bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Identification of Edible Mushroom Pleurotus spp. and Evaluate its Efficiency in the Production of Pleuran
Authors: Hassan Abdullah Abdulkeem , Muhammad Lina Qasim
Published: September 2023

Three oyster mushroom isolates coded Has. AA-1, Has. AA-2 and Has. AA-3 were isolate from apple, buckthorn and eucalyptus trees, respectively. These isolates were identified to the species level using the nucleotide sequence analysis for 5.8S rRNA as Pleurotus pulmonarius, Pleurotus ostreatus var. ostreatus and Pleurotus eryngii var. eryngii and registered in the world Gene Bank at the NCBI website with accession numbers ON834486.1, ON834487.1 and ON834484.1, respectively. Pleurotus spp. cultivated in some agricultural residues for production of fruit bodies and pleuran. The results showed that the P.ostreatus var ostreatus cultivated in corn cobs and supplemented with wheat bran (5%) achieved the highest biological efficiency reached 122.21%, followed by 118.51% when cultivated in (barley straw + rice husks) with same supplement. The purity of pleuran purified from Pleurotus spp. was detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) which showed a concentration of 7.28 μg/mL. The highest Pleuran contents were 41.08 and 39.68 g/100 g dry fruit body of P. eryngii var. eryngii when cultivated in the (barley straw + rice husk) and corn cobs medium supplemented with 5% of crushed sunflower seeds.
Response of some Bread Wheat Cultivars to Foliar Feeding Stages with Nano-Microelements
Authors: Al-Shammari Amir M. H. , Noaema Ali H.
Published: September 2023

During the growing season, a field experiment was conducted in one of the fields in the Um Al-Akf region (about 5 kilometers from the heart of Al-Muthanna Governorate) at 45.23 longitudes and 31.32 latitudes (2021-2022). Three cultivars were produced for the first time in Al-Muthanna governorate, and they were compared to the approved variety in the governorate, Ibaa 99, to determine the impact of spraying micro-Nano fertilizers at different stages had on the growth characteristics of the four wheat varieties. For the most crucial phase, represented by the cultivars (Abu Ragheef, Baghdad, Babel, Ibaa 99), maximum utilization of the micro-nano components is attained. Stages of spraying micro-nano fertilizers were (tillering stage, booting stage, flowering stage). A split-plot design with a randomized complete block (RCBD) and three replications was used for the experiment. In the primary plot, we grew four different wheat varieties, while in the secondary plot, we sprayed different concentrations of micro- and nano-element fertilizer at different times. GenStat was used to compare the mean coefficients with the L.S.D. at a significance level of 0.05. Statistical analysis revealed that the Abu Ragheef cultivar was the best in terms of plant height (104.10 cm) and spike length (16.722 cm), while the Babylon cultivar gave the highest leaf area with an average of 56.32 cm2 without significantly different from the Abu Ragheef cultivar that gave an average of 55.02 cm2, additionally, the Babylon cultivar had the highest average for the characteristic of chlorophyll content of leaf to 49.54 micrograms cm−3, without significantly different from the (22.864 t ha−1). In terms of leaf area (53.41 cm2), grain output (7.406 t ha−1), and biological yield, the booting stage was the most successful of the spraying nano-micro fertilizer stages (22.481 t ha−1).
Effect of Foliar Fertilization with Potassium Silicate on some Morphological Characters of Strawberry Leaves Reducing Sucking Insects
Authors: Hussain Zahraa Zuhair , Al-Dahwi Sindab Sami Jassim , Lelo Hassan Moomn
Published: September 2023

The results showed that foliar fertilization with potassium silicate had a clear effect on increasing the thickness of the upper and lower epidermal cuticle layer and increased the thickness of the leaf, as the thickness after the first spray of the upper epidermal cuticle reached 22 microns and the lower epidermal cuticle 11 microns, and the leaf thickness reached 194.8 microns. As for after the second spray, the thickness of the leaf and the upper and lower cuticle layer reached 198.66, 25.33, 16.66 microns, and the third spray was characterized by an increase in the thickness of the leaf compared to the first and second spray, as the thickness of the leaf reached 206.66 microns, and the upper and lower cuticle epidermis was 28.33 and 19 microns, respectively. Compared with the control, the thickness of the paper was 190 microns, and the upper and lower epidermal cuticle layers were 10 and 20 microns, respectively. The results of the study indicated that the treatment of foliar fertilization with silicates with three sprays was superior in reducing the population density of whitefly and aphids on strawberry plant Mergent variety. The effect of the three sprays on the average number of Bemisia tabaci nymphs was 1.16 nymphs / leaf, the first spray had 6.66 nymphs / leaf, and the second spray had 19.66 nymphs / leaf. The effect of the three sprays on nymphs and adults of Aphis gossypii was 0.36 nymphs/leaf and 0.27 adults/leaf. For the second spray, the effect was on nymphs at a rate of 2.33 nymphs/leaf, and on adults at a rate of 1.91 adults/leaf. The first spray had the least effect on reducing the population density, as it reached nymphs at a rate of 8.16 nymphs/leaf. And for adults, 6.33 adults / leaf, with clear significant differences. As for the effect of three sprays of potassium silicate on the numerical density of nymphs and adults of Aphis fabae, the rate of nymphs reached 0.33 nymphs / leaf after the third spray, and for adults, at a rate of 0.27 adults / leaf, which is the most effective compared to the first and second sprays. The average numerical density of nymphs was 9.08 nymphs/leaf and for adults 5.24 adults/leaf after the first spray, while after the second spray the average density was 4.30 nymphs/leaf and for adults 2.16 adults/leaf.
Control of the Khapra Beetle Trogoderma granarium (Everts.) (Coleoptera : Dermastidae) using Nanoparticles of Neem Leaf Extract
Authors: Jameel Mohanad Abdel Razzaq , Baker Safaa Zakaria , Nawar Majeed Hameed
Published: September 2023

The effect of four concentrations (0, 3, 1, 5%) of the nanopesticide of neem leaf extract was tested on the four stages of hairy grain beetle at five time times (1, 2, 3, 5, 7) days. The results showed that there is Significant differences between the three concentrations (1, 3, 5) compared to the fourth concentration, which represents the control treatment, where it was noted that the hatching rate of the egg stage was the lowest at the 5% concentration. As for the larva and pupal stage, the killing rate was highest at the 5% concentration on the second day While the highest killing rate for adult females was at a concentration of 5% on the first day of the treatment procedure, from this it becomes clear that the higher the concentration of the pesticide, the higher the killing rate.
Effect of Organic Fertilizer Extract on Morphological Characteristics for Bread Wheat
Authors: ALaamer Shathar A. Imran , Mueen Ali S. , Al-Murshidy Adil H. , Alsharifi Salih K. A.
Published: September 2023

The field experiment conducted in one of the fields located in Babylon-Iraq, during the agricultural season 2020-2021. In order to study the effect of spraying different levels of organic fertilizer extract on the morphological characteristics of spikes wheat for three local cultivars of wheat. The experiment was conducted by Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD)with split plot system and with three replications. The levels of spraying with organic compost extract were represented in the main plot and were 0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 ml.L-1 and three cultivars IPA99, Rashid, Abu Ghraib, were represented by the subplot, and the following results were recorded: The fertilizer concentration 7.5 ml.L-1 was significantly excelled in all studied traits, the spike length and its stalk, awns length and diameter of spike, and they were respectively 13.71 cm, 19.16 cm, 7.16 cm, and 1.62 cm. As for Rashid cultivar excelled in the trait of spike and stalk, length 15.17 and 23.87 cm, respectively. While the IPA99 cultivar was excelled on the diameter of spike trait 1.61 cm, while Abu Ghraib excelled in the awns length trait with a total average 7.57 cm.
Using Two Types of Foliar and Root Fertilizers, in Both Normal and Nano Particles, to Reduce the Infection of Apple Trees with the Lace Bug Stephanitis pyri (Fabricius)
Authors: Altae Mustafa Mohamed Abdalruda , Al-Dahwi Sindab Sami Jassim
Published: September 2023

The results indicated the important role of the fertilization process in both nano and regular forms in protecting apple trees from infection with the embroidered reticulate bug, as the rate of leaves infected with the insect in the comparison treatment was 11.33, 4.78 and 9.75 leaves/tree for the three cultivars, respectively. Lace bug Stephanitis pyri (Fabricius). The mean of the trees treated with Terra Sorb was 0.67 and 0.78 leaf/tree for the nano and regular formulas, respectively, and the trees treated with Headland foliar fertilizer were 0.22 and 0.78 leaf/tree for the nano and regular formula, respectively. The root fertilizer PRESTIGE was 0.44 and 0.11 leaves/tree in the nano and regular forms, respectively, and the trees treated with root fertilizer Superior 0.33 and 0.56 leaves/tree in the regular and nano forms. These percentages represent the average of the three cultivars. The study also showed that there were significant differences between the trees treated with fertilizers in both nano and regular forms, compared to the comparison treatment in which water was used, in some characteristics and measurements such as leaf area, cuticle thickness on the lower surface of the leaf, and chlorophyll content of the leaves.
The Inhibitory Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate, Phylex and Seaweed Extract Against Penicillium digitatum Causing Green Rot Disease in Local Lemon Fruits
Authors: Karim Roqia Riad Abdul , Aljarah Neran Salem
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted in the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences/University of Baghdad during the years 2021 and 2022. The study aimed to evaluate the biological activity of Sodium bicarbonate, Phylex and the Seaweed extract in controlling the green mold infection in the local lemon at refrigerated storage conditions (4°C). Two isolates of Penicillium digitatum were identified on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and coded as L1 and L2. The results of this study confirmed the high pathogenicity of P. digitatum isolates to lemon fruits. The symptoms of green rot infection appeared on the fruits after 4 days of pathogen inoculation. The preservative and anti-fungal activity of Sodium bicarbonate, Phylex and Seaweed extract were assessed using local lemon fruits under refrigerated-storage conditions. The highest inhibitory effect was reported when 64 g/L Sodium bicarbonate, 4ml/L Phylex and 128 g/L Seaweed extract were used, preventing 100% of P. digitatum colonies growth after 6 days of treatment at 25±2°C. The data of the refrigerated-storage experiments showed that the Phylex treatment of artificial-wound fruits inoculated with the pathogen was more efficient than Sodium bicarbonate in protecting the lemon fruits from green mold infection. Phylex treatment protected the fruits from the fungal infection for 45 days storage, compared to the Sodium bicarbonate treatment, with which, the fruit infection appeared after 30 days of refrigerated-storage (at 4°C).
Improvement of the Process of Indented Cylinder (Trier) Cleaning of Grain Mixtures from Short Impurities
Authors: Tishaninov N. P. , Anashkin A. V. , Alshinayyin H.J.
Published: September 2023

The article substantiates the necessity of using a trier cleaning of barley in the presence of hard-to-separate weed impurities. Research equipment has been developed that provides continuous temporal and spatial control of the technological process of in-line cleaning of grain; developed a device for measuring the angle of natural slope of bulk materials. Studies of the dimensional characteristics of barley seeds and impurity components have been carried out. The interrelations of technological losses of grain of the main crop with the high-speed mode of operation and the angular position of the working edge of the output tray have been established. The dynamics of the release of impurity components from the grain mixture has been established for different values of the initial contamination and operating modes of the trier.
Determine, Predict and Map Soil pH Level by Fiber Optic Sensor
Authors: Al-Sammarraie Mustafa Ahmed Jalal , Al-Aani Firas , Al-Mashhadany Sufyan A.
Published: September 2023

Soil pH is one of the main factors to consider before undertaking any agricultural operation. Methods for measuring soil pH vary, but all traditional methods require time, effort, and expertise. This study aimed to determine, predict, and map the spatial distribution of soil pH based on data taken from 50 sites using the Kriging geostatistical tool in ArcGIS as a first step. In the second step, the Support Vector Machines (SVM) machine learning algorithm was used to predict the soil pH based on the CIE-L*a*b values taken from the optical fiber sensor. The standard deviation of the soil pH values was 0.42, which indicates a more reliable measurement and the data distribution is normal. The Kriging method gave a prediction accuracy of 65% while the SVM algorithm gave an accuracy of 80%. The root mean square error (RMSE) was 0.36, 0.16 and the mean absolute error (MAE) was 0.37, 0.13, respectively, for the two methods. These two methods allow the prediction of soil pH and thus the assessment of soils, allowing for easier and more efficient management decisions and sustaining productivity.
Enhanced acetone gas sensing performance of ZnO polyhedrons decorated with LaFeO3 nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Huiru , Liu Liling , Huang Chugeng , Liang Shuang , Jiang Guojian
Published: September 2023

Since acetone is potentially harmful to humans, it is necessary to develop a high-performance acetone gas sensor. In this study, ZnO polyhedrons decorated with LaFeO3 (LFO) nanoparticles with high acetone-sensing performances were prepared by a facile microwave-assisted hydrolytic reaction method, and the p-n heterojunction was successfully constructed. The crystal structure, surface morphology, and internal composition of the LaFeO3/ZnO composites were analyzed by various characterization methods. The results showed that LaFeO3 nanoparticles were successfully composited with ZnO polyhedra. Compared with the pure ZnO sensor, the LaFeO3/ZnO sensor showed a significant improvement in sensitivity, recovery time, and selectivity. For example, at the optimal operating temperature of 340 °C, the response of the LaFeO3/ZnO sensor to 100 ppm acetone could reach ∼208.7, which was 39 times higher than that of the pure ZnO sensor. And the recovery time of the LaFeO3/ZnO sensor was reduced to 15.4 s. Meanwhile, the LaFeO3/ZnO sensor had the highest selectivity for acetone. The significant improvement of the sensing performance of the LaFeO3/ZnO sensor might be attributed to the formation of p-n heterojunctions and the good catalytic effect of LaFeO3.
Modification of the model for calculating the long SiC fibre-reinforced metal matrix composites transverse strength and study for interfacial influences
Authors: Luo Li , Sha Yundong
Published: September 2023

The transverse strength of long SiC fibre-reinforced metal matrix composites is superior to its longitudinal strength owing to interface factors. To accurately predict the transverse strength of long SiC fibre-reinforced metal matrix composites, a micro-mechanics representative volume element (RVE) model was developed; periodic boundary conditions were applied to the model to ensure its displacement and stress continuity. Taking into account the influence of the stress concentration coefficient of the matrix, the failure strength of long SiC fibre-reinforced metal matrix composites under transverse tensile loads and compressive loads were calculated, where the error between the calculation results of the model and the test results was found to be large. A novel calculation method based on the interfacial cohesion model is proposed herein, to improve the accuracy of the RVE model. It was found that the accuracy of the corrected model calculation has been improved through a comparison with the experimental values. The stress/strain relationship between interfaces of different strengths under tensile and compressive loads was analysed, the failure index of interface strength was extracted, and the relationship between the influence of interface strength on failure was determined.
Experience and Reporting of Postnatal Depression Across Cultures: A Comparison Using Anchoring Vignettes of Mothers in the United Kingdom and India
Authors: Bluett-Duncan Matthew , Pickles Andrew , Chandra Prabha S , Hill Jonathan , Kishore M Thomas , Satyanarayana Veena , Sharp Helen
Published: September 2023

Postnatal mental health is often assessed using self-assessment questionnaires in epidemiologic research. Differences in response style, influenced by language, culture, and experience, may mean that the same response may not have the same meaning in different settings. These differences need to be identified and accounted for in cross-cultural comparisons. Here we describe the development and application of anchoring vignettes to investigate the cross-cultural functioning of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in urban community samples in India (n = 549) and the United Kingdom (n = 828), alongside a UK calibration sample (n = 226). Participants completed the EPDS and anchoring vignettes when their children were 12–24 months old. In an unadjusted item-response theory model, UK mothers reported higher depressive symptoms than Indian mothers (d = 0.48, 95% confidence interval: 0.358, 0.599). Following adjustment for differences in response style, these positions were reversed (d = −0.25, 95% confidence interval: −0.391, −0.103). Response styles vary between India and the United Kingdom, indicating a need to take these differences into account when making cross-cultural comparisons. Anchoring vignettes offer a valid and feasible method for global data harmonization.
Antidepressant properties of voluntary exercise mediated by gut microbiota
Authors: Watanabe Chihiro , Oyanagi Eri , Aoki Takafumi , Hamada Hiroki , Kawashima Masato , Yamagata Takashi , Kremenik Michel J , Yano Hiromi
Published: September 2023

Although regular exercise has been reported to prevent depression, it has not been clarified whether the gut microbiota is involved in the factors that prevent depression through exercise. We investigated the effects of voluntary exercise on the gut microbiota and the prevention of depression-like behaviors using mice. C57BL/6 J male mice were subjected to 10 weeks of sedentary control or wheel running, then they were subjected to social defeat stress (SDS). Exercise attenuated that sucrose drinking was decreased by SDS treatment. Exercise increased the expression of Bdnf and decreased expression of Zo-1 and Claudin5 in the brain. Fecal Turicibacter, Allobaculum, and Clostridium sensu stricto, and propionate in the cecum were decreased by the exercise. Voluntary exercise-induced antidepressant properties might be partially caused by suppression of serotonin uptake into gut microbiota and increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier via reduced propionate production.
Pentapeptide IIAEK ameliorates cholesterol metabolism via the suppression of intestinal cholesterol absorption in mice
Authors: Takeuchi Asahi , Ye Yuyang , Takada Keigo , Mori Ryosuke , Nakamura Toma , Oda Natsuki , Mijiti Maihemuti , Banno Arata , Nagaoka Satoshi
Published: September 2023

Dietary protein-derived peptides are effective in improving dyslipidemia and hypercholesterolemia. We previously identified a novel cholesterol-lowering pentapeptide IIAEK from milk beta-lactoglobulin. However, it remains unclear whether IIAEK affects the micellar solubility of cholesterol and the bile acid-binding ability to lower cholesterol. Moreover, there is no direct evidence that IIAEK inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption and affects hepatic cholesterol and fecal steroid excretion in vivo. Herein, we showed that IIAEK did not affect the micellar solubility of cholesterol and the bile acid-binding ability. However, we found that IIAEK decreased serum and liver cholesterol levels and increased fecal steroid excretion in mice. Interestingly, IIAEK markedly suppressed the intestinal absorption of [3H]-cholesterol in mice. In conclusion, we found that IIAEK ameliorated cholesterol metabolism by suppressing intestinal cholesterol absorption without affecting in vitro micellar solubility of cholesterol and the bile acid-binding ability in mice.
Eriodictyol and thymonin act as GPR35 agonists
Authors: Nakashima Fumie , Qi Loh Wei , Wakabayashi Mayuka , Shimomura Sayako , Hattori Hiroyuki , Kita Masaki , Inoue Asuka , Uchida Koji , Shibata Takahiro
Published: September 2023

Although herbs and spices have been used in traditional medicine for more than a century owing to their health benefits, the associated underlying mechanism is still not clear. Since the G protein-coupled receptor 35 (GPR35) has been linked to exert various antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, we screened 19 different herbs and spices for possible GPR35 agonist(s) to understand the GPR35-dependent functions of herbs and spices. Among the screened extracts, the ethyl acetate extract of thyme exhibited a remarkable GPR35 agonistic activity. Activity-guided separations allowed us to identify 2 polyphenolic phytochemicals, eriodictyol and thymonin, acting as GPR35 agonists. Both eriodictyol and thymonin showed a potent and specific agonist activity toward GPR35 with half maximal effective concentration values of 5.48 and 8.41 µm, respectively. These findings indicate that these phytochemicals may have beneficial health effects upon GPR35 activation.
Isolation, structure elucidation, and biological activities of sesquiterpenes and phthalides from two edible mushrooms Pleurotus species
Authors: De Padua Jewel C , Fukushima-Sakuno Emi , Ueno Kotomi , dela Cruz Thomas Edison E , Ishihara Atsushi
Published: September 2023

Antimicrobial compounds were purified from culture filtrates from 2 edible Pleurotus species. Using a bioassay-guided fractionation of the culture filtrate extracts, 3 compounds (1-3) were obtained from Pleurotus ostreatus, and another compound (4) was obtained from Pleurotus pulmonarius. Spectroscopic analysis revealed that 1-3 was identified as 5,7-dimethoxyphthalide, 4,6-dimethoxyphthalide, and cheimonophyllon E, respectively, while 4 were identified as pleuroton A. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of these compounds were determined against 6 pathogenic bacterial species, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter cloacae. Compounds 2 and 4 were inhibitory against all tested bacteria, while 1 and 4 were inhibitory against 3 and 2 species, respectively. In addition, 1-4 inhibited tyrosinase, with IC50 values of 0.10-0.30 mg/mL, and α-glucosidase, with IC50 values of 0.12-0.54 mg/mL. However, their antioxidant capacities were marginal.
Cell type-specific interaction analysis using doublets in scRNA-seq
Authors: Schiebout Courtney , Lust Hannah , Huang Yina , Frost H Robert
Published: September 2023

Doublets are usually considered an unwanted artifact of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and are only identified in datasets for the sake of removal. However, if cells have a juxtacrine interaction with one another in situ and maintain this association through an scRNA-seq processing pipeline that only partially dissociates the tissue, these doublets can provide meaningful biological information regarding the intercellular signals and processes occurring in the analyzed tissue. This is especially true for cases such as the immune compartment of the tumor microenvironment, where the frequency and the type of immune cell juxtacrine interactions can be a prognostic indicator. We developed Cell type-specific Interaction Analysis using Doublets in scRNA-seq (CIcADA) as a pipeline for identifying and analyzing biologically meaningful doublets in scRNA-seq data. CIcADA identifies putative doublets using multi-label cell type scores and characterizes interaction dynamics through a comparison against synthetic doublets of the same cell type composition. In performing CIcADA on several scRNA-seq tumor datasets, we found that the identified doublets were consistently upregulating expression of immune response genes.

Availability and implementation

An R package implementing the CIcADA method is in development and will be released on CRAN, but for now it is available at https://github.com/schiebout/CAMML.
Drivers of large mammal distribution: an overview and modelling approach for palaeoecological reconstructions of extinct ecosystems
Authors: Brooke Christopher F , Marean Curtis W , Wren Colin D , Bergin Sean , Fahey B Patrick , Venter Jan A
Published: September 2023

One of the primary goals of the palaeosciences is to produce robust understandings of palaeoecologies of extinct ecosystems. The time has arrived where such palaeoecologies can be significantly improved—agent-based models (ABMs) that synthesize our modern understandings of animal ecology with past conditions provide a unique opportunity for this. The Palaeo-Agulhas Plain (PAP), a now submerged landscape off the south coast of South Africa, formed a novel ecosystem during the lower sea levels of the Pleistocene. Here we provide a review of the utility of ABMs for understanding herbivores in prehistoric environments using the Paleoscape Model. The Paleoscape Model is fortunate to have features models of climate, geology and vegetation upon which we can understand how herbivores used the PAP environment. To incorporate aspects of herbivore behaviour and habitat suitability into the model requires analogies from extant systems. In addition to reconstructions of the availability of resources and associated risks, data on herbivore behaviour and physiology are imperative to our understanding of these systems. Behaviour, driven by changes in the environment, is interpreted by species, leading to selection of suitable habitats ultimately driving the herbivore’s decisions within ABMs. Finally, we discuss herbivore integration into these models that can be used in numerous other scenarios (past, present and future).
Risk-stratified faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) for urgent colonoscopy in Lynch syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lincoln Anne G , Benton Sally C , Piggott Carolyn , Sheikh Shama Riaz , Beggs Andrew D , Buckley Leah , DeSouza Bianca , East James E , Sanders Pete , Lim Michael , Sheehan Donal , Snape Katie , Hanson Helen , Greenaway John R , Burn John , Nylander David , Hawkins Menna , Lalloo Fiona , Green Kate , Lee Thomas J , Walker Julie , Matthews Gillian , Rutherford Terry , Sasieni Peter , Monahan Kevin J
Published: September 2023

Background

Lynch syndrome is a hereditary cancer disease resulting in an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Herein, findings are reported from an emergency clinical service implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic utilizing faecal immunochemical testing (‘FIT’) in Lynch syndrome patients to prioritize colonoscopy while endoscopy services were limited.

Methods

An emergency service protocol was designed to improve colonoscopic surveillance access throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in England for people with Lynch syndrome when services were extremely restricted (1 March 2020 to 31 March 2021) and promoted by the English National Health Service. Requests for faecal immunochemical testing from participating centres were sent to the National Health Service Bowel Cancer Screening South of England Hub and a faecal immunochemical testing kit, faecal immunochemical testing instructions, paper-based survey, and pre-paid return envelope were sent to patients. Reports with faecal haemoglobin results were returned electronically for clinical action. Risk stratification for colonoscopy was as follows: faecal haemoglobin less than 10 µg of haemoglobin/g of faeces (µg/g)—scheduled within 6–12 weeks; and faecal haemoglobin greater than or equal to 10 µg/g—triaged via an urgent suspected cancer clinical pathway. Primary outcomes of interest included the identification of highest-risk Lynch syndrome patients and determining the impact of faecal immunochemical testing in risk-stratified colonoscopic surveillance.

Results

Fifteen centres participated from June 2020 to March 2021. Uptake was 68.8 per cent amongst 558 patients invited. For 339 eligible participants analysed, 279 (82.3 per cent) had faecal haemoglobin less than 10 µg/g and 60 (17.7 per cent) had faecal haemoglobin greater than or equal to 10 µg/g. In the latter group, the diagnostic accuracy of faecal immunochemical testing was 65.9 per cent and escalation to colonoscopy was facilitated (median 49 versus 122 days, χ2 = 0.0003, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Faecal immunochemical testing demonstrated clinical value for Lynch syndrome patients requiring colorectal cancer surveillance during the pandemic in this descriptive report of an emergency COVID-19 response service. Further longitudinal investigation on faecal immunochemical testing efficacy in Lynch syndrome is warranted and will be examined under the ‘FIT for Lynch’ study (ISRCTN15740250).
Neuromelanin-sensitive MRI as a promising biomarker of catecholamine function
Authors: Trujillo Paula , Aumann Megan A , Claassen Daniel O
Published: September 2023

Disruptions to dopamine and noradrenergic neurotransmission are noted in several neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Neuromelanin-sensitive (NM)-MRI offers a non-invasive approach to visualize and quantify the structural and functional integrity of the substantia nigra and locus coeruleus. This method may aid in the diagnosis and quantification of longitudinal changes of disease and could provide a stratification tool for predicting treatment success of pharmacological interventions targeting the dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems. Given the growing clinical interest in NM-MRI, understanding the contrast mechanisms that generate this signal is crucial for appropriate interpretation of NM-MRI outcomes and for the continued development of quantitative MRI biomarkers that assess disease severity and progression. To date, most studies associate NM-MRI measurements to the content of the neuromelanin pigment and/or density of neuromelanin-containing neurons, while recent studies suggest that the main source of the NM-MRI contrast is not the presence of neuromelanin but the high-water content in the dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons. In this review, we consider the biological and physical basis for the NM-MRI contrast and discuss a wide range of interpretations of NM-MRI. We describe different acquisition and image processing approaches and discuss how these methods could be improved and standardized to facilitate large-scale multisite studies and translation into clinical use. We review the potential clinical applications in neurological and psychiatric disorders and the promise of NM-MRI as a biomarker of disease, and finally, we discuss the current limitations of NM-MRI that need to be addressed before this technique can be utilized as a biomarker and translated into clinical practice and offer suggestions for future research.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms in vascular repair after traumatic brain injury: a narrative review
Authors: Zhao Zi-Ai , Yan Lingli , Wen Jing , Satyanarayanan Senthil Kumaran , Yu Feng , Lu Jiahong , Liu Yong U , Su Huanxing
Published: September 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts normal brain function and is associated with high morbidity and fatality rates. TBI is characterized as mild, moderate or severe depending on its severity. The damage may be transient and limited to the dura matter, with only subtle changes in cerebral parenchyma, or life-threatening with obvious focal contusions, hematomas and edema. Blood vessels are often injured in TBI. Even in mild TBI, dysfunctional cerebral vascular repair may result in prolonged symptoms and poor outcomes. Various distinct types of cells participate in vascular repair after TBI. A better understanding of the cellular response and function in vascular repair can facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we analyzed the mechanism of cerebrovascular impairment and the repercussions following various forms of TBI. We then discussed the role of distinct cell types in the repair of meningeal and parenchyma vasculature following TBI, including endothelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells, pericytes, glial cells (astrocytes and microglia), neurons, myeloid cells (macrophages and monocytes) and meningeal lymphatic endothelial cells. Finally, possible treatment techniques targeting these unique cell types for vascular repair after TBI are discussed.
Comment on ‘Perforating dermatosis in a patient on haemodialysis successfully treated with nemolizumab’
Authors: Zhang Li-wen , Wu Juan , Chen Tao
Published: September 2023

The pathogenesis of acquired perforating dermatosis remains unknown and management is challenging. Traditional treatment includes antihistamines, allopurinol, corticosteroids, retinoids, doxycycline, keratolytic agents and phototherapy but with limited efficacy in some patients. Recently, developments in biologics and small-molecule drugs have provided new options for patients with acquired perforating dermatosis.
Suppression of sweetness: evidence for central mechanism for suppression of sweetness from sucrose by citric acid
Authors: Junge Jonas Yde , Andersen Glenn Hjorth , Kidmose Ulla
Published: September 2023

The underlying mechanisms of taste interactions in humans are not well understood, and three mechanisms have been proposed, namely a chemical interaction, a peripheral physiological, and a central mechanism. In the present study, it was investigated which of these mechanisms causes the suppression of sweetness by citric acid. This was investigated using a split-tongue gustometer that can stimulate the two sides of the tongue with different stimuli simultaneously, enabling a comparison of sucrose and citric acid presented either separately on each side of the tongue simultaneously or in a mixture on one side. Two studies were conducted using low (Study 1; n = 50) and high (Study 2: n = 59) concentrations of sucrose (2.5% (w/w) and 10% (w/w), respectively), and citric acid (0.14% (w/w) and 0.18% (w/w), respectively). In neither of the studies was there a significant difference in sweetness intensity ratings between the two conditions where sucrose and citric acid were presented either separately or in a mixture form. However, both showed significantly lower sweetness ratings than without citric acid indicating suppression of the sweetness of sucrose from citric acid. This provides strong evidence for a central mechanism for the suppression of the sweetness of sucrose by citric acid. This mechanism seems to be equal in high and low concentrations of both sucrose and citric acid.
Phase 2 study of upacicalcet in Japanese haemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism: an intraindividual dose-adjustment study
Authors: Inaguma Daijo , Koiwa Fumihiko , Tokumoto Masanori , Fukagawa Masafumi , Yoneda Shinji , Yasuzawa Hisami , Asano Kenji , Hagita Keiko , Inagaki Yosuke , Honda Daisuke , Akizawa Tadao
Published: September 2023

Background

Upacicalcet is a novel small-molecule calcimimetic agent developed for intravenous injection. Here, we evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of upacicalcet treatment via intraindividual dose adjustment in haemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT).

Methods

A phase 2, multicentre, open-label, single-arm study was conducted. Upacicalcet was administered for 52 weeks; the starting dose was 50 μg thrice a week, and then adjusted to 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, or 300 μg, according to the dose-adjustment method set in the protocol. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level achieving a target range of 60–240 pg/mL (target achievement rate) at week 18.

Results

A total of 58 patients were administered upacicalcet. The target achievement rate of serum iPTH level at week 18 was 57.9%, which increased to 80.8% at week 52. The serum-corrected calcium (cCa) level decreased immediately after upacicalcet administration, but no further decrease was observed. Adverse events were observed in 94.8% of patients, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurred in 20.7% of patients. The most common ADR was decreased adjusted calcium in eight patients; dizziness occurred as a serious ADR in one patient. The serum cCa level of patients who interrupted upacicalcet treatment at a serum cCa level of <7.5 mg/dL recovered to ≥7.5 mg/dL immediately after the interruption.

Conclusions

In haemodialysis patients with SHPT, upacicalcet doses of 25–300 μg for 52 weeks were found to be highly effective and well-tolerated, with minor safety concerns.
Contemporary secondary prevention in survivors of ST-elevation myocardial infarction with and without chronic kidney disease: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Engelbertz Christiane , Feld Jannik , Makowski Lena , Lange Stefan A , Günster Christian , Dröge Patrik , Ruhnke Thomas , Gerß Joachim , Reinecke Holger , Köppe Jeanette
Published: September 2023

Background

Survivors of myocardial infarction have an elevated risk of long-term mortality. We sought to evaluate guideline-directed medical treatment and its impact on long-term mortality in survivors of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) according to their chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage.

Methods

Using German health insurance claims data, 157 663 hospitalized survivors of STEMI were identified. Regarding different CKD stages, we retrospectively analysed the filled prescriptions of platelet inhibitors (PAI)/oral anticoagulation, statins, beta-blocker and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists (ACE-I/AT1-A) and their association with long-term mortality.

Results

Prescription rates for all four guideline-directed drugs were highest in patients without or with mild CKD and lowest in patients on dialysis. They dropped from 73.4% to 39.2% in patients without CKD and from 47.1% to 29% in patients on dialysis within the 5-year follow-up period. Mortality rates were dramatically increased in patients with CKD compared with patients without CKD (5-year mortality: no CKD, 16.7%; CKD stage 3, 47.1%; CKD stage 5d, 69.7%). Filled prescriptions of at least one drug class [one drug: hazard ratio (HR) 0.70, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.66–0.74; four drugs: HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.27–0.30; P < .001 for both] as well as the distinct drug classes (statins: HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.54–0.56; ACE-I/AT1-A: HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.67–0.70; beta-blocker: HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.85–0.90; PAI/oral anticoagulation: HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–1.00; all P < .05) improved long-term mortality.

Conclusions

An improved long-term guideline-recommended drug therapy after STEMI regardless of renal impairment might lead to beneficial effects on long-term mortality.
Long-term safety and efficacy of left atrial appendage occlusion in dialysis patients with atrial fibrillation: a multi-center, prospective, open label, observational study
Authors: Genovesi Simonetta , Porcu Luca , Rebora Paola , Slaviero Giorgio , Casu Gavino , Bertoli Silvio , Airoldi Flavio , Buskermolen Monique , Gallieni Maurizio , Pieruzzi Federico , Rovaris Giovanni , Montoli Alberto , Piccaluga Emanuela , Molon Giulio , Alberici Federico , Adamo Marianna , Gaspardone Achille , D'Angelo Giuseppe , Merella Pierluigi , Vezzoli Giuseppe , Trezzi Barbara , Mazzone Patrizio
Published: September 2023

Background

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in end stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients undergoing dialysis is high, however, the high risk of bleeding often hampers with a correct anticoagulation in ESKD patients with AF, despite high thromboembolic risk. Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is a anticoagulation (OAT) for thromboembolism prevention in AF populations with high hemorrhagic risk.

Methods and Results

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LAA occlusion in a cohort of dialysis patients undergoing the procedure (LAA occlusion cohort, n = 106), in comparison with two other ESKD cohorts, one taking warfarin (Warfarin cohort, n = 114) and the other without anticoagulation therapy (No-OAT cohort, n = 148). After a median follow-up of 4 years, a Cox regression model, adjusted for possible confounding factors, showed that the hazard ratios (HRs) of thromboembolic events in the LAA occlusion cohort were 0.19 (95%CI 0.04–0.96; p = 0.045) and 0.16 (95%CI 0.04–0.66; p = 0.011) as compared with Warfarin and No-OAT cohorts, respectively. The HR of bleeding in the LAA occlusion cohort was 0.37 (95%CI 0.16–0.83; p = 0.017) compared to Warfarin cohort, while there were no significant differences between the LAA occlusion and the No-OAT cohort (HR 0.51; 95%CI 0.23–1.12; p = 0.094). Adjusted Cox regression models showed lower mortality in patients undergoing LAA occlusion as compared with both the Warfarin cohort (HR 0.60; 95%CI 0.38–0.94; p = 0.027) and no-OAT cohort (HR 0.52; 95%CI 0.34–0.78; p = 0.002). Thromboembolic events in the LAA occlusion cohort were lower than expected according to the CHA2DS2VASc score (1.7 [95%CI 0.3–3.0] vs 6.7 events per 100 person/years, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In ESKD patients with AF, LAA occlusion is safe and effective and is associated with reduced mortality compared with OAT or no therapy.
A Chinese Grammatical Error Correction Model Based On Grammatical Generalization And Parameter Sharing
Authors: Lin Nankai , Lin Xiaotian , Fu Yingwen , Jiang Shengyi , Wang Lianxi
Published: September 2023

Chinese grammatical error correction (CGEC) is a significant challenge in Chinese natural language processing. Deep-learning-based models tend to have tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of parameters since they model the target task as a sequence-to-sequence problem. This may require a vast quantity of annotated corpora for training and parameter tuning. However, there are currently few open-source annotated corpora for the CGEC task; the existing researches mainly concentrate on using data augmentation technology to alleviate the data-hungry problem. In this paper, rather than expanding training data, we propose a competitive CGEC model from a new insight for reducing model parameters. The model contains three main components: a sequence learning module, a grammatical generalization module and a parameter sharing module. Experimental results on two Chinese benchmarks demonstrate that the proposed model could achieve competitive performance over several baselines. Even if the parameter number of our model is reduced by 1/3, it could reach a comparable $F_{0.5}$ value of 30.75%. Furthermore, we utilize English datasets to evaluate the generalization and scalability of the proposed model. This could provide a new feasible research direction for CGEC research.
Is EuroSCORE II still a reliable predictor for cardiac surgery mortality in 2022? A retrospective study study
Authors: Mastroiacovo Giorgio , Bonomi Alice , Ludergnani Monica , Franchi Matteo , Maragna Riccardo , Pirola Sergio , Baggiano Andrea , Caglio Alice , Pontone Gianluca , Polvani Gianluca , Merlino Luca
Published: September 2023

OBJECTIVES

The European System for Cardiac Operation Risk Evaluation II (EuroSCORE II) is the most common tool used to evaluate the perioperative risk of mortality after cardiac surgery in Europe, and its use is currently recommended by the relevant guidelines. However, recently, its role has been questioned: Several papers have suggested that these algorithms may no longer be adequate for risk prediction due to an overestimation of adult cardiac surgical risk. Our goal was to validate the EuroSCORE II in the prediction of 30-day in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery in a high-volume hospital.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we included all patients who underwent cardiac surgery from January 2016 to May 2022 within the departments of cardiac surgery of the Monzino Cardiology Centre in Milan, Italy. We evaluated the discrimination power of the EuroSCORE II by using the receiver operating characteristic curve and the corresponding area under the curve. We performed calibration plots to assess the concordance between the model’s prediction and the observed outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 4,034 patients were included (mean age = 65.1 years; 68% males), of which 674 (16.7%) underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. The EuroSCORE II showed a good discrimination power in predicting 30-day in-hospital mortality (area under the curve = 0.834). However, for interventions performed in an elective setting, very low values of the EuroSCORE II overestimated the observed mortality, whereas for interventions performed in an emergency setting, EuroSCORE II values above 10 extensively underestimated the observed mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that the EuroSCORE II seems not to be a reliable score in estimating the true risk of death, especially in high-risk patients.
Cost-effectiveness and diagnostic accuracy of focused cardiac ultrasound in the pre-participation screening of athletes: the SPORT-FoCUS study
Authors: Halasz Geza , Capelli Bruno , Nardecchia Alessia , Cattaneo Mattia , Cassina Tiziano , Biasini Vincenzo , Barbieri Davide , Villa Michele , Beltrami Matteo , Perone Francesco , Villani Matteo , Badini Matteo , Gervasi Federico , Piepoli Massimo , Via Gabriele
Published: September 2023

Aims

The role of pre-participation screening (PPS) modalities in preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes is debated due to a high false-positive rate. Focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) has shown higher sensitivity and specificity, but its cost-effectiveness remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic performance and cost-effectiveness of FoCUS use in PPS.

Methods and results

A total of 2111 athletes (77.4% male, mean age 24.9 ± 15.2years) underwent standardized family and medical history collection, physical examination, resting electrocardiography (ECG), FoCUS (10 min/5 views protocol), comprehensive echocardiography and exercise stress test. We prospectively evaluated three PPS incremental models: Model A, standardized medical history and physical examination Model B, Model A plus resting and stress ECG and Model C, Model B plus FoCUS (10 min/5 views protocol). We determined their incremental diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness ratio. A total of 30 athletes were diagnosed with a cardiac condition associated with SCD: 3 were identified by Model A, 14 by Model B, and 13 athletes by Model C. The introduction of FoCUS markedly increased the sensitivity of PPS, compared with Model A and Model B (sensitivity 94% vs. 19% vs. 58% specificity 93% vs. 93% vs. 92%). The total screening costs were as follows: Model A 35.64 euros, Model B 87.68 euros, and Model C 120.89 euros. Considering the sole conditions at risk of SCD, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 135.62 euros for Model B and 114.31 for Model C.

Conclusions

The implementation of FoCUS into the PPS allows to identify a significantly greater number of athletes at risk of SCD and markedly lowers the false negative rate. Furthermore, the incorporation of FoCUS into the screening process has shown to be cost-effective.