bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction and validation of a nomogram prediction model for internal fixation failure after proximal femoral anti-rotation intramedullary nailing in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur
Authors: Wu Lin-Feng , Zhang Tian-Shuang , Li Juan , Huang Hui , Zhou Cai-Hong , Li Xu
Published: November 2024

The aim was to study the independent risk factors of internal fixation failure in proximal femoral anti-rotation intramedullary nailing for intertrochanteric femur fracture, and to build a nomogram prediction model accordingly. Clinical data of patients with intertrochanteric femoral rotor fractures admitted to the First People’s Hospital of Longquanyi District from January 2018 to January 2023 were retrospectively collected. The occurrence of spiral blade cut out, internal fixation breakage, peri-internal fixation fracture, hip internal rotation deformity, and fracture nonunion within 1 year after surgery were included in the internal fixation failure group, and the rest were included in the internal fixation success group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the independent risk factors for postoperative internal fixation failure, and the corresponding nomogram was established. Subject operating characteristic curves and calibration curves were plotted to assess model performance, and to further improve the reliability of the validation results, internal validation was performed using Bootstrap combined with 10-fold cross-validation rows to assess the clinical utility of the model using decision curve analysis. Ultimately, 374 patients with intertrochanteric fractures were included in the study, and 57 patients were included in the internal fixation failure group, with an internal fixation failure rate of 15.24%. After univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, a total of 5 factors were identified as independent risk factors for internal fixation failure after intertrochanteric femur fracture surgery: unstable fracture, comorbid underlying disease, severe osteoporosis, a cusp distance of >30 mm, and poor quality of fracture reduction. Postoperative internal fixation failure of intertrochanteric fractures of femur is affected by multiple factors, and clinically orthopedic surgeons should formulate reasonable and effective solutions for high-risk patients in order to protect the surgical effect and improve the success rate of surgery.
Serum homocysteine and left ventricular hypertrophy in adults with chronic kidney disease: A case–control study
Authors: Lei Yanping , Liu Rui , Zhao Yue
Published: November 2024

Hyperhomocysteinemia (serum homocysteine concentration > 15 μmol/L) is of high prevalence in chronic kidney disease (CKD). And myocardial hypertrophy is a common complication of CKD. Given that both hyperhomocysteinemia and cardiac hypertrophy have an association with CKD, we hypothesized that high level of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with a higher prevalence of ventricular hypertrophy(LVH) in adults with CKD. The registration number of the case-control study is ChiCTR2200064834. The information of inpatients with CKD including Echocardiograms and analysis of plasma Hcy concentrations were collected. We performed linear and logistic regression to investigate the association of plasma Hcy with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (LVMI ≥ 95th percentile), adjusted for levels of hemoglobin, ferritin, cystatin C and β-adrenergic blocker therapy. Further, a stratified analysis of the relationship between plasma Hcy and LVH was carried out according to eGFR. The case records for 1068 inpatients with CKD were collected. After data soring and case-control matching, there were 374 samples screened for statistical analysis. Univariate logistic regression indicated a high level of serum Hcy had an association with LVH (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.11–1.20). Finally, multivariable logistic regression suggested that hyperhomocysteinemia was independently associated with LVH (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.10–1.19) after adjustment for hemoglobin, ferritin, cystatin C, and β-adrenergic receptor blocker therapy. We constructed a predicting model including the variable of Hcy for cardiac hypertrophy in CKD. The model had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.82–0.89, P < .001). The decision curve analysis (DCA) showed a superior net clinical benefit of model with Hcy over model without Hcy. Elevated level of serum Hcy is closely associated with LVH in adults with CKD.
Efficacy of perioperative multimodal analgesia in minimally invasive thoracoscopic treatment for severe blunt chest trauma with hemopneumothorax
Authors: Zhou Pan , Zhu Jie , Zhu Jiang , Ma Jun
Published: November 2024

This retrospective study evaluates the clinical impact of perioperative multimodal analgesia in the minimally invasive treatment of severe blunt chest trauma with hemopneumothorax using a thoracoscopic Ni-Ti shape memory embracing plate. A total of 100 patients with severe blunt chest trauma and moderate to severe hemopneumothorax treated at Hanyang Hospital affiliated with Wuhan University of Science and Technology from January 2019 to January 2022 were enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups: a control group (50 patients) receiving patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA), and a study group (50 patients) administered a multimodal analgesia regimen. Pain severity scores, vital signs, and inflammatory markers were compared between the groups. Post-surgery, both groups exhibited reductions in resting and movement-associated pain scores compared to admission values, with the study group showing significantly greater reductions (P < .05). Specifically, the average heart rate in the study group was 78 ± 8 beats per minute compared to 85 ± 9 beats per minute in the control group at 3 days postsurgery (P < .05). The respiratory rate was also lower in the study group (18 ± 2 breaths per minute) compared to the control group (21 ± 3 breaths per minute; P < .05). Improvements in blood oxygen saturation were observed postoperatively in both groups, with more pronounced changes in the study group (P < .05). Although levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein increased postoperatively in both groups, these increases were significantly lower in the study group (P < .05). Perioperative multimodal analgesia in patients with severe blunt chest trauma and pneumothorax enhances postoperative recovery, reduces pain, minimizes lung complications, and lowers the usage of analgesic drugs and their associated adverse effects.
Getting closer to the coronary arteries: A bibliometric analysis of CT-based adipose tissue imaging in coronary artery disease
Authors: Fu Jiayi , Baichoo Rajiv , Xiong Xing , Shen Wenyue , Jin Kai , Guan Xiaojun , Zhou Qijing , Xu Xiaojun
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of CT-based adipose tissue imaging related to coronary artery disease (CAD) to investigate the dynamic development of this field. Web of Science Core Collection was used as our data source to identify relevant documents limited to articles or review articles and written in English with no time restrictions. Then we analyzed the whole trend of publications and utilized VOSviewer and Bibliometrix to conduct a bibliometric analysis including citations, keywords, countries, institutions, authors as well as co-citation analyses of cited references and sources. A total of 629 documents including 560 articles and 69 reviews from 1992 to 2023 were included. The trend of publications was divided into 3 phases and overall exhibited a constant rise. Based on the co-occurrence network of keywords analysis, 3 clusters centered on visceral, epicardial, pericoronary adipose tissue respectively and 1 cluster related to cardiovascular risk factors were identified, meanwhile determining the evolution of fat research. Co-citation analysis suggested that sources were divided into metabolism-related and cardiovascular-related journals. The USA ranked first with 228 documents and 12,086 citations among 47 countries and 1002 institutions, both at the author and institutional levels. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the thriving research field of the impact of CT-based adipose tissue assessment on coronary artery disease, offering a better understanding of the current state of research and valuable insights for future studies and collaborations.
Risk factors for the occurrence of arytenoid dislocation after major abdominal surgery: A retrospective study
Authors: Chen Mo , Yu Tingting , Cui Xiangyan , Wang Xin
Published: November 2024

The incidence of arytenoid dislocation in abdominal surgery is relatively high, the cause is unknown, and it has not received sufficient attention. To identify the risk factors of arytenoid dislocation after abdominal surgery, and to establish a clinical prediction model based on relevant clinicopathological characteristics. We retrospectively collected the clinical data of 50 patients with arytenoid dislocation (AD) and 200 patients without AD after abdominal surgery with general anesthetic tracheal intubation in our Hospital from January 2013 to December 2019. General information about the patients was collected. Univariate analysis of the factors was performed, and indicators that were statistically significant were included in multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify the relationship between clinicopathological characteristics and arytenoid dislocation. Meanwhile, a clinical prediction model was established. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that age, surgical methods, operative time and gastric tube were dependent predictive factors of AD after abdominal surgery. A clinical prediction model was constructed, and the AUC of the ROC curve was 0.88 (95%CI: 0.83–0.94). The calibration plot shows that the prediction curve was close to the ideal curve. Patients undergoing abdominal surgery with general anesthesia exhibit a significantly higher incidence of AD due to a combination of factors. Clinicopathological features can be used as an independent predictor of risk in patients with AD, and a clinical model has been developed that is a good predictor of AD.
A clinical study showing the expression characteristics of cuproptosis markers in cases with Wilson disease
Authors: Tao Zhuang , Kang Shuai , Liu Jipeng , Wang Rui , Zhou Jiafeng , Yang Wenming , Wang Meixia
Published: November 2024

This study investigates levels of cuproptosis markers in Wilson disease (WD) and their role in the occurrence and development of WD. We retrospectively collected clinical data from 76 patients with Leipzig score ≥ 4 hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January 2023 to September 2023. The participants were given copper chelators (sodium dimercaptosulphonate (20 mg·kg−1), 4 courses of treatment, 32 days). The levels of clinical indicators (ALT, AST, ALP, HA, LN, PIIINP, CIV, liver stiffness measurement, United Wilson disease rating scale), oxidative stress indexes (SOD, MDA, GSH), cuproptosis markers (FDX1, DLAT, LIAS, ACO-2, SDHB, PLOD1, DPYD) of the participants were measured before and after treatment. Compared with the control group, FDX1, DLAT, DPYD, and POLD1 in WD were significantly up-regulated before treatment (6464.34 ± 2980.66 vs 4125.43 ± 2230.13 pg ⋅ mL−1, P < .001, 1364.36 ± 376.81 vs 884.22 ± 175.42 pg ⋅ mL−1, P < .001, 279.74 ± 123.63 vs 155.68 ± 67.32 pg ⋅ mL−1, P < .001, 3536.11 ± 1404.83 vs 1487.76 ± 658.26 pg ⋅ mL−1, P < .001), while SDHB was significantly down-regulated (2458.75 ± 1103.75 vs 5338.22 ± 921.54 pg ⋅ mL−1, P < .05). SOD was significantly down-regulated before treatment (13.20 ± 2.06 vs 13.27 ± 1.79 U ⋅ mgprot−1, P < .05), while MDA and GSH were significantly up-regulated (10.53 ± 4.76 vs 4.92 ± 1.81 nmol ⋅ mL−1, P < .001, 49.28 ± 25.55 vs 24.70 ± 12.01 µol ⋅ L−1, P < .001). POLD1 were down-regulated (3536.11 ± 1404.83 vs 1487.76 ± 658.26 pg ⋅ mL−1, P < .001), and SDHB was up-regulated after treatment (2458.75 ± 1103.75 vs2709.61 ± 906.95 pg ⋅ mL−1, P < .05), while SOD, MDA and GSH were significantly down-regulated (13.20 ± 2.06 vs 12.48 ± 1.52 U ⋅ mgprot−1, P < .05, 10.53 ± 4.76 vs 7.65 ± 3.65 nmol ⋅ mL−1, P < .001, 49.28 ± 25.55 vs 34.09 ± 15.02 µmol ⋅ L−1, P < .001). The expression levels of cuproptosis markers and oxidative stress indexes are abnormal in WD patients. However, chelation therapy can improve the recovery of cuproptosis markers, oxidative stress indexes, and hepatic fibrosis indexes.
The associations between risk factors and pituitary neuroendocrine tumors: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Wencai , Ma Luyao , Liu Menghao , Zhao Yongqiang , Ye Wei , Li Xianfeng
Published: November 2024

The etiological basis of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors is uncertain. We used Mendelian randomization technique to investigate the potential influence of several risk factors on the likelihood of developing pituitary neuroendocrine tumors. We admitted 8 risk factors, divided into 3 lifestyle factors and 5 chronic diseases as exposure factors. We used weighted median, simple model, weighted model, inverse-variance weighted, and the MR-Egger regression method for causal effect estimations and sensitivity analyses. We observed that genetically forecasting increased moderate to vigorous physical activity levels (OR = 5.21 [1.38–19.72], P = .015) was linked with a higher incidence of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors. Allergic disease (asthma, hay fever, or eczema) (OR = 0.81 [0.66–0.99], P = .039), chronic kidney disease (OR = 0.67 [0.50–0.90], P = .008), increased sleep duration (OR = 0.07 [0.01–0.37], P = .001), and types of physical activity (e.g., swimming, cycling, keeping fit, and bowling) (OR = 0.02 [0.01–0.66], P = .029) were connected with lower incidence of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors. There was no evidence that the other 3 risk factors notably correlated with pituitary neuroendocrine tumors. This study provides evidence that allergic diseases, chronic kidney disease, sleep duration, and physical activity are associated with the development of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors. The findings highlight the importance of reconsidering causality in epidemiological studies to better understand risk factors and prevention strategies for pituitary neuroendocrine tumors.
Exploration of the molecular mechanism of Wufu Yin in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis based on network pharmacology and experimental validation
Authors: Ye Zhengcong , Wang Miaomiao , Qi Guoan , Wang Tuo , Cao Guoping , Wang Canfeng , Wang Minlong , Shen Qinrong
Published: November 2024

Wufu Yin (WFY) exhibits significant clinical effectiveness in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) treatment, yet its therapeutic mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to explore the active ingredients and potential mechanism of WFY in the treatment of KOA. The network pharmacology-based approach was adopted to investigate the underlying mechanism of WFY in treating KOA. Molecular docking analysis was performed using Auto Vina software. An in vitro model of KOA inflammation was established by inducing chondrocyte cultures with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). Cell viability was quantified through the cell counting kit-8 assay, inflammatory cytokine levels were measured via ELISA, and protein expressions were assessed by Western blot analysis. A total of 225 active ingredients and 265 targets of WFY were identified, of which 88 were identified as potential targets against KOA. Enrichment analysis showed that these targets were associated with oxidative stress, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and inflammatory response, and were involved in the regulation of Th17 cell differentiation, IL-17 signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, and other signaling pathways. Topology analysis showed that PTGS2, NOS2, ESR11, PPARG, and MAPK14 had higher degree values and were key targets of WFY in the treatment of KOA. Molecular docking analysis showed that these key targets and active ingredients had low binding energies, indicating that they had potential binding activity. Furthermore, IL-1β-induced elevation of inflammatory cytokines, PTGS2 protein expression, and phosphorylated p38/p38 ratios in chondrocytes were significantly attenuated upon WFY intervention. Our study systematically elucidated the pharmacological basis and molecular mechanism underlying WFY’s therapeutic effects in KOA, substantiating its ability to suppress inflammation and regulate PTGS2 expression and p38 phosphorylation.
Neonatal outcomes among twins born through assisted reproduction, compared to those born naturally
Authors: Lin Lin , Yao Ting , Liao Qiuping , Liu Jiaoxia , Huang Liping , Zheng Lianghui
Published: November 2024

The growing prevalence of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is leading to a continuous rise in twin pregnancies. This study assessed the influence of ART on neonatal outcomes of twin pregnancies. Clinical records of twin deliveries at Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital between 2019 and 2021 were retrospectively selected and grouped based on the method of conception: ART-conceived and naturally conceived. Neonatal outcomes of interest included low birth weight (LBW), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), prematurity, low Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity and Respiration scores, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to adjust for potential confounders. The results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 1270 pairs of twins were included in the analysis. ART-conceived twins had significantly lower odds of being born with LBW (adjusted OR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.75), prematurity (adjusted OR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.55, 0.91), and IUGR (adjusted OR 0.21, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.39) compared to naturally conceived twins. Rates of other outcomes were comparable in both groups. Twins born through ART had reduced odds of LBW, prematurity, and IUGR, with no impact on other neonatal outcomes. These findings suggest that ART may have a protective effect on twin fetal growth, although the risks associated with multiple gestations remain. Further studies should explore the mechanisms and long-term effects of these outcomes.
Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease with subclinical peripheral neuropathy: A case report
Authors: Sun Lu , Zhou Lihua , Ren Liyan , Han Chunru , Xue Qun , Ma Linqing
Published: November 2024

Rationale:

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a slowly progressing neurodegenerative disease with various manifestations and high heterogeneity. Clinical characteristics, imaging, skin biopsy, and genetic testing are necessary for its diagnosis. Electromyography may also be a useful tool for diagnosing NIID. In this study, we report a patient with motor and sensory nerve demyelination changes accompanied by axonal damage.

Patient concerns:

A 64-year-old woman was admitted to our department with gradually worsening forgetfulness for over a year. After 6 years of follow-up, the symptoms progressively deteriorated.

Diagnoses:

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed increased protein levels. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed characteristic “ribbon-like” high signals in the corticomedullary junction area on diffusion-weighted imaging. High-intensity signals in the white matter were also observed on T2 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging. Electromyography revealed multiple peripheral nerve damage and conduction changes, including motor and sensory nerve demyelination changes, accompanied by axonal damage. Skin biopsy revealed inclusion bodies with strong positive staining for P62 and ubiquitin antibodies in the nuclei of sweat gland cells, adipocytes, and fibroblasts. Genetic testing indicated that the number of GGC repeats in NOTCH2NLC alleles were 14 and 134, respectively. Consequently, the patient was diagnosed with NIID.

Interventions:

Currently, no effective treatment is available to delay the progression of the disease.

Lessons:

We report a case of NIID with subclinical peripheral neuropathy, although the patient did not experience sensory symptoms such as numbness in the extremities. Electromyography can be used to detect subclinical peripheral nerve damage.
Basal metabolic rate by FAO/WHO/UNU as a prognostic factor for survival in patients with gastric cancer: A cohort study
Authors: An Soomin , Eo Wankyu , Kim Seol Bin , Lee Sookyung
Published: November 2024

The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is a crucial indicator of the body’s energy expenditure at rest and is essential for understanding metabolic needs. This retrospective study evaluated the prognostic significance of BMR in 521 predominantly Asian patients with stage I–III gastric cancer who underwent curative-intent resection. BMR was calculated using the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/United Nations University (FWU BMR) equation. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified FWU BMR as a significant predictor of overall survival (OS) (P < .001). Fractional polynomial modeling revealed a linear relationship between FWU BMR and OS, with higher values correlating with lower mortality risk. The FWU model, which included FWU BMR along with other clinical variables, showed superior predictive performance (C-index: 0.815, iAUC: 0.775) compared to that of the same model lacking BMR. Additionally, although the differences were not statistically significant, the FWU model also outperformed those using the BMR derived from alternative equations, including the Harris–Benedict equation. The nomogram, based on the FWU model, demonstrated good calibration. These findings suggest that the FWU BMR is a valuable prognostic factor in patients with gastric cancer post-resection, enhancing predictive accuracy and aiding in personalized post-surgical care. However, further validation in diverse populations is required.
Comparison of laboratory characteristics and clinical prognosis of APL with negative and positive PML-RARα gene
Authors: Cao Xinran , Guo Diyuan , Zhang Bin
Published: November 2024

This study analyzes the laboratory characteristics and prognosis of patients between PML-RARα negative APL and PML-RARα positive APL and compares the differences in order to improve the understanding of this rare APL and guide clinical diagnosis and treatment. A total of 81 patients with newly diagnosed APL based on bone marrow cell morphology were included, with 14 in the PML-RARα gene negative group and 67 in the PML-RARα gene positive group. The sex, age, peripheral blood routine test, coagulation related indicators, bone marrow cell morphology, flow cytometric immunophenotype, abnormal chromosome expression and prognosis of the 2 groups were analyzed and compared. PML-RARα gene-negative and PML-RARα gene-positive groups were statistically significant in leukocyte count, fibrinogen content, proportion of abnormal promyelocytes, positive rate of Auer bodies, strongly positive peroxidase staining, positive CD13, CD4, CD11b, CD15, CD25 expression and complete response rate during 1 course (P < .05). By the end of follow-up in February 2021, the duration of CR in the PML-RARα gene-negative group was short (P < .05). This study found that the efficacy and prognosis of patients with PML-RARα gene negative were worse than those of the positive group, but the correlation between indicators and prognosis needs to be further explored and confirmed in more diverse samples.
Evaluating the prognostic impact of hypoperfusion intensity ratio in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing early-phase endovascular thrombectomy
Authors: Sun Aicheng , Cao Yuezhou , Jia Zhenyu , Zhao Linbo , Shi Haibin , Liu Sheng
Published: November 2024

This research aimed to assess the prognostic relevance of the hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR) concerning 90-day outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) managed within the early intervention window. A retrospective review was conducted on AIS patients who received pretreatment computed tomography perfusion imaging and endovascular thrombectomy due to large vessel occlusions in the anterior circulation between January 2020 and September 2022. Clinical data, including the Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) from non-contrast CT, along with perfusion metrics such as ischemic core, hypoperfusion extent, core-penumbra mismatch, and HIR, were analyzed. Patients were divided into groups with favorable (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) and unfavorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score 3–6). Among the 187 patients evaluated, 95 (50.8%) had favorable outcomes. Univariate analysis showed significant associations between functional outcomes and variables like age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission, ASPECTS, HIR, ischemic core volume, and hypoperfusion volume (P < .05). Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age (odds ratio [OR] 1.064; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.025–1.106, P = .001), lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission (OR 1.116; 95% CI 1.038–1.199, P = .003), smaller ischemic core volume (OR 1.017; 95% CI 1.002–1.033, P = .029), higher ASPECTS (OR 0.800; 95% CI 0.662–0.967, P = .021), and reduced HIR (OR 1.516; 95% CI 1.230–1.869, P = .001) independently predicted favorable outcomes at 90 days. Lower HIR was independently linked to improved functional outcomes in AIS patients receiving endovascular thrombectomy within the early intervention timeframe.
A review of electroacupuncture in bone repair: Mechanisms and clinical implications
Authors: Gao Yu-Jun , Wang Yin-cang , Zhao De-lai , Wen Qing , Shi Hao-Xin , Wang Shu-Ren
Published: November 2024

The journey of bone repair is a lengthy process. Traditionally, oral or topical medications have been employed to facilitate healing, approaches that are not only costly but may also lead to adverse effects such as gastrointestinal damage. With advancements in electrophysiology, the significance of bioelectric activity in tissue repair has become increasingly prominent, thereby enhancing the focus on research into electroacupuncture (EA) for bone repair. EA, a synthesis of traditional acupuncture and electrical stimulation, can regulate pain by inhibiting the transmission of electrical signals, reducing the expression of ion channel proteins, and promoting the release of neurotransmitters at targeted sites. Moreover, EA has the capability to influence macrophage polarization and modulate inflammatory cytokines, aiding in bone repair. Additionally, EA has the potential to regulate cytokines such as Ephrin type-B receptor 4 (EphB4), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Erythropoietin (EPO), and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP-2), thus promoting angiogenesis and fracture healing.This paper explores the mechanisms by which EA facilitates bone healing and assesses its advantages and limitations in clinical applications. It offers a theoretical foundation for the safe, effective, and rational use of EA, presenting a novel approach for enhancing bone regeneration.
Trust in Science Communications
Authors: Rowe Sylvia , Alexander Nick
Published: November 2024

In recent years, communicators have become increasingly concerned that their public messages have become vulnerable to a deteriorating information environment: sound scientific information is often drowned out by social media noise or overwhelmed by what seems to be a growing deluge of “misinformation” (ie, wrong or inaccurate information). Repeated surveys of public perception affirm that consumer trust in health, nutrition, and other science communications, although still relatively high, is on the decline, like public trust in other social institutions. The authors of this article, in their years-long series of Nutrition Today pieces, have offered frequent updated guidance to science communicators in getting their messages through, given the new electronic, Web-based gatekeepers of information. Yet, trust issues remain, and public understanding of health, nutrition, and other science remains in jeopardy. In the present article, the authors continue their “trust analysis’” and offer further insight into the ongoing challenges.
FSTL1 Can Be a Promising Target in TMJ Osteoarthritis via Regulating Chondrocyte Mitophagy and Apoptosis
Authors: Li Fangjie , Qian Weixiang , Wang Jiayao , Gao Minghua
Published: November 2024

Background:

Previous studies have shown that follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) is elevated in the synovial fluid of osteoarthritis and whether it is associated with disease development progress in cartilage degeneration is still unclear. The experiment was performed to explore the effect and mechanism of FSTL1 on chondrocyte degeneration and its further impaction in osteoarthritis as well as its treatment method.

Methods:

The patients who were diagnosed with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement and osteoarthritis (OA) group was divided into 2 groups, anterior disc displacement (ADD) without bone resorption and ADD with bone resorption group according to the radiologic examination. The ELISA kit was used to determine the expression level of FSTL1 in patients TMJ environment. The function of FSTL1 in promoting chondrocyte degeneration was tested by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Rt-qPCR) and western blot. The chondrocyte apoptosis and mitophagy were further test by flow cytometry and mitosox staining by upregulating and downregulating of FSTL1. In the end, the effectiveness of regulating FSTL1 in OA procedure was further validated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE), safranin O, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining in vivo.

Results:

There were 56 samples collected from the patients were included into this study. According to the ELISA results, FSTL1 expression levels of ADD without bone resorption groups were significantly lower than that in ADD with bone resorption group. Furthermore, the rate of cell apoptosis cells and the mitophagy procedure were highly activated when FSTL1 was upregulated. The morphology analysis of mitochondria showed significant changes when FSTL1 was highly upregulated in vitro. The in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that suppressing FSTL1 could alleviate the cartilage degeneration in TMJ OA progression.

Conclusions:

To sum up, upregulated expression level of FSTL1 in synovial fluid promoted the progression of TMJ OA by upregulating accelerating the chondrocyte apoptosis and mitophagy, and suppressing the FSTL1 in TMJ can rescue the OA progression. Therefore, it may be a promising result to consider the FSTL1 as a therapeutic target in the future.
Anthropometric Study of Auricular Development in Human Fetal Cadavers
Authors: Elvan Özlem , Örs Alev B. , Gilan Vedia B.
Published: November 2024

The aim of the study is to comprehensively examine the composition and localization of the auricle in formalin-fixed human fetuses during the second and third trimesters of the antenatal period. Ninety-seven auricles were evaluated (33 females and 31 males in the second, and 22 females and 11 males in the third trimester). Nine morphometric dimensions were directly measured from auricles. The position of the auricula relative to lateral cantus and oral commissure levels, and the ear inclination angle were determined. The frequency of lobule attachment types was also noted. All fetuses exhibited normal development within the 50% to 97% percentile range. Morphometric data (ear length, ear width, distance from tragus to helix, auricular base length, concha length, conchal width, lobule length, and lobule width) for the second and third trimesters were presented, along with comparisons of ear dimensions by side and sex. Attachment types of lobules in fetuses were with pendulous lobules being the most common at 62.5%, nonpendulous lobules at 21.88%, and partial pendulous lobules the least common at 15.62%. None of the fetuses exhibited low-set ears. Dimensional measurements revealed no statistically significant differences between fetuses, except for the left auricular base length in females, left concha length in males, and left lobule width in males, which were higher. Scatter plots of parameters with age and regression analysis were provided. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of fetal auricle development and serve as a reference during the second and third trimesters. Quantitative values of normal fetal ear growth can aid specialists in distinguishing congenital or developmental anomalies from normal ears.
Outcomes of Reconstructing Large Oncosurgical Defects of the Lateral Face in Older Cutaneous Cancer Patients Using Cervicofacial and Cervicothoracic Flaps
Authors: Chen Wei-liang , Huang Zi-xian , Zhou Bin , Liao Juan-kun , Chen Rui
Published: November 2024

Background:

Older patients with cutaneous cancer often have comorbidities. Tumor resection and defect reconstruction in these patients are challenging.

Aims:

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of cervicofacial (CFF) and cervicothoracic (CTF) flaps in the reconstruction of large oncosurgical defects in the lateral facial region of older patients.

Materials and Methods:

The study enrolled 36 patients with facial cutaneous cancers (age range, 65–94 years). They were divided into CFF and CTF groups in the facial region and in the neck. The clinical stages were I, II, and III in 6, 21, and 9 patients, respectively. The lateral face was divided into 3 aesthetic units: forehead, cheeks, and neck. Postoperative complications were scored using the Clavien-Dindo classification.

Results:

The CFF was used to reconstruct oncosurgical defects in 8 foreheads and 16 cheeks; the CFF was used to reconstruct defects in 4 cheeks and 8 necks. The median sizes of skin defects in the CFF and CTF groups were 3.9×4.4 and 6.8×7.7 cm, respectively. There were no full flap failures. The Clavien-Dindo grades were I, II, and IIIa in 20, 9, and 2 patients, respectively, in the CFF and 0, 2, and 3 in the CTF group. Twenty-nine patients were alive without disease, 5 patients were alive with disease, and 2 patients had died of local recurrence or distant metastases.

Conclusions:

The CFF and CTF are simple, reliable, and excellent methods for reconstructing large oncosurgical defects in the lateral face of older patients with cutaneous cancer.
Lower Eyelid Surgical Anatomy and the Implications for Blepharoplasty Surgery: A Systematic Review of Anatomic Studies in the Literature
Authors: Memon Sara F. , Wilde Caroline L. , Ezra Daniel G.
Published: November 2024

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is a procedure to address issues arising from age-related anatomic changes of the lower eyelid. These include excess skin, fat herniation, tear trough hollowing, and midface descent. Unlike the well-defined structures of the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid’s anatomy, including the retractors and surrounding ligaments, is less distinct and understudied. In addition, lower eyelid blepharoplasty has an unfavorable complication profile compared with that of the upper eyelid. This review examines relevant studies on lower eyelid anatomy, focusing on age-related structural changes and the variability of key structures involved in blepharoplasty surgery to minimize the risk of complications and achieve desirable outcomes. A literature search for relevant publications on the topic was performed through Medline and PubMed, with the appropriate data extracted, identifying 54 relevant studies. These studies demonstrate how degenerative changes to the supporting structures of the lower eyelid contribute to prolapse of the orbital fat pads, and highlight the relevant ligamentous structures, blood supply, and innervation to avoid complications during transcutaneous or transconjunctival orbital fat repositioning. With detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the lower eyelid as outlined in our review, surgeons can improve and optimize outcomes whilst minimizing complications.
Alpha–Delta Ratio for Detection of Cerebral Injury and Stroke in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Sansevere Arnold J. , DiBacco Melissa L. , Cavan Kelly , Rotenberg Alexander
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

To assess the alpha–delta ratio (ADR) as a biomarker for cerebral injury and stroke in pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Methods:

Retrospective study of children aged >44 weeks gestation to 21 years monitored with continuous electroencephalography during ECMO. The interhemispheric ADR difference between the left and right hemisphere was calculated per hour. A t-test was performed comparing the mean interhemispheric difference between controls and patients with cerebral injury at set intervals (i.e., 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours) from the start of continuous electroencephalography. Injury was established if confirmed by imaging on the same day as ECMO cannulation and acquired if confirmed the day after ECMO or later. Analysis of variance was performed to compare the mean interhemispheric difference in the ADR among control patients to those with early-acquired and late-acquired injury at 24 hours.

Results:

We included 49 patients with a median age of 3.4 years (interquartile range [1–10.4]), 47% (23/49) were male, and 73% (36/49) had cardiac arrest. Cerebrovascular injury was detected in 45% (22/49), with focal stroke in 82% (18/22). A significant difference was seen between control patients compared with cerebrovascular injury after 6 hours of continuous electroencephalography (0.016 vs. 0.042) (mean interhemispheric ADR difference) (P = 0.03). Analysis of variance of control patients to early- and late-acquired injury at 24 hours showed a significant difference (P = 0.03).

Conclusions:

The ADR is a reliable metric to detect in-ECMO cerebral injury and stroke. Further study is needed to automate and assess this metric for real-time detection of stroke in ECMO.
Enhancedin vitroaggregation, but not phase separation, of TDP-43 and its C-terminal fragments generate deep-blue autofluorescence
Authors: Saravanan Preethi , Bharathi Vidhya , Veerabhadraswamy Priyadarshini , Patel Basant K
Published: November 2024

As misfolding and aggregation of the RNA/DNA-binding protein, TDP-43, are linked to devastating TDP-43 proteinopathies like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), distinction of the nature of the aggregated TDP-43 species being liquid-like non-pathogenic or solid-like pathogenic is important for mechanistic elucidation and therapeutic targeting. Here, we examined ifin vitroenhancement of the TDP-43 aggregation can generate or enhance intrinsic deep-blue autofluorescence (dbAF) previously reported for a few other protein aggregates and whether dbAF is emitted by all or only liquid-like or solid-like TDP-43 aggregates. Using thioflavin-T fluorescence, turbidimetry, atomic force microscopy and fluorescence microscopy of Alexa Fluor-labelled protein, we first tested thein vitroenhancement of the aggregation of the full-length TDP-43 and its two C-terminal fragments (CTFs), TDP-432C(aa: 193-414) and the TDP-43-low complexity domain (LCD) (aa: 274-414). We find that presence of metal ions, Zn2+or Mn2+, that are also linked to ALS-associated metal dyshomeostasis, or addition of a kosmotropic anion, SO42-, enhance thein vitrosolid-like aggregations of the full-length TDP-43 and TDP-432Cthat also concurrently enhance emission of dbAF. In contrast, Alexa fluor-633-labeled-TDP-43-LCD underwent a quick phase separation into globular structures in presence of Zn2+ions and the phase-separated species failed to emit dbAF but upon further incubation when matured into solid-like irregular, but non-amyloid nature aggregates, it emitted dbAF. Strikingly, we find that the TDP-43 aggregates of both amyloid and non-amyloid nature, but not the oligomers or the phase-separated droplets of TDP-43, manifest dbAF. Overall, the observedin vitroenhancement of aggregation leading to concurrent enhancement of dbAF can enable a label-free easy detection and may facilitate distinguishing of potentially pathogenic versus non-pathogenic TDP-43 aggregates.
Functional split-tRNA: a new perspective on codon decoding mechanism
Authors: Mureev Sergey , Wu Yue , Cui Zhenling , Alexandrov Kirill
Published: November 2024

The translation machinery must rapidly and accurately process all codon triplets despite large differences in the stability of codon:anticodon duplexes. The constrained structure and intramolecular cooperativity of tRNA complicate understanding how its structural elements influence the thermodynamics and kinetics of the selection process. Specifically, it remains unclear whether codon:anticodon complex stability controls kinetics of tRNA selection beyond the codon recognition step. To address this we engineered fully functional split-tRNAs with a dangling anticodon triplet instead of an anticodon loop. Using this tool, we demonstrated that codon-anticodon complex stability is primarily influenced by the dipole moments of adjacent nucleobases and does not control the rate of GTP hydrolysis by EF-Tu. We conclude that the codon-anticodon minihelix functions as a passive steric gate of decoding site closure.
Global Neuron Shape Reasoning with Point Affinity Transformers
Authors: Troidl Jakob , Knittel Johannes , Li Wanhua , Zhan Fangneng , Pfister Hanspeter , Turaga Srinivas
Published: November 2024

Connectomics is a subfield of neuroscience that aims to map the brain’s intricate wiring diagram. Accurate neuron segmentation from microscopy volumes is essential for automating connectome reconstruction. However, current state-of-the-art algorithms use image-based convolutional neural networks that are limited to local neuron shape context. Thus, we introduce a new framework that reasons over global neuron shape with a novel point affinity transformer. Our framework embeds a (multi-)neuron point cloud into a fixed-length feature set from which we can decode any point pair affinities, enabling clustering neuron point clouds for automatic proofreading. We also show that the learned feature set can easily be mapped to a contrastive embedding space that enables neuron type classification using a simple KNN classifier. Our approach excels in two demanding connectomics tasks: proofreading segmentation errors and classifying neuron types. Evaluated on three benchmark datasets derived from state-of-the-art connectomes, our method outperforms point transformers, graph neural networks, and unsupervised clustering baselines.1
Clonal Lineage and Gene Diversity Analysis of Paired Antibody Heavy and Light Chains
Authors: Fahad Ahmed S. , Gutiérrez-Gonzalez Matías F. , Madan Bharat , DeKosky Brandon J.
Published: November 2024

Antibodies consist of unique variable heavy (VH) and variable light (VL) chains, and both are required to fully characterize an antibody. Methods to detect paired heavy and light chain variable regions (VH:VL) using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) have recently enabled large-scale analysis of complete functional antibody responses. Here, we describe an HTS computational pipeline to analyze paired VH:VLantibody sequences and obtain a comprehensive profile of immune diversity landscapes, including gene usage, antibody isotypes, and clonal lineage analysis. This protocol uses Illumina MiSeq 2 × 300-bp sequencing data and integrates with several different computational tools for flexible analyses of paired VH:VLgene repertoire data to enable efficient antibody discovery.
Case for Bragg diffraction by a noncollinear
PT
-symmetric antiferromagnet
Cu2(MoO4)(SeO3)
Authors: Lovesey S. W. , van der Laan G.
Published: November 2024

Antiferromagnetic compounds chromium sesquioxide (Cr2O3) and dioxomolybdenum selenite present linear magnetoelectric effects. Anti-inversion symmetry in the corresponding magnetic crystal classes dictate the makeup of magnetic Bragg diffraction patterns. Copper axial and polar magnetic multipoles contribute to resonant x-ray and magnetic neutron amplitudes in a symmetry informed analysis of monoclinic Cu2(MoO4)(SeO3) presented with a view to steering future diffraction experiments. The compound might be viewed as a low-dimensional quantum magnet on account of its crystal structure and the quantum nature of the Cu spin (S = 1/2).

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Machine learning prediction of tipping in complex dynamical systems
Authors: Panahi Shirin , Kong Ling-Wei , Moradi Mohammadamin , Zhai Zheng-Meng , Glaz Bryan , Haile Mulugeta , Lai Ying-Cheng
Published: November 2024

Anticipating a tipping point, a transition from one stable steady state to another, is a problem of broad relevance due to the ubiquity of the phenomenon in diverse fields. The steady-state nature of the dynamics about a tipping point makes its prediction significantly more challenging than predicting other types of critical transitions from oscillatory or chaotic dynamics. Exploiting the benefits of noise, we develop a general data-driven and machine-learning approach to predicting potential future tipping in nonautonomous dynamical systems and validate the framework using examples from different fields. As an application, we address the problem of predicting the potential collapse of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, possibly driven by climate-induced changes in the freshwater input to the North Atlantic. Our predictions based on synthetic and currently available empirical data place a potential collapse window spanning from 2040 to 2065, in consistency with the results in the current literature.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Fractional spin quantum Hall effect in weakly coupled spin chain arrays
Authors: Thingstad Even , Fromholz Pierre , Ronetti Flavio , Loss Daniel , Klinovaja Jelena
Published: November 2024

Topological magnetic insulators host chiral gapless edge modes. In the presence of strong interaction effects, the spin of these modes may fractionalize. Studying a two-dimensional array of coupled insulating spin-1/2 chains, we show how spatially modulated magnetic fields and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions can be exploited to realize chiral spin liquids or integer and fractional spin quantum Hall effect phases. These are characterized by a gapped bulk spectrum and gapless chiral edge modes with fractional spin. The spin fractionalization is manifested in the quantized spin conductance, which can be used to probe the fractional spin quantum Hall effect. We analyze the system via bosonization and perturbative renormalization group techniques that allow us to identify the most relevant terms induced by the spin-spin interactions that open gaps and render the system topological under well-specified resonance conditions. We show explicitly that the emerging phase is a genuine chiral spin liquid. We suggest that the phases can be realized experimentally in synthetic spin chains and ultracold atom systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Treelike process tensor contraction for automated compression of environments
Authors: Cygorek Moritz , Lovett Brendon W. , Keeling Jonathan , Gauger Erik M.
Published: November 2024

The algorithm “automated compression of environments” (ACE) [M. Cygorek , ] provides a versatile way of simulating an extremely broad class of open quantum systems. This is achieved by encapsulating the influence of the environment, which is determined by the interaction Hamiltonian(s) and initial states, into compact process tensor matrix product operator (PT-MPO) representations. The generality of the ACE method comes at high numerical cost. Here, we demonstrate that orders-of-magnitude improvement of ACE is possible by changing the order of PT-MPO contraction from a sequential to a treelike scheme. The problem of combining two partial PT-MPOs with large inner bonds is solved by a preselection approach. The drawbacks of the preselection approach are that the MPO compression is suboptimal and that it is more prone to error accumulation than sequential combination and compression. We therefore also identify strategies to mitigate these disadvantages by fine-tuning compression parameters. This results in a scheme that is similar in compression efficiency and accuracy to the original ACE algorithm, yet is significantly faster. Our numerical experiments reach similar conclusions for bosonic and fermionic test cases, suggesting that our findings are characteristic of the combination of PT-MPOs more generally.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024