Research Tool Research Articles

LipidSig 2.0: integrating lipid characteristic insights into advanced lipidomics data analysis.

In the field of lipidomics, where the complexity of lipid structures and functions presents significant analytical challenges, LipidSig stands out as the first web-based platform providing integrated, comprehensive analysis for efficient data mining of lipidomic datasets. The upgraded LipidSig 2.0 (https://lipidsig.bioinfomics.org/) simplifies the process and empowers researchers to decipher the complex nature of lipids and link lipidomic data to specific characteristics and biological contexts. This tool markedly enhances the efficiency and depth of lipidomic research by autonomously identifying lipid species and assigning 29 comprehensive characteristics upon data entry. LipidSig 2.0 accommodates 24 data processing methods, streamlining diverse lipidomic datasets. The tool's expertise in automating intricate analytical processes, including data preprocessing, lipid ID annotation, differential expression, enrichment analysis, and network analysis, allows researchers to profoundly investigate lipid properties and their biological implications. Additional innovative features, such as the 'Network' function, offer a system biology perspective on lipid interactions, and the 'Multiple Group' analysis aids in examining complex experimental designs. With its comprehensive suite of features for analyzing and visualizing lipid properties, LipidSig 2.0 positions itself as an indispensable tool for advanced lipidomics research, paving the way for new insights into the role of lipids in cellular processes and disease development.

Assessing the Efficacy of ChatGPT Versus Human Researchers in Identifying Relevant Studies on mHealth Interventions for Improving Medication Adherence in Patients With Ischemic Stroke When Conducting Systematic Reviews: Comparative Analysis.

ChatGPT by OpenAI emerged as a potential tool for researchers, aiding in various aspects of research. One such application was the identification of relevant studies in systematic reviews. However, a comprehensive comparison of the efficacy of relevant study identification between human researchers and ChatGPT has not been conducted. This study aims to compare the efficacy of ChatGPT and human researchers in identifying relevant studies on medication adherence improvement using mobile health interventions in patients with ischemic stroke during systematic reviews. This study used the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Four electronic databases, including CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Web of Science, PubMed, and MEDLINE, were searched to identify articles published from inception until 2023 using search terms based on MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms generated by human researchers versus ChatGPT. The authors independently screened the titles, abstracts, and full text of the studies identified through separate searches conducted by human researchers and ChatGPT. The comparison encompassed several aspects, including the ability to retrieve relevant studies, accuracy, efficiency, limitations, and challenges associated with each method. A total of 6 articles identified through search terms generated by human researchers were included in the final analysis, of which 4 (67%) reported improvements in medication adherence after the intervention. However, 33% (2/6) of the included studies did not clearly state whether medication adherence improved after the intervention. A total of 10 studies were included based on search terms generated by ChatGPT, of which 6 (60%) overlapped with studies identified by human researchers. Regarding the impact of mobile health interventions on medication adherence, most included studies (8/10, 80%) based on search terms generated by ChatGPT reported improvements in medication adherence after the intervention. However, 20% (2/10) of the studies did not clearly state whether medication adherence improved after the intervention. The precision in accurately identifying relevant studies was higher in human researchers (0.86) than in ChatGPT (0.77). This is consistent with the percentage of relevance, where human researchers (9.8%) demonstrated a higher percentage of relevance than ChatGPT (3%). However, when considering the time required for both humans and ChatGPT to identify relevant studies, ChatGPT substantially outperformed human researchers as it took less time to identify relevant studies. Our comparative analysis highlighted the strengths and limitations of both approaches. Ultimately, the choice between human researchers and ChatGPT depends on the specific requirements and objectives of each review, but the collaborative synergy of both approaches holds the potential to advance evidence-based research and decision-making in the health care field.

Establishment of primary prostate epithelial and tumorigenic cell lines using a non-viral immortalization approach

BackgroundResearch on prostate cancer is mostly performed using cell lines derived from metastatic disease, not reflecting stages of tumor initiation or early progression. Establishment of cancer cell lines derived from the primary tumor site has not been described so far. By definition, cancer cells are able to be cultured indefinitely, whereas normal epithelial cells undergo senescence in vitro. Epithelial cells can be immortalized, accomplished by using viral integration of immortalization factors. Viral approaches, however, might be impaired by regulatory and safety issues as well as random integration into regulatory genetic elements, modifying precise gene expression. We intend to use surgical specimen of prostate cancer patients to (i) prove for establishment of cancer cell lines, and (ii) perform non-viral, Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposase-based immortalization of prostate epithelial cells.MethodsRadical prostatectomy samples of prostate cancer patients (n = 4) were dissociated and cultured in vitro. Cells were cultivated either without or after non-viral, Sleeping-Beauty transposase-based stable transfection with immortalization factors SV40LT and hTERT. Established cell lines were analyzed in vitro and in vivo for characteristics of prostate (cancer) cells.ResultsInitial cell cultures without genetic manipulation underwent senescence within ≤ 15 passages, demonstrating inability to successfully derive primary prostate cancer cell lines. By using SB transposase-based integration of immortalization factors, we were able to establish primary prostate cell lines. Three out of four cell lines displayed epithelial characteristics, however without expression of prostate (cancer) characteristics, e.g., androgen receptor. In vivo, one cell line exhibited tumorigenic potential, yet characteristics of prostate adenocarcinoma were absent.ConclusionWhereas no primary prostate cancer cell line could be established, we provide for the first-time immortalization of primary prostate cells using the SB transposase system, thereby preventing regulatory and molecular issues based on viral immortalization approaches. Although, none of the newly derived cell lines demonstrated prostate cancer characteristics, tumor formation was observed in one cell line. Given the non-prostate adenocarcinoma properties of the tumor, cells have presumably undergone oncogenic transformation rather than prostate cancer differentiation. Still, these cell lines might be used as a tool for research on prostate cancer initiation and early cancer progression.

Computer Tools for Modeling Swing in a Jazz Ensemble

Abstract In a jazz ensemble, the timing patterns within each instrument and between instruments vary systematically depending on the instrument, tempo, style, and other parameters. A set of computer tools is described to modify these timing parameters according to previous measurements, allowing a large flexibility to account for individual differences and preferences. Four different jazz trio recordings were transcribed and annotated, and the tools were then used to recreate or modify the timing patterns in synthesized versions. These tools can be used for pedagogical purposes in which a music example can be played with different timing interpretations. It can also be used as a tool for research in which controlled factorial experiments can be designed.

Severe cardiac and skeletal manifestations in DMD-edited microminipigs: an advanced surrogate for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an intractable X-linked muscular dystrophy caused by mutations in the DMD gene. While many animal models have been used to study the disease, translating findings to humans has been challenging. Microminipigs, with their pronounced physiological similarity to humans and notably compact size amongst pig models, could offer a more representative model for human diseases. Here, we accomplished precise DMD modification in microminipigs by co-injecting embryos with Cas9 protein and a single-guide RNA targeting exon 23 of DMD. The DMD-edited microminipigs exhibited pronounced clinical phenotypes, including perturbed locomotion and body-wide skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy, alongside augmented serum creatine kinase levels. Muscle weakness was observed as of one month of age, respiratory and cardiac dysfunctions emerged by the sixth month, and the maximum lifespan was 29.9 months. Histopathological evaluations confirmed dystrophin deficiency and pronounced dystrophic pathology in the skeletal and myocardial tissues, demonstrating that these animals are an unprecedented model for studying human DMD. The model stands as a distinct and crucial tool in biomedical research, offering deep understanding of disease progression and enhancing therapeutic assessments, with potential to influence forthcoming treatment approaches.

Effects of hand-press pellet on pain and daily life of elders with chronic lower back pain: randomized controlled trial

BackgroundFor elderly people with chronic lower back pain who need long-term management, there is a need for a nursing intervention study that is effective, is easy to perform, and applies complementary and alternative therapies to manage pain without repulsion. Hand pressure therapy is a treatment indigenous to Korea used to reduce pain and improve functions of daily life by applying acupuncture, pressure sticks, and moxibustion to parts of the hand as they relate to parts of the body. This research is to identify the effects of pellet pressed on the hand on pain and the daily lives of elders with chronic lower back pain (CLBP).MethodsThe hand pressed-pellet intervention period was six weeks long. Twenty-seven patients in the intervention group and twenty-four patients in the placebo control group were recruited from elderly over sixty-five who used welfare centers. In the intervention group, hand pressed-pellet therapy was conducted in eleven acupressure response zones related to CLBP, and the placebo control group was provided with similar therapy and zones, but unrelated to CLBP. The research tool measured the intensity of CLBP using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Korean Owestry Disability Index (K-ODI), which are subjective indicators, and the Compact Digital Algometer, which is an objective indicator.ResultThe pain intensity (VAS) measured after six weeks of hand pressed-pellet therapy showed significant difference between the two groups compared to their pain before the experiment (F = 60.522, p < .001). There was a significant difference between the two groups in the pain pressure threshold using pressure statistics (F = 8.940, p < .001), and in CLBP dysfunction evaluation index (K-ODI) after applying pressed pellet to the hand (Z = − 3.540, p < .001).ConclusionSubjective indicators were measured to verify the effect of hand pressed-pellet therapy on CLBP, and the result confirmed that the hand pressed-pellet therapy was effective in alleviating CLBP.Trial registrationThe study was registered retrospectively with reference number KCT0008024 on 23/12/2022.

PRECIS-2 analysis of pragmatic acupuncture trials: a systematic review

BackgroundPragmatic acupuncture trials (PATs) are a research tool for assessing the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments in a real-world setting. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive methodological analysis of PATs using the PRECIS-2(PRagmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary-2) tool to determine their pragmatism.MethodsThe MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, WANFANG, Taiwan Periodical Literature Database, KoreaMed, KMbase, Research Information Service System, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, CiNii and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched. The search included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and protocols of RCTs that investigated all types of acupuncture and used self-declared pragmatic design. Two authors independently collected the basic information and characteristics of the studies and assessed their pragmatism using the nine PRECIS-2 domains and the additional domain of control.ResultsA total of 93 studies were included. The means of eligibility, recruitment, organisation, primary outcome, primary analysis, and control domains were statistically larger than three and were shown to be pragmatic. The means of setting, flexibility:delivery, and follow-up domains were not greater than three and were shown to be non-pragmatic. For flexibility:adherence domain was inappropriate for assessment owing to insufficient information in the studies.ConclusionsPATs were pragmatic in the domain of eligibility, recruitment, organisation, primary outcome, primary analysis, and control and were not pragmatic in the domain of setting, flexibility:delivery, and follow-up. Future PATs need to strengthen the pragmatism in the setting, flexibility:delivery, and follow-up domains and to describe the flexibility:adherence domain in more detail.Trial registrationCRD42021236975.

Generation and characterization of mature hepatocyte organoids for liver metabolic studies.

Hepatocyte organoids (HOs) generated in vitro recently are powerful tools for liver regeneration. However, the reported HOs were mostly fetal in nature with low expression levels of metabolic genes characteristic of adult liver functions, hampering their application in studying metabolic regulations and therapeutic testing for liver disorders. We report development of novel culture conditions that contains optimized levels of Triiodothyronine (T3) with the removal of growth factors, enabled successful generation of mature hepatocyte organoids (MHOs) with metabolic functions characteristic of adult livers of both mouse and human origins. We showed that the MHOs can be used to study various metabolic functions including bile and urea production, zonal metabolic gene expression, and metabolic alterations in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases as well hepatocyte proliferation, injury, and cell fate changes. Notably, the MHOs derived from human fetal hepatoblasts also showed improved hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Therefore, these MHOs provide a powerful in vitro model for studies of human liver physiology and diseases. The human MHOs are potentially a robust research tools for therapeutic development as well.

Impact of Service Quality Dimensions on Citizens’ Satisfaction with Land Services in Rwanda.

Purpose: This study aimed to establish the correlation between service quality dimensions and citizen satisfaction with land transfer services in Rwanda. Methodology: The study employed a mixed research approach; in quantitative research, two two-stage simple random sampling techniques were used to select the sample to be surveyed while key informants were selected purposively from service seekers. Data were gathered from a sample of 422 service seekers who obtained land transfer services from January to December 2019 using a five-item Likert scale. Sixteen (16) key informant interviews were carried out with representatives of service seekers to gather their experience of the service received. A reliability test was conducted and produced a result of 0.932, which is greater than 0.7 indicating excellent reliability of the research tool. Findings: The findings indicate that all five service quality dimensions are positive and significant predictors of customer satisfaction. The predictive power of each of the five service quality dimensions is as follows: responsiveness (B: 3.349, SE: .4755, Exp. (B):28.473: P-value: 0.00&lt;0.05); tangibles (B: 3.267, SE: .4969, Exp. (B): 26.231: P-value: 0.00&lt;0.05); reliability (B: 2.747, SE: .4293, Exp. (B): 15.596: P-value: 0.00&lt;0.05); empathy (B: 2.248, SE: .4362, Exp. (B): 9.467: P-value: 0.00&lt;0.05) and assurance (B: 1.827, SE: .4490, Exp. (B):6.215: P-value: 0.00&lt;0.05). Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: The study established that the five service quality dimensions are significant and positive predictors of satifastcion and recommends that, where resources are limited, institutions should focus more efforts on dimensions (Responsiveness, Tangibles and Reliabiity) that predictor satisfaction more than others. It is also recommended that land service delivery model be redesigned in line with decentralisation policy and to fully digitize land services to ensure that, the time taken to process land transfer services is reduced.

Development and initial validation of a new self-report measure to assess perceived dependence on tobacco and nicotine products

How nicotine is administered has evolved from cigarettes to various delivery systems. Assessing perceived dependence on nicotine-containing products now requires accounting for product specificity while allowing comparisons across products and users. This study aims to develop a new self-report measure to assess perceived dependence on tobacco and nicotine products (TNPs) among exclusive and poly-TNP users. A draft version of the new measure, the ABOUT-Dependence, was constructed based on literature review, qualitative research, and expert opinion. Data for scale formation and psychometric assessment was obtained through a US-based web survey (n = 2334) that included additional dependence measures for convergent validity assessment. Qualitative research confirmed a preliminary conceptual framework with seven sub-concepts. Following a cognitive debriefing, 19 items were considered to best represent the different sub-concepts. Psychometric findings supported a three-domain structure [i.e., behavioral impact (five items), signs and symptoms (five items), and extent/timing of use (two items)] and an overall total composite score. The data confirmed convergent and known-group validity, as well as test–retest reliability. The ABOUT-Dependence is a 12-item, psychometrically sound, self-report measure that may be used as a tool for research and further understanding of perceived dependence across the spectrum of TNP and TNP users.

International students' employability: a language socialization perspective

PurposeThis study introduces a non-orthodox approach to the dominant policy-based approaches to graduate employability through contextualizing international students’ everyday experiences within their educational and wider structural contexts of the labour market.Design/methodology/approachThe study used narrative frames to collect data from 180 international students from China, Hong Kong, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Nepal at a New Zealand tertiary institution. Narrative frames as a research tool in educational contexts are used to ellicit the experiences of individuals in the form of a story as participants reflect on their experience. The frames use sentence starters to draw responses from participants about their experiences (Barkhuizen and Wette, 2008).FindingsThis study argues that, through a socialization process, international students develop identities that fit an ever-changing labour market. This process is catalysed by a higher education landscape that produces career-ready subjects capable of appropriating different social spaces that prepare students and graduates to enter the labour market. Further, it argues that graduate employability should be understood as a complex process through which students and graduates socialise themselves through negotiating the socioacademic spaces by (1) familiarising themselves with the dominant workspace norms, (2) positioning themselves as more career-ready individuals, and (3) imagigining employable selves capable of meeting the needs of the job market.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has limitations. Only one data collection source has been used. It would have been great to use narrative frames along with interviews. In addition, the data would have been stronger if the researcher could have used classroom observations, which could be a future initiative.Practical implicationsThis study could provide practical insights to tertiary institutions about international students’ developing capabilities and identities so they could better prepare themselves for the world of work. Further, this study provides insights about some of the challenges that international students face in tertiary contexts to become career-ready. Hence, educators could employ strategies to better support these learners in their everyday learning spaces. This study also has useful benefits for future and current international students and international graduates regarding what investments they need to make so they can better socialize themselves in their tertiary and workplace practices.Social implicationsThis study has social implications. It helps international students better understand the social, cultural and academic expectations of their host countries. Therefore, they could better socialize themselves into those practices and contribute more effectively to their academic and workplace communities. The study also helps academic and workplace institutions strategize more effectively to address the social and cultural needs of international graduates. The study also contributes to the social and cultural understanding of the teachers that engage with international students on a daily basis by helping them devise activities that better address these students’ and graduates’ needs.Originality/valueThe study adds theoretical and methodological value to the debates around graduate employability. It includes the voices of 180 students and unravels their day-to-day experiences of capability building and employability development from their own perspectives.

Empowering Global AMR Research Community: Interactive GIS dashboards for AMR data analysis and informed decision-making

Background Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a critical global public health concern, demanding effective tools for research, data analysis, and decision-making. This study proposes a groundbreaking approach to empower the global AMR research community by introducing interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) dashboards. These dashboards aim to facilitate comprehensive data analysis of AMR across multiple countries, providing insights into antimicrobial usage (AMU), resistance patterns, and geographic distribution. Methods The novel approach involves the development of GIS dashboards that integrate and harmonize data from diverse sources, including clinical laboratories, surveillance networks, and public health agencies. Objective 1 focuses on creating a dashboard encompassing all countries, offering comprehensive data analysis capabilities and visualization tools. Objective 2 entails building a focused dashboard specifically for Kenya and Uganda, allowing for comparative analysis of AMR in these regions. Objective 3 involves the generation of a simulated dataset for Kampala, Uganda, addressing data limitations in that specific area. Results The GIS dashboards serve as powerful tools for visualizing and analyzing AMR-related datasets, providing stakeholders with a comprehensive view of the global AMR landscape. These dashboards offer valuable insights into antimicrobial usage, resistance patterns, and geographical distribution. The centralized platform facilitates data exploration and analysis, aiding researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals in making informed decisions to combat AMR. Conclusions In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the developed GIS dashboards empower stakeholders by providing valuable insights and informed decision-making capabilities. The dashboards serve as essential tools for addressing the global challenge of AMR, allowing for a deeper understanding of the problem and informing effective strategies. The approach outlined in this study has the potential to significantly contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat AMR on a global scale.

Status of Teacher Professional Development (TPD) at Secondary Level Schools

Education reform and the pursuit of quality education are common concerns among stakeholders showing their concern to educational development. In recent years, Teacher Professional Development (TPD) has emerged as a pivotal component for advancing education reform efforts and bolstering educational quality. This article attempts at describing the existing TPD status of the secondary level schools in Nepal.  In the study, the headmasters of the four selected secondary level schools were the informants; and a survey checklist was used as the research tool to collect required data. The data were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistics. The study found that the secondary schools were quite poor regarding their performance of TPD related activities, most of them had weak TPD status. This finding led to conclude that the concerned authorities need to be more responsible to make improvements in the existing TPD situation at the secondary schools in Nepal.

The psychometric properties of the modified fear of falling avoidance behavior questionnaire in Parkinson's disease and older adults.

The Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire (FFABQ) has good psychometric properties. However, we have recently modified the FFABQ (mFFABQ) to improve the clarity of the questions and Likert responses. This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of this modified version in older adults and people with Parkinson's disease (PD). A total of 88 participants, 39 with PD (age = 72.2 ± 9.5; 29 males, 10 females) and 49 older adults (age = 72.8 ± 5.0; 13 males, 36 females), answered the mFFABQ twice, separated by 1 week, for test-retest reliability. Construct validity was evaluated through correlational analyses with fall history, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go, 30-Second Sit to Stand, Sensory Organization Test, Zung Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Consequences of Falling Questionnaire (CoFQ), and average daily activity levels using an activity monitor. The mFFABQ had good overall test-retest reliability (intraclass correlational coefficient [ICC] = 0.822; older adult ICC = 0.781, PD ICC = 0.806). The mFFABQ correlated with fall history (r = -0.430) and exhibited high correlation with the ABC (rho = -0.804) and moderate correlations with CoFQ (rho = 0.582) and BBS (rho = -0.595). The mFFABQ also correlated with time stepping (rho = -0.298) and number of steps (rho = -0.358). These results provide supportive evidence for the reliability and validity of the mFFABQ in older adults and people with PD, which supports its suitability as a clinical and research tool for the assessment of fear of falling avoidance behavior.

Screening Disinfection Byproducts in Arid-Coastal Wastewater: A Workflow Using GC×GC-TOFMS, Passive Sampling, and NMF Deconvolution Algorithm

Disinfection during tertiary municipal wastewater treatment is a necessary step to control the spread of pathogens; unfortunately, it also gives rise to numerous disinfection byproducts (DBPs), only a few of which are regulated because of the analytical challenges associated with the vast number of potential DBPs. This study utilized polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) passive samplers, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS), and non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) spectral deconvolution for suspect screening of DBPs in treated wastewater. PDMS samplers were deployed upstream and downstream of the chlorination unit in a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Abu Dhabi, and their extracts were analyzed using GC×GC-TOFMS. A workflow incorporating a multi-tiered, eight-filter screening process was developed, which successfully enabled the reliable isolation of 22 candidate DBPs from thousands of peaks. The NMF spectral deconvolution improved the match factor score of unknown mass spectra to the reference mass spectra available in the NIST library by 17% and facilitated the identification of seven additional DBPs. The close match of the first-dimension retention index data and the GC×GC elution patterns of DBPs, both predicted using the Abraham solvation model, with their respective experimental counterparts—with the measured data available in the NIST WebBook and the GC×GC elution patterns being those observed for the candidate peaks—significantly enhanced the accuracy of peak assignment. Isotopic pattern analysis revealed a close correspondence for 11 DBPs with clearly visible isotopologues in reference spectra, thereby further strengthening the confidence in the peak assignment of these DBPs. Brominated analogues were prevalent among the detected DBPs, possibly due to seawater intrusion. The fate, behavior, persistence, and toxicity of tentatively identified DBPs were assessed using EPI Suite™ and the CompTox Chemicals Dashboard. This revealed their significant toxicity to aquatic organisms, including developmental, mutagenic, and endocrine-disrupting effects in certain DBPs. Some DBPs also showed activity in various CompTox bioassays, implicating them in adverse molecular pathways. Additionally, 11 DBPs demonstrated high environmental persistence and resistance to biodegradation. This combined approach offers a powerful tool for future research and environmental monitoring, enabling accurate identification and assessment of DBPs and their potential risks.

Claves metodológicas y estratégicas para estudios basados en encuestas online: un análisis basado en la iniciativa Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys

The use of online surveys has become a valuable and widely employed tool in health research. However, the use of such instruments necessitates methodological rigor and optimization in their design to achieve the best response rates. Drawing upon relevant literature and the international CHERRIES guidelines for the development of online surveys, this article addresses methodological aspects related to ethical considerations and data protection (with reference to the Association of Internet Research's online ethics guide), study design and validation, recruitment, data collection processes, and data management and analysis. In conclusion, given the context of overexposure to online surveys, which can influence recruitment and response rates, strategies for their maximization are provided, encompassing both static and dynamic aspects of survey design.

SCPLPA: An miRNA-disease association prediction model based on spatial consistency projection and label propagation algorithm.

Identifying the association between miRNA and diseases is helpful for disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. It is of great significance to use computational methods to predict potential human miRNA disease associations. Considering the shortcomings of existing computational methods, such as low prediction accuracy and weak generalization, we propose a new method called SCPLPA to predict miRNA-disease associations. First, a heterogeneous disease similarity network was constructed using the disease semantic similarity network and the disease Gaussian interaction spectrum kernel similarity network, while a heterogeneous miRNA similarity network was constructed using the miRNA functional similarity network and the miRNA Gaussian interaction spectrum kernel similarity network. Then, the estimated miRNA-disease association scores were evaluated by integrating the outcomes obtained by implementing label propagation algorithms in the heterogeneous disease similarity network and the heterogeneous miRNA similarity network. Finally, the spatial consistency projection algorithm of the network was used to extract miRNA disease association features to predict unverified associations between miRNA and diseases. SCPLPA was compared with four classical methods (MDHGI, NSEMDA, RFMDA and SNMFMDA), and the results of multiple evaluation metrics showed that SCPLPA exhibited the most outstanding predictive performance. Case studies have shown that SCPLPA can effectively identify miRNAs associated with colon neoplasms and kidney neoplasms. In summary, our proposed SCPLPA algorithm is easy to implement and can effectively predict miRNA disease associations, making it a reliable auxiliary tool for biomedical research.

A new bicornuate model of rat uterus transplantation.

Uterus transplantation has revolutionized reproductive medicine for women with absolute uterine factor infertility, resulting in more than 40 reported successful live births worldwide to date. Small animal models are pivotal to refine this surgical and immunological challenging procedure aiming to enhance safety for both the mother and the child. We established a syngeneic bicornuate uterus transplantation model in young female Lewis rats. All surgical procedures were conducted by an experienced and skilled microsurgeon who organized the learning process into multiple structured steps. Animals underwent meticulous preoperative preparation and postoperative care. Transplant success was monitored by sequential biopsies, monitoring graft viability and documenting histological changes long-term. Bicornuate uterus transplantation were successfully established achieving an over 70% graft survival rate with the passage of time. The bicornuate model demonstrated safety and feasibility, yielding outcomes comparable to the unicornuate model in terms of ischemia times and complications. Longitudinal biopsies were well-tolerated, enabling comprehensive monitoring throughout the study. Our novel bicornuate rat uterus transplantation model provides a distinctive opportunity for sequential biopsies at various intervals after transplantation and, therefore, comprehensive monitoring of graft health, viability, and identification of potential signs of rejection. Furthermore, this model allows for different interventions in each horn for comparative studies without interobserver differences contrary to the established unicornuate model. By closely replicating the clinical setting, this model stands as a valuable tool for ongoing research in the field of uterus transplantation, promoting further innovation and deeper insights into the intricacies of the uterus transplant procedure.

Frontal and parietal cortices activation during walking is repeatable in older adults based on fNIRS

PurposeThis study aimed to explore the test-retest reliability of fNIRS in measuring frontal and parietal cortices activation during straight walking and turning walking in older adults, in order to provide a theoretical foundation for selecting assessment tools for clinical research on motor control and some diseases such as Parkinson's disease in older adults. Methods18 healthy older participants (69.1 ± 0.7 years) were included in this study. The participants completed straight walking and figure-of-eight turning walking tasks at self-selected speeds. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman scatter plots were used to assess the test-retest reliability of oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) changes derived from fNIRS. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsThe test-retest reliability of HbO2 in prefrontal cortex (ICC, 0.67-0.78) was good and excellent, in frontal motor cortex (ICC, 0.51-0.61) and parietal sensory cortex (ICC, 0.53-0.62) is fair and good when the older adults performed straight and turning walking tasks. Bland-Altman diagram shows that the data consistency is fair and good. ConclusionfNIRS can be used as a clinical measurement method to evaluate the brain activation of the older adults when walking in a straight line and turning, and the results are acceptable repeatability and consistency. However, it is necessary to strictly control the testing process and consider the possible changes in the repeated measurements.

Tb-doped strontium aluminate nanophosphor: cytotoxicity, phytotoxicity, and bioimaging in plant cells

This study explores the novel application of terbium-doped strontium aluminate nanoparticles for fluorescence imaging in plant cells. The study encompasses microwave assisted solid state synthesis as well as the structural and optical characterization of terbium-doped strontium aluminate nanophosphors, their toxicity studies in plant and animal cells and their use as a fluorescent dye for plant imaging. The X-ray diffraction pattern analysis, along with Rietveld refinement studies, show the formation of SrAl2O4 as a dominant crystalline phase. Photoluminescence investigations demonstrate green emission from Tb3+ transition levels. In vitro biocompatibility of terbium-doped strontium aluminate nanophosphors was studied using L929 fibroblast cells. The plant Clitoria ternatea was used to examine phytotoxicity. The samples' potential for bioimaging was further investigated. Our findings reveal improved growth of seedlings, positioning these nanoparticles as promising tools in plant-related research. This study advances our understanding of nanoparticle-plant interactions and holds potential for transformative applications in agriculture.