bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution model and prediction of the tree fern Alsophila costularis Baker (Cyatheaceae) in China
Authors: Wang Zhen , Li Ning , Xu Ruixiang , Ying Zhanming , Ruan Xiaoxian , Wang Ting , Liao Wenbo , Su Yingjuan
Published: June 2024

Climatic change is a challenge for plant conservation due to plants' limited dispersal abilities. The survival and sustainable development of plants directly depend on the availability of suitable habitats. In this study, we employed an optimized MaxEnt model to evaluate the relative contribution of each environmental variable and predict the suitable habitat for Alsophila costularis under past, current, and future periods, which is an endangered relict tree fern known as a living fossil. For the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and Mid‐Holocene scenarios, we adopted two atmosphere–ocean general circulation models: CCSM4 and MIROC‐ESM. The BCC‐CSM2‐MR model was used for future projections. The results revealed that temperature annual range (Bio7) contributed most to the model construction with an optimal range of 13.74–22.44°C. Species distribution modeling showed that current suitable areas were mainly located in most areas of Yunnan, most areas of Hainan, most areas of Taiwan, southeastern Tibet, southwestern Guizhou, western Guangxi, southern Sichuan, and southern Guangdong, with an area of 35.90 × 104 km2. The suitable habitat area expanded northward in Yunnan from the Last Interglacial to the LGM under the CCSM4 model, while a significant contraction toward southwestern Yunnan was found under the MIROC‐ESM model. Furthermore, the potential distributions during the Mid‐Holocene were more widespread in Yunnan compared to those under current period. It is predicted that in the future, the range will significantly expand to northern Yunnan and western Guizhou. Almost all centroids of suitable habitats were distributed in southeastern Yunnan under different periods. The stable areas were located in southwestern Yunnan in all scenarios. The simulation results could provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of reasonable conservation and management measures to mitigate the effects of future climate change for A. costularis.
Trapped between food, heat, and insects: Movement of moose (Alces alces) and exposure to flies in the boreal forest of Alaska
Authors: Benedict Bridgett M. , Thompson Daniel P. , Crouse John A. , Hamer Gabriel L. , Barboza Perry S.
Published: June 2024

Moose (Alces alces) in the boreal forest habitats of Alaska are unlike other northern ungulates because they tolerate high densities of flies (Diptera) even though flies cause wounds and infections during the warm summer months. Moose move to find food and to find relief from overheating (hyperthermia) but do they avoid flies? We used GPS collars to measure the rate of movement (m⋅h−1) and the time spent (min⋅day−1) by enclosed moose in four habitats: wetlands, black spruce, early seral boreal forest, and late seral boreal forest. Fly traps were used in each habitat to quantify spatio‐temporal abundance. Average daily air temperatures increased into July when peak biomass of forage for moose was greatest in early seral boreal forest habitats (424.46 vs. 25.15 kg⋅ha−1 on average in the other habitats). Average daily air temperatures were 1.7°C cooler in black spruce than other habitats, but fly abundance was greatest in black spruce (approximately 4‐fold greater on average than the other habitats). Moose increased their movement rate with counts of biting flies (mosquitoes, black flies, horse and deer flies), but not non‐biting flies (coprophagous flies). However, as air temperature increased (above 14.7°C) moose spent more time in fly‐abundant black spruce, than early seral boreal forest, showing great tolerance for mosquitoes. Warm summer temperatures appear to cause moose to trade‐off foraging in fly‐sparse habitats for resting and dissipating heat in shady, wet habitats with abundant flies that adversely affect the fitness of moose.
Community structure and functional diversity of aquatic fungi are correlated with water quality: Insights from multi‐marker analysis of environmental DNA in a coastal watershed
Authors: French Lauren Cortez , Jusino Michelle A. , Chambers Randolph M. , Skelton James
Published: June 2024

Aquatic fungi drive important ecosystem processes, which may be affected by anthropogenic stressors, including changes in water quality. However, due to the great diversity of aquatic fungi, our understanding of the relationships among water quality variables, fungal community composition, and ecosystem function remains incomplete. Here, we show that aquatic fungal community structure and functional diversity correlate strongly with water quality. We used a multi‐marker survey of environmental DNA and long‐term water quality data to survey 17 stream, pond, and tidal creek sites within a coastal drainage network in southeastern Virginia, USA, targeting both the ITS2 and LSU barcoding regions. The community composition of Chytridiomycota and Ascomycota (fungal phyla) and aquatic hyphomycetes (a functional group) were strongly correlated with habitat type and water quality variables. Functional diversity of aquatic fungi decreased with warmer water, due mainly to the reduced richness of saprotrophic groups, and increased with total particulate phosphorus, due to the richness of algal parasites. Community dissimilarity analyses of samples using both ITS2 and LSU yielded consistent results, but per‐sample alpha diversity differed. This work reveals a surprising degree of local variation in aquatic fungal community composition and functional diversity within a coastal watershed, which was coupled with variation in water quality variables. Furthermore, eDNA sampling is an effective and efficient means to accurately characterize diverse aquatic fungal communities with exciting implications for addressing basic and applied research questions. Our work supports the prediction that community composition and functional diversity of aquatic fungi are impacted by impaired water quality and global change.
Prognostic value of estimated plasma volume status at discharge in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Nogi Kazutaka , Ueda Tomoya , Nogi Maki , Ishihara Satomi , Nakada Yasuki , Hashimoto Yukihiro , Nakagawa Hitoshi , Nishida Taku , Seno Ayako , Onoue Kenji , Watanabe Makoto , Saito Yoshihiko , Hikoso Shungo
Published: June 2024

Aims

Congestive heart failure (HF) is a common complication in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The estimated plasma volume status [ePVS = (100 − haematocrit)/haemoglobin] is used as the blood plasma volume index to determine the presence of congestion in patients with HF. However, the clinical impact of ePVS at discharge in patients with AMI remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether ePVS at discharge could determine the long‐term prognosis in patients with AMI.

Methods and results

We retrospectively identified patients with AMI with ePVS measured at discharge between January 2012 and December 2020. The primary endpoint was post‐discharge all‐cause death. The patients were divided into two groups according to an ePVS cut‐off value of 5.5%, which is commonly used in HF. In total, 1012 patients with AMI were included. The median age was 70 years (range, 61–78 years), and 76.4% of the patients were male. The ePVS > 5.5% (high‐ePVS) group included 365 patients (36.1%), and the all‐cause mortality rate in the total cohort was 17.7%. The log‐rank test revealed that the high‐ePVS group had a significantly higher rate of all‐cause death than the ePVS ≤ 5.5% (low‐ePVS) group (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis revealed that high ePVS was associated with post‐discharge all‐cause death, independent of other risk factors (hazard ratio = 1.879; 95% confidence interval = 1.343–2.629, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

High ePVS at discharge was independently associated with high post‐discharge all‐cause mortality in patients with AMI. Our study suggests that ePVS at discharge in patients with AMI could serve as a novel prognostic marker.
Design and optimization of metformin solid lipid microparticles for topical application
Authors: Mancer Daya , Agouillal Farid , Daoud Kamel
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to improve metformin skin administration by creating solid lipid microparticles (SLMs). To obtain optimal metformin delivery, SLMs were created using a double emulsion hot homogenization technique with a rotor‐stator. The effects of the two surfactants and homogenization time on particle characteristics and performance were studied using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Tween 60 concentration had the most significant effect on particle size. The simple effects of the studied factors did not significantly affect encapsulation efficiency. However, the interactions between these parameters influenced this response. Moreover, the particle size was affected more by the surfactant concentration. After optimizing the three factors, the results showed an optimum encapsulation efficiency of 82% and a particle size of 2 µm with a desirability of 0.915. The topical drug release profile of lipid microparticle suspensions is characterized by an early burst, followed by sustained drug release. The release of metformin from solid lipid particles followed the Higuchi release model, whereas it followed the Weibull model for release from the gel formulation. Based on the in vitro drug release results, we can conclude that the particles containing the drug are in the shape of a matrix.

Practical Applications: The SLM formulation produces a film on the cutaneous surface, retaining the active component in the skin's superficial layer. Furthermore, owing to their micron size, SLM increases the contact surface of the encapsulated drug with the stratum corneum, which might improve cutaneous delivery and provide sustained release of the drug.
Muscle morphological changes and enhanced sprint running performance: A 1‐year observational study of well‐trained sprinters
Authors: Kawama Raki , Takahashi Katsuki , Tozawa Hironoshin , Obata Takafumi , Fujii Norifumi , Arai Aya , Hojo Tatsuya , Wakahara Taku
Published: June 2024

Numerous cross‐sectional studies have attempted to identify the muscle morphology required to achieve high sprint velocity. Our longitudinal study addressed an unanswered question of cross‐sectional studies: whether hypertrophy of the individual trunk and thigh muscles induced by daily training (e.g., sprint, jump, and resistance training) is linked to an improvement in sprint performance within well‐trained sprinters. Twenty‐three collegiate male sprinters (100‐m best time of 11.36 ± 0.44 s) completed their daily training for 1 year without our intervention. Before and after the observation period, the sprint velocities at 0–100 m, 0–10 m, and 50–60 m intervals were measured using timing gates. The volumes of 14 trunk and thigh muscles were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Muscle volumes were normalized to the participants' body mass at each time point. Sprint velocities increased at the 0–100 m (p < 0.001), 0–10 m (p = 0.019), and 50–60 m (p = 0.018) intervals after the observation period. The relative volumes of the tensor fasciae latae, sartorius, biceps femoris long head, biceps femoris short head, semitendinosus, and iliacus were increased (all p < 0.050). Among the hypertrophied muscles, only the change in the relative volume of the semitendinosus was positively correlated with the change in sprint velocity at the 50–60 m interval (p = 0.018 and ρ = 0.591). These findings suggest that semitendinosus hypertrophy seems to be associated with sprint performance improvement within well‐trained sprinters during the maximal velocity phase.
Electrochemical study and simultaneous square‐wave voltammetric determination of tyramine and spermidine in wines
Authors: Nóbrega Rossana O. , Ramo Luciano B. , Silva Amanda C. , Araujo Mario C. U.
Published: June 2024

The quantification of tyramine (Tyr) and spermidine (Spd) is essential to protect and ensure quality and safety for food and beverage consumers. In this work, an electrochemical study was carried out, and a new, rapid, sensitive, reliable, and selective square‐wave voltammetric method for simultaneously determining Tyr and Spd in wines was developed. A Chemically Modified Carbon Paste electrode with Zinc PhthaloCyanine (CMCPE‐ZnPC) was used as a sensor in the electrochemical study, and a standard addition procedure (SAP) was employed to solve the matrix effect in the quantification of Tyr and Spd in wines. These analytes were electroactive on the stable, sensitive, and selective CMCPE‐ZnPC sensor under study using SWV technique, displaying peak anodic potentials at around 400 mV for Tyr and 860 mV for Spd. Wine samples were analyzed using the proposed and reference methods. No statistically significant differences were observed among the results obtained for Tyr and Spd determinations, applying the paired t‐test at a confidence level of 95 %. The proposed method yielded low limits of detection (6.8 nmol L−1 for Tyr and 10.8 nmol L−1 for Spd), good recovery rates (from 86.1 to 107.5 %), and reproducibility (overall RSD of 2.6 %). The proposed method contributes to green analytical chemistry since it uses no chemical pretreatment of the wine samples.
T‐Nb2O5 Surface Coating Enables a Stable Zinc Anode
Authors: Cheng Juanjuan , Zhao Yunzhuo , Yu Feiyu , Tang Zhiyong , Chen Zeyu , Ou Yun
Published: June 2024

The surface reactions of zinc anode, including dendrite formation, corrosion, and passivation, hinder the aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. Surface engineering is one effective strategy for zinc protection. Herein, a high dielectric constant and stable and easily prepared T‐Nb2O5 first demonstrate as the surface coating for zinc anode. The hydrophilic T‐Nb2O5 coating can restrict the migration path of zinc ions and induce the bottom‐up orderly deposition of zinc ions instead of disordered deposition. The T‐Nb2O5 coating zinc anode (T‐Nb2O5/Zn) shows improved electrochemical performance. The voltage of T‐Nb2O5/Zn symmetric cell is stable in the long cycle of 1600 h and about 50 mV in the first 20 h and 25 mV in the last 20 h. After 150 cycles, the discharge capacity of T‐Nb2O5/Zn || MnO2 full battery is 209 mAh g−1, showing a capacity retention rate of 94%. The design of T‐Nb2O5 coating provides an attractive strategy for stable and reversible aqueous zinc metal batteries.
Nano‐TiO2‐Grafted Carbon Sheet Interlayer for Li–S Battery
Authors: Pundir Ayush , Sil Anjan
Published: June 2024

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery with high theoretical capacity and high energy density is considered to be a best alternative of Li‐ion battery. However, challenges associated with Li–S batteries are yet to be addressed effectively to enable their commercialization. Uncontrolled shuttling of polysulfides causes rapid capacity decay and low discharge capacity of the battery cell. To address such shuttling effect related to the polysulfide movement, nano‐TiO2‐grafted carbon sheet interlayer is introduced. Proposed material is synthesized by the combined sol–gel and hydrothermal processes. Rietveld analysis is done for the determination of phase(s) present in the material. These are anatase and rutile phases. Scanning and transmission microscopic studies reveal the morphological features of prepared material. Quantitative study of prepared material for its constituents is done by thermogravimetry analysis, which confirms the presence of 83% TiO2. An interlayer of 16 mm diameter is punched out and incorporated in a coin cell assembly. Cell assembled with interlayer shows superior electrochemical performance with initial discharge capacity of 839 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C rate and 63% capacity retention till 100th cycle. Diffusion studies reveal that insertion of interlayer controls the reaction kinetics and supports polar–polar interaction between interlayer and polysulfides.
Efficacy of anti‐seizure medications and alternative therapies (ketogenic diet, CBD, and quinidine) in KCNT1‐related epilepsy: A systematic review
Authors: Gras Mathilde , Bearden David , West Justin , Nabbout Rima
Published: June 2024

Objective

KCNT1‐related epilepsies encompass three main phenotypes: (i) epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS), (ii) autosomal dominant or sporadic sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy [(AD)SHE], and (iii) different types of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE). Many patients present with drug‐resistant seizures and global developmental delays. In addition to conventional anti‐seizure medications (ASM), multiple alternative therapies have been tested including the ketogenic diet (KD), cannabidiol (CBD—including Epidyolex © and other CBD derivatives) and quinidine (QUIN). We aimed to clarify the current state of the art concerning the benefits of those therapies administered to the three groups of patients.

Methods

We performed a literature review on PubMed and EMBase with the keyword “KCNT1” and selected articles reporting qualitative and/or quantitative information on responses to these treatments. A treatment was considered beneficial if it improved seizure frequency and/or intensity and/or quality of life. Patients were grouped by phenotype.

Results

A total of 43 studies including 197 patients were reviewed. For EIMFS patients (32 studies, 135 patients), KD resulted in benefit in 62.5% (25/40), all types of CBD resulted in benefit in 50% (6/12), and QUIN resulted in benefit in 44.6% (25/56). For (AD)SHE patients (10 studies, 32 patients), we found only one report of treatment with KD, with no benefit noted. QUIN was trialed in 8 patients with no reported benefit. For DEE patients (10 studies, 30 patients), KD resulted in benefit for 4/7, CBD for 1/2, and QUIN for 6/9. In all groups, conventional ASM are rarely reported as beneficial (in 5%–25% of patients).

Significance

Ketogenic diet, CBD, and QUIN treatments appear to be beneficial in a subset of patient with drug‐resistant epilepsy. The KD and CBD are reasonable to trial in patients with KCNT1‐related epilepsy. Further studies are needed to identify optimal treatment strategies and to establish predictive response factors.

Plain Language Summary

We performed an extensive review of scientific articles providing information about the therapeutic management of epilepsy in patients with epilepsy linked to a mutation in the KCNT1 gene. Conventional anti‐seizure treatments were rarely reported to be beneficial. The ketogenic diet (a medical diet with very high fat, adequate protein and very low carbohydrate intake) and cannabidiol appeared to be useful, but larger studies are needed to reach a conclusion.
Twin graphene as an anode material for potassium‐ion battery: A first principle study
Authors: Barman Nirmal , Sarkar Utpal
Published: June 2024

Using density functional theory, we have investigated the usage of twin graphene as an anode material for potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs). Twin graphene demonstrates excellent structural and cycling stability, with minimal changes in lattice parameters and negative cohesive energy during K charge/discharge cycles. Notably, the host material (twin graphene) offers multiple stable adsorption sites for potassium ions. We even observed that the pristine twin graphene, which is a semiconductor, consequently becomes metallic upon potassium adsorption. Twin graphene provides a high theoretical capacity of 495.84 mAh/g, along with low diffusion barrier of 0.290 V for K diffusion. Furthermore, the high electrical conductivity and low open‐circuit voltage of the chosen host will definitely enhance its performance as a KIB material. The structural integrity of twin graphene is also retained with the adsorption of potassium ion, as checked through ab initio molecular dynamics simulation. These findings suggest that twin graphene may be considered as a promising anode material for KIBs.
A Novel JAK2 Fusion in T‐Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Eren Ozgur Can , Stuver Robert , Zhou Ting , Zaidinski Michael , Moskowitz Alison J. , Horwitz Steven M. , Ewalt Mark D. , Zhang Yanming , Lim Megan S.
Published: June 2024

T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T‐PLL) is a rare and aggressive mature T‐cell malignancy characterized by marked lymphocytosis, B symptoms, lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly. There is no standard treatment approach, and in the absence of an allogeneic transplant, the prognosis remains poor. The disease‐defining cytogenetic abnormality in T‐PLL is the juxtaposition of the TCL1‐family oncogene to the TCR gene enhancer locus primarily due to an inversion of chromosome 14, that is, inv(14). The application of next‐generation sequencing technologies led to the discovery of highly recurrent gain‐of‐function mutations in JAK1/3 and STAT5B in over 70% of T‐PLL providing opportunities for therapeutic intervention using small molecule inhibitors. Additional genetic mechanisms that may contribute to the pathogenesis of T‐PLL remain unknown. Herein we describe the identification of a novel gene fusion SMCHD1::JAK2 resulting from a translocation between chromosome 9 and 18 involving SMCHD1 exon 45 and JAK2 exon 14 (t(9;18)(p24.1;p11.32)(chr9:g.5080171::chr18:g.2793269)), a previously undescribed genetic event in a patient with T‐PLL harboring the key disease defining inv(14) resulting in rearrangement of TCL1 and TRA/D. In this manuscript, we describe the clinical and genetic features of the patient's disease course over a 25‐month post‐treatment duration using ruxolitinib and duvelisib.
The likelihood of admission to an intensive care bed dramatically decreased in elderly patients during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Spain
Authors: Miró Òscar , Burillo Guillermo , López‐Ayala Pedro , Aguiló Sira , Fernández Cesáreo , Alquézar Aitor , González del Castillo Juan
Published: June 2024

Background

During the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the availability of mechanical ventilators was very limited and ad hoc recommendations establishing age to be used for patient triage for having access to intensive care beds (ICBs) were proposed. No reports have evaluated how this policy impacted ICB admission in Western countries.

Aims

We analyzed the age‐related probability of ICB admission during first COVID‐19 pandemic wave.

Materials and Methods

We included all patients ≥65 years attended in 42 Spanish emergency departments (EDs) covering around 22% of the Spanish population during 1‐week of the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic (9128 ED visits) and compared the probability of ICB admission respect to patients coming to these EDs 1‐week of 1‐year earlier (24,128 ED visits).

Results

We found that compared with patients aged 65, the probability of ICB admission was significantly reduced from 79 years and up during the pandemic period (odds ratio [OR] = 0.60 for patients aged 79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.39–0.94), while a significant reduction of ICB admission probabilities was found from 88 years and up during the pre‐COVID‐19 period (OR = 0.66 for patients aged 88, 95% CI = 0.45–0.95) (p < 0.001 for interaction). Similar results were found when analyses were limited to hospitalized or deceased patients and also after adjustment using sex and several baseline status covariates.

Conclusion

There was a real limitation in clinical practice of ICB admission based on age during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
SOCR‐YOLO: Small Objects Detection Algorithm in Medical Images
Authors: Liu Yongjie , Li Yang , Jiang Mingfeng , Wang Shuchao , Ye Shitai , Walsh Simon , Yang Guang
Published: June 2024

In the field of medical image analysis, object detection plays a crucial role by providing interpretable diagnostic information to healthcare professionals. Although current object detection models have achieved remarkable success in conventional images, their performance in detecting abnormalities in medical images has not been as satisfactory. This is primarily due to the complexity of anatomical structures in medical images, and the fact that some lesions may have subtle features, particularly in the case of early‐stage, small‐scale abnormalities. To address this challenge, we introduce SOCR‐YOLO, a novel lesion detection model with online convolutional reparameterization based on channel shuffling. First, it employs the SOCR (Shuffled Channel with Online Convolutional Re‐parameterization) module to establish a connection between feature concatenation and computational efficiency, aiming to extract more comprehensive information while reducing time consumption. Second, it incorporates the Bi‐FPN structure to achieve multiscale feature fusion. Lastly, the loss function has been optimized to improve the model training process. We evaluated two datasets, chest x‐ray (Vindr‐CXR) and brain tumor (Br35H), provided by the Kaggle competition. Experimental results show that the proposed method has outperformed several state‐of‐the‐art models, including YOLOv8, YOLO‐NAS, and RT‐DETR, in both speed and accuracy. Notably, in the context of chest x‐ray anomaly detection, SOCR‐YOLO exhibits a 1.8% enhancement in accuracy over YOLOv8 while simultaneously reducing floating‐point operations by 26.3%. Additionally, a similar 1.8% improvement in accuracy is observed in the detection of brain tumors. The results indicate the superior ability of our model to detect multiscale variations and small lesions.
Deep Learning‐Based Automated Detection and Grading of Papilledema From OCT Images: A Promising Approach for Improved Clinical Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Salaheldin Ahmed M. , Abdel Wahed Manal , Talaat Manar , Saleh Neven
Published: June 2024

Papilledema is a prevalent neuro‐ophthalmic condition characterized by optic disk swelling. It is known to pose a significant risk of vision loss in its advanced stages. To address the pressing need for accurate detection and grading of papilledema, this study introduces a novel approach utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. A cascaded model that combines four transfer learning models—SqueezeNet, AlexNet, GoogleNet, and ResNet‐50—for both the detection and grading phases was proposed. Additionally, a specialized convolutional neural network (CNN) model is meticulously designed to cater specifically to the complexities of papilledema analysis. Unlike the fundus camera‐based models, this study integrates deep learning models for the diagnosis of papilledema from OCT scans. A new dataset of OCT scans was collected to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the models. It encompasses a wide range of papilledema, pseudopapilledema, and normal cases. This dataset serves as a valuable resource for training and testing of the proposed models. In addition, two validation strategies have been adopted to ensure the model's generalizability and robustness. Furthermore, it enhances the model's accuracy and reliability. The results are highly promising; remarkable accuracy rates have been achieved. Specifically, the SqueezeNet, AlexNet, GoogleNet, ResNet‐50, and customized CNN models achieved accuracy levels of 98.44%, 98.50%, 98.28%, 98.30%, and 96.26%, respectively, for the handout validation strategy. These findings not only demonstrate the efficacy of using deep learning in papilledema detection and grading but also establish the superiority of the proposed models when compared with other relevant studies. By addressing the challenges associated with papilledema, the study significantly contributes to the advancement of neuro‐ophthalmic diagnostics. The accurate and efficient detection of papilledema from OCT scans holds immense potential for guiding timely interventions and preserving patients' visual health.
Therapeutic plasma exchange as treatment modality in pediatric patients with neurologic and nonneurologic diseases at the Philippine Children's Medical Center: A 12‐year single center experience
Authors: Suplico Jr Alexander B. , Gepte Maria Beatriz P.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To determine the clinical characteristics, indications, technical aspects, complications, and outcomes of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) procedures performed in pediatric patients with neurologic and nonneurologic diseases at the Philippine Children's Medical Center during a 12‐year period (January 2010–March 2023).

Materials and Methods

All TPE performed between January 2010 and March 2023 were retrospectively evaluated. The indications for TPE were classified according to the 2019 American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) categorization.

Results

Fifty‐seven patients underwent a total of 297 TPE procedures. The median age was 12 years (2–18), with 51% male (n = 29) and 49% female (n = 28). The most common indication was N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antibody encephalitis, accounting for 54% of cases (n = 31), followed by Guillain‐Barré syndrome at 16% (n = 9), Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome at 7% (n = 4), and Sepsis with multiorgan failure at 7% (n = 4). Forty‐one patients (71.8%) were classified under ASFA category 1, seven (12.4%) as category II, and nine (15.8%) as category III. All TPE procedures were conducted using the centrifugation technique and citrate anticoagulation. Ninety‐nine percent of the procedures were performed through the internal jugular vein. Albumin was utilized as a replacement fluid in 88% of the procedures. Most complications were related to patient factors and occurred in 10% of cases (n = 31), while problems associated with the extracorporeal circuit were observed in only 4.37% of cases (n = 13). Overall response rate was 91% and there was no TPE‐related deaths. No clear association was found between clinical responses to TPE and specific diagnoses within ASFA categories.

Conclusion

TPE is a safe and effective adjuvant treatment for pediatric patients with neurologic and nonneurologic diseases. The outcome in these patients requiring TPE is excellent. However, response varies with failed organs and the need for life‐sustaining therapies.
Fast vibrational analysis of molecular systems
Authors: Petitjean Hugo , Giard Aude , Flament Jean‐Pierre , Berthomieu Catherine , Berthomieu Dorothée
Published: June 2024

The development of infrared difference spectroscopy provides unprecedented insights on structures of complex molecules like metalloproteins. However, the relevant information can be hard to find among the many bands of the vibrational spectra. The ab initio modeling is very helpful to assign the frequencies to vibrational modes but it is a challenge to process the huge quantity of data into descriptors useful for experimentalists. To this end, we developed a new tool called VIBMOL allowing to analyze vibrational modes of molecules from hessian matrices calculated with common quantum chemistry codes. VIBMOL program runs on Unix machines. Through a new graphical interface, the users can calculate the normal modes of molecules, visualize them, simulate infrared spectra, and explore the Potential Energy Distribution of normal modes among any set of vibration coordinates. It is combined with an interface program (gosdmu) formatting relevant data from the GAUSSIAN program. VIBMOL code is available upon request to the authors. A discussion is provided to help the readers to choose between a large choice of different software and it shows how VIBMOL can make the IR assignment easier in the context of collaborations with experimentalists.
Theoretical insights into solvent‐polarity‐associated excited state behaviors for a novel 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde‐triphenylamine (TPHY) fluorophore: A TDDFT study
Authors: Hou Mengmeng , Zhang Meiyi , Zhao Jinfeng , Yang Liang , Tang Zhe
Published: June 2024

Inspired by the profound allure of the exquisitely regulated characteristics exhibited by 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde‐triphenylamine (TPHY) and its derivatives in the realms of photochemistry and photophysics, our current endeavor primarily revolves around delving into the intricacies of photo‐induced excited state reactions for TPHY fluorophores within solvents boasting varying degrees of polarity. Our simulations, resulting from variations in geometry and vertical excitation charge reorganization, unveil solvent polarity‐dependent hydrogen bonding interactions and charge recombination induced by photoexcitation that can significantly enhance the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction for TPHY chemosensor. By constructing potential energy surfaces (PESs), we reveal that the single ESIPT reaction of TPHY occurs concurrently with alternative dual intramolecular hydrogen bonds (O1‐H2···N3 and O4‐H5···N6). We sincerely hope that the regulation of solvent polarity on excited state behaviors may pave the way for the development of innovative luminescent materials.
Isolated liver gastrointestinal stromal tumor: A case report
Authors: Deng Yan , Zhang Min , Li Shi‐Yan
Published: June 2024

ABSTACT

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) originate from the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs originate outside the gastrointestinal tract, referred to as extra GISTs, which is rare. Primary liver gastrointestinal stromal tumor (PLGIST) and liver metastasis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (LMGIST) may present isolated liver lesion, making it difficult to determine their origin. A 38‐year‐old man who presented with isolated multiple giant cystic‐solid liver lesions, ultimately diagnosed as liver GIST through CT‐guided fine‐needle aspiration. However, distinguishing between PLGIST and LMGIST in this case is challenging due to the absence of detailed medical records of emergency small intestine resection 5 years ago. Over 2‐year follow‐up period, the maximum lesion size increased from 16 to 21 cm, still, no extra liver lesions were observed. This study aims to provide a review to enhance understanding of this rare liver entity, aiding in tumor diagnosis and staging.
Prenatal and postnatal cocaine exposure enhances the anxiety‐ and depressive‐like behaviors in rats: An ontogenetic study
Authors: Méndez Susana Barbosa , Salazar‐Juárez Alberto
Published: June 2024

Background

Prenatal and postnatal exposure to drugs such as cocaine is a public health problem that causes deficits in brain development and function in humans and animals. One of the main effects of prenatal and postnatal cocaine exposure is increased vulnerability to developing the substance use disorder at an early age. Furthermore, the negative emotional states associated with cocaine withdrawal increase the fragility of patients to relapse into drug abuse. In this sense, prenatal and postnatal cocaine exposure enhanced the cocaine‐ and nicotine‐induced locomotor activity and locomotor sensitization, and rats exposed prenatally to cocaine displayed an increase in anxiety‐ and depressive‐like behaviors in adulthood (PND 60–70).

Objective

Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of prenatal and postnatal cocaine exposure on anxiety‐ and depressive‐like behaviors at different ages (30, 60, 90, and 120 days of age) in rats.

Methods

The study was divided into two stages: prenatal and postnatal. In the prenatal stage, a group of pregnant female Wistar rats was administered daily from GD0 to GD21 cocaine (cocaine pre‐exposure group), and another group of pregnant female rats was administered daily saline (saline pre‐exposure group). In the postnatal stage, during lactation (PND0 to PND21), pregnant rats received administration of cocaine or saline, respectively. Of the litters resulting from the cocaine pre‐exposed and saline pre‐exposed pregnant female groups, only the male rats were used for the recording of the anxiety‐ and depressive‐like behaviors at different postnatal ages (30, 60, 90, and 120 days), representative of adolescence, adult, adulthood, and old age.

Results

The study found that prenatal and postnatal cocaine exposure generated age‐dependent enhancement in anxiety‐ and depressive‐like behaviors, being greater in older adult (PND 120) rats than in adolescent (PND 30) or adults (PND 60–90) rats.

Conclusions

This suggests that prenatal and postnatal cocaine exposure increases anxiety‐ and depressive‐like behaviors, which may increase the vulnerability of subjects to different types of drugs in young and adult age.
Bone marrow‐fibroblast progenitor cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles promote cardiac fibrosis via miR‐21‐5p and integrin subunit αV signalling
Authors: Ranjan Prabhat , Dutta Roshan Kumar , Colin Karen , Li Jing , Zhang Qinkun , Lal Hind , Qin Gangjian , Verma Suresh Kumar
Published: June 2024

Cardiac fibrosis is the hallmark of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is leading cause of death worldwide. Previously, we have shown that interleukin‐10 (IL10) reduces pressure overload (PO)‐induced cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting the recruitment of bone marrow fibroblast progenitor cells (FPCs) to the heart. However, the precise mechanism of FPC involvement in cardiac fibrosis remains unclear. Recently, exosomes and small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have been linked to CVD progression. Thus, we hypothesized that pro‐fibrotic miRNAs enriched in sEV‐derived from IL10 KO FPCs promote cardiac fibrosis in pressure‐overloaded myocardium. Small EVs were isolated from FPCs cultured media and characterized as per MISEV‐2018 guidelines. Small EV's miRNA profiling was performed using Qiagen fibrosis‐associated miRNA profiler kit. For functional analysis, sEVs were injected in the heart following TAC surgery. Interestingly, TGFβ‐treated IL10‐KO‐FPCs sEV increased profibrotic genes expression in cardiac fibroblasts. The exosomal miRNA profiling identified miR‐21a‐5p as the key player, and its inhibition with antagomir prevented profibrotic signalling and fibrosis. At mechanistic level, miR‐21a‐5p binds and stabilizes ITGAV (integrin av) mRNA. Finally, miR‐21a‐5p‐silenced in sEV reduced PO‐induced cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac function. Our study elucidates the mechanism by which inflammatory FPC‐derived sEV exacerbate cardiac fibrosis through the miR‐21a‐5p/ITGAV/Col1α signalling pathway, suggesting miR‐21a‐5p as a potential therapeutic target for treating hypertrophic cardiac remodelling and heart failure.
Amniotic fluid‐derived small extracellular vesicles for predicting postnatal severe outcome of congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Matsuo Seiko , Yokoi Akira , Yoshida Kosuke , Kitagawa Masami , Asano‐Inami Eri , Miura Mayo , Yasui Takao , Tano Sho , Ushida Takafumi , Imai Kenji , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Kotani Tomomi
Published: June 2024

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a life‐threatening condition with high morbidity and mortality rates. The survival rate of neonates with severe CDH is reportedly only 10%–15%. However, prenatal prediction of severe cases is difficult, and the discovery of new predictive markers is an urgent issue. In this study, we focused on microRNAs (miRNAs) in amniotic fluid‐derived small EVs (AF‐sEVs). We identified four miRNAs (hsa‐miR‐127‐3p, hsa‐miR‐363‐3p, hsa‐miR‐493‐5p, and hsa‐miR‐615‐3p) with AUC > 0.8 to classify good prognosis group and poor prognosis group in human study. The AUC for hsa‐miR‐127‐3p and hsa‐miR‐615‐3p, for predicting the poor prognosis, were 0.93 and 0.91, respectively. In addition, in the in vivo study, the miRNA profiles of the lung tissues of CDH rats were different from those of control rats. Additionally, two elevated miRNAs (rno‐miR‐215‐5p and rno‐miR‐148a‐3p) in the lung tissues of CDH rats were increased in the AF‐sEVs of CDH rats. Our results suggest that severe CDH neonates can be predicted prenatally with high accuracy using miRNAs contained in AF‐sEVs. Furthermore, miRNA profile changes in AF‐sEVs reflected the lung status in CDH. Our findings may contribute to the development of advanced perinatal care for patients with CDH.
A Nomogram Based on MRI Visual Decision Tree to Evaluate Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Dai Hanting , Yan Chuan , Huang Wanrong , Pan Yifan , Pan Feng , Liu Yamei , Wang Shunli , Wang Huifang , Ye Rongping , Li Yueming
Published: June 2024

Backgrounds

Anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy has been developed and recognized as an effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there remains a lack of noninvasive methods in precisely evaluating VEGF expression in HCC.

Purpose

To establish a visual noninvasive model based on clinical indicators and MRI features to evaluate VEGF expression in HCC.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

One hundred forty HCC patients were randomly divided into a training (N = 98) and a test cohort (N = 42).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T, T2WI, T1WI including pre‐contrast, dynamic, and hepatobiliary phases.

Assessment

The fusion model constructed by history of smoking, albumin‐to‐globulin ratio (AGR) and the Radio‐Tree model was visualized by a nomogram.

Statistical Tests

Performances of models were assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis, DeLong's test, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), Hosmer–Lemeshow test, and decision curve analysis were performed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

History of smoking and AGR ≤1.5 were clinical independent risk factors of the VEGF expression. In training cohorts, values of area under the curve (AUCs) of Radio‐Tree model, Clinical‐Radiological (C‐R) model, fusion model which combined history of smoking and AGR with Radio‐Tree model were 0.821, 0.748, and 0.871. In test cohort, the fusion model showed highest AUC (0.844) than Radio‐Tree and C‐R models (0.819, 0.616, respectively). DeLong's test indicated that the fusion model significantly differed in performance from the C‐R model in training cohort (P = 0.015) and test cohort (P = 0.007).

Data Conclusion

The fusion model combining history of smoking, AGR and Radio‐Tree model established with ML algorithm showed the highest AUC value than others.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Explainable localization of premature ventricular contraction using deep learning‐based semantic segmentation of 12‐lead electrocardiogram
Authors: Kujime Kota , Seno Hiroshi , Nakajima Kenzaburo , Yamazaki Masatoshi , Sakuma Ichiro , Yamagata Kenichiro , Kusano Kengo , Tomii Naoki
Published: June 2024

Background

Predicting the origin of premature ventricular contraction (PVC) from the preoperative electrocardiogram (ECG) is important for catheter ablation therapies. We propose an explainable method that localizes PVC origin based on the semantic segmentation result of a 12‐lead ECG using a deep neural network, considering suitable diagnosis support for clinical application.

Methods

The deep learning‐based semantic segmentation model was trained using 265 12‐lead ECG recordings from 84 patients with frequent PVCs. The model classified each ECG sampling time into four categories: background (BG), sinus rhythm (SR), PVC originating from the left ventricular outflow tract (PVC‐L), and PVC originating from the right ventricular outflow tract (PVC‐R). Based on the ECG segmentation results, a rule‐based algorithm classified ECG recordings into three categories: PVC‐L, PVC‐R, as well as Neutral, which is a group for the recordings requiring the physician's careful assessment before separating them into PVC‐L and PVC‐R. The proposed method was evaluated with a public dataset which was used in previous research.

Results

The evaluation of the proposed method achieved neutral rate, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1‐score, and area under the curve of 0.098, 0.932, 0.963, 0.882, 0.945, and 0.852 on a private dataset, and 0.284, 0.916, 0.912, 0.930, 0.943, and 0.848 on a public dataset, respectively. These quantitative results indicated that the proposed method outperformed almost all previous studies, although a significant number of recordings resulted in requiring the physician's assessment.

Conclusions

The feasibility of explainable localization of premature ventricular contraction was demonstrated using deep learning‐based semantic segmentation of 12‐lead ECG.

Clinical trial registration: M26‐148‐8.
Applying Bradford Hill to assessing causality in systematic reviews: A transparent approach using process tracing
Authors: Shimonovich Michal , Thomson Hilary , Pearce Anna , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal
Published: June 2024

Background

Bradford Hill (BH) viewpoints are widely used to assess causality in systematic reviews, but their application has often lacked reproducibility. We describe an approach for assessing causality within systematic reviews (‘causal’ reviews), illustrating its application to the topic of income inequality and health. Our approach draws on principles of process tracing, a method used for case study research, to harness BH viewpoints to judge evidence for causal claims.

Methods

In process tracing, a hypothesis may be confirmed by observing highly unique evidence and disconfirmed by observing highly definitive evidence. We drew on these principles to consider the value of finding supportive or contradictory evidence for each BH viewpoint characterised by its uniqueness and definitiveness.

Results

In our exemplar systematic review, we hypothesised that income inequality adversely affects self‐rated health and all‐cause mortality. BH viewpoints ‘analogy’ and ‘coherence’ were excluded from the causal assessment because of their low uniqueness and low definitiveness. The ‘experiment’ viewpoint was considered highly unique and highly definitive, and thus could be particularly valuable. We propose five steps for using BH viewpoints in a ‘causal’ review: (1) define the hypothesis; (2) characterise each viewpoint; (3) specify the evidence expected for each BH viewpoint for a true or untrue hypothesis; (4) gather evidence for each viewpoint (e.g., systematic review meta‐analyses, critical appraisal, background knowledge); (5) consider if each viewpoint was met (supportive evidence) or unmet (contradictory evidence).

Conclusions

Incorporating process tracing has the potential to provide transparency and structure when using BH viewpoints in ‘causal’ reviews.
Dynamic changes in aromas and precursors of edible fungi juice: mixed lactic acid bacteria fermentation enhances flavor characteristics
Authors: Sun Hailan , Du Jiaxin , Yan Xingyue , Chen Xiao , Zhao Liyan
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation technology has been increasingly used in the deep processing of edible fungi. However, the flavor profiles of edible fungi products after mixed LAB fermentation have received less attention and how aromas changes during the mixed LAB fermentation are still open questions. In the present study, fermented Hericium erinaceus and Tremella fuciformis compound juice (FHTJ) was prepared by mixed LAB strains. We aimed to systematically monitor the dynamic changes of aromas and precursors throughout the fermentation process and a data‐driven association network analysis was used to tentatively illustrate the mechanisms of formation between aromas and their precursors.

RESULTS

Mixed LAB fermentation could enrich the aroma profile of FHTJ, reducing the unpleasant flavors such as nonanal and 1‐octen‐3‐ol, as well as increasing the floral flavors such as ethyl acetate and α‐pinene. Partial least squares‐discriminant analysis and relative odor activity values revealed that 11 volatile chemicals were recognized as aroma‐active markers. Volcano plot analysis showed that 3‐octen‐2‐one (green flavor) was the key aroma‐active marker in each stage, which was down‐regulated in fermentation stages I, II and IV, whereas it was up‐regulated in stage III. 3‐Octen‐2‐one was significantly negatively correlated with organic acids, particularly pyruvate (r2 = −0.89). Ethyl caprylate (floral flavor) was up‐regulated in the late fermentation stage, and showed a negative correlation with sugar alcohols and a positive correlation with organic acids, especially tartaric acid (r2 = 0.96).

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates the beneficial effect of mixed LAB fermentation on flavor characteristics, providing guidance for fermented edible fungi juice flavor quality monitoring and control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.