bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Active learning model and prior knowledge on discovery time of elusive relevant papers: a simulation study
Authors: Byrne Fionn , Hofstee Laura , Teijema Jelle , De Bruin Jonathan , van de Schoot Rens
Published: July 2024

Software that employs screening prioritization through active learning (AL) has accelerated the screening process significantly by ranking an unordered set of records by their predicted relevance. However, failing to find a relevant paper might alter the findings of a systematic review, highlighting the importance of identifying elusive papers. The time to discovery (TD) measures how many records are needed to be screened to find a relevant paper, making it a helpful tool for detecting such papers. The main aim of this project was to investigate how the choice of the model and prior knowledge influence the TD values of the hard-to-find relevant papers and their rank orders. A simulation study was conducted, mimicking the screening process on a dataset containing titles, abstracts, and labels used for an already published systematic review. The results demonstrated that AL model choice, and mostly the choice of the feature extractor but not the choice of prior knowledge, significantly influenced the TD values and the rank order of the elusive relevant papers. Future research should examine the characteristics of elusive relevant papers to discover why they might take a long time to be found.
Ϝ-Contraction of Hardy–Rogers type in supermetric spaces with applications
Authors: Abodayeh Kamaleldin , Shah Syed Khayyam , Sarwar Muhammad , Wattanakejorn Varaporn , Sitthiwirattham Thanin
Published: July 2024

This article focuses on studying some fixed-point results via Ϝ-contraction of Hardy–Rogers type in the context of supermetric space and ordered supermetric space. We also introduced rational-type z-contraction on supermetric space. For authenticity, some illustrative examples and applications have been included.
Analysis of some of the statements of L. Holmlid about T + D fusion, D + D fusion and ultra-dense hydrogen
Authors: Shmatov Mikhail L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Thermonuclear fusion is a widely discussed approach to energy production. In 2022, Energy Sustain. Soc. published L. Holmlid’s paper (Energy Sustain Soc 12:14, 2022, 10.1186/s13705-022-00338-4) containing, in particular, critical statements about the plans for use of the T + D fusion in energy production. An analysis of these and several other statements of L. Holmlid is presented. This analysis complements a similar analysis performed by K. Hansen and J. Engelen (Energy Sustain Soc 13:14, 2023, 10.1186/s13705-023-00403-6).

Main text

It is shown that several statements of L. Holmlid about D + T fusion and D + D fusion are mistaken or ungrounded. It is also shown that the statement of L. Holmlid about the products of annihilation of low-energy antiprotons with protons in ultra-dense hydrogen differs strongly from the data on the products of annihilation of stopped antiprotons with protons in liquid hydrogen and with nucleons of the nuclei of elements heavier than hydrogen.

Conclusion

The statement “The use of all resources for fusion research on non-sustainable D + T fusion instead of sustainable muon-induced fusion may be a fatal mistake for humanity”, made by L. Holmlid in his Reply (Energy Sustain Soc 13:25, 2023, 10.1186/s13705-023-00404-5) to the aforementioned paper by K. Hansen and J. Engelen, is mistaken.
Subclinical dose irradiation triggers human breast cancer migration via mitochondrial reactive oxygen species
Authors: Rondeau Justin D. , Van de Velde Justine A. , Bouidida Yasmine , Sonveaux Pierre
Published: July 2024

Background

Despite technological advances in radiotherapy, cancer cells at the tumor margin and in diffusive infiltrates can receive subcytotoxic doses of photons. Even if only a minority of cancer cells are concerned, phenotypic consequences could be important considering that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a primary target of radiation and that damage to mtDNA can persist. In turn, mitochondrial dysfunction associated with enhanced mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) production could promote cancer cell migration out of the irradiation field in a natural attempt to escape therapy. In this study, using MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells as models, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms supporting a mitochondrial contribution to cancer cell migration induced by subclinical doses of irradiation (< 2 Gy).

Methods

Mitochondrial dysfunction was tested using mtDNA multiplex PCR, oximetry, and ROS-sensitive fluorescent reporters. Migration was tested in transwells 48 h after irradiation in the presence or absence of inhibitors targeting specific ROS or downstream effectors. Among tested inhibitors, we designed a mitochondria-targeted version of human catalase (mtCAT) to selectively inactivate mitochondrial H2O2.

Results

Photon irradiation at subclinical doses (0.5 Gy for MCF7 and 0.125 Gy for MDA-MB-231 cells) sequentially affected mtDNA levels and/or integrity, increased mtROS production, increased MAP2K1/MEK1 gene expression, activated ROS-sensitive transcription factors NF-κB and AP1 and stimulated breast cancer cell migration. Targeting mtROS pharmacologically by MitoQ or genetically by mtCAT expression mitigated migration induced by a subclinical dose of irradiation.

Conclusion

Subclinical doses of photon irradiation promote human breast cancer migration, which can be countered by selectively targeting mtROS.
Writing assessment literacy and its impact on the learning of writing: A netnography focusing on Duolingo English Test examinees
Authors: Yu Chengyuan , Xu Wandong
Published: July 2024

Language assessment literacy has emerged as an important area of research within the field of language testing and assessment, garnering increasing scholarly attention. However, the existing literature on language assessment literacy primarily focuses on teachers and administrators, while students, who sit at the heart of any assessment, are somewhat neglected. Consequently, our understanding of student language assessment literacy and its impact on learning remains limited. Moreover, previous language assessment literacy research has been predominantly situated in classroom assessment contexts, and relatively little scholarly attention has been directed to large-scale testing contexts. To address these gaps, this study investigated the role of language assessment literacy in students’ learning for the writing section of the Duolingo English Test (DET) through a netnographic approach. Twenty-three online videos posted by test takers were analyzed with reference to the existing conceptualizations to examine learners’ language assessment literacy of the DET writing section. Highlighting learners’ voices, we propose a new model relating writing assessment literacy to learning which has the potential to develop the learner-centered approach in language assessment literacy research. It elucidates the internal relationships among different dimensions of students’ language assessment literacy and their impacts on the learning of writing. We, therefore, discussed the findings of this study to argue for the importance of the transparency of assessment and the opportunities to learn provided by large-scale assessments, and to call for teachers' attention to students' language assessment literacy and understanding of the writing construct.
A microgenetic analysis of teachers’ learning through teaching
Authors: Copur-Gencturk Yasemin , Atabas Sebnem
Published: July 2024

Background

What and how teachers learn through teaching without external guidance has long been of interest to researchers. Yet limited research has been conducted to investigate how learning through teaching occurs. The microgenetic approach (Siegler and Crowley, American Psychologist 46:606–620, 1991) has been useful in identifying the process of student learning. Using this approach, we investigated the development of teacher knowledge through teaching as well as which factors hinder or promote such development.

Results

Our findings suggest that teachers developed various components of teacher knowledge through teaching without external professional guidance. Further, we found that the extent to which teachers gained content-free or content-specific knowledge through teaching depended on their robust understanding of the concept being taught (i.e., content knowledge), the cognitive demand of the tasks used in teaching, and the lesson structure chosen (i.e., student centered vs. teacher centered).

Conclusions

In this study, we explored teacher learning through teaching and identified the sources leading to such learning. Our findings underscore the importance of teachers’ robust understanding of the content being taught, the tasks used in teaching, and a lesson structure that promotes teachers’ learning through teaching on their own.
Effects of sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibition on systemic hemodynamics, renal function, and intra-renal oxygenation in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury
Authors: Hulst Abraham H. , Ow Connie P. C. , May Clive N. , Hood Sally H. , Plummer Mark P. , Hermanides Jeroen , van Raalte Daniël H. , Deane Adam M. , Bellomo Rinaldo , Lankadeva Yugeesh R.
Published: July 2024

Background

People with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have lower rates of acute kidney injury (AKI). Sepsis is responsible for the majority of AKI in critically ill patients. This study investigated whether SGLT2i is renoprotective in an ovine model of Gram-negative septic AKI.

Methods

Sixteen healthy merino ewes were surgically instrumented to enable measurement of mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, renal blood flow, renal cortical and medullary perfusion, and oxygenation. After a 5-day recovery period, sepsis was induced via slow and continuous intravenous infusion of live Escherichia coli. Twenty-three hours later, sheep were randomized to receive an intravenous bolus of 0.2 mg/kg empagliflozin (n = 8) or a fluid-matched vehicle (n = 8).

Results

Empagliflozin treatment did not significantly reduce renal medullary hypoperfusion or hypoxia, improve kidney function, or induce histological changes. Renal cortical oxygenation during the intervention period was 47.6 ± 5.9 mmHg in the empagliflozin group compared with 40.6 ± 8.2 mmHg in the placebo group (P = 0.16). Renal medullary oxygenation was 28.0 ± 18.5 mmHg in the empagliflozin compared with 25.7 ± 16.3 mmHg (P = 0.82). Empagliflozin treatment did not result in significant between-group differences in renal blood flow, kidney function, or renal histopathological changes.

Conclusion

In a large mammalian model of septic AKI, a single dose of empagliflozin did not improve renal microcirculatory perfusion, oxygenation, kidney function, or histopathology.
Comparison of synthesized and acquired high b-value diffusion-weighted MRI for detection of prostate cancer
Authors: Kallis Karoline , Conlin Christopher C. , Zhong Allison Y. , Hussain Troy S. , Chatterjee Aritrick , Karczmar Gregory S. , Rakow-Penner Rebecca , Dale Anders M. , Seibert Tyler M.
Published: July 2024

Background

High b-value diffusion-weighted images (DWI) are used for detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). This study qualitatively and quantitatively compares synthesized DWI (sDWI) to acquired (aDWI) for detection of csPCa.

Methods

One hundred fifty-one consecutive patients who underwent prostate MRI and biopsy were included in the study. Axial DWI with b = 0, 500, 1000, and 2000 s/mm2 using a 3T clinical scanner using a 32-channel phased-array body coil were acquired. We retrospectively synthesized DWI for b = 2000 s/mm2 via extrapolation based on mono-exponential decay, using b = 0 and b = 500 s/mm2 (sDWI500) and b = 0, b = 500 s/mm2, and b = 1000 s/mm2 (sDWI1000). Differences in signal intensity between sDWI and aDWI were evaluated within different regions of interest (prostate alone, prostate plus 5 mm, 30 mm and 70 mm margin and full field of view). The maximum DWI value within each ROI was evaluated for prediction of csPCa. Classification accuracy was compared to Restriction Spectrum Imaging restriction score (RSIrs), a previously validated biomarker based on multi-exponential DWI. Discrimination of csPCa was evaluated via area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

Within the prostate, mean ± standard deviation of percent mean differences between sDWI and aDWI signal were -46 ± 35% for sDWI1000 and -67 ± 24% for sDWI500. AUC for aDWI, sDWI500, sDWI1000, and RSIrs within the prostate 0.62[95% confidence interval: 0.53, 0.71], 0.63[0.54, 0.72], 0.65[0.56, 0.73] and 0.78[0.71, 0.86], respectively.

Conclusion

sDWI is qualitatively comparable to aDWI within the prostate. However, hyperintense artifacts are introduced with sDWI in the surrounding pelvic tissue that interfere with quantitative cancer detection and might mask metastases. In the prostate, RSIrs yields superior quantitative csPCa detection than sDWI or aDWI.
Imaging flow focusing and isolation of aqueous fluids in synthetic quartzite: implications for permeability and retained fluid fraction in deep-seated rocks
Authors: Fujita Wakana , Nakamura Michihiko , Uesugi Kentaro , Eichheimer Philipp , Thielmann Marcel , Golabek Gregor J.
Published: July 2024

The microstructure of realistic fluid–rock systems evolves to minimize the overall interfacial energy, enabling local variations in fluid geometry beyond ideal models. Consequently, the permeability–porosity relationship and fluid distribution in these systems may deviate from theoretical expectations. Here, we aimed to better understand the permeability development and fluid retention in deep-seated rocks at low fluid fractions by using a combined approach of high-resolution synchrotron radiation X-ray computed microtomography imaging of synthesized rocks and numerical permeability computation. We first synthesized quartzite using a piston-cylinder apparatus at different fluid fractions and wetting properties (wetting and non-wetting systems with dihedral angles of 52° and 61°–71°, respectively) under conditions of efficient grain growth. Although all fluids should be connected along grain edges and tubules in the homogeneous isotropic wetting fluid–rock system enabling segregation by gravitational compaction in natural settings, the fluid connectivity rapidly decreased to ~ 0 when the total fluid fraction decreased to 0.030–0.037, as the non-ideality of quartzite, including the interfacial energy anisotropy (i.e., grain faceting), became critical. In non-wetting systems, where the minimum energy fluid fraction based solely on the dihedral angle is ~ 0.015–0.035, the isolated (disconnected) fractions was 0.048–0.062. A streamline computation in the non-wetting system revealed that with decreasing total porosity, flow focusing into fewer channels maintained permeability, allowing the effective segregation of the connected fluids. These results provide insight into how non-wetting fluids segregate from rocks and exemplify the fraction of retained fluids in non-wetting systems. Thus, the findings suggest a potential way for wetting system fluids to be transported into the deep Earth's interior, and the amount of fluids dragged down to the Earth’s interior could be higher than what was previously estimated.
Seracam: characterisation of a new small field of view hybrid gamma camera for nuclear medicine
Authors: Bugby Sarah L. , Farnworth Andrew L. , Brooks William R. , Perkins Alan C.
Published: July 2024

Background

Portable gamma cameras are being developed for nuclear medicine procedures such as thyroid scintigraphy. This article introduces Seracam® – a new technology that combines small field of view gamma imaging with optical imaging – and reports its performance and suitability for small organ imaging.

Methods

The count rate capability, uniformity, spatial resolution, and sensitivity for 99mTc are reported for four integrated pinhole collimators of nominal sizes of 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm and 5 mm. Characterisation methodology is based on NEMA guidelines, with some adjustments necessitated by camera design. Two diagnostic scenarios – thyroid scintigraphy and gastric emptying – are simulated using clinically relevant activities and geometries to investigate application-specific performance. A qualitative assessment of the potential benefits and disadvantages of Seracam is also provided.

Results

Seracam’s performance across the measured characteristics is appropriate for small field of view applications in nuclear medicine. At an imaging distance of 50 mm, corresponding to a field of view of 77.6 mm × 77.6 mm, spatial resolution ranged from 4.6 mm to 26 mm and sensitivity from 3.6 cps/MBq to 52.2 cps/MBq, depending on the collimator chosen. Results from the clinical simulations were particularly promising despite the challenging scenarios investigated. The optimal collimator choice was strongly application dependent, with gastric emptying relying on the higher sensitivity of the 5 mm pinhole whereas thyroid imaging benefitted from the enhanced spatial resolution of the 1 mm pinhole. Signal to noise ratio in images was improved by pixel binning. Seracam has lower measured sensitivity when compared to a traditional large field of view gamma camera, for the simulated applications this is balanced by advantages such as high spatial resolution, portability, ease of use and real time gamma-optical image fusion and display.

Conclusion

The results show that Seracam has appropriate performance for small organ 99mTc imaging. The results also show that the performance of small field of view systems must be considered holistically and in clinically appropriate scenarios.
Exploring freshwater stream bacterial communities as indicators of land use intensity
Authors: Hermans Syrie , Gautam Anju , Lewis Gillian D. , Neale Martin , Buckley Hannah L. , Case Bradley S. , Lear Gavin
Published: July 2024

Background

Stream ecosystems comprise complex interactions among biological communities and their physicochemical surroundings, contributing to their overall ecological health. Despite this, many monitoring programs ignore changes in the bacterial communities that are the base of food webs in streams, often focusing on stream physicochemical assessments or macroinvertebrate community diversity instead. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to assess bacterial community compositions within 600 New Zealand stream biofilm samples from 204 sites within a 6-week period (February–March 2010). Sites were either dominated by indigenous forests, exotic plantation forests, horticulture, or pastoral grasslands in the upstream catchment. We sought to predict each site’s catchment land use and environmental conditions based on the composition of the stream bacterial communities.

Results

Random forest modelling allowed us to use bacterial community composition to predict upstream catchment land use with 65% accuracy; urban sites were correctly assigned 90% of the time. Despite the variation inherent when sampling across a ~ 1000-km distance, bacterial community data could correctly differentiate undisturbed sites, grouped by their dominant environmental properties, with 75% accuracy. The positive correlations between actual values and those predicted by the models built using the stream biofilm bacterial data ranged from weak (average log N concentration in the stream water, R2 = 0.02) to strong (annual mean air temperature, R2 = 0.69).

Conclusions

Freshwater bacterial community data provide useful insights into land use impacts on stream ecosystems; they may be used as an additional measure to screen stream catchment attributes.
Identifying inclusive training needs with the inclusive practices in English language teaching observation scale
Authors: Young Davey
Published: July 2024

Quality inclusive education has been guaranteed at the international policy level, but for inclusive education to be realized, teachers must be prepared to teach students with a wide variety of support needs. With well over a billion English language learners worldwide, and considering the fact that language learning can present many unique barriers to students with disabilities, the TESOL field has a growing need to consider how to best train teachers to teach inclusively. English language teachers (ELTs) generally lack training to teach students with disabilities, and little research has been done to identify specific training needs. If language learning environments are to honor the human right to inclusive education, then this is a critical research gap to close. This study reports on the use of a novel instrument, the Inclusive Practices in English Language Teaching Observation Scale (IPELT), in combination with post-observation interviews, to determine specific training needs among ELTs working at the postsecondary level in Japan. Magnitude coding of IPELT results and thematic analysis of field notes and interview data from 13 participants suggests that ELTs in this particular context would likely benefit from training in differentiation and specific considerations for teaching students with disabilities, as well as identifying possible students with disabilities. The participants also demonstrated a foundational skill set to create inclusive learning environments despite a general lack of relevant training.
Clinical outcomes of patients with unilateral internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint following arthrocentesis and stabilization splint therapy
Authors: Heo Hyun-A , Park Suhyun , Pyo Sung-Woon , Yoon Hyun-Joong
Published: July 2024

Background

The management of internal derangement (ID) of the TMJ is challenging because of multiple etiologic factors and varying degrees of severity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with unilateral ID treated with arthrocentesis and stabilization splint therapy during a 6-month period.

Methods

A total of 105 patients (87 females, 18 males) with unilateral ID were included in this study. Patients were divided into unilateral anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR) and unilateral anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR). Patients with ADDwoR were subdivided according to the erosive bone changes. Objective parameters on mandibular movement and subjective parameters on pain were obtained and assessed.

Their clinical outcomes before and after arthrocentesis and stabilization splint therapy were compared with the chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, paired t-test, or Wilcoxon singed-rank test.

Results

All objective parameters of unilateral ID patients significantly increased at the 6-month follow-up. The differences in mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were statistically significant in all subjective variables (p < 0.01). In joints with ADDwoR, preoperative maximal mouth opening, and maximal protrusive movement in both groups, with erosive and non-erosive changes were significantly increased after 6 months (p < 0.01). However, right and left maximal lateral movement increased after treatment in both groups but without significant differences. All VAS pain scores on jaw movement and palpation of associated muscles showed a significant decrease regardless of erosive changes.

Conclusions

The combination of arthrocentesis and subsequent stabilization splint therapy was shown to be highly effective in pain reduction and improvement of mandibular movements in both unilateral ADDwR and ADDwoR, as well as in cases with both erosive and non-erosive bony changes associated with unilateral ADDwoR.
Serum level of sclerostin and vitamin D in children with epilepsy
Authors: Sarhan Abdalla Al-Ma’moon , Mahmoud Wael , Aldarah Munayr Jabullah , Hashim Noha A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Epileptic children can pose an additional risk of poor bone health; this study aimed to evaluate the influence of anti-seizure medications (ASMs) on vitamin D level and sclerostin as a bone turnover biomarker in children with epilepsy.

Subject and methods

This case–control comparative study was conducted on 180 children aged from 5–18 years diagnosed with epilepsy according to the definition of the International League Against Epilepsy on ASMs for more than 3 months and were classified into 90 epileptic children on ASM monotherapy and 90 epileptic children on ASM polytherapy, in addition to 90 healthy children age- and sex-matched who served as controls. After obtaining basic data, laboratory investigations were performed, including serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, and serum sclerostin.

Results

When we compared epileptic patients to the control group, there was a statistically significant low level of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus and a high level of sclerostin among both epileptic groups with mono or polytherapy. Sclerostin has a statistically significant negative correlation with vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone. Additionally, it has a negative correlation with serum phosphorus, but without a significant correlation. On the other hand, sclerostin has a statistically positive correlation with age and serum calcium, but without a significant correlation. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to predict the contributing factors of sclerostin. Only duration of treatment and BMI were significant predictors of high levels of sclerostin. In contrast, the other factors failed to show any significant contribution.

Conclusion

The present study showed that ASMs modulate the serum levels of sclerostin and vitamin D hence, might be involved in their adverse effects on bone.
Psychiatric disorders among females with prolonged infertility with or without in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection failure: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Abdallah Mostafa , Dawood Ayman S. , Amer Reham , Baklola Mohamed , Elkalla Ibrahem Hamdey Rashed , Elbohoty Shereen B.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The present study seeks to deepen understanding of the negative impacts of infertility, with a spotlight on the experiences of Egyptian women who faced prolonged periods of infertility, and emphasizing the role that faliures of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles may play in exacerbating their psychiatric disorders and impairing their sexual functions.

Methods

Embarking on a cross-sectional approach, this study was operationalized within the outpatient sectors of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Departments, synchronized with Psychiatry Departments, at Tanta University Hospitals from September 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022. The targeted population encompassed women experiencing prolonged infertility (≥ 5 years), categorically divided into two groups for meticulous analysis: Group I (with a history of IVF/ICSI failure) and Group II (without any IVF/ICSI attempts). Diagnostic tools, including the Arabic versions of the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), were deployed to scrutinize the mental health and sexual function outcomes of the participants.

Results

A total of 236 women participated in this study (126 in Group I and 110 in Group II), with primary infertility prevalent in 73.31% of cases, averaging a duration of 9.28 ± 3.40 years. Our findings indicated a substantial presence of depression (58.47%), anxiety disorders (35.17%), and sexual dysfunctions (43.64%). Notably, significant differences (p < 0.0001) emerged between the groups on the HAM-D, HAM-A, and FSFI scales, with endometriosis showcasing the worst effects.

Conclusions

The findings conclusively pinpoint a pronounced link between prolonged infertility and exacerbated mental health conditions, alongside impaired sexual functions, thereby negatively affecting the quality of life of the affected women. This revelation underscores the pressing need for integrated psychiatric consultations in the therapeutic protocols of women grappling with infertility, particularly those with a history of endometriosis or failed IVF/ICSI cycles, to foster a more holistic approach to infertility management and care.
Clinical profile of epilepsy in western Algeria
Authors: Chentouf Amina , Boughrara Wefa , Aberkane Meriem Samia
Published: July 2024

Background

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases that affects people of different ages, ethnicities, and geographical locations. The objective of the present study was to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of epilepsy in west Algerian population.

Patients and methods

We enrolled 226 patients with epilepsy and collected data from medical records. We analyzed socio-demographic data, personal and family history, age at onset, seizure types, neurological and psychological findings, etiologies, syndromic classification and comorbidities.

Results

In our cohort, the mean age was 27.26 ± 17.57 years and there was no gender predominance. The mean age of seizure onset was 17.11 ± 16.27 years. Genetic epilepsy was the most observed (45.13%). Focal seizures (69.02%) were more frequent than generalized seizures which were mostly represented by absence and tonic–clonic seizures. We reported 51.45% of patients with comorbidities and 16.65% with a history of traumatic brain injury.

Conclusion

This is the first report describing the clinical profile and the socio-demographic features in a cohort of patients with epilepsy in the western Algeria. Our results could help to offer personalized care to our patients based on the clinical particularities of their epileptic disorders.
Changes in the gut microbiota induced by an oral formulation of multiple peptides and plants contribute to its antihypertensive effects
Authors: Du Jia , Xiao Miao , Sudo Naomi , Liu Qinghua
Published: July 2024

The homeostasis of the gut microbiota is a crucial factor in regulating peripheral and central blood pressure. Formulating a food-derived mixture of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and prebiotics to maintain the homeostasis of the gut microbiota will be essential for preventing and alleviating hypertension. Although bioactive peptides and plant extracts have been demonstrated not only to be excellent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents but also to promote the homeostasis of the microbiota, few studies have investigated the influence of multiple peptides mixed with plant extracts on the gut microbiota of hypertensive rats. This is the first study to characterize the fecal microbiome of spontaneously hypertensive rats supplemented with a mixture of multiple peptides and plant extracts by integrating 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. During the six-week experiment, the animals were healthy and without mortality. The results revealed that oral supplementation with the formulation reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, improved the gut microbiota by increasing the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes, and increased the relative abundance of specific genera, such as Lactobacillus. This study suggested that a synergistic formulation of multiple peptides mixed with plant extracts could be a novel strategy for preventing and alleviating hypertensive diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluation of serum MicroRNA 21, MicroRNA 192 and serum TGFβ1 in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and their relation to diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Abou Eleila Jumana Gamal , Abdel Wahab Mohamed Amal , Waked Emam Abdalatif , Kamel Laila Nessim , Shawky Amin Hanan , Elhanafi Hadeel Mohammad
Published: July 2024

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a frequent and long-lasting microvascular consequence that has an established connection with diabetes. It serves as the primary etiological agent of end-stage renal disease, a critical renal disorder that develops on a worldwide level. The molecular pathophysiology of DN is multifactorial, such as transforming growth factor-beta [TGF-β] which affects the expression of miRNAs such as miRNA-21 and miRNA-192 during renal fibrosis. However, to date, the clinical application is inadequate due to discrepancies observed in the published data. This cross-sectional investigation aimed to assess the correlation between serum TGF-β1, miRNA-21 and 192, and glycemic control, metabolic abnormalities, and renal function in patients with type II diabetes.

Methods

Based on the albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), fifty subjects with type II diabetes were divided into three categories: Group I consisted of individuals with normoalbuminuria (n = 16), Group II of microalbuminuria (n = 16), and Group III of overt proteinuria (n = 18). All participants were subjected to the estimation of mature miRNA-21 and miRNA-192 by TaqMan two-step stem loop qRT-PCR and serum TGFβ1 level by ELISA.

Results

There was an upregulation in miRNA-21 expression in the 3 different groups of patients (p value = 0.043). The serum fold change (FC) of miRNA-21 showed significantly greater median values in patients with overt proteinuria compared to those with normoalbuminuria (5.57 FC versus 1.11 FC, p = 0.017). A positive correlation (r = 0.343) (p = 0.013) was observed between the ACR and the median levels of miRNA-21, which was statistically significant. No statistically significant distinctions were detected in the concentrations of serum TGF-β1 or miRNA-192 among the three patient groups (p values of 0.234 and 0.225, respectively).

Conclusion

The findings of the present research implied that miRNA-21 might function as an early indicator of renal pathology associated with diabetes mellitus (DM).
Genetic association study for three single nucleotide polymorphisms related to type 2 diabetes in Egyptian population
Authors: Zareef Galena W. , Moatmed Ibrahim M. , Shehata Nourhan W. , Saad Mohamed N. , Shaker Olfat G.
Published: July 2024

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that may result from interaction between environmental factors and a strong genetic component. The current study is aimed at exploring three single nucleotide polymorphisms to identify the associated ones with type 2 diabetes in the Egyptian society. The studied single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs10096097 in GOAT, rs6740584 in CREB1, and rs62521874 in MAFA) were examined via genotyping cases (n = 98) and irrelevant healthy subjects (n = 82).

Results

Associations were checked using dominant, recessive, genotypic, allelic, and Cochran–Armitage trend models. By comparing diabetic patients with controls, rs6740584 was associated with type 2 diabetes by employing all used models except the recessive model. Rs10096097 was connected with type 2 diabetes using the genotypic association, Cochran–Armitage trend test, and recessive model and not any other model. Rs62521874 was not linked with type 2 diabetes in all models. Moreover, haplotype association for rs10096097 and rs62521874 was conducted as these two single nucleotide polymorphisms were located on the same chromosome. The haplotype pattern rs10096097:G—rs62521874:A was identified as a biomarker for type 2 diabetes susceptibility in the Egyptian community.

Conclusions

The GOAT and CREB1 polymorphisms showed susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. Moreover, MAFA had no role in the disease except through the haplotype with GOAT polymorphism.
Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation versus cryoballoon ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Amin Ahmed Mazen , Nawlo Ahmad , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Hassan Ahmed , Saber Alhassan , Abuelazm Mohamed , Abdelazeem Basel
Published: July 2024

Background

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (PeAF) is a challenging case for rhythm control modalities. Catheter ablation is the mainstay in PeAF management; however, data regarding the comparative safety and efficacy of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) versus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for PeAF is still limited. We aim to compare the safety and efficacy of CBA versus RFA for PeAF ablation.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which were retrieved by systematically searching PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Cochrane through October 2023. RevMan version 5.4 software was used to pool dichotomous data using risk ratio (RR) and continuous data using mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). PROSPERO ID: CRD42023480314.

Results

Three RCTs with 400 patients were included. There was no significant difference between RFA and CBA regarding AF recurrence (RR: 0.77, 95% CI [0.50, 1.20], P = 0.25), atrial tachycardia or atrial flutter recurrence (RR: 0.54, 95% CI [0.11, 2.76], P = 0.46), and any arrhythmia recurrence (RR: 0.96, 95% CI [0.70, 1.31], P = 0.80). CBA was significantly associated with decreased total procedure duration (MD: − 45.34, 95% CI [− 62.68, − 28.00], P < 0.00001), with no significant difference in fluoroscopy duration (MD: 3.59, 95% CI [− 5.13, 12.31], P = 0.42). Safety parameters were similar in both groups, including the incidence of any complications, phrenic nerve palsy (RR: 2.91 with 95% CI [0.31, 27.54], P = 0.35), access site complications (RR: 0.33 with 95% CI [0.05, 2.03], P = 0.23), and pericardial effusion.

Conclusions

In PeAF catheter ablation, CBA is comparable to RFA in terms of safety and efficacy. Also, CBA is associated with a shorter total procedure duration.
Unified adult transthoracic echocardiographic report: an expert consensus document of the Egyptian Working Group of Echocardiography
Authors: Badran Hala Mahfouz , El Etriby Adel , Elfeky Azza , Naser Gamela
Published: July 2024

Background

Physicians face complexity in interpreting the results of echocardiography (ECHO) due to the variability across ECHO laboratories. Many international organizations published reports to reduce the inter-variability in ECHO reporting. However, with the evolution of imaging modalities, significant improvements in ECHO reporting are essential to eliminate any previous discrepancies. The Egyptian Working Group of Echocardiography (EEWG) aimed to prepare a standardized, updated, simple, and comprehensive ECHO reporting in Egypt to offer consistency, guarantee that all the crucial features are fulfilled, and ease practitioners' communication to maximize clinical decision-making.

Main text

Relevant articles were retrieved and reviewed to explore the current state of TTE reporting practices, existing guidelines, and challenges faced by physicians in interpreting TTE results. Identified gaps and areas for improvement were then employed to establish the outline for the standardization approach. This report addresses crucial components such as demographic data, measurements, and interpretative summaries. It emphasizes left ventricle measurements and systolic function assessment, incorporating advanced techniques like speckle tracking and three-dimensional imaging. The significance of evaluating diastolic function, examining the right ventricle, and assessing valves, pericardium, and aorta are also discussed.

Conclusion

The current consensus goals to streamline communication among practitioners contribute to a more unified approach to interpreting ECHO results. Our initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing the standardization and quality of ECHO reporting in Egypt. By introducing this report and encouraging continuous learning, the working group aims to raise the overall reporting quality and facilitate interpretation across diverse echocardiographic settings. This concerted effort improves patient care by ensuring consistency, accuracy, and relevance in interpreting echocardiographic findings.
MR imaging of endolymphatic hydrops in Ménière’s disease: feasibility at 1.5 T
Authors: Ben Lakhal Amine , Boukriba Seif , Bechraoui Rim , Mannoubi Sondes , Mizouni Habiba
Published: July 2024

Background

Ménière’s disease is a chronic condition of the inner ear that causes vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss. Its diagnosis relies on clinical criteria that are subjective and pure-tone audiometry results that are not specific. Its pathological substrate is endolymphatic hydrops. Its imaging was recently made possible by the late-enhanced 3D FLAIR sequence. This technique was primarily tested on 3 T. Our objective was to prove its feasibility using a 1.5 T magnet.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study including 30 patients who fulfilled the Bárány society criteria for Ménière’s disease. We performed the late-enhanced 3D FLAIR sequence on all patients. We used it to look for and grade endolymphatic hydrops in the utricle, the saccule and the cochlear canal using the Kahn method.

Results

We found endolymphatic hydrops in all of the 30 patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for Ménière’s disease. We had no false positives and only one false negative with a patient presenting with bilateral disease clinically but having endolymphatic hydrops only on one side. Thus, our correspondence rate between clinical and imaging findings was 97%.

Conclusions

It is possible to diagnose endolymphatic hydrops with the late-enhanced 3D FLAIR sequence using a 1.5 T MRI machine. Since Ménière’s disease diagnosis is sometimes tricky, imaging endolymphatic hydrops can aid in the diagnosis when the clinical picture is incomplete. It also helps guide invasive treatment plans. 

Feasibility at 1.5 T ensures broader access to the late-enhanced 3D FLAIR sequence. Beyond the scope of Ménière’s disease, this sequence offers the possibility to better understand pressure-related inner ear diseases.
Optimally tuned cascaded FOPI-FOPIDN with improved PSO for load frequency control in interconnected power systems with RES
Authors: Sekyere Yaw O. M. , Effah Francis B. , Okyere Philip Y.
Published: July 2024

In the operation and control of power systems, load frequency control (LFC) plays a critical role in ensuring the stability and reliability of interconnected power systems. Modern power systems with significant penetration of highly variable and intermittent renewable sources present new challenges that make traditional control strategies ineffective. To address these new challenges, this paper proposes a novel LFC strategy that employs a cascaded fractional-order proportional integral-fractional-order proportional integral derivative with a derivative filter (FOPI-FOPIDN) as a controller. The parameters of the FOPI-FOPIDN are optimised using a variant of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) in the literature called ADIWACO. The effectiveness and scalability of the proposed strategy are validated by extensive simulations conducted on two- and three-area test systems and performance comparisons with recent LFC control strategies in the literature. The performance metrics used for the evaluation are ITAE values, deviations in the power flows in the tie-lines, and deviations in the frequencies of the control areas with the power systems subjected to diverse load and RES generation disturbances in several experimental scenarios. Governor dead band, communication time delay, and generation rate constraints are considered in one of the scenarios for more realistic evaluation. Again, the controller’s robustness to uncertain model parameters is validated by varying the parameters of the three-area test system by ± 50%. The simulation results obtained confirm the controller’s robustness and its superiority over the comparison LFC strategies in terms of the above performance metrics.
Metabolic engineering of terpene metabolism in lavender
Authors: Oseni Ojo Michael , Sajaditabar Reza , Mahmoud Soheil S.
Published: July 2024

Background

Several members of the Lamiaceae family of plants produce large amounts of essential oil [EO] that find extensive applications in the food, cosmetics, personal hygiene, and alternative medicine industries. There is interest in enhancing EO metabolism in these plants.

Main body

Lavender produces a valuable EO that is highly enriched in monoterpenes, the C10 class of the isoprenoids or terpenoids. In recent years, substantial effort has been made by researchers to study terpene metabolism and enhance lavender EO through plant biotechnology. This paper reviews recent advances related to the cloning of lavender monoterpene biosynthetic genes and metabolic engineering attempts aimed at improving the production of lavender monoterpenes in plants and microbes.

Conclusion

Metabolic engineering has led to the improvement of EO quality and yield in several plants, including lavender. Furthermore, several biologically active EO constituents have been produced in microorganisms.
Evaluation of serum prolidase level in children with Familial Mediterranean Fever
Authors: Eyada Iman Khaled , Abdelfattah Walaa , Naguib Ahmed Mohamed , Shady Hend Mohamed Abu
Published: July 2024

Background

FMF (Familial Mediterranean Fever) is the most prevalent autoinflammatory disease. It arises due to mutations in the pyrin-encoding MEFV gene. Prolidase, an enzyme culpable of splitting the bonds of proline-containing dipeptides, is essential for matrix remodeling, collagen turnover, and cell proliferation. It has a crucial role in inflammation.

Aim

To compare serum levels of prolidase between FMF children during the attack-free periods and healthy children and to correlate it with different FMF disease criteria and inflammatory marker, also to investigate if it can serve as a marker for subclinical inflammation.

Results

Forty-one children diagnosed with FMF and 41 sex and age-matched apparently healthy children as a control group were included in this study, serum prolidase was measured by ELISA. The mean ± SD serum level of prolidase among FMF patients was 0.6 ± 0.2 mU/ml × 104, while among the control group, it was 1.3 ± 1.4 mU/ml × 104, a statistically significant difference existed between both groups, p value = 0.001. The level of serum prolidase was not correlated with FMF severity score, inflammatory markers, and other FMF disease criteria.

Conclusion

Serum prolidase level was lower among FMF patients during the attack-free period than in the healthy control group, it was not correlated with disease severity and was not predictive of the presence of subclinical inflammation. Further studies are needed to highlight the role of serum prolidase in FMF children.