PLoS ONE最新文献

Although immersive technologies such as virtual reality are constantly growing for personal and professional purposes, their use can often induce a transient state of discomfort known as cybersickness, resulting in numerous symptoms and perceptive-motor vulnerability. In an attempt to develop leads to mitigate cybersickness, encouraging findings have reported decreased symptoms during the presentation of pleasant smells. However, the diffusion of smells in ecological settings is very challenging. An interesting alternative could reside in odor imagery (OI), known for its neurophysiological, behavioral and psychological similarities with odor perception. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the effects of pleasant OI on virtual reality induced cybersickness. Thirty participants performed two 14-minute virtual reality sessions simulating a first-person view from a boat. During the second session we added a picture at the center of the visual field, allowing for pleasant and intense OI based on individualized psychometrical measures. Participants were instructed to focus on the smell evoked by this picture. For both immersions, cybersickness was characterized by the evolution of scores on the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire, and duration of immersion. Our results show that both measures were positively affected by pleasant OI, indicating a decreased intensity of cybersickness symptoms associated with a longer tolerance of the virtual environment. We suggest the observed effects could be mediated by emotional regulation mechanisms driven by pleasant OI, alleviating cybersickness in a similar way to pleasant odor perception. These findings could open the door to new applications of pleasant sensory imagery as strategies to alleviate transient states of discomfort in immersive technologies or perhaps motion-induced sickness.

The present study is the first from Pakistan being reported with an objective to assess performance of Rayto RT-7600Vet hematology analyzer (HA) for Cholistani cattle blood (n = 134), in comparison to the manual hematological methods. The four hematological attributes viz. total erythrocyte count (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and platelet count (PLT) were deduced through HA (A) and manual (M) methods. Various statistical tests were implied to ascertain level of interrelationship, accuracy and level of agreement between the two methods. All attributes attained through manual methods had high positive, leptokurtic distribution (having many outliers) except for PLT-M and PCV-M. The coefficient of variation for attributes attained through HA and manual methods ranged from 16-24% and from 16-59%, respectively. Comparison between the overall results revealed that all the studied attributes, except TEC, were significantly (P≤0.05) different for both methods. A weak relationship was noticed between the attributes attained through two methods as indicated by weak r-values and adjusted r-square values. The reliability level of estimating Hb and PCV had highest intraclass correlation coefficient value of 0.722 and 0.555 for average measures, respectively. However, accuracy level, as determined through Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was highest for TEC (0.9504) for both analytical methods. Poor level of agreement, in general, was shown for the two methods of analysis regarding all four hematological attributes through Bland and Altman test. In conclusion, the Rayto RT-7600Vet) may present data having higher skewness, kurtosis, and CV%, however, they are valid for multi-species hematological analysis. Caution must however, be taken in interpreting their results with corrected reference intervals and CV% for each machine and for each tested attribute.

The discovery of novel anti-leishmanial compounds is essential due to the limitations of current treatments and the lack of new drugs in development. In this study, we employed the Quasi Vivo 900 medium perfusion system (QV900, Kirkstall Ltd, UK) to simulate physiological fluid flow, allowing us to compare macrophage responses and therapeutic outcomes under dynamic versus static conditions. After 24 hours, phagocytosis and macropinocytosis decreased in all cell types under flow conditions compared to static cultures. Under slow (1.45 x 10-9 m/s) and faster (1.23 x 10-7 m/s) flow conditions ((simulating in vivo lymphatic flow), phagocytosis decreased by around 42.55% and 56.98% in peritoneal macrophages (PEMs), 42.21% and 56.11% in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs), and 49.75% and 63.32% in THP-1 cells, respectively. Similarly, macropinocytosis decreased by approximately 40.7% and 62.2% in PEMs, 34.8% and 60.9% in BMMs, and 33.3% and 59.3% in THP-1 cell line under this same conditions. In this study, we further assessed the impact of medium perfusion on drug efficacy and macrophage functions using a Leishmania major amastigote-macrophage assay. We evaluated the performance of both standard and nanoparticle-based drug formulations within dynamic and static culture systems. After 72 hours of medium perfusion, chitosan solution, blank chitosan-sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles, and amphotericin B (AmB)-loaded chitosan-TPP nanoparticles exhibited a statistically significant reduction in antileishmanial activity by approximately 30-50% under slow flow conditions and 60-80% under faster flow conditions. In comparison, pure AmB showed a 40% decrease in efficacy at slow flow and a 67% decrease at faster flow, both statistically significant. These results highlighted the importance of considering fluid flow dynamics in in vitro studies for a more accurate simulation of in vivo conditions, potentially leading to better therapeutic strategies for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL).

Introduction: Osteoporosis, a common condition characterised by decreased bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration, leading to increased fracture risk, is a significant health concern. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), have limitations in sensitivity and accessibility. However, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has brought promising tools capable of analysing complex medical data to enhance the detection and prediction of osteoporosis-related bone properties. This systematic review protocol outlines the methodology to evaluate the application and effectiveness of AI and ML methods in detecting bone properties and osteoporosis. It underscores their potential to revolutionise healthcare by providing more accurate and accessible osteoporosis detection and prediction tools.

Methods: This systematic review, which will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines, will be comprehensive in its approach. A thorough search will be conducted across PubMed, Embase, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and GitHub from their inception to March 2025. Studies involving adults aged 40 years and older that utilise AI/ML techniques to detect or predict bone density or other bone-related properties will be included. Two independent reviewers will perform screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessments using appropriate tools such as RoB 2, ROBINS-I, QUADAS-2, PROBAST, and NOS. The comprehensive nature of this review ensures that no relevant study is overlooked. Data synthesis will involve narrative synthesis and, if applicable, meta-analysis using Review Manager (RevMan) and R software.

Discussion: This systematic review will comprehensively evaluate current AI and ML applications in detecting bone properties and osteoporosis. By identifying and analysing various AI/ML models and comparing them with traditional diagnostic methods, the review aims to highlight the effectiveness and potential of these technologies in clinical practice. The findings are expected to significantly impact healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers regarding advancements in AI/ML for bone health assessment and guide future research directions. Understanding the strengths and limitations of existing studies will be crucial in developing standardised protocols and facilitating the integration of AI/ML tools into routine osteoporosis screening and management.

Systematic review registration: This Systematic Review Protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024587326).

Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. first described by Carl Johann (Ivanovič) Ruprecht in 1840 is a desert parasitic plant that mainly parasitizes the roots of Nitraria L. (especially of Nitraria tangutorum Bobrov., Nitraria sibirica Pall.). During seed maturation, C. songaricum releases a distinct smell, and its seeds are round and dust-like. Previous studies indicated that most parasitic plants produce small seeds, which are primarily dispersed by the wind. Recent studies reveal the significant role of animals in the seed dispersal of parasitic plants. In this study, we combined (1) the direct observation of the seed dispersal of C. songaricum, and (2) the indoor breeding of beetles and ants to assess the viability of seeds, clarify the seed dispersal system, and explore the mechanisms by which the seeds attract dispersal agents. By a population study, we identified beetles (Mantichorula semenowi Reitter, 1888) and ants (Messor desertora He & Song, 2009) as the primary seed dispersal agents for the C. songaricum. These plants rely on the visits from these agents to transfer their seeds near the roots of the host plant, Nitraria L.. The release of a distinct volatile compound from C. songaricum seeds attracts M. semenowi and M. desertora to consume and/or transport the seeds. This study provides the first evidence of a multi-medium and inter-species seed dispersal system in the C. songaricum. This study elucidates the role of invertebrates in the seed dispersal of desert parasitic plants. We propose that the two seed dispersal agents play distinct roles in the sequential seed dispersal of C. songaricum, representing two key stages in the overall seed dispersal mechanism.

Background: Although postoperative cardiac arrest is a well-studied complication of cardiac surgery, few guidelines exist regarding timing of surgery in preoperative cardiac arrest (pCA). We examined the association between delayed timing of operation and postoperative outcomes following cardiac surgery in a large cohort of pCA.

Methods: Adults with a diagnosis of pCA undergoing a cardiac operation were identified in the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample. Those requiring surgery within 24 hours fo cardiac arrest were excluded. Patients who underwent a cardiac procedure after 5 days of cardiopulmonary resuscitation were classified as Delayed (others: Early). Multivariable regression models were constructed to evaluate associations between delayed timing of surgery with in-hospital mortality, postoperative complications, hospitalization duration, and costs.

Results: Of an estimated 9,240 patients meeting study criteria, 4,860 (52.6%) received delayed cardiac surgery. Following entropy balancing, delayed surgery was significantly associated with decreased odds of in-hospital mortality (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 0.75, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.58 - 0.97). However, delayed operation demonstrated greater odds of postoperative thromboembolic (AOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.02 - 2.04), and infectious (AOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.31 - 2.08) complications. Notably, delay did not alter odds of neurologic complication, and was linked to a decrement in per-day costs (β -$2,100, 95% CI -2,600 - -1,700).

Conclusions: While preoperative cardiac arrest remains challenging, the present study demonstrates the safety profile of delaying cardiac operation among patients tolerating at least 24 hours of a delay to surgery. Future studies are needed to elucidate the factors associated with favorable outcomes in this population.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by a limited number of molecularly defined subtypes. Recently, genomic-based algorithms have been proposed for the classification of this disease. The whole exome sequencing was conducted on 108 diagnostic samples of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Somatic variants, predicted copy number alterations (CNAs), and available fusion data were utilized to classify the cases. Additionally, the enrichment of mutations in the TP53, MYC, and MAPK/ERK pathways was analyzed. Genetic subtypes were identified in approximately 55% of the cases. Cases with a specific genetic subtype exhibited a significantly higher Tumor Mutation Burden compared to molecularly unclassified cases (Mann-Whitney U test, p =  0.024). The prevalence of subtypes varied according to the cell of origin phenotypes. GC-B type DLBCL NOS were classified as EZB (5 cases, 16%), ST2 (5 cases, 16%), and BN2 (1 case, 3%). Four cases (13%) were genetically composite. Three cases of HGBCL/DLBCL double-hit (MYC & BCL2) were classified as EZB-MYC. Forty-three non-GC-B type DLBCL cases were classified as ST2 (5 cases, 11%), BN2 (6 cases, 14%), and MCD (3 cases, 7%). Nine cases were genetically composite (20%). MYC pathway mutations were enriched in cases with EZB and ST2 genetic features, while they were absent in the MCD subtype. TP53 mutations were identified in 11% of the cases. Plasmablastic lymphomas exhibit genetic diversity, with 27% of tumors classified as ST2. Recurrent somatic mutations indicate dysregulation of the JAK/STAT, MAPK/ERK, and tyrosine kinase signaling pathways.

Aim: Job security and performance are crucial needs for nurses, greatly influencing their motivation and commitment to work. This study seeks to examine Jordanian nurses' perceptions of job security and employee performance and to compare these factors between government and private hospitals.

Design: A descriptive, comparative cross-sectional design was used for the study.

Methods: The study was conducted in two government and two private hospitals. A total of 156 nurses were conveniently sampled to participate. Data were collected using the Job Security Questionnaire and the Six-Dimension Scale of Nursing Performance.

Results: The mean job security score was 3.26, indicating a moderate level of job security. The mean employee performance score was 2.68, reflecting a high level of job performance. Nurses in private hospitals had significantly higher scores in both job security (t =  -5.53, p <  0.001) and employee performance (M =  2.53, SD ±  0.53) compared to nurses in government hospitals.

Conclusion: Nurses with moderate job security levels achieved high job performance scores. Private hospitals demonstrated higher job security and employee performance levels than government hospitals. Future research could investigate specific aspects of the Jordanian nursing work environment that may contribute to the differences observed in job security and employee performance.

Background: After head and neck cancer surgery with free flap reconstruction, the use of glucocorticoids is often required to alleviate inflammation and edema. However, the impact of glucocorticoid on postoperative complications and cancer progression remains unclear.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 711 elderly patients who underwent head and neck cancer surgery with free flap reconstruction at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2022. Patients were categorized based on postoperative glucocorticoid usage into a high-dose steroid group (n = 307) and a control group (n = 404). The study focused on the impact of postoperative GC use on postoperative complications and long-term oncological outcomes.

Results: Multivariate analysis indicated that compared to the control group, the high-dose steroid group had a significant increase in postoperative complications, including atelectasis (OR: 3.83, 95% CI: 1.27-14.11, P = 0.025), postoperative hyperglycemia (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.14-2.08, P = 0.006), and flap complications (OR: 4.61, 95% CI: 3.31-6.47, P < 0.001). These complications often required extended hospital stays (β: 1.656, 95% CI: 1.075-2.236, P <  0.001). Additionally, the high-dose steroid group had a higher rate of unplanned readmissions within one year (OR: 5.61, 95% CI: 3.87-8.25, P < 0.001). The increased readmission rates were notably due to difficulties swallowing requiring percutaneous gastrostomy (OR: 3.62, 95% CI: 1.97-6.98, P < 0.001), recurrence (OR: 9.34, 95% CI: 5.02-19.05, P < 0.001), and metastasis (OR: 4.78, 95% CI: 2.58-9.44, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The use of high-dose postoperative glucocorticoids is associated with increased postoperative complications, higher readmission rates, and poorer oncological outcomes in patients. The results advocate for cautious use and dosage management of perioperative glucocorticoids in head and neck surgeries to optimize patient outcomes.

Objective: The aim of the study was to derive median age- and sex-specific respiratory rates in a population-based sample of adults and to identify disease and lifestyle factors associated with elevated respiratory rates.

Methods: In the population-based KORA FF4 study conducted in Augsburg, Germany, 5-minute 12-lead resting electrocardiograms (ECGpro-system, AMEDTEC) were recorded in 2,224 participants from 39 to 88 years. Respiratory rate was derived from these electrocardiograms. Sex- and age-specific medians, IQRs, and percentiles were calculated. Associations of sociodemographic, disease, and lifestyle variables with elevated resting respiratory rate were assessed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results: Respiratory rate decreased slightly from youngest to middle-aged women and men and increased in old age. Overall, median (IQR) was 15.80 (3.16) breaths per minute (brpm). Five percent of the participants had values lower than 12.06 brpm, and five percent had values above 20.06 brpm (95th percentile). Elevated respiratory rates of ≥  18.6 brpm were found in 13.8% (n =  308). In an adjusted logistic regression model, age, abdominal obesity, diabetes, COPD, smoking, and low education were significantly associated with elevated respiratory rate. Stratified analyses showed that education appeared to be more relevant in women, while the effect of diabetes was more pronounced in men.

Conclusions: High respiratory rate may be an indicator of impaired health in the general population, especially regarding pulmonary and metabolic characteristics, and unfavorable lifestyle and living conditions. Individuals with an increased respiratory rate should therefore be examined and followed up more closely to recognize diseases and adverse progressions at an early stage and to possibly prevent them.