bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extensive differential DNA methylation between tuberculosis skin test positive and skin test negative cattle
Authors: Bhat Sajad A. , Parveen Alia , Gormley Eamonn , Meade Kieran G.
Published: August 2024

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), represents a significant problem for the agriculture industry as well as posing a risk for human health. Current diagnostic tests for bTB target the cell-mediated immune (CMI) response to infection with M. bovis, primarily through screening of animals with the tuberculin skin test. Epigenetic modifications have been shown to alter the course of the immune response and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) might also influence the outcome of the skin test in cattle. Whole Genome Bisulphite Sequencing (WGBS) was used to profile DNA methylation levels from peripheral blood of a group of cattle identified as test positive for M. bovis (positive for the single intradermal comparative tuberculin test (SICTT) and/or the interferon-γ release assay compared to a test negative control group [n = 8/group, total of 16 WGBS libraries]. Although global methylation profiles were similar for both groups across the genome, 223 DMRs and 159 Differentially Promoter Methylated Genes (DPMGs) were identified between groups with an excess of hypermethylated sites in SICTT positive cattle (threshold > 15% differential methylation). Genes located within these DMRs included the Interleukin 1 receptor (IL1R1) and MHC related genes (BOLA and BOLA-DQB). KEGG pathway analysis identified enrichment of genes involved in Calcium and MAPK signalling, as well as metabolism pathways. Analysis of DMRs in a subset of SICTT negative cattle that were IFN-γ positive showed differential methylation of genes including Interleukin 10 Receptor, alpha (IL10RA), Interleukin 17 F (IL17F) and host defence peptides (DEFB and BDEF109). This study has identified a number of immune gene loci at which differential methylation is associated with SICTT test results and the degree of methylation could influence effective host immune responses.
Global identification of LIM genes in response to different heat stress regimes in Lactuca sativa
Authors: Kim Taehoon , Egesa Andrew , Qin Claire , Mather Hannah , Sandoya Germán , Begcy Kevin
Published: August 2024

Background

LIM (Lineage-11 (LIN-11), Insulin-1 (ISL-1), and Mechanotransduction-3 (MEC-3)) genes belong to a family that hold ubiquitous properties contributing to organ, seed, and pollen development as well as developmental and cellular responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a highly consumed vegetable crop susceptible heat stress. High temperatures limit lettuce’s overall yield, quality and marketability. Lettuce LIM genes have not been identified and their role in response to high temperatures is not known. Aiming to identify potential new targets for thermoresilience, we searched for LIM genes in lettuce and compared them with orthologous of several dicotyledons and monocotyledons plant species.

Results

We identified fourteen lettuce LIM genes distributed into eight different subgroups using a genome-wide analysis strategy. Three belonging to DAR (DA means “large” in Chinese) class I, two DAR class II, one in the WLIM1, two in the WLIM2, one in the PLIM1, two in the PLIM2 class, one ßLIM and two δLIMs. No DAR-like were identified in any of the species analyzed including lettuce. Interestingly, unlike other gene families in lettuce which underwent large genome tandem duplications, LIM genes did not increase in number compared to other plant species. The response to heat stress induced a dynamic transcriptional response on LsLIM genes. All heat stress regimes, including night stress, day stress and day and night stress were largely responsible for changes in LIM transcriptional expression.

Conclusions

Our global analysis at the genome level provides a detailed identification of LIM genes in lettuce and other dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plant species. Gene structure, physical and chemical properties as well as chromosomal location and Cis-regulatory element analysis together with our gene expression analysis under different temperature regimes identified LsWLIM1, LsWLIM2b, LsDAR3 and LsDAR5 as candidate genes that could be used by breeding programs aiming to produce lettuce varieties able to withstand high temperatures.
Neighborhood-level deprivation and survival in lung cancer
Authors: Kennedy Kathleen , Jusue-Torres Ignacio , Buller Ian D. , Rossi Emily , Mallisetty Apurva , Rodgers Kristen , Lee Beverly , Menchaca Martha , Pasquinelli Mary , Nguyen Ryan H. , Weinberg Frank , Rubinstein Israel , Herman James G. , Brock Malcolm , Feldman Lawrence , Aldrich Melinda C. , Hulbert Alicia
Published: August 2024

Background

Despite recent advances in lung cancer therapeutics and improving overall survival, disparities persist among socially disadvantaged populations. This study aims to determine the effects of neighborhood deprivation indices (NDI) on lung cancer mortality. This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study assessing the relationship between NDI and overall survival adjusted for age, disease stage, and DNA methylation among biopsy-proven lung cancer patients. State-specific NDI for each year of sample collection were computed at the U.S. census tract level and dichotomized into low- and high-deprivation.

Results

A total of 173 non small lung cancer patients were included, with n = 85 (49%) and n = 88 (51%) in the low and high-deprivation groups, respectively. NDI was significantly higher among Black patients when compared with White patients (p = 0.003). There was a significant correlation between DNA methylation and stage for HOXA7, SOX17, ZFP42, HOXA9, CDO1 and TAC1. Only HOXA7 DNA methylation was positively correlated with NDI. The high-deprivation group had a statistically significant shorter survival than the low-deprivation group (p = 0.02). After adjusting for age, race, stage, and DNA methylation status, belonging to the high-deprivation group was associated with higher mortality with a hazard ratio of 1.81 (95%CI: 1.03–3.19).

Conclusions

Increased neighborhood-level deprivation may be associated with liquid biopsy DNA methylation, shorter survival, and increased mortality. Changes in health care policies that consider neighborhood-level indices of socioeconomic deprivation may enable a more equitable increase in lung cancer survival.
Assessment of health promotion action for tuberculosis of end tuberculosis action plan (2019–2022) in China
Authors: Ni Shuaihu , Wang Jia , Li Xue , Chen Wei , Qu Yan , Zhao Yanlin , Luo Xiaofeng
Published: August 2024

Background

Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease that endangers people’s health, and China is a country with a high burden of tuberculosis. To accelerate the progress towards ending TB, the Chinese government implemented the End TB Action Plan (2019–2022), which consists of six actions. Among the End TB Action Plan, health promotion was conducted to improve the awareness of TB knowledge among Chinese people. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing TB health promotion activities outlined in the End TB Action Plan, and to provide recommendations for future TB prevention and control plan.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in nine Chinese provinces in 2022. A total of 11,920 Chinese people filled out the questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore that overall awareness of TB core information is associated with whether they received TB health education.

Results

The study involved 11,920 Chinese participants. The overall awareness rate of the core information of TB was 84.2%, which does not reach the 85% goal of the End TB Action Plan. The single awareness rate that TB is a chronic infectious disease and that the vast majority of TB patients can be cured were 75.3% and 76.0%. Participants who received TB health education had a higher awareness rate of TB core information. Participants who were elderly, retired or had a primary school education or below had poor awareness of the core information of TB. Participants who were elderly, lived in urban areas, were equipment operators or had a primary school education or below received less TB health education. Participants mainly received TB health education through TV (44.6%) and Internet (37.8%), preferred TV, broadcasts or movies (58.9%) and Internet advertising (54.7%). Participants preferred illustrated (46.2%) and audio-visual (44.8%) advertising materials. The common sources used to answer health-related questions on the internet were We-Medias (48.3%) and search engines (38.9%). Participants preferred to use short-form videos (66.8%) and illustrations (53.1%) to answer health-related questions.

Conclusions

Health promotion action for TB had a positive effect in China, but the awareness of TB was inadequate among Chinese people, and it is necessary to strengthen TB health education for those people. Moreover, TB prevention and control institutions should advertise TB more in audio-visual and illustrated forms on the Internet and audio-visual media. Health-related questions should be published in short-form video and illustrated forms in the We-Media and search engine more.
The epigenetic determinants for systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis phenotyping and treatment response
Authors: Mosa Doaa Mosad , Mohsen Shorouk , Taman Mohamed , Khaled Nada , Gaafar Sherine Mohamed , Abdelhafez Mona S. , Elmowafy Rasha , Elnagdy Marwa H. , Sobh Ali
Published: August 2024

Background

Determining the role of epigenetics in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) provides an opportunity to explore previously unrecognized disease pathways and new therapeutic targets.

Aim

We aimed to identify the clinical significance of microRNAs (miRNA-26a, miRNA-223) in SJIA.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on a group of children with SJIA attending to pediatric rheumatology clinic, at Mansoura University Children’s Hospital (MUCH) from December 2021 to November 2022. Patient demographics, and clinical, and laboratory data were collected with the measurement of microRNAs by quantitative real-time PCR. The Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests were used for variable comparison and correlations, besides the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for microRNAs disease activity and treatment non-response discrimination.

Results

Forty patients were included in the study. On comparison of miRNA-26a, and miRNA-223 levels to the clinical, assessment measures, and laboratory features, miRNA-26a was statistically higher in cases with systemic manifestations versus those without. Similarly, it was higher in children who did not fulfill the Wallace criteria for inactive disease and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 70 criteria for treatment response. Meanwhile, miRNA-223 was not statistically different between cases regarding the studied parameters. The best cut-off value for systemic juvenile arthritis disease activity score-10 (sJADAS-10) and the ability of miRNA-26a, and miRNA-223 to discriminate disease activity and treatment non-response were determined by the (ROC) curve.

Conclusion

The significant association of miRNA-26a with SJIA features points out that this molecule may be preferentially assessed in SJIA disease activity and treatment non-response discrimination.
Shaping future practices: German-speaking medical and dental students’ perceptions of artificial intelligence in healthcare
Authors: Fitzek Sebastian , Choi Kyung-Eun Anna
Published: August 2024

Background

The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare necessitates understanding the perspectives of future practitioners. This study investigated the perceptions of German-speaking medical and dental students regarding the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in their future practices.

Methods

A 28-item survey adapted from the AI in Healthcare Education Questionnaire (AIHEQ) and the Medical Student’s Attitude Toward AI in Medicine (MSATAIM) scale was administered to students in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland from April to July 2023. Participants were recruited through targeted advertisements on Facebook and Instagram and were required to be proficient in German and enrolled in medical or dental programs. The data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlations, t tests, and thematic analysis of the open-ended responses.

Results

Of the 409 valid responses (mean age = 23.13 years), only 18.2% of the participants reported receiving formal training in AI. Significant positive correlations were found between self-reported tech-savviness and AI familiarity (r = 0.67) and between confidence in finding reliable AI information and positive attitudes toward AI (r = 0.72). While no significant difference in AI familiarity was found between medical and dental students, dental students exhibited slightly more positive attitudes toward the integration of AI into their future practices.

Conclusion

This study underscores the need for comprehensive AI education in medical and dental curricula to address knowledge gaps and prepare future healthcare professionals for the ethical and effective integration of AI in practice.
Adaptation and validation of the evidence-based practice profile (EBP2) questionnaire in a Norwegian primary healthcare setting
Authors: Landsverk Nils Gunnar , Olsen Nina Rydland , Titlestad Kristine Berg , Pripp Are Hugo , Brovold Therese
Published: August 2024

Background

Access to valid and reliable instruments is essential in the field of implementation science, where the measurement of factors associated with healthcare professionals’ uptake of EBP is central. The Norwegian version of the Evidence-based practice profile questionnaire (EBP2-N) measures EBP constructs, such as EBP knowledge, confidence, attitudes, and behavior. Despite its potential utility, the EBP2-N requires further validation before being used in a cross-sectional survey targeting different healthcare professionals in Norwegian primary healthcare. This study assessed the content validity, construct validity, and internal consistency of the EBP2-N among Norwegian primary healthcare professionals.

Methods

To evaluate the content validity of the EBP2-N, we conducted qualitative individual interviews with eight healthcare professionals in primary healthcare from different disciplines. Qualitative data was analyzed using the “text summary” model, followed by panel group discussions, minor linguistic changes, and a pilot test of the revised version. To evaluate construct validity (structural validity) and internal consistency, we used data from a web-based cross-sectional survey among nurses, assistant nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, medical doctors, and other professionals (n = 313). Structural validity was tested using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the original five-factor structure, and Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to assess internal consistency.

Results

The qualitative interviews with primary healthcare professionals indicated that the content of the EBP2-N was perceived to reflect the constructs intended to be measured by the instrument. However, interviews revealed concerns regarding the formulation of some items, leading to minor linguistic revisions. In addition, several participants expressed that some of the most specific research terms in the terminology domain felt less relevant to them in clinical practice. CFA results exposed partial alignment with the original five-factor model, with the following model fit indices: CFI = 0.749, RMSEA = 0.074, and SRMR = 0.075. Cronbach’s alphas ranged between 0.82 and 0.95 for all domains except for the Sympathy domain (0.69), indicating good internal consistency in four out of five domains.

Conclusion

The EBP2-N is a suitable instrument for measuring Norwegian primary healthcare professionals’ EBP knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and behavior. Although EBP2-N seems to be an adequate instrument in its current form, we recommend that future research focuses on further assessing the factor structure, evaluating the relevance of the items, and the number of items needed.

Registration

Retrospectively registered (prior to data analysis) in OSF Preregistration. Registration DOI:https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/428RP.
Readiness of and barriers for community pharmacy professionals in providing and implementing vaccination services
Authors: Ayenew Wondim , Anagaw Yeniewa Kerie , Limenh Liknaw Workie , Simegn Wudneh , Bizuneh Gizachew Kassahun , Bitew Teshome , Minwagaw Tefera , Fitigu Ayelign Eshete , Dessie Misganaw Gashaw , Asmamaw Getahun
Published: August 2024

Background

Community pharmacy professionals are essential for healthcare delivery, particularly for administering vaccination services. However, there is a lack of substantial evidence documenting their role in vaccination within Ethiopia.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess community pharmacy professionals’ readiness to provide vaccination services, identify barriers hindering the implementation of these services, and determine factors influencing the provision of vaccination services by community pharmacy professionals.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacy professionals in Debre Markos and Injibara Town from April 15 to May 13, 2024. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the findings.

Results

The study revealed that a significant majority of community pharmacy professionals perceived that they had adequate vaccine knowledge and were easily accessible to the community. However, barriers such as lack of regulation, time constraints, workload concerns, patient trust issues, and infrastructure challenges hinder the implementation of vaccination services. Factors influencing the provision of vaccination services included the need for enhanced education and training, financial reimbursement, patient demand, infrastructure improvements, collaboration with other healthcare providers, and pharmacists’ special interest in vaccination.

Conclusions

Community pharmacy professionals exhibit readiness to provide vaccination services. However, significant barriers such as regulatory constraints, time pressures, workload concerns, patient trust issues, and infrastructure challenges hinder their full participation. Addressing these barriers and leveraging pharmacists’ expertise is essential for optimizing service delivery and improving public health outcomes. Advocating for policy changes, developing comprehensive training programs, establishing clear guidelines, investing in infrastructure improvements, conducting public awareness campaigns, and fostering collaboration with other healthcare providers are recommended to facilitate the provision and implementation of vaccination services by community pharmacy professionals in Ethiopia.
FLI-1-driven regulation of endothelial cells in human diseases
Authors: Zhang Lili , Ge Tingwen , Cui Jiuwei
Published: August 2024

Endothelial cells (ECs) are widely distributed in the human body and play crucial roles in the circulatory and immune systems. ECs dysfunction contributes to the progression of various chronic cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases. As a key transcription factor in ECs, FLI-1 is involved in the differentiation, migration, proliferation, angiogenesis and blood coagulation of ECs. Imbalanced FLI-1 expression in ECs can lead to various diseases. Low FLI-1 expression leads to systemic sclerosis by promoting fibrosis and vascular lesions, to pulmonary arterial hypertension by promoting a local inflammatory state and vascular lesions, and to tumour metastasis by promoting the EndMT process. High FLI-1 expression leads to lupus nephritis by promoting a local inflammatory state. Therefore, FLI-1 in ECs may be a good target for the treatment of the abovementioned diseases. This comprehensive review provides the first overview of FLI-1-mediated regulation of ECs processes, with a focus on its influence on the abovementioned diseases and existing FLI-1-targeted drugs. A better understanding of the role of FLI-1 in ECs may facilitate the design of more effective targeted therapies for clinical applications, particularly for tumour treatment.
Novel prognostic scoring systems for severe CRS and ICANS after anti-CD19 CAR T cells in large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Sesques Pierre , Kirkwood Amy A. , Kwon Mi , Rejeski Kai , Jain Michael D. , Di Blasi Roberta , Brisou Gabriel , Gros François-Xavier , le Bras Fabien , Bories Pierre , Choquet Sylvain , Rubio Marie-Thérèse , Iacoboni Gloria , O’Reilly Maeve , Casasnovas René-Olivier , Bay Jacques-Olivier , Mohty Mohamad , Joris Magalie , Abraham Julie , Castilla Llorente Cristina , Loschi Mickael , Carras Sylvain , Chauchet Adrien , La Rochelle Laurianne Drieu , Hermine Olivier , Guidez Stéphanie , Cony-Makhoul Pascale , Fogarty Patrick , Le Gouill Steven , Morschhauser Franck , Gastinne Thomas , Cartron Guillaume , Subklewe Marion , Locke Frederick L. , Sanderson Robin , Barba Pere , Houot Roch , Bachy Emmanuel
Published: August 2024

Autologous anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are now used in routine practice for relapsed/refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). Severe (grade ≥ 3) cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity (ICANS) are still the most concerning acute toxicities leading to frequent intensive care unit (ICU) admission, prolonging hospitalization, and adding significant cost to treatment. We report on the incidence of CRS and ICANS and the outcomes in a large cohort of 925 patients with LBCL treated with axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) or tisagenlecleucel (tisa-cel) in France based on patient data captured through the DESCAR-T registry. CRS of any grade occurred in 778 patients (84.1%), with 74 patients (8.0%) with grade 3 CRS or higher, while ICANS of any grade occurred in 375 patients (40.5%), with 112 patients (12.1%) with grade ≥ 3 ICANS. Based on the parameters selected by multivariable analyses, two independent prognostic scoring systems (PSS) were derived, one for grade ≥ 3 CRS and one for grade ≥ 3 ICANS. CRS-PSS included bulky disease, a platelet count < 150 G/L, a C-reactive protein (CRP) level > 30 mg/L and no bridging therapy or stable or progressive disease (SD/PD) after bridging. Patients with a CRS-PSS score > 2 had significantly higher risk to develop grade ≥ 3 CRS. ICANS-PSS included female sex, low level of platelets (< 150 G/L), use of axi-cel and no bridging therapy or SD/PD after bridging. Patients with a CRS-PSS score > 2 had significantly higher risk to develop grade ≥ 3 ICANS. Both scores were externally validated in international cohorts of patients treated with tisa-cel or axi-cel.
Interobserver agreement of an ED PoCUS video training dataset of normal appendix and appendicitis in children
Authors: Tsung James W. , Firnberg Maytal , Sosa Philip
Published: August 2024

Background

Educational video datasets can be an effective method for training in emergency department (ED) point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS). A video dataset for normal appendix and appendicitis in children using ED PoCUS images was developed to assess interobserver agreement, as measured by Cohen’s Kappa on key sonographic findings.

Methods

Three sets of 25 ED PoCUS videos were selected and curated from pediatric patients with normal appendix and acute appendicitis. Four participant ED sonologist-physicians were trained on the first set of 25 videos showing normal appendix or normal bowel in patients without appendicitis to note if normal appendix was seen in any part or in it’s entirety from tip-to-cecum. They were then tested on the second set of similar videos. A third set of 25 videos from patients who had appendicitis where participant sonologists were asked to note if appendicitis was present or absent, with and without appendicolith or perforation. Cohen’s Kappa was calculated in aggregate and stratified by experience vs. novice against a senior sonologist-physician aware of all patient outcomes for visualization of: 1. any part of normal appendix, 2. normal appendix visualized from tip to cecum 3. any part of appendicitis, 4. appendicolith, 5. appendiceal perforation.

Results

Cohen’s Kappa for any part of normal appendix, 0.71, 95% CI (0.58–0.85); normal appendix tip-to-cecum, 0.43, 95% CI (0.19–0.67), appendicitis, 0.53, 95%CI (0.34–0.70), appendicolith, 0.63, 95%CI (0.43–0.84), perforated appendicitis, 0.46, 95%CI (0.22–0.70). Stratified by experienced vs. novice: any part of normal appendix, 0.75 vs. 0.68; normal appendix tip-to-cecum, 0.50 vs. 0.36; appendicitis, 0.78 vs. 0.31; appendicolith, 0.75 vs. 0.5; perforated appendicitis, 0.5 vs 0.42.

Conclusions

This educational video dataset may be used to train sonologist-physicians in ED PoCUS scanning for normal appendix and appendicitis in children. Sonologist experience affected interobserver agreement with respect to visualization of entire normal appendix and appendicitis.
Lactocaseibacillus-deglycosylated isoflavones prevent Aβ 40-induced Alzheimer’s disease in a rat model
Authors: Liu Chin-Feng , Young Zong-Yang , Shih Tsung-Wei , Pan Tzu-Ming , Lee Chun-Lin
Published: August 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, with symptoms appearing in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. amyloid β peptide (Aβ) has been shown to deposit in the brain, causing oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to impaired memory and learning. Lactocaseibacillus fermentation can produce deglycosylated isoflavones with high physiological activity, which can scavenge free radicals, enhance total antioxidant capacity and inhibit oxidative inflammatory responses. Therefore, in this study, Lactocaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei NTU101 (NTU101) fermented soybean milk and its extracts were used as test substances, and AD model rats were established by infusion of Aβ40 in the brain for 28 days, and the preventive and ameliorating effects of NTU 101 fermented soymilk were discussed. Effects of soymilk and unfermented soymilk on AD, and explore its effects on AD. Main functional ingredients. The results showed that deglycosylated isoflavones in NTU101 fermented soybean milk improved AD symptoms. Mechanisms of actions include the inhibition of oxidative inflammation; reduction in the expression of risk factors for tau protein and apo E protein production, the deposition of Aβ40 around the hippocampus, and the expression of TLR-2 and RAGE proteins in astrocytes and microglia; and improvement in the memory and learning ability.
Tau in neurodegenerative diseases: molecular mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Zhang Xingyu , Wang Jiangyu , Zhang Zhentao , Ye Keqiang
Published: August 2024

The deposition of abnormal tau protein is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and a class of neurodegenerative diseases called tauopathies. Physiologically, tau maintains an intrinsically disordered structure and plays diverse roles in neurons. Pathologically, tau undergoes abnormal post-translational modifications and forms oligomers or fibrous aggregates in tauopathies. In this review, we briefly introduce several tauopathies and discuss the mechanisms mediating tau aggregation and propagation. We also describe the toxicity of tau pathology. Finally, we explore the early diagnostic biomarkers and treatments targeting tau. Although some encouraging results have been achieved in animal experiments and preclinical studies, there is still no cure for tauopathies. More in-depth basic and clinical research on the pathogenesis of tauopathies is necessary.
Tumor battlefield within inflamed, excluded or desert immune phenotypes: the mechanisms and strategies
Authors: Zheng Siwei , Wang Wenwen , Shen Lesang , Yao Yao , Xia Wenjie , Ni Chao
Published: August 2024

The tumor microenvironment demonstrates great immunophenotypic heterogeneity, which has been leveraged in traditional immune-hot/cold tumor categorization based on the abundance of intra-tumoral immune cells. By incorporating the spatial immune contexture, the tumor immunophenotype was further elaborated into immune-inflamed, immune-excluded, and immune-desert. However, the mechanisms underlying these different immune phenotypes are yet to be comprehensively elucidated. In this review, we discuss how tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment interact collectively to shape the immune landscape from the perspectives of tumor cells, immune cells, the extracellular matrix, and cancer metabolism, and we summarize potential therapeutic options according to distinct immunophenotypes for personalized precision medicine.
Different dropout directions in vocational education and training: the role of the initiating party and trainees’ reasons for dropping out
Authors: Michaelis Christian , Findeisen Stefanie
Published: August 2024

The high rates of premature contract termination (PCT) in vocational education and training (VET) programs have led to an increasing number of studies examining the reasons why adolescents drop out. Since adolescents’ trajectories after a PCT are quite diverse, a thorough assessment of different dropout directions is called for. However, empirical studies that distinguish between dropout directions are still scarce. The same is true for studies that differentiate between PCTs initiated by the trainees themselves and those initiated by the training company. Based on data from the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS) on trainees in German dual VET programs (n = 5823), this study identifies six different dropout directions: (1) downward PCT into unqualified employment or unemployment, (2) downward PCT into a prevocational program, (3) horizontal PCT that represents a change of training company or (4) a change of occupation, and (5) upward PCT into general education or (6) higher education. Using multinomial logistic regression models we examine the effect of (a) the initiating party and (b) self-reported PCT reasons of trainees on dropout directions. Regarding trainees’ reasons we include reasons related to different aspects of the training (personal reasons, not the desired training occupation, financial reasons, training quality, conflicts, excessive demand, and being offered a different training position). The results indicate that in cases where trainees are dismissed by the training company, a horizontal change to a different training company becomes more likely, while the probability of an upward dropout into higher education decreases. Regarding PCT decisions made by trainees themselves, a downward PCT into unqualified employment or unemployment is more likely if personal reasons were the cause of a PCT decision. Moreover, the probability of a change of training company (horizontal PCT) increases in cases of conflict and if there is a prospect of a different training position, and decreases if the training position is not the desired occupation. A change of occupation (horizontal PCT) is more likely when there is the opportunity for a different training position available. Furthermore, upward PCTs (both into further general education and higher education) are more likely in cases where the training was in a field that was not the desired occupation. The probability of upward PCT into higher education decreases when there are conflicts and excessive demands, while upward PCTs into general education are significantly less likely when a different training position is obtained. The differential effects that occur for different types of PCTs emphasize that adolescents dropping out of VET cannot be treated as a homogenous group. Consequently, the results underscore the importance of conducting a more thorough assessment of both dropout directions and the initiating party of a PCT in future research.
A protocol for assessing bias and robustness of social network metrics using GPS based radio-telemetry data
Authors: Kaur Prabhleen , Ciuti Simone , Ossi Federico , Cagnacci Francesca , Morellet Nicolas , Loison Anne , Atmeh Kamal , McLoughlin Philip , Reinking Adele K. , Beck Jeffrey L. , Ortega Anna C. , Kauffman Matthew , Boyce Mark S. , Haigh Amy , David Anna , Griffin Laura L. , Conteddu Kimberly , Faull Jane , Salter-Townshend Michael
Published: August 2024

Background

Social network analysis of animal societies allows scientists to test hypotheses about social evolution, behaviour, and dynamic processes. However, the accuracy of estimated metrics depends on data characteristics like sample proportion, sample size, and frequency. A protocol is needed to assess for bias and robustness of social network metrics estimated for the animal populations especially when a limited number of individuals are monitored.

Methods

We used GPS telemetry datasets of five ungulate species to combine known social network approaches with novel ones into a comprehensive five-step protocol. To quantify the bias and uncertainty in the network metrics obtained from a partial population, we presented novel statistical methods which are particularly suited for autocorrelated data, such as telemetry relocations. The protocol was validated using a sixth species, the fallow deer, with a known population size where $$\sim 85\%$$

∼
85
%

of the individuals have been directly monitored.

Results

Through the protocol, we demonstrated how pre-network data permutations allow researchers to assess non-random aspects of interactions within a population. The protocol assesses bias in global network metrics, obtains confidence intervals, and quantifies uncertainty of global and node-level network metrics based on the number of nodes in the network. We found that global network metrics like density remained robust even with a lowered sample size, while local network metrics like eigenvector centrality were unreliable for four of the species. The fallow deer network showed low uncertainty and bias even at lower sampling proportions, indicating the importance of a thoroughly sampled population while demonstrating the accuracy of our evaluation methods for smaller samples.

Conclusions

The protocol allows researchers to analyse GPS-based radio-telemetry or other data to determine the reliability of social network metrics. The estimates enable the statistical comparison of networks under different conditions, such as analysing daily and seasonal changes in the density of a network. The methods can also guide methodological decisions in animal social network research, such as sampling design and allow more accurate ecological inferences from the available data. The R package aniSNA enables researchers to implement this workflow on their dataset, generating reliable inferences and guiding methodological decisions.
Study on the evolution of mechanical properties of hot dry rocks after supercritical CO2 injection
Authors: Li Pan , Zhang Hongxue , Wu Yu
Published: August 2024

Characterizing the evolution of mechanical properties of hot dry rock (HDR) after supercritical CO2 (CO2(sc)) injection is crucial for assessing the heat extraction rate and reservoir security of CO2 based enhanced geothermal systems. This study designed the experiments of triaxial seepage and mechanical properties considering no CO2(sc) injection, CO2(sc) injection, and alternating injection of water-CO2(sc) (AIWC) in granite at 150–300 ℃. The experiments can reveal the mechanical properties of HDR in single-phase CO2 zone, CO2-water two-phase zone and dissolved CO2 liquid phase zone in HDR reservoir. The results indicate that the failure mode of the rock samples primarily exhibits sudden instability after no CO2(sc) injection and AIWC, whereas it predominantly manifests progressive instability after CO2(sc) injection. Compared with 25 ℃, the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) after no CO2(sc) injection at 150–300 ℃ decreased by 13.86%–32.92%. After CO2(sc) injection, the UCS decreased by 40.79%–59.60%. After AIWC, the UCS decreased by 27.74–40.48%. This shows that the strength of rock mass in the single-phase CO2 zone is lower than that in the other two zones, and this weakening phenomenon increases with the increase of temperature difference. At the same temperature, the elasticity modulus after AIWC was greater than that after no CO2(sc) injection and CO2(sc) injection. With no CO2(sc) injection, when the temperature was increased to 200 ℃ and 300 ℃, intergranular cracks and transgranular appeared respectively. After AIWC, mineral crystals such as calcite were precipitated on the surfaces of the connected large cracks, accompanied by kaolinite clay minerals. This increases the frictional contact of the mineral particles and enhances the stability of the HDR reservoir.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy biomarkers: current updates, challenges, and potentials
Authors: Soejitno Andreas , Widyadharma I Putu Eka
Published: August 2024

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating condition of peripheral nerve because of chemotherapeutic agent exposure among cancer patients. Despite its relatively high prevalence, to date, there has been no specific or standardized diagnostic criteria for CIPN and establishing diagnosis can be burdensome with significant time and efforts. Therefore, there is a need for an accurate biomarker to aid in early and objective diagnosis of CIPN. Based on the relevant pathogenesis of CIPN, herein we discussed several potential biomarker candidates to be incorporated in the diagnosis of CIPN, ranging from bodily fluid-based biomarker such as neurotrophic factors and neurofilaments, genetic biomarker such as microRNAs, electrophysiologic biomarker such as quantitative sensory testing, and imaging biomarkers such as high-resolution ultrasound and magnetic resonance neurography. We also discussed the strengths and weaknesses of each biomarker type, and future directions to accelerate its translation into routine use in clinical practice.
Retraction Note: Analyzing the impacts of node density and speed on routing protocol performance in firefighting applications
Authors: Ullah Inam , Hussain Tariq , Khan Aamir , Ali Iqtidar , Ali Farhad , Choi Chang
Published: August 2024

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s42408-023-00220-4.
Shaping the tripartite symbiosis: are termite microbiome functions directed by the environmentally acquired fungal cultivar?
Authors: Murphy Robert M. , Sinotte Veronica M. , Cuesta-Maté Ana , Renelies-Hamilton Justinn , Lenz-Strube Mikael , Poulsen Michael
Published: August 2024

Microbiome assembly critically impacts the ability of hosts to access beneficial symbiont functions. Fungus-farming termites have co-evolved with a fungal cultivar as a primary food source and complex gut microbiomes, which collectively perform complementary degradation of plant biomass. A large subset of the bacterial community residing within termite guts are inherited (vertically transmitted) from parental colonies, while the fungal symbiont is, in most termite species, acquired from the environment (horizontally transmitted). It has remained unknown how the gut microbiota sustains incipient colonies prior to the acquisition of the fungal cultivar, and how, if at all, bacterial contributions are modulated by fungus garden establishment. Here, we test the latter by determining the composition and predicted functions of the gut microbiome using metabarcoding and shotgun metagenomics, respectively. We focus our functional predictions on bacterial carbohydrate-active enzyme and nitrogen cycling genes and verify compositional patterns of the former through enzyme activity assays. Our findings reveal that the vast majority of microbial functions are encoded in the inherited microbiome, and that the establishment of fungal gardens incurs only minor modulations of predicted bacterial capacities for carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism. While we cannot rule out that other symbiont functions are gained post-fungus garden establishment, our findings suggest that fungus-farming termite hosts are equipped with a near-complete set of gut microbiome functions at the earliest stages of colony life. This inherited, incipient bacterial microbiome likely contributes to the high extent of functional specificity and coevolution observed between termite hosts, gut microbiomes, and the fungal cultivar.
Prognosis and treatment in acute myeloid leukemia: a comprehensive review
Authors: Debnath Ankita , Nath Sukanta
Published: August 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disorder that is characterized by clonal expansion of immature "blast cells" in the bone marrow and peripheral circulation, resulting in bone marrow failure and inefficient erythropoiesis. The identification of numerous recurrent genetic mutations such as NPM1, CEBPA, and FLT3-ITD has stratified AML into favorable, intermediate, and adverse-risk groups, respectively, along with a cytogenetic profile that carries a considerably different prognosis among these groups. For post-induction treatment, cytogenetics and genetic mutation testing continue to be vital prognostic tools. Despite advancements, including an increased understanding of biology and new drug targets, the cornerstone of treatment still consists of a combination of cytarabine- and anthracycline-based regimens. The majority of patients eventually relapse and die of the disease, especially the elderly population. This review describes the prognosis of different molecular markers and the major recent advancements in the treatment of AML.
Vigor of bi-parametric MRI with MR segmentation unity in valuation of UB neoplasm mural invasion
Authors: Ragaee Sara Mahmoud , Tony Fatma Rabee , gawad Ehab Ali Abdel , Sharqawy Shymaa Shehata , Ghany Moustafa Magdy Abdel , Beshreda Gerges Malak
Published: August 2024

Background

The urinary bladder neoplasm is considered the second most frequent kind of neoplasm globally, after prostate cancer. Bladder neoplasm clinical management strategies and prognosis depend on the extent of loco-regional disease. MRI is increasingly being employed for preoperative, local staging of BC. The aim of this study was to expose the mastery of bi-parametric MRI (MRDWI and T2WI conjunction) with signal intensity-based MR segmentation in evaluation of UB neoplasm mural invasion if unaccompanied by contrast-enhanced MRI with special concern to Vesical Imaging Reporting and Data System (VIRADS) score taking the histopathological diagnosis as a reference.

Results

This prospective study was conducted on 99 patients (with 100 UB lesions), who were referred from the urology department with bladder neoplasm suspicion. The mean age of the patients was 64.8 years. About 66.6% of the cases were smokers. The most common pathology of the UB neoplastic lesions was urothelial carcinoma. ADC in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) was significantly lower than in non-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), with the minimum to maximum value of the ADC in all cases about 0.01–2.0. Also, we have done DWI at different b values, where b 1000 turned out to be the most accurate in detection of muscle invasion. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were calculated for T2WI only VIRADS, DWI only VIRADS, bi-parametric MR (T2WI and DWI)-based VIRADS, signal intensity-based MR segmentation VIRADS and for bi-parametric and MR segmentation conjunction-based VIRADS. The diagnostic performance for the combination of the bi-parametric MRI and signal intensity-based MR segmentations attained the highest values in sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV as well as accuracy.

Conclusions

Bi-parametric MRI (MRDWI with T2WI) and signal intensity MR segmentation conjunction have proven to be efficacious in accurately determining the UB neoplasm mural invasion allowing for the dispensability of CE-MRI in the event of contrast contraindications, unavailability or even its high cost.
Improving ambient noise crosscorrelations using a polarization-based azimuth filter
Authors: Zhang Hao , Fang Guangyou , Wang Tao , Xia Jianghai , Hong Yu , Xi Chaoqiang , Liu Ya , Le Zezhe
Published: August 2024

Seismic interferometry is widely used to image and monitor earth structures at different scales by extracting an empirical Green’s function (EGF) from the crosscorrelation of ambient noise under the assumption of diffuse wavefields or energy equipartitioning. However, EGFs may be incorrectly estimated and lead to a misunderstanding of subsurface structures because the distribution of ambient noise sources is neither isotropic nor stationary. To extract reliable EGFs from the nonideal ambient noise data, we develop a polarization-based azimuth filter (PAF) to attenuate the ambient noise energy of nonstationary sources to improve the quality of crosscorrelation functions. The PAF is a time-frequency domain azimuth filter for 3C seismic data, which uses time-frequency polarization analysis to measure the azimuths of ambient noise signals and then filters the 3C data to obtain the signals from desired directions. Based on the stationary-phase theory, we use the PAF to extract the ambient noise signals from stationary-phase zones, which improves the quality of the crosscorrelation function and eliminates the requirement for long observations. A synthetic test and two short-time engineering examples demonstrate that uneven source distributions might cause serious spurious signals in EGFs, and we demonstrate the improvement in EGFs using our method. In addition, the PAF may allow for the complete separation of the fundamental and higher modes of Rayleigh waves, which uncovers more information implicit in the ambient noise data.
Pre-implementation planning for a new personalised, dementia post-diagnostic support intervention: exploring the perspective of professional stakeholders
Authors: Dar Ayesha , Budgett Jessica , Zabihi Sedigheh , Whitfield Ellenyd , Lang Iain , Rapaport Penny , Heath Bronte , Ogden Margaret , Phillips Rosemary , Burton Alexandra , Butler Laurie , Wyman Danielle , Hoe Juanita , Manthorpe Jill , Morgan-Trimmer Sarah , Koutsoubelis Freya , Cooper Claudia
Published: August 2024

Background

Only a third of people with dementia receive a diagnosis and post-diagnostic support. An eight session, manualised, modular post-diagnostic support system (New Interventions for Independence in Dementia Study (NIDUS) – family), delivered remotely by non-clinical facilitators is the first scalable intervention to improve personalised goal attainment for people with dementia. It could significantly improve care quality.

Aims

We aimed to explore system readiness for NIDUS–family, a scalable, personalised post-diagnostic support intervention.

Method

We conducted semi-structured interviews with professionals from dementia care services; the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research guided interviews and their thematic analysis.

Results

From 2022 to 2023, we interviewed a purposive sample of 21 professionals from seven English National Health Service, health and social care services. We identified three themes: (1) potential value of a personalised intervention – interviewees perceived the capacity for choice and supporting person-centred care as relative advantages over existing resources; (2) compatibility and deliverability with existing systems – the NIDUS–family intervention model was perceived as compatible with service goals and clients’ needs, but current service infrastructures, financing and commissioning briefs constraining resources to those at greatest need were seen as barriers to providing universal, post-diagnostic care; (3) fit with current workforce skills – the intervention model aligned well with staff development plans; delivery by non-clinically qualified staff was considered an advantage over current care options.

Conclusions

Translating evidence for scalable and effective post-diagnostic care into practice will support national policies to widen access to support and upskill support workers, but requires a greater focus on prevention in commissioning briefs and resource planning.