bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and immunological features in patients with neuroimmune complications of COVID-19 during Omicron wave in China: a case series
Authors: Gong Siyin , Deng Bo , Yu Hai , Zhang Xiang , Yang Wenbo , Chen Xiangjun
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to present clinical and immunological features in patients with neuroimmune complications of COVID-19 during Omicron wave in China.

Methods

Patients with neuroimmune complications associated with COVID-19 were retrospectively analyzed in Huashan Hospital from December 2022 to April 2023, during the widespread prevalence of Omicron variants in China. Demographic information, symptoms, electrophysiological findings, cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) test results and immunological markers, Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) characteristics, treatment strategies and outcomes of these patients were reviewed and analyzed.

Results

A total of 53 cases of neuroimmune complications were included, with 7 cases of non-immune complications taken as controls. Neuroimmune complications comprised: 7 cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome/chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, 11 cases of spinal meningitis/myelitis, 2 cases of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, 2 cases of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease, 1 case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, 10 cases of autoimmune encephalitis, 17 cases of other encephalopathy/encephalitis and 3 cases of cerebellitis. SARS-CoV-2 was only detected in the CSF sample of one neuroimmune complications patient. CSF-restricted oligoclonal bands were detected in 11.1% (5/45) of neuroimmune patients, but absent in non-immune cases (0.0%, 0/5). Autoantibody testing identified specific antibodies in 26.5%(13/49) of neuroimmune cases and 0.0% (0/5) of non-immune cases. Glucocorticoids or intravenous immunoglobulins were administered as first-line treatments for all neuroimmune cases (100%, 53/53), whereas only 42.8% (3/7) of non-immune cases received these therapies. A baseline modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 3 or above was present in the majority of both neuroimmune cases (96.2%, 51/53) and non-immune cases (71.4%, 5/7). At the end of a follow-up period, independent functional outcomes at day-90 with an mRS score below two were observed in a significant proportion of both neuroimmune cases (77.4%, 41/53) and non-immune case(71.4%, 5/7).

Conclusion

The manifestations of neuroimmune complications of COVID-19 are diverse and can manifest with severe neurological deficits early in the course of the disease. The detection of immunological markers (such as autoantibody and oligoclonal bands) and immunotherapies can help to improve the prognosis of COVID-19 related neuroimmune complications.
ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genetic polymorphisms as potential predictors of COVID−19 severity and outcome in females
Authors: Matic Sanja , Milovanovic Dragan , Mijailovic Zeljko , Djurdjevic Predrag , Stefanovic Srdjan , Todorovic Danijela , Vitosevic Katarina , Canovic Vanja , Popovic Suzana , Dimitrijevic Nevena Milivojevic , Zivanovic Marko , Seklic Dragana , Aleksic Sanja , Djordjevic Nemanja , Vukic Milena , Vukovic Nenad , Filipovic Nenad , Baskic Dejan , Djordjevic Natasa
Published: December 2024

Introduction

ACE2 and TMPRSS2 represent the major gateways for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry. The presence of functional ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genetic polymorphisms that affect gene expression may affect the risk of severe form of COVID-19 and its fatal outcome.

Material and patients

This observational study enrolled 178 hospitalized patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection at the University Clinical Centre of Kragujevac, Serbia. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were gathered at admission. Genotyping for single nucleotide polymorphisms of ACE2 (rs2106809 and rs2074192) and TMPRSS2 (rs2070788 and rs4818239) was performed using the Real-Time PCR method with TaqMan assays.

Results

Controlling for other factors of influence, such as CCI, N/L ratio, LDH level, and pO2, we showed that females with TMPRSS2 rs2070788 A/A genotype were less likely to develop severe COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (95% CI)]: 0.030 [0.001; 0.862]). Additionally, the likelihood of dying of SARS-CoV-2 infection was lower in female carriers of at least one ACE2 rs2106809 C allele (OR [95% CI]: 0.004 [0.000; 0.981]).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate TMPRSS2 rs2070788 and ACE2 rs2106809 polymorphisms as independent predictors of severity and outcome of COVID-19 in females.
The fungal gut microbiota in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mok Nelson , Knox Natalie C. , Zhu Feng , Arnold Douglas L. , Bar-Or Amit , Bernstein Charles Noah , Bonner Christine , Forbes Jessica D. , Graham Morag , Marrie Ruth Ann , O’Mahony Julia , Yeh E. Ann , Zhao Yinshan , Van Domselaar Gary , Banwell Brenda , Waubant Emmanuelle , Tremlett Helen L.
Published: December 2024

Evidence suggests that the gut microbiome may play a role in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the majority of the studies have focused on gut bacterial communities; none have examined the fungal microbiota (mycobiota) in persons with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS). We examined the gut mycobiota in persons with and without POMS through a cross-sectional examination of the gut mycobiota from 46 participants’ stool samples (three groups: 18 POMS, 13 acquired monophasic demyelinating syndromes [monoADS], and 15 unaffected controls). Using metataxonomic sequencing of the fungal internal transcribed spacer region 2, the fungal profiles were compared between participants using visualizations, statistical tests, and predictive analysis. While the mycobiome α- (Shannon and inverse Simpson indices) and β-diversity differed across the three groups [analysis of variance (ANOVA), p < 0.05], further post-hoc analysis of the β-diversity identified a difference between monoADS vs. POMS participants [p = 0.005 (adjusted)]. At the genus level of taxonomy, 7 out of 10 of the majority of abundant genera were similar among all three groups, with Saccharomyces spp. and Candida spp. being in the highest abundance. The Agaricus genus was especially high in POMS participants, dominated primarily due to the species Agaricus bisporus (widely consumed as white button mushrooms). The commonality of high abundance fungi found in our cohort suggests a possible connection to diet. Predictive modeling of differential abundance associated with Candida albicans, Cyberlindera jadinii, and Fusarium poae revealed that these fungi were strongly associated with the POMS participants. Our study provides novel insight into the fungal gut mycobiota in POMS. While findings indicate that the gut mycobiome of participants with POMS may largely comprise fungi considered transient from the diet, the differential predictive analysis suggested rare or under-detected fungal markers being of potential importance, warranting consideration in future mycobiome-MS-related studies.
A novel approach for efficient co-expression of two foreign genes based on the reverse genetic system of Newcastle disease virus
Authors: Lan Ting , Liu Qilong , Ge Jinying , Wang Yong
Published: December 2024

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is an ideal model for exploring the mechanisms of the virus; it is also an optimal vector for developing vector vaccines and for cancer therapy. A reverse genetic system of NDV Mukteswar strain controlled by eukaryotic cellular RNA polymerase II promoter was established by reverse genetics technology. Based on the reverse genetic system, an open reading frame of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene be inserted between the P and M genes of the viral genome and flanked with the gene start (GS) sequence and gene end (GE) sequence to form an independent transcription unit. The rescued virus was amplified in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicken embryos for 10 generations, and the results showed that the recombinant virus could stably express the exogenous gene for at least 10 generations. Efficient expression of two exogenous genes synchronously is essential for the development of NDV-based multivalent vaccine candidates. Explore the possibility of simultaneous and efficient expression of two exogenous genes based on NDV vector. In the present study, a recombinant virus with co-expression of EGFP and cherry fluorescent protein (CFP) inserted between the intergenic regions of the P/M gene as two independent transcription units was successfully rescued. The results showed that the two exogenous genes could be expressed synchronously and efficiently. The results of biological analysis of the expression efficiency of exogenous genes showed that the EGFP in recombinant viruses with two exogenous genes was slightly lower than that of recombinant viruses with one exogenous gene, but the expression efficiency of CFP in recombinant viruses with two exogenous genes was higher than EGFP in both viruses. These recombinant viruses have similar growth kinetics but with a little attenuation in virulence compared with parental viruses. In conclusion, these data indicated that this study successfully established the reverse genetic system of the NDV Mukteswar strain and achieved the purpose of efficient expression of two exogenous genes synchronously in a novel approach, laying the foundation for the development of multivalent vaccines or tumor therapeutics using NDV as a vector.
Metabolomics survey of uropathogenic bacteria in human urine
Authors: Chan Carly C. Y. , Groves Ryan A. , Rydzak Thomas , Lewis Ian A.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most prevalent infections in North America and are caused by a diverse range of bacterial species. Although uropathogenesis has been studied extensively in the context of macromolecular interactions, the degree to which metabolism may contribute to infection is unclear. Currently, most of what is known about the metabolic capacity of uropathogens has been derived from genomics, genetic knockout studies or transcriptomic analyses. However, there are currently very little empirical data on the metabolic activity of uropathogens when grown in urine.

Methods

To address this gap, we conducted a systematic survey of the metabolic activities of eight of the most common uropathogenic bacterial species that collectively represent 99% of uncomplicated UTIs.

Results

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analyses of human urine cultures revealed that uropathogens have four distinct metabolic clades. We generalized these clades as serine consumers (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis), glutamine consumers (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), amino acid abstainers (Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus agalactiae), and amino acid minimalists (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus). These metabolic classifications can be further subdivided on a species-to-species level.

Discussion

This survey provides a framework to understanding the metabolic activity of the diverse range of uropathogens and how these species use divergent metabolic strategies to occupy the same niche.
Association of cardiovascular health with cognitive function and the mediating effect of depressive state
Authors: Hu Yiwei , Sun Xuelu , Guo Chen , Wu Ruiyun , Dou Jiahao , Song Shoufang , Guo Fanshun , Wei Jin
Published: December 2024

Background

Although previous research has substantiated lifestyle and cardiovascular-related measures have some impact on cognitive function, studies focusing on the correlation between Life’s Essential 8 (LE8), an indicator for quantifying cardiovascular health (CVH), and cognitive function are limited. Consequently, this study sought to explore the potential link between CVH and cognitive function as well as to determine if depressive states mediated the relationship.

Methods

A total of 2,263 individuals were selected from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Post-averaged LE8 scores was classified as low CVH (0–49), moderate CVH (50–79), and high CVH (80–100) according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Cognitive function was evaluated using the Animal Fluency Test (AFT), the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), the instant recall test (IRT), and the delayed recall test (DRT). The Z-score is figured by subtracting the average of the scores of four test sections and dividing by the standard deviation. Models of multi-variable linear regression were employed to appraise the relationships between CVH and the Z-score for cognitive function. Depression was assessed through the utilization of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Points of 10 or above indicated a positive diagnosis. Weighted linear regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were employed to evaluate the correlation between CVH and cognitive function. Pearson’s test was utilized to explore the interrelation among primary variables and mediated effects analyses of depressive states.

Results

A significant positive linear relationship was observed between LE8 score and cognitive function Z-score. In all models, there was a positive correlation between higher Z-score for cognitive function and every ten points added to the LE8 score, which evaluates CVH. The findings of the mediating effect study indicated that the effects of cardiovascular health on cognitive function were partially mediated by depression.

Conclusion

Results showed a meaningful positive linear correlation between the level of CVH and cognitive function, with a mediating role for depression. These results accentuate the significance of sustaining high CVH and avoiding depression to improve cognitive functioning.
Modifying reaction time tasks parameters in the automated IntelliCage identifies heightened impulsivity and impaired attention in the 3xTg-AD model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Judd Jessica M. , Winslow Wendy , McDonough Ian , Mistry Faizan , Velazquez Ramon
Published: December 2024

Background

The 3xTg-AD transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an important tool to investigate the relationship between development of pathological amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairments. Traditional behavioral tasks assessing aspects of learning and memory, such as mazes requiring spatial navigation, unfortunately suffer from several shortcomings, including the stress of human handling and not probing species-typical behavior. The automated IntelliCage system was developed to circumvent such issues by testing mice in a social environment while measuring multiple aspects of cognition. Water consumption can serve as a primary motivator for task engagement. Once animals adapt to the cage and can access water, mice can be subjected to operant tasks. Each of the four corners of a cage contains doors to manipulate access to water, visual LED cues, and a valve allowing administration of an air puff. Previously, we detected significant impairments in 3xTg-AD mice in the IntelliCage, however a high failure rate and genotypical differences in water motivation were observed.

Methods

Here, we implemented an IntelliCage paradigm where mice underwent progressively more difficult reaction time tasks to assess attention and impulsivity, behaviors mediated by the prefrontal cortex. Mice were placed in the IntelliCage at 11.5 months of age, which corresponds with the presence of widespread pathology.

Results

As the difficulty of the reaction time tasks increased, 3xTg-AD mice exhibited lower percent Correct Responses than NonTg. When implementing varying pre-cue durations, where animals are required to wait between the initiation of the trial and the LED turning on (which then requires a nose-poke to access water), 3xTg-AD mice prematurely nose-poked on trials requiring a longer delay before a second nose poke would allow water access, demonstrating heightened impulsivity. The presence of soluble and insoluble fractions of cortical Aβ40 and 42, and phosphorylated tau epitopes threonine 181 and serine 396 confirmed the presence of neuropathological hallmarks in 3xTg-AD mice.

Conclusion

Together, this study describes a novel protocol that overcomes motivational differences and detects attention and impulsivity deficits in 3xTg-AD mice utilizing the IntelliCage.
Cell density quantification of high resolution Nissl images of the juvenile rat brain
Authors: Meystre Julie , Jacquemier Jean , Burri Olivier , Zsolnai Csaba , Frank Nicolas , Vieira João Prado , Shi Ying , Perin Rodrigo , Keller Daniel , Markram Henry
Published: December 2024

Nissl histology underpins our understanding of brain anatomy and architecture. Despite its importance, no high-resolution datasets are currently available in the literature for 14-day-old rats. To remedy this issue and demonstrate the utility of such a dataset, we have acquired over 2000 high-resolution images (0.346 μm per pixel) from eight juvenile rat brains stained with cresyl violet. To analyze this dataset, we developed a semi-automated pipeline using open-source software to perform cell density quantification in the primary somatosensory hindlimb (S1HL) cortical column. In addition, we performed cortical layer annotations both manually and using a machine learning model to expand the number of annotated samples. After training the model, we applied it to 262 images of the S1HL, retroactively assigning segmented cells to specific cortical layers, enabling cell density quantification per layer rather than just for entire brain regions. The pipeline improved the efficiency and reliability of cell density quantification while accurately assigning cortical layer boundaries. Furthermore, the method is adaptable to different brain regions and cell morphologies. The full dataset, annotations, and analysis tools are made publicly available for further research and applications.
Developmental improvements in the ability to benefit from testing across middle childhood
Authors: Rodríguez-Gonzalo Sandra , Arnaez-Telleria Jaione , Paz-Alonso Pedro M.
Published: December 2024

Extensive behavioral research on adults has shown that retrieval practice is highly beneficial for long-term memory retention. However, limited evidence exists on the developmental course of this benefit. Here, we present data from a behavioral study involving 7–14-year-old children who had to encode a total of 60 weakly semantically related cue-target word pairs using either repeated retrieval or repeated study encoding strategies. Results revealed age-related increases in the ability to benefit from testing during encoding from early middle childhood to early adolescence. In contrast, repeated study during encoding did not lead to developmental improvements in long-term memory retention across this age range. Individual differences in vocabulary knowledge, short-term memory and working memory were positively associated with long-term memory retention only for those participants who encoded the information via repeated study. These results indicate that (1) the mechanisms determining the testing effect may not be fully in place by early middle childhood, (2) the ability to benefit from testing improves over the middle childhood years, and (3) these benefits are not associated with individual differences in memory and high-cognitive functioning. One potential interpretation of these findings is that changes in sleep-dependent consolidation processes during middle childhood may be critical for understanding the observed developmental differences in ability to enhance long-term memory via the testing effect.
Day 3 neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and its derived indices predict 90-day poor outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Gao Weiwei , Annadurdyyev Arslan , Yu Lingfeng , Huang Rong , Liu Bin , Lin Yixiong , Li Huaiyi , Zhu Renjing
Published: December 2024

Objective

To investigate the dynamic changes in neutrophil–to–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and its derived indices following mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and evaluate their predictive value for prognosis.

Methods

This single-center retrospective cohort study included AIS patients who underwent MT at Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University from January 2018 to February 2024. Peripheral blood samples were collected on admission, day 1, and day 3 after MT to determine the NLR, derived NLR (dNLR), and neutrophil–monocyte–to–lymphocyte ratio (NMLR). The primary endpoint was poor functional outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin scale score 3–6). The secondary endpoints included post-operative hemorrhagic transformation, malignant cerebral edema, in-hospital mortality, and 90-day all-cause mortality. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate predictive performance, and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to explore the independent associations between inflammatory markers and prognosis.

Results

A total of 423 eligible patients were included. Both groups showed similar dynamic trends in inflammatory markers, peaking on day 1 post-MT and subsequently declining. However, the poor outcome group (n = 255, 60.28%) maintained higher levels on day 3, whereas the good outcome group showed a significant decreasing trend. ROC curve analysis revealed that the NLR (AUC = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.81–0.89), dNLR (AUC = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.82–0.89), and NMLR (AUC = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.81–0.89) on day 3 post-MT had the strongest predictive power for 90-day poor outcomes. After comprehensive adjustment for confounders, these inflammatory markers were independently associated with 90-day poor outcomes: for each unit increase in the NLR, the risk of poor outcome increased by 38% (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.28–1.49, p < 0.001); for dNLR, it increased by 104% (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.73–2.40, p < 0.001); and for NMLR, it increased by 35% (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.26–1.45, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Inflammatory markers (NLR, dNLR, and NMLR) on day 3 post-MT can serve as independent predictors of prognosis in AIS patients treated with MT. Dynamic monitoring of inflammatory markers may facilitate early risk stratification and guide individualized treatment strategies.
Neuromonitoring modalities predicting neurological impairment in pediatric congenital heart disease: a systematic review
Authors: Van Loo Liselotte , Cools Bjorn , Dereymaeker Anneleen , Jansen Katrien
Published: December 2024

The increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairment in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) has been established, but the search for targeted neurological predictors of adverse outcome is ongoing. This systematic review reports on the utility of three functional neuromonitoring modalities, Near-infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), electroencephalography (EEG) and biochemical biomarkers, in predicting either clinical neurodevelopmental outcome or structural brain abnormalities after pediatric CHD surgery. Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science, clinicaltrials.gov and ICTRP were systematically searched for eligible articles. Original research articles, written in English, published before November 2023 and reporting on perioperative NIRS, EEG or biomarkers and their association with clinical neurodevelopmental outcome or neuroimaging in children <17 years undergoing surgery for CHD were included. The search yielded 11,367 citations, of which 40 papers were included in the final review: sixteen articles (n = 908 cases) reported on NIRS, twelve (n = 1,163) on EEG and fifteen (n = 903) on biochemical biomarkers. Three papers reported on a combination of modalities. Median age at time of surgery was 9 (IQR 7–57) days. Postoperative MRI was performed before discharge at varying timepoints. Median age at clinical outcome assessment was 15 (IQR 12–24) months. Limited evidence supports an association of cerebral oxygen extraction, cerebral desaturation and cerebral autoregulation with outcome, but there was significant heterogeneity in results. Perioperative electroencephalographic ictal discharges and abnormal background were associated with impaired neurological outcome and abnormal neuroimaging. Numerous biochemical biomarkers have been reported but showed no consistent relationship with outcome, except for lactate, which could serve as a predictor of poor outcome. There is a need for larger homogeneous cohorts of children with CHD to determine which perioperative modalities might serve as predictors of neurodevelopmental outcome or neuroimaging abnormalities.

Systematic review registration

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, CRD42023479344
A retrospective, observational study of real-world clinical data from the Cognitive Function Development Therapy program
Authors: Kirby Eric D. , Beyst Brian , Beyst Jen , Brodie Sonia M. , D’Arcy Ryan C. N.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Cognitive deficits are common in psychiatric and mental health disorders, making the assessment of cognitive function in mental health treatment an important area of research. Cognitive Function Development Therapy (CFDT) is a novel therapeutic modality designed to enhance cognitive function and regulate the autonomic nervous system through targeted exercises and activities focused on attention networks and memory systems. The therapy is tracked and based on Primary Cognitive Function (PCF) scores.

Methods

This retrospective, observational study analyzed real world data from 183 children and adults undergoing CFDT to evaluate changes in cognition over time, incorporating both cognitive performance measures and an exploratory analysis of neurophysiological function. Objective neurophysiological measures in the form of the brain vital signs framework, based in event-related potentials (ERPs), were measured in a small subset of clients to explore the frameworks use in CFDT.

Results

Our findings indicate that CFDT holds promise for improving cognitive performance, as evidenced by increased PCF scores at the group level compared to pre-treatment levels [F (5, 173) = 7.087, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.170]. Additionally, a weak effect of age [Spearman’s Rho range: −0.301 to −0.340, p < 0.001] was found to influence the degree of cognitive improvement, suggesting the importance of early intervention for maximizing cognitive gains. The exploratory analysis suggested that CFDT may affect neurophysiological measures of information processing, particularly in basic attention, as reflected in increased amplitude in P300 measures.

Discussion

While these initial findings are encouraging, caution is warranted due to the retrospective nature of the study, though overall, the results suggest a positive impact of CFDT on cognitive function.
Nutritional nursing competence of clinical nurses and its influencing factors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tang Yuan , Wen Xiumei , Tang Xiaoli , Li Xiaoxue , Zhang Li , Duan Shujuan , Long Ping , Zhou Zixuan
Published: December 2024

Objective

Assessing the nutritional nursing competence of clinical nurses will enable nursing managers to develop measures to effectively address the nutritional nursing needs of patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the status quo and influencing factors of nutritional nursing competence of nurses in China.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among more than 1300 clinical nurses from 10 provinces in eastern, central and western China by using self-designed socio-demographic questionnaire and nutrition nursing ability scale compiled by Zhu Xinyi.

Result

The median score of nurses’ nutritional nursing ability was 238 (210, 258). Univariate analysis confirmed that a total of 12 factors were shown to be statistically significant for nurses’ competency in nutritional care. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that department, hospital level, monthly income, learned nutrition courses, regular participation in nutrition continuing education and training, be a nutrition specialist nurse, participation in nutrition nursing knowledge and skills training, and the hospital’s regular conduct of special quality supervision of nutrition nursing and carried out special quality improvement projects of nutrition nursing.

Conclusion

In China, the nutritional nursing competence of nurses is at an upper medium level and needs to be further improved. In order to improve the level of nutrition nursing, encourage and support nurses to take targeted nutrition care education and training, nursing managers should also adopt multi-mode intensive inspection and examination.
Improving agricultural spraying with multi-rotor drones: a technical study on operational parameter optimization
Authors: Yallappa D. , Kavitha R. , Surendrakumar A. , Suthakar B. , Mohan Kumar A. P. , Kannan Balaji , Kalarani M. K.
Published: December 2024

Drones play a key role in enhancing nutrient management efficiency under climate change scenarios by enabling precise and adaptable spray applications. Current aerial spray application research is primarily focused on examining the influence of drone spraying parameters viz., flight height, travel speed, rotor configuration, droplet size, payload, spray pressure, spray discharge and wind velocity on spray droplet deposition characteristics. The present study aimed to study and optimize the effect of spray height, operating pressure, nozzle spacing and spray nozzle mounting configuration on spray discharge rate, spray width, spray distribution pattern, spray uniformity and spray liquid loss. A spray patternator of 5.0 m x 5.0 m was developed per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) standard to study the spray volume distribution pattern of boom and hex nozzle configuration. Initially, drone spray operational parameters viz., spray discharge rate (Lm−1), operating pressure (kg cm−2) and spray angle (°) were measured using digital nozzle tester, digital pressure gauge and digital protractor, respectively, in the laboratory. Then optimized the nozzle spacing for boom configuration attachment to drone sprayer and recorded best spray uniformity at 0.6 m nozzle spacing. The drone sprayer hovered at three different heights, viz., 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 m from the top of the patternator and spray operating pressure was maintained at 4.0 kg cm−2 in outdoor condition. Single pass distribution pattern and one-direction application distribution pattern method used for optimizing height of spray, operating pressure and nozzle mounting confirmation from the results of discharge rate, spray angle, effective spray width, spray liquid loss and spray distribution uniformity. Results showed that, the better spray uniformity distribution was found when the drone sprayer hover height was increased from the top of the patternator (2.0 m). More round spray droplet vertex pattern was generated during the 1.0 m hover height compared to the 2.0 and 3.0 m hover heights due to the direct impact of downwash airflow generated by the rotors. Finally it was concluded that, the good spray volume distribution was found at 2.0 m height of spray with standard hexa nozzle configuration arrangement as compared to the boom spray nozzle arrangement.
Effects of salt substitute on urinary electrolytes and blood pressure in a real-world setting—cohort study in Hunan, China
Authors: Wu Hao , Ouyang Wenbin , Deng Jing , He Yongmei , Yin Lu , Cao Xia , Chen Zhiheng , Yang Pingting , Wang Yaqin , Li Ying , Huang Xin
Published: December 2024

Background and aims

Salt substitute is considered an effective strategy to reduce sodium and increase potassium intake and thereby lower blood pressure in China, but its benefits and risks are uncertain in real-world data. This study is designed to compare the difference in the 1-year efficacy of salt substitute and salt restriction on urinary electrolytes and blood pressure.

Methods and results

A total of 2,929 and 2,071 participants with the 24-h estimated urinary sodium excretion (eUNaE) above 2.36 g/d using salt substitute (SS) and salt restriction (SR) strategies, respectively, were followed for 1 year. Salt substitute users were further divided by potassium chloride (KCl) content (13% vs 25%) and duration (9–11 vs 12 months). The 24-h eUNaE and estimated urinary potassium excretion (eUKE) levels were calculated using the Kawasaki formula from spot urine sample. The SS group (n = 1,897) had lower eUNaE (3.82 ± 1.03 vs 4.05 ± 1.01 g/day, p < 0.01) than the SR group (n = 1,897) after 1 year. Both 13 and 25% KCl substitutes reduced eUNaE versus restriction (p < 0.05). The SS group had a higher eUKE than the SR group (2.09 ± 0.43 vs 1.71 ± 0.62 g/day, p < 0.01). The eUKE was higher with 25% versus 13% KCl substitutes, while the Na/K was lower with 25% versus 13% KCl substitutes (p < 0.05). No significant blood pressure differences occurred between the SS and SR groups (p > 0.05), whereas 25% KCl exposure was related to a lower level of SBP, regardless of whether it was compared with SR or 13% KCl.

Conclusion

Compared with salt restriction, salt substitute results in more sodium reduction and greater potassium increase. In spite of this, it does not result in better control of blood pressure, especially for the group receiving 13% KCl.
Effectiveness of systemic treatments for advanced non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Chen Jian , Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Hui , Chen Xiaoli , Hong Jianfeng , Fang Hongming
Published: December 2024

Background

Non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC) represents a heterogeneous group of malignancies with substantial differences in morphology, genetic profiles, clinical behavior, and prognosis. Optimal treatment for nccRCC remains unclear, largely extrapolated from evidence available for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). This study aimed to compare the efficacy of current mainstream drug treatments for nccRCC to provide clinical treatment guidance for advanced cases.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for trials published up to January 2, 2024, including controlled and single-arm trials. Primary outcomes included overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

We selected six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFR-TKIs). These trials included four first-line and two second-line studies, with a total of 398 advanced nccRCC patients. Pooled results showed that VEGFR-TKIs significantly improved PFS compared to mTORi in first-line treatment (relative risk [RR] = 1.387; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.85; p = 0.026). In a single-arm meta-analysis, we included 22 VEGFR-TKI trials, three mTORi trials, 12 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies, five chemotherapy trials, and 10 combination therapy trials. The pooled ORR ranged from 6% (95% CI: 0–16%) to 36% (95% CI: 27–44%), and the pooled DCR ranged from 54% (95% CI: 50–58%) to 81% (95% CI: 70–91%). Subgroup analysis of ICI showed a higher ORR in the PD-L1 positive group compared to the PD-L1 negative group (RR = 3.044; 95% CI: 1.623-5.709; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that VEGFR-TKIs improve PFS in first-line treatment compared to mTORi. The single-arm meta-analysis suggest that combination therapies with different mechanisms result in better ORR and DCR. Furthermore, PD-L1 positive patients showed significantly better therapeutic responses with ICI treatment than PD-L1 negative patients.
High-risk breast lesions: a combined intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics nomogram model to predict pathologic upgrade and reduce unnecessary surgical excision
Authors: Liao Tingting , Yang Yuting , Lin Xiaohui , Ouyang Rushan , Deng Yaohong , Ma Jie
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aimed to develop a nomogram that combines intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics based on multi-parametric MRI for predicting the postoperative pathological upgrade of high-risk breast lesions and sparing unnecessary surgeries.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 138 patients with high-risk breast lesions (January 1, 2019, to January 1, 2023) were randomly divided into a training set (n=96) and a validation set (n=42) at a 7:3 ratio. The best-performing MRI sequence for intratumoral radiomics was selected to develop individual and combined radiomics scores (Rad-Scores). The best Rad-Score was integrated with independent clinical and radiological risk factors by a nomogram. The diagnostic performance of the nomogram was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve, along with accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity analysis.

Results

The nomogram based on the combined intratumoral and peritumoral Rad-Score of the dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and clinical-radiological features achieved superior diagnostic efficacy in the training (AUC=0.914) and validation set (AUC=0.867) compared to other models. It also achieved a specificity and accuracy of 85.1% and 82.3% during training and 66.7% and 76.2% during validation.

Conclusion

The nomogram encapsulating the combined intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics demonstrated superior diagnostic efficacy in postoperative pathological upgrades of high-risk breast lesions, enabling clinicians to make more informed decisions about interventions and follow-up strategies.
AGMA-PESS: a deep learning-based infant pose estimator and sequence selector software for general movement assessment
Authors: Soualmi Ameur , Alata Olivier , Ducottet Christophe , Petitjean-Robert Anne , Plat Aurélie , Patural Hugues , Giraud Antoine
Published: December 2024

The General Movement Assessment (GMA) is a validated evaluation of brain maturation essential to shaping early individual developmental trajectories of preterm infants. To ensure a reliable GMA, preterm infants should be recorded for 30 to 60 min before manually selecting at least three sequences with general movements. This time-consuming task of manually selecting short video sequences from lengthy recordings impedes its implementation within the Neonatal Unit. Moreover, an accurate pose estimation tool for preterm infants is paramount to developing the field of GMA automation. We introduce the AGMA Pose Estimator and Sequence Selector (AGMA-PESS) software, based on the state-of-the-art deep learning infant pose estimation network, to automatically select the video sequences for GMA at preterm and writhing ages and estimate the pose of infants in 2D. Its simplicity and efficiency make AGMA-PESS a valuable tool to promote GMA use within the Neonatal Unit, both for clinical practice and research purposes.
Immunosuppressant nonadherence profile in kidney transplant recipients and the impact of medication adherence on transplant outcomes
Authors: Zhi-yu Zou , Lin-rui Dai , Chen-zhen Yu , Ren-jie Chen , Fei-hong Yu , Song Chen , Sheng Chang , Wei-jie Zhang
Published: December 2024

Background

Despite the fact that 1-year graft and recipient survival rates are above 90% in most transplant centers, improving long-term graft survival remains an important challenge. Immunosuppressant nonadherence has been recognized as one of the important risk factors for long-term graft failure. Understanding the modifiable correlates and risk factors for medication non-adherence is essential to develop interventions to improve adherence and thus long-term transplantation outcomes.

Methods

This study conducted a questionnaire survey on 431 renal transplant recipients who were followed up in the outpatient clinic between January 2022 and January 2023, and 409 valid questionnaires were returned. The BAASIS questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of nonadherence to immunosuppressive therapy (implementation phase) in Chinese renal transplant recipients and to explore the multilevel correlates of immunosuppressive nonadherence. The BAASIS questionnaire was used to categorize renal transplant recipients into adherent (n = 239) and non-adherent (n = 170) groups, and a prospective cohort study with a 1-year follow-up was conducted to explore the impact of immunosuppressant non-adherence on clinical outcomes.

Results

The prevalence of nonadherence to immunosuppressant therapy in renal transplant recipients in this study was as high as 41.6%. The number of years post-transplant (OR: 1.240, 95% CI: 1.136–1.353, p < 0.001) and the frequency of twice-daily dosing (OR: 5.145, 95% CI: 2.690–9.840, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with immunosuppressive nonadherence. There was a significant difference in TAC IPV (Intra-individual Variability) between the adherent and nonadherent groups (22.7 ± 8.7 vs. 25.4 ± 11.6, p = 0.010). Renal function remained stable during the follow-up period in the recipients in the adherence group and tended to decrease in the recipients in the non-adherence group (F = 4.932, p = 0.001). The rates of graft loss (7.1% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.006) and rejection (12.4% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.002) were higher in the nonadherent group than in the adherent group.

Conclusion

Longer time post-transplant and higher frequency of immunosuppressive dosing were positively associated with nonadherence to immunosuppressives medication. Immunosuppressant nonadherence was associated with adverse graft outcomes.
Role of memantine in adult migraine: a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare memantine with existing migraine preventive medications
Authors: Li Guanglu , Qu Baoquan , Zheng Tao , Duan Shaojie , Liu Lei , Liu Zunjing
Published: December 2024

Background

While memantine has been considered a promising drug for migraine prevention, no conclusive evidence exists comparing its efficacy with other migraine-preventive medications. This network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to access the effectiveness and acceptability of memantine and other guideline-recommended prophylactic agents for migraine.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, PubMed, and ClinicalTrials databases from their inception to 1 June 2024. Randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) examining the pharmacological prevention of adult migraine patients were included. The primary efficacy outcome was the change in migraine days, and the primary safety outcome was withdrawal due to adverse events. Secondary outcomes included 50% response rates and frequency of any adverse events. The analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

Thirty-eight RCTs, including a total of 13,223 participants, were analyzed. Our analysis showed that memantine demonstrated the second-largest reduction in migraine days [standardized mean difference (SMD): −0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.26, −0.41 compared with placebo] and the highest 50% response rates [odds ratio (OR): 5.58, 95% CI: 1.31 to 23.69] in all studied interventions. Moreover, among all interventions, memantine appeared to show the lowest dropout rate and moderate frequency of adverse events. However, its confidence intervals contained null values.

Conclusion

This study provides prioritisation evidence for memantine in migraine prevention, as memantine can significantly decrease the frequency of migraine attacks, improves response rates, and fair acceptability. These beneficial effects were not inferior to currently recommended pharmacological regimens. However, due to the lack of long-term efficacy and safety data, as well as few direct comparisons with active control agents, the estimates of memantine may be overly optimistic. Clinicians should interpret the findings of current NMA cautiously and apply them in a relatively conservative manner.
Sucrose synthase gene family in common bean during pod filling subjected to moisture restriction
Authors: Morales-Elias Norma Cecilia , Martínez-Barajas Eleazar , Bernal-Gracida Lilia Angélica , Vázquez-Sánchez Monserrat , Galván-Escobedo Iris Grisel , Rodriguez-Zavala Jose Salud , López-Herrera Amelia , Peña-Valdivia Cecilia Beatriz , García-Esteva Antonio , Cruz-Cruz Carlos Alberto , González-Arnao María Teresa , Jiménez-Galindo José Cruz , Padilla-Chacón Daniel
Published: December 2024

In common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), leaf photosynthesis is significantly reduced under drought conditions. Previous studies have shown that some drought-tolerant cultivars use the pod walls to compensate the decreased photosynthesis rate in leaves by acting as temporary reservoirs of carbohydrates to support seed filling. Here, we describe a comprehensive molecular characterization of sucrose synthase (SUS, EC 2.4.1.13) gene family through a genome-wide analysis and evaluated the effects of terminal drought on reproductive structures, specifically the pod walls. Seven PvSUS genes were located on six different chromosomes and had 8–16 intron–exon structures (8–16 exons). The PvSUS protein sequences revealed conserved catalytic domains, with molecular weights ranging from 90.5 kDa to 105.1 kDa and lengths from 799 to 929 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis grouped these sequences into three main clusters with seven subgroups, indicating divergence from SUS sequences in other plant species. Using a docking sequence, we predicted three-dimensional (3-D) structures and evaluated the active sites. Bioinformatics analysis of promoter regions suggested that PvSUS genes may respond to light, hormone signaling, and stress stimuli. Greenhouse experiments were conducted using the cv. OTI, identified as having intermediate drought tolerance. Plants at the R8 growth stage were maintained with regular irrigation at 100% field capacity (FC) or with water restriction to maintain 50% of field capacity. Pods were harvested 5 days, 10 days, 15 days, and 20 days after anthesis. An increase in PvSUS activity under water restriction was associated with higher levels of fructose, while sucrose concentration also increased. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that PvSUS1, PvSUS3, and PvSUS4 were strongly expressed during seed development under water restriction. The fluorescent sucrose analog esculin indicated that transport across the plasma membrane might contribute to the increase in the pith cell diameter of pedicels. The results provide a systematic overview of the PvSUS gene family in P. vulgaris, offering a framework for further research and the potential functional application of PvSUS genes.
Response mechanism of major secondary metabolites of Polygonatum kingianum to selenium nanoparticles
Authors: Wan Xiaolin , Wang Jiehua , Zhang Jiaxin , Cui Hongshi , Cui Lingjun , Xiao Qiang
Published: December 2024

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) can be absorbed by plants, thereby affecting plant physiological activity, regulating gene expression, and altering metabolite content. However, the molecular mechanisms by which exogenous selenium affects Polygonatum kingianum coll.et Hemsl plant secondary metabolites remain unclear. In this study, we exposed P. kingianum plants to SeNPs at 0, 10, 25, and 50 mg/L concentrations. Joint physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses were performed to reveal the response mechanisms of major secondary metabolites of P. kingianum to SeNPs. Our data shows that under the treatment of 25 mg/L, the photosynthetic electron transfer rate of plants significantly increases and the carbon-nitrogen ratio significantly decreases. In parallel, the main active components, polysaccharides and saponins, showed a significant increase in content, while flavonoid content decreased. SeNPs affect polysaccharide accumulation mainly through up-regulation of SPS, UGPase, AGPase, UTP, and SUS genes in starch and sucrose metabolic pathways. The accumulation of saponins was affected by upregulating genes in the sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis pathways, including PAD, ADH, PK, and GS. The accumulation of flavonoids was mainly regulated by metabolic pathways such as flavonoid biosynthesis, isoflavonoid biosynthesis, and the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids. In summary, this study reveals the key metabolic pathways affected by SeNPs in the main secondary metabolic products of P. kingianum.