bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of silver nanoparticles on secondary metabolite composition and toxicity in anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) callus culture
Authors: Ulusoy Esma , Bozkurt Aysenur , Durmaz Sumeyye , Servi Huseyin , Vardar Filiz , Erisen Semiha
Published: May 2024

Background

There are numerous challenges associated with producing desired amounts of secondary metabolites (SMs), which are mostly unique and cannot be chemically synthesized. Many studies indicate that nanoparticles (NPs) can boost the production of SMs. Still, the precise manner in which NPs induce metabolic changes remains unidentified. This study examines the influence of eco-friendly silver NPs (AgNPs) on the chemical makeup and toxicity of Pimpinella anisum L. (anise).

Results

AgNPs were introduced into anise callus cultures at different concentrations (0, 1.0, 5.0, 10, and 20 mg/L). The induced oxidative stress was tracked over intervals of 7, 14, 28, and 35 days. Chemical composition evaluations were carried out on the 35th day. Within the first 14 days, plant stress was evident, though the plant adapted to the stress later on. Notably, the plant showed high tolerance at 1 mg/L and 5 mg/L concentrations despite increased toxicity levels. However, relatively high toxicity levels were identified at 10 and 20 mg/L. The AgNP-induced stress significantly impacted anise SMs, particularly affecting fatty acid content. In the 10 and 20 mg/L AgNP groups, essential metabolites, including palmitic and linoleic acid, showed a significant increase. Polyunsaturated (omega) and monounsaturated fatty acids, vital for the food and pharmaceutical industries, saw substantial growth in the 1 and 5 mg/L AgNP groups. For the first time, vanillyl alcohol and 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid were detected along with various phenolic compounds, such as t-anethole, Salicylic acid, and Thiamazole.

Conclusion

AgNPs can function as an elicitor to efficiently generate essential SMs such as omegas and phenolic compounds in anise callus culture. This study explores the application of AgNPs as plant elicitors in anise SM production, offering invaluable insight into potential uses.
Sexually transmitted infections, the epidemic that persists after the COVID-19 pandemic: an analysis of the primary care electronic health records covering about 5 million people in Catalonia
Authors: Guiriguet Carolina , Alberny Mireia , Mora Núria , Rebagliato Oriol , Roca Carme , Fina Francesc , Fàbregas Mireia , Benítez Mència , de la Poza Mariam , Medina Manuel , Flayeh Souhel , Pedrazas David , Sabatés Montserrat , Coma Ermengol
Published: May 2024

Background

The aim of our study is to analyse the trends in the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted an observational retrospective population-based study using data from primary care electronic health records spanning from January 2016 to December 2022 (involving 5.1 million people older than 14 years). We described the daily number of new STI diagnoses from 2016 to 2022; as well as the monthly accumulation of new STI diagnoses for each year. We compared the monthly averages of new diagnoses in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 using the T-test. Finally, we performed a segmented regression analysis of the daily number of STI diagnoses.

Results

We analysed 200,676 new STI diagnoses. The number of diagnoses abruptly decreased coinciding with the lockdown. Overall in 2020, we observed a reduction of 15%, with higher reductions for specific STIs such as gonorrhoea (-21%), chlamydia (-24%), and HIV (-31%) compared to 2019. Following this drastic drop, which was temporarily associated with the lockdown, we observed a rapid rebound. In 2021, the number of STI diagnoses was similar to that of 2019. Notably, we found a considerable increase in 2022, particularly for non-specific STI, which lack laboratory confirmation (67% increase). HIV was the only STI with a reduction of up to -38% in diagnoses at the end of 2022 compared to 2019.

Conclusions

After a significant reduction in 2020, the number of STIs recorded in primary care rapidly rebounded, and the current trend is similar to that of 2019, except for HIV. These findings underscore the dynamic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on STI diagnoses and highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and public health interventions in the post-pandemic period.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia after COVID-19 vaccination, complicated with COVID-19 and mucormycosis: a case report
Authors: Amirifard Hamed , Shahbazi Mojtaba , Farahmand Ghasem , Ranjbar Zahra , Kaeedi Maryam , Heydari Havadaragh Sanaz
Published: May 2024

Background

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare and fatal opportunistic viral demyelinating infectious disease of the central nervous system (CNS). There are various clinical presenting symptoms for the disease.

Case presentation

This paper presents a clinical case of PML in a patient with B-Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), previously treated with Chlorambucil, later complicated later with COVID-19 and mucormycosis.

Conclusion

PML can develop in the setting of cellular immune dysfunction. Late diagnosis of this disease based on nonspecific symptoms is common, therefore when we face a neurological complication in a CLL or immunocompromised patient, we should consider PML infection. A remarkable feature of this case is the possible triggering effect of COVID-19 vaccination for emergence of PML as the disease can be asymptomatic or sub-clinical before diagnosis.
Comparison of sex differences on outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Han Yuwei , Zhang Bingying , Qi Xin , Yuan Guanqian , Li Xiaoming , Hao Guangzhi , Liang Guobiao
Published: May 2024

Objective

Sex differences in outcomes of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remain controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the sex differences in the prognosis of patients with aSAH.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of aSAH patients admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, from April 2020 to January 2022. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to evaluate outcomes at 3-month post-discharge. Baseline characteristics, in-hospital complications and outcomes were compared after 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

A total of 665 patients were included and the majority (63.8%) were female. Female patients were significantly older than male patients (59.3 ± 10.9 years vs. 55.1 ± 10.9 years, P < 0.001). After PSM, 141 male and 141 female patients were compared. Comparing postoperative complications and mRS scores, the incidence of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and hydrocephalus and mRS ≥ 2 at 3-month were significantly higher in female patients than in male patients. After adjustment, the analysis of risk factors for unfavorable prognosis at 3-month showed that age, sex, smoking, high Hunt Hess grade, high mFisher score, DCI, and hydrocephalus were independent risk factors.

Conclusion

Female patients with aSAH have a worse prognosis than male patients, and this difference may be because females are more vulnerable to DCI and hydrocephalus.
The longitudinal associations between ambient air pollution exposure and dementia in the UK: results from the cognitive function and ageing study II and Wales
Authors: Wu Yu-Tzu , Kitwiroon Nutthida , Beevers Sean , Barratt Benjamin , Brayne Carol , Cerin Ester , Franklin Rachel , Houlden Vikki , Woods Bob , Zied Abozied Eman , Prina Matthew , Matthews Fiona
Published: May 2024

Background

Air pollution has been recognised as a potential risk factor for dementia. Yet recent epidemiological research shows mixed evidence. The aim of this study is to investigate the longitudinal associations between ambient air pollution exposure and dementia in older people across five urban and rural areas in the UK.

Methods

This study was based on two population-based cohort studies of 11329 people aged ≥ 65 in the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study II (2008–2011) and Wales (2011–2013). An algorithmic diagnosis method was used to identify dementia cases. Annual concentrations of four air pollutants (NO2, O3, PM10, PM2.5) were modelled for the year 2012 and linked via the participants’ postcodes. Multistate modelling was used to examine the effects of exposure to air pollutants on incident dementia incorporating death and adjusting for sociodemographic factors and area deprivation. A random-effect meta-analysis was carried out to summarise results from the current and nine existing cohort studies.

Results

Higher exposure levels of NO2 (HR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.14), O3 (HR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.70, 1.15), PM10 (HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.86, 1.58), PM2.5 (HR: 1.41; 95% CI: 0.71, 2.79) were not strongly associated with dementia in the two UK-based cohorts. Inconsistent directions and strengths of the associations were observed across the two cohorts, five areas, and nine existing studies.

Conclusions

In contrast to the literature, this study did not find clear associations between air pollution and dementia. Future research needs to investigate how methodological and contextual factors can affect evidence in this field and clarity the influence of air pollution exposure on cognitive health over the lifecourse.
Disability reduction following a lumbar stabilization exercise program for low back pain: large vs. small improvement subgroup analyses of physical and psychological variables
Authors: Larivière Christian , Preuss Richard , Coutu Marie-France , Sullivan Michael J. , Roy Nicolas , Henry Sharon M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Little is known about why patients with low back pain (LBP) respond differently to treatment, and more specifically, to a lumbar stabilization exercise program. As a first step toward answering this question, the present study evaluates how subgroups of patients who demonstrate large and small clinical improvements differ in terms of physical and psychological changes during treatment.

Methods

Participants (n = 110) performed the exercise program (clinical sessions and home exercises) over eight weeks, with 100 retained at six-month follow-up. Physical measures (lumbar segmental instability, motor control impairments, range of motion, trunk muscle endurance and physical performance tests) were collected twice (baseline, end of treatment), while psychological measures (fear-avoidance beliefs, pain catastrophizing, psychological distress, illness perceptions, outcome expectations) were collected at four time points (baseline, mid-treatment, end of treatment, follow-up). The participants were divided into three subgroups (large, moderate and small clinical improvements) based on the change of perceived disability scores. ANOVA for repeated measure compared well-contrasted subgroups (large vs. small improvement) at different times to test for SUBGROUP × TIME interactions.

Results

Statistically significant interactions were observed for several physical and psychological measures. In all these interactions, the large- and small-improvement subgroups were equivalent at baseline, but the large-improvement subgroup showed more improvements over time compared to the small-improvement subgroup. For psychological measures only (fear-avoidance beliefs, pain catastrophizing, illness perceptions), between-group differences reached moderate to strong effect sizes, at the end of treatment and follow-up.

Conclusions

The large-improvement subgroup showed more improvement than the small-improvement subgroup with regard to physical factors typically targeted by this specific exercise program as well as for psychological factors that are known to influence clinical outcomes.
Oral health-related quality of life in implant-supported rehabilitations: a prospective single-center observational cohort study
Authors: Manfredini Mattia , Pellegrini Matteo , Rigoni Marta , Veronesi Valentina , Beretta Mario , Maiorana Carlo , Poli Pier Paolo
Published: May 2024

Background

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) is a comprehensive concept covering daily comfort, self-esteem, and satisfaction with oral health, including functional, psychological, and social aspects, as well as pain experiences. Despite abundant research on OHRQoL related to oral diseases and hygiene, there is limited data on how patients perceive changes after implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. This study aimed to evaluate OHRQoL and aesthetic perception using OHIP-14 and VAS scales respectively, before (baseline-TB), during (provisional prostheses-TP), and after (definitive prostheses-TD) implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. It also explored the impact of biological sex, substitution numbers, and aesthetic interventions on OHRQoL and VAS scores, along with changes in OHIP-14 domains.

Methods

A longitudinal prospective single-center observational cohort study was conducted with patients requiring implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. Quality of life relating to dental implants was assessed through the Italian version of Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (IOHIP-14), which has a summary score from 14 to 70. Patients’ perceived aesthetic was analyzed through a VAS scale from 0 to 100. Generalized Linear Mixed Effect Models, Linear Mixed Effect Models, and Friedman test analyzed patient responses.

Results

99 patients (35 males, 64 females) aged 61–74, receiving various prosthetic interventions, were enrolled. Both provisional and definitive prosthetic interventions significantly decreased the odds of a worse quality of life compared to baseline, with odds ratios of 0.04 and 0.01 respectively. VAS scores increased significantly after both interventions, with estimated increases of 30.44 and 51.97 points respectively. Patient-level variability was notable, with an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.43. While biological sex, substitution numbers, and aesthetic interventions didn’t significantly affect VAS scores, OHRQoL domains showed significant changes post-intervention.

Conclusions

These findings support the effectiveness of implant-prosthetic interventions in improving the quality of life and perceived aesthetics of patients undergoing oral rehabilitation. They have important implications for clinical practice, highlighting the importance of individualized treatment approaches to optimize patient outcomes and satisfaction in oral health care.
Tuberculous pleural effusion-induced Arg-1+ macrophage polarization contributes to lung cancer progression via autophagy signaling
Authors: Woo Seong Ji , Kim Youngmi , Kang Hyun-Jung , Jung Harry , Youn Dong Hyuk , Hong Yoonki , Lee Jae Jun , Hong Ji Young
Published: May 2024

Background

The association between tuberculous fibrosis and lung cancer development has been reported by some epidemiological and experimental studies; however, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear, and the role of macrophage (MФ) polarization in cancer progression is unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of M2 Arg-1+ MФ in tuberculous pleurisy-assisted tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

The interactions between tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE)-induced M2 Arg-1+ MФ and A549 lung cancer cells were evaluated. A murine model injected with cancer cells 2 weeks after Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin pleural infection was used to validate the involvement of tuberculous fibrosis to tumor invasion.

Results

Increased CXCL9 and CXCL10 levels of TPE induced M2 Arg-1+ MФ polarization of murine bone marrow-derived MФ. TPE-induced M2 Arg-1+ MФ polarization facilitated lung cancer proliferation via autophagy signaling and E-cadherin signaling in vitro. An inhibitor of arginase-1 targeting M2 Arg-1+ MФ both in vitro and in vivo significantly reduced tuberculous fibrosis-induced metastatic potential of lung cancer and decreased autophagy signaling and E-cadherin expression.

Conclusion

Tuberculous pleural fibrosis induces M2 Arg-1+ polarization, and M2 Arg-1+ MФ contribute to lung cancer metastasis via autophagy and E-cadherin signaling. Therefore, M2 Arg-1+ tumor associated MФ may be a novel therapeutic target for tuberculous fibrosis-induced lung cancer progression.
Iron metabolism: backfire of cancer cell stemness and therapeutic modalities
Authors: Yu Rong , Hang Yinhui , Tsai Hsiang-i , Wang Dongqing , Zhu Haitao
Published: May 2024

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), with their ability of self-renewal, unlimited proliferation, and multi-directional differentiation, contribute to tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapy and immunotherapy. Eliminating CSCs has long been thought to prevent tumorigenesis. Although known to negatively impact tumor prognosis, research revealed the unexpected role of iron metabolism as a key regulator of CSCs. This review explores recent advances in iron metabolism in CSCs, conventional cancer therapies targeting iron biochemistry, therapeutic resistance in these cells, and potential treatment options that could overcome them. These findings provide important insights into therapeutic modalities against intractable cancers.
The clinical role of combined circulating complement C1q and AIP for CAD with LDL-C level below 1.8mmol/L
Authors: Hu Chenyujun , Zhao Zehao , Dong Shutong , Guo Qianyun , Zhou Yujie
Published: May 2024

Background

In the past few years, circulating complement C1q involvement in atherosclerosis has garnered growing research interest in addition to the emerging recognition of the novel lipid marker named atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). Nevertheless, among patients experiencing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels less than 1.8mmol/L, the interplay between C1q combined with the AIP for coronary artery disease (CAD) is ambiguous.

Methods

Patients were stratified into a non-CAD and CAD group according to their coronary angiography. The association between C1q in conjunction with the AIP and CAD was explored using restricted cubic spline analyses and logistic regression models. To assess how it predicted, a receiver operating characteristic analysis was undertaken.

Results

A total of 7270 patients comprised 1476 non-CAD patients and 5794 patients diagnosed with CAD were analyzed. A comparison of the two groups showed that the C1q levels were notably higher compared to the CAD group, while AIP exhibited an inverse trend. Across quartiles of C1q, the AIP demonstrated a decline with increasing C1q levels, and significant differences were observed between the groups. A correlation analysis underscored a notable negative correlation between the two variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations between CAD and the C1q quartile groups/AIP. Furthermore, compared with the Q4 group, a decrease in the C1q levels corresponded to an escalation in CAD risk, with the odds ratio rising from 1.661 to 2.314.

Conclusions

In conclusion, there appears to be a notable positive correlation between the combination of C1q with the AIP and CAD.
Extension of interval between adjacent pulse delivery cycles to deal with myocardial ischemia by intravascular lithotripsy: case report
Authors: Lv He , Li Xinyu , Ren Zengduoji , Qin Zhilu , Fu Chunying , Fu Qiang
Published: May 2024

Background

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) represents a novel approach in the management of coronary calcification. This technique employs acoustic pressure waves, generated by a shockwave balloon, to effectively fracture both superficial and deep calcification in situ. The efficacy and safety of IVL have been convincingly demonstrated through the Disrupt CAD I-IV studies. While IVL is associated with the occurrence of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, there is no evidence to indicate it causes myocardial ischemia.

Case Description

A 71-year-old man was admitted presenting with chest pain. His previous coronary angiography revealed stenosis and calcification in the left anterior descending branch. An attempt to predilate the lesion using two Lacrosse non-slip element balloons was unsuccessful. Ventricular premature beats and transient ST-segment depression were captured during the utilization of IVL. The operator gradually extended the pulse emission interval across two consecutive cycles to mitigate myocardial ischemia. Notably, when the interval reached 30s, the patient had no chest pain or ST-segment changes. Subsequent images of intravascular ultrasound confirmed calcification ruptures. Therapeutic intervention included the placement of a stent and the application of a drug-coated balloon in the left anterior descending branch. A telephonic follow-up six months later indicated the patient had no discomfort.

Conclusions

This case underscores the effectiveness of gradually extending the pulse emission interval as a strategic complement to the clinical application of IVL. In certain clinical scenarios, it may become imperative to suspend the pulse delivery to improve myocardial blood supply.
Implementation of a crisis resolution team service improvement programme: a qualitative study of the critical ingredients for success
Authors: Lamb Danielle , Milton Alyssa , Forsyth Rebecca , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Akther Syeda , Fullarton Kate , O’Hanlon Puffin , Johnson Sonia , Morant Nicola
Published: May 2024

Background

Crisis Resolution Teams (CRTs) offer home-based care for people in mental health crisis, as an alternative to hospital admission. The success of CRTs in England has been variable. In response to this, the CRT Optimization and RElapse prevention (CORE) study developed and trialled a 12-month Service Improvement Programme (SIP) based on a fidelity model. This paper describes a qualitative evaluation of the perspectives of CRT staff, managers, and programme facilitators. We identify barriers and facilitators to implementation, and mechanisms by which service improvements took place.

Methods

Managers and staff from six purposively sampled CRTs were interviewed, as well as six facilitators who were employed to support the implementation of service improvement plans. Semi-structured focus groups and individual interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

A majority of participants viewed all components of the SIP as helpful in improving practice, although online resources were under-used. Perceived barriers to implementation centred principally around lack of staff time and ownership. Support from both senior staff and facilitators was essential in enabling teams to undertake the work associated with the SIP. All participating stakeholder groups reported that using the fidelity model to benchmark their CRT work to best practice and feel part of a ‘bigger whole’ was valuable.

Conclusion

CRT staff, managers and programme facilitators thought that a structured service improvement programme helped to increase fidelity to a best practice model. Flexibility (from all stakeholders) was key to enable service improvement actions to be manageable within time- and resource-poor teams.
The relation of a cerebrospinal fluid profile associated with Alzheimer’s disease with cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms in sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: De Kort Anna M. , Kaushik Kanishk , Kuiperij H. Bea , Jäkel Lieke , Li Hao , Tuladhar Anil M. , Terwindt Gisela M. , Wermer Marieke J. H. , Claassen Jurgen A. H. R. , Klijn Catharina J. M. , Verbeek Marcel M. , Kessels Roy P. C. , Schreuder Floris H. B. M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Patients with sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (sCAA) frequently report cognitive or neuropsychiatric symptoms. The aim of this study is to investigate whether in patients with sCAA, cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms are associated with a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker profile associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we included participants with sCAA and dementia- and stroke-free, age- and sex-matched controls, who underwent a lumbar puncture, brain MRI, cognitive assessments, and self-administered and informant-based-questionnaires on neuropsychiatric symptoms. CSF phosphorylated tau, total tau and Aβ42 levels were used to divide sCAA patients in two groups: CAA with (CAA-AD+) or without a CSF biomarker profile associated with AD (CAA-AD-). Performance on global cognition, specific cognitive domains (episodic memory, working memory, processing speed, verbal fluency, visuoconstruction, and executive functioning), presence and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms, were compared between groups.

Results

sCAA-AD+ (n=31; mean age: 72 ± 6; 42%, 61% female) and sCAA-AD- (n=23; 70 ± 5; 42% female) participants did not differ with respect to global cognition or type of affected cognitive domain(s). The number or severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms also did not differ between sCAA-AD+ and sCAA-AD- participants. These results did not change after exclusion of patients without prior ICH.

Conclusions

In participants with sCAA, a CSF biomarker profile associated with AD does not impact global cognition or specific cognitive domains, or the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Mature cystic teratoma with co-existent mucinous cystadenocarcinoma: describing a diagnostic challenge—a case report
Authors: Chahkandi Mahboobeh , Mozayani Farnaz , Fanoodi Ali , Bina Amir Reza , Ebrahimian Amir Reza
Published: May 2024

Background

Mature cystic teratoma co-existing with a mucinous cystadenocarcinoma is a rare tumor that few cases have been reported until now. In these cases, either a benign teratoma is malignantly transformed into adenocarcinoma or a collision tumor is formed between a mature cystic teratoma and a mucinous tumor, which is either primarily originated from epithelial-stromal surface of the ovary, or secondary to a primary gastrointestinal tract tumor. The significance of individualizing the two tumors has a remarkable effect on further therapeutic management.

Case presentation

In this case, a mature cystic teratoma is co-existed with a mucinous cystadenocarcinoma in the same ovary in a 33-year-old Iranian female. Computed Tomography (CT) Scan with additional contrast of the left ovarian mass suggested a teratoma, whereas examination of resected ovarian mass reported an adenocarcinoma with a cystic teratoma. A dermoid cyst with another multi-septate cystic lesion including mucoid material was revealed in the gross examination of the surgical specimen. Histopathological examination revealed a mature cystic teratoma in association with a well-differentiated mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. The latter showed a CK7−/CK20 + immune profile. Due to the lack of clinical, radiological, and biochemical discoveries attributed to a primary lower gastrointestinal tract tumor, the immune profile proposed the chance of adenocarcinomatous transformation of a benign teratoma.

Conclusions

This case shows the significance of large sampling, precise recording of the gross aspects, histopathological examination, immunohistochemical analysis, and the help of radiological and clinical results to correctly diagnose uncommon tumors.
The cGAS-STING pathway in cardiovascular diseases: from basic research to clinical perspectives
Authors: An Cheng , Li Zhen , Chen Yao , Huang Shaojun , Yang Fan , Hu Ying , Xu Tao , Zhang Chengxin , Ge Shenglin
Published: May 2024

The cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP)-adenosine monophosphate (AMP) synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) signaling pathway, an important component of the innate immune system, is involved in the development of several diseases. Ectopic DNA-induced inflammatory responses are involved in several pathological processes. Repeated damage to tissues and metabolic organelles releases a large number of damage-associated molecular patterns (mitochondrial DNA, nuclear DNA, and exogenous DNA). The DNA fragments released into the cytoplasm are sensed by the sensor cGAS to initiate immune responses through the bridging protein STING. Many recent studies have revealed a regulatory role of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, atherosclerosis, and aortic dissection/aneurysm. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests that inhibiting the cGAS-STING signaling pathway can significantly inhibit myocardial hypertrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration. Therefore, this review is intended to identify risk factors for activating the cGAS-STING pathway to reduce risks and to simultaneously further elucidate the biological function of this pathway in the cardiovascular field, as well as its potential as a therapeutic target.
Retraction Note: IoT devices and data availability optimization by ANN and KNN
Authors: Chen Zhiqiang , Song Zhihua , Zhang Tao , Wei Yong
Published: May 2024

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13635-023-00145-0.
Cardiovascular and bone health outcomes in older people with subclinical hypothyroidism treated with levothyroxine: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Holley Mia , Razvi Salman , Farooq Mohammed Saif , Dew Rosie , Maxwell Ian , Wilkes Scott
Published: May 2024

Background

Thyroid dysfunction is common in older people, with females at higher risk. Evidence suggests that thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels naturally increase with age. However, as uniform serum TSH reference ranges are applied across the adult lifespan, subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) diagnosis is more likely in older people, with some individuals also being commenced treatment with levothyroxine (LT4). It is unclear whether LT4 treatment in older people with SCH is associated with adverse cardiovascular or bone health outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to synthesise previous studies evaluating cardiovascular and bone health outcomes in older people with SCH, comparing LT4 treatment with no treatment. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception until March 13, 2023, and studies that evaluated cardiovascular and bone health events in people with SCH over 50 years old were selected.

Results

Six articles that recruited 3853 participants were found, ranging from 185 to 1642 participants, with the proportion of females ranging from 45 to 80%. The paucity of data resulted in analysis for those aged over 65 years only. Additionally, a study with 12,212 participants aged 18 years and older was identified; however, only data relevant to patients aged 65 years and older were considered for inclusion in the systematic review. Of these 7 studies, 4 assessed cardiovascular outcomes, 1 assessed bone health outcomes, and 2 assessed both. A meta-analysis of cardiovascular outcomes revealed a pooled hazard ratio of 0.89 (95% CI 0.71–1.12), indicating no significant difference in cardiovascular risk between older individuals with SCH treated with LT4 compared to those without treatment. Due to overlapping sub-studies, meta-analysis for bone health outcomes was not possible.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis found no significant association between LT4 use and cardiovascular and bone health outcomes in SCH participants over 65 years.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42022308006
Predictors of cocaine use disorder treatment outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Palazón-Llecha Alba , Caparrós Beatriz , Trujols Joan , Duran-Sindreu Santiago , Batlle Francesca , Madre Mercè , Mallorquí-Bagué Núria
Published: May 2024

Background

Psychosocial approaches are the first-line treatments for cocaine dependence, although they still present high dropout and relapse rates. Thus, there is a pressing need to understand which variables influence treatment outcomes to improve current treatments and prevent dropout and relapse rates. The aim of this study is to explore predictors of treatment retention and abstinence in CUD.

Methods

This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We searched three databases—PubMed, PsychINFO and Web of Science—for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published in English and Spanish from database inception through April 1, 2023. We selected all studies that met the inclusion criteria (adults aged ≥ 18, outpatient treatment, CUD as main addiction, and no severe mental illness) to obtain data for the narrative synthesis addressing cocaine abstinence and treatment retention as main outcome variables. After data extraction was completed, risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB-2).

Results

A total of 566 studies were screened, and, of those, 32 RCTs were included in the synthesis. Younger age, more years of cocaine use, and craving levels were significant predictors of relapse and treatment dropout. Fewer withdrawal symptoms, greater baseline abstinence, greater treatment engagement, and more self-efficacy were all predictors of longer duration of abstinence. The role of impulsivity as a predictor of CUD is unclear due to conflicting data, although the evidence generally suggests that higher impulsivity scores can predict more severe addiction and withdrawal symptoms, and earlier discontinuation of treatment.

Conclusion

Current evidence indicates which variables have a direct influence on treatment outcomes, including well-studied cocaine use-related variables. However, additional variables, such as genetic markers, appear to have a high impact on treatment outcomes and need further study.

Systematic review registration

This systematic review is registered at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021271847). This study was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Instituto Carlos III (ISCIII) (FIS PI20/00929) and FEDER funds and Fundació Privada Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (Pla d’acció social 2020).
Emerging best strategies and capabilities for university–industry cooperation: opportunities for MSMEs and universities to improve collaboration. A literature review 2000–2023
Authors: Tereshchenko Elizaveta , Salmela Erno , Melkko Elsa , Phang Swee King , Happonen Ari
Published: May 2024

Continuous technological development, digitalization, Industry 4.0, robotization, virtualization, and related investments in new types of physical assets are imposing increasing financial and intellectual demands on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). While fast technological development and rapid societal change make maintenance of a successful competitive edge ever more challenging, they also offer considerable potential for differentiation. In the area of networking and outside resources, MSMEs can utilize external resources and cooperate and collaborate with higher educational institutions (HEI) to boost their innovations pipeline and develop new technologies and processes to generate commercial products/services and improve their service offering. This research explores existing highly effective university–industry collaboration (UIC) models and seeks explanations for their success by examining the literature from the point of view of establishing successful relationships, emphasizing the importance of critical drivers for success. Our work synthesizes current knowledge of best practices based on a comparative analysis of practical collaboration. In the work, we identify eight popular and successful collaboration models: research and development partnerships, internships and co-op programs, knowledge transfer programs, entrepreneurship, and incubation programs, sponsored projects and grants, joint ventures and licensing agreements, executive education, professional and student career development. Based on analysis of globally reviewed successful models, a concept for robust, productive, and extended collaboration between companies and universities is produced suitable for the Finnish context. Several practical experiences are given for robust collaboration in the current post-COVID transition and energy crisis.
Exploring the genetic control of sweat gland characteristics in beef cattle for enhanced heat tolerance
Authors: Hernandez Aakilah S. , Zayas Gabriel A. , Rodriguez Eduardo E. , Sarlo Davila Kaitlyn M. , Rafiq Fahad , Nunez Andrea N. , Titto Cristiane Gonçalves , Mateescu Raluca G.
Published: May 2024

Background

Thermal stress in subtropical regions is a major limiting factor in beef cattle production systems with around $369 million being lost annually due to reduced performance. Heat stress causes numerous physiological and behavioral disturbances including reduced feed intake and decreased production levels. Cattle utilize various physiological mechanisms such as sweating to regulate internal heat. Variation in these traits can help identify genetic variants that control sweat gland properties and subsequently allow for genetic selection of cattle with greater thermotolerance.

Methods

This study used 2,401 Brangus cattle from two commercial ranches in Florida. Precise phenotypes that contribute to an animal’s ability to manage heat stress were calculated from skin biopsies and included sweat gland area, sweat gland depth, and sweat gland length. All animals were genotyped with the Bovine GGP F250K, and BLUPF90 software was used to estimate genetic parameters and for Genome Wide Association Study.

Results

Sweat gland phenotypes heritability ranged from 0.17 to 0.42 indicating a moderate amount of the phenotypic variation is due to genetics, allowing producers the ability to select for favorable sweat gland properties. A weighted single-step GWAS using sliding 10 kb windows identified multiple quantitative trait loci (QTLs) explaining a significant amount of genetic variation. QTLs located on BTA7 and BTA12 explained over 1.0% of genetic variance and overlap the ADGRV1 and CCDC168 genes, respectively. The variants identified in this study are implicated in processes related to immune function and cellular proliferation which could be relevant to heat management. Breed of Origin Alleles (BOA) were predicted using local ancestry in admixed populations (LAMP-LD), allowing for identification of markers’ origin from either Brahman or Angus ancestry. A BOA GWAS was performed to identify regions inherited from particular ancestral breeds that might have a significant impact on sweat gland phenotypes.

Conclusions

The results of the BOA GWAS indicate that both Brahman and Angus alleles contribute positively to sweat gland traits, as evidenced by favorable marker effects observed from both genetic backgrounds. Understanding and utilizing genetic traits that confer better heat tolerance is a proactive approach to managing the impacts of climate change on livestock farming.
Reliability and validity of the short version of the childhood abuse self report scale in Chinese college students
Authors: Zhang Yali , Zhao Jinxia , Bian Yuewen , Zhang Fuhai
Published: May 2024

Background

The reliability and validity of the current scale for measuring childhood abuse in China are worrying. The development of the Short Version of the Childhood Abuse Self Report Scale (CASRS-12) helps to change this situation, but the effectiveness of the tool has not yet been tested in Chinese participants. This study aims to test the reliability and validity of the CASRS‑12 in Chinese college students.

Methods

A total of 932 college students were investigated, of whom 418 were investigated for the first time, and only the CASRS‑12 was filled out. In the second survey, 514 participants filled out the CASRS‑12, Depression Scale, Self-esteem Scale and Subjective Well-being Scale in turn. After 4 weeks, 109 participants were selected for retest.

Results

Each item of the CASRS‑12 had good discrimination. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (χ2/df = 4. 18, RMSEA = 0. 079, CFI = 0. 95, TLI = 0. 94, IFI = 0. 95, NFI = 0. 94) all supported the four-factor structure of the scale, and the cumulative contribution rate of variance was 76.05%. Cronbach’s α coefficient and retest reliability were 0.86 and 0.65, respectively. Childhood abuse was positively correlated with depression (r = 0. 42, p < 0.01), and negatively correlated with self-esteem (r=-0. 33, p < 0.01) and subjective well-being (r=-0. 32, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The Chinese version of CASRS‑12 meets the measurement standard and could be used to measure the level of childhood abuse of Chinese college students.
Childhood maltreatment, shame, and self-esteem: an exploratory analysis of influencing factors on criminal behavior in juvenile female offenders
Authors: Chen Xiaomei , Dai Bo , Li Shuang , Liu Lili
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between childhood maltreatment, shame, and self-esteem among juvenile female offenders and to explore the potential influencing factors on their criminal behavior.

Methods

Using a stratified cluster sampling method, 1,227 juvenile female offenders from 11 provinces in China were surveyed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and a self-developed Shame Questionnaire for Juvenile Offenders. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, chi-square tests, t-tests, and structural equation modeling with mediation analysis.

Results

(1) Childhood maltreatment have a significant potential influencing factors on criminal behavior; (2) Childhood maltreatment was positively correlated with self-esteem(β = 0.351, p < 0.001); (3) shame (β = 0.042, p < 0.001) mediate the relationship between Childhood maltreatment and self-esteem (childhood maltreatment → shame → self-esteem (95% Cl: 0.033, 0.052)).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that childhood maltreatment is a significant predictor of criminal behavior among juvenile female offenders. childhood maltreatment can directly influence of self-esteem, which can also affect juvenile female offenders’self-esteem indirectly through shame. The findings suggest that shame are important variables that mediate the effect of the juvenile female offenders’childhood maltreatment on their self-esteem.
Amharic spoken digits recognition using convolutional neural network
Authors: Ayall Tewodros Alemu , Zhou Changjun , Liu Huawen , Brhanemeskel Getnet Mezgebu , Abate Solomon Teferra , Adjeisah Michael
Published: May 2024

Spoken digits recognition (SDR) is a type of supervised automatic speech recognition, which is required in various human–machine interaction applications. It is utilized in phone-based services like dialing systems, certain bank operations, airline reservation systems, and price extraction. However, the design of SDR is a challenging task that requires the development of labeled audio data, the proper choice of feature extraction method, and the development of the best performing model. Even if several works have been done for various languages, such as English, Arabic, Urdu, etc., there is no developed Amharic spoken digits dataset (AmSDD) to build Amharic spoken digits recognition (AmSDR) model for the Amharic language, which is the official working language of the government of Ethiopia. Therefore, in this study, we developed a new AmSDD that contains 12,000 utterances of 0 (Zaero) to 9 (zet’enyi) digits which were recorded from 120 volunteer speakers of different age groups, genders, and dialects who repeated each digit ten times. Mel frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs) and Mel-Spectrogram feature extraction methods were used to extract trainable features from the speech signal. We conducted different experiments on the development of the AmSDR model using the AmSDD and classical supervised learning algorithms such as Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF) as the baseline. To further improve the performance recognition of AmSDR, we propose a three layers Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture with Batch normalization. The results of our experiments show that the proposed CNN model outperforms the baseline algorithms and scores an accuracy of 99% and 98% using MFCCs and Mel-Spectrogram features, respectively.
DEMFFA: a multi-strategy modified Fennec Fox algorithm with mixed improved differential evolutionary variation strategies
Authors: Hu Gang , Song Keke , Li Xiuxiu , Wang Yi
Published: May 2024

The Fennec Fox algorithm (FFA) is a new meta-heuristic algorithm that is primarily inspired by the Fennec fox's ability to dig and escape from wild predators. Compared with other classical algorithms, FFA shows strong competitiveness. The “No free lunch” theorem shows that an algorithm has different effects in the face of different problems, such as: when solving high-dimensional or more complex applications, there are challenges such as easily falling into local optimal and slow convergence speed. To solve this problem with FFA, in this paper, an improved Fenna fox algorithm DEMFFA is proposed by adding sin chaotic mapping, formula factor adjustment, Cauchy operator mutation, and differential evolution mutation strategies. Firstly, a sin chaotic mapping strategy is added in the initialization stage to make the population distribution more uniform, thus speeding up the algorithm convergence speed. Secondly, in order to expedite the convergence speed of the algorithm, adjustments are made to the factors of the formula whose position is updated in the first stage, resulting in faster convergence. Finally, in order to prevent the algorithm from getting into the local optimal too early and expand the search space of the population, the Cauchy operator mutation strategy and differential evolution mutation strategy are added after the first and second stages of the original algorithm update. In order to verify the performance of the proposed DEMFFA, qualitative analysis is carried out on different test sets, and the proposed algorithm is tested with the original FFA, other classical algorithms, improved algorithms, and newly proposed algorithms on three different test sets. And we also carried out a qualitative analysis of the CEC2020. In addition, DEMFFA is applied to 10 practical engineering design problems and a complex 24-bar truss topology optimization problem, and the results show that the DEMFFA algorithm has the potential to solve complex problems.