounding Low Energy Availability can be mitigated by recognizing the risk factors and making early diagnosis of the Female Athlete Triad (Triad) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). While awareness of the Triad among physicians and allied health professionals has been studied, there are very few studies that assess physician awareness of both the Triad and RED-S.

Methods

Our study assesses Low Energy Availability, the Triad, and RED-S knowledge with an electronic survey, educational handout, and follow up survey among physicians across multiple specialties at a single academic institution.

Results

Among 161 respondents, respective Triad and RED-S awareness among surveyed specialties was highest in Orthopedic surgeons (100%, 100%), followed by Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (70%, 53%), Family Medicine (67%, 48%), Internal Medicine (54%, 36%), Obstetrics and Gynecology (46%, 32%), Pediatrics (45%, 29%), Endocrinology (33%, 33%), and Other (33%, 33%). Comparing the initial survey results to the follow-up survey results, there was an increase from 37 to 72% of physicians who correctly identified that the presence of low BMI or recent weight loss is not a required component of the Triad or RED-S. Both the initial and follow-up survey revealed a continued misperception surrounding the use of hormonal contraception to resume menstrual cycles, with 33% of physicians on initial survey and 44% of physicians on follow-up survey incorrectly answering that question.

Conclusions

Multidisciplinary physicians have various levels of knowledge surrounding the Triad and RED-S, and there is a need for improved physician awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of the Triad and RED-S. Misperceptions exist surrounding the role of hormonal contraception in female athletes with the Triad and RED-S to regain and regulate menses.
From agricultural waste to chicken feed using insect-based technology
Authors: Dzepe Daniel , Kuietche Hervé Mube , Magatsing Ornela , Meutchieye Félix , Nana Paulin , Tchuinkam Timoléon , Djouaka Rousseau
Published: May 2023

Background

This study investigates the potential of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae to recycle agricultural waste into larval biomass for chicken feed, and was carried out at the University of Dschang, Cameroon in 2020. Fruit waste consisting of papaya, pineapple and orange peels, and cocoa pods from local sources were used for this study. They were first grinded, and the fruit waste was subjected directly to the larvae from a pre-established BSF colony. Cocoa pods on the other hand were mixed withTithonialeaves at 0% (C100:T0), 5% (C95:T5), 10% (C90:T10), 15% (C85:T15) and 20% (C80:T20), and larval recycling efficiency was assessed using bioconversion parameters. At the end of the process, the BSF larvae from the fruit waste were harvested, dried, grinded, and used in chicken diet as a source of dietary protein. Their nutritional effect was assessed using chicken growth parameters.

Results

Within 15 days, BSF larvae were able to reduce fruit waste by 96.05% and generated 125.33 g of fresh larvae, with an average bioconversion rate of 08.35%. The recycling efficiency of cocoa pods has been greatly improved with the incorporation of Tithonia leaves. The highest bioconversion rate was recorded with the C80:T20 treatment (17.2%). The larvae produced were concentrated in proteins, lipids, and minerals. Those harvested from recycling fruit waste consisted of 39.50% protein, 19.84% lipid and 10.37% ash. Their incorporation in chicken diet as a source of animal protein did not reveal any negative effects on the growth parameters. The growth performances recorded were comparable to that of commonly used fishmeal.

Conclusions

BSF larvae can easily be reared on agricultural waste to replace or supplement fishmeal in chicken diet. Adoption of this technology could help mitigate the adverse effects of poor agricultural waste management on the environment.
Identification of effective plant extracts against candidiasis: an in silico and in vitro approach
Authors: Bhairavi V. Anantha , Vidya S. L. , Sathishkumar R.
Published: May 2023

Background

Globally, millions of people suffer from repeated fungal infections affecting the skin, keratinized tissues, and mucosal membranes. Approximately 1.7 million cases result in death with an elevated incidence rate among immunocompromised people that may later result in severe infections. Among the causative agents, Candida albicans are the most prevalent fungi inducing subcutaneous to invasive candidiasis. Although they are commensals in human body alteration in gut or prolonged treatments results in candidiasis. Several virulence proteins of C. albicans are involved in infections and secreted aspartic proteases2 (SAP2) plays an important role among them by causing damage to the reconstituted human epithelium. In the present study, phytochemicals from Heliotropium indicum, Grona triflora, Ziziphus mauritiana, Atalantia racemosa, Coccinia grandis, Caryota urens, Aristolochia bracteolata, Evolvulus alsinoides, Pyrus communis and Commelina benghalensis were studied against SAP2 with the help of bioinformatic tools to understand their binding efficiency.

Results

The phytochemical structures were retrieved from PubChem database and the target protein structure was retrieved from PDB database with ID:3PVK. ADME profiling for phytochemicals was performed with Qikprop module, followed by docking with protein using Schrodinger software. Docking studies showed that Indicine-N-Oxide from H. indicum scored the significant glide score of − 5.54 kcal/mol. Finally, antifungal studies against C. albicans were conducted using several extracts of plants containing phytochemicals with considerable glide scores on docking studies. The Ethyl acetate leaf extract of H. indicum prominently inhibited the fungal growth when compared with the control.

Conclusion

Identification of effective therapeutic candidates for the treatment of fungal infection is facilitated by the potential of H. indicum to hinder fungal growth and the interaction of their phytocompounds with fungal targets paves a way for developing a novel drug.
Intrapericardial bronchogenic cyst extirpated through median sternotomy: a case report
Authors: Morita Koji , Yoshioka Hiromu , Tanaka Keisuke , Sugiura Junya , Yamamoto Ryota , Goto Yuki , Yamaki Koshi , Kato Wataru
Published: May 2023

Background

Bronchogenic cyst sometimes occurs in the mediastinum and rarely in the intrapericardial space. When located in the intrapericardial space, the main vessels or the heart can be compressed. In addition, if it is difficult to deny malignancy or malignancy transformation potential using any modality, surgical resection should be performed.

Case presentation

The patient was a 21-year-old woman with persistent symptoms similar to a cold. Enhanced computed tomography confirmed a 51 × 36 × 35-mm intrapericardial cystic structure with partial calcification. The lesion was large enough to compress and interfere with the venous return of the superior vena cava. Thrombus formation was suspected upstream of the compression site. We performed utter extirpation through median sternotomy. A histopathological examination of the surgical specimen revealed a bronchogenic cyst. The postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged on postoperative day 9.

Conclusion

We experienced a case of total extirpation of an intrapericardial bronchogenic cyst complicated with compression of the superior vena cava. Long-term follow-up will be necessary.
Six-MicroRNA Prognostic Signature in Patients With Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Worakitchanon Wittawin , Panvongsa Wittaya , Siripoon Teerada , Kitdumrongthum Sarunya , Wongpan Anongnat , Arsa Lalida , Trachu Narumol , Jinawath Natini , Chairoungdua Arthit , Ngamphaiboon Nuttapong
Published: May 2023

PURPOSE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been evaluated as biomarkers in cancers. Therefore, we aimed to identify a prognostic miRNA signature from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and validate it in the Ramathibodi (RA) locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) cohort.

METHODS

The correlation between candidate miRNAs and the survival of patients with LA-HNSCC in TCGA database was analyzed. A prognostic miRNA signature model was generated that classified patients into high-risk and low-risk groups. This candidate miRNA signature was further validated in the independent RA cohort using droplet-digital polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

In TCGA database, we compared the expression of 277 miRNAs between 519 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tissues and 44 normal tissues. The expression of hsa-miR-10b, hsa-miR-148b, hsa-miR-99a, hsa-miR-127, hsa-miR-370, and hsa-miR-500a was independently associated with overall survival (OS). Thus, we established the miRNA signature risk score from these six miRNAs and categorized patients into low-risk and high-risk groups. The median OS of TCGA patients was significantly shorter in the low-risk group than in the high-risk group ( P < .001). The six-miRNA signature was further validated in the RA cohort (N = 87). The median OS of the low-risk group was significantly shorter compared with the high-risk group ( P = .03). In multivariate analysis, the six-miRNA signature was an independent prognostic factor for OS in the RA cohort (HR, 1.958; 95% CI, 1.006 to 3.812; P = .048).

CONCLUSION

We identified a prognostic six-miRNA signature for patients with LA-HNSCC from TCGA cohort and validated it in our independent cohort. However, larger studies are warranted to confirm these results.
Transformer versus traditional natural language processing: how much data is enough for automated radiology report classification?
Authors: Yang Eric , Li Matthew D , Raghavan Shruti , Deng Francis , Lang Min , Succi Marc D , Huang Ambrose J , Kalpathy-Cramer Jayashree
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

Current state-of-the-art natural language processing (NLP) techniques use transformer deep-learning architectures, which depend on large training datasets. We hypothesized that traditional NLP techniques may outperform transformers for smaller radiology report datasets.

Methods:

We compared the performance of BioBERT, a deep-learning-based transformer model pre-trained on biomedical text, and three traditional machine-learning models (gradient boosted tree, random forest, and logistic regression) on seven classification tasks given free-text radiology reports. Tasks included detection of appendicitis, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, and enteritis/colitis on abdomen/pelvis CT reports, ischemic infarct on brain CT/MRI reports, and medial and lateral meniscus tears on knee MRI reports (7,204 total annotated reports). The performance of NLP models on held-out test sets was compared after training using the full training set, and 2.5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, and 75% random subsets of the training data.

Results:

In all tested classification tasks, BioBERT performed poorly at smaller training sample sizes compared to non-deep-learning NLP models. Specifically, BioBERT required training on approximately 1,000 reports to perform similarly or better than non-deep-learning models. At around 1,250 to 1,500 training samples, the testing performance for all models began to plateau, where additional training data yielded minimal performance gain.

Conclusions:

With larger sample sizes, transformer NLP models achieved superior performance in radiology report binary classification tasks. However, with smaller sizes (<1000) and more imbalanced training data, traditional NLP techniques performed better.

Advances in knowledge:

Our benchmarks can help guide clinical NLP researchers in selecting machine-learning models according to their dataset characteristics.
A temporal difference in the stabilization of two mRNAs with a 3′ iron-responsive element during iron deficiency
Authors: Connell Gregory J. , Abasiri Ikedinachukwu Michael , Chaney Elizabeth H.
Published: May 2023

The interactions of iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) with mRNAs containing an iron-responsive element (IRE) maintain cellular iron homeostasis and coordinate it with metabolism and possibly cellular behavior. The mRNA encoding transferrin receptor-1 (TFRC, TfR1), which is a major means of iron importation, has five IREs within its 3′ UTR, and IRP interactions help maintain cytosolic iron through the protection of the TfR1 mRNA from degradation. An IRE within the 3′ UTR of an mRNA splice variant encoding human cell division cycle 14A (CDC14A) has the potential to coordinate the cellular iron status with cellular behavior through a similar IRP-mediated mechanism. However, the stability of theCDC14Asplice variant was reported earlier to be unaffected by the cellular iron status, which suggested that the IRE is not functional. We labeled newly synthesized mRNA in HEK293 cells with 5-ethynyl uridine and found that the stability of theCDC14Avariant is responsive to iron deprivation, but there are two major differences from the regulation of TfR1 mRNA stability. First, the decay of theCDC14AmRNA does not utilize the Roquin-mediated reaction that acts on the TfR1 mRNA, indicating that there is flexibility in the degradative machinery antagonized by the IRE–IRP interactions. Second, the stabilization of theCDC14AmRNA is delayed relative to the TfR1 mRNA and does not occur until IRP binding activity has been induced. The result is consistent with a hierarchy of IRP interactions in which the maintenance of cellular iron through the stabilization of the TfR1 mRNA is initially prioritized.
Quality control method of steel structure construction based on digital twin technology
Authors: Liu Zhansheng , Wu Lejia , Liu Zisheng , Mo Yanchi
Published: May 2023

Background: The quality of construction is crucial in evaluating steel structure. However, traditional quality control methods for steel structure construction have been criticized for their lack of intelligence, resulting in a heavier reliance on manual experience and post-construction inspections to address quality issues. This shortcoming makes quality management inefficient and labor-intensive. To address this issue, this paper proposes a smart quality control method based on digital twin technology.

Methods: In this framework, data collection is used for subsequent quality control throughout the construction process. To improve pre-construction quality control, a mixed reality (MR) system is used to guide and train personnel. During the steel structure construction process, the Markov method is used to analyze and predict real-time data.

Results: To test the effectiveness of the proposed method, ten sets of parallel tests were conducted to predict whether the bolt torque value was normal or not, resulting in an 80% accuracy rate.

Conclusions: The proposed method for steel structure construction quality control was effectively certified, achieving active prevention and real-time control of quality problems and improving the overall intelligence level of quality control.
Mitral regurgitation quantification by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains reproducible between software solutions
Authors: Grafton-Clarke Ciaran , Thornton George , Fidock Benjamin , Archer Gareth , Hose Rod , van der Geest Rob J. , Zhong Liang , Swift Andrew J. , Wild James M. , De Gárate Estefania , Bucciarelli-Ducci Chiara , Plein Sven , Treibel Thomas A. , Flather Marcus , Vassiliou Vassilios S. , Garg Pankaj
Published: May 2023

Background: The reproducibility of mitral regurgitation (MR) quantification by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging using different software solutions remains unclear. This research aimed to investigate the reproducibility of MR quantification between two software solutions: MASS (version 2019 EXP, LUMC, Netherlands) and CAAS (version 5.2, Pie Medical Imaging).

Methods: CMR data of 35 patients with MR (12 primary MR, 13 mitral valve repair/replacement, and ten secondary MR) was used. Four methods of MR volume quantification were studied, including two 4D-flow CMR methods (MRMVAV and MRJet) and two non-4D-flow techniques (MRStandard and MRLVRV). We conducted within-software and inter-software correlation and agreement analyses.

Results: All methods demonstrated significant correlation between the two software solutions: MRStandard (r=0.92, p<0.001), MRLVRV (r=0.95, p<0.001), MRJet (r=0.86, p<0.001), and MRMVAV (r=0.91, p<0.001). Between CAAS and MASS, MRJet and MRMVAV, compared to each of the four methods, were the only methods not to be associated with significant bias.

Conclusions: We conclude that 4D-flow CMR methods demonstrate equivalent reproducibility to non-4D-flow methods but greater levels of agreement between software solutions.
The genome sequence of the Large Ear, Amphipoea lucens (Freyer, 1845)
Authors: Lees David ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: May 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Amphipoea lucens (the Large Ear; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 647.7 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the assembled Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.3 kilobases in length.