Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
The transcription factor Jun is necessary for optic nerve regeneration in larval zebrafish
Damage to the axons of the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) from traumatic injury or neurodegenerative diseases often results in permanent loss of function due to failure of axons to regenerate. Zebrafish, however, can express regeneration-associated genes to revert CNS neurons to a growth-competent state and regenerate damaged axons to functionality. An established model for CNS axon regeneration is optic nerve injury in zebrafish, where it was previously shown that thousands of genes are temporally expressed during the regeneration time course. It is likely that hubs of key transcription factors, rather than individual factors regulate the temporal clusters of expression after injury to facilitate cell survival, regrowth, and synaptic targeting in the brain. One transcription factor of interest in orchestrating CNS axon regeneration is jun. However, it remains unclear if CNS regeneration can progress without Jun. To test this, a transgenic zebrafish line was developed to express a heat-shock inducible dominant negative Jun. Induction of dominant negative Jun downregulated endogenous jun expression and larvae with functional jun knockdown demonstrated impaired retinal ganglion cell axon regeneration. Analysis of select putative Jun target genes, previously shown to be upregulated in adult zebrafish optic nerve regeneration, demonstrated that with functional Jun knockdown, atf3 and ascl1a were significantly downregulated, and sox11a was upregulated at distinct time points. These results position jun as a key regulator for successful optic nerve regeneration, further distinguish the regeneration program from development, and advance our knowledge for the formation of future therapies to treat CNS damage.
A comprehensive study of multiscale pore structural characteristics in deep-buried coals of different ranks
Anatomy education potential of the first digital twin of a Korean cadaver
The objective of this study is to explore innovative integration within the field of anatomy education by leveraging HoloLens 2 Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Display (AR HMD) technology and real-time cloud rendering. Initial 3D datasets, comprising extensive anatomical information for each bone, were obtained through the 3D scanning of a full-body cadaver of Korean male origin. Subsequently, these datasets underwent refinement processes aimed at enhancing visual fidelity and optimizing polygon counts, utilizing Blender software. Unity was employed for the development of the Metaverse platform, incorporating tailored 3D User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) components to facilitate interactive anatomy education via imported cadaver models. Integration with real-time remote rendering cloud servers, such as Azure, was implemented to augment the performance and rendering capabilities of the HoloLens 2 AR HMD. The extended reality (XR) content uses the Photon Cloud network for real-time data synchronization and HoloLens 2 voice functionality. The metaverse platform supports user interaction through room creation and joining, with various tools for bone manipulation, color differentiation, and surface output. Collaboration features enable sharing and synchronization of model states. The study highlights the importance of technological innovation in anatomy education for future medical professionals. The proposed content aims to address limitations of traditional methods and enhance learning experiences. Continued efforts in developing and improving such technologies are crucial to equip learners with essential skills for adaptation in the evolving healthcare landscape.
Reply to: A caveat about the use of trigonometric functions in statistical tests of Nutritional Geometry models
Prediction of porosity, hardness and surface roughness in additive manufactured AlSi10Mg samples
Despite the advantages of additive manufacturing, its widespread adoption is still hindered by the poor quality of the fabricated parts. Advanced machine learning techniques to predict part quality can improve repeatability and open additive manufacturing to various industries. This study aims to accurately predict the relative density, surface roughness and hardness of AlSi10Mg samples produced by selective laser melting regarding process parameters such as scan speed, layer thickness, laser power, and hatch distance. For this purpose, data including porosity, surface hardness, and roughness were extracted from the literature, and additional measurements were performed on additive manufactured samples in the current work. This work compares five supervised machine learning algorithms, including artificial neural networks, support vector regression, kernel ridge regression, random forest, and Lasso regression. These models are evaluated based on the coefficient of determination and the mean squared error. On the basis of the computational results, the artificial neural network outperformed in predicting relative density, surface roughness, and hardness. Feature importance analysis on the compiled dataset using ANN revealed that laser power and scan speed are the most important features affecting relative density (e.g., porosity) and hardness, while scan speed and layer thickness significantly impact the surface roughness of the parts. The study identified an optimal laser power and scan speed region that achieves a relative density > 99%, surface roughness < 10 µm, and hardness > 120 HV. The results presented in this study provide significant advantages for additive manufacturing, potentially reducing experimentation costs by identifying the process parameters that optimize the quality of the fabricated parts.
Research and experiment on a mobile welding robot for expandable convoluted pipe
Prospective Analysis of urINe LAM to Eliminate NTM Sputum Screening (PAINLESS) study: Rationale and trial design for testing urine lipoarabinomannan as a marker of NTM lung infection in cystic fibrosis
Background Routine screening for nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease is dependent on sputum cultures. This is particularly challenging in the cystic fibrosis (CF) population due to reduced sputum production and low culture sensitivity. Biomarkers of infection that do not rely on sputum may lead to earlier diagnosis, but validation trials require a unique prospective design. Purpose The rationale of this trial is to investigate the utility of urine lipoarabinomannan (LAM) as a test to identify people with CF with a new positive NTM culture. We hypothesize that urine LAM is a sensitive, non-invasive screening test with a high negative predictive value to identify individuals with a relatively low risk of having positive NTM sputum culture. Study design This is a prospective, single-center, non-randomized observational study in adults with CF, 3 years of negative NTM cultures, and no known history of NTM positive cultures. Patients are followed for two year-long observational periods with the primary endpoint being a positive NTM sputum culture within a year of a positive urine LAM result and a secondary endpoint of a positive NTM sputum culture within 3 years of a positive urine LAM result. Study implementation includes remote consent and sample collection to accommodate changes from the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions This report describes the study design of an observational study aimed at using a urine biomarker to assist in the diagnosis of NTM lung infection in pwCF. If successful, urine LAM could be used as an adjunct to traditional sputum cultures for routine NTM screening, and replace cultures in low-risk individuals unable to produce sputum.
Diversity of ER-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer stem cells attained using selective culture techniques
Biologic therapies for the treatment of large vessel vasculitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Objective To summarize the existing evidence from double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies regarding the effects of biologic agents for the treatment of large vessel vasculitis (LVV). Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov covering the period from database inception to May 3rd, 2023. Double-blind RCTs and cohort studies reporting biologic therapies’ effects on LVV including giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK) with outcomes of interest in English were included. The primary outcome of interest was relapse rates during glucocorticoid tapering. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0 and the Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool were used for the quality assessment. Random-effects models were used for meta-analysis. Results Of the 4599 references retrieved, 10 RCTs regarding GCA, 6 cohort studies, and 2 RCTs regarding TAK were included, comprising 997 participants in total. All the included RCTs were of low risk of bias, while the 6 cohort studies were of moderate to serious risk of bias. Meta-analysis suggested a significant superiority of biologic agents in prolonging relapse-free survival, increasing glucocorticoid taper rate, and decreasing cumulative glucocorticoids dose for both GCA and TAK. Additionally, GCA patients using biologic agents had significantly lower relapse rates and ESR levels with higher remission rates. Trends of favoring biologic agents in reducing relapse rate, ITAS-2010, ITAS-A, ESR, and CRP along with increased remission rate for TAK were also observed. Conclusions Biologic agents significantly improved clinical outcomes in LVV by reducing relapse rates, enhancing remission, and enabling safer glucocorticoid tapering, offering an important therapeutic advantage for managing both GCA and TAK. Further well-designed studies and corresponding meta-analyses are needed to validate their long-term efficacy and safety.
Profiling eyewash usage and preferences in individuals with hay fever using a digital cross-sectional cohort study with AllerSearch
Strategies for relapse prevention among people with schizophrenia in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa: Healthcare providers’ perspectives
Introduction Relapse is a significant challenge among people with schizophrenia and is broadly recognized by the aggravation of positive or negative symptoms, the need for re-hospitalization, more intensive case management, and/or changes in medication. The quality of inpatient care and proper transition to outpatient care are crucial in reducing the risk of relapse. Healthcare providers play vital roles in ensuring the continuity of care after patients are discharged from the hospital. Little is known about the roles of preventing relapse from the perspective of healthcare providers. This study explored the currently existing strategies for preventing relapse from the perspective of healthcare providers. Methods We captured the view of healthcare providers providing services to psychiatric patients using a qualitative methodological approach with descriptive phenomenology. We conducted audio-recorded, in-depth interviews with 15 consenting clinical providers from a public psychiatric hospital in Durban, South Africa. To facilitate analysis, we used Dedoose software (SocioCultural Research Consultants, LLC [www.dedoose.com]), and the themes were inducted from the data. Results Six major themes inducted from the analysis: Preparing patients and caregivers for discharge; Developing consistent and caring therapeutic relationships; Using an active approach to transition; Working with patients and caregivers concurrently; Creating and sustaining interagency connections; and Facilitating alternative forms of treatment. Conclusions Discharge planning and preparation are needed to ensure smooth transitions from hospital to outpatient care for relapse prevention. The healthcare system should ensure the availability of human resources for health at all levels of health facilities, and multidisciplinary teamwork will help a successful transition.
Impact of drainage on peatland soil environments and greenhouse gas emissions in Northeast China
The relationship between enterprise human capital structure and international M&A performance based on cultural differences in China
With the rapid development of China’s economy, increasing Chinese companies have acquired international technology resources, improved production efficiency, opened up international markets through international mergers and acquisitions, and realized the expansion of enterprises in the global capitalist market. Especially in recent years, the rapid development of international mergers and acquisitions of Chinese enterprises, as well as the increasingly frequent activity in the international market, makes the performance of international mergers and acquisitions become the focus of attention of enterprises, and also increasingly become a focus of scholars. Although the human capital structure of enterprises as an internal factor of enterprises has been studied by most scholars. However, in the existing literature, more studies focus on the impact of corporate human capital structure on corporate performance, while the impact of human capital on international M&A performance is not sufficient. The performance of international mergers and acquisitions is relatively a more complex factor, which is influenced by more factors and has higher research value. Based on the performance of international mergers and acquisitions, this paper explores how the human capital structure of enterprises can play a role in improving the competitiveness of enterprises under the background of economic globalization, so as to provide reference for enterprises to gain competitive advantage in the international market. This study selects Chinese listed companies with international mergers and acquisitions from 2008 to 2015 as research samples, and empirically analyzed the relationship between corporate human capital structure and international M&A performance. The four conclusions obtained are as follows: (1) Employee compensation, employee education level and employee technical personnel ratio are significantly positively correlated with the company’s international M&A performance; (2) Enterprise training in both short-term and long-term. Neither of them has a important impact on the company’s international M&A performance; (3) Employee turnover has a critical negative impact on the company’s international M&A performance; (4) After introducing cultural differences as a regulatory variable, it is found that cultural differences can weaken the impact of human capital factors on the performance of international M&A. Finally, this paper puts forward suggestions on how to better utilize the human capital advantages of the company in the global economic background with the intention of improving the performance of international M&A.
Techno-economic analysis of distribution system at various load models using MEWOA algorithm
Evaluation of a digital entomological surveillance planning tool for malaria vector control: Three country mixed methods pilot study
Background Vector control remains the principal method to prevent malaria transmission and has led to significant reductions in malaria incidence across endemic regions. However, such gains have stagnated, underscoring the need to tailor vector control to local drivers of transmission. An Entomological Surveillance Planning Tool (ESPT) was designed to translate normative guidance into an operational tool that supports cost effective, locally tailored, and evidence-based vector control. To facilitate ESPT implementation, an interactive digital toolkit (eSPT) was created to support question-based surveillance planning. Methods The eSPT was evaluated with 49 target users in Ethiopia, Malawi, and Mozambique. The eSPT was introduced to participants through facilitated workshops. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining pre- and post-intervention surveys with qualitative measures to assess the impact of the eSPT on knowledge, self-efficacy and work practices related to entomological surveillance planning. Qualitative methods were used to explore the acceptability and utility of the eSPT. Results Quantitative measures showed that the facilitated eSPT workshop increased participants’ knowledge and self-efficacy in question-based entomological surveillance planning. Target users responded positively to the eSPT, reporting high usability scores and satisfaction with the interface. Respondents from academic institutes, central government and international NGOs reported the eSPT to be a useful training tool and believed it could provide substantial efficiencies in the planning process. Further user testing, customizability and compatibility with mobile devices was recommended to enhance the eSPT’s usefulness as a planning tool, especially at the local government level. Conclusions Interactive digital toolkits could be an engaging, efficient, and accessible way to build research and surveillance capacity within relevant organizations and local authorities. This is achieved by combining tailored information and guidance, with functions that enable the development of a planning document, in an easy-to-follow stepwise process. To maximize the usability and usefulness of these toolkits, target users must be centered in the design.
Poly-γ-glutamic acid alleviates slow transit constipation by regulating aquaporin and gut microbes
Introduction of AGPAT3 gene as a regulator of cisplatin resistance in A2780 ovarian endometrioid carcinoma cell line
Ovarian cancer therapy remains a challenge for human health, partly due to chemotherapy resistance. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this resistance is crucial. Therefore, to identify genes involved in cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer, RNA-seq analysis of A2780cp (cisplatin-resistant) and A2780 (cisplatin-sensitive) cell lines was performed, revealing 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 3 (AGPAT3) as a differentially expressed candidate gene. First, MTT analysis confirmed the drug resistance of A2780cp and the sensitivity of A2780 cell lines. Subsequent reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting analyses revealed elevated AGPAT3 and mTOR expression in A2780cp cells compared with A2780 cells. Additionally, western blotting showed increased p-mTOR (phospho-mTOR)/mTOR and p-S6K (phospho-S6K)/S6K ratios in A2780cp cells. The overexpression of AGPAT3 in A2780 cells led to increased p-mTOR/mTOR and p-S6K/S6K ratios and increased IC50 values, as shown by RT-qPCR, western blotting, and MTT analysis. Conversely, shRNA-mediated downregulation of AGPAT3 resulted in reduced p-mTOR/mTOR and p-S6K/S6K ratios. At the cellular level, AGPAT3 overexpression in A2780 cells increased survival rates, decreased apoptosis, and caused G2/M cell cycle arrest under cisplatin treatment, as detected by apoptosis assay, and cell cycle flow cytometry analysis. Overall, we conclude that AGPAT3 is involved in cisplatin resistance in A2780cp cells and propose that targeting this gene or its enzymatic product could help overcome drug resistance.
Hybrid gabor attention convolution and transformer interaction network with hierarchical monitoring mechanism for liver and tumor segmentation
Differences in intervention for patients with acute stroke according to the manpower of neurosurgeons
Background and objectives Stroke, a leading global cause of death, poses a substantial health burden. The incidence of stroke is high in an aging society. Appropriate healthcare resources are crucial for providing prompt interventions to patients with stroke. We investigated the factors associated with the choice between conservative and interventional treatments, including an analysis of the number of neurosurgeons required for interventional care, for patients with acute stroke. Methods We utilized health insurance claims data from hospitals submitted to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in 2018 and 2021. The data covered 60,661 patients with acute stroke admitted to the emergency room in tertiary or general hospitals. The number of hospital neurosurgeons was the key variable of interest; conservative and interventional treatments were the independent variables. Using a multi-level analysis, we identified the individual- and hospital-level factors associated with interventional treatment by constructing four models. Results The odds of patients with hemorrhage and ischemic stroke receiving intervention were 0.60 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.31–0.52] and 0.51 [95% CI, 0.39–0.65] times lower, respectively, in the group with fewer neurosurgeons. We categorized the number of neurosurgeons and indicated an association between a minimum of three neurosurgeons and stroke treatment. Conclusion We demonstrated an association between individual- and hospital-level factors and the intervention for patients with different types of stroke. We predicted the number of neurosurgeons needed for intervention. These findings can be used for the efficient distribution and utilization of healthcare resources to improve public health.