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INTRODUCTION: Behavioural support has been shown to possess high efficacy in aiding smokers to stop smoking at a level at least similar to nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) while causing no adverse physiological effects. Furthermore, the effects of behavioural interventions and NRT appear to be roughly additive. The effectiveness of interventions appears to increase with the frequency of contact with an eHealth application, with daily contact showing higher efficacy compared to weekly sessions with a trained stopsmoking specialist. Previous automated counsellors based on a motivational interview approach, lapse preparation, and lapse management are rigid in their therapeutic path, with limited ability to reflect the needs and the specific situation of a given patient. AIMS: This report aims to describe a possible approach to developing a more engaging, patient-tailored automated counsellor based on recent advances in the natural language processing (NLP) field that should make remote chat-based counselling easier for professionals while gathering data for the NLP model, which should ultimately be able to conduct the therapy on its own. METHODS: The core of the approach lies in utilizing the Text-to-text transfer transformer (T5). T5 is, in essence, a set of neural network models aimed at tasks formulated as an expected textual response to a given textual input. These models can be utilized to - at first - suggest answers to counsellors in live chat sessions with patients. Actual answers from these sessions would subsequently be used to fine-tune the models and ultimately provide high-quality counselling without human intervention on the therapist's side. CONCLUSION: The article presents a novel approach to internet-delivered smoking cessation cognitivebehavioural therapy utilizing a powerful artificial neural network NLP model acting as a conversational agent and a data collection protocol with usage incentives for both smoking cessation experts and smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fine-tuning pre-trained language models (LMs) may not always be the most practical approach for downstream tasks. While adaptation fine-tuning methods have shown promising results, a clearer explanation of their mechanisms and further inhibition of the transmission of information is needed. To address this, we propose an Inhibition Adaptation (InA) fine-tuning method that aims to reduce the number of added tunable weights and appropriately reweight knowledge derived from pre-trained LMs. The InA method involves (1) inserting a small trainable vector into each Transformer attention architecture and (2) setting a threshold to directly eliminate irrelevant knowledge. This approach draws inspiration from the shunting inhibition, which allows the inhibition of specific neurons to gate other functional neurons. With the inhibition mechanism, InA achieves competitive or even superior performance compared to other fine-tuning methods on BERT-large, RoBERTa-large, and DeBERTa-large for text classification and question-answering tasks., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Dynamic compaction is a soil improvement technique which involves the repeated application of an impact load to a contact area of the soil surface induced by heavy weights. Experimental measurements were prepared for evaluation of the ground wave propagation induced by the rapid impact compaction. Influence of increase of subsoil stiffness during compaction and terrain configuration were investigated. When the shear strength of soil is exceeded during the penetration of the compaction footing, increase of peak particle velocities is slower but still clearly visible along the measurement line. The peak particle velocity is damped by the subsoil below 5 mm s -1 within 40-50 m from the source of excitation. Attenuation radius is affected by the terrain configuration, when terrain elevations cause the increase of acceleration amplitudes. Rigid bodies in the ground, such as foundation structures, could have similar influence. Dominant frequencies are in the interval from 20 to 40 Hz regardless the distance from the source of excitation or the density of the treated subsoil. Obtained results are preferably related to the given boundary conditions. However, wave propagation pattern and change of its characteristics during densification of the subsoil are applicable at another construction sites considering their particularities., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objectives: Severe functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) is associated with subvalvular remodelling, but leaflet tissue alterations may also contribute. We set out to investigate molecular mechanisms driving leaflet remodelling in chronic ovine FTR., Methods: Thirteen adult sheep (55 ± 4kg) underwent left thoracotomy, epicardial echocardiography, and pulmonary artery banding (PAB) to induce right heart failure and FTR. After 16 weeks, 13 banded (FTR) and 12 control (CTL) animals underwent median sternotomy for epicardial echocardiography and were subsequently sacrificed with each tricuspid leaflet tissue harvested for RNA-seq and histology., Results: After 16 weeks, 7 animals developed severe, 2 moderate, and 4 mild tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Relative to CTL, FTR animals had increased PAP, TR, tricuspid annular diameter, and right atrial volume, while tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and RV fractional area change decreased. FTR leaflets exhibited altered constituents and an increase in cellularity. RNA-seq identified 85 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEG) with 17, 53, and 127 within the anterior, posterior, and septal leaflets respectively. RRM2, PRG4, and CXCL8 (IL-8) were identified as DEGs across all leaflets and CXCL8 was differentially expressed between FTR severity grades. RRM2, PRG4, and CXCL8 significantly correlated with TAPSE, and this correlation was consistent regardless of the anatomical location of the leaflet., Conclusions: PAB in our ovine model resulted in RV failure and FTR. Leaflet RNA-seq identified several DEGs, specifically RRM2, PRG4, and CXCL8, with known roles in tissue remodelling. These data along with an overall increase in leaflet cellularity suggest tricuspid leaflets actively remodel in FTR., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Permopsocids are small acercarian insects with mouthparts specialized for sucking. They are closely related to Hemiptera and Thysanoptera. The earliest known representatives are from the Early Permian. Here evidence is presented that the Permopsocida occurred even earlier in Pennsylvanian (Moscovian) deposits in the Piesberg quarry near Osnabrück (Lower Saxony, Germany). This material is assigned to the Permian family Psocidiidae; Carbonopsocus mercuryi gen. et sp. nov., based on the wing venation diagnosed by the unique branching pattern of the main veins, the shape of the areola postica being longer than wide, the angular shape of the pterostigma, the ir crossvein directed proximally mid of pterostigma (apomorphy) and the vannus formed by the three veins of PCu, A1 and A2. The shape of the veins, with a Y-vein formed by the distal fusion of PCu with A1, could be a putative symplesiomorphy of the Psocodea with Permopsocida and Hemiptera. C. mercuryi gen. et sp. nov. is the first appearance date for Permopsocida and roots the Acercaria tree. In addition, another specimen of Dichentomum cf. arroyo (Psocidiidae) from Carrizo Arroyo is presented and figured, confirming the presence of the genus Dichentomum near the Carboniferous-Permian boundary and linking it to the Artinskian species from Elmo in Kansas, USA., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The cell-type-specific expression of ligand/receptor and cell-adhesion molecules is a fundamental mechanism through which neurons regulate connectivity. Here, we determine a functional relevance of the long-established mutually exclusive expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase Kit and the trans-membrane protein Kit Ligand by discrete populations of neurons in the mammalian brain. Kit is enriched in molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) of the cerebellar cortex (i.e., stellate and basket cells), while cerebellar Kit Ligand is selectively expressed by a target of their inhibition, Purkinje cells (PCs). By in vivo genetic manipulation spanning embryonic development through adulthood, we demonstrate that PC Kit Ligand and MLI Kit are required for, and capable of driving changes in, the inhibition of PCs. Collectively, these works in mice demonstrate that the Kit Ligand/Kit receptor dyad sustains mammalian central synapse function and suggest a rationale for the affiliation of Kit mutation with neurodevelopmental disorders., Competing Interests: TZ, DV, JP, QA, GS, AS, BL, MW No competing interests declared, (© 2023, Zaman et al.)

Reports on autonomic responses to transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) and osteopathic manipulative techniques have been equivocal, partly due to inconsistent interpretation of heart rate variability (HRV). We developed a mechanistic framework for the interpretation of HRV based on a model of sinus node automaticity that considers autonomic effects on Phase 3 repolarization and Phase 4 depolarization of the sinoatrial action potential. The model was applied to HRV parameters calculated from ECG recordings (healthy adult humans, both genders) before (30 min), during (15 min), and after (30 min) a time control intervention (rest, n = 23), taVNS (10 Hz, 300 μs, 1-2 mA, cymba concha, left ear, n = 12), or occipitoatlantal decompression (OA-D, n = 14). The experimental protocol was repeated on 3 consecutive days. The model simulation revealed that low frequency (LF) HRV best predicts sympathetic tone when calculated from heart rate time series, while high frequency (HF) HRV best predicts parasympathetic tone when calculated from heart period time series. Applying our model to the HRV responses to taVNS and OA-D, revealed that taVNS increases cardiac parasympathetic tone, while OA-D elicits a mild decrease in cardiac sympathetic tone., (© 2024 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society.)

One of the fundamental questions in insect evolution is the origin of their wings and primary function of ancestral wing precursors. Recent phylogenomic and comparative morphological studies broadly support a terrestrial ancestor of pterygotes, but an aquatic or semiaquatic ancestor cannot be ruled out. Here new features of the branchial system of palaeodictyopteran larvae of several different instars of Katosaxoniapteron brauneri gen. et sp. nov. (Eugereonoidea) from the late Carboniferous collected at Piesberg (Germany) are described, which consist of delicate dorsolateral and lamellate caudal abdominal gills that support an aquatic or at least semiaquatic lifestyle for these insects. Moreover, the similar form and surface microstructures on the lateral abdominal outgrowths and thoracic wing pads indicate that paired serial outgrowths on segments of both tagmata presumably functioned as ancestral type of gills resembling a protopterygote model. This is consistent with the hypothesis that the wing sheaths of later stage damselfly larvae in hypoxic conditions have a respiratory role similar to abdominal tracheal gills. Hence, the primary function and driving force for the evolution of the precursors of wing pads and their abdominal homologues could be respiration., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a pathological condition wherein lung injury precipitates the deposition of scar tissue, ultimately leading to a decline in pulmonary function. Existing research indicates a notable exacerbation in the clinical prognosis of IPF patients following infection with COVID-19. This investigation employed bulk RNA-sequencing methodologies to describe the transcriptomic profiles of small airway cell cultures derived from IPF and post-COVID fibrosis patients. Differential gene expression analysis unveiled heightened activation of pathways associated with microtubule assembly and interferon signaling in IPF cell cultures. Conversely, post-COVID fibrosis cell cultures exhibited distinctive characteristics, including the upregulation of pathways linked to extracellular matrix remodeling, immune system response, and TGF-β1 signaling. Notably, BMP signaling levels were elevated in cell cultures derived from IPF patients compared to non-IPF control and post-COVID fibrosis samples. These findings underscore the molecular distinctions between IPF and post-COVID fibrosis, particularly in the context of signaling pathways associated with each condition. A better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms holds the promise of identifying potential therapeutic targets for future interventions in these diseases.

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a recognized method of support in patients with severe and refractory acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. While veno-venous (VV) ECMO is the most common type, some patients with severe hypoxemia may require modifications to the ECMO circuit. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of adding a second drainage cannula to the circuit in patients with refractory hypoxemia, on their gas exchange, mechanical ventilation, ECMO settings, and clinical outcomes., Methods: We conducted an observational retrospective study based on a single-center institutional registry including all consecutive cases of COVID-19 patients requiring ECMO admitted to the Centre of Extracorporeal Therapies in Warsaw between March 1, 2020 and March 1, 2022. We selected patients who had an additional drainage cannula inserted. Changes in ECMO and ventilator settings, blood oxygenation, and hemodynamic parameters, as well as clinical outcomes were assessed., Results: Of 138 VV ECMO patients, 12 (9%) patients met the inclusion criteria. Ten patients (83%) were men, and mean age was 42.2 ± 6.8. An addition of drainage cannula resulted in a significant raise in ECMO blood flow (4.77 ± 0.44 to 5.94 ± 0.81 [L/min]; p = 0.001), and the ratio of ECMO blood flow to ECMO pump rotations per minute (RPM), whereas the raise in ECMO RPM alone was not statistically significant (3432 ± 258 to 3673 ± 340 [1/min]; p = 0.064). We observed a significant drop in ventilator FiO 2 and a raise in PaO 2 to FiO 2 ratio, while blood lactates did not change significantly. Nine patients died in hospital, one was referred to lung transplantation center, two were discharged uneventfully., Conclusions: The use of an additional drainage cannula in severe ARDS associated with COVID-19 allows for an increased ECMO blood flow and improved oxygenation. However, we observed no further improvement in lung-protective ventilation and poor survival., (© 2023 International Center for Artificial Organ and Transplantation (ICAOT) and Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Flexible structures are increasingly important in biomedical applications, where they can be used to achieve adaptable designs. This paper presents a study of the design and behavior of 3D-printed lightweight flexible structures. In this work, we focus on the design principles and numerical modelling of spatial patterns, as well as their mechanical properties and behavior under various loads. Contact surface fraction was determined as the ratio of the surface area of the printed pattern to the surface area of the entire curved surface. The objective of this work is to design a spatial pattern reducing contact surface fraction and develop a non-linear numerical model evaluating the structure's stiffness; in addition, we aimed to identify the best design pattern with respect to its stiffness:mass ratio. The experimental verification of the numerical model is performed on 3D-printed prototypes prepared using the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) method and made of Nylon-Polyamide 12. The obtained results provide insights into designing and optimizing lightweight external biomedical applications such as prostheses, orthoses, helmets, or adaptive cushions.

Due to their aquatic larvae, the evolution of mayflies is intricately tied to environmental changes affecting lakes and rivers. Despite a rich fossil record, little is known about the factors shaping the pattern of diversification of mayflies in deep time. We assemble an unprecedented dataset encompassing all fossil occurrences of mayflies and perform a Bayesian analysis to identify periods of increased origination or extinction. We provide strong evidence for a major extinction of mayflies in the mid-Cretaceous. This extinction and subsequent faunal turnover were probably connected with the rise of angiosperms. Their dominance caused increased nutrient input and changed the chemistry of the freshwater environments, a trend detrimental mainly to lacustrine insects. Mayflies underwent a habitat shift from hypotrophic lakes to running waters, where most of their diversity has been concentrated from the Late Cretaceous to the present., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)

The nursing shortage, legal requirements, and funding deficits have led to increasingly poor patient care in German hospitals.Volunteer patient companions offer support by conversing with and caring for patients. This can work to relieve hospital staff while diminishing patients' fears/worries.Volunteer companions visited selected lonely and thus, delirium-prone patients in hospital wards and spent approximately one hour with patients conversing, playing, reading aloud, or mostly listening. A surgical escort service was also offered. Patients met the escort one day in advance. The escort then accompanied the patient to the operating room and later from recovery back to the ward. Transition companions were assigned to provide support after discharge. They contacted patients prior to discharge and assisted patients in organizing their home environment as well as continued social and medical care.From 1 July 2017 until 1 April 2023, 12000 patient companions were provided in 14 wards of 4 hospitals. Using a German school grading system (1 to 6, with 1 as the optimum), the volunteers' evaluation of their success averaged 1.3, and the patients' assessments averaged 1.2. Since November 2020, 120 surgery escorts were carried out by volunteers in trauma surgery. These were so successful that we now also make a comparable offer with a family member for all older patients. Since 2022, 30 transition companions have successfully supported patients at home in a pilot project.Volunteering in and around the hospital offers important support to older and single patients while relieving the hospital medical staff. It is a "win-win-win-win situation" for patients, volunteers, staff, and management., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)