bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of alkali treatment on coir-reinforced polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol blends
Authors: Vandna  , Yadav Vijay Laxmi
Published: May 2024

The utilization of natural fibers in polymer biocomposites is on the rise owing to their ready availability, lightweight nature, excellent mechanical strength and eco-friendly characteristics. In this study, a solution casting method was performed to synthesize biodegradable composite films based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with 10 to 30% polyethylene glycol loading (PEG, matrix) and 10% untreated or alkali treated coir fiber (reinforcement). SEM, FTIR, XRD, mechanical properties and contact angle studies were used to examine how the alkaline treatment affected the structure and characteristics of the synthesized films. Alkali treatment on coir fiber removed hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin and significantly improved its crystalline nature from 38.3% to 69.5%, confirmed by the XRD test. Adding 10 wt% polyethylene glycol with alkali treated coir fibers attained the highest tensile strength which was 38.6% greater than untreated coir fiber and demonstrated the best reinforcing effects of treated coir on these biocomposite films. According to our research, coir fiber’s alkali treatment considerably enhances its ability to interact with polyvinyl alcohol polymer and polyethylene glycol polymer blends, making it possible to fabricate composite films with improved mechanical properties.
Assessment of fever screening at airports in detecting domestic passengers infected with SARS-CoV-2, 2020–2022, Okinawa prefecture, Japan
Authors: Takayama Yoshihiro , Xu Yining S. , Shimakawa Yusuke , Chowell Gerardo , Kozuka Masahiro , Omori Ryosuke , Matsuyama Ryota , Yamamoto Taro , Mizumoto Kenji
Published: May 2024

Background

While airport screening measures for COVID-19 infected passengers at international airports worldwide have been greatly relaxed, observational studies evaluating fever screening alone at airports remain scarce. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively assess the effectiveness of fever screening at airports in preventing the influx of COVID-19 infected persons.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective epidemiological analysis of fever screening implemented at 9 airports in Okinawa Prefecture from May 2020 to March 2022. The number of passengers covered during the same period was 9,003,616 arriving at 9 airports in Okinawa Prefecture and 5,712,983 departing passengers at Naha Airport. The capture rate was defined as the proportion of reported COVID-19 cases who would have passed through airport screening to the number of suspected cases through fever screening at the airport, and this calculation used passengers arriving at Naha Airport and surveillance data collected by Okinawa Prefecture between May 2020 and March 2021.

Results

From May 2020 to March 2021, 4.09 million people were reported to pass through airports in Okinawa. During the same period, at least 122 people with COVID-19 infection arrived at the airports in Okinawa, but only a 10 suspected cases were detected; therefore, the capture rate is estimated to be up to 8.2% (95% CI: 4.00-14.56%). Our result of a fever screening rate is 0.0002% (95%CI: 0.0003–0.0006%) (10 suspected cases /2,971,198 arriving passengers). The refusal rate of passengers detected by thermography who did not respond to temperature measurements was 0.70% (95% CI: 0.19–1.78%) (4 passengers/572 passengers).

Conclusions

This study revealed that airport screening based on thermography alone missed over 90% of COVID-19 infected cases, indicating that thermography screening may be ineffective as a border control measure. The fact that only 10 febrile cases were detected after screening approximately 3 million passengers suggests the need to introduce measures targeting asymptomatic infections, especially with long incubation periods. Therefore, other countermeasures, e.g. preboarding RT-PCR testing, are highly recommended during an epidemic satisfying World Health Organization (WHO) Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) criteria with pathogen characteristics similar or exceeding SARS-CoV-2, especially when traveling to rural cities with limited medical resources.
Associations of psychological factors with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular health in middle-age: the population-based Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage study (SCAPIS)
Authors: Higueras-Fresnillo Sara , Herraiz-Adillo Ángel , Ahlqvist Viktor H. , Öberg Robin , Lenander Cecilia , Wennberg Patrik , Wångdahl Josefin , Berglind Daniel , Daka Bledar , Östgren Carl Johan , Rådholm Karin , Henriksson Pontus
Published: May 2024

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health issue, primarily caused by atherosclerosis. Psychological factors may play a role in the development and progression of CVD. However, the relationship between psychological factors and atherosclerosis is complex and poorly understood. This study, therefore, aimed to examine the association of psychological factors with (i) coronary and carotid atherosclerosis and (ii) cardiovascular health according to Life’s Essential 8, in a large Swedish cohort.

Methods

This study utilized data from the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS), a large population-based project including individuals aged 50 to 65 years. Several psychological factors were analysed: general stress, stress at work, financial stress, major adverse life events, locus of control, feeling depressed, and depression. Coronary atherosclerosis was assessed as the degree of stenosis by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores. Carotid atherosclerosis was examined using ultrasound. In addition, cardiovascular health was examined using the Life’s Essential 8 concept created by the American Heart Association, which includes four health behaviors and four health factors. Associations were examined through binomial logistic regression (atherosclerosis variables) and linear regression (Life’s Essential 8).

Results

A total of 25,658 participants were included in the study. The presence of financial stress, higher locus of control, and depression was weakly associated with increased odds of CCTA stenosis, CAC ≥ 1 and the presence of carotid plaques (all odds ratios: 1.10–1.21, 95% CI: 1.02–1.32) after adjusting for sex, age, and study site. However, these associations were attenuated and not statistically significant after additional adjustments for socioeconomic factors and health behaviors. Conversely, we observed inverse associations between the worst category for all psychological factors and cardiovascular health according to Life’s Essential 8 score (all standardized β-Coefficient ≤-0.033, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

While there were no strong and consistent associations between psychological factors and atherosclerosis, the consistent associations of psychological factors with cardiovascular health by Life’s Essential 8 may have relevance for future CVD risk. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the long-term effects of psychological factors on atherosclerosis development and cardiovascular health.
The cross-sectional correlation between the oxidative balance score and cardiometabolic risk factors and its potential correlation with longitudinal mortality in patients with cardiometabolic risk factors
Authors: Lai Qiancheng , Ye Liu , Luo Jun , Zhang Cheng , Wu Qingchen , Shao Yue
Published: May 2024

Background

This study analyzes the correlation between oxidative balance score (OBS), cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs), and mortality in individuals with CMRFs.

Methods

Data were chosen from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models were implemented to explore the relationship between OBS and the risk of CMRFs. Then, Cox proportional hazard models were employed to estimate the impact of OBS on mortality in individuals with CMRFs.

Results

Following multivariate adjustment, the subjects in the highest quartile exhibited a 46% reduction in the risk of CMRFs, a 33% reduction in the risk of diabetes, a 31% reduction in the risk of hypertension, and a 36% reduction in the risk of hyperlipidemia, compared with those in the lowest quartile. Furthermore, each 1-unit increase in OBS was remarkably negatively correlated with the prevalence of CMRFs, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. The correlation between OBS and CMFRs was found to be mediated by serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and white blood cells (WBC), and the mediation effect of GGT levels and WBC, accounting for 6.90% and 11.51%, respectively. Lastly, the multivariate Cox regression model revealed that elevated OBS, irrespective of whether it was treated as a categorical or continuous variable, exhibited a significant association with decreased mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Conclusions

An increased OBS might reflect a lower risk of CMRFs and a favorable prognosis for individuals with CMRFs. Moreover, WBC and GGT may play a potential mediating role between OBS and CMRFs.
Global burden of pertussis in 204 countries and territories, from 1990 to 2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Nie Yanwu , Zhang Yu , Yang Zhen , Wang Naibo , Wang Shengnan , Liu Yong , Jiang Han , Wu Lei
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the impact of pertussis on the global, regional, and national levels between 1990 and 2019.

Methods

Data on pertussis on a global scale from 1990 to 2019 were collected from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study. We performed a secondary analysis to report the global epidemiology and disease burden of pertussis.

Results

During the period spanning from 1990 to 2019, pertussis exhibited a steady global decline in the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rate (ASYR), and age-standardized death rate (ASDR). Nevertheless, upon delving into an in-depth analysis of various regions, it was apparent that ASIR in southern sub-Saharan Africa, ASYR and ASDR in high-income North America, and ASDR in Western Europe and Australasia, were witnessing an upward trajectory. Moreover, a negative correlation was observed between the Socio‑demographic Index (SDI) and burden inflicted by pertussis. Notably, the incidence of pertussis was comparatively lower in men than in women, with 0–4-year-olds emerging as the most profoundly affected demographic.

Conclusion

The global pertussis burden decreased from 1990 to 2019. However, certain regions and countries faced an increasing disease burden. Therefore, urgent measures are required to alleviate the pertussis burden in these areas.
Correlation between thyroid hormone sensitivity and the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhao Ru , Han Chen , Huang Zeyu , Bi Yan , Zhang Xiaowen , Shen Shanmei
Published: May 2024

Objective

There has been some confusion in earlier research on the connection between thyroid function and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This research is aimed to probe into the correlation between thyroid condition and the risk of PCOS from a new standpoint of thyroid hormone sensitivity.

Methods

This research comprised 415 females with PCOS from Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated with the Medical School of Nanjing University, and 137 non-PCOS individuals were selected as the normal control. Based on free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), we calculated the thyroid hormone sensitivity indices, which consist of Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index (TFQI), Thyroid-stimulating Hormone Index (TSHI), Thyrotroph Thyroxine Resistance Index (TT4RI) and Free Triiodothyronine /Free thyroxine (FT3/FT4). The binary logistic regression model was adopted to investigate the correlation between thyroid hormone sensitivity indices with the risk of PCOS. Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was employed to explore the association among thyroid-related measures with metabolic parameters in PCOS.

Results

Results of this research showed that females with PCOS had rising TFQI, TSHI, TT4RI, and FT3/FT4 levels compared with the control group. After adjustment for the impact of various covariates, there was no significant correlation between FT3/FT4 and the risk of PCOS; However, the odds ratio of the third and fourth vs. the first quartile of TFQI were 3.57(95% confidence interval [CI]:1.08,11.87) and 4.90(95% CI:1.38,17.38) respectively; The odds ratio of the fourth vs. the first quartile of TSHI was 5.35(95% CI:1.48,19.37); The odds ratio of the second vs. the first quartile of TT4RI was 0.27(95%CI 0.09,0.82). In addition, no significant correlation was observed between thyroid-related measures and metabolic measures in females with PCOS.

Conclusions

A reduction in the sensitivity of central thyroid hormone is closely correlated with a higher risk of PCOS. Further research is necessary to corroborate our findings and the supporting mechanisms.
The interrelationship between obesity and race in breast cancer prognosis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Schindler Emma A. , Takita Cristiane , Collado-Mesa Fernando , Reis Isildinha M. , Zhao Wei , Yang George R. , Acosta Laura G. , Hu Jennifer J.
Published: May 2024

Background

Obesity is associated with an increased breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women and may contribute to worse outcomes. Black women experience higher obesity and breast cancer mortality rates than non-Black women. We examined associations between race, obesity, and clinical tumor stage with breast cancer prognosis.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study in 1,110 breast cancer patients, using univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses to evaluate the effects of obesity, race/ethnicity, and clinical tumor stage on progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS).

Results

22% of participants were Black, 64% were Hispanic White, and 14% were non-Hispanic White or another race. 39% of participants were obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2). In univariable analyses, tumor stage III-IV was associated with worse PFS and OS compared to tumor stage 0-II (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.52–6.22 for PFS and HR = 5.92, 95% CI = 4.00-8.77 for OS). Multivariable analysis revealed an association between Black race and worse PFS in obese (HR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.06–4.51) and non-obese (HR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.05–4.21) women with tumors staged 0-II. Obesity alone was not associated with worse PFS or OS.

Conclusions

Results suggest a complex interrelationship between obesity and race in breast cancer prognosis. The association between the Black race and worse PFS in tumor stages 0-II underscores the importance of early intervention in this group. Future studies are warranted to evaluate whether alternative measures of body composition and biomarkers are better prognostic indicators than BMI among Black breast cancer survivors.
The impact of negative cognitive bias on NSSI: mediating non-adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies
Authors: Han Xuanye , Zhang Yuhuan , Chen Dong , Sun Jingyan , Di Zhixin , Yang Zi , He Huanchen
Published: May 2024

Background

Individuals may be more likely to engage in NSSI due to negative cognitive bias, while the use of negative emotional regulation mechanisms may further contribute to NSSI. Currently, there is a dearth of studies regarding the correlation among the three variables.

Method

The study employed convenience sampling to collect data via online platforms from a total of 572 college students in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China, over the period of January 2024 to February 2024. The questionnaires comprise the Non-Adaptive Cognitive Emotion Srategy Regulation Subscale, the Negative Cognitive Processing Bias Questionnaire, and the NSSI Questionnaire.

Outcome

Negative cognitive bias significantly and directly influences NSSI, as indicated by a beta coefficient of 0.3788 and a confidence interval of [0.2878, 0.4698]. The existence of negative cognitive bias significantly enhances the impact of non-adaptive cognitive emotion control approaches (β = 0.5613, CI [0.4808, 0.6418]). Non-adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies showed a significant effect on NSSI, as indicated by a beta coefficient of 0.2033 and a confidence interval of [0.0942, 0.3125]. The non-adaptive cognitive emotion control strategy serves as an intermediary between negative cognitive bias and NSSI, explaining 30.12% of the overall impact.

In conclusion

The results demonstrate that non-adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies play a partially moderating role in the relationship between negative cognitive bias and NSSI among nursing students. We emphasize the importance of non-adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, negative cognitive biases, and NSSI among nursing students. In order to reduce the occurrence of NSSI, it is important for schools, families, and teachers to work together closely and implement a well-organized and efficient intervention to protect the mental well-being of nursing students.
Abusive supervision and nursing students’ intention to leave the nursing profession: a moderated mediation model of emotional exhaustion and the nurse-patient relationship
Authors: Hong Youjuan , Chen Meijing , Chen Caimei , Qiu Meichai
Published: May 2024

Background

Exploration of the relationship between nursing students’ abusive supervision and their future intention to leave the nursing profession before completing the final clinical practicum is critical to the issue of nursing staff shortages and how to alleviate them. In order to further dissect the factors influencing turnover intention among student nurses in clinical practice, our study used the conservation of resources theory and job demands-resources model to explain the specific pathways that influence student nurses’ intention to leave the nursing profession, with particular focus on nursing students’ personality traits and certain organizational factors.

Method

This study followed a cross-sectional design. Between March and May 2022, a convenience sampling method was used to select 531 nursing students from two medical universities in Fuzhou. The Abusive Supervision, Emotional Exhaustion, Nurse-Patient Relationship, and Turnover Intention Scales were employed to collect data. The PROCESS macro (Models 4 and 7) for SPSS 25.0 by Hayes and 5,000 bootstrap samples were used to examine the moderation and mediation impacts.

Results

Abusive supervision was found to significantly positively predict nursing students’ intention to leave the nursing profession. Emotional exhaustion significantly mediated the relationship between abusive supervision and an intention to leave the nursing profession. The moderating effect of the nurse-patient relationship in the mediation model was also found to be significant.

Conclusions

Abusive supervision by clinical teaching staff is a work-related stressor that leads to emotional exhaustion, consequently decreasing nursing students’ future intention to work as a nurse. A nurse-patient relationship based on trust could buffer the negative effect of abusive supervision on emotional exhaustion. Healthcare organizations and nurse educators should implement programs that educate and train individuals about abusive supervision, emotion regulation, and positive nurse-patient relationships; this would serve to decrease nursing students’ intention to leave the nursing profession. This study provides relevant implications for helping nursing instructors develop effective intervention strategies to retain talented nursing personnel.
Oleanolic acid and its analogues: promising therapeutics for kidney disease
Authors: Pan Dan , Qu Yilun , Shi Chunru , Xu Cheng , Zhang Jie , Du Hongjian , Chen Xiangmei
Published: May 2024

Kidney diseases pose a significant threat to human health due to their high prevalence and mortality rates. Worryingly, the clinical use of drugs for kidney diseases is associated with more side effects, so more effective and safer treatments are urgently needed. Oleanolic acid (OA) is a common pentacyclic triterpenoid that is widely available in nature and has been shown to have protective effects in kidney disease. However, comprehensive studies on its role in kidney diseases are still lacking. Therefore, this article first explores the botanical sources, pharmacokinetics, derivatives, and safety of OA, followed by a summary of the anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-oxidative stress, autophagy-enhancing, and antifibrotic effects of OA and its analogues in renal diseases, and an analysis of the molecular mechanisms, aiming to provide further insights for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of kidney diseases.
Placental growth factor promotes neural invasion and predicts disease prognosis in resectable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Göhrig Andreas , Hilfenhaus Georg , Rosseck Friederike , Welzel Martina , Moser Benjamin , Barbone Gianluca , Kunze Catarina Alisa , Rein Johannes , Wilken Gregor , Böhmig Michael , Malinka Thomas , Tacke Frank , Bahra Marcus , Detjen Katharina M. , Fischer Christian
Published: May 2024

Background

Surgery represents the only curative treatment option for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but recurrence in more than 85% of patients limits the success of curative-intent tumor resection. Neural invasion (NI), particularly the spread of tumor cells along nerves into extratumoral regions of the pancreas, constitutes a well-recognized risk factor for recurrence. Hence, monitoring and therapeutic targeting of NI offer the potential to stratify recurrence risk and improve recurrence-free survival. Based on the evolutionary conserved dual function of axon and vessel guidance molecules, we hypothesize that the proangiogenic vessel guidance factor placental growth factor (PlGF) fosters NI. To test this hypothesis, we correlated PlGF with NI in PDAC patient samples and functionally assessed its role for the interaction of tumor cells with nerves.

Methods

Serum levels of PlGF and its soluble receptor sFlt1, and expression of PlGF mRNA transcripts in tumor tissues were determined by ELISA or qPCR in a retrospective discovery and a prospective validation cohort. Free circulating PlGF was calculated from the ratio PlGF/sFlt1. Incidence and extent of NI were quantified based on histomorphometric measurements and separately assessed for intratumoral and extratumoral nerves. PlGF function on reciprocal chemoattraction and directed neurite outgrowth was evaluated in co-cultures of PDAC cells with primary dorsal-root-ganglia neurons or Schwann cells using blocking anti-PlGF antibodies.

Results

Elevated circulating levels of free PlGF correlated with NI and shorter overall survival in patients with PDAC qualifying for curative-intent surgery. Furthermore, high tissue PlGF mRNA transcript levels in patients undergoing curative-intent surgery correlated with a higher incidence and greater extent of NI spreading to tumor-distant extratumoral nerves. In turn, more abundant extratumoral NI predicted shorter disease-free and overall survival. Experimentally, PlGF facilitated directional and dynamic changes in neurite outgrowth of primary dorsal-root-ganglia neurons upon exposure to PDAC derived guidance and growth factors and supported mutual chemoattraction of tumor cells with neurons and Schwann cells.

Conclusion

Our translational results highlight PlGF as an axon guidance factor, which fosters neurite outgrowth and attracts tumor cells towards nerves. Hence, PlGF represents a promising circulating biomarker of NI and potential therapeutic target to improve the clinical outcome for patients with resectable PDAC.

Graphical Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency and VDR gene polymorphism FokI (rs2228570) are associated with diabetes mellitus in adults: COVID-inconfidentes study
Authors: Moura Samara Silva de , de Menezes-Júnior Luiz Antônio Alves , Rocha Ana Maria Sampaio , Batista Aline Priscila , Sabião Thaís da Silva , de Menezes Mariana Carvalho , Machado-Coelho George Luiz Lins , Carraro Júlia Cristina Cardoso , Meireles Adriana Lúcia
Published: May 2024

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and multifactorial condition, including environmental risk factors such as lifestyle habits and genetic conditions.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the association of VDR gene polymorphism (rs2228570) FokI and vitamin D levels with diabetes in adults.

Methods

Cross-sectional population-based study in adults, conducted from October to December 2020 in two Brazilian cities. The outcome variable was diabetes, defined as glycated hemoglobin ≥ 6.5% or self-report medical diagnosis or use of oral hypoglycemic drugs. Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) was measured by indirect electrochemiluminescence, and classified as deficiency when 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL. All participants were genotyped for VDR FokI polymorphism by qPCR and classified as homozygous mutant (ff or GG), heterozygous (Ff or AG), or homozygous wild (FF or AA). A combined analysis between the FokI polymorphism and vitamin D levels with diabetes was also examined. A directed acyclic graph (DAG) was used to select minimal and sufficient adjustment for confounding variables by the backdoor criterion.

Results

The prevalence of DM was 9.4% and vitamin D deficiency (VDD) was 19.9%. The genotype distribution of FokI polymorphism was 9.9% FF, 44.8% Ff, and 45.3% ff. It was possible to verify a positive association between vitamin D deficiency and DM (OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.06–4.50). Individuals with the altered allele (ff) had a 1.78 higher prevalence of DM (OR: 1.78; 95% CI; 1.10–2.87). Combined analyses, individuals with vitamin D deficiency and one or two copies of the altered FokI allele had a higher prevalence of DM (Ff + ff: OR: 1.67; 95% CI; 1.07–2.61; ff: OR: 3.60; 95% CI; 1.40–9.25).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that vitamin D deficiency and FokI polymorphism are associated with DM.

Graphical abstract
CGRP as a potential mediator for the sexually dimorphic responses to traumatic brain injury
Authors: Li Chunyan , Ajmal Erum , Alok Khaled , Powell Keren , Wadolowski Steven , Tambo Willians , Turpin Justin , Barthélemy Ernest , Al-Abed Yousef , LeDoux David
Published: May 2024

Background

The outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) exhibit variance contingent upon biological sex. Although female sex hormones exert neuroprotective effects, the administration of estrogen and progesterone has not yielded conclusive results. Hence, it is conceivable that additional mediators, distinct from female sex hormones, merit consideration due to their potential differential impact on TBI outcomes. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) exhibits sexually dimorphic expression and demonstrates neuroprotective effects in acute brain injuries. In this study, we aimed to examine sex-based variations in TBI structural and functional outcomes with respect to CGRP expression.

Methods

Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to controlled cortical impact to induce severe TBI, followed by interventions with and without CGRP inhibition. In the acute phase of TBI, the study centered on elucidating the influence of CGRP on oxidative stress, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling in the peri-impact tissue. Subsequently, during the chronic phase of TBI, the investigation expanded to evaluate CGRP expression in relation to lesion volume, microvascular dysfunction, and white matter injury, as well as working and spatial memory, anxiety-like, and depression-like behaviors in subjects of both sexes.

Results

Female rats exhibited elevated levels of CGRP in the peri-impact brain tissue during both baseline conditions and in the acute and chronic phases of TBI, in comparison to age-matched male counterparts. Enhanced CGRP levels in specific brain sub-regions among female rats correlated with superior structural and functional outcomes following TBI compared to their male counterparts. CGRP inhibition induced heightened oxidative stress and a reduction in the expression of Nrf2 and eNOS in both male and female rats, with the observed alteration being more pronounced in females than in males.

Conclusions

This study marks the inaugural identification of CGRP as a downstream mediator contributing to the sexually dimorphic response observed in TBI outcomes.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomal lncRNA GAS5 mitigates heart failure by inhibiting UL3/Hippo pathway-mediated ferroptosis
Authors: Ren Yu , Zhao Xingsheng
Published: May 2024

Background

Exosomes (Exos) are involved in the therapeutic effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on heart failure (HF). We investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of BMSC-Exos in ferroptosis on HF.

Methods

A rat model of HF and cellular model of hypoxia were established. BMSC-Exos were injected into model rats or co-cultured with model cells. In model rats, the cardiac function (echocardiography), oxidative stress (commercial kits), pathological damage (HE staining), fibrosis (MASSON staining), iron deposition (Prussian blue staining), and cell apoptosis (TUNEL staining) were examined. Viability (cell counting kit-8; CCK-8), cell cycle (flow cytometry), oxidative stress, and Fe2+ levels were detected in the model cells. GAS5, UL3, YAP, and TAZ expression were detected using qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry analyses.

Results

BMSC-Exos restored cardiac function and inhibited oxidative stress, apoptosis, pathological damage, fibrosis, and iron deposition in myocardial tissues of HF rats. In hypoxic cells, BMSC-Exos increased cell viability, decreased the number of G1 phase cells, decreased Fe2+ levels, and inhibited oxidative stress. Ferrostatin-1 (a ferroptosis inhibitor) exhibited a synergistic effect with BMSC-Exos. Additionally, GAS5 was upregulated in BMSC-Exos, further upregulating its target UL3 and Hippo pathway effectors (YAP and TAZ). The relieving effects of BMSC-Exos on HF or hypoxia-induced injury were enhanced by GAS5 overexpression, but weakened by UL3 silencing or verteporfin (a YAP inhibitor).

Conclusions

GAS5-harbouring BMSC-Exos inhibited ferroptosis by regulating the UL3/Hippo pathway, contributing to HF remission in vivo and in vitro.
The role of cognitive flexibility on higher level executive functions in mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults
Authors: Corbo Ilaria , Troisi Giovanna , Marselli Giulia , Casagrande Maria
Published: May 2024

Background

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a preclinical condition between healthy and pathological aging, which is characterized by impairments in executive functions (EFs), including cognitive flexibility. According to Diamond’s model, cognitive flexibility is a core executive function, along with working memory and inhibition, but it requires the development of these last EFs to reach its full potential. In this model, planning and fluid intelligence are considered higher-level EFs. Given their central role in enabling individuals to adapt their daily life behavior efficiently, the goal is to gain valuable insight into the functionality of cognitive flexibility in a preclinical form of cognitive decline. This study aims to investigate the role of cognitive flexibility and its components, set-shifting and switching, in MCI. The hypotheses are as follows: (I) healthy participants are expected to perform better than those with MCI on cognitive flexibility and higher-level EFs tasks, taking into account the mediating role of global cognitive functioning; (II) cognitive flexibility can predict performance on higher-level EFs (i.e., planning and fluid intelligence) tasks differently in healthy individuals and those diagnosed with MCI.

Methods

Ninety participants were selected and divided into a healthy control group (N = 45; mean age 64.1 ± 6.80; 66.6% female) and an MCI group (N = 45; mean age 65.2 ± 8.14; 40% female). Cognitive flexibility, fluid intelligence, planning, and global cognitive functioning of all participants were assessed using standardized tasks.

Results

Results indicated that individuals with MCI showed greater impairment in global cognitive functioning and EFs performance. Furthermore, the study confirms the predictive role of cognitive flexibility for higher EFs in individuals with MCI and only partially in healthy older adults.
From the grave to the lab: evaluation of archaeological human bone preservation based on micro-computed tomography analysis
Authors: Xi Yihang , Ling Xue , Chen Liang , Li Naisheng , Wang Hao , Wang Jun
Published: May 2024

Timely understanding of the preservation status of archaeological human bones is the foundation for conducting scientific archaeological work. This paper applies Micro-CT technology to analyze the microscopic preservation status of ancient human femora unearthed from the Rui State site in Liangdai Village, Hancheng, Shaanxi, the Chejiasi Cemetery in Baoji, and the Ouerping Cemetery in Xizhou Village, Yushe, Shanxi, and obtained imaging results and cortical bone porosity (Ct.Po), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), and bone density (BMD) parameters for 9 samples. The results show that the poorly preserved fragile group has lower Ct.Po, BV/TV, and BMD, and macroscopically presents fragile and porous features; while the well-preserved dense group has relatively higher Ct.Po, BV/TV, and BMD, and macroscopically appears solid and dense. This study employs Micro-CT technology to analyze the micro-preservation status of human bones from historical periods, confirming the effectiveness of this technology in revealing the microstructure of ancient human bones, and providing a reference for establishing a human bone preservation status evaluation system.
Advancing skeletal health and disease research with single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Lin Peng , Gan Yi-Bo , He Jian , Lin Si-En , Xu Jian-Kun , Chang Liang , Zhao Li-Ming , Zhu Jun , Zhang Liang , Huang Sha , Hu Ou , Wang Ying-Bo , Jin Huai-Jian , Li Yang-Yang , Yan Pu-Lin , Chen Lin , Jiang Jian-Xin , Liu Peng
Published: May 2024

Orthopedic conditions have emerged as global health concerns, impacting approximately 1.7 billion individuals worldwide. However, the limited understanding of the underlying pathological processes at the cellular and molecular level has hindered the development of comprehensive treatment options for these disorders. The advent of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology has revolutionized biomedical research by enabling detailed examination of cellular and molecular diversity. Nevertheless, investigating mechanisms at the single-cell level in highly mineralized skeletal tissue poses technical challenges. In this comprehensive review, we present a streamlined approach to obtaining high-quality single cells from skeletal tissue and provide an overview of existing scRNA-seq technologies employed in skeletal studies along with practical bioinformatic analysis pipelines. By utilizing these methodologies, crucial insights into the developmental dynamics, maintenance of homeostasis, and pathological processes involved in spine, joint, bone, muscle, and tendon disorders have been uncovered. Specifically focusing on the joint diseases of degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis using scRNA-seq has provided novel insights and a more nuanced comprehension. These findings have paved the way for discovering novel therapeutic targets that offer potential benefits to patients suffering from diverse skeletal disorders.
Acoustic change complex (ACC) as a new tool in assessment of hearing aid performance in children
Authors: Shalaby Amani Ahmed , El-Kholy Wafaa Abdel-Hay , El-kabarity Rasha Hamdy , Abd-Alfattah Mona , Shafik Noha Ali
Published: May 2024

Objective

To evaluate the clinical use of acoustic change complex (ACC) as an objective tool in children who use hearing aids (H.As) and explore how far ACC threshold could be correlated to behavioral measures.

Study design

Sixty Arabic-speaking children (34 boys & 26 girls) using binaural H.As participated in the present study. Their age ranged from 6 to 12 years. The short stimulus used in the present study to elicit ACC response was “gap in tone.” Evaluation of H.As of children was performed in the form of questionnaire, aided sound field thresholds, central auditory tests, and aided/unaided cortical ACC recordings. The replicated ACC waveforms were collected and analyzed, and the aided ACC responses were compared with unaided ACC in addition to correlation of ACC-GDT to behavioral thresholds/scores.

Results

The highest percent of ACC detectability achieved with gap in tone with 50-ms duration. Percent detectability reached 65% in aided condition and decreased to 25% in unaided test condition. The aided ACC wave morphology showed no significant difference when compared with unaided condition; however, a significant decrease in ACC latency was observed in the aided condition. The ACC response was elicited easily at 40-dB sensation levels or at MCL in both conditions. The ACC-GDT showed correlation to questionnaire scores rather than behavioral test (AFT).

Conclusions

ACC to relatively short duration stimulus can be successfully recorded in hearing-impaired children in aided and unaided conditions. ACC response parameters (detectability and P1 latency) can reflect the benefit from H.As as an objective measure in evaluation of young children and difficult to test subjects with the usual subjective measures, and finally, ACC-GDT may add a predictive value to questionnaire scores which may help in case of inability of parents or caregivers to fulfill the entire questionnaire items.
Predictors of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors primary failure in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Khafagi Amira Mohamed , Mosa Doaa Mosad , Hawaas Salah , Hafez Eman Abdelrazek
Published: May 2024

Background

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) have emerged as an efficient therapeutic modality for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A ratio of patients does not give a response despite therapy. It remains a challenge to predict which patients will respond. Our study aims to investigate early predictors of primary TNFi failure in RA patients. Patients were categorized into two groups based on TNFi therapy (responder/non-responder) and then compared to detect the most significant predictors of treatment failure.

Results

This study included 87 RA patients treated with TNFi for the first time after conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) failed. This study showed that compared to those with successful treatment, patients with overall primary failure were significantly higher in older age, females, smokers, obese, younger age at the onset of the disease, or those with deformity. In addition, the drug failure was significantly related to erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (100 vs 68 mm/h), C-reactive protein (CRP) (48 vs 12 mg/dl), rheumatoid factor (RF) positivity (29% vs 16%), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) positivity (39% vs 23%), and non-methotrexate (MTX) concomitant use (33% vs 40%).

Conclusion

The increased age, being a smoker, earlier age at onset, presence of a deformity, and positive anti-CCP at baseline were predictors of overall failure. At the same time, concomitant MTX intake increased the success rate by 9.6%.
Hybrid feature selection method for predicting software defect
Authors: Anju A. J. , Judith J. E.
Published: May 2024

To address the challenges associated with the abundance of features in software datasets, this study proposes a novel hybrid feature selection method that combines quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO) and principal component analysis (PCA). The objective is to identify a subset of relevant features that can effectively contribute to the accuracy of a predictive model based on an artificial neural network (ANN). The quantum particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed to optimize the selection of features by simulating the behavior of quantum particles in a search space. This approach enhances the exploration and exploitation capabilities, allowing for a more effective identification of relevant features. Furthermore, principal component analysis is integrated into the hybrid method to reduce dimensionality and remove multicollinearity among features, thereby improving the efficiency of the feature selection process. The proposed hybrid method is applied to software defect datasets, where the selected subset of features is fed into an artificial neural network for defect prediction. The performance of the hybrid model is compared with traditional feature selection methods, standalone QPSO, and PCA. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the hybrid approach in achieving superior predictive accuracy while reducing the dimensionality of the dataset. The proposed approach not only enhances prediction accuracy but also provides a more interpretable and efficient subset of features for building robust defect prediction models.
An interpretable ensemble machine-learning workflow for permeability predictions in tight sandstone reservoirs using logging data
Authors: Feng Ping , Wang Ruijia , Sun Jianmeng , Yan Weichao , Chi Peng , Luo Xin
Published: May 2024

Tight sandstone reservoirs exhibit strong vertical heterogeneity and complex pore structures, challenging conventional permeability evaluation methods based on well-logging data. Although rising machine-learning (ML) techniques have demonstrated excellent accuracy for industrial applications, the physics and rationality within such a powerful “black box” remain less clear. Hence, reliable permeability prediction would benefit from an interpretable ML-based workflow that could reveal the controlling factors. To compare the models and examine the underlying features, 16 different ML submodels are tested after data preprocessing, feature selection, and hyperparameter optimization. By comparing the fitting accuracy and tuning time, the light gradient boosting machine optimized by the whale optimization algorithm, referred to as LGB-WOA, is determined to be the optimal model with the best fitting accuracy and relatively short tuning time. A field data application demonstrates that even in highly heterogeneous reservoir sections, the LGB-WOA model outperformed conventional petrophysical models by being the most consistent with reservoir permeability directly measured from the core samples ([Formula: see text]). The Shapley additive explanation values are then used to interpret the predictions of our LGB-WOA model. As expected, the porosity curve exhibits the highest feature importance among all input features, significantly contributing to permeability predictions. Conversely, a wellbore diameter and compensated neutron log contribute the least and need not be used for subsequent model improvements. These experiments and workflow provide a powerful method for accurately assessing the permeability in complex reservoirs and contribute to a broader understanding of the application of ML in reservoir characterization, paving the way for establishing more interpretable and reliable prediction models.
Mapping 15-year depressive symptom transitions in late life: population-based cohort study
Authors: Triolo Federico , Vetrano Davide Liborio , Trevisan Caterina , Sjöberg Linnea , Calderón-Larrañaga Amaia , Belvederi Murri Martino , Fratiglioni Laura , Dekhtyar Serhiy
Published: May 2024

Background

The longitudinal course of late-life depression remains under-studied.

Aims

To describe transitions along the depression continuum in old age and to identify factors associated with specific transition patterns.

Method

We analysed 15-year longitudinal data on 2745 dementia-free persons aged 60+ from the population-based Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen. Depression (minor and major) was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision; subsyndromal depression (SSD) was operationalised as the presence of ≥2 symptoms without depression. Multistate survival models were used to map depression transitions, including death, and to examine the association of psychosocial (social network, connection and support), lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity) and clinical (somatic disease count) factors with transition patterns.

Results

Over the follow-up, 19.1% had ≥1 transitions across depressive states, while 6.5% had ≥2. Each additional somatic disease was associated with a higher hazard of progression from no depression (No Dep) to SSD (hazard ratio 1.09; 1.07–1.10) and depression (Dep) (hazard ratio 1.06; 1.04–1.08), but also with a lower recovery (HRSSD−No Dep 0.95; 0.93–0.97 [where ‘HR’ refers to ‘hazard ratio’]; HRDep−No Dep 0.96; 0.93–0.99). Physical activity was associated with an increased hazard of recovery to no depression from SSD (hazard ratio 1.49; 1.28–1.73) and depression (hazard ratio 1.20; 1.00–1.44), while a richer social network was associated with both higher recovery from (HRSSD−No Dep 1.44; 1.26–1.66; HRDep−No Dep 1.51; 1.34–1.71) and lower progression hazards to a worse depressive state (HRNo Dep−SSD 0.81; 0.70–0.94; HRNo Dep−Dep 0.58; 0.46–0.73; HRSSD−Dep 0.66; 0.44–0.98).

Conclusions

Older people may present with heterogeneous depressive trajectories. Targeting the accumulation of somatic diseases and enhancing social interactions may be appropriate for both depression prevention and burden reduction, while promoting physical activity may primarily benefit recovery from depressive disorders.
Downstream Revenue Generated by Patients With Hereditary Cancer in the Multigene Panel Testing Era
Authors: Mauer Hall Caitlin B. , Reys Brian D. , Gemmell Amber P. , Campbell Connor L. , Pirzadeh-Miller Sara M.
Published: May 2024

PURPOSE

Patients with hereditary cancer syndromes face increased medical management recommendations to address their cancer risks. As multigene panels are the standard of testing today, more patients needing clinical intervention are being identified. This study calculates the downstream revenue (DSR) generated by patients ascertained by a genetic counselor (GC) with a hereditary cancer likely pathogenic/pathogenic variant (LPV/PV).

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was performed for patients seen in a high-volume cancer genetics clinic between October 1, 2009, and December 31, 2021, with LPV/PVs in hereditary cancer predisposition genes. DSR and work relative value units (wRVUs) were calculated for each patient before and after they met with a GC. Subgroup analyses calculated DSR/wRVUs from patients affected and unaffected with cancer and those whose genetic counseling visit was the first at the institution (naїve).

RESULTS

A total of 978 patients were available for analysis after exclusions were applied. Patients generated $73.06 million (M) in US dollars (USD) in DSR and 54,814 wRVUs after their initial genetic counseling visit. Unaffected patients (n = 370, 37.8%) generated $11.38M (USD) and 13,879 wRVUs; affected patients (n = 608, 62.2%) generated $61.68M (USD) and 40,935 wRVUs. Naïve patients (n = 367, 37.5%) generated $15.39M (USD) and 11,811 wRVUs; established patients (n = 611, 62.5%) generated $57.67M (USD) and 43,003 wRVUs. Unaffected, naïve patients (n = 204, 20.9%) generated $5.48M (USD) and 5,186 wRVUs.

CONCLUSION

By identifying patients with hereditary cancer, GCs can bring in substantial DSR for their institution. Naïve and unaffected patients provide the greatest GC value-add as these patients represent new business and revenue sources to the institution. As multigene panels continue to expand, the number of patients needing downstream services will increase. Recognizing patients at increased cancer risk will improve patient outcomes while simultaneously providing DSR for institutions.