bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Application-Based Exergames on Cognitive Function in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Fauzi Achmad , Lindayani Linlin , Mutiar Astri , Darmawati Irma
Published: November 2024

Aims: Hemodialysis (HD) patients may disrupt physical and cognitive capabilities, affecting older mobility, independence, psychological well-being, and health care expenditures. Home-based exergame training overcomes accessibility issues.
Methods: This research examined how mobile app exergames affected cognitive performance in hemodialysis patients. This research used a repeated measurement-quasi-experiment two-group pretest-posttest design in a West Java. The intervention group trained three times a week for 30-40 minutes for two months, totaling 24 sessions (8 weeks). In the control group, participants were told to live normally.
Results: Inlcusion criteria was performing HD at least twice a week,  age > 65, living independently, self-reported health, ability to stand for 10 minutes without help, and access to a TV with HDMI connection. The Trail Making Test (TMT) measured psychomotor speed and executive function. ANCOVA was used to compare scores before and after the intervention in both groups.  The repeated ANOVA test revealed that the trial making test A (TMT A) decreased significantly in the intervention group after one month intervention (T2) (from 79.77 ± 7.23 at baseline to 40.87 ± 5.33 at follow up), with the effect size was 0.41, indicating moderate effect size.  The trial making test B (TMT B) decreased significantly in the intervention group after one month intervention (T2) (from 77.6 ± 24.2 at baseline to 70.32 ± 23.3 at follow up), with the effect size was 0.45, indicating moderate effect size. However, there was not significant change of Trial making Test A and B from baseline to follow up time in the control group.
Conclusions: Findings of this study could be one of the new solutions to help patients undergoing hemodialysis improve their cognitive function. Exergame training may be done at home, which helps to overcome accessibility constraints.
BENEFITS OF PARENTAL EDUCATION IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM. The Influence of Parental Education on School Culture and Student Participation
Authors: Costache Luminita , Cojocaru Stefan , Cojocaru Daniela , Buna Ovidiu
Published: November 2024

Parental education within the school system plays a crucial role in student development, positively influencing their engagement in educational activities and overall school culture. This study explores the benefits of parental education on academic success, student involvement, and the school-family relationship, analyzing how parental support contributes to enhanced academic performance and student discipline. The study emphasizes the importance of initiatives that support parents and suggests concrete measures for strengthening school-family partnerships and fostering a culture of collaboration. These benefits significantly contribute to creating a friendly educational environment and enhancing cohesion among all parties involved in the educational process. This research examines the influence of parental education on school culture and climate, highlighting the benefits of parental involvement in school life and its impact on reducing school dropout rates. The study analyzes both school-related and external factors - familial and community -that affect student participation, as well as the perceptions of parents and teachers regarding the school-family relationship. Based on data collected through various data collection methods from parents and teachers, the study identifies barriers to parental involvement and ways in which parental education programs can help create an inclusive and supportive educational environment. Results show that active parental involvement reduces dropout risk and improves academic outcomes, while also encouraging adjustments in teaching methods and support from educators. Conclusions suggest the broad adoption of parental education as a permanent practice in schools and recommend measures to expand these programs to reach a larger number of participants.
Qualitative analysis of fourth-order hyperbolic equations
Authors: Andreieva Yuliia , Buryachenko Kateryna
Published: November 2024

We investigate the qualitative properties of weak solutions to the boundary value problems for fourth-order linear hyperbolic equations with constant coefficients in a plane bounded domain convex with respect to characteristics. Our main scope is to prove some analog of the maximum principle, solvability, uniqueness and regularity results for weak solutions of initial and boundary value problems in the space L2. The main novelty of this paper is to establish some analog of the maximum principle for fourth-order hyperbolic equations. This question is very important due to natural physical interpretation and helps to establish the qualitative properties for solutions (uniqueness and existence results for weak solutions). The challenge to prove the maximum principle for weak solutions remains more complicated and at that time becomes more interesting in the case of fourth-order hyperbolic equations, especially, in the case of non-classical boundary value problems with data of weak regularity. Unlike second-order equations, qualitative analysis of solutions to fourth-order equations is not a trivial problem, since not only a solution is involved in boundary or initial conditions, but also its high- order derivatives. Other difficulty concerns the concept of weak solution of the boundary value problems with L2 – data. Such solutions do not have usual traces, thus, we have to use a special notion for traces to poss correctly the boundary value problems. This notion is traces associated with operator L or L-traces. We also derive an interesting interpretation (as periodicity of characteristic billiard or the John's mapping) of the Fredholm's property violation. Finally, we discuss some potential challenges in applying the results and proposed methods.
Fluid responsiveness in pediatrics: an unsolved challenge
Authors: Escribá Alepuz F. , Díaz Ruz A. , Jiménez Santana J. D. , García Cebrián C. , Encarnación J. , Hervías Sanz M. , Argente Navarro P.
Published: November 2024

Predicting fluid responsiveness is a major challenge in the pediatric population as vascular and pulmonary compliance differ from the adults. However it is a crucial thing to avoid the harmful fluid overload. We count on different variables to identify responders being the dynamic parameters the ones with more evidence, specially the Respiratory Variation In Aortic Blood Flow Velocity based on echocardiography. Other variables rely on the arterial waveform, like Pulse Pressure Variation or Stroke Volume Variation seem to have limitations but new tests like VTC are arriving to overcome their drawbacks. We review the actual evidence regarding fluid responsiveness prediction in children and the anatomic and physiologic peculiarities of children that explain why they do not respond like adults and why we should study them in particular.
Progress of fracture mapping technology based on CT three-dimensional reconstruction
Authors: Liu Jichao , Zhang Ziyan , Qu Ji , Piao Chengdong
Published: November 2024

Fracture Mapping is a new technology developed in recent years. This technology visually representing the morphology of fractures by overlaying fracture lines from multiple fracture models onto a standard model through three-dimensional reconstruction. Fracture mapping has been widely used in acetabular fracture, proximal humerus fractures, Pilon fracture, tibial plateau fractures, and so on. This technology provides a new research method for the diagnosis, classification, treatment selection, internal fixation design, and statistical analysis of common fracture sites. In addition, the fracture map can also provide a theoretical basis for the establishment of a biomechanical standardized fracture model. Herein, we reviewed various methods and the most advanced techniques for fracture mapping, and to discuss the issues existing in fracture mapping techniques, which will help in designing future studies that are closer to the ideal. Moreover, we outlined the fracture morphology features of fractures in various parts of the body, and discuss the implications of these fracture mapping studies for fracture treatment, thereby providing reference for research and clinical decision-making on bone and joint injuries to improve patient prognosis.
Influence of alkali molarity on compressive strength of high-strength geopolymer concrete using machine learning techniques based on curing regimes and temperature
Authors: Ulloa Néstor , Onyelowe Kennedy C. , Ebid Ahmed M. , Curay Yaulema Carlos Santiago , Zuiga Rodguez Maia Gabriela , Adrade Vally Aleis Ivan , Onyia Michael E.
Published: November 2024

The compressive strength behavior of high-strength geopolymer concrete (HSGPC) has been studied in this research work with varying alkali concentration using the novel machine learning techniques. The alkali concentration in the activation solution plays a significant role in the geopolymerization process and affects the resulting compressive strength. In this research work, the range between 4 M and 16 M for alkali molarity (M), 18 kg/m3 and 160 kg/m3 for NaOH and 41 kg/m3 and 229 kg/m3 for NaSi was collected from literature and used in the various design mixes of this exercise. This was necessary because higher alkali concentrations promote a more efficient dissolution and activation of the aluminosilicate compounds, leading to increased geopolymerization and the formation of more calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel. The increased C-S-H gel content contributes to improved strength development. However, there is an optimal alkali concentration range for the sustainable production of geopolymer concrete, and exceeding this range can have a negative impact on compressive strength and ecofriendly handling of concrete. A total of fifty-three records were collected from literature and deployed in modeling the compressive strength (Fc) considering various curing regimes. Three symbolic machine learning techniques such as genetic programming (GP), evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR), and the artificial neural network (ANN) are used in this research model. The relative importance values for each input parameter were also evaluated, which indicated that all factors have significant impacts on (Fc), but Age (i.e., curing regime) has the most influence compared to FA, NaOH, and CAg then the other inputs. From the model relations between the calculated and predicted values, it can be shown that the decisive model, ANN produced line of parametric equation of y = 0.995x, and produced performance indices; MAE of 2.13 MPa, RMSE of 2.86 MPa and R-squared of 0.981, which makes the ANN the most reliable model in agreement with previous applications of the technique. These are against the poor performance of the EPR and GP, which produced R-squared less than 0.8 with higher error rates. The Taylor chart and the variance distribution, which further compares the accuracy and variances of the developed models support the outcomes. Generally, alkali molarity has shown its potential in the production of HSGPC due to its role in the reactivity phases of the concrete formulation; hydration, activation, pozzolanic, and geopolymerization reactions producing the gel needed for the strength gain in HSGPC.
DFT-guided synthesis of N, B dual-doped porous carbon from saccharina japonica for enhanced oxygen reduction catalysis
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Wu Chao , Wang Jilong , Xia Maosong , Li Shixin , Liu Long , Wei Wuguo , Peng Xing
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a crucial determinant of the energy transformation capacity of fuel cells. This study investigates the performance of N and B dual-doped carbon in ORR.

Methods

Six models using density functional theory (DFT) are developed to compare the performance of different doping strategies. A highly efficient dual-doped carbon ORR catalyst (S-850-1) is synthesized from Saccharina japonica, containing 4.54 at% N and 1.05 at% B atom.

Results

Electrochemical analysis reveals that S-850-1 significantly outperforms the nitrogen mono-doped carbon S-850, exhibiting a higher half-wave potential of 0.861 V and a greater limited current density of −5.60 mA cm⁻2, compared to S-850’s 0.838 V and −5.24 mA cm⁻2. Furthermore, S-850-1 surpasses the performance of 20% Pt/C, demonstrating enhanced durability and exceptional resistance to CO and methanol. The 1.40 V open circuit voltage produced by S-850-1 when integrated into a Zn-air battery can power an LED light.

Discussion

Both theoretical and practical evaluations validate the excellent ORR performance of nitrogen and boron dual-doped carbon, as evidenced by the agreement between the electrochemical results and DFT calculations. This work not only extends the range of ORR catalysts derived from biomass but also provides guidance on creating and producing affordable, effective catalysts that utilize natural resources.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for treatment of diabetes and obesity: advantage of oral delivery
Authors: New R. R. C. , Bogus M. , Travers G. N. , Hahn U. , Vaiceliunaite A. , Burnet M. , Wang J. H. , Wen H.
Published: November 2024

GLP-1 receptor agonists ((GLP-1 RAs) are currently receiving a lot of attention because of their impact in diabetes, weight loss and other areas. While GLP-1 RAs in injectable form are highly efficacious, further work is required to develop oral versions which can deliver these peptides efficiently without requiring use of excessively high doses. This paper describes the ability of an oral peptide delivery formulation, Axcess™, to enhance uptake of GLP-1 receptor agonists via the intestine, resulting in changes in insulin and glucose blood levels indicative of biopotencies of 9% for exendin-4 and 14.8% for semaglutide in preclinical models. The route of delivery suggests that the peptides will be able to interact with the GLP-1 receptors on the vagal afferents of the intestine, as is the case for native GLP-1 in healthy individuals. GLP-1 receptor agonists administered via this route will be a valuable addition to the therapeutic modalities available for treatment of diabetes and obesity.
Parental teaching of nonprejudiced values toward sexual minorities during adolescence
Authors: Padilla-Walker Laura , Jankovich Meg O. , Archibald Corinne
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The current study examined adolescents’ nonprejudiced values toward sexual minorities over three years to determine change over time, as well as parenting and child characteristics as predictors of initial levels and change in values over time.

Methods

Participants included 573 US adolescents (M age at Wave 1 = 14.56, SD = 1.68, range 12–17; 49% identifying as female; 82% completely heterosexual) and their mother (n = 573, 83% completely heterosexual) and father (n = 341, 99% completely heterosexual), all of whom responded to surveys given annually over three years, starting in 2020.

Results

Growth curve analysis suggested that adolescents’ nonprejudiced values toward sexual minorities increased from ages 14–16 for both males and females. Results also suggested that both maternal and paternal teaching of nonprejudiced values were consistent predictors of initial levels of adolescent nonprejudiced values, and mothers’ teaching was associated with increases in nonprejudiced values over time, over and above other parenting variables like parental warmth and frequency of parental communication about sexual minority topics.

Discussion

The discussion focuses on the importance of parental teaching of nonprejudiced values on the development of adolescents’ own nonprejudiced values.
Optimizing thyroid AUS nodules malignancy prediction: a comprehensive study of logistic regression and machine learning models
Authors: Cao Yuan , Yang Yixian , Chen Yunchao , Luan Mengqi , Hu Yan , Zhang Lu , Zhan Weiwei , Zhou Wei
Published: November 2024

Background

The accurate diagnosis of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology, particularly in the atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) category, remains challenging. This study aims to predict the risk of malignancy in AUS nodules by comparing two machine learning (ML) and three conventional logistic regression (LR) models.

Methods

A retrospective study on 356 AUS nodules in 342 individuals from 6728 patients who underwent thyroid surgery in 2021. All the clinical, ultrasonographic, and molecular data were collected and randomly separated into training and validation cohorts at a ratio of 7: 3. ML (random forest and XGBoost) and LR (lasso regression, best subset selection, and backward stepwise regression) models were constructed and evaluated using area under the curve (AUC), calibration, and clinical utility metrics.

Results

Approximately 90% (321/356) of the AUS nodules were malignant, predominantly papillary thyroid carcinoma with 68.6% BRAF V600E mutations. The final LR prediction model based on backward stepwise regression exhibited superior discrimination with AUC values of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.73-0.92) and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.67-0.94) in training and validation, respectively. Well calibration, and clinical utility were also confirmed. The ML models showed moderate performance. A nomogram was developed on the final LR model.

Conclusions

The LR model developed using the backward stepwise regression, outperformed ML models in predicting malignancy in AUS thyroid nodules. The corresponding nomogram based on this model provides a valuable and practical tool for personalized risk assessment, potentially reducing unnecessary surgeries and enhancing clinical decision-making.
Fracture severity dependence of bone and muscle performance in patients following single or multiple vertebral fractures
Authors: Zhang Chenggui , Li Yang , Wang Guodong , Sun Jianmin
Published: November 2024

Background

Few studies focus on the clinical, laboratory, radiological, and biological characteristics of bone and muscle of multiple vertebral fractures, which are associated with a more poor prognosis compared with single fracture.

Purpose

To compare the BMD, bone turnover, muscularity, fatty infiltration of muscle, and prevalence of co-morbidities in patients with single and multiple vertebral fractures.

Methods

We recruited 100 patients with single fracture (age 66.96 ± 8.24 years) and 100 with multiple fractures (age 69.90 ± 7.80 years); performed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the femoral neck, hip, and lumbar vertebrae; and measured biochemical markers of bone turnover, muscularity, and fatty infiltration.

Results

Patients with multiple vertebral fractures had lower hip BMD (p=0.010) than those with single fractures, but there was no difference in femoral neck and lumbar vertebral BMD nor in muscularity. However, fatty infiltration, an indicator of muscle quality, was significantly higher in participants with multiple fractures (p=0.006). Diabetes was significantly more common in patients with multiple fractures (p=0.042). There were no significant differences in markers of bone turnover, and Seperman analyses showed no correlations of CTX-1 or tPINP with the BMD of the hip, femoral neck, or lumbar spine. However, high CTX-1 was associated with high tPINP (r=0.4805; p<0.0001), and marked fatty infiltration was associated with low hip, lumbar vertebral, and femoral neck BMD. Cox regression analyses showed that age (OR 1.057; 95% CI 1.016–1.101; p=0.006) and low hip BMD (OR 0.016; 95% CI, 0.000–0.549; p=0.022) were associated with a higher risk of multiple fractures.

Conclusion

Patients with multiple fractures tend to have lower hip BMD, a history of type 2 diabetes, and more substantial fatty infiltration of muscle than in those with single fractures. Age and hip BMD rather than lumbar vertebrae BMD were found to be independent risk factors for multiple vertebral compression fractures, implying that hip BMD may be a more sensitive predictor for multiple vertebral fractures. More improvements in hip BMD and focus on older persons may be useful means of preventing multiple fractures.
Association of erectile dysfunction and peripheral arterial disease in NHANES 2001-2004: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Ganggang , Ni Caifang
Published: November 2024

Objective

To evaluate the association between Erectile dysfunction (ED) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in adult American males using a large database.

Methods

The relationship between ED and PAD prevalence among participants in the 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database was assessed using a series of statistical analyses. ED was evaluated based on a single-item measure of self-reported erection problems from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. PAD was defined as ankle-brachial index (ABI) < 0.9 in at least one leg. Multifactorial logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between ED and PAD.

Results

A total of 2394 participants were enrolled, of whom 905 individuals (37.8%) were diagnosed with ED. After adjusting for confounding variables, the association between ED and PAD remained positive, with an odds ratio of 2.05 (95% confidence interval 1.24-3.39). Subgroup analysis revealed that the relationship between ED and PAD was significant in patients aged >50 years old, without hypertension, without diabetes, without cardiovascular disease, without high cholesterol, former smokers, low physical activity levels, and a body mass index of 25-30 (P < 0.05). In addition, all subgroups analyzed were evaluated for any potential interaction, and no statistically significant association was discovered.

Conclusions

In a sample of US adults aged ≥40, this cross-sectional study found that ED is related to a higher occurrence of PAD. ED may be an independent predictor of PAD, and thus it should be considered in the treatment of patients with ED.
Is choline kinase alpha a drug target for obesity?
Authors: Lacal Juan Carlos , Ibrahim Salam A. , Zimmerman Tahl
Published: November 2024

Choline kinase alpha (ChoKα) is a therapeutic target being developed for a variety of diseases, from cancer to rheumatoid arthritis and from parasites to bacterial infections. Nevertheless, the therapeutic potential of this drug target seems not exhausted and may end up as a possible solution for a larger variety of conditions. Here we present our working model for how ChoKα could play a role in obesity and for how drugs being developed as therapeutics for other diseases using ChoKα as a target, could be repurposed as prophylactic treatments for obesity. We also present preliminary observations in support of our model.
Gene expression of tight junctions in foreskin is not affected by HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Webb Emily L. , Petkov Stefan , Yun Heejin , Else Laura , Lebina Limakatso , Serwanga Jennifer , Pillay Azure-Dee A. P. , Seiphetlo Thabiso B. , Mugaba Susan , Namubiru Patricia , Odoch Geoffrey , Opoka Daniel , Ssemata Andrew S. , Kaleebu Pontiano , Khoo Saye , Martinson Neil , Fox Julie , Gray Clive M. , Herrera Carolina , Chiodi Francesca
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Tight junctions (TJs) serve as permeability filters between the internal and external cellular environment. A large number of proteins have been identified to be localized at the TJs. Due to limitations in tissue collection, TJs in the male genital tract have been understudied.

Methods

We analysed the transcriptomics of 132 TJ genes in foreskin tissue of men requesting voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) and enrolled in the Combined HIV Adolescent Prevention Study (CHAPS) trial conducted in South Africa and Uganda (NCT03986970). The trial evaluated the dose requirements for event-driven HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with emtricitabine-tenofovir (FTC-TDF) or emtricitabine-tenofovir alafenamide (FTC-TAF) during insertive sex. A total of 144 participants were randomized to either control arm or one of 8 PrEP arms (n=16/arm), receiving oral FTC-TDF or FTC-TAF over one or two days. Following in vivo oral PrEP dosing and VMMC, the expression level of three important TJ proteins (CLDN-1, OCN and ZO-1) was measured ex vivo in foreskin tissue by Western blot. The expression of cytokine genes implicated in TJ regulation was determined. Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare TJ gene expression and protein levels by type of PrEP received, and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated to assess whether TJ gene expression levels were related to cytokine gene levels or to PrEP drug concentrations and their active intracellularly phosphorylated metabolites.

Results

A high level of expression in foreskin tissue was found for 118 (of 132) TJ genes analysed; this finding contributed to create a map of TJ components within the male genital tract. Importantly, PrEP regimens tested in the CHAPS trial did not affect the expression of TJ genes and the analysed proteins in the foreskin; thus, further supporting the safety of this prevention strategy against HIV-1 transmission during insertive sex. Additionally, we identified the level of several cytokines’ genes to be correlated to TJ gene expression: among them, IL-18, IL-33 and VEGF.

Discussion

TJs can limit viral entry into target cells; to affect this biological function viruses can reduce the expression of TJ proteins. Our study, on the expression and regulation of TJs in the foreskin, contribute important knowledge for PrEP safety and further design of HIV-1 prophylaxis.
Case report: A golden tail of immunotherapy: significant tail effect in a chemotherapy-resistant advanced pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma patient treated by Sintilimab combined with Anlotinib
Authors: Fu Chenghao , Du Haonan , Wang Qiang , Zhu Weiyou , Bian Guangli , Zhong Zhujuan , Wang Yuheng , Cao Lei
Published: November 2024

Tail effect is a unique phenomenon in immunotherapy characterized by the prolonged maintenance of therapeutic efficacy. It can be observable even after treatment cessation. Immunotherapy has gradually become a vital regimen for the treatment of advanced lung cancer patients, among which immune-combined therapies based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been applied clinically and demonstrates considerable clinical efficacy. In this case report, the patient was pathologically diagnosed with pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC), a rare and highly aggressive subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) known for its poor prognosis due to high invasiveness and metastatic potential. After developing resistance to chemotherapy, the patient was treated with a combined regimen of sintilimab and anlotinib, leading to initial clinical improvement. Following just three cycles of this regimen, treatment was discontinued, and the patient was discharged. Remarkably, over the subsequent months, the patient exhibited a significant tail effect, evidenced by sustained therapeutic stability, continuous tumor regression, stable low levels of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and further improvement in clinical symptoms. Tail effect is a golden tail of immunotherapy. This case illustrates that the tail effect of immunotherapy can offer substantial survival benefits for patients with unresectable advanced lung cancer who have failed chemotherapy.
Tertiary lymphoid structures in ovarian cancer
Authors: Sun Guojuan , Liu Yi
Published: November 2024

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Despite advances in treatment modalities, including surgery and chemotherapy, the overall prognosis for OC patients remains poor, particularly for patients with advanced or recurrent disease. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), has revolutionized cancer treatment in various malignancies but has shown limited efficacy in treating OC, which is primarily attributed to the immunologically. Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), which are ectopic aggregates of immune cells, have emerged as potential mediators of antitumor immunity. This review explores the composition, formation, and induction of tumor associated TLS (TA-TLS) in OC, along with their role and therapeutic implications in disease development and treatment. By elucidating the roles TA-TLSs and their cellular compositions played in OC microenvironment, novel therapeutic targets may be identified to overcome immune suppression and enhance immunotherapy efficacy in ovarian cancer.
Ultrasonographic technique and appearance of the coelomic organs in crocodilians
Authors: Yeong Wei Yeng , Martelli Paolo , Chung Tabris Yik To , Tsui Henry Chun Lok , Gerussi Tommaso , Kot Brian Chin Wing
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Crocodilians have significant ecological, conservational, and economic roles. They are also commonly raised for commercial purposes and kept as zoological specimens. Although ultrasonography has been used in zoological contexts for health assessments of crocodilians, published studies on a detailed ultrasonography protocol and ultrasonographic anatomy are lacking. This study aimed to establish a standardized ultrasonography protocol and pictorial reference of the ultrasonographic appearances of the coelomic organs of crocodilians.

Methods

A total of 7 crocodilians comprising 4 different species were included in this study. The crocodilians were manually restrained and underwent a non-contrasted and contrasted computed tomography (CT) scan, followed by an ultrasonography (USG) examination. Ultrasound fusion imaging technique enabled greater confidence in establishing a clear organ localization and correlation between modalities by visualizing the same anatomy from the same view angle.

Results

The heart, caudal vena cava, liver, fat body (steatotheca), spleen, stomach, duodenal loops, pancreas, kidneys, testes, ovaries and cloaca were visualized in all species. Longitudinal and transverse images of the coelomic structures were acquired when possible. The ultrasonographic characteristics of the coelomic organs, including transducer positioning, acoustic window and approach, shape, size, marginations, and echo pattern were documented.

Discussion

The findings of this study provided a useful ultrasonographic protocol and anatomical reference of the coelomic organs in crocodilians. Invaluable insights into the practicality and adequacy of ultrasonography in evaluating the coelomic structures of crocodilians as part of health assessment and disease diagnosis were also discussed.
Association between life’s essential 8 and hyperuricemia among adults in the United States: insights from NHANES 2005–2018
Authors: Wang Xiaolan , Fan Jingxiu
Published: November 2024

Background

Hyperuricemia is a significant risk factor for various metabolic and cardiovascular conditions. Life’s Essential 8 (LE8), a comprehensive measure of cardiovascular health promoted by the American Heart Association, may have a protective role against hyperuricemia. This study aims to evaluate the association between LE8 scores and hyperuricemia in a representative sample of US adults.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2018, encompassing 26,885 adults. LE8 scores were calculated based on diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep health, body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid levels ≥7.0 mg/dL in men and ≥ 6.0 mg/dL in women. Logistic regression and generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to analyze the relationship between LE8 scores and hyperuricemia, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Higher LE8 scores were significantly associated with lower odds of hyperuricemia (OR per 10-point increase: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.72–0.75, p < 0.001). Stratified analyses revealed consistent protective effects across subgroups defined by sex, age, race/ethnicity, PIR (poverty income ratio), education level, drinking status, eGFR, and CVD status. Logistic regression and GAM analyses both confirmed a linear relationship between increasing LE8 scores and reduced hyperuricemia risk. For example, in males, the OR was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.78–0.84), and in females, it was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.64–0.68).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that higher LE8 scores are robustly associated with lower odds of hyperuricemia in US adults. These results support the promotion of comprehensive cardiovascular health behaviors encapsulated by LE8 to mitigate hyperuricemia risk. Further studies are needed to explore the causal pathways and potential interventions.
The effect and safety of corticosteroid treatment for severe community-acquired pneumonia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chen Yang , Kuang Huanming , Zhu Youfeng , Luo Xing
Published: November 2024

Background

There is ongoing debate on the efficacy and safety of corticosteroid therapy for severe community-acquired pneumonia (sCAP). Our aim was to investigate the safety and therapeutic effectiveness of corticosteroids in the sCAP therapy.

Methods

Electronic databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science and Embase) were searched from inception to January 10, 2024. We examined for randomized controlled studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of corticosteroid therapy in individuals with sCAP. The primary outcome was short-term mortality. Subgroup analyses were carried out according to the corticosteroid type. Additionally, trial sequential analysis (TSA) was carried out.

Results

In total, 11 trials, including 1959 patients, met the predetermined standards and underwent analysis. Overall, our meta-analysis exhibited that corticosteroids may considerably lower short-term mortality when compared to control treatment [6 studies (1,582 patients); odds ratio (OR), 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49–0.88; p = 0.005] and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels [5 studies (359 patients); mean difference (MD), −6.97; 95% CI −12.33 to −1.60; p = 0.01], but TSA revealed that the sample size needs to be larger. Moreover, we observed that corticosteroids reduced the hospital length of stay [7 studies (999 patients); MD, −3.56; 95% CI, −4.28 to −2.84; p < 0.001], need for mechanical ventilation (MV) [7 studies (1,328 patients); OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.45–0.79; p = 0.001] and MV duration [4 studies (736 patients); MD, −5.62; 95% CI, −7.31 to −3.94; p < 0.001], which was in agreement with TSA. However, adverse events, length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay were not evidently shortened when TSA was utilized. Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed that all of the above studies benefited from hydrocortisone treatment in comparison to the control group.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis revealed that corticosteroids, especially hydrocortisone, could decrease the mortality of individuals with sCAP.

Systematic review registration

[https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [CRD42023415555].
Conflicting interpretations and FDA reputation: the case of post-market surveillance of breast implants
Authors: Maor Moshe , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: November 2024

Conflicting interpretations regarding the severity of the adverse effects associated with FDA-approved drugs and therapies are common among the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the medical community, patients, and the general public. However, scholars have paid little attention to how these conflicting interpretations may affect the FDA’s reputation for facilitating inclusive dialogue between competing policy actors. Focusing on breast implants, a medical device characterized by a stormy regulatory past, we observe that the design properties of post-market surveillance are adjusted to low-quality information. Such information-gathering mechanisms likely lead to underreporting by medical practitioners and patients, thus resulting in low-quality data. Given that the FDA cannot rely on congressional appropriations to ensure a stable flow of funding, the confusion and uncertainty created by conflicting interpretations enhance the FDA’s ability to appeal to different audiences simultaneously and thereby secure funding from industry-based user fees. This strategy may persist until the FDA’s reputation is challenged by critical information regarding adverse effects and the ensuing potentially negative media coverage. A stable appropriation-based funding model will likely encourage stronger post-market surveillance of medical devices.
The safe lowest effective power of subthreshold micropulse laser treatment in Chinese patients with acute or chronic central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Xie Ting , Li Wangting , Wang Linli , Ning Jiafeng , Li Zhi , Chen Yulei , Lin Xifeng , Du Shaolin , Chen Qingshan
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To assess the safe, lowest effective laser power of subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) for treating acute and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in Chinese patients.

Methods

Patients were distinguished with acute or chronic CSC based on focal or diffuse retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) leakage on fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), with or without widespread RPE decompensation. Patients were categorized into five groups and treated with 577 nm yellow SML according to 50% titration power. The change of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were set as primary outcomes. A linear regression model assessed the correlation between different factors and outcome indicators.

Results

A total of 103 patients with 127 eyes (61 with acute CSC and 66 with chronic CSC) were enrolled. The baseline characteristics were balanced between the five groups (all p > 0.05). The decrease of CMT and the improvement of BCVA were related to the CMT at baseline (all p < 0.05). We found that the lowest effective laser power for acute CSC was 425 mW (−225.50 μm vs. −171.24 μm vs. −114.50 μm vs. −130.54 μm vs. −68.00 μm, p < 0.001), showing a significant CMT reduction at this power, but no significant increase in BCVA (−0.15 ± 0.10 logMAR vs. −0.20 ± 0.16 logMAR vs. −0.14 ± 0.11 logMAR vs. −0.17 ± 0.30 logMAR vs. −0.11 ± 0.14 logMAR, p > 0.05). For chronic CSC, the lowest effective laser power was 375 mW (p = 0.01), the change of CMT was significant in 375 mW (−93.91 ± 109.06 μm, −119.32 ± 105.56 μm, −88.67 ± 67.26 μm, −60.89 ± 106.86 μm, and −99.11 ± 157.32 μm, p = 0.04). The change of BCVA was similar trend (−0.54 ± 0.66 logMAR vs. −0.17 ± 0.23 logMAR vs. −0.10 ± 0.21 logMAR vs. −0.02 ± 0.30 logMAR vs. 0.05 ± 0.19 logMAR, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In this study, our results suggested 425 mW and 375 mW laser power is the lowest effective SML power for treating acute and chronic CSC in Chinese patients respectively, And the power of SML for chronic CSC requires lower power than acute CSC.
Thermomechanobiology as a new research field in soft tissues
Authors: Pioletti Dominique P.
Published: November 2024

During intense galloping, the difference in temperature between the external and the central part of an equine superficial digital flexor tendon can be as high as 7°C. Thirty minutes of jogging modifies the temperature in human knee cartilage from 32°C to 37°C. Intrinsic dissipative phenomena related to the viscoelastic behavior of soft tissues have been identified to be primarily responsible for the observed temperature increase, a situation referred to as self-heating in mechanics. While a 5°C increase may be considered negligible from a mechanical point of view in the cartilage at first sight, it can have a significant biological impact. It has been recently proposed that self-heating and the resulting increase of temperature in cartilage following mechanical stimulation can be necessary for its maintenance. This new concept complements the general acceptance that mechanobiology is central to the homeostasis of musculoskeletal tissues. In most biomechanical and biological studies on cartilage or other soft tissues, the temperature is set at 37°C and considered constant, despite human knee cartilage at rest being around 32°C, for example. Therefore, there is a deficit of information on the role and effect of physiological temperature variation induced through mechanical loading in soft tissues, opening a new research avenue that we coin thermomechanobiology.
Debate on the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and inflammatory bowel disease: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wang Ziye , Zhao Shiqing , Zhong Xiaotian , Su Yi , Song Yahan , Li Jun , Shi Yanyan
Published: November 2024

Background

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammation conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Studies point out an association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and IBD. This study aims to visually assess the research trends and hotspots in the field of H. pylori infection and IBD, review mainstream perspectives in this field, and provide a foundation for future research and treatment.

Methods

We searched the Web of Science Core Collection Database for literature related to H. pylori and IBD, using VOS viewer to generate visual charts.

Results

A total of 246 publications were included, with articles being the predominant type of document. A significant increase in the number of publications was observed after 2011. China contributed the most of researches. Keyword clusters revealed that the researches primarily focused on immune mechanism, gut microbiome, diagnosis and treatment of IBD. Time trend results indicated that current researches centered on gut microbiota and immune mechanisms.

Conclusion

H. pylori infection may have a protective effect on IBD. The exact mechanisms remain unclear and may involve immunomodulation and changes of gut microbiota. Further researches are necessary for better understanding this relationship and its implications for clinical practice. Further researches and clinical practice should pay attention to this topic.
Thermophilic aerobic digestion using aquaculture sludge from rainbow trout aquaculture facilities: effect of salinity
Authors: Chun Jihyun , Kim Su Min , Ko Gwangil , Shin Hyo Jeong , Kim Minjae , Cho Hyun Uk
Published: November 2024

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the potential of using thermophilic aerobic digestion (TAD) to hydrolyze aquaculture sludge, and to investigate the hydrolysis efficiency and changes in microbial community structure during TAD at 0, 15, and 30 practical salinity units (psu). As digestion progressed, soluble organic matter concentrations in all reactors increased to their maximum values at 6 h. The hydrolysis efficiency at 6 h decreased as salinity increased: 2.42% at 0 psu, 1.78% at 15 psu, and 1.04% at 30 psu. The microbial community compositions at the genus level prominently differed in the relative abundances of dominant bacteria between 0 psu and 30 psu. The relative abundance of genera Iodidimonas and Tepidiphilus increased significantly as salinity increased. Increase in the salinity at which thermophilic aerobic digestion of aquaculture sludge was conducted altered the microbial community structure, which in turn decreased the efficiency of organic matter hydrolysis.
Synaptopodin: a key regulator of Hebbian plasticity
Authors: Wu Pei You , Inglebert Yanis , McKinney R. Anne
Published: November 2024

Synaptopodin, an actin-associated protein found in a subset of dendritic spines in telencephalic neurons, has been described to influence both functional and morphological plasticity under various plasticity paradigms. Synaptopodin is necessary and sufficient for the formation of the spine apparatus, stacks of smooth endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. The spine apparatus is a calcium store that locally regulates calcium dynamics in response to different patterns of activity and is also thought to be a site for local protein synthesis. Synaptopodin is present in ~30% of telencephalic large dendritic spines in vivo and in vitro highlighting the heterogeneous microanatomy and molecular architecture of dendritic spines, an important but not well understood aspect of neuroplasticity. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that synaptopodin is a formidable regulator of multiple mechanisms essential for learning and memory. In fact, synaptopodin appears to be the decisive factor that determines whether plasticity can occur, acting as a key regulator for synaptic changes. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of synaptopodin’s role in various forms of Hebbian synaptic plasticity.
Prognostic significance of fibrinogen levels in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury: unveiling a nonlinear relationship and clinical implications
Authors: Chen Manqin , Chen Xinbin , Ling Huaxiang , Bai Chengwen , Chen Lihua , Zhong Lin , Gong Ping , Shi Fei
Published: November 2024

Background

Fibrinogen plays a pivotal role in the inflammatory cascade and is intricately linked to the pathogenesis of sepsis. Nevertheless, its significance as a prognostic marker for sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the association between fibrinogen levels and 28-day mortality with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.

Method

The fibrinogen levels of patients admitted to the intensive care unit of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center between 2008 and 2019 were retrospectively assessed, and those diagnosed with SA-AKI were divided into low, middle and high fibrinogen level groups according to tertiles. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the 28-day mortality risk of the SA-AKI patients.

Results

A total of 3,479 patients with SA-AKI were included in the study. Fibrinogen demonstrated an independent association with 28-day mortality, yielding a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.961 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.923-0.999, P = 0.0471). Notably, a non-linear relationship between fibrinogen levels and 28-day mortality was observed, with the threshold observed at approximately 1.6 g/l. The effect sizes and corresponding CIs below and above this threshold were 0.509 (0.367, 0.707) and 1.011 (0.961, 1.064), respectively. Specifically, the risk of mortality among SA-AKI patients decreased by 49.1% for every 1 g/l increment in fibrinogen, provided that fibrinogen levels were less than 1.6 g/l.

Conclusion

In patients with SA-AKI, a non-linear relationship was identified between fibrinogen levels and 28-day mortality. Particularly, when their fibrinogen levels were less than 1.6 g/l, a concomitant decrease in 28-day mortality was observed as fibrinogen levels increased.
Comparison of dry and wet electroencephalography for the assessment of cognitive evoked potentials and sensor-level connectivity
Authors: Ehrhardt Nina M. , Niehoff Clara , Oßwald Anna-Christina , Antonenko Daria , Lucchese Guglielmo , Fleischmann Robert
Published: November 2024

Background

Multipin dry electrodes (dry EEG) provide faster and more convenient application than wet EEG, enabling extensive data collection. This study aims to compare task-related time-frequency representations and resting-state connectivity between wet and dry EEG methods to establish a foundation for using dry EEG in investigations of brain activity in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Methods

In this counterbalanced cross-over study, we acquired wet and dry EEG in 33 healthy participants [n = 22 females, mean age (SD) = 24.3 (± 3.4) years] during resting-state and an auditory oddball paradigm. We computed mismatch negativity (MMN), theta power in task EEG, and connectivity measures from resting-state EEG using phase lag index (PLI) and minimum spanning tree (MST). Agreement between wet and dry EEG was assessed using Bland–Altman bias.

Results

MMN was detectable with both systems in time and frequency domains, but dry EEG underestimated MMN mean amplitude, peak latency, and theta power compared to wet EEG. Resting-state connectivity was reliably estimated with dry EEG using MST diameter in all except the very low frequencies (0.5–4 Hz). PLI showed larger differences between wet and dry EEG in all frequencies except theta.

Conclusion

Dry EEG reliably detected MMN and resting-state connectivity despite a lower signal-to-noise ratio. This study provides the methodological basis for using dry EEG in studies investigating the neural processes underlying psychiatric and neurological conditions.