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RETRACTED: Enhancing the decision optimization of interaction design in sustainable healthcare with improved artificial bee colony algorithm and generative artificial intelligence
With the development of digital health, enhancing decision-making effectiveness has become a critical task. This study proposes an improved Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm aimed at optimizing decision-making models in the field of digital health. The algorithm draws inspiration from the dual-layer evolutionary space of cultural algorithms, combining normative knowledge from the credibility space to dynamically adjust the search range, thereby improving both convergence speed and exploration capabilities. Additionally, a population dispersion strategy is introduced to maintain diversity, effectively balancing global exploration with local exploitation. Experimental results show that the improved ABC algorithm exhibits a 96% convergence probability when approaching the global optimal solution, significantly enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of medical resource optimization, particularly in complex decision-making environments. Integrating this algorithm with the Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) decision system can intelligently generate personalized decision recommendations and leverage natural language processing technologies to better understand and respond to user needs. This study provides an effective tool for scientific decision-making in digital healthcare and offers critical technical support for processing and analyzing large-scale medical data.
Change trends in serum phosphate levels predict in-hospital mortality in critically ill septic patients
Machine learning for predicting antimicrobial resistance in critical and high-priority pathogens: A systematic review considering antimicrobial susceptibility tests in real-world healthcare settings
Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a worldwide health threat; quick and accurate identification of AMR enhances patient outcomes and reduces inappropriate antibiotic usage. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy of machine learning (ML) approaches in predicting AMR in critical and high-priority pathogens (CHPP), considering antimicrobial susceptibility tests in real-world healthcare settings. Methods The search methodology encompassed the examination of several databases, such as PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and SCIELO. An extensive electronic database search was conducted from the inception of these databases until November 2024. Results After completing the final step of the eligibility assessment, the systematic review ultimately included 21 papers. All included studies were cohort observational studies assessing 688,107 patients and 1,710,867 antimicrobial susceptibility tests. GBDT, Random Forest, and XGBoost were the top-performing ML models for predicting antibiotic resistance in CHPP infections. GBDT exhibited the highest AuROC values compared to Logistic Regression (LR), with a mean value of 0.80 (range 0.77–0.90) and 0.68 (range 0.50–0.83), respectively. Similarly, Random Forest generally showed better AuROC values compared to LR (mean value 0.75, range 0.58–0.98 versus mean value 0.71, range 0.61–0.83). However, some predictors selected by these algorithms align with those suggested by LR. Conclusions ML displays potential as a technology for predicting AMR, incorporating antimicrobial susceptibility tests in CHPP in real-world healthcare settings. However, limitations such as retrospective methodology for model development, nonstandard data processing, and lack of validation in randomized controlled trials must be considered before applying these models in clinical practice.
A black-winged kite optimization algorithm enhanced by osprey optimization and vertical and horizontal crossover improvement
Evaluating refrigeration and antibiotic treatment for maintaining urine electrophysiology
Background Electrophysiological analysis of urine has shown utility in differentiating between healthy and bladder cancer specimens, offering a rapid, label-free alternative to molecular methods. However, transporting and preserving urine samples from collection to the laboratory poses logistical challenges that could impact the reliability of electrophysiological measurements. Objective This study investigates the effects of prolonged refrigeration on the dielectric properties and ζ-potential of urine specimens and evaluate whether antibiotic treatment can enhance sample preservation without altering electrophysiological properties. A new methodology to evaluate urine specimen quality and determine bacterial contamination, using electrophysiological modalities, is presented. Methods Mid-stream urine samples from healthy participants (n = 4) were collected and divided into untreated and 1% penicillin/streptomycin-treated groups. Samples were analysed at baseline prior to storage at 4°C, with further analysis every 24 hours for 96 hours. Changes in dielectrophoresis (DEP) response and ζ-potential were measured using a 3DEP cytometer (Deparator, UK) and Malvern Panalytical Zetasizer Nano ZS90 (Malvern, UK), respectively. Chemical analyses, including pH and nitrite levels, and microscopic examinations were also conducted. Results & Limitations Significant electrophysiological changes were observed in both untreated and antibiotic-treated urine samples over time. Both groups showed a linear increase of change in DEP response and ζ-potential values, from baseline over time. Untreated samples exhibited significant deviations in DEP and ζ-potential from baseline after 48 hours, with significance at 72 hours (P < 0.05). Treated samples only showed significant changes in ζ-potential at 96 hours (P < 0.05). Chemical analysis indicated increased pH and nitrite presence in untreated samples at 48 hours, indicating bacterial growth. Treated samples took more than 48 hours to show changes in both chemical parameters. Limitations include the relatively small study sample size, not evaluating the preservatory effects of UTI-specific antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim, and exploring different drug concentrations. Conclusion Prolonged refrigeration can maintain the quality of urine samples for up to 48 hours with antibiotic treatment. Current UK and European guidelines recommend urinalysis within 24 hours of specimen collection; the findings of this study support the use of DEP and ζ-potential analysis as practical clinical tests in a mail-in screening setting, provided appropriate sample preservation measures are taken.
Assessing the effectiveness of long short-term memory and artificial neural network in predicting daily ozone concentrations in Liaocheng City
Soluble RAGE enhances muscle regeneration after cryoinjury in aged and diseased mice
The Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE), classically considered a mediator of acute and chronic inflammatory responses, has recently been implicated by genetic knockout studies as a regulator of skeletal muscle physiology during development and following acute injury. Yet, the role of its soluble isoform, soluble RAGE (sRAGE), in muscle regeneration remains relatively unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) mediated and genetic knockin supplementation strategies were developed to specifically assess the effects of changing levels of sRAGE on muscle regeneration. We evaluated general muscle physiology and histology, including central nucleation, and myofiber size. We found that acute induction of sRAGE in aged and atherosclerotic animals accelerates muscle repair after cryoinjury. Similarly, genetic modification of the endogenous Ager gene locus to favor production of sRAGE over transmembrane RAGE accelerates repair of cryo-damaged skeletal muscle. However, increasing sRAGE via AAV delivery or using our transgenic mouse lines had no impact on muscle repair in aged or diseased mice after barium chloride (BaCl2) injury. Together, these studies identify a unique muscle regulatory activity of sRAGE that is variable across injury models and may be targeted in a context-specific manner to alter the skeletal muscle microenvironment and boost muscle regenerative output.
Phytochemical analysis of Asclepias syriaca L. leaf extract and its potential phytotoxic effect on some invasive weeds
The 24-hour movement behaviour compositions of children with and without impaired motor coordination: The Moves-UP project
The 24-hour movement behaviours, including sleep, sedentary behaviour (SB), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) are crucial for a child’s healthy growth and development. Yet, the full 24-hour movement behaviour composition has not been thoroughly explored in children with suspected Developmental Coordination Disorder (sDCD). The aim of this study was to compare the 24-hour movement behaviour compositions of children with sDCD to their typically developing (TD) peers and to assess the associations between movement behaviours and motor competence. Sixty-nine children (mean age 8.6 ± 1.6 years, 55% boys) wore a wrist-mounted accelerometers for seven consecutive days, completed a dynamic motor competence assessment and were screened for sDCD using the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire. Results of the compositional Isotemporal-substitution analysis indicated that children with sDCD spent less time in light physical activity (LPA) and MVPA and more time in SB compared to the TD group. No significant differences were observed during school or weekend periods. However, increasing MVPA in place of lower-intensity activities was associated with theoretical improvements in motor competence. The 24-hour movement behaviour profiles of children with sDCD identified in this study may have adverse implications for their future health and wellbeing, emphasising the need for targeted interventions, particularly during out-of-school hours.
Eyes and movement differences in unconscious state during microscopic procedures
Abstract Microsurgery is one of the techniques that is increasingly being adopted in many surgical fields. However, the acquisition and transfer of microsurgical skills primarily depend on experience. Additionally, opportunities to improve microsurgical skills are limited and a uniform evaluation system is lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the physical characteristics of experienced and novice surgeons and to propose efficient training and evaluation methods from an educational perspective. In this study, nine hand surgeons and six orthopedic surgeons were included in expert group E and novice group N, respectively. An eye tracker and surface electromyography were used. They were asked to perform the suturing procedure under the same conditions. The viewpoint distribution area was larger in group N than in group E ( p < 0.01). In group E, the pupil diameter increased only in a limited phase. The standard deviation of the distance between gaze and hand movements was smaller in group E, especially for gaze. Group E used the synergy of the same muscles to create movement. This study showed that there are differences in eye movements and unconscious body control during suturing techniques under the microscope between experienced users and novices.
Weaving a new web: gregarious parasitism in Idris Förster (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) attacking spider eggs
The present study, conducted in West Bengal, India, explored the unique ‘multi-chambered’ appearance of certain spider eggs, leading to the discovery of gregarious parasitism in the idiobiont endoparasitoid Idris Förster (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). Little is known about the roles of parasitoid Hymenoptera in regulating spider populations. Phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I marker identified five distinct species of Idris. These five gregarious species, identified in association with various spider hosts across multiple locations during a two-year study, offer new insights into host-parasitoid interactions and their adaptability in different host systems. Additionally, six novel host associations between egg parasitoids and five spider species from two families are documented. Under the family Scelionidae, Idris is the second genus, after Telenomus Haliday, adapting to gregarious development. Our findings emphasize the existence of diverse trophic interactions and life strategies in nature that are yet to be documented.
Field-free spin hall oscillator based on giant magnetoresistance effect and its potential for electrical synchronization
Capsicum chinense Jacq. fruit plays an immunomodulatory role in cytokine attenuation and DNA damage protection
Capsicum chinense (C. chinense) Jacq., recognized for its bioactive compounds, has attracted interest due to its possible immunomodulatory and DNA-damage-protective effects. This study aimed to assess the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and DNA protection abilities of organic extracts (methanol, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether) from C. chinense. The immunomodulatory effects were evaluated in Long Evans rats induced with SRBC. At the same time, the anti-inflammatory potential was investigated in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages by quantifying pro-inflammatory mediators such as COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-β, and IL-6. Protective activity against DNA damage was assessed using a method that induces damage with a Fenton reagent. Cytotoxicity was tested on the Hela cell line to gauge the cellular effects of the extracts. The results demonstrated that higher doses (200 mg) of C. chinense methanol extract inhibited immune responses, whereas lower doses helped restore them. The extracts significantly decreased pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines in LPS-activated macrophages. Both petroleum ether and methanol extracts showed higher cytotoxicity against Hela cells compared to the ethyl acetate extract. The protein levels recorded in the serological parameters were 5.74 ± 0.19, 5.36 ± 0.11, 5.74 ± 0.26, 6.02 ± 0.16, 6.18 ± 0.18, and 6.22 ± 0.20 gm/dL for NC, DC, ML, MLMExCC100, MLMExCC200, and MExCC100, respectively. These findings suggest that C. chinense extracts possess strong immunomodulatory effects and potential protection against DNA damage, supporting their therapeutic application in regulating the innate immunity system.
Hybrid nanocarriers with different densities of silver nanoparticles formation features and antimicrobial properties
Implications of tissue specific STING protein flux and abundance on inflammation and the development of targeted therapeutics
Drugs targeting the ER-resident innate immune receptor Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) are in development for treatments of cancer and inflammatory diseases. Accurate determination of STING receptor levels in normal and disease tissue is an essential component of modeling pharmacology and drug-target disposition. Using metabolic labeling with deuterium oxide paired with high resolution mass spectrometry, we report the protein fractional synthesis rates and turnover of STING in wild-type (C57BL/6) and inflamed mice carrying the Trex1 D18N mutation (Trex1D18N) as a STING-dependent model of human Acardi-Goutiéres syndrome. Remarkably, STING protein half-life is tissue specific with the shortest half-life of 4 days in colon and lymph node and longest half-life of 24 days in skeletal muscle. Despite the relative increase in STING protein abundance in the inflamed Trex1D18N mouse, the overall kinetics of protein degradation and resynthesis was similar between Trex1D18N and WT mice. The extent of tissue specific interferon stimulated gene transcription, a hallmark of SLE linked pathophysiology, correlates with the extend of increased STING levels in Trex1D18N tissues and appears inversely proportional to the turnover rate of STING. Understanding STING’s fractional protein synthesis rate and half-life provides a valuable component of quantitative modeling of drug pharmacology, dose frequency and targeting tissues of STING directed therapies.
Selection of stable reference genes in Prunus persica fruit infected with Monilinia laxa for normalisation of RT-qPCR gene expression data
Couple-centered HIV prevention and care: Endorsement, practice and uncertainty among us healthcare providers in western-central upstate New York
Given the influence of provider perspective and practice in the uptake of HIV/STI prevention and care strategies, this qualitative descriptive design study sought to illuminate perspectives of couples HIV testing and counseling (CHTC) and describe couple/partner-based practices among health providers in New York State. We utilized a purposive sampling strategy to recruit health providers (N = 27). Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted from Sept. 2019 to Feb. 2021. Four themes emerged: perspectives on engaging partners and couples-centered sexual health promotion; providers’ experiences with patients and partners in HIV prevention and care; provider endorsement of CHTC; and perceived CHTC implementation determinants. CHTC endorsement was prominently due to the perception of CHTC as a facilitator to enhance patient-provider engagement in HIV/STI treatment and care, especially in the communication and dissemination of information among partners. Providers reported that health literacy needs regarding HIV/STI testing and diagnosis, but primarily STIs treatment regimens warranted a joint approach. CHTC endorsement entailed the strategy’s perceived ability to enhance sexual health literacy among patients and patient’s partners. Lastly, CHTC endorsements entailed provider beliefs that it ensured knowledge equity and joint literacy in the communication of health information among health consumers. Determinants of CHTC implementation were factors that providers perceived to have a bearing on the facilitation or posed as barriers to jointly engage partners in HIV/STI prevention and care and was subsequently a source of provider uncertainty. These determinants ranged from provider-level factors to organizational capacity issues that could impact CHTC implementation. Recommendations for CHTC are discussed.
Microencapsulation of antioxidant phenolics from tamarind seed peels using chia gum and maltodextrin
Abstract Tamarindus indica seeds/seed peels (TSP) are the main waste products from the tamarind industry and contain valuable bioactive antioxidant-phenolic compounds that promote human health; however, their application is limited due to their instability and poor solubility. Encapsulation is becoming more important in several industries due to its potential for preserving and delivering valuable and delicate bioactive compounds. This study targets the microencapsulation of TSP-phenolic compounds for incorporation into functional food formulations. By employing the freeze-drying method, three microcapsule formulations were developed using chia gum (CG), maltodextrin (M), and a mixture of the two (M/CG) as coating materials. The formed M-, M/CG-, and CG-microcapsules showed remarkable encapsulation efficiency of 88.0, 90.0, and 95.0%, respectively. They preserved most of the TSP-phenolic content (87.5–96.3%) and antioxidant activity (86.0-98.8%). They demonstrated higher digestibility percentages in the intestinal media (53.0–70.0%) than in the gastric media (29.0–36.0%), especially the microcapsules coated with CG. They kept the TSP-antioxidant-phenolic content safe at 40 °C for 2 months. The microcapsules demonstrated improved microstructures, swelling, solubility, and moisture content. Crosslinking and enhanced thermal stability were also proven for microcapsules via FTIR and thermogravimetric studies. In addition, the prepared microcapsules displayed better antimicrobial activity against the examined bacterial strains, with minimum bactericidal concentrations ranging from 0.61 to 1.4 mg/mL. In conclusion, the encapsulation improved the stability, bioavailability, and antibacterial properties of TSP-phenolic compounds, making them suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications.
The role of renal and liver function in clinical ctDNA testing
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has high clinical potential in early cancer detection. The renal system and the liver are involved in clearing circulating cell free DNA (cfDNA) from the blood. Recent studies on mice show that inhibiting the liver’s ability to clear cfDNA results in elevated ctDNA levels in blood samples. Emphasizing the need for studies in humans exploring if markers of renal and liver function are associated with cfDNA and ctDNA levels in the blood. The present study investigates if cfDNA level, ctDNA level and ctDNA detection is affected in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with clinical biomarkers indicative of low renal and liver function. We requisitioned standard laboratory tests of renal and liver function, measured within thirty days of curative intended surgery from 846 stage I-III CRC patients. For each patient, matching preoperative cfDNA and ctDNA data was available. We investigated the correlation between impaired renal and liver function and cfDNA level, ctDNA level, and ctDNA detection. The findings revealed that variation in renal and liver function in stage I-III CRC patients did not affect cfDNA level, ctDNA level, or ctDNA detection and that ctDNA test results remain stable over a wide range of renal and liver biomarker results.