bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maintaining healthy lifestyle through fitness app use: A parallel mediation model from a nationwide survey
Authors: Zhang Min , Li Xiaojing
Published: August 2024

Objective

Adolescents face various health challenges due to academic pressures and sedentary lifestyles. Establishing healthy habits during this critical period is essential for long-term well-being. With the widespread use of fitness apps, understanding their impact on adolescent health behaviors and the underlying mechanisms is crucial. Guided by social support theory and social comparison theory, this study examined the influence of WeRun, a fitness app within WeChat, on adolescents’ adoption of healthy lifestyles. It investigated the correlation between WeRun usage and healthy behaviors, as well as the underlying mechanisms driving this relationship.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted across 31 provinces and metropolitans in China, utilizing a random cluster sampling approach targeting high school and freshman students aged 15–24 ( N = 1312). A parallel mediation model was employed to test the hypotheses.

Results

The analysis showed that WeRun use positively predicted both social support and social comparison. Meanwhile, both social support and social comparison were positively associated with healthy lifestyles. Additionally, WeRun use could not directly predict healthy lifestyles. However, WeRun use indirectly predicted healthy lifestyles via social support and social comparison.

Conclusions

The study's findings revealed the pivotal roles of social support and social comparison as mediating variables in the relationship between adolescents’ WeRun usage and adoption of healthy lifestyles. The results contributed to the current comprehension of the mechanisms linking app utilization to health-promoting behaviors. Furthermore, it provided valuable insights for promoting adolescent health and informed improved design strategies for fitness apps.
Ross Confers More Favorable Left Ventricular Remodeling Compared With Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Markham Garrett H. , Brown John W. , Wenos Chelsea D. , Jensen Morten O. , Jensen Hanna K. , Markham Larry W. , Herrmann Jeremy L.
Published: August 2024

Background: Aortic valve disease results in left ventricular (LV) dilation and/or hypertrophy. Valve intervention may improve, but not normalize flow dynamics. We hypothesized that LV remodeling would be more favorable following the Ross procedure versus mechanical aortic valve replacement (mAVR). Methods: Patients who were 18 to 50 years of age and underwent Ross or mAVR from 2000 to 2016 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Propensity score matching was performed and yielded 27 well-matched pairs. Demographics and echocardiographic variables of LV morphology and wall thickness were collected. Those with > mild residual valve disease were excluded. Primary endpoints included LV morphology. T test and Fisher exact test analysis were used for statistical comparison. Results: Average age at operation (Ross 35.3 ± 10.2 vs mAVR 37.3 ± 8.9 years) did not differ. Indication for operation was similar between groups. Preoperative echocardiographic variables did not differ. At average follow-up duration (Ross 7.9 ± 2.4 vs mAVR 7.3 ± 2.4 years), wall thickness was significantly smaller for Ross compared with mAVR ( P = .00715). Only 4/27 (15%) of mAVR patients had normalized LV parameters compared with 16/27 (59%) of Ross patients ( P = .000813). Residual hypertrophy was the most common long-term abnormality for mAVR. Conclusion: Following aortic valve replacement with the Ross procedure or mechanical aortic valve prosthesis, the Ross conferred more favorable LV remodeling compared with mAVR. Future directions include analyzing longer follow-up to determine if patterns persist and the impact on cardiac morbidity and mortality.
Efficacy of Platelet-rich Fibrin for the Treatment of Grade II Furcation Defects in Mandibular Molars
Authors: Hong Cam Le Ngoc , Pham Thuy Anh Vu
Published: August 2024

Aim:

To evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in the treatment of grade II furcation mandibular molars.

Materials and Methods:

We enrolled 12 patients with 24 mandibular class II furcation defects in this randomized clinical trial with a split-mouth design. These defects were treated with either open flap debridement (OFD) in conjunction with PRF (test group) or only OFD (control group). We recorded and assessed clinical parameters (probing pocket depth [PPD], gingival recession [GR], and vertical and horizontal clinical attachment level [VCAL and HCAL, respectively]), radiographic parameters (bone defect fill [%BF]), and microbiological parameters at baseline and 6 months after treatment.

Results:

After treatment, PPD, VCAL, HCAL, BF, and microbiological parameters were significantly reduced in both groups. All clinical and radiographic parameters showed significant improvement at the sites that had been treated with PRF and OFD compared with those that had been treated with OFD alone. Among 24 furcation defects in both groups, 10 showed a significantly improved clinical condition and 14 remained at the initial grade. There were no more severe conditions recorded after treatment.

Conclusion:

Within the limitation of this article, we have demonstrated the effectiveness of PRF in the regenerative treatment of grade II furcation defects.
Borderline Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip With Osseous Impingement as Distinct From Femoroacetabular Impingement and Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Zhang Jia , Li Zhongyao , Wu Yidong , Yu Kangkang , Gan Lu , Liu Yujie , Xu Chengfeng , Li Chunbao
Published: August 2024

Background:

Borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip (BDDH) accompanied by cam deformity and subspinous impingement has been found to benefit from arthroscopic surgery. However, the research comparing BDDH combined with osseous impingement to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) without borderline dysplasia remains limited.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To compare the clinical symptoms, intraoperative findings, and outcomes of hip arthroscopy in patients with BDDH and osseous impingement versus cam-type FAI. It was hypothesized that BDDH with osseous impingement could be classified as a distinct entity between FAI and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Data were collected from patients 18 to 50 years old who underwent primary hip arthroscopy between September 2016 and October 2020. Patients were divided based on preoperative lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) into 2 groups: (1) BDDH group (LCEA 18°-25°; n = 67); and (2) cam-type FAI group without BDDH (FAI group; LCEA 25°-40° and alpha angle >55°; n = 145). Disparities in symptoms, preoperative examination, intraoperative findings and procedures, and patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores were compared.

Results:

Follow-up was available for 61 (91.0%) patients in the BDDH group and 125 (86.2%) patients in the FAI group. The incidence of cam deformity in BDDH patients was 91.8%. The preoperative characteristics and intraoperative findings were similar between the groups; however, preoperative internal and external hip rotation, Tönnis angle, femoroepiphyseal acetabular roof index, labral size, capsule thickness, and percentage of ligamentum teres tear were significantly higher in the BDDH group than the FAI group, and the percentage of pain aggravating factor, cam deformity, and anterior inferior iliac spine types 2 and 3 were also significantly different between groups ( P < .05 for all). The percentage of intraoperative minimal acetabuloplasty, subspinous decompression, labral repair, ligamentum teres debridement, and capsular closure was significantly higher in the BDDH group than the FAI group, while the percentage of femoroplasty was higher in the FAI group ( P < .05). Pre- to postoperative improvement on PRO scores was seen in both groups.

Conclusion:

Given the differences in etiology and surgical procedures between the 2 conditions, it is suggested that BDDH with osseous impingement be classified as an entity distinct from FAI and DDH (and separate from BDDH without impingement) while excluding joint instability.
Prefrontal Metabolite Alterations in Individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A 7T Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Reid Meredith A. , Whiteman Sarah E. , Camden Abigail A. , Jeffirs Stephanie M. , Weathers Frank W.
Published: August 2024

Background

Evidence from animal and human studies suggests glutamatergic dysfunction in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to investigate glutamate abnormalities in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLFPC) of individuals with PTSD using 7T MRS, which has better spectral resolution and signal-to-noise ratio than lower field strengths, thus allowing for better spectral quality and higher sensitivity. We hypothesized that individuals with PTSD would have lower glutamate levels compared to trauma-exposed individuals without PTSD and individuals without trauma exposure. Additionally, we explored potential alterations in other neurometabolites and the relationship between glutamate and psychiatric symptoms.

Methods

Individuals with PTSD (n = 27), trauma-exposed individuals without PTSD (n = 27), and individuals without trauma exposure (n = 26) underwent 7T MRS to measure glutamate and other neurometabolites in the left DLPFC. The severities of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and dissociation symptoms were assessed.

Results

We found that glutamate was lower in the PTSD and trauma-exposed groups compared to the group without trauma exposure. Furthermore, N-acetylaspartate (NAA) was lower and lactate was higher in the PTSD group compared to the group without trauma exposure. Glutamate was negatively correlated with depression symptom severity in the PTSD group. Glutamate was not correlated with PTSD symptom severity.

Conclusion

In this first 7T MRS study of PTSD, we observed altered concentrations of glutamate, NAA, and lactate. Our findings provide evidence for multiple possible pathological processes in individuals with PTSD. High-field MRS offers insight into the neurometabolic alterations associated with PTSD and is a powerful tool to probe trauma- and stress-related neurotransmission and metabolism in vivo.
Potential harms resulting from patient–clinician real-time clinical encounters using video-based telehealth: A Making Healthcare Safer rapid evidence review
Authors: Rosen Michael , Stewart C Matthew , Kharrazi Hadi , Sharma Ritu , Vass Montrell , Zhang Allen , Bass Eric B
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To review the evidence on harms associated with patient–clinician real-time encounters using video-based telehealth and determine the effectiveness of any related patient safety practices (PSPs), which are interventions, strategies, or approaches intended to prevent or mitigate unintended consequences of healthcare delivery and improve patient safety.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane to identify eligible studies published from 2012 to 2022, supplemented by grey literature search. Outcomes of interest included adverse events and other specified harms (i.e., preventable hospitalizations, inappropriate treatment, missed or delayed diagnoses, duplication of services, privacy breaches).

Findings

Our search retrieved 7155 citations, of which 23 studies (including six randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) were eligible for review. Fourteen studies reported on adverse events or unintended effects of telehealth conducted in diverse settings. Adverse events such as death, reoperation, infection, or major complications were infrequent in both telehealth and usual care groups. Thirteen studies examined preventable hospitalizations or emergency department (ED) visits and reported mixed findings. Of the six RCTs, three showed no difference in risk of hospitalization or ED visits for telehealth compared to usual care and three showed reduced risk for patients receiving telehealth. We found no studies on the effectiveness of PSPs in reducing harms associated with real-time telehealth.

Conclusions

Telehealth was not inferior to usual care in terms of hospitalizations or ED visits. No studies evaluated a specific PSP. More research is needed to improve understanding of harms associated with real-time use of telehealth and how to prevent or mitigate those harms.
Staring out my window: Reflexivity and relationality in research in a Covid-19 world
Authors: Wright Morag Flora
Published: August 2024

In March 2020 I faced a research crisis. Like many PhD students, my project quickly fell apart and I was faced with writing a PhD on migration while stood still in London. In this article I explore the techniques I used to try to write about movement through conscious stasis and what this can tell us about the nature of fieldwork. I explore my attempts to answer these problems through experiments in autoethnography and communal storytelling. Both of these methods were attempts on my behalf to think through what it means to do ethical research in the face of a climate crisis and a pandemic. As such, I explore the ways in which using them changed my thinking not only about my project, but about the nature of research itself. I argue that moments of rupture such as COVID shine a light on the structuring of ‘normality’ in research. I write against a return to that normal. A normal that has justified extensive international travel in the face of a deepening ecological crisis, a normal that celebrated knowledge extraction and created material realities which governed ‘who’ the researcher could be.
Reconceptualizing Judicial Activism: Intervention Versus Involvement in the Israeli Supreme Court
Authors: Weinshall Keren
Published: August 2024

The paper conceptualizes two distinct yet interconnected modes of judicial activism: courts as intervening in the policies and actions of other branches of government and courts as involved in their policymaking process. It proposes empirical methods to assess these modes and investigates them using a case study of Israeli Supreme Court justices’ votes from 2010 to 2018. Contrary to common perception, the findings reveal that justices demonstrate low and declining tendencies to invalidate laws ( N = 544 votes in petitions challenging the constitutionality of laws) or policies established by the political branches ( N = 22,415 votes in HCJ petitions). Justices’ attitudes towards the ideological underpinnings of contested legislation or policies exhibit minimal to no statistically significant influence on their votes. However, the analysis reveals a discernible and increasing pattern of covert judicial involvement, wherein justices exert pressure on the state to revise its policy before issuing a final ruling. Additionally, there is a diminishing trend of dismissing petitions in limine without accepting them for substantive review. These findings suggest that ISC justices engage in relatively low levels of intervening activism but high levels of involved activism.
Tensions in Digital Transformation: How Prototype Work Links the Temporary and the Permanent
Authors: Sun Yunchen , Tell Fredrik
Published: August 2024

Digital transformation projects often fail due to tensions that emerge between temporary project teams set to design digital transformation and the permanent organization where digital transformation is to be executed. As a potential organizational response to such tensions, we introduce the notion of prototype work; in other words, the actions and interactions facilitated by making prototypes. Through a real-time longitudinal study of a digital transformation project in a Swedish manufacturing firm we specify prototype work, addressing strategic tensions, temporal tensions, and cross-functional tensions at different loci of temporary–permanent interfaces and, in turn, how both temporary and permanent organizations are transitioned.
Key role of adsorption site abundance in the direct electrochemical co-detection of estradiol and dopamine
Authors: Delmo Naela , Pande Ishan , Peltola Emilia
Published: August 2024

Estradiol (E2) is a hormone that influences various aspects of women’s health. Beyond its reproductive functions, E2 impacts neurotransmitter systems such as dopamine (DA). Vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (VACNFs) have shown good sensitivity, selectivity against ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA), biocompatibility, and reduced fouling in DA sensing. In this study, we explore the use of Ti-Ni-CNF electrodes with CNFs grown for 5 min and 30 min for the direct electrochemical co-detection of E2 and DA. The longer growth time led to a 142% increase in average CNF length and a 36% larger electroactive surface area. In E2 detection, the electrodes demonstrate a wide linear range of 0.05–10 µM and sensitivity of 0.016 and 0.020 µA/µM for Ti-Ni-CNF-5 min and Ti-Ni-CNF-30 min, respectively. The sensor performance remains largely unaffected even in the presence of other steroid hormones such as progesterone and testosterone. Co-detection of equimolar E2 and DA shows promising peak separation of 0.34 ± 0.01 V and repeatability after 10 measurements. A notable improvement in the E2/DA peak current ratio, from 0.53 ± 0.07 to 0.81 ± 0.16, was achieved with the increased CNF length. Our results demonstrate the influence of adsorption sites in electrochemical detection, especially for analytes such as E2 and DA that both rely on adsorption for oxidation. While detecting small and fluctuating physiological concentrations remains a challenge, these findings can be used in choosing and fabricating electrode materials for more accurate and accessible continuous hormone measurements, including the possibility of multianalyte sensing platforms.

Graphic abstract
Whole genome sequence and characterisation of Streptococcus suis 3112, isolated from snakeskin gourami, Trichopodus pectoralis
Authors: Aiewsakun Pakorn , Ruangchai Wuthiwat , Jaemsai Bharkbhoom , Bodharamik Thavin , Meemetta Watcharachai , Senapin Saengchan
Published: August 2024

Background

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an important swine and human pathogen. A recent study reported the first isolate of S. suis capable of infecting fish, designated as S. suis strain 3112. The bacterium was isolated from snakeskin gourami (Trichopodus pectoralis), an economically important fish species native to Southeast Asia, and it was previously shown that it can infect and cause lethal streptococcosis in the fish.

Results

In this study, we present the complete genome of S. suis 3112. Molecular sequence analysis revealed that it belongs to serotype 6, sequence type 2340. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the bacterium clustered with healthy-pig S. suis isolates, suggestive of an ultimate swine (as opposed to human) origin of the bacterium. Two fluoroquinolone resistance genes are present in the bacterial genome, namely patA and patB. Our results showed that both genes are expressed in our bacterium, and the bacterium is resistant to norfloxacin, but is still sensitive to other fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, and sparfloxacin. Additionally, the bacterium is sensitive to β-lactams, tetracyclines, sulphonamides, and an aminoglycoside.

Conclusions

This study reports and describes the complete genome of S. suis 3112, the first isolate of S. suis known to infect fish, and provides further insights into the bacterial isolate, particularly regarding its drug resistance profile. These results will facilitate further investigations of the comparative genomics and pathogenic characteristics of S. suis, as well as the development of control strategies against this newly-identified fish pathogen.
Reverse vaccinology approaches to design a potent multiepitope vaccine against the HIV whole genome: immunoinformatic, bioinformatics, and molecular dynamics approaches
Authors: Hashempour Ava , Khodadad Nastaran , Akbarinia Shokufeh , Ghasabi Farzane , Ghasemi Younes , Nazar Mohamad Matin Karbalaei Ali , Falahi Shahab
Published: August 2024

Substantial advances have been made in the development of promising HIV vaccines to eliminate HIV-1 infection. For the first time, one hundred of the most submitted HIV subtypes and CRFs were retrieved from the LANL database, and the consensus sequences of the eleven HIV proteins were obtained to design vaccines for human and mouse hosts. By using various servers and filters, highly qualified B-cell epitopes, as well as HTL and CD8 + epitopes that were common between mouse and human alleles and were also located in the conserved domains of HIV proteins, were considered in the vaccine constructs. With 90% coverage worldwide, the human vaccine model covers a diverse allelic population, making it widely available. Codon optimization and in silico cloning in prokaryotic and eukaryotic vectors guarantee high expression of the vaccine models in human and E. coli hosts. Molecular dynamics confirmed the stable interaction of the vaccine constructs with TLR3, TLR4, and TLR9, leading to a substantial immunogenic response to the designed vaccine. Vaccine models effectively target the humoral and cellular immune systems in humans and mice; however, experimental validation is needed to confirm these findings in silico.
A longitudinal assessment of heat exposure and biomarkers of kidney function on heat shock protein 70 and antibodies among agricultural workers
Authors: Butler-Dawson Jaime , Johnson Richard J. , Krisher Lyndsay , Jaramillo Diana , Cruz Alex , Pilloni Daniel , Brindley Stephen , Rodriguez-Iturbe Bernardo , Sanchez-Lozada Laura Gabriela , Dally Miranda , Newman Lee S.
Published: August 2024

Background

Exposure to extreme heat impacts millions of people worldwide and outdoor workers are among the populations most affected by hot temperatures. Heat stress induces several biological responses in humans, including the production of heat shock proteins (HSP) and antibodies against HSP (anti-HSP) which may play a central role in the body’s cellular response to a hot environment.

Objective

This longitudinal study investigated the impact of elevated temperatures and humidity on the presence of HSP70 and anti-HSP70 and examined relationships with markers of kidney function in an at-risk workforce under conditions of extreme heat and exertion in Guatemala.

Methods

We collected ambient temperature and relative humidity data as well as biomarkers and clinical data from 40 sugarcane workers at the start and the end of a 6-month harvest. We used generalized mixed-effects models to estimate temperature effects on HSP70 and anti-HSP70 levels. In addition, we examined trends between HSP70 and anti-HSP70 levels and markers of kidney function across the harvest.

Results

At the end of the harvest, temperatures were higher, and workers had, on average, higher levels of HSP70 and anti-HSP70 compared to the beginning of the season. We observed significant increasing trends with temperature indices, heat index, and HSP70 levels. Maximum temperature was associated with HSP70 increments after controlling for age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (β: 0.21, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.09, 0.33). Kidney function decline across the harvest was associated with both higher levels of anti-HSP70 levels at the end of the harvest as well as greater increases in anti-HSP70 levels across the harvest.

Conclusions

These results suggest that workplace heat exposure may increase the production of HSP70 and anti-HSP70 levels and that there may be a relationship between increasing anti-HSP70 antibodies and the development of renal injury. HSP70 holds promise as a biomarker of heat stress in exposed populations.
Mortality from pulmonary hypertension in Europe 2001-2019
Authors: Hartley Adam , Singh Harpreet , Jani Chinmay , Salciccioli Justin D. , Shalhoub Joseph , Howard Luke S. , Marshall Dominic C.
Published: August 2024

Background

The incidence of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is believed to be on the rise and is associated with poor outcomes.

Methods

We extracted age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) for decedents ≥ 18 years of age from the World Health Organization Mortality Database, using International Classification of Diseases 10th edition codes for PH and PAH, covering the period from 2001 to 2019. The UK and European Union countries with at least 1,000,000 inhabitants and at least 75% of available data points over the study period were included.

Results

Between 2001 and 2019, in countries with available data, the median ASMR for PH increased by + 1.19 per 1,000,000 (+ 22.51%) in females and + 0.36 per 1,000,000 (+ 6.06%) in males. Out of 19 countries, 13 demonstrate an increase in female PH ASMR, and 12 reported an increase in male PH ASMR. In contrast, median PAH ASMR decreased by -0.29 per 1,000,000 (-28.74%) in females and remained relatively unchanged in males, with a minor increase of + 0.01 per 1,000,000 (+ 1.07%). Notably, there was significant inter-country heterogeneity, with countries such as Hungary, Romania, and Poland displaying results incongruous with the rest of Europe.

Conclusions

While publicly available mortality statistics for PH may be unreliable, these data suggest an overall increase in mortality across Europe from 2001 to 2019. However, mortality from PAH has shown a decrease in females and a modest increase in males. This underscores the urgent need for robust and high-quality mortality reporting, including international registries, for both PH and PAH.
Genome-wide association study for metabolic syndrome reveals APOA5 single nucleotide polymorphisms with multilayered effects in Koreans
Authors: Park Young Jun , Moon Sungji , Choi Jaeyong , Kim Juhyun , Kim Hyun-Jin , Son Ho-Young , Im Sun-Wha , Kim Jong-Il
Published: August 2024

Background and purpose

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of metabolic syndrome (MetS) have predominantly focused on non-Asian populations, with limited representation from East Asian cohorts. Moreover, previous GWAS analyses have primarily emphasized the significance of top single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), poorly explaining other SNP signals in linkage disequilibrium. This study aimed to reveal the interaction between rs651821 and rs2266788, the principal variants of apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5), within the most significant loci identified through GWAS on MetS.

Methods

GWAS on MetS and its components was conducted using the data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) city cohort comprising 58,600 individuals with available biochemical, demographic, lifestyle factors, and the most significant APOA5 locus was analyzed further in depth.

Results

According to GWAS of MetS and its diagnostic components, a significant association between the APOA5 SNPs rs651821/rs2266788 and MetS/triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein phenotypes was revealed. However, a conditional analysis employing rs651821 unveiled a reversal in the odds ratio for rs2266788. Therefore, rs651821 and rs2266788 emerged as independent and opposing signals in the extended GWAS analysis, i.e., the multilayered effects. Further gene-environment interaction analyses regarding lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity underscored these multilayered effects.

Conclusion

This study unveils the intricate interplay between rs651821 and rs2266788 derived from MetS GWAS. Removing the influence of lead SNP reveals an independent protective signal associated with rs2266788, suggesting a multilayered effect between these SNPs. These findings underline the need for novel perspectives in future MetS GWAS.
Development of a biomarker prediction model for post-trauma multiple organ failure/dysfunction syndrome based on the blood transcriptome
Authors: Duran Ivan , Banerjee Ankita , Flaherty Patrick J. , Que Yok-Ai , Ryan Colleen M. , Rahme Laurence G. , Tsurumi Amy
Published: August 2024

Background

Multiple organ failure/dysfunction syndrome (MOF/MODS) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity among severe trauma patients. Current clinical practices entail monitoring physiological measurements and applying clinical score systems to diagnose its onset. Instead, we aimed to develop an early prediction model for MOF outcome evaluated soon after traumatic injury by performing machine learning analysis of genome-wide transcriptome data from blood samples drawn within 24 h of traumatic injury. We then compared its performance to baseline injury severity scores and detection of infections.

Methods

Buffy coat transcriptome and linked clinical datasets from blunt trauma patients from the Inflammation and the Host Response to Injury Study (“Glue Grant”) multi-center cohort were used. According to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 141 adult (age ≥ 16 years old) blunt trauma patients (excluding penetrating) with early buffy coat (≤ 24 h since trauma injury) samples were analyzed, with 58 MOF-cases and 83 non-cases. We applied the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithms to select features and develop models for MOF early outcome prediction.

Results

The LASSO model included 18 transcripts (AUROC [95% CI]: 0.938 [0.890–0.987] (training) and 0.833 [0.699–0.967] (test)), and the XGBoost model included 41 transcripts (0.999 [0.997–1.000] (training) and 0.907 [0.816–0.998] (test)). There were 16 overlapping transcripts comparing the two panels (0.935 [0.884–0.985] (training) and 0.836 [0.703–0.968] (test)). The biomarker models notably outperformed models based on injury severity scores and sex, which we found to be significantly associated with MOF (APACHEII + sex—0.649 [0.537–0.762] (training) and 0.493 [0.301–0.685] (test); ISS + sex—0.630 [0.516–0.744] (training) and 0.482 [0.293–0.670] (test); NISS + sex—0.651 [0.540–0.763] (training) and 0.525 [0.335–0.714] (test)).

Conclusions

The accurate assessment of MOF from blood samples immediately after trauma is expected to aid in improving clinical decision-making and may contribute to reduced morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Moreover, understanding the molecular mechanisms involving the transcripts identified as important for MOF prediction may eventually aid in developing novel interventions.
Policy brief Belgian EBCP mirror group Artificial Intelligence in cancer care
Authors: Cauët Emilie , Schittecatte Gabrielle , Van Den Bulcke Marc ,   BE-EBCP mirror group ‘Artificial Intelligence, Albarani Valentina , Allaoui El Maati , Antoine-Poirel Hélène , Baatout Sarah , Broeckx Glenn , Chavez Marcela , Coche Emmanuel , Croes Romaric , De Broe Sofie , Demetter Pieter , De Witte Chloë , Delsupehe Louis , Deman Frederik , Dendooven Amelie , Dhont Jennifer , Ertaylan Gokhan , Gevaert Thierry , Gijssels Stefan , Hasaers Koen , Haustermans Karin , Hovelinck Rudy , Hustinx Roland , Jodogne Sébastien , Lahousse Lies , Lauwers Steven , Lejeune Stephane , Leloup Arthur , Lippens Evi , Macq Benoit , Maes Brigitte , Meca Carlos , Rommel Ward , Salgado Roberto , Schelfhout Bart , Schreurs Wim , Sys Gwen , Van De Voorde Lien , Van Den Bulck Isabelle , Van Lint Johan , Van Roose Wim , Van Steen Kristel , Vandermeulen Ad , Volders Pieter-Jan , Yogeswaran Suresh
Published: August 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already a reality in health systems, bringing benefits to patients, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders in the health care. To further leverage AI in health, Belgium is advised to make policy-level decisions about how to fund, design and undertake actions focussing on data access and inclusion, IT-infrastructure, legal and ethical frameworks, public and professional trust, in addition to education and interpretation. EU initiatives, such as European Health data space (EHDS), the Genomics Data Infrastructure (GDI) and the EU Cancer Imaging Infrastructure (EUCAIM) are building EU data infrastructures. To continue these positive developments, Belgium should continue to invest and support existing European data infrastructures. At the national level, a clear vision and strategy need to be developed and infrastructures need to be harmonized at the European level.
Nitrogen deposition enhances the competitive advantage of invasive plant species over common native species through improved resource acquisition and absorption
Authors: Xiang Chixuan , Wang Xiao , Chen Yanni , Liu Lele , Li Mingyan , Wang Tong , Sun Yingkun , Li Haimei , Guo Xiao
Published: August 2024

Background

Previous studies into the interactions between native and invasive species under nitrogen (N) deposition have often overlooked the presence of co-occurring native species, a factor that could influence the outcomes of interspecific competition. Furthermore, publication bias may lead researchers to focus on rare native species with limited adaptability. In this study, we examined how two levels of N deposition affected the physiological and ecological traits and the interspecies interactions between three invasive and three common native species.

Results

N deposition promoted the growth of both invasive and native species. The relative dominance index (RDI) of invasive species was consistently higher than that of native species. Invasive species had an advantage over common native species in using the increased N effectively. The biomass distribution of invasive species was biased toward the aboveground parts, indicating competition for light resources.

Conclusions

N deposition conferred a stronger competitive advantage to invasive species than to native species, suggesting that the distribution range of invasive species may expand further under increased N deposition.
Systematic transcriptomic analysis of childhood medulloblastoma identifies N6-methyladenosine-dependent lncRNA signatures associated with molecular subtype, immune cell infiltration, and prognosis
Authors: Joshi Kandarp , Yuan Menglang , Katsushima Keisuke , Saulnier Olivier , Ray Animesh , Amankwah Ernest , Stapleton Stacie , Jallo George , Taylor Michael D. , Eberhart Charles G. , Perera Ranjan J.
Published: August 2024

Medulloblastoma, the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor, is classified into four main molecular subgroups, but group 3 and group 4 tumors are difficult to subclassify and have a poor prognosis. Rapid point-of-care diagnostic and prognostic assays are needed to improve medulloblastoma risk stratification and management. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a common RNA modification and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a central role in tumor progression, but their impact on gene expression and associated clinical outcomes in medulloblastoma are unknown. Here we analyzed 469 medulloblastoma tumor transcriptomes to identify lncRNAs co-expressed with m6A regulators. Using LASSO-Cox analysis, we identified a five-gene m6A-associated lncRNA signature (M6LSig) significantly associated with overall survival, which was combined in a prognostic clinical nomogram. Using expression of the 67 m6A-associated lncRNAs, a subgroup classification model was generated using the XGBoost machine learning algorithm, which had a classification accuracy > 90%, including for group 3 and 4 samples. All M6LSig genes were significantly correlated with at least one immune cell type abundance in the tumor microenvironment, and the risk score was positively correlated with CD4+ naïve T cell abundance and negatively correlated with follicular helper T cells and eosinophils. Knockdown of key m6A writer genes METTL3 and METTL14 in a group 3 medulloblastoma cell line (D425-Med) decreased cell proliferation and upregulated many M6LSig genes identified in our in silico analysis, suggesting that the signature genes are functional in medulloblastoma. This study highlights a crucial role for m6A-dependent lncRNAs in medulloblastoma prognosis and immune responses and provides the foundation for practical clinical tools that can be rapidly deployed in clinical settings.
Hydrogeochemical and microbial characterization of a Middle Triassic carbonate aquifer (Muschelkalk) in Berlin and geochemical simulation of its use as a high-temperature aquifer thermal energy storage
Authors: Virchow Lioba , Siever-Wenzlaff Christian , Blöcher Guido , Alibrandi Armando , Kallmeyer Jens , Zimmer Martin , Wiersberg Thomas , Thielke Christoph , Schleicher Anja , Regenspurg Simona
Published: August 2024

The geological formation of the Muschelkalk is widespread in the center of the North German Basin (NGB) and is increasingly attracting interest for application of geothermal energy extraction or high-temperature aquifer thermal energy storage (HT-ATES). This study investigates the Middle Triassic “Rüdersdorfer Schaumkalk”, which was the former injection horizon of the natural gas storage facility in Berlin, Germany. For the first time, detailed chemical and microbiological analyses of formation water of this Lower Muschelkalk limestone formation were conducted and hydrogeochemically characterized. In addition, a hydrogeochemical model was developed to quantify the potential reactions during HT-ATES focusing on calcite dissolution and precipitation. The main objectives of this study are: (1) to determine the origin of the water from the three wells targeting the Muschelkalk aquifer, (2) to understand changes in hydrochemistry after system operation, and (3) to evaluate the long-term sustainability of a potential HT-ATES system with increasing temperature. The target formation is encountered by several wells at about 525 m below the surface with an average thickness of 30 m. Two hydraulic lifting tests including physical, chemical, and microbial groundwater as well as gas monitoring were carried out. In addition, several downhole samples of formation fluid were collected from the aquifer at in situ pressure and temperature conditions. Fluid analysis of the saline formation water indicate a seawater origin within the Muschelkalk with subsequent evaporation and various water–rock interactions with anhydrite/gypsum, dolomite, and calcite. With a salinity of 130 g/L, dominated by Na–Cl, a slightly acidic pH between 6 and 7, and a low gas content of 3%, the formation water fits to other saline deep formation waters of the NGB. Gas concentrations and microbial communities like sulfate-reducing bacteria and methanogenic archaea in the produced water indicate several geochemical alterations and microbial processes like corrosion and the forming of biogenic methane. Geochemical simulations of calcite equilibrium over 10 HT-ATES cycles indicated a pronounced propensity for calcite precipitation up to 31 mg/kgw, within the heat exchanger. At the same time, these models predicted a significant potential for calcite dissolution, with rates up to 21 mg/kgw, in both the cold and hot reservoirs. The results from the carbonate aquifer characterized in this study can be transferred to other sites in the NGB affected by salt tectonics and have provided information on the microbiological-chemical processes to be expected during the initial use of old wells.
Synergistic antimicrobial activities of aqueous extract derived from olive byproduct and their modes of action
Authors: Kim Yoonbin , Zhao Hefei , Avena-Bustillos Roberto J. , Wang Selina C. , Nitin Nitin
Published: August 2024

Background

Plant-derived antimicrobials (PDAs) are considered a viable alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents. Diverse antimicrobial mechanisms of PDAs significantly reduce the risk of developing antimicrobial resistance. Utilization of PDAs also offers economic and environmental advantages, as they can be derived from agricultural byproducts, such as olive pomace.

Results

In this study, a green, water-based, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was deployed to obtain aqueous olive pomace extract (OPE) from dry olive pomace. Total phenolic content, extraction yield, chemical compositions, and antimicrobial activities of OPE were evaluated. In addition, the potential synergistic interaction between the phenolic components in OPE and the antimicrobial mechanisms underlying the synergistic interaction were characterized. The results show that ca. 25 mg GAE/g of extraction yields were achieved by the UAE of dry olive pomace. Based on the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, diverse phenolic compounds such as gallic acid (GA), hydroxytyrosol (HT), and 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (4-HPA) were identified in OPE. OPE exhibited strong antimicrobial activities, and 0.2 mg GAE/mL of OPE achieved > 5 log reductions of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria innocua cells within 30 min of treatment. A 3D isobologram analysis demonstrated that OPE exhibited strong synergistic antimicrobial activities, compared to those of individual phenolic components (GA, HT, or 4-HPA), showing interaction index (γ) of 0.092 and 0.014 against E. coli O157:H7 and L. innocua, respectively (γ < 1: synergistic activity). Antimicrobial mechanism analyses revealed that phenolic components in OPE exerted strong synergistic activities through diverse modes of action, and increased levels of oxidative stress, membrane damage, and decreased levels of metabolic activities were observed in the OPE-treated bacterial cells.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate an approach for valorizing agricultural byproducts to develop plant byproduct-based antimicrobials with strong synergistic activities. Multiple modes of action of this byproduct extract may enable the control of diverse microbes in food and agriculture systems.

Graphical abstract
Eco-friendly synthesis and antibacterial potential of chitosan crosslinked-EDTA silver nanocomposite (CCESN)
Authors: Atanda S. A. , Shaibu R. O. , Agunbiade F. O.
Published: August 2024

This study presents a novel and eco-friendly approach for synthesizing silver nanocomposite at room temperature. The method utilizes chitosan derived from snail (Archachatina marginata) shell waste crosslinked with EDTA as a combined reducing and capping agent. The existence of silver nanoparticles in the composite was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The TEM, SEM, XRD, and analyses revealed that the silver nanoparticle has a face-centered cubic structure with an average size of 45.30 nm respectively. EDX and EDXRF showed characteristic silver peaks confirming the formation of silver nanoparticles in the composite while TGA indicated that silver nanoparticles contributed to good thermal stability of the composite. The formation of silver nanoparticles was indicated by a brown color transformation and an ultraviolet visible (UV Vis) absorption peak at 435 nm. The synthesized nanocomposite demonstrated promising antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus saprophyticus DSM 18669 and Escherichia coli O157 strains, with S. saprophyticus showing higher susceptibility. This highlights the potential of chitosan-EDTA silver nanocomposites as alternative antimicrobial agents.
Coexisting of hearing loss and chronic myeloid leukemia - A systematic literature review
Authors: Al-Ansari Khadija , Woodman Alexander , Mohammed Alghamdi Lojin , Omaish Al otaibi Turki , Al-Ansari Rehab Y.
Published: August 2024

Objective This systematic literature review aimed to study the relationship between CML and hearing loss. Database review Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematological malignancy associated with high levels of white blood cells (WBCs). Changes in otolaryngology are observed in CML. Methodology This systematic literature review of the literature was conducted by searching the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, WPRIM, LILAC Sand SciELO databases. Studies published between 2013 and 2023 that met inclusion criteria were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to evaluate the quality of studies. Results Of the 142 identified articles, 13 were included for final evaluation with a total sample size of 75 cases diagnosed with CML with hearing defect. CML patients with WBCs above 250 x 109/L were at higher risk of ototoxicity. Males accounted for 85% of cases; with a mean age of 38.9 years. Hearing loss as the first manifestation of CML was among 61.5% of cases, it was bilateral in 83.3% of cases, and in 90% of cases were irreversible defect. Conclusion Acute sudden hearing loss has been associated with high levels of WBC in patients with CML. Neither aggressive leukoreduction nor leukapheresis has positive effect on the reversibility of the hearing loss.
Validating instructional practice scale for university instructors in Ethiopia
Authors: Mehari Anemut , Kassahun Bezina , Berhanu Hana , Birru Biniam , T.Gemeda Tarkegn
Published: August 2024

Background Measurement is essential for methods of instruction to be successful. Having an instrument that is reliable and validated in the given setting is vital. The primary goal of this research project is to validate the instructional practice scale (IPS) for university instructors in the Ethiopian context. Methods By implementing a cross-sectional descriptive survey research design, 1,254 participants across four public universities – Arbaminch, Dilla, Wachamo, and Jinka representing the first, second, third, and fourth generations, respectively were randomly selected and participated. The data was split in half and underwent an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results The three components of the EFA were alternately filled with seventeen items that satisfied certain standards, had a loading value of > .5, and a Cronbach alpha of ≥ .874. The factors identified in the EFA have been confirmed to be the thirteen items with loading, Cronbach alpha, Raykov’s rho coefficient (rho_A), composite reliability (CR) value of >.7, and Average Variance Explained (AVE) value of > .5. Tests of measurement and structural models showed a good fit. The Fornell-Larcker criterion, which is employed in discriminant validity analysis, demonstrates that the square root of the AVE for each construct is higher than the correlation it exhibits with other constructs. The correlations’ heterotrait–monotrait (HTMT) ratio is getting close to zero, and there isn’t one in the confidence interval at the.05 significance level. Both guaranteed strong discriminant validity. Conclusion For university instructors, the 13 items generally have powerful psychometric properties. The three subsections of the instruction practice scale—planning (4 indicators), delivering (4 indicators), and assessment (5 indicators) — are meant to measure the instructional practice effectively. Implications of the findings were further discussed.
The Association between Early-Onset Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Patients Survival: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Renaldi Kaka , William Andy
Published: August 2024

Background In recent years, the incidence of early-onset pancreatic cancer (EOPC) has increased. Several studies comparing the survival of patients with EOPC to those with average-onset pancreatic cancer (AOPC) have reported mixed results. We aimed, therefore, to perform a meta-analysis summarizing the current evidence. Methods We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for relevant articles published through March 2024. Articles comparing the survival of patients with EOPC – defined as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) diagnosed at ≤ 50 years of age – and AOPC were included in the present meta-analysis. The primary outcome was the pooled adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), and the risk of bias analysis was performed using the Quality in Prognostic Factor Studies tool. The meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Results A total of 17 studies were eligible for the primary analysis, the results of which indicated that patients with EOPC had a longer overall survival than those with AOPC (aHR = 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74–0.86; P < 0.001). The rate of distant metastasis was higher in EOPC than AOPC; however, patients with EOPC also received more treatments than those with AOPC. Conclusions Patients with EOPC had a better prognosis than those with AOPC. Clinicians must ensure that patients with PDAC receive early and appropriate treatment to improve their survival.