bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of the MENTOR model to advance One Health by promoting bat conservation and reducing zoonotic spillover risk
Authors: Smith Lindsay J. , Gelman Nancy , O’Mara M. Teague , Frick Winifred F. , Ronis Emily M. , Cameron Kenneth N. , Gonzales Amanda , Coleman Jeremy T. H. , Reichard Jonathan D. , de Wit Luz A.
Published: October 2024

For few taxonomic groups do conservation efforts have such a disproportionate impact on biodiversity and human well-being as they do with bats. Bats face significant conservation challenges that affect their long-term viability, inhibit their ecosystem functions and services, and increase zoonotic spillover risks. Protecting bat populations and their habitats ultimately reduces these conservation threats, helps prevent pandemics, and supports essential ecosystem services. MENTOR-Bat is a fellowship program focused on strengthening technical research, and leadership capacity in the Global South to promote healthy environments where bats and humans can coexist with reduced risks of pathogen transmission. Co-designed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Bat Conservation International (BCI), MENTOR-Bat mirrors the One Health framework by featuring a transdisciplinary team of three mentors and nine fellows from Cameroon, Colombia, and Indonesia. Fellows and mentors receive academic and field-based training on bat ecology and conservation, One Health, human dimensions of conservation, behavior change, strategic communications, international policy, adaptive management, project planning, conservation leadership, and public health. Fellows will then design and implement team pilot projects to advance One Health and bat conservation in their respective countries. Program evaluation of MENTOR-Bat is based on Kirkpatrick’s Hierarchy and focuses on measuring the development of established One Health core competences. By incorporating One Health and conservation within its activities, MENTOR-Bat can become a valuable programmatic template for transdisciplinary programming advancing evidence-based strategies for improving the well-being of bats, humans, and the environment.
Single-cell technology for drug discovery and development
Authors: Zhang Anzhuo , Zou Jiawei , Xi Yue , Gao Lianchong , Deng Fulan , Liu Yujun , Gao Pengfei , Tong Henry H. Y. , Tan Lianjiang , Zou Xin , Hao Jie
Published: October 2024

The success rate of drug development today remains low, with long development cycles and high costs, especially in areas such as oncology, neurology, immunology, and infectious diseases. Single-cell omics, encompassing transcriptomics, genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics enable the analysis of gene expression profiles and cellular heterogeneity from the perspective of individual cells, offering a high-resolution view of their functional diversity. These technologies can help reveal disease mechanisms, drug target identification and validation, selection of preclinical models and candidate drugs, and clinical decision-making based on disease response to drugs, all at the single-cell level. The development of deep learning technology has provided a powerful tool for research in drug discovery based on single-cell techniques, which has evolved with the advent of large-scale public databases to predict drug responses and targets. In addition, traditional Chinese medicine (TCMs) research has also entered the era of single-cell technology. Single-cell omics technologies offer an alternative way in deciphering the mechanisms of TCMs in disease treatment, revealing drug targets, screening new drugs, and designing combinations of TCMs. This review aims to explore the application of single-cell omics technologies in drug screening and development comprehensively, highlighting how they accelerate the drug development process and facilitate personalized medicine by precisely identifying therapeutic targets, predicting drug responsiveness, deciphering mechanisms of action. It is also concluded that drug development process and therapeutic efficacy of drugs can be improved by combining single-cell omics and artificial intelligence techniques.
Case Report: Dental treatment under general anesthesia and dental management of a child with congenital ichthyosis
Authors: Hino Ryoko , Chiba Yuta , Maruya Yuriko , Tadano Manami , Otake Shinji , Hoshikawa Seira , Sasahara Yoji , Saito Kan
Published: October 2024

Congenital ichthyosis is a disease in which the stratum corneum on the surface of the skin becomes thick from the time of the fetus and the barrier function of the skin is impaired. Congenital ichthyosis is a genetic disorder that causes ectodermal abnormalities and sometimes affects skin, nails, and tooth enamel. Therefore, some patients require special care in their daily life and during dental treatments. Here, the authors report a case of congenital ichthyosis that developed into severe dental caries at two years and nine months of age. The authors performed whole-exome sequencing in his peripheral blood and found that the patient had compound heterozygous mutations in ALOX12B gene (c.159C>G and c.1579G>A), which is responsible for autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis-2 (MIM#2421000). Mutation of c.159C>G is a nonsense mutation that has never been reported, therefore novel symptoms might have found. The patients exhibited severe caries by hypoplastic teeth. Here, the authors report the treatment of dental caries in a patient with congenital ichthyosis under general anesthesia and its oral management until mixed dentition.
Analysis of the determinant factors in university dropout: a case study of Ecuador
Authors: Núñez-Naranjo Aracelly Fernanda
Published: October 2024

University dropout is a social issue that directly impacts both families and the state, characterized by disparities in enrollment and graduation based on various factors. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the determinants of university dropout supported by multifactorial analysis at a private university in Ecuador. This research was conducted within a post-positivist paradigm with a quantitative approach, utilizing digitized statistical records of students and results from a personalized survey sent to dropouts via email. Out of a total of 1,078 students admitted and/or enrolled over 5 years, a sample was analyzed from the 484 who dropped out. Student dropout is associated with personal, familial, economic, academic, and institutional factors, contributing to school abandonment with an estimated probability of 44.90%. In conclusion, a higher dropout rate was observed among male students from public institutions who did not complete the first cycle, despite having a higher number of enrollments at the university. Finally, the Multilevel Logistic Regression model can predict with 76.44% accuracy the behavior of the independent variables affecting school dropout.
Factors associated with occult lateral lymph node metastases in patients with clinically lymph node negative papillary thyroid carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fei Yuan , Wang Bin , Yao Xinmin , Wu Jian
Published: October 2024

Background

It remains unclear which category of patients with clinically lymph node negative (cN0) papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) might have higher risk of occult lateral lymph node metastasis (OLLNM) due to the conflicting results in previous studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate factors associated with OLLNM in patients with cN0 PTC.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were comprehensively searched by two independent investigators to 15 August 2022. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the pooled analysis. This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022353567).

Results

Fifteen eligible studies involving 8369 patients with cN0 PTC were included in this meta-analysis. We found 7 factors significantly associated with OLLNM, including male (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.30 to 1.66; P < 0.001), age<45y (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.31 to 2.06; P < 0.001), tumor size > 10mm (OR, 3.17; 95% CI, 2.04 to 4.93; P <0.001), tumor located in upper pole (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.44 to 2.27; P <0.001), bilaterality (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.37 to 2.02; P <0.001), extrathyroidal extension (ETE) (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.72 to 3.68; P <0.001) and increased number of central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) (OR, 6.84; 95% CI, 5.66 to 8.27; P <0.001). The results of sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were similar to the pooled results. No significant publication bias was observed.

Conclusions

The systematic review and meta-analysis identified 7 factors associated with OLLNM in patients with cN0 PTC. Future studies are needed to validate our results.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42022353567.
The challenge of the differential diagnosis between brown tumors and metastases in parathyroid carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Dinoi Elisa , Prete Alessandro , Sardella Chiara , Pierotti Laura , Della Valentina Simone , Dal Lago Anna , Borsari Simona , Pardi Elena , Caligo Maria Adelaide , Michelucci Angela , Torregrossa Liborio , Rossi Piercarlo , Cetani Filomena
Published: October 2024

Background

Brown tumors are rare bone manifestations of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) that may occur at different sites either as single or multiple lesions and they can easily be mistaken for malignant lesions. Neither bone site nor morphological or functional imaging are useful to drive the differential diagnosis and biopsy is often the only conclusive procedure.

Case description

We report the case of a 53 years-old man referred to our outpatient clinic for severe symptomatic PHPT complicated by nephrolithiasis and osteoporosis. Neck ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan showed a large irregular lesion posterior to the lower pole of the right thyroid lobe consistent with an enlarged parathyroid gland. Moreover, two bone lytic lesions were described at the left scapula and the contiguous 7th rib that showed an increased uptake at total bone scintigraphy. Given the clinical and biochemical picture, the features of the parathyroid lesion and the presence of bone lytic lesions, the suspicion of metastatic parathyroid carcinoma (PC) was raised. However, a CT-guided biopsy performed on the left scapula revealed a brown tumor. The patient underwent en-bloc resection of the right inferior parathyroid grand with the ipsilateral thyroid gland lobe. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of PC. Post-surgical biochemical evaluations showed that the patient was cured. A repeated total body CT scan revealed an osteoblastic appearance of the bone lesions ascribed to the partial regression of the brown tumors following surgery.

Conclusions

The implication of a diagnosis of brown tumor or bone metastasis is widely different; in fact, the first tends to regress with the surgical treatment of PHPT, whereas the latter has limited cure option and negatively affects the prognosis of patients. Therefore, although brown tumors are extremely rarer than in the past, they must always be taken into consideration in the presence of bone lesions, even in cases of high suspicion of malignancy, to avoid unnecessary and harmful surgical interventions.
Association between penultimate ejaculatory abstinence and sperm quality: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jiang Yuting , Zhu Yueying , Kong Qingkuo , Lv Xin , Xi Qi , Yu Yang
Published: October 2024

Background

Ejaculatory abstinence (EA) duration influences semen parameters. However, the impact of penultimate ejaculatory abstinence (PEA) on conventional and functional sperm parameters remains underexplored.

Method

A cross-sectional study recruited 1,503 men from a reproductive center between November 2023 and July 2024. Each participant underwent a physical examination, completed clinical questionnaires, and provided a semen sample for analysis. Generalized linear models were adjusted for potential confounders such as EA to investigate the association between PEA and various sperm parameters. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between PEA and the risk of high sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and necrozoospermia.

Results

Participants were categorized into four quartiles based on PEA duration. (Q1: 1-3 days; Q2: 4-5 days; Q3: 6-9 days; Q4: > 9 days). After adjusting for potential confounders, a significant positive linear association was found between PEA and DFI, while a significant negative linear association was observed with progressive sperm motility. The longest PEA duration (Q4) correlated positively with semen concentration (P = 0.025), total sperm count (P < 0.001), and sperm vitality (P < 0.001). Compared to Q1, a PEA of > 9 days (Q4) was associated with higher risks of sperm DFI > 30% (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 4.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.37-7.62), asthenozoospermia (adjusted OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.07-1.96), and necrozoospermia (adjusted OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.07-3.69). Moreover, the risk of sperm DFI > 15% was higher in Q2, Q3, and Q4 compared to Q1.

Conclusion

Prolonged PEA adversely affects sperm DFI, progressive motility, and sperm vitality, increasing the likelihood of asthenozoospermia, necrozoospermia, and elevated DFI levels. These findings suggest that both EA and PEA should be considered in fertility assessments, with shorter PEA durations potentially yielding higher quality sperm, thereby enhancing male fertility evaluation and outcomes.
The decreased serum levels of interleukin-38 in patients with gout and its clinical significance
Authors: Huang Hua , Zhou Yinxin , Li Yan , Zhao Hui , Wu Xiudi , Li Mingcai
Published: October 2024

Background

Interleukin (IL)-38 is a newly discovered anti-inflammatory cytokine. However, its concentration and clinical significance in patients with gout remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the levels of IL-38 in patients with gout and evaluate their clinical significance.

Methods

Thirty-two patients with active gout, 27 patients with inactive gout, and 20 negative controls (NCs) were included in the study. Clinical parameters, including white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, uric acid, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glutamyl transpeptidase, and glycoserated serum protein, were obtained from laboratory tests of blood samples. The serum concentration of IL-38 was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Spearman’s correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve assessments were used to investigate the role and diagnostic value of IL-38 in gout.

Results

Patients with active and inactive gout exhibited significantly lower serum IL-38 levels than NCs. No significant differences were observed between the two gout groups. A negative correlation was observed between IL-38 and white blood cell counts, whereas a positive correlation was found between IL-38 and creatinine levels. Furthermore, IL-38, either alone or in combination with uric acid, demonstrated substantial diagnostic potential.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the decreased serum levels of IL-38 in patients with gout compared to that in NCs indicates that IL-38 may have immunomodulatory effects on gout inflammation and possesses clinical application value.
Single-cell analysis of matrisome-related genes in breast invasive carcinoma: new avenues for molecular subtyping and risk estimation
Authors: Su Lingzi , Wang Zhe , Cai Mengcheng , Wang Qin , Wang Man , Yang Wenxiao , Gong Yabin , Fang Fanfu , Xu Ling
Published: October 2024

Background

The incidence of breast cancer remains high and severely affects human health. However, given the heterogeneity of tumor cells, identifying additional characteristics of breast cancer cells is essential for accurate treatment.

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze the relevant characteristics of matrix genes in breast cancer through the multigroup data of a breast cancer multi-database.

Methods

The related characteristics of matrix genes in breast cancer were analyzed using multigroup data from the breast cancer multi database in the Cancer Genome Atlas, and the differential genes of breast cancer matrix genes were identified using the elastic net penalty logic regression method. The risk characteristics of matrix genes in breast cancer were determined, and matrix gene expression in different breast cancer cells was evaluated using real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A consensus clustering algorithm was used to identify the biological characteristics of the population based on the matrix molecular subtypes in breast cancer, followed by gene mutation, immune correlation, pathway, and ligand-receptor analyses.

Results

This study reveals the genetic characteristics of cell matrix related to breast cancer. It is found that 18.1% of stromal genes are related to the prognosis of breast cancer, and these genes are mostly concentrated in the biological processes related to metabolism and cytokines in protein. Five different matrix-related molecular subtypes were identified by using the algorithm, and it was found that the five molecular subtypes were obviously different in prognosis, immune infiltration, gene mutation and drug-making gene analysis.

Conclusions

This study involved analyzing the characteristics of cell-matrix genes in breast cancer, guiding the precise prevention and treatment of the disease.
Erosive lichen planus: an unmet disease burden
Authors: Macken John H. , Senusi Amal , O’Toole Edel A. , Caley Matthew , Rognoni Emanuel , Fortune Farida
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To explore the demographic and clinical profile of erosive lichen planus (ELP) across multiple ethnicities within a single cohort, deepening our understanding of disease severity, progression and outcomes.

Methods

A longitudinal retrospective cohort study of ELP patients in the ethnically diverse population of East London was carried out, profiling ELP (n = 57) against the milder reticular lichen planus (RLP) (n = 35).

Results

A higher prevalence of ELP was observed in white populations compared to other ethnicities. Affected females were no more likely than males to develop ELP. There was an increased time to diagnosis for ELP patients (median ELP: 452 days, RLP: 312 days), spending longer in primary care before onward referral, in particular when referred by their general medical practitioner (GP) (median dentist 313 days, GP: 606 days). Depression was more likely to occur alongside ELP. Being an ex-smoker is a risk factor for ELP while being a current smoker is associated with RLP. A higher proportion of patients with ELP were missing teeth and had periodontal disease. Multisite involvement was more common in ELP, (ELP: 68% RLP: 11.43%). 55% of ELP cases developed scarring and were less likely to respond to first line medications, requiring systemic immunosuppression. The duration of follow up was increased in the ELP who were reviewed for almost twice as long as RLP patients (ELP 71 months, RLP 35 months).

Conclusion

ELP takes longer to diagnose, requires prolonged tertiary care and is more resistant to treatment, when compared across multiple ethnicities. These patients have increased medical and oral health needs and are at greater risk of scarring than the reticular form. A greater education amongst primary carers on its presentation, as well as a greater understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving ELP are required to improve diagnostics and identify novel therapeutic approaches.
A novel chimeric endolysin Cly2v shows potential in treating streptococci-induced bovine mastitis and systemic infections
Authors: Wang Shuang , Li Xinxin , Ji Junrou , Li Xiangmin , Zhu Hechao , Duan Xiaochao , Hu Dayue , Qian Ping
Published: October 2024

Streptococcus species are important pathogens implicated in bovine mastitis, causing considerable economic losses within the global dairy industry. With the development of multidrug-resistant bacteria, it is crucial to develop novel antibiotic alternatives. Here, we constructed a novel chimeric endolysin, Cly2v, which comprises the Ply2741 CHAP domain (1-155aa) and the PlyV12 CBD domain (146-314aa). Biochemical characterization analysis indicated that Cly2v exhibits a melting temperature of 50.7°C and retains stable bactericidal activity at pH = 3–10. In vitro experiments demonstrated that Cly2v exhibited more efficient bactericidal activity against Streptococcus compared to the parental endolysin Ply2741. Cly2v (25 μg/mL) can effectively inhibit and reduce biofilms formed by Streptococcus, resulting in a 68 and 44% reduction in OD590nm for S. agalactiae X2 and S. uberis 002–1 biofilms. Notably, in a mouse mastitis model, treatment with Cly2v (50 μg/gland) led to a reduction in bacterial load by 2.16 log10CFU/ml and decreased inflammatory cytokine levels in mammary tissue. To our knowledge, this represents the first application of a chimeric endolysin in the treatment of early-stage mouse mastitis induced by streptococci. Additionally, in a systemic infection model, treatment with Cly2v (400 μg/mouse) provided protection rates of up to 100 and 78% against S. agalactiae ATCC13813 infections when challenged for 1 h and 3 h, respectively. Furthermore, a significant reduction in bacterial loads was observed in the blood and organs compared to the PBS group. In summary, Cly2v possesses significant potential as an alternative antibiotic for the treatment of streptococci-induced bovine mastitis and systemic infections.
In vitro evaluation of tigecycline synergy testing with nine antimicrobial agents against Enterobacter cloacae clinical strains
Authors: Korczak Lukasz , Majewski Piotr , Rombel Krzysztof , Iwaniuk Dominika , Sacha Pawel , Modzelewski Mateusz , Tryniszewska Elzbieta
Published: October 2024

Enterobacterales (especially carbapenem-resistant) are considered an urgent threat to public health. The available antibiotic therapy is limited due to the increase of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Tigecycline, a minocycline derivative, has emerged as a potential key agent in the treatment of MDR isolates. The aim of the study was to evaluate the synergistic effect of tigecycline in combination with nine antimicrobial agents—ceftazidime/avibactam, colistin, ertapenem, gentamicin, imipenem, levofloxacin, meropenem/vaborbactam, polymyxin B, and rifampicin. Eighty clinical Enterobacter cloacae strains were obtained from patients of two University Hospitals in Bialystok, Poland. The E-test method was used to determine synergistic interactions. Among all combinations, synergy was reported in 61% of cases, addition in 32%, and indifference in 7%. The highest synergy rates were observed in tigecycline combinations with: ceftazidime/avibactam (60/80; 75%), imipenem (60/80; 75%), polymyxin B (55/80; 68.75%) and rifampicin (55/80; 68.75%), while the lowest synergy rate was noted in tigecycline-levofloxacin (26/80; 32.5%). The tigecycline-gentamicin showed the highest rate of indifference; antagonism, was not observed in any combination. In conclusion, tigecycline appears more suitable for use in combination therapy rather than as monotherapy and can be effectively paired with various antimicrobial agents against MDR E. cloacae. Further research will be necessary to confirm these results.
Identification of immune microenvironment subtypes and clinical risk biomarkers for osteoarthritis based on a machine learning model
Authors: Li Bao , Shen Yang , Liu Songbo , Yuan Hong , Liu Ming , Li Haokun , Zhang Tonghe , Du Shuyuan , Liu Xinwei
Published: October 2024

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease with a high incidence worldwide. Most affected patients do not exhibit obvious discomfort symptoms or imaging findings until OA progresses, leading to irreversible destruction of articular cartilage and bone. Therefore, developing new diagnostic biomarkers that can reflect articular cartilage injury is crucial for the early diagnosis of OA. This study aims to explore biomarkers related to the immune microenvironment of OA, providing a new research direction for the early diagnosis and identification of risk factors for OA.

Methods

We screened and downloaded relevant data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and the immune microenvironment-related genes (Imr-DEGs) were identified using the ImmPort data set by combining weighted coexpression analysis (WGCNA). Functional enrichment of GO and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were conducted to explore the correlation of Imr-DEGs. A random forest machine learning model was constructed to analyze the characteristic genes of OA, and the diagnostic significance was determined by the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) curve, with external datasets used to verify the diagnostic ability. Different immune subtypes of OA were identified by unsupervised clustering, and the function of these subtypes was analyzed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSVA). The Drug-Gene Interaction Database was used to explore the relationship between characteristic genes and drugs.

Results

Single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) revealed that 16 of 28 immune cell subsets in the dataset significantly differed between OA and normal groups. There were 26 Imr-DEGs identified by WGCNA, showing that functional enrichment was related to immune response. Using the random forest machine learning model algorithm, nine characteristic genes were obtained: BLNK (AUC = 0.809), CCL18 (AUC = 0.692), CD74 (AUC = 0.794), CSF1R (AUC = 0.835), RAC2 (AUC = 0.792), INSR (AUC = 0.765), IL11 (AUC = 0.662), IL18 (AUC = 0.699), and TLR7 (AUC = 0.807). A nomogram was constructed to predict the occurrence and development of OA, and the calibration curve confirmed the accuracy of these 9 genes in OA diagnosis.

Conclusion

This study identified characteristic genes related to the immune microenvironment in OA, providing new insight into the risk factors of OA.
Safety and early efficacy of involved-field SBRT for nodal oligo-recurrent prostate cancer
Authors: Koh Min Ji , Pilkington Padraig , Koh Min Jung , Lawlor Mary-Kate , Creswell Michael , O’Connor Timothy , Zwart Alan , Danner Malika , Kumar Deepak , Suy Simeng , Carrasquilla Michael , Collins Sean P.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Following treatment for localized prostate cancer, a subset of men will develop recurrent disease in the abdominopelvic nodes. For radiation therapy (RT), the optimal treatment volume, fractionation schedule, and dose remain unanswered questions. We report early outcomes for patients treated with involved-field stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) (IF-SBRT) for nodal oligo-recurrent (NOR) prostate cancer.

Methods

Between January 2018 and October 2023, 67 patients with a median age of 75 with NOR prostate cancer treated with 74 courses of IF-SBRT at Georgetown were eligible for this analysis. NOR was defined as any volume of disease that could be safely treated within an IF. All patients were treated with five-fraction IF-SBRT (27.5–35 Gy). The IF treatment volume was defined as the nodal basin containing the gross disease as well as the immediately adjacent basins. Disease progression was defined as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) rise above the pretreatment baseline or initiation of a second treatment. Local control and progression-free survival were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Detection of pre-SBRT NOR was ascertained by prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) (38%), fluciclovine (50%), or MRI/CT (12%). Median follow-up was 50 months (1–262). The median pre-salvage PSA was 6.5 ng/mL (range, 0.1–335). The median number of involved nodes was 3 (range, 1–16). The local control at 1 and 2 years was 98% and 93%, respectively. The 1- and 2-year progression-free survival was 78% and 50%, respectively. Twenty percent of treatment courses were followed by acute Grade 2 gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity: diarrhea (9%) and/or nausea (14%). Two patients (3%) experienced late Grade 2 nausea. On univariate analysis, measures of disease volume such as hormone sensitivity (p = 0.03), increasing involved node number (p = 0.008), and abdominal treatment (p = 0.03) were significantly associated with GI toxicity.

Conclusions

With the widespread adoption of PSMA agents, NORs are likely to increase. The optimal combination of local and systemic therapy in this population is unknown. With a favorable toxicity profile, IF-SBRT represents a safe and convenient local therapy treatment option for an elderly patient population. Patient- and treatment-related factors such as a large number of involved nodes and/or abdominal treatment may be associated with an increased risk of GI toxicity.
Cancer metabolic reprogramming and precision medicine-current perspective
Authors: Gao Tingting , Yang Liuxin , Zhang Yali , Bajinka Ousman , Yuan Xingxing
Published: October 2024

Despite the advanced technologies and global attention on cancer treatment strategies, cancer continues to claim lives and adversely affects socio-economic development. Although combination therapies were anticipated to eradicate this disease, the resilient and restorative nature of cancers allows them to proliferate at the expense of host immune cells energetically. This proliferation is driven by metabolic profiles specific to the cancer type and the patient. An emerging field is exploring the metabolic reprogramming (MR) of cancers to predict effective treatments. This mini-review discusses the recent advancements in cancer MR that have contributed to predictive, preventive, and precision medicine. Current perspectives on the mechanisms of various cancer types and prospects for MR and personalized cancer medicine are essential for optimizing metabolic outputs necessary for personalized treatments.
From governance contagion to risk contagion: research on systemic risk contagion from the perspective of governance externality
Authors: Jia Kaiwei , Yin Longhe
Published: October 2024

The impact of financial institution governance on systemic risk is crucial and controversial. In view of the important role of fund shareholding in the corporate governance of financial institutions, this paper takes financial institutions in China as the research object, constructs the association network of financial institutions based on fund shareholding, and empirically examines the impact of fund shareholding in financial institutions on systemic risk. The results show that fund shareholding significantly increases the systemic risk of financial institutions through the network. Convergence in funds’ choice of investment targets is an important mechanism for risk contagion among banks, insurance companies, securities companies, and across sectors. The governance externality created by fund holdings in financial institutions is thus corroborated. Further analysis shows the peer effect of funds’ investment behaviour is an important cause of share price convergence and governance convergence of held financial institutions, while majority shareholder monitoring and information transparency can effectively curb systemic risk contagion from governance externality. The study confirms the proposition of corporate governance externality in financial institutions, enriches the formation mechanism of systemic risk contagion from the perspective of corporate governance, and provides a theoretical guideline for effectively curbing the systemic risk caused by governance externality.
Assessment of training-associated changes of the lumbar back muscle using a multiparametric MRI protocol
Authors: Maggioni Marta B. , Sibgatulin Renat , Krämer Martin , Güllmar Daniel , Reichenbach Jürgen R.
Published: October 2024

Adaptations in muscle physiology due to long-term physical training have been monitored using various methods: ranging from invasive techniques, such as biopsy, to less invasive approaches, such as electromyography (EMG), to various quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) parameters. Typically, these latter parameters are assessed immediately after exercise. In contrast, this work assesses such adaptations in a set of qMRI parameters obtained at rest in the lumbar spine muscles of volunteers. To this end, we developed a multiparametric measurement protocol to extract quantitative values of (water) T2, fat fraction, T1, and Intra Voxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) diffusion parameters in the lumbar back muscle. The protocol was applied to 31 healthy subjects divided into three differently trained cohorts: two groups of athletes (endurance athletes and powerlifters) and a control group with a sedentary lifestyle. Significant differences in muscle water T2, fat fraction, and pseudo-diffusion coefficient linked to microcirculatory blood flow in muscle tissue were found between the trained and untrained cohorts. At the same time, diffusion coefficients (resolved along different directions) provided additional differentiation between the two groups of athletes. Specifically, the strength-trained athletes showed lower axial and higher radial diffusion components compared to the endurance-trained cohort, which may indicate muscle hypertrophy. In conclusion, utilizing multiparametric information revealed new insights into the potential of quantitative MR parameters to detect and quantify long-term effects associated with training in differently trained cohorts, even at rest.
Development and applications of metabolic models in plant multi-omics research
Authors: Gao Yonggang , Zhao Cheng
Published: October 2024

Plant growth and development are characterized by systematic and continuous processes, each involving intricate metabolic coordination mechanisms. Mathematical models are essential tools for investigating plant growth and development, metabolic regulation networks, and growth patterns across different stages. These models offer insights into secondary metabolism patterns in plants and the roles of metabolites. The proliferation of data related to plant genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in the last decade has underscored the growing importance of mathematical modeling in this field. This review aims to elucidate the principles and types of metabolic models employed in studying plant secondary metabolism, their strengths, and limitations. Furthermore, the application of mathematical models in various plant systems biology subfields will be discussed. Lastly, the review will outline how mathematical models can be harnessed to address research questions in this context.
The long-term effect of biochar application to Vitis vinifera L. reduces fibrous and pioneer root production and increases their turnover rate in the upper soil layers
Authors: Beatrice Peter , Dalle Fratte Michele , Baronti Silvia , Miali Alessio , Genesio Lorenzo , Vaccari Francesco Primo , Cerabolini Bruno E. L. , Montagnoli Antonio
Published: October 2024

Fibrous and pioneer roots are essential in the uptake and transport of water and nutrients from the soil. Their dynamic may be influenced by the changing of soil physicochemical properties due to the addition of biochar, which, in turn, has been shown to improve plant growth and productivity in the short term. However, the long-term effects of biochar application on root dynamics are still widely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the long-term effects of biochar application on grapevine fibrous and pioneer root dynamics and morphological traits in relation to soil characteristics. To this aim, grapevine plants amended in 2009 and 2010 respectively with one and two doses of biochar, were analyzed in their fibrous and pioneer root production and turnover rate, standing biomass, length, and specific root length, over two growing seasons. Our findings demonstrate that in the long term, biochar application significantly increased soil pH, nutrient availability, and water-holding capacity causing a decrease in the production of fibrous and pioneer roots which is reflected in a reduction of the root web characterized though by a higher turnover rate. Furthermore, we observed that these root morpho-dynamical changes were of higher magnitude in the upper soil layers (0-20 cm) and, at least in the long term, with no significant difference between the two doses. These results suggest that in the long term, biochar can be a powerful tool for improving soil quality, which in turn lowers carbon-cost investment toward the root production and maintenance of a reduced root web that might be directed into grapevine growth and productivity. Such effects shed some light on the root plastic and functional adaptation to modified soil conditions facilitated by the long-term application of biochar, which can be used for implementing adaptive agricultural practices to face the current climate change in a frame of sustainable agricultural policies.
Genome-wide identification of rice CXE gene family and mining of alleles for potential application in rice improvement
Authors: Zhang Jinguo , Wang Xinchen , Dou Guohui , Meng Dezhuang , Tang Chenghang , Lv Jiaqi , Wang Nansheng , Wang Xingmeng , Li Jianfeng , Bao Yaling , Zhang Guogeng , Huang Tao , Shi Yingyao
Published: October 2024

Carboxylesterases (CXE, EC 3.1.1.1), a class of hydrolases with an α/β folding domain, play important roles in plant growth and development and stress response. Here, we identified 32, 63, 41, and 45 CXE genes in Oryza sativa Japonica (Nipponbare), Oryza sativa Indica (93-11), Oryza sativa Indica (Xian-1B1 var.IR64), and Oryza sativa Japonica (Geng-sbtrp var.ChaoMeo), respectively. Then, we analyzed the chromosomal location, physical and chemical properties, subcellular localization, collinearity, and selection pressure of CXE genes in four rice varieties. We also analyzed the functional interaction network, cis-regulatory elements, evolutionary relationship, and protein tertiary structure, and performed gene expression profiling and qPCR verification under abiotic stress, as well as diversity analysis of 3010 gene-CDS-haplotype (gcHap) rice samples, aiming to understand the potential function of the 32 OsCXE genes. Our results indicated that fragment replication is the main reason for amplification of the CXE gene family in rice, and the gene family has undergone strong purification selection. OsCXE3.1, OsCXE3.2, OsCXE3.3, OsCXE5.1, and OsCXE7.3 may be used to improve the tolerance of rice to abiotic stress. OsCXE play important roles in rice population differentiation and improvement, and the major gcHaps at most OsCXE locus are significantly associated with yield traits. Therefore, natural variations of most OsCXE locus have great potential value for improvement of rice productivity.
Readiness for influenza and COVID-19 vaccination in Germany: a comparative analysis
Authors: Schulz Anja A. , Abt Yvonne , von Oppen Linus , Wirtz Markus A.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Vaccination readiness refers to psychological motives and beliefs that decisively determine individual and collective vaccination prevention behavior. Readiness to be vaccinated depends on expected individual and social benefits and harms. Differences exist in the perception of the threat of potential influenza vs. COVID-19 infection and its significance for the social environment. The study aimed to compare the 7C components of vaccination readiness for influenza and COVID-19 vaccination in adulthood.

Methods

A total of 317 adults answered the 7C vaccination readiness scale in two vaccination-specific versions (influenza vs. COVID-19) in an online survey from September 2022 to March 2023. Data were analyzed using repeated measures, including analysis of covariance, correlations, and multiple regression.

Results

For COVID-19, there is a higher readiness to be vaccinated compared to influenza regarding complacencyR (ηp = 0.683), constraintsR (ηp = 0.684), collective responsibility (ηp = 0.782), and compliance (ηp = 0.365). However, confidence (ηp = 0.161) and conspiracyR (ηp = 0.256) indicate an enhanced readiness for influenza vaccination (interaction scales × vaccination type: ηp = 0.602). Individual influenza vaccination recommendations and age do not or only marginally moderate these effects (interaction vaccination type × recommendation: ηp = 155).

Discussion

The 7C subscales reveal a differentiated pattern of readiness for the two vaccination types. This emphasizes the relevance of the multidimensional structure of the construct of vaccination readiness as well as the relevance of moderating effects of the respective vaccination type on the underlying motives and beliefs. Vaccination attitudes are influenced by cultural and social conditions as well as medical standards of care. Comparing attitudes to different vaccinations in different countries thus represents an important research desideratum in order to understand the concept of vaccination readiness more comprehensively.
Non-suicidal self-injury and its risk factors among Iranian high school and university students
Authors: Abbasi-Ghahramanloo Abbas , Khodadoust Behnam , Adham Davoud , Gholami Ali , Farokhi Roya , Maghsodlou-Nejad Vahid , Afrashteh Sima
Published: October 2024

Background

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is an important health problem among adolescents and young adults. The aims of this study were to determine NNSI status and its associated factors among students.

Method

This cross-sectional study has been conducted in 4715 high school and university students from the West and Northwest provinces of Iran. Multi-stage sampling was used to select students and all students completed survey questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, binary and logistic regression.

Result

The lifetime prevalence of NSSI was estimated as 24.4% among all participants (21.4% in high school students vs. 29.3% in university students). After adjustment for other factors, age (OR=1.08,95%CI:1.03-1.12), cigarette smoking as an experimenter (OR=1.94,95%CI:1.61-2.34) and regular (OR=3.80,95%CI:2.96-4.89) compared to nonsmokers, membership in a sport team (OR = 1.26,95%CI:1.08-1.48), having physical fight (OR = 2.18,95%CI:1.85-2.57), doing general risk taking behavior (OR = 2.05,95%CI:1.66-2.53), and self-esteem (OR=0.93,95%CI:0.92-0.95) were associated with experience of NSSI.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that the prevalence of NSSI was relatively high among high school and university students. To diagnose, prevent, and treat NSSI in teenagers and young adults in Iran, more research is needed to identify the root causes.
Research on the aging-suitability of community outdoor spaces in Zhengzhou based on the analytic hierarchy process and semantic differential method
Authors: Gao Chang , Wang Shengnan , Li Pengpeng , Jia Wenbo , Feng Kai
Published: October 2024

Background

As global populations age, the suitability of community outdoor spaces for older adult residents has become a critical urban planning concern. However, comprehensive evaluation methods for assessing these spaces are lacking. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the aging-suitability of community outdoor spaces in Zhengzhou, China, and provide optimization suggestions for urban planners and policymakers.

Methods

An evaluation index system was established using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), with aging-suitability as the goal layer. The criteria layer included outdoor behavioral activities, green space configuration, transportation and road systems, and basic service facilities. The semantic differential (SD) method was employed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation among older adult residents in three communities (A, B, and C) in Zhengzhou city.

Results

The evaluation revealed that older adult residents generally had a favorable assessment of their community spaces’ aging-suitability. Community A received the highest overall rating. Green space configuration and transportation systems emerged as critical factors influencing aging-suitability.

Conclusion

The combined AHP-SD approach proved effective in evaluating the aging-suitability of community outdoor spaces. The study identified key areas for improvement in each community, with variations in strengths and weaknesses across the three sites. Implications: Based on the findings, optimization suggestions are proposed in four aspects: enhancing outdoor behavioral activities, improving green space landscapes, refining road transportation systems, and upgrading basic service facilities. These recommendations can guide urban planners and policymakers in creating more age-friendly community environments.
The impact of healthcare system quality and economic factors on the older adult population: a health economics perspective
Authors: Iuga Iulia Cristina , Nerişanu Raluca Andreea , Iuga Horia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the influence of economic conditions, healthcare system capacity, and health-related variables on the proportion of the older adult population (Population ages 65 and above) in European Union countries. It aims to identify how factors such as GDP, unemployment, inflation, healthcare expenditure, hospital bed availability, and the prevalence of chronic diseases impact the aging demographic.

Methods

This study explores the dynamic interactions and temporal relationships between economic stability, healthcare capacity, chronic disease prevalence, and demographic aging patterns. The research employs a mixed-method approach, utilizing System GMM and wavelet coherence analysis on panel data from 27 EU countries between 2000 and 2021.

Results

The findings reveal significant positive associations between economic prosperity and healthcare resources with the size of the older adult population. Increased GDP, efficient healthcare spending, and hospital bed availability are positively correlated with a larger older adult demographic. In contrast, high unemployment and inflation are linked to negative outcomes for the older adult population, reducing available resources and access to healthcare. Wavelet coherence analysis further uncovers how fluctuations in the prevalence of chronic diseases influence aging trends across different periods and frequencies.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of integrated economic and healthcare policies to support the growing older adult population. Ensuring economic stability, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and effectively managing chronic diseases are essential for improving quality of life and promoting sustainable aging in EU societies.
Human-centered evaluation of explainable AI applications: a systematic review
Authors: Kim Jenia , Maathuis Henry , Sent Danielle
Published: October 2024

Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) aims to provide insights into the inner workings and the outputs of AI systems. Recently, there's been growing recognition that explainability is inherently human-centric, tied to how people perceive explanations. Despite this, there is no consensus in the research community on whether user evaluation is crucial in XAI, and if so, what exactly needs to be evaluated and how. This systematic literature review addresses this gap by providing a detailed overview of the current state of affairs in human-centered XAI evaluation. We reviewed 73 papers across various domains where XAI was evaluated with users. These studies assessed what makes an explanation “good” from a user's perspective, i.e., what makes an explanation meaningful to a user of an AI system. We identified 30 components of meaningful explanations that were evaluated in the reviewed papers and categorized them into a taxonomy of human-centered XAI evaluation, based on: (a) the contextualized quality of the explanation, (b) the contribution of the explanation to human-AI interaction, and (c) the contribution of the explanation to human-AI performance. Our analysis also revealed a lack of standardization in the methodologies applied in XAI user studies, with only 19 of the 73 papers applying an evaluation framework used by at least one other study in the sample. These inconsistencies hinder cross-study comparisons and broader insights. Our findings contribute to understanding what makes explanations meaningful to users and how to measure this, guiding the XAI community toward a more unified approach in human-centered explainability.