bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization, characterization and biosafety of carotenoids produced from whey using Micrococcus luteus
Authors: Hegazy Aml A. , Abu-Hussien Samah H. , Elsenosy Neima K. , El-Sayed Salwa M. , Abo El-Naga Mohamed Y.
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to optimize the production of carotenoid pigments from Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 9341) through the statistical screening of media components and the characterization of antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytogenetic and cytotoxic activities. A BOX-Behnken design was used to assess the effects of whey concentration, inoculum size, pH, temperature, and agitation speed on carotenoid yield. The optimum combination increased production to 2.19 g/L, with a productivity of 0.045 g L-1 h−1 and a productivity yield of 0.644 g/g, as confirmed by an observed carotene production of 2.19 g/L. The final response surface model fitting the data had an R2 of 0.9461. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified 12 carotenoid pigment compounds produced by M. luteus. The extracts displayed moderate antimicrobial efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), and E. faecalis (ATCC 19433), with inhibition zone diameters (IZD) of 29.0, 14.0, and 37.0 mm, respectively, at 1000 μg/mL. However, its effectiveness against Gram-negative bacteria is limited. In comparison, tetracycline exhibited greater antimicrobial potency. The IC50 value of carotenoids was used to indicate the antioxidant activity. IC50 value from the DPPH assay was 152.80 mg/100mL. An IC50 cytotoxicity value greater than 300 μg/mL was found against normal mouse liver cells, with over 68% cell viability even at 300 μg/mL, indicating low toxicity. Histological structure studies revealed normal myocardial muscle tissue, lung tissue, and kidney tissue sections, whereas liver tissue sections revealed ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes and disorganization of hepatic cords. Cytogenetic parameters revealed that the carotene treatment group had a mitotic index (70%) lower than that of the control but higher than that of the positive control, mitomycin, and did not substantially increase numerical (1.2%) or structural aberrations compared with those of the control, suggesting a lack of genotoxic effects under the experimental conditions. In conclusion, optimized culture conditions enhanced carotenoid yields from M. luteus, and the extracts displayed promising bioactivity as moderate antibiotics against certain gram-positive bacteria and as antioxidants. The high IC50 values demonstrate biosafety. Overall, this bioprocess for enhanced carotenoid production coupled with bioactivity profiling and low cytotoxicity support the application of M. luteus carotenoids.
Soft and hard tissue evaluation for vestibular socket therapy of immediately placed implants in infected and non-infected sockets: a 1-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Elaskary Abdelsalam , Thabet Abdelrahman , Hussin Mai , Radi Iman Abd-ElWahab
Published: October 2024

Background

Immediate implant placement using vestibular socket therapy (VST) proved to offer a successful treatment option in compromised sockets. However, the presence of active signs infection complicates immediate implants in sockets with defective labial plates, due to the possible contamination of the implant or the bone graft with existing infected tissues or oral environment via the fistula. This study, therefore, aims to explore the success of immediate implant placement using VST in managing infected compromised sockets.

Methods

We included 26 age- and sex-matched patients with 41 implants sites. Thirteen patients had 19 infected (group I) and 13 had 21 non-infected type 2 sockets (group N). Both groups were treated using vestibular socket therapy (VST) and a 6-day protocol. Implant survival, changes in facial bone thickness, and mid, mesial, and distal mucosal levels were evaluated 1 year after implant placement. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare both groups. Furthermore, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to study changes with time within each group. The statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05.

Results

All implants survived; no significant difference was found between groups N and I regarding apical, mid, and crestal bone thickness and soft tissue level, except at the mesial papilla, where the recession was significantly more in group N than in group I. Changes over time were statistically significant in the apical, mid, and crestal bone thickness in both groups. The mean bone thickness gain ranged from 0.85 to 2.4 mm and 0.26–1.63 mm in groups I and N, respectively. Additionally, the mean mucosal recession ranged from 0.29 to 0.51 mm and 0.39–1.47 mm in groups I and N, respectively.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study immediate implant placement in type II infected sockets using the 6-day protocol and VST achieved 100% implant survival, while maintaining the regenerated facial bone thickness with minimal mucosal recession.

Trial registration

The protocol for this study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov at 3/10/2021 (registration number NCT04787224).
Prevalence and factors associated with the use of traditional medicine in individuals with hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycaemia, and arterial hypertension in Ecuador: results from a population-based study in two health districts
Authors: Puig-García Marta , López-Herraiz Carmen , Caicedo-Montaño Cintia , Rivadeneira María Fernanda , Vásconez-Donoso Juan , Montalvo-Villacis Gregorio , Benazizi-Dahbi Ikram , Parker Lucy Anne ,   CEAD group, Torres Castillo Ana Lucía , Peralta Andrés , Chilet-Rosell Elisa , Barrera Guarderas Francisco , Pinto Delgado Jessica , Hernández María , Marquez-Figueroa Mónica , Morales-Garzón Sergio
Published: October 2024

Background

While traditional medicine (TM) is employed by a significant portion of the global population for managing health issues, clinical guidelines and state recommendations often overlook this practice. The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of use of TM to control 3 metabolic risk factors (MRF): hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperglycaemia; and the sociodemographic, economic, and clinical characteristics associated with the use of TM.

Methods

Cross-sectional descriptive study that analyses data obtained from a representative population survey in 2 health districts, one urban in the south of Quito and another in a forested rural area with diverse ethnic groups in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. We include 602 individuals with at least one MRF. We calculated the proportion of people reporting the regular use of TM (herbal or traditional remedy) to control their MRF and we assessed potential associations with sociodemographic, economic, and clinical characteristics with a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

In two very different sociocultural contexts in Ecuador we found that use of TM to control MRF was frequent (39.4% in Esmeraldas, 31.1% in Quito), frequently in combination with CM. There is a notable percentage of people, 33.9% in Esmeraldas and 39.0% in Quito, who did not take any treatment for their MRF, and the remainder used CM alone. In both settings, an individual’s education lever was significantly associated with TM use. Whereas in Quito individuals with higher education more frequently treated their MRF with TM (aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.03–3.90), in the rural, hard-to-reach context of Esmeraldas, it was more frequent among people with no formal schooling (aOR: 3.76; 95%CI 1.59–8.88), as well as those of younger age (aOR by year: 0.97; 95% CI 0.95–0.99) and afro ethnicity (aOR: 2.13; 95%CI 1.02–4.45).

Conclusion

Traditional medicine is used by a significant proportion of the population in Ecuador, highlighting the need for a more accessible and intercultural healthcare approach. The health system should ensure access to the necessary information and resources for the management of their metabolic risk factors.
Protocol for the SELECT study: a sequential mixed methods study of the selection of UK medical students into clinical academic training
Authors: Byrne Matthew H. V. , Chan Claudia , Karas Akamiya , Lynn Eabha , Dominic Catherine , Bain Robert , Wan Jonathan C. M. , Clelland Andrew D. , Hayes Siena , Asif Aqua , Harvey Bluemel Anna , Mogg Jasper , Lawrence Leigh , Church Helen , Finn Gabrielle , Brown Megan E. L.
Published: October 2024

Background

Internationally, there has been a move towards fostering diverse healthcare workforces that are representative of the patient populations they serve. Selection criteria for academic-clinicians often aim to capture skills and attributes that demonstrate both clinical and academic excellence. Currently, it is not known whether the selection criteria for early academic-clinical careers advantage or disadvantage certain ethnic or socioeconomic groups. The UK has a structured route of integrated clinical academic training with entry level training for newly qualified doctors administered through the ‘Specialised Foundation Programme’ which provides protected time for research within the first two years of postgraduate clinical training. In this study, we aim to identify what selection criteria are used within the UK Specialised Foundation Programme, and how these relate to demographic factors.

Methods

We will perform a mixed methods study consisting of a document analysis of person specifications and selection criteria used in the 2024 UK Specialised Foundation Programme, and a national cross-sectional survey of current medical students in the UK. We will obtain the person specifications, selection criteria, white space (open ended questions used during shortlisting) and interview questions and mark schemes from each Specialised Unit of Applications via information available on their websites or through Freedom of Information requests. Our survey will collect information relating to demographic data, selection criteria, and perceptions of specialised foundation programme selection.

Discussion

International literature has demonstrated inequity in academic markers used in selection of post-graduate clinicians and that disadvantages caused by selection can compound over time. As such it is important to understand what inequity exists within the selection of early academic-clinicians, as this can help inform more equitable selection practices and help nurture a more diverse academic-clinical workforce.
Exploiting phenotypic heterogeneity to improve production of glutathione by yeast
Authors: Xu Mingzhi , Vallières Cindy , Finnis Chris , Winzer Klaus , Avery Simon V.
Published: October 2024

Background

Gene expression noise (variation in gene expression among individual cells of a genetically uniform cell population) can result in heterogenous metabolite production by industrial microorganisms, with cultures containing both low- and high-producing cells. The presence of low-producing individuals may be a factor limiting the potential for high yields. This study tested the hypothesis that low-producing variants in yeast cell populations can be continuously counter-selected, to increase net production of glutathione (GSH) as an exemplar product.

Results

A counter-selection system was engineered in Saccharomyces cerevisiae based on the known feedback inhibition of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GSH1) gene expression, which is rate limiting for GSH synthesis: the GSH1 ORF and the counter-selectable marker GAP1 were expressed under control of the TEF1 and GSH-regulated GSH1 promoters, respectively. An 18% increase in the mean cellular GSH level was achieved in cultures of the engineered strain supplemented with D-histidine to counter-select cells with high GAP1 expression (i.e. low GSH-producing cells). The phenotype was non-heritable and did not arise from a generic response to D-histidine, unlike that with certain other test-constructs prepared with alternative markers.

Conclusions

The results corroborate that the system developed here improves GSH production by targeting low-producing cells. This supports the potential for exploiting end-product/promoter interactions to enrich high-producing cells in phenotypically heterogeneous populations, in order to improve metabolite production by yeast.
Disparities in healthcare-seeking behaviors and associated costs between Venezuelan migrants and Colombians residing in Colombia
Authors: Agarwal-Harding Priya , Ruscitti Brielle , Shepard Donald S. , Roa Arturo Harker , Bowser Diana M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Colombia, which hosts over 3 million of the Venezuelan diaspora, is lauded for its progressive approach to social integration, including providing migrants access to its universal health coverage system. However, barriers to healthcare persist for both migrant and host populations, with poorly understood disparities in healthcare-seeking behaviors and associated costs. This is the first study to link healthcare-seeking behaviors with costs for Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, encompassing costs of missing work or usual activities due to healthcare events.

Methods

We use self-reported survey data from Venezuelan migrants and Colombians living in Colombia (September-November 2020) to compare healthcare-seeking behaviors and cost variables by nationality using two-sampled t-tests or Chi-square tests (X2). The International Classification of Diseases was used to compare reported household illnesses for both populations. Average health service direct costs were estimated using the Colombian Government’s Suficiencia database and self-reported out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for laboratory and pharmacy services. Indirect costs were calculated by multiplying self-reported days of missed work or usual activities with estimated income levels, derived by matching characteristics using the Gran Enquesta Integrada de Hogares database. We calculate economic burdens for both populations, combining self-reported healthcare-seeking behaviors and estimated healthcare service unit costs across six healthcare-seeking behavior categories.

Results

Despite similar disease profiles, Venezuelan migrants are 21.3% more likely to forego formal care than Colombians, with 746.3% more Venezuelans reporting lack of health insurance as their primary reason. Venezuelan women and uninsured report the greatest difficulties in accessing health services, with accessing medications becoming more difficult for Venezuelan women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Colombians cost the health system more per treated illness event (US$40) than Venezuelans (US$26) in our sample, over a thirty-day period. Venezuelans incur higher costs for emergency department visits (123.5% more) and laboratory/ pharmacy OOP payments (24.7% more).

Conclusions

While Colombians and Venezuelans share similar disease burdens, significant differences exist in access, cost, and health-seeking behaviors. Increasing Venezuelan health insurance enrollment and tackling accessibility barriers are crucial for ensuring healthcare equity and effectively integrating the migrant population. Findings suggest that improving migrant access to primary healthcare would produce savings in Colombian healthcare expenditures.
The effectiveness of secondary-school based interventions on the future physical activity of adolescents in Aotearoa New Zealand: a modelling study
Authors: Bergen Tom , Richards Justin , Kira Geoff , Kim Alice Hyun Min , Signal Louise , Mizdrak Anja
Published: October 2024

Background

Secondary schools are important settings for promoting varied physical activity (PA) opportunities for adolescents to promote PA throughout life. However, research on the effect of secondary school-based interventions on future PA is limited. This study examined the potential impact of secondary school-based interventions on the determinants of future PA participation of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) adolescents using simulated modelling.

Methods

We used data from a nationally representative sample of secondary school students (n = 5035) aged 12–17 between 2017 and 2020 in NZ. We modelled four secondary school-based interventions and their projected impact on five determinants of future PA. Modelled interventions were the technological augmentation of physical education (TAPE), a peer-led PA mentoring programme (PL), physically active learning (PAL) and the inclusion of a natural environment play area (NE).

Results

Total weekly PA increased the most from the NE intervention (+ 0.2 h/week), followed by TAPE (+ 0.08 h/week), PAL (+ 0.05 h/week) and PL (-0.06 h/week). Current number of PA settings increased the most in NE (+ 1.75 settings/week), followed by TAPE (+ 1.29 settings/week), PAL (+ 1.21 settings/week) and PL (+ 0.73 settings/week). Current number of PA types increased the most in NE (+ 1.57 types/week), followed by PL (+ 1.05 types/week), TAPE (+ 0.34 types/week) and PAL (+ 0.15 types/week). Physical literacy scores increased the most from PL (+ 3.6%), followed by PAL (+ 3.3%), TAPE (+ 0.43%) and NE (+ 0.12%). Social support scores increased the most from PAL (+ 5%), followed by PL (+ 1.9%), TAPE (+ 1.46%) and NE (+ 0.57%).

Conclusions

On average, all interventions benefitted determinants of future PA participation to a small degree. Results show differing magnitudes of the intervention effect by determinant, indicating the complexities surrounding the promotion of PA adherence. Future interventions could be improved through detailed consultation alongside, and involving, adolescents and stakeholders within schools. Researchers should also prioritise the collection of longitudinal PA data and explore its connection with sociodemographic differences between adolescents.
Classical and innovative drugs for the treatment of Leishmania infections
Authors: Mota Wanessa J. S. , Guedes Beatriz N. , Jain Sona , Cardoso Juliana C. , Severino Patricia , Souto Eliana B.
Published: October 2024

Although among the six most common parasitic diseases, leishmaniasis is considered a neglected disease, being recognised as a serious public health burden worldwide. This fact impairs technological advancements and investments in innovative therapeutic approaches, so that commonly available drugs are still associated with low therapeutic rates and significant side effects. Pentavalent antimonials, such as Pentostan® and Glucantime®, were established as chemotherapeutic agents since the 1940s, being the first line of treatment for leishmaniasis; however, 60% of cases of leishmaniasis are resistant to pentavalent antimonials. Thus, the search for more effective therapies and new therapeutic agents with potential leishmanicidal activity is still in-demand. In this review, an overview about the disease and its pathophysiology is given, discussing the current state-of-the-art of the standard treatments and new alternatives based on drug delivery approaches, enhancing the need for more effective pharmaceutical treatments.
A novel variant in the 3′ UTR of the TCF4 gene likely causes Pitt-Hopkins syndrome: a case report
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Yang Fan , Zhang Bingbing , Ren Yongyong , Yuan Jiuzhou , Wang Yu , Lu Hui , Yu Guangjun , Feng Jincai
Published: October 2024

Background

Pitt–Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that results from variants of TCF4 gene. PTHS follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern and the underlying pathological mechanisms of this disease are still unclear.

Methods

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was conducted to screen for potential pathogenic variant in a boy highly suspected of having a genetic disorder. PCR and Sanger sequencing were used to verify the effects of the variant. Serum TCF4 levels were measured by ELISA.

Results

We present a 4-year and 3-month-old Chinese boy clinically and molecularly diagnosed with PTHS. The proband experienced global development delay, and the preliminary clinical diagnosis was cerebral palsy. WGS identified a de novo heterozygous variant: c.*1A > G in the 3’UTR of the TCF4 gene as a potential cause of his condition. The variant was verified to cause aberrant mRNA splicing by PCR and the aberrant splicing was confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Conclusion

The study identified and demonstrated the pathogenicity of a novel 3’UTR site TCF4 variant for the first time. This research enhances understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms of PTHS and aids genetic counseling and diagnosis.
Impact of AI on radiology: a EuroAIM/EuSoMII 2024 survey among members of the European Society of Radiology
Authors: Zanardo Moreno , Visser Jacob J. , Colarieti Anna , Cuocolo Renato , Klontzas Michail E. , Pinto dos Santos Daniel , Sardanelli Francesco ,   European Society of Radiology (ESR)
Published: October 2024

In order to assess the perceptions and expectations of the radiology staff about artificial intelligence (AI), we conducted an online survey among ESR members (January–March 2024). It was designed considering that conducted in 2018, updated according to recent advancements and emerging topics, consisting of seven questions regarding demographics and professional background and 28 AI questions. Of 28,000 members contacted, 572 (2%) completed the survey. AI impact was predominantly expected on breast and oncologic imaging, primarily involving CT, mammography, and MRI, and in the detection of abnormalities in asymptomatic subjects. About half of responders did not foresee an impact of AI on job opportunities. For 273/572 respondents (48%), AI-only reports would not be accepted by patients; and 242/572 respondents (42%) think that the use of AI systems will not change the relationship between the radiological team and the patient. According to 255/572 respondents (45%), radiologists will take responsibility for any AI output that may influence clinical decision-making. Of 572 respondents, 274 (48%) are currently using AI, 153 (27%) are not, and 145 (25%) are planning to do so. In conclusion, ESR members declare familiarity with AI technologies, as well as recognition of their potential benefits and challenges. Compared to the 2018 survey, the perception of AI's impact on job opportunities is in general slightly less optimistic (more positive from AI users/researchers), while the radiologist’s responsibility for AI outputs is confirmed. The use of large language models is declared not only limited to research, highlighting the need for education in AI and its regulations.

Critical relevance statement

This study critically evaluates the current impact of AI on radiology, revealing significant usage patterns and clinical implications, thereby guiding future integration strategies to enhance efficiency and patient care in clinical radiology.

Key Points

The survey examines ESR member's views about the impact of AI on radiology practice.

AI use is relevant in CT and MRI, with varying impacts on job roles.

AI tools enhance clinical efficiency but require radiologist oversight for patient acceptance.

Graphical Abstract
Insights into predicting small molecule retention times in liquid chromatography using deep learning
Authors: Liu Yuting , Yoshizawa Akiyasu C. , Ling Yiwei , Okuda Shujiro
Published: October 2024

In untargeted metabolomics, structures of small molecules are annotated using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry by leveraging information from the molecular retention time (RT) in the chromatogram and m/z (formerly called ''mass-to-charge ratio'') in the mass spectrum. However, correct identification of metabolites is challenging due to the vast array of small molecules. Therefore, various in silico tools for mass spectrometry peak alignment and compound prediction have been developed; however, the list of candidate compounds remains extensive. Accurate RT prediction is important to exclude false candidates and facilitate metabolite annotation. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to significant breakthroughs in the use of deep learning models in various fields. Release of a large RT dataset has mitigated the bottlenecks limiting the application of deep learning models, thereby improving their application in RT prediction tasks. This review lists the databases that can be used to expand training datasets and concerns the issue about molecular representation inconsistencies in datasets. It also discusses the application of AI technology for RT prediction, particularly in the 5 years following the release of the METLIN small molecule RT dataset. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the AI applications used for RT prediction, highlighting the progress and remaining challenges.

Scientific contribution

This article focuses on the advancements in small molecule retention time prediction in computational metabolomics over the past five years, with a particular emphasis on the application of AI technologies in this field. It reviews the publicly available datasets for small molecule retention time, the molecular representation methods, the AI algorithms applied in recent studies. Furthermore, it discusses the effectiveness of these models in assisting with the annotation of small molecule structures and the challenges that must be addressed to achieve practical applications.
School health services in the Southern District of Israel—between privatization and nationalization
Authors: Dadon Tzion , Bayer Ya‘akov M. , Rosenthal Anat , Gdalevich Michael
Published: October 2024

Background

For decades, Israel’s economic policy has favored either outsourcing or privatization of public services, including healthcare, generating an ongoing and prolonged debate of this approach. In 1997 school health services (SHS) for elementary and middle school pupils was outsourced to a sub-contractor firm, reducing budget, but also standards, for nurses and physicians. Consequently, the service has dwindled and was focused more and more on vaccinations. Between 2007 and 2012, under full private contractor delivery, SHS quality diminished substantially, leading to a significant decline in vaccination coverage in the Southern District. In 2012, a decision was made to return SHS to state control.

Methods

This study analyzes the delivery parameters of SHS between the period when the service was operated by a private contractor from 2011to 2/2012, and the subsequent provision of the service directly by Ministry of Health (MoH) between 3/2012 and 2013. We compared the rates of vaccination coverage, screening tests and health education programs.

Results

A statistically significant increase in SHS delivery for vaccinations and screening was observed in the Southern District of MoH after the transfer of service from contractor. The increase was variable in different population subgroups, and especially notable in the Bedouin schools of the District, where the MMRV vaccination rose from 19.3% to 96.8%. However, a substantial and significant reduction in health education activities was also noted, overall from 24.9% to 5.0%.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that substantial benefits can be derived from direct provision of SHS by MoH and its regional offices, especially in the areas of reduced accessibility and lower socio-economic status. The case study of SHS in the Southern District of Israel can serve as an important example highlighting the impacts of privatization vs nationalization, with potential implications in other fields. These insights should be integral to future discussions of healthcare service provision.
Biennial aerial application of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner var. kurstaki is the most cost-effective approach of protection against spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana [Clemens])
Authors: Bauce Éric , Dupont Alain , Hébert Christian , Berthiaume Richard , Quezada-García Roberto , Fuentealba Alvaro
Published: October 2024

Key message

Aerial application of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner var. kurstaki (Btk) every second year to stands of white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench)Voss.), black spruce (Picea mariana Mill.) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) is the most cost-effective spraying scenario for reducing the impact of spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clemens) on wood production, providing a similar level of forest protection, but at lower cost, to the standard scenario currently used in which 50% of current year’s foliage is protected every year.

Context

Insect outbreaks can have significant effects on forest productivity and various formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner var. kurstaki (Btk) are used to reduce their damage. In the Province of Québec, Canada, control programs aim to protect at least 50% of current-year foliage to limit tree mortality, but little information exists on the long-term cost-effectiveness of such programs.

Aims

Our goal was to evaluate the benefit/cost ratio and the efficacy of different Btk protection scenarios in reducing coniferous tree mortality and growth losses over a 11-year period. We hypothesized that less-intensive protection approaches (Btk applications every 2 or 3 years) may provide similar levels of protection but with higher cost-effectiveness ratios than the standard program currently used in Quebec.

Methods

In 2007, we established nineteen 100-ha experimental units in Quebec’s Côte-Nord region to determine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of different Btk spraying scenarios for reducing tree mortality and volume losses in coniferous stands dominated by mature balsam fir trees (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill., with white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss.) and black spruce (P. mariana Mill.) as companion species. Tree mortality was monitored annually in three circular plots of 400 m2 within each experimental unit. Growth losses were evaluated using stem analyses.

Results

Mortality was much higher in balsam fir than in black spruce and white spruce (respectively 74.4%, 13.8% and 5.9% in untreated stands) in all protection scenarios. The application of Btk every 2 years reduced balsam fir mortality to a level similar to the standard scenario (10.3% vs 7.15%, respectively) at a much lower cost. Growth losses have also been reduced but not to the same extent as in the standard scenario.

Conclusion

Spraying Btk every 2 years provides effective protection to balsam fir and is the most cost-effective scenario. A less intensive use of Btk would mitigate impact on non-target lepidoptera and allow protecting other areas, such as habitat of the woodland caribou, a threatened species which avoids disturbed areas.
Peripheral-to-central extracorporeal corporeal membrane oxygenation switch in refractory cardiogenic shock patients: outcomes and bridging strategies
Authors: Besnard Aurélie , Moyon Quentin , Lebreton Guillaume , Demondion Pierre , Hékimian Guillaume , Chommeloux Juliette , Petit Matthieu , Gautier Melchior , Lefevre Lucie , Saura Ouriel , Levy David , Schmidt Matthieu , Leprince Pascal , Luyt Charles-Edouard , Combes Alain , Pineton de Chambrun Marc
Published: October 2024

Background

Peripheral veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (pECMO) has become the first-line device in refractory cardiogenic shock (rCS). Some pECMO complications can preclude any bridging strategies and a peripheral-to-central ECMO (cECMO) switch can be considered as a bridge-to-decision. We conducted this study to appraise the in-hospital survival and the bridging strategies in patients undergoing peripheral-to-central ECMO switch.

Methods

This retrospective monocenter study included patients admitted to a ECMO-dedicated intensive care unit from February 2006 to January 2023. Patients with rCS requiring pECMO switched to cECMO were included. Patients were not included when the cECMO was the first mechanical circulatory support.

Results

Eighty patients, with a median [IQR25-75] age of 44 [29–53] years at admission and a female-to-male sex ratio of 0.6 were included in the study. Refractory pulmonary edema was the main switching reason. Thirty patients (38%) were successfully bridged to: heart transplantation (n = 16/80, 20%), recovery (n = 10/80, 12%) and ventricle assist device (VAD, n = 4/30, 5%) while the others died on cECMO (n = 50/80, 62%). The most frequent complications were the need for renal replacement therapy (76%), hemothorax or tamponade (48%), need for surgical revision (34%), mediastinitis (28%), and stroke (28%). The in-hospital and one-year survival rates were 31% and 27% respectively. Myocardial infarction as the cause of the rCS was the only variable independently associated with in-hospital mortality (HR 2.5 [1.3–4.9], p = 0.009).

Conclusions

The switch from a failing pECMO support to a cECMO as a bridge-to-decision is a possible strategy for a very selected population of young patients with a realistic chance of heart function recovery or heart transplantation. In this setting, cECMO allows patients triage preventing from wasting expensive and limited resources.
Effect of hyperbaric exposure on cognitive performance: an investigation conducting numerical Stroop tasks during a simulated 440 m sea water saturation diving
Authors: Kageyama Nozomu , Sawamura Takehito
Published: October 2024

Background

Saturation diving (SD) is useful and safe in deep diving for long durations. Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Undersea Medical Center (UMC) maintained safely deep 45 ATA SDHowever, cognitive performance was reportedly impaired by hyperbaric exposure in over 31 atmosphere absolute (ATA) SD. This study investigated the effects of hyperbaric exposure during 45 ATA deep SD on expert divers’ cognitive function using Stroop tasks, a useful method to examine cognitive function, especially in narrow spaces such as SD chambers.

Methods

Two numerical Stroop tasks were utilized to create two magnitude comparisons of a pair of single-digit numerical and physical tasks. Both numerical Stroop tasks were examined twice, at 1 and 45 ATAs, during a simulated 440 m of sea water depth for SD. Participants were 18 male expert JMSDF SD divers (age 36.58 ± 4.89 years).

Results

In the numerical task, reaction time (RT) was significantly delayed at 45 ATA compared with 1 ATA in the incongruent condition. In the physical task, RT at 45 ATA was significantly delayed under all the conditions (congruent, incongruent, and neutral). The correct rates (CR) in both numerical Stroop tasks significantly decreased at 45 ATA compared with 1 ATA in the incongruent condition.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that divers’ cognition is impaired during 45 ATA deep SD. These results emphasize the importance of monitoring cognition in deep sea SD and highlight the need to educate and train for SD. Further examination combining Stroop tasks with other analyses such as event-related potential (ERP) is expected.
Gamification of virtual museum curation: a case study of Chinese bronze wares
Authors: Li Zhaokang , Zhang Qian , Xu Jiayue , Li Chuntao , Yang Xi
Published: October 2024

Museums, which are among the most popular science institutions outside schools, are usually used to display and introduce historical culture and cultural relics to tourists. Text and audio explanations are used by traditional museums to popularize historical knowledge and science for tourists, and general interactive systems are based on desktops. This learning method is relatively boring in terms of experience. As a result, tourists have no desire or interest in actively exploring and learning about bronze ware, so they only have a basic understanding about bronze ware. Since most tourists are familiar with games, they are more likely to be attracted by game content and will actively explore and interact with it. In addition, a certain degree of reality is created by virtual reality technology and an immersive experience through head-mounted devices is provided to users. In this paper, we take Chinese bronzes as the research objects. We first use 3D laser scanners to obtain bronze models ; then, we build a virtual museum environment, and we finally design a virtual reality curation game based on this bronze digital museum. This game offers visitors an immersive museum roaming and bronze ware interactive experience. Through a combination of text, video learning, and games, visitors’ curiosity and desire to explore bronze ware are stimulated, and their understanding and ability to remember bronze ware knowledge can be deepened. In terms of cultural heritage, this game is also conducive to the spread of traditional Chinese bronze culture throughout the world.
Outstanding increase in tumor-to-background ratio over time allows tumor localization by [89Zr]Zr-PSMA-617 PET/CT in early biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer
Authors: Burgard Caroline , Rosar Florian , Larsen Elena , Khreish Fadi , Linxweiler Johannes , Marlowe Robert J. , Schaefer-Schuler Andrea , Maus Stephan , Petto Sven , Bartholomä Mark , Ezziddin Samer
Published: October 2024

Background

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted radiotracers labeled with zirconium-89 (89Zr; half-life ~ 78.41 h) showed promise in localizing biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer (BCR) in pilot studies.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 38 consecutive men with BCR (median [minimum–maximum] prostate-specific antigen 0.52 (0.12–2.50 ng/mL) undergoing [89Zr]Zr-PSMA-617 PET/CT post-negative [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT. PET/CT acquisition 1-h, 24-h, and 48-h post-injection of a median (minimum–maximum) [89Zr]Zr-PSMA-617 tracer activity of 123 (84–166) MBq.

Results

[89Zr]Zr-PSMA-617 PET/CT detected altogether 57 lesions: 18 local recurrences, 33 lymph node metastases, 6 bone metastases in 30/38 men with BCR (78%) and prior negative conventional PSMA PET/CT. Lesion uptake significantly increased from 1-h to 24-h and, in a majority of cases, from 24-h to 48-h. Tumor-to-background ratios significantly increased over time, with absolute increases of 100 or more. No side effects were noted. After [89Zr]Zr-PSMA-617 PET/CT-based treatment, prostate-specific antigen concentration decreased in all patients, becoming undetectable in a third of patients. Limitations: retrospective, single center design; infrequent histopathological and imaging verification.

Conclusion

This large series provides further evidence that [89Zr]Zr-PSMA-617 PET/CT is a beneficial imaging modality to localize early BCR. A remarkable increase in tumor-to-background ratio over time allows localization of tumor unidentified on conventional PSMA PET/CT.
Dexamethasone versus 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in preventing nausea during awake craniotomy: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Sato Takehito
Published: October 2024

Background

Nausea and vomiting during awake craniotomy (AC) can increase cerebral pressure and cause asphyxia and aspiration. 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, such as granisetron, are often administered before awakening to prevent nausea during AC. Recently, dexamethasone was reported to prevent nausea and vomiting during AC; however, the efficacy of both drugs in preventing nausea has not yet been investigated.

Methods

We examined the frequency of nausea and vomiting in AC patients (n = 170) treated at our hospital until the end of September 2019. We divided patients as those who received dexamethasone (n = 71) and or granisetron (n = 99) before awakening and examined the frequency of nausea and vomiting after propensity score (PS) matching.

Result

Eighty-two patients were selected after PS matching. The incidence of nausea was significantly lower in the dexamethasone group than in the granisetron group (9.8% vs 41.5%, p = 0.002). In the logistic regression analysis after matching, the incidence of nausea significantly reduced with dexamethasone treatment (odds ratio: 0.12, 95% confidence interval: 0.029–0.499, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

In conclusion, dexamethasone was more effective than granisetron in preventing nausea during AC.
Prognostic significance of carotid artery stenosis in anterior circulation ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Akl Ahmed Zaki , Shehata Mohamed S. A. , Saber Abanoub Ramzy , Afify Hossam El-Din Mahmoud , Zaki-Eldein Hany Mahmoud
Published: October 2024

Background

The carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is a notable risk element for ischemic stroke, accounting for 10 to 20% of such cases. There is a deficiency in research studies exploring the prognostic impact of CAS specifically in the anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate the prognostic impact of CAS in individuals with anterior circulation AIS. Patients were categorized into two groups, patients with both anterior circulation AIS and CAS in comparison to patients with anterior circulation AIS without CAS (control group). We compared patient characteristics, neuroimaging, and outcome evaluations using a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and the National Institute Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) in both groups. P-value < 0.05 meaning statistical significance.

Results

Fifty patients were involved in the current study; of them, 25 patients with both anterior circulation AIS and CAS and 25 patients with anterior circulation AIS without CAS. Both groups were comparable concerning age, gender, co-morbidities of diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and dyslipidemia with p-value > 0.05. The mean NIHSS was significantly elevated the CAS group compared to the control group (p = 0.037). Our results showed that patients with CAS ≥ 70% were associated with an mRS > 2 and a significantly higher NIHSS compared to control. The regression analysis showed that occlusion > 1/3, CAS ≥ 70%, and higher NIHSS score were considered independent predictors of mRS > 2. The mortality rate was significantly elevated in the CAS group versus the control group (p < 0.05). Both bilateral and unilateral CAS groups were comparable regarding NIHSS and mRS values.

Conclusion

Patients with anterior circulation AIS who had CAS of 70% or more, whether unilateral or bilateral, showed a higher likelihood of increased mortality and more severe strokes, as evidenced by elevated NIHSS and mRS scores.
Food hydroxycinnamic acids alleviate ageing in dermal cells
Authors: Kanlayavattanakul Mayuree , Khongkow Mattaka , Iempridee Tawin , Lourith Nattaya
Published: October 2024

Dermal damage is inducible by several factors including UV exposure, oxidative stress and inflammation exacerbating skin senescence and degradation of the skin elastic fibers accumulated in ageing accordingly. Which, phenolics of food hydroxycinnamates with a myriad of health benefits are potentially applicable for ageing treatment. Particularly those of food hydroxycinnamic acids, i.e., caffeic, sinapic and rosmarinic acids, that would be efficient against skin ageing. Effectiveness of caffeic, sinapic and rosmarinic acids alleviating ageing was indicated in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and co-culture of human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and HDF. Caffeic acid was exhibited as the strongest (p < 0.01) anti-senescent phenolic examined. The studied food hydroxycinnamic acids were shown to induce collagen synthesis in aged HDF with the noted activities inhibiting MMP-1 and IL-6. Their photoaging protections were proved in the co-culture model with significant (p < 0.001) inhibitions against IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1 and MMP-9 (collagen and elastin degrading enzymes). Which, caffeic acid was demonstrated as the most potent photoaging agent among its counterparts. Caffeic, sinapic and rosmarinic acids were proved to be the efficient nutrients for ageing treatment. These functional food hydroxycinnamates are proven on their anti-senescent and photoprotection activities, and capable to maintain homeostasis of dermal cells. Food-derived hydroxycinnamic acids are therefore recommended for innovative product alleviates skin ageing.

Graphical Abstract
GNSS/IMU/LO integration with a new LO error model and lateral constraint for navigation in urban areas
Authors: Chen Hanzhi , Sun Rui , Cheng Qi , Yin Tong , Zhou Yi , Ochieng Washington Yotto
Published: October 2024

The quest for reliable vehicle navigation in urban environments has led the integration of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Odometry (LO) with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Inertial Measurement Units (IMU). However, the performance of the integrated system is limited by a lack of accurate LO error modeling. In this paper, we propose a weighted GNSS/IMU/LO integration-based navigation system with a novel LO error model. The Squared Exponential Gaussian Progress Regression (SE-GPR) based LO error model is developed by considering the vehicle velocity and number of point cloud features. Based on error prediction for GNSS positioning and LO, a weighting strategy is designed for integration in an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). Furthermore, error accumulation of the navigation state, especially in GNSS-challenging scenarios, is restrained by the LiDAR-Aided Lateral Constraint (LALC) and Non-Holonomic Constraint (NHC). An experiment was conducted in a deep urban area to test the proposed algorithm. The results show that the proposed algorithm delivers horizontal and three-dimensional (3D) positioning Root Mean Square Errors (RMSEs) of 3.669 m and 5.216 m, respectively. The corresponding accuracy improvements are 35.9% and 50.0% compared to the basic EKF based GNSS/IMU/LO integration.
Identification of an immune-related genes signature in lung adenocarcinoma to predict survival and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Davoodi-Moghaddam Zeinab , Jafari-Raddani Farideh , Kordasti Shahram , Bashash Davood
Published: October 2024

Background

Although advances in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) research have provided a new treatment approach for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients, their survival is still unsatisfactory, and there are issues in the era of response prediction to immunotherapy.

Methods

Using bioinformatics methods, a prognostic signature was constructed, and its predictive ability was validated both in the internal and external datasets (GSE68465). We also explored the tumor-infiltrating immune cells, mutation profiles, and immunophenoscore (IPS) in the low-and high-risk groups.

Results

As far as we are aware, this is the first study which introduces a novel prognostic signature model using BIRC5, CBLC, S100P, SHC3, ANOS1, VIPR1, LGR4, PGC, and IGKV4.1. According to multivariate analysis, the 9-immune-related genes (IRGs) signature provided an independent prognostic factor for the overall survival (OS). The low-risk group had better OS, and the tumor mutation burden (TMB) was significantly lower in this group. Moreover, the risk scores were negatively associated with the tumor-infiltrating immune cells, like CD8+ T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and NK cells. In addition, the IPS were significantly higher in the low-risk group as they had higher gene expression of immune checkpoints, suggesting that ICIs could be a promising treatment option for low-risk LUAD patients.

Conclusion

The combination of these 9-IRGs not only could efficiently predict overall survival of LUAD patients but also show a powerful association with the expression of immune checkpoints and response to ICIs based on IPS; hoping this model paves the way for better stratification and management of patients in clinical practice.