bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions and attitudes of nurse practitioners toward artificial intelligence adoption in health care
Authors: Rony Moustaq Karim Khan , Numan Sharker Md. , Johra Fateha tuj , Akter Khadiza , Akter Fazila , Debnath Mitun , Mondal Sujit , Wahiduzzaman Md. , Das Mousumi , Ullah Mohammad , Rahman Mohammad Habibur , Das Bala Shuvashish , Parvin Mst. Rina
Published: August 2024

Background

With the ever‐increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into health care, it becomes imperative to gain an in‐depth understanding of how health care professionals, specifically nurse practitioners, perceive and approach this transformative technology.

Objectives

This study aimed to gain insights into nurse practitioners' perceptions and attitudes toward AI adoption in health care.

Methods

This qualitative research employed a descriptive and phenomenological approach using in‐depth interviews. Data were collected through a semi‐structured questionnaire with 37 nurse practitioners selected through purposive sampling, specifically Maximum Variation Sampling and Expert Sampling techniques, to ensure diversity in characteristics. Trustworthiness of the research was maintained through member checking and peer debriefing. Thematic analysis was employed to uncover recurring themes and patterns in the data.

Results

The thematic analysis revealed nine main themes that encapsulated nurse practitioners' perceptions and attitudes toward AI adoption in health care. These included nurse practitioners' perceptions of AI implementation, attitudes toward AI adoption, patient‐centered care and AI, quality of health care delivery and AI, ethical and regulatory aspects of AI, education and training needs, collaboration and interdisciplinary relationships, obstacles in integrating AI, and AI and health care policy. While this study found that nurse practitioners held a wide range of perspectives, with many viewings AI as a tool to enhance patient care.

Conclusions

This research provides a valuable contribution to the evolving discourse surrounding AI adoption in health care. The findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive education and training in AI, accompanied by clear and robust ethical and regulatory guidelines to ensure the responsible integration of AI in health care practice. Furthermore, fostering collaboration and interdisciplinary relationships is pivotal for the successful incorporation of AI in health care. Policymakers should also address the challenges and opportunities that AI presents in the health care sector. This study enhances the ongoing conversation on AI adoption in health care by shedding light on the perspectives of nurses, thereby shaping future strategies for AI integration.
Good practice with fluid management in operative hysteroscopy
Authors: Vilos George A. , Vilos Angelos G. , Abu‐Rafea Basim , Ternamian Artin , Laberge Philippe , Munro Malcolm G.
Published: August 2024

Hysteroscopic surgery requires a balance of continuous controlled irrigation and aspiration to distend the endometrial cavity to a degree that provides the clear and stable visual environment necessary for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Whereas the preferred distending solution should be isotonic and isonatremic, radiofrequency (RF) electrosurgery with monopolar instrumentation can only be performed with non‐ionic (hyponatremic) solutions. Absorption of as little as 500 mL and certainly more than 1000 mL of non‐ionic solutions can result in fluid overload and/or dilutional hyponatremia with potentially serious adverse effects under certain conditions and patient characteristics. Both hysteroscopic RF electrosurgery with bipolar instrumentation and electro‐mechanical morcellation and aspiration systems use isotonic and isonatremic solutions. Depending on the clinical context, absorption of more than 1500 mL of isonatremic solutions can also result in serious adverse effects. Automated fluid management systems are preferred and recommended, and surgeons should aim to maintain the maximum allowable intravasation of distending media below 1000 and 1500 mL for non‐ionic and ionic fluids, respectively.
A Novel Classification Approach for Retinal Disease Using Improved Gannet Optimization‐Based Capsule DenseNet
Authors: Venkatesan S. , Kempanna M. , Nagaraja J. , Bhuvanesh A.
Published: August 2024

An unusual condition of the eye called diabetic retinopathy affects the human retina and is brought on by the blood's constant rise in insulin levels. Loss of vision is the result. Diabetic retinopathy can be improved by receiving an early diagnosis to prevent further damage. A cost‐effective method of accumulating medical treatments is through appropriate DR screening. In this work, deep learning framework is introduced for the accurate classification of retinal diseases. The proposed method processes retinal fundus images obtained from databases, addressing noise and artifacts through an improved median filter (ImMF). It leverages the UNet++ model for precise segmentation of the disease‐affected regions. UNet++ enhances feature extraction through cross‐stage connections, improving segmentation results. The segmented images are then fed as input to the improved gannet optimization‐based capsule DenseNet (IG‐CDNet) for retinal disease classification. The hybrid capsule DenseNet (CDNet) classifies disease and is optimized using the improved gannet optimization algorithm to boost classification accuracy. Finally, the accuracy and dice score values achieved are 0.9917 and 0.9652 on the APTOS‐2019 dataset.
PLM‐T3SE: Accurate Prediction of Type III Secretion Effectors Using Protein Language Model Embeddings
Authors: Gao Mengru , Song Chen , Liu Taigang
Published: August 2024

The Type III secretion effectors (T3SEs) are bacterial proteins synthesized by Gram‐negative pathogens and delivered into host cells via the Type III secretion system (T3SS). These effectors usually play a pivotal role in the interactions between bacteria and hosts. Hence, the precise identification of T3SEs aids researchers in exploring the pathogenic mechanisms of bacterial infections. Since the diversity and complexity of T3SE sequences often make traditional experimental methods time‐consuming, it is imperative to explore more efficient and convenient computational approaches for T3SE prediction. Inspired by the promising potential exhibited by pre‐trained language models in protein recognition tasks, we proposed a method called PLM‐T3SE that utilizes protein language models (PLMs) for effective recognition of T3SEs. First, we utilized PLM embeddings and evolutionary features from the position‐specific scoring matrix (PSSM) profiles to transform protein sequences into fixed‐length vectors for model training. Second, we employed the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm to rank these features based on their importance. Finally, a MLP neural network model was used to predict T3SEs based on the selected optimal feature set. Experimental results from the cross‐validation and independent test demonstrated that our model exhibited superior performance compared to the existing models. Specifically, our model achieved an accuracy of 98.1%, which is 1.8%–42.4% higher than the state‐of‐the‐art predictors based on the same independent data set test. These findings highlight the superiority of the PLM‐T3SE and the remarkable characterization ability of PLM embeddings for T3SE prediction.
Survey on the knowledge and practices in anorexia of aging diagnosis and management in Japan
Authors: Takagi Sahoko , Satake Shosuke , Sugimoto Ken , Kuzuya Masafumi , Akishita Masahiro , Arai Hidenori , Aprahamian Ivan , Coats Andrew J. , Klompenhouwer Tatiana , Anker Stefan D. , Wakabayashi Hidetaka
Published: August 2024

Background

Anorexia of aging (AA) is a condition in older adults that includes loss of appetite and reduced food intake. There is a lack of detailed analysis of the potential influence of educational initiatives in addressing AA. This study aimed to clarify the current state of knowledge and practice regarding AA and its relationship with the availability of continuing education opportunities among Japanese healthcare professionals involved in treating older patients.

Methods

The Japan Geriatrics Society and the Japanese Association on Sarcopenia and Frailty, in collaboration with the Society on Sarcopenia, Cachexia, and Wasting Disorders, conducted an online questionnaire survey on the knowledge and practices in AA detection and management. Questions were asked in the areas of demographics, screening, definition/diagnosis, treatment, referral, and awareness, with those who ‘participate’ in continuing education and professional development programmes in nutrition for their patients were classified as the ‘education group’ and those who ‘do not participate’ were classified as the ‘non‐education group’. The results for each question were compared.

Results

The analysis included 870 participants (physicians, 48%; registered dietitians, 16%; rehabilitation therapists, 14%; pharmacists, 12%; nurses, 6%; and other professionals, 5%). The education group (45%) was more likely than the non‐education group (55%) to use the Mini‐Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA‐SF) to screen for AA (49% vs. 27%) and less likely not to use a validated tool (33% vs. 47%). More participants used evidence‐based tools and materials for AA care (38% vs. 12%), and fewer used their clinical judgement (23% vs. 35%) or were unaware of the tools and materials (9% vs. 23%). The proportion using a team of professionals experienced in AA care were 47% and 24% of the education and non‐education groups, respectively. By profession, few physicians used specific validated tools and resources for AA screening and treatment. More than half of the dietitians used the MNA‐SF regardless of training opportunity availability. Regarding professional availability and team use, differences in educational opportunities were particularly large among physicians.

Conclusions

Participation in continuing education programmes on nutrition is associated with responsiveness to AA screening and treatment and the availability of a team of professionals, which may influence the quality of AA treatment. Nutrition education may support the confidence of healthcare professionals working with older adults in AA with complex clinical signs and encourage them to conduct evidence‐based practice.
Novel metabolic and lipidomic biomarkers of sarcopenia
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Hsiang , Wang San‐Yuan , Chao Yen‐Ming , Chang Ke‐Vin , Han Der‐Sheng , Lin Yun‐Lian
Published: August 2024

Background

The pathophysiology of sarcopenia is complex and multifactorial and has not been fully elucidated. The impact of resistance training and nutritional support (RTNS) on metabolomics and lipodomics in older adults with sarcopenia remains uncertain. This study aimed to explore potential biomarkers of sarcopenia and clinical indicators of RTNS in older sarcopenic adults.

Methods

Older individuals diagnosed with sarcopenia through routine health checkups at a community hospital were recruited for a 12‐week randomized controlled trial focusing on RTNS. Plasma metabolomic and lipidomic profiles of 45 patients with sarcopenia and 47 matched controls were analysed using 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometer (LC–MS).

Results

At baseline, the patient and control groups had similar age, sex, and height distribution. The patient group had significantly lower weight, BMI, grip strength, gait speed, skeletal muscle index, lean mass of both the upper and lower limbs, and lower limb bone mass. There was a significant difference in 12 metabolites between the control and patient groups. They are isoleucine (patient/control fold change [FC] = 0.86 ± 0.04, P = 0.0005), carnitine (FC = 1.05 ± 0.01, P = 0.0110), 1‐methylhistamine/3‐methylhistamine (FC = 1.24 ± 0.14, P = 0.0039), creatinine (FC = 0.71 ± 0.04, P < 0.0001), carnosine (FC = 0.71 ± 0.04, P = 0.0007), ureidopropionic acid (FC = 0.61 ± 0.10, P = 0.0107), uric acid (FC = 0.88 ± 0.03, P = 0.0083), PC (18:2/20:0) (FC = 0.69 ± 0.03, P = 0.0010), PC (20:2/18:0) (FC = 0.70 ± 0.06, P = 0.0014), PC (18:1/20:1) (FC = 0.74 ± 0.05, P = 0.0015), PI 32:1 (FC = 4.72 ± 0.17, P = 0.0006), and PI 34:3 (FC = 1.88 ± 0.13, P = 0.0003). Among them, carnitine, 1‐methylhistamine/3‐methylhistamine, creatinine, ureidopropionic acid, uric acid, PI 32:1, and PI 34:3 were first identified. Notably, PI 32:1 had highest diagnostic accuracy (0.938) for sarcopenia. 1‐Methylhistamine/3‐methylhistamine, carnosine, PC (18:2/20:0), PI 32:1, and PI 34:3 levels were not different from the control group after RTNS. These metabolites are involved in amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and the PI3K‐AKT/mTOR signalling pathway through the ingenuity pathway analysis.

Conclusions

These findings provide information on metabolic changes, lipid perturbations, and the role of RTNS in patients with sarcopenia. They reveal new insights into its pathological mechanisms and potential therapies.
Ferrate(VI) green oxidant: electrochemical generation, self‐decomposition, and application for reactive red 195 azo dye treatment
Authors: Nguyen Thi Van Anh , Mai Thi Thanh Thuy , Phan Thi Binh , Tran Huu Quang , Bui Minh Quy
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Ferrate(VI), an environmentally friendly oxidant, has recently emerged as one of the most promising chemicals for water and wastewater treatment due to its versatile application as an oxidant, coagulant, and disinfectant. In this paper, the factors affecting the electrosynthesis process of ferrate using ductile iron anode were studied. Besides, the obtained ferrate was used to remove reactive red 195 (RR195).

RESULTS

The optimal ferrate electrochemical synthesis conditions were determined, including 14 mol L−1 NaOH electrolyte solution, a current density of 40 mA cm−2, and electrolysis time of approximately 5–6 h. Furthermore, the kinetics of the ferrate's self‐decomposition reaction was also studied at different temperatures. The decomposition process of ferrate in a 14 mol L−1 NaOH environment followed second‐order kinetics, with reaction rate constants of 4.70 × 10−9, 7.31 × 10−8, 1.95 × 10−7, and 4.70 × 10−7 (L mol−1 s−1) at temperatures of 4, 10, 20, and 30 °C, respectively. RR195 treatment efficiency by ferrate reached 96.3% in a short time of 3 min at pH 3 with a ferrate/RR195 molar ratio of 30/1.

CONCLUSION

This study identified the optimal conditions for the electrochemical synthesis of ferrate using a ductile iron anode. Ferrate was stable at a low temperature of 4 °C, so unused ferrate needs to be stored at low temperatures to avoid decomposition of ferrate. The ferrate green oxidant demonstrated high efficiency in the treatment of RR195 in a short time. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Extracellular vesicles may provide an alternative detoxification pathway during skeletal muscle myoblast ageing
Authors: Fernández‐Rhodes María , Buchan Emma , Gagnon Stephanie D. , Qian Jiani , Gethings Lee , Lees Rebecca , Peacock Ben , Capel Andrew J. , Martin Neil R. W. , Oppenheimer Pola Goldberg , Lewis Mark P. , Davies Owen G.
Published: August 2024

Skeletal muscle (SM) acts as a secretory organ, capable of releasing myokines and extracellular vesicles (SM‐EVs) that impact myogenesis and homeostasis. While age‐related changes have been previously reported in murine SM‐EVs, no study has comprehensively profiled SM‐EV in human models. To this end, we provide the first comprehensive comparison of SM‐EVs from young and old human primary skeletal muscle cells (HPMCs) to map changes associated with SM ageing. HPMCs, isolated from young (24 ± 1.7 years old) and older (69 ± 2.6 years old) participants, were immunomagnetically sorted based on the presence of the myogenic marker CD56 (N‐CAM) and cultured as pure (100% CD56+) or mixed populations (MP: 90% CD56+). SM‐EVs were isolated using an optimised protocol combining ultrafiltration and size exclusion chromatography (UF + SEC) and their biological content was extensively characterised using Raman spectroscopy (RS) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). Minimal variations in basic EV parameters (particle number, size, protein markers) were observed between young and old populations. However, biochemical fingerprinting by RS highlighted increased protein (amide I), lipid (phospholipids and phosphatidylcholine) and hypoxanthine signatures for older SM‐EVs. Through LC‐MS, we identified 84 shared proteins with functions principally related to cell homeostasis, muscle maintenance and transcriptional regulation. Significantly, SM‐EVs from older participants were comparatively enriched in proteins involved in oxidative stress and DNA/RNA mutagenesis, such as E3 ubiquitin‐protein ligase TTC3 (TTC3), little elongation complex subunit 1 (ICE1) and Acetyl‐CoA carboxylase 1 (ACACA). These data suggest SM‐EVs could provide an alternative pathway for homeostasis and detoxification during SM ageing.
Hospital commitments to address diagnostic errors: An assessment of 95 US hospitals
Authors: Campione Russo Alexandra , Tilly Jean‐Luc , Kaufman Leah , Danforth Melissa , Graber Mark L. , Austin J. Matthew , Singh Hardeep
Published: August 2024

Background

Diagnostic errors are a leading cause of patient harm. In 2022, the Leapfrog Group published a report containing 29 evidence‐based practices that hospitals can adopt to reduce diagnostic errors.

Objectives

To understand the extent to which US hospitals have already implemented these practices, we conducted a national pilot survey of Leapfrog‐participating hospitals.

Methods

To reduce respondent burden, we divided the 29 practices across two surveys: one focused on organizational culture and structure (Domain 1), and the second focused on the diagnostic process itself (Domain 2).

Results

A total of 95 hospitals from 23 states responded to one or both surveys. On average, hospitals reported implementing 9 of the 16 practices (56%) in Domain 1 and 8 of the 13 practices (62%) in Domain 2. The rate of practice implementation varied greatly, with some hospitals implementing as few as three practices in their domain. The most commonly implemented practices were ensuring access to medical interpreters, continuous access to radiologists, ensuring staff and patients can report diagnostic errors and concerns, and having a formal process to identify and notify patients when diagnostic errors occur. The least implemented practices included convening a multidisciplinary team focused on diagnostic safety and quality, a CEO commitment to diagnostic excellence, conducting diagnosis‐focused risk assessments, and training clinicians to optimize clinical reasoning in the diagnostic process.

Conclusions

The findings suggest large and important implementation gaps for practices related to diagnostic excellence and can inform new initiatives to promote diagnostic excellence in US hospitals.
Association of HLA‐DRB1 alleles with status of antibodies to hepatitis B surface and e antigen
Authors: Li Xinze , Zhou Qiaomiao , Lu Zhe , Huang Renliang , Lin Dan , Xu Jing , Yu Xinhua , Li Xuexia
Published: August 2024

Antigen presentation by HLA class II molecules to CD4+ T cells is an essential step for generating antibodies to hepatitis B antigens. In this study, we investigated the association between the HLA‐DRB1 gene and the status of antibodies to hepatitis B surface and e antigens. Our results revealed a significant association between the status of anti‐HBsAg and HLA‐DRB1*04:03 (OR = 4.11, 95% CI = 1.50–10.84, p = 0.005, Padj. = 0.05) as well as HLA‐DRB1*15:01 (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.20–2.50, p = 0.002, Padj. = 0.045). MHC II binding predictions and in silico docking demonstrated strong binding affinity of HBsAg peptides to these two HLA‐DRB1 molecules. Conversely, the status of anti‐HBeAg was inversely associated with HLA‐DRB1*14:54 (OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.18–0.64, p = 0.001, Padj. = 0.011), and in silico analysis revealed weak binding affinity of HBeAg peptides to HLA‐DRB1*14:54. In conclusion, these findings support the involvement of HLA‐DRB1 in humoral immunity against HBV infection.
Association between new insertion of a long‐term enteral feeding tube and mortality in adults admitted to the hospital with aspiration: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bai Anthony D. , Srivastava Siddhartha , Leung Marie , Johnson Heather , Verma Amol A. , Razak Fahad
Published: August 2024

Background

We aimed to describe the association between insertion of a new long‐term enteral feeding tube during admission for aspiration and in‐hospital mortality.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study across 28 Canadian hospitals from 2015 to 2022 included consecutive patients who were admitted for aspiration. Patients were categorized based on new long‐term enteral feeding tube insertion during hospital stay or not. The primary outcome was the time to death in hospital. Secondary outcomes included time to discharge alive and hospital readmission for aspiration within 90 days. We used propensity score weighting to balance covariates, and a competing risk model to describe in‐hospital death and discharge.

Results

Of 12,850 patients admitted for aspiration, 852 (6.6%) patients received a long‐term enteral feeding tube. In the hospital, 184 (21.6%) and 2489 (20.8%) patients in the enteral feeding tube group and no enteral feeding tube group died, respectively. Within 90 days of discharge, 127 (14.9%) and 1148 (9.6%) patients in the enteral feeding tube and no enteral feeding tube group were readmitted for aspiration, respectively. After balancing covariates, an enteral feeding tube was associated with a similar in‐hospital mortality risk (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.89–1.23; P = 0.5800), longer time to discharge alive (sHR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.54–0.63; P < 0.0001), and a higher risk of readmission (risk difference = 5.0%, 95% CI = 2.4%–7.6%; P = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Initiation of long‐term enteral tube feeding was not uncommon after admission for aspiration and was not associated with an improvement in the probability of being discharged alive from the hospital or readmitted for aspiration.
Focused ultrasound and concurrent chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Bennett Sean , Hirpara Dhruvin H. , Raphael Michael , Karanicolas Paul J.
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

The combination of focused ultrasound (FUS) and chemotherapy is a novel treatment for pancreatic cancer. This paper reviews the literature on this combined therapy.

Methods

The medical literature was searched according to PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were any study of patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing treatment with FUS and chemotherapy. Data extracted included stage, radiologic response, resection rate, survival, and adverse events.

Results

The initial search yielded 212 citations; 10 studies met inclusion criteria (9 retrospective cohorts; 1 randomized trial). A total of 631 patients received FUS + chemotherapy; 63.6% being stage 4, and 29.7% stage 3. Patient selection, FUS parameters, and chemotherapy used were all heterogeneous. Overall survival ranged from 7.4 to 21.6 months, radiologic response rate was 44.1%, and 24.4% of stage 3 patients underwent resection. All four studies with a comparison group demonstrated improved survival. FUS + chemotherapy decreased pain in 69.7% of patients. Severe adverse events occurred in 0.65%.

Conclusions

The literature on combined FUS and chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer is heterogeneous. There is good evidence that adverse events are low, and that it provides effective palliation. There is evidence to suggest oncologic benefit, however, this is subject to selection bias and prospective trials are needed.
Assessing Bed and Breakfast Customers' Behavioral Intention Based on Self‐Congruity Theory
Authors: Tao Shuting , Jia Mengke , Jin Xiaoyu
Published: August 2024

Customers' self‐congruity has been verified to be an important antecedent of their satisfaction or loyalty in terms of brand consumption. In the era of the experience economy, effects of customers' self‐congruity as well as subject norm on their attitude and behavioral intention concerning the special form of accommodation, that is, B&Bs have been seldomly studied. Therefore, this study applied self‐congruity theory with subjective norm to explain the phenomenon of increasing interests of B&Bs. As a result, first, self‐image congruity was insignificantly associated with B&B customer attitude. Second, B&B customers' functional congruity positively impacts customers' attitude and subsequential their behavioral intention. Third, customers' behavioral intention was influenced by subjective norm, that is, others' recommendation or suggestion could affect customers' behavioral intention. Collectively, the business operators and investors could develop and establish relative marketing strategies from the angles of subjective norm and functional congruity between customers and B&Bs.
CMTM5 influences Hippo/YAP axis to promote ferroptosis in glioma through regulating WWP2‐mediated LATS2 ubiquitination
Authors: Fan Ye , Zou He‐Qin
Published: August 2024

Glioma, a common malignancy, is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Promoting ferroptosis can delay tumor progression. Here, we aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of ferroptosis in glioma. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted using glioma cells and nude mice. The expression of genes and proteins was evaluated by RT‐qPCR, Western blot assay, and immunohistochemical staining. Malignant activities of glioma cells were evaluated using MTT, EdU, and Transwell assays. The levels of Fe2+, lipid reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde were determined using commercial kits. The interplays among CMTM5, WWP2, and LATS2 were validated using Co‐immunoprecipitation assay. The UALCAN database predicted downregulation of CMTM5 expression in glioma, and low expression of CMTM5 was associated with poor survival outcomes. CMTM5 overexpression inhibited cell growth and invasion and promoted ferroptosis of glioma cells. Besides, CMTM5 protein interacted with WWP2 protein and decreased WWP2 expression. WWP2 silencing attenuated LATS2 ubiquitination to enhance LATS2 expression and phosphorylation of YAP1. CMTM5 exerted a suppressive effect on cell growth and invasion and promoted ferroptosis of glioma cells by regulating the WWP2/LATS2 pathway. In the in vivo experiments, CMTM5 overexpression suppressed tumor growth and enhanced ferroptosis. CMTM5 regulated Hippo/YAP signaling to inhibit cell growth and invasion and to promote ferroptosis in glioma by regulating WWP2‐mediated LATS2 ubiquitination, thereby attenuating glioma progression.
Multiple DNA Viruses and HPV Integration in Inverted Papilloma and Associated Sinonasal Carcinoma
Authors: Jauhiainen Maria K. , Pyöriä Lari , Viitasalo Sanna , Mohanraj Ushanandini , Aaltonen Leena‐Maija , Söderlund‐Venermo Maria , Hagström Jaana , Mäkitie Antti A. , Perdomo Maria F. , Sinkkonen Saku T.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Sinonasal inverted papilloma (IP) has a locally destructive growth pattern, can relapse, and can undergo malignant transformation (IP‐associated sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (IP‐SNSCC)). Human papillomaviruses (HPV)‐6 and ‐16 are frequently detected in IPs. To clarify the possible roles of other DNA viruses in IPs, we explored viruses not studied in this context before. With the setting of pre‐ and post‐malignant transformation samples, we investigated HPV genomes in depth to assess the integration of HPV into the human genome and the presence of minor intratypic variants.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed 35 IP samples representing 28 individuals, of which six had IP‐SNSCC. For virus screening, we applied qPCR to detect 16 different DNA viruses in three virus families, comprising herpesviruses, parvoviruses, and polyomaviruses. In addition, targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) was used for detailed HPV analysis.

Results

We detected herpes‐, parvo‐, and polyomaviruses in 13/28 (46%) patients, with codetections of multiple viruses in six (21%) patients. NGS revealed HPV16 DNA in 2/6 IP‐SNSCC and in their respective earlier benign IP samples, as well as in a plasma sample from one of these patients. HPV6 was detected in two IP samples without subsequent malignant transformation. We identified sequence reads containing junctions of HPV6 and HPV16 and host genome suggestive of viral integration. HPV6 and HPV16 minor intratypic variants were present across pre‐ and post‐malignant transformation, with mostly nonsynonymous mutations.

Conclusions

Multiple DNA viruses were present in IPs. HPV16 was detected only in IP‐SNSCCs or in tumors that later underwent malignant transformation.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 135:677–686, 2025
Preoperative Hypoalbuminemia Predicts 30‐day Complications in Head and Neck Microvascular Surgery
Authors: Xu James R. , Kosanam Anish , Arianpour Khashayar , Lamarre Eric D. , Hyland Christopher G. , Ciolek Peter J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Hypoalbuminemia, a marker for poor nutritional status, has been associated with postoperative complications, including head and neck cancer surgery. This study investigates the impact of hypoalbuminemia on head and neck microvascular free tissue transfer reconstruction.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study queried the 2005–2021 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases. Reconstructive cases performed by otolaryngologists (CPT: 15756, 15757, 15758, 15842, 20955, 20956, 20957, 20962, 20969, 20970, 20972, 20973, 43116, 43496, 49006, and 49906) with available preoperative albumin, BMI, and age were included. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as a preoperative albumin <3.5 g/dL. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were performed.

Results

A total of 3,886 cases met the inclusion criteria, of which 835 (21.5%) had hypoalbuminemia. The hypoalbuminemia cohort was older, had lower BMI, had higher ASA classification, and had worse functional health status. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression showed that hypoalbuminemia was associated with unplanned return to the operating room within 30 days (OR: 1.36, p < 0.01), unplanned reoperation (OR: 1.36, p < 0.01), any complication (OR: 1.77, p < 0.01), surgical complications (OR: 1.94, p < 0.01), and medical complications (OR: 1.34, p = 0.01). Hypoalbuminemia was correlated with a longer hospital stay, superficial surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, transfusion, deep vein thrombosis, and acute renal failure.

Conclusion

Hypoalbuminemia is a risk factor for postoperative complications after microvascular free tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction. This study suggests that preoperative optimization of hypoalbuminemia may be beneficial for these patients.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 135:648–656, 2025
Soil desiccation in the context of vegetation restoration: A scientometric analysis
Authors: Azim Rizwan , Wang Qi , Mak‐Mensah Erastus , Zhou Xujiao , Zhang Dengkui , Zhao Xiaole , Qi Wenjia , Zhu Jinhui , Ma Wen , Sadiq Mahran , Liu Bing
Published: August 2024

This research aims to fill the gap in understanding the evolution of soil desiccation studies, focusing on its impact on sustainable crop production in China's Loess Plateau. The study explores trends, influential works, authors, journals, and emerging research areas within the field of soil desiccation. To achieve this, this study pioneers a comprehensive scientometric exploration of soil desiccation. The study analyzed 1952 publications on soil desiccation from January 2013 to December 2023, sourced from the Web of Science. Various co‐citation techniques such as author co‐citation analysis (ACA), document co‐citation analysis (DCA), journal co‐citation analysis (JCA), and keyword analysis are employed. Network development, visualization tools, and text‐mining methods are utilized to discern patterns and relationships within the dataset. Here, for the first time, nine distinct clusters were identified through DCA. The findings reveal the impactful emergence of significant clusters, such as the one focusing on the Loess Plateau, marking a significant advance in our understanding of soil desiccation. Multiple research frontiers or sub‐specialties emerge, including topics such as different vegetation types, the impact on grain yield, water use efficiency, growth, soil water content, hydraulic redistribution, drought, soil moisture, and modeling. This innovative scientometric review of soil desiccation outlines the current scientific and technological trends while identifying knowledge gaps. The findings are beneficial for researchers, graduate students, and professors interested in understanding research trajectories, pivotal publications, and influential scholars shaping this field.
Optimizing observational arrays for biogeochemistry in the tropical Pacific by estimating correlation lengths
Authors: Chu Winnie U. , Mazloff Matthew R. , Verdy Ariane , Purkey Sarah G. , Cornuelle Bruce D.
Published: August 2024

Global climate change has impacted ocean biogeochemistry and physical dynamics, causing increases in acidity and temperature, among other phenomena. These changes can lead to deleterious effects on marine ecosystems and communities that rely on these ecosystems for their livelihoods. To better quantify these changes, an array of floats fitted with biogeochemical sensors (BGC‐Argo) is being deployed throughout the ocean. This paper presents an algorithm for deriving a deployment strategy that maximizes the information captured by each float. The process involves using a model solution as a proxy for the true ocean state and carrying out an iterative process to identify optimal float deployment locations for constraining the model variance. As an example, we use the algorithm to optimize the array for observing ocean surface dissolved carbon dioxide concentrations (pCO2) in a region of strong air–sea gas exchange currently being targeted for BGC‐Argo float deployment. We conclude that 54% of the pCO2 variability in the analysis region could be sampled by an array of 50 Argo floats deployed in specified locations. This implies a relatively coarse average spacing, though we find the optimal spacing is nonuniform, with a denser sampling being required in the eastern equatorial Pacific. We also show that this method could be applied to determine the optimal float deployment along ship tracks, matching the logistics of real float deployment. We envision this software package to be a helpful resource in ocean observational design anywhere in the global oceans.
Recent Progress in Deep Learning for Improving Coherent Anti‐Stokes Raman Scattering Microscopy
Authors: Yao Bowen , Lin Fangrui , Luo Ziyi , Chen Qinglin , Lin Danying , Yang Zhigang , Li Jia , Qu Junle
Published: August 2024

Coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy is a powerful label‐free imaging technique that leverages biomolecular vibrations and is widely used in different fields. However, its intrinsic non‐resonant background (NRB) can distort Raman signals and compromise spectral fidelity. Conventional data analysis methods for CARS encounter a bottleneck in achieving high accuracy. Furthermore, CARS requires balancing imaging speed against image quality. In recent years, endeavors in deep learning have effectively overcome these obstacles, advancing the development of CARS. This review highlights the research that applies deep learning to mitigate NRB, classify CARS data for disease identification, and denoise images. Each approach is delineated in terms of network architecture, training data, and loss functions. Finally, the challenges in this field is discussed and using the latest deep learning advancement is suggested to enhance the reliability and efficiency of CARS microscopy.
Aryl‐Ether‐Free Polyaromatics‐Based Alkaline‐Resistant Anion exchange PTFE Composite Membrane
Authors: Iyer Rikhil R. , Boga Karteek , Varga Joseph F. , Wang Huanting , Saito Kei
Published: August 2024

Novel aryl‐ether‐free polyaromatics with different‐sized cationic headgroups tethered to the backbone are synthesized via superacid‐catalyzed polycondensations and subsequent Menshutkin quaternization reactions for potential application as anion exchange membranes (AEMs) in electrolysis. Experimentally, the effect of four different heterocycloaliphatic quaternary ammonium cationic headgroups on the AEM properties, such as the hydroxide conductivity, water uptake, swelling ratios and alkaline stability, is fully explored. Thin films are prepared by spin‐coating these AEMs onto porous polytetrafluoroethylene substrates. With a high degree of quaternization, these new aryl‐ether free polyaromatic thin film AEMs achieved high conductivities and good mechanical stability. The highest hydroxide conductivity of 45 mS cm−1 is achieved with excellent alkaline stability and conductivity retention of 96% after 30 days in 1 m KOH at 80 °C. Due to the polytetrafluoroethylene substrates, the swelling ratios and water uptake are relatively small, which ensured the astute dimensional stability of these thin film AEMs. The combined effect of alkaline‐stable cationic headgroups, an aromatic backbone and a robust substrate led to a promising thin‐film AEM.
Erosion wear of the multilayered high velocity oxy‐fuel ceramic coatings on aluminum alloy composite substrate
Authors: Vats A. , Patnaik A. , Meena M. L. , Kukshal V. , Patnaik T. K.
Published: August 2024

High velocity oxyfuel coatings have been sprayed on aluminium (Al) alloy composites substrate with varying coating thickness and tested for their wear behavior. The density and micro‐ hardness of the coatings found to increase with increase in coating thickness. The air erosion wear test has been conducted using quartz sand of size up to 75 μm as erodent. The steady state experiments indicate that the greatest specific erosion rate is at 60° and minimum at 30°. Due to the presence of interlayer, specific erosion rate decreases with the increase in the thickness of the coatings. Surface topography of the eroded samples indicate a decrease in surface roughness with increase in impact velocity. Thereafter, Taguchi (L16) orthogonal array has been utilized in order to optimize the input parameters. Analysis of variance has been applied to determine the contribution of individual control factors. The results from Taguchi experiments and analysis of variance find the order of dominance of control factors and their individual contribution as: velocity (47.31 %) > coating thickness (29.94 %) > angle (13.26 %) > erodent feed rate (7.65 %). Coatings have exhibited a semiductile wear behavior.
Quercetin inhibits endothelial & hepatocellular carcinoma cell crosstalk via reducing extracellular vesicle‐mediated VEGFR2 mRNA transfer
Authors: Xiong Wei , Zheng Bo , Liu Di , Pu Mo , Zhou Shijie , Deng Ying
Published: August 2024

This study aims to investigate the regulatory effects of quercetin extracellular vesicles (EVs)‐mediated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)‐derived circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and the underlying mechanisms. CTCs were isolated from patients with pathologically diagnosed HCC, with VEGFR2 expression visualized by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The human HCC cell line Huh‐7 and SK‐HEP‐1 were used for in vitro studies to assess EVs uptake, VEGFR2 mRNA transfer, invasion, migration, cancer stem cell (CSC) properties, and VEGF secretion. Results showed that VEGFR2 mRNA was commonly expressed in HCC‐CTCs, with a higher incidence in biphenotypic CTCs. Its expression was limited in HCC cell lines, but present in certain liver cells. In vitro experiments confirmed that VEGFR2 mRNA could be transferred to HCC cells via EVs from primary tumor endothelial cells (PTECs), which was impaired by quercetin treatment. Quercetin significantly reduced VEGFR2 mRNA and protein expression in HCC cells, weakened their invasive and metastatic capacities, and diminished VEGFR2‐mediated CSC properties. In vivo, quercetin reduced VEGF secretion, impaired angiogenesis, slowed tumor growth, and decreased the number and proportion of VEGFR2‐positive CTCs. In summary, VEGFR2 mRNA is present in HCC‐CTCs, potentially sourced from PTECs‐derived EVs. Quercetin effectively inhibits VEGFR2 expression, impacting HCC cell invasion, metastasis, and CSC characteristics. Besides, it reduces VEGFR2‐positive CTCs in vivo. These effects support its therapeutic potential in HCC treatment by targeting the angiogenesis and tumor dissemination pathway.
miR‐106b‐5p protects against drug‐induced liver injury by targeting vimentin to stimulate liver regeneration
Authors: Lu Xiaoyan , Yu Lingqi , Zheng Jie , Li Anyao , Li Junying , Lou He , Zhang Wentao , Guo Hui , Wang Yuzhen , Li Xuemei , Gao Yue , Fan Xiaohui , Borlak Jürgen
Published: August 2024

Understanding the endogenous mechanism of adaptive response to drug‐induced liver injury (arDILI) may discover innovative strategies to manage DILI. To gain mechanistic insight into arDILI, we investigated exosomal miRNAs in the adaptive response to toosendanin‐induced liver injury (TILI) of mice. Exosomal miR‐106b‐5p was identified as a specific regulator of arDILI by comprehensive miRNA profiling. Outstandingly, miR‐106b‐5p agomir treatment alleviated TILI and other DILI by inhibiting apoptosis and promoting hepatocyte proliferation. Conversely, antagomir treatments had opposite effects, indicating that miR‐106b‐5p protects mice from liver injury. Injured hepatocytes released miR‐106b‐5p‐enriched exosomes taken up by surrounding hepatocytes. Vim (encodes vimentin) was identified as an important target of miR‐106b‐5p by dual luciferase reporter and siRNA assays. Furthermore, single‐cell RNA‐sequencing analysis of toosendanin‐injured mouse liver revealed a cluster of Vim+ hepatocytes; nonetheless declined following miR‐106b‐5p cotreatment. More importantly, Vim knockout protected mice from acetaminophen poisoning and TILI. In the clinic, serum miR‐106b‐5p expression levels correlated with the severity of DILI. Indeed, liver biopsies of clinical cases exposed to different DILI causing drugs revealed marked vimentin expression among harmed hepatocytes, confirming clinical relevance. Together, we report mechanisms of arDILI whereby miR‐106b‐5p safeguards restorative tissue repair by targeting vimentin.
APOL1 polymorphisms are not influencing acute coronary syndrome risk in Czech males
Authors: Hubacek Jaroslav A. , Adamkova Vera , Lanska Vera , Stanek Vladimir , Mrazkova Jolana , Gebauerova Marie , Kettner Jiri , Kautzner Josef , Pitha Jan
Published: August 2024

Background

The highest mortality and morbidity worldwide is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which has in background both environmental and genetic risk factors. Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) variability influences the risk of ASCVD in Africans, but little is known about the APOL1 and ASCVD in other ethnic groups.

Methods

To investigate the role of APOL1 and ASCVD, we have genotyped four (rs13056427, rs136147, rs10854688 and rs9610473) APOL1 polymorphisms in a group of 1541 male patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and 1338 male controls.

Results

Individual APOL1 polymorphisms were not associated with traditional CVD risk factors such as smoking, hypertension or diabetes prevalence, with BMI values or plasma lipid levels. Neither individual polymorphisms nor haplotypes were associated with an increased risk of ACS nor did they predict total or cardiovascular mortality over the 10.2 ± 3.9 years of follow‐up.

Conclusions

We conclude that APOL1 genetic variability has no major effect on risk of ACS in Caucasians.
Modeling the dynamics of user adoption and abandonment in online social networks
Authors: Kimmel Noah , Kong Lingju , Wang Min
Published: August 2024

We introduce a new compartmental model aimed at examining the dynamics of user adoption and abandonment within online social networks. Our model encompasses two abandonment dynamics: infectious abandonment caused by internal influences from individuals who have already left the network and noninfectious abandonment triggered by mass media, advertisements, or the introduction of new products. We verify the model's validity and explore the existence and stability of its equilibria. To confirm our theoretical framework, we conduct extensive numerical simulations. We demonstrate the model's effectiveness by fitting it to historical data on Facebook's daily active users. Finally, we utilize the derived model parameters to forecast the future numbers of active users on Facebook.
3D MR fingerprinting for dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging of whole mouse brain
Authors: Zhu Yuran , Wang Guanhua , Gu Yuning , Zhao Walter , Lu Jiahao , Zhu Junqing , MacAskill Christina J. , Dupuis Andrew , Griswold Mark A. , Ma Dan , Flask Chris A. , Yu Xin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Quantitative MRI enables direct quantification of contrast agent concentrations in contrast‐enhanced scans. However, the lengthy scan times required by conventional methods are inadequate for tracking contrast agent transport dynamically in mouse brain. We developed a 3D MR fingerprinting (MRF) method for simultaneous T1 and T2 mapping across the whole mouse brain with 4.3‐min temporal resolution.

Method

We designed a 3D MRF sequence with variable acquisition segment lengths and magnetization preparations on a 9.4T preclinical MRI scanner. Model‐based reconstruction approaches were employed to improve the accuracy and speed of MRF acquisition. The method's accuracy for T1 and T2 measurements was validated in vitro, while its repeatability of T1 and T2 measurements was evaluated in vivo (n = 3). The utility of the 3D MRF sequence for dynamic tracking of intracisternally infused gadolinium‐diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd‐DTPA) in the whole mouse brain was demonstrated (n = 5).

Results

Phantom studies confirmed accurate T1 and T2 measurements by 3D MRF with an undersampling factor of up to 48. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRF scans achieved a spatial resolution of 192 × 192 × 500 μm3 and a temporal resolution of 4.3 min, allowing for the analysis and comparison of dynamic changes in concentration and transport kinetics of intracisternally infused Gd‐DTPA across brain regions. The sequence also enabled highly repeatable, high‐resolution T1 and T2 mapping of the whole mouse brain (192 × 192 × 250 μm3) in 30 min.

Conclusion

We present the first dynamic and multi‐parametric approach for quantitatively tracking contrast agent transport in the mouse brain using 3D MRF.