bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-COVID syndrome prevalence: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sk Abd Razak Ruhana , Ismail Aniza , Abdul Aziz Aznida Firzah , Suddin Leny Suzana , Azzeri Amirah , Sha’ari Nur Insyirah
Published: July 2024

Background

Since the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began, the number of individuals recovering from COVID-19 infection have increased. Post-COVID Syndrome, or PCS, which is defined as signs and symptoms that develop during or after infection in line with COVID-19, continue beyond 12 weeks, and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis, has also gained attention. We systematically reviewed and determined the pooled prevalence estimate of PCS worldwide based on published literature.

Methods

Relevant articles from the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Ovid MEDLINE databases were screened using a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-guided systematic search process. The included studies were in English, published from January 2020 to April 2024, had overall PCS prevalence as one of the outcomes studied, involved a human population with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and undergone assessment at 12 weeks post-COVID infection or beyond. As the primary outcome measured, the pooled prevalence of PCS was estimated from a meta-analysis of the PCS prevalence data extracted from individual studies, which was conducted via the random-effects model. This study has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023435280).

Results

Forty eight studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. 16 were accepted for meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence for PCS worldwide, which was 41.79% (95% confidence interval [CI] 39.70–43.88%, I2 = 51%, p = 0.03). Based on different assessment or follow-up timepoints after acute COVID-19 infection, PCS prevalence estimated at ≥ 3rd, ≥ 6th, and ≥ 12th months timepoints were each 45.06% (95% CI: 41.25–48.87%), 41.30% (95% CI: 34.37–48.24%), and 41.32% (95% CI: 39.27–43.37%), respectively. Sex-stratified PCS prevalence was estimated at 47.23% (95% CI: 44.03–50.42%) in male and 52.77% (95% CI: 49.58–55.97%) in female. Based on continental regions, pooled PCS prevalence was estimated at 46.28% (95% CI: 39.53%-53.03%) in Europe, 46.29% (95% CI: 35.82%-56.77%) in America, 49.79% (95% CI: 30.05%-69.54%) in Asia, and 42.41% (95% CI: 0.00%-90.06%) in Australia.

Conclusion

The prevalence estimates in this meta-analysis could be used in further comprehensive studies on PCS, which might enable the development of better PCS management plans to reduce the effect of PCS on population health and the related economic burden.
Association between swallowing dynamics, tongue pressure and pulmonary function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Vasconcellos Paula , Mafort Thiago Thomaz , Ribeiro-Alves Marcelo , Costa Cláudia Henrique da
Published: July 2024

Background

Swallowing is a complex process that requires the coordination of muscles in the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. Dysphagia occurs when a person has difficulty swallowing. In the case of subjects with respiratory diseases, the presence of oropharyngeal dysphagia potentially increases lung disease exacerbations, which can lead to a rapid decline in lung function. This study aimed to analyze the swallowing of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Methods

Patients with IPF were evaluated using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), tongue pressure, the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST), and the Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS). The findings were related to dyspnea severity assessed by the modified Medical Research Counsil (mMRC) score; the nutritional status screened with Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool; and pulmonary function tests, specifically spirometry and measurement of the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), the maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax), and the maximal expiratory pressure (PEmax).

Results

The sample consisted of 34 individuals with IPF. Those who exhibited swallowing modifications scored lower on the MNA than those who did not (9.6 ± 0.76 vs. 11.64 ± 0.41 points; mean difference 1.98 ± 0.81 points; p = 0.02). They also showed poorer lung function when considering the predicted force vital capacity (FVC; 81.5% ± 4.61% vs. 61.87% ± 8.48%; mean difference 19.63% ± 9.02%; p = 0.03). The speed of liquid swallowing was altered in 31of 34 of the evaluated subjects (91.1%). The number of liquid swallows correlated significantly with the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/FVC ratio (r = 0.3; p = 0.02). Solid eating and swallowing assessed with the TOMASS score correlated with lung function. The number of chewing cycles correlated negatively with PImax% predicted (r = -0.4; p = 0.0008) and PEmax% predicted (r = -0.3; p = 0.02). FVC% predicted correlated with increased solid swallowing time (r = -0.3; p = 0.02; power = 0.6). Swallowing solids was also impacted by dyspnea.

Conclusion

Patients with mild-to-moderate IPF can present feeding adaptations, which can be related to the nutritional status, lung function, and the severity of dyspnea.
Identification of a combined hypoxia and lactate metabolism prognostic signature in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Jingyang , Jiang Rongxuan , Hou Liren , Wang Lei , Li Meng , Dong Huanhuan , Dong Niuniu , Lin Yihan , Zhu Zijiang , Zhang Guangjian , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: July 2024

Background

In the tumor microenvironment (TME), a bidirectional relationship exists between hypoxia and lactate metabolism, with each component exerting a reciprocal influence on the other, forming an inextricable link. The aim of the present investigation was to develop a prognostic model by amalgamating genes associated with hypoxia and lactate metabolism. This model is intended to serve as a tool for predicting patient outcomes, including survival rates, the status of the immune microenvironment, and responsiveness to therapy in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

Transcriptomic sequencing data and patient clinical information specific to LUAD were obtained from comprehensive repositories of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). A compendium of genes implicated in hypoxia and lactate metabolism was assembled from an array of accessible datasets. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed. Additional investigative procedures, including tumor mutational load (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), functional enrichment assessments and the ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and TIDE algorithms, were used to evaluate drug sensitivity and predict the efficacy of immune-based therapies.

Results

A novel prognostic signature comprising five lactate and hypoxia-related genes (LHRGs), PKFP, SLC2A1, BCAN, CDKN3, and ANLN, was established. This model demonstrated that LUAD patients with elevated LHRG-related risk scores exhibited significantly reduced survival rates. Both univariate and multivariate Cox analyses confirmed that the risk score was a robust prognostic indicator of overall survival. Immunophenotyping revealed increased infiltration of memory CD4 + T cells, dendritic cells and NK cells in patients classified within the high-risk category compared to their low-risk counterparts. Higher probability of mutations in lung adenocarcinoma driver genes in high-risk groups, and the MSI was associated with the risk-score. Functional enrichment analyses indicated a predominance of cell cycle-related pathways in the high-risk group, whereas metabolic pathways were more prevalent in the low-risk group. Moreover, drug sensitivity analyses revealed increased sensitivity to a variety of drugs in the high-risk group, especially inhibitors of the PI3K-AKT, EGFR, and ELK pathways.

Conclusions

This prognostic model integrates lactate metabolism and hypoxia parameters, offering predictive insights regarding survival, immune cell infiltration and functionality, as well as therapeutic responsiveness in LUAD patients. This model may facilitate personalized treatment strategies, tailoring interventions to the unique molecular profile of each patient’s disease.
Endothelial biomarkers (Von willebrand factor, BDCA3, urokinase) as predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients: cohort study
Authors: Sánchez-Santillán Rocío Nayeli , Sierra-Vargas Martha Patricia , González-Islas Dulce , Aztatzi-Aguilar Octavio Gamaliel , Pérez-Padilla Rogelio , Orea-Tejeda Arturo , Debray-García Yazmín , Ortega-Romero Manolo , Keirns-Davis Candace , Loaeza-Roman Alejandra , Rios-Pereda Alejandra
Published: July 2024

Background

SARS-CoV-2 is a systemic disease that affects endothelial function and leads to coagulation disorders, increasing the risk of mortality. Blood levels of endothelial biomarkers such as Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), Thrombomodulin or Blood Dendritic Cell Antigen-3 (BDCA3), and uUokinase (uPA) increase in patients with severe disease and can be prognostic indicators for mortality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of VWF, BDCA3, and uPA levels on mortality.

Methods

From May 2020 to January 2021, we studied a prospective cohort of hospitalized adult patients with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 with a SaO2 ≤ 93% and a PaO2/FiO2 ratio < 300. In-hospital survival was evaluated from admission to death or to a maximum of 60 days of follow-up with Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard models as independent predictor measures of endothelial dysfunction.

Results

We recruited a total of 165 subjects (73% men) with a median age of 57.3 ± 12.9 years. The most common comorbidities were obesity (39.7%), hypertension (35.4%) and diabetes (30.3%). Endothelial biomarkers were increased in non-survivors compared to survivors. According to the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, those with an elevated VWF concentration ≥ 4870 pg/ml had a hazard ratio (HR) of 4.06 (95% CI: 1.32–12.5) compared to those with a lower VWF concentration adjusted for age, cerebrovascular events, enoxaparin dose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, and bilirubin level. uPA and BDCA3 also increased mortality in patients with levels ≥ 460 pg/ml and ≥ 3600 pg/ml, respectively.

Conclusion

The risk of mortality in those with elevated levels of endothelial biomarkers was observable in this study.
The effect of Cuminum cyminum on the return of bowel motility after abdominal surgery: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Amin Esmaeili Abdar , Ismail Elahabadi , Mahboobeh Raeiszadeh , Tabandeh Sadeghi
Published: July 2024

Background and objectives

Considering the significant prevalence of ileus after abdominal surgery and the beneficial effects of Cuminum cyminum in digestive problems, this study aimed to examine whether Cuminum cyminum has any effect on the return of bowel motility after abdominal surgery.

Materials and methods

In this triple-blind clinical trial study, 74 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were assigned to the intervention and control groups using minimization methods. The patients in the intervention group consumed 250 mg capsules containing Cuminum cyminum extract 4 h after the surgery and another dose of the drug 1 h afterward. The patients in the control group consumed a 250 mg capsule containing starch as a placebo at hours similar to those in the intervention group. The instruments used to collect the data were a demographic questionnaire and a researcher-made checklist to assess bowel habits. The data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software.

Results

The average time of gas passing in the intervention and control groups was 9.03 ± 3.41 and 11.72 ± 4.21 h, respectively. The defecation times in the intervention and control groups were 16.97 ± 5.02 and 26 ± 9.87 h, showing a significant difference between the two groups as indicated by the independent samples T-test (P > 0.001). Furthermore, abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting were significantly less frequent in the intervention group compared to the control group as confirmed by Fisher’s exact test (P > 0.001).

Conclusion

According to the results, the consumption of Cuminum cyminum after abdominal surgery helps to reduce the time of gas passing, defecation, and the return of bowel motility. However, additional studies need to address the effectiveness of Cuminum cyminum by changing the time and duration of its use.
Histopathological, morphological, and molecular characterization of fish-borne zoonotic parasite Eustrongylides Excisus infecting Northern pike (Esox lucius) in Iran
Authors: Rahmati-Holasoo Hooman , Azizzadeh Mohammad , Ebrahimzadeh Mousavi Hosseinali , Shokrpoor Sara , Ziafati Kafi Zahra , Marandi Amin
Published: July 2024

Eustrongylides excisus is a fish-borne zoonotic parasite known to infect various fish species, including Northern pike (Esox Lucius). This nematode, belonging to the family Dioctophymatidae, has a complex life cycle involving multiple hosts. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Eustrongylides nematodes in Northern pike (E. Lucius) collected from Mijran Dam (Ramsar, Iran). Between June and October 2023, an investigation was conducted on Northern pike from Mijran Dam in Ramsar, Iran, following reports of reddish parasites in their muscle tissues. Sixty fish were examined at the University of Tehran, revealing live parasites in the muscles, which were then analyzed microscopically and preserved for a multidisciplinary study. The skeletal muscle tissues of 85% (51/60) of fish specimens were infected by grossly visible larvae which were microscopically identified as Eustrongylides spp. In histopathological examination, the lesion was composed of encapsulated parasitic granulomatous myositis. Microscopically, the cystic parasitic granulomas compressed the adjacent muscle fibers, leading to their atrophy and Zenker’s necrosis. Moreover, epithelioid macrophages, giant cells and mononuclear inflammatory cells were present around the larvae and between the muscle fibers. Finally, a molecular analysis by examining the ITS gene region, revealed that they belong to the species E. excisus. Eustrongylidiasis in northern Iran necessitates further research into the biology, epidemiology, and control of Eustrongylides nematodes, focusing on various hosts. This study is the first to comprehensively characterize E. excisus in Northern pike in Ramsar, Iran, raising concerns about possible zoonotic transmission.
An observational study to understand burden and cost of care in adults diagnosed with refractory chronic cough (RCC) or unexplained chronic cough (UCC)
Authors: Smith Jaclyn A. , Stein Norman , Migas Sylwia , Bokowski Sue , Williams Claire , Baker Patricia , New John , Schelfhout Jonathan , Fonseca Eileen , Langerman Haya
Published: July 2024

Background

Refractory and unexplained chronic cough (RCC and UCC) necessitate frequent referral for specialist evaluations, but data on healthcare resource utilisation and costs are lacking.

Methods

This observational study enrolled adults with RCC or UCC attending a specialist cough clinic and included a control cohort, both from North West England, matched 1:5 for age, gender and smoking history. Primary and secondary care data were obtained for the 5 years prior to and 2 years post initial clinic visit (index). The primary endpoint was the total 5-year healthcare cost to the UK NHS pre-RCC or UCC diagnosis compared to the control cohort.

Results

Mean age at index for the 200 RCC or UCC consented patients was 62.2 ± 11.4 years; 71% were female, and 68% had never smoked. Mean duration of symptoms pre-diagnosis was 8.0 ± 9.4 years. Mean cough severity score was 63.7 ± 23.2 mm at index on a Visual Analog Scale, and Leicester Cough Questionnaire total score was 10.9 ± 4.1. GP data were available for 80 patients and mean total cost over the 5 years pre-diagnosis (index date) was 3.0-fold higher (95% CI 2.3, 3.9) than in the control cohort (p < 0.001). Most excess costs were related to visits and procedures carried out in secondary care. RCC- or UCC-associated costs decreased post-diagnosis, but remained higher than those of controls.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of RCC or UCC requires significant health resource utilisation in the 5 years prior to a specialist clinic diagnosis. Resource utilisation was less after diagnosis, but remained higher than in a matched control cohort.
Precision medicine in Australia: indigenous health professionals are needed to improve equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Authors: Lewis Dawn Alison , Mitchell Tala , Kowal Emma
Published: July 2024

Precision medicine, also known as “personalised medicine”, seeks to identify strategies in the prevention and treatment of disease informed by a patient’s genomic information. This allows a targeted approach to disease identification with the intention of reducing the burden of illness. Currently, both the emerging field of precision medicine and the established field of clinical genetics are highly reliant on genomic databases which are fraught with inbuilt biases, particularly from sample populations. The inequities of most concern here are those affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (or Zenadth Kes) peoples of Australia (hereafter, respectfully, Indigenous Australians). It is with this perspective that the Summer internship forINdigenous peoples inGenomics Australia endeavours to support the development of culturally appropriate genomic research with Indigenous Australians. We argue here that Indigenous researchers are best placed to create the informed, culturally safe environment necessary for Indigenous Australians to participate in genomic research.
The clinical impact of estimating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) using different equations in the general population
Authors: Lam Reyna , Manemann Sheila M. , Seehusen Kristina E. , Remaley Alan T. , Sauver Jennifer L. St. , Jiang Ruoxiang , Killian Jill M. , Sampson Maureen , Meeusen Jeffrey W. , Decker Paul A. , Roger Véronique L. , Takahashi Paul Y. , Larson Nicholas B. , Bielinski Suzette J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Friedewald, Sampson, and Martin-Hopkins equations are used to calculate LDL-C. This study compares the impact of switching between these equations in a large geographically defined population.

Materials and methods

Data for individuals who had a lipid panel ordered clinically between 2010 and 2019 were included. Comparisons were made across groups using the two-sample t-test or chi-square test as appropriate. Discordances between LDL measures based on clinically actionable thresholds were summarized using contingency tables.

Results

The cohort included 198,166 patients (mean age 54 years, 54% female). The equations perform similarly at the lower range of triglycerides but began to diverge at a triglyceride level of 125 mg/dL. However, at triglycerides of 175 mg/dL and higher, the Martin-Hopkins equation estimated higher LDL-C values than the Samson equation. This discordance was further exasperated at triglyceride values of 400 to 800 mg/dL. When comparing the Sampson and Friedewald equations, at triglycerides are below 175 mg/dL, 9% of patients were discordant at the 70 mg/dL cutpoint, whereas 42.4% were discordant when triglycerides are between 175 and 400 mg/dL. Discordance was observed at the clinically actionable LDL-C cutpoint of 190 mg/dL with the Friedewald equation estimating lower LDL-C than the other equations. In a high-risk subgroup (ASCVD risk score > 20%), 16.3% of patients were discordant at the clinical cutpoint of LDL-C < 70 mg/dL between the Sampson and Friedewald equations.

Conclusions

Discordance at clinically significant LDL-C cutpoints in both the general population and high-risk subgroups were observed across the three equations. These results show that using different methods of LDL-C calculation or switching between different methods could have clinical implications for many patients.
An novel effective and safe model for the diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in China: gene excavations, clinical validations, and mechanism elucidation
Authors: Wang Jida , Jia Beitian , Miao Jing , Li Dun , Wang Yin , Han Lu , Yuan Yin , Zhang Yuan , Wang Yiyang , Guo Liying , Jia Jianwei , Zheng Fang , Lai Sizhen , Niu Kaijun , Li Weidong , Bian Yuhong , Wang Yaogang
Published: July 2024

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases. NAFLD leads to liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and it also has systemic effects associated with metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and malignant tumors. Therefore, it is important to diagnose NAFLD early to prevent these adverse effects.

Methods

The GSE89632 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and then the optimal genes were screened from the data cohort using lasso and Support Vector Machine Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE). The ROC values of the optimal genes for the diagnosis of NAFLD were calculated. The relationship between optimal genes and immune cells was determined using the DECONVOLUTION algorithm CIBERSORT. Finally, the specificity and sensitivity of the diagnostic genes were verified by detecting the expression of the diagnostic genes in blood samples from 320 NAFLD patients and liver samples from 12 mice.

Results

Through machine learning we identified FOSB, GPAT3, RGCC and RNF43 were the key diagnostic genes for NAFLD, and they were further demonstrated by a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. We found that the combined diagnosis of the four genes identified NAFLD samples well from normal samples (AUC = 0.997). FOSB, GPAT3, RGCC and RNF43 were strongly associated with immune cell infiltration. We also experimentally examined the expression of these genes in NAFLD patients and NAFLD mice, and the results showed that these genes are highly specific and sensitive.

Conclusions

Data from both clinical and animal studies demonstrate the high sensitivity, specificity and safety of FOSB, GPAT3, RGCC and RNF43 for the diagnosis of NAFLD. The relationship between diagnostic key genes and immune cell infiltration may help to understand the development of NAFLD. The study was reviewed and approved by Ethics Committee of Tianjin Second People’s Hospital in 2021 (ChiCTR1900024415).
On the path to UHC, digital healthcare transformation with Karnataka’s online referral framework
Authors: Shastri Suresh G. , Sancheti Pooja , Ichini Sushil Kumar , Dayananda Gagana G. , Jayaprakash Murugesh , Sagar Spoorthy , Asif Mohamed , Devendiran Randeep
Published: July 2024

Background

Karnataka, a trailblazer in Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiatives, has implemented various features under the Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY-Arogya Karnataka scheme to improve the access to health. This study provides a thorough exploration of Karnataka’s innovative Online Referral System (ORS) within the framework of achieving UHC.

Methods

The study analyses the performance of the ORS using cross-sectional data from June 2022 to November 2023, providing insights into the distribution of referrals, strategic purchasing from private healthcare providers, and the top medical procedures referred. The article delves into the unique features of Karnataka’s Online Referral System, implemented in 2019, which has streamlined the referral process and enhanced communication among healthcare providers.

Results

The findings underscore the positive impact of Karnataka’s ORS on healthcare efficiency, patient satisfaction, easy access to care and strategic purchasing from private healthcare providers. ORS demonstrates improved efficiency in referrals, mitigating the challenges associated with traditional manual process and is an important aspect in improving healthcare services. The system also provides insights on the specialities requiring more capacity building, the volume, completeness, and processing of referrals through the ORS.

Conclusion

Karnataka’s innovative ORS, presents a transformative solution for improving healthcare access, coordination, and outcomes, reinforcing Karnataka’s commitment to continuous innovation in healthcare delivery and progress towards Universal Health care. The system also offers valuable insights into specialties that require increased access, identifies gaps in the healthcare system, and outlines areas that need strengthening. The article concludes by advocating for the replication of Karnataka’s ORS model across India and suggests potential avenues for further research and improvement.
LongTR: genome-wide profiling of genetic variation at tandem repeats from long reads
Authors: Ziaei Jam Helyaneh , Zook Justin M. , Javadzadeh Sara , Park Jonghun , Sehgal Aarushi , Gymrek Melissa
Published: July 2024

Tandem repeats are frequent across the human genome, and variation in repeat length has been linked to a variety of traits. Recent improvements in long read sequencing technologies have the potential to greatly improve tandem repeat analysis, especially for long or complex repeats. Here, we introduce LongTR, which accurately genotypes tandem repeats from high-fidelity long reads available from both PacBio and Oxford Nanopore Technologies. LongTR is freely available at https://github.com/gymrek-lab/longtr and https://zenodo.org/doi/10.5281/zenodo.11403979.
Effects of proprioceptive training on sports performance: a systematic review
Authors: Yılmaz Osman , Soylu Yusuf , Erkmen Nurtekin , Kaplan Turgut , Batalik Ladislav
Published: July 2024

Background

Proprioception, the ability to sense the body’s position and movement, is essential for athletic performance and physical well-being. The literature highlights the importance of proprioceptive training in rehabilitation, sports performance, injury prevention, and motor function enhancement. Targeted training programs can improve balance, coordination, motor learning, and overall physical performance. This systematic review aimed to examine the effects of proprioceptive training methods on sports and athletic performance.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted using the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases, and a literature review was performed based on the PICO criteria outlined in the abstract and title.

Results

Following the search, 178 articles were identified using relevant keywords, of which 19 directly addressed sports performance and were included in this study. The findings revealed that proprioceptive training had a positive influence on various aspects of athletic performance, including physiological capacity, balance, explosive strength, speed, agility, postural stability, knee joint position sense, muscle activation, reduction of chronic joint instability, dribbling, passing, and technical ball-control skills.

Conclusions

These results indicate that proprioceptive training can be an effective strategy for experts and coaches to enhance athletes’ physical performance. Primarily, proprioceptive exercises should be used inside and outside the training sessions to enable athletes to interact more effectively with their bodies, reduce the risk of injury, and improve power transfer.
Unmasking an unusual presentation of Hodgkin’s lymphoma masquerading as ocular inflammation: a case report
Authors: Zein-El-Din Anna , Abdo Rami , Elbachti Amina , Boustani Gabriel , Salik Dany , Pourjavan Sayeh
Published: July 2024

Background

Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is an extremely rare cause of ocular inflammation that is usually not considered in the typical workup of uveitis and other eye diseases. A few cases of ocular inflammation were reported previously showcasing HL with absence of typical symptoms of HL at presentation. Acknowledging the potential ocular inflammation associated with HL can prompt ophthalmologists to broaden their diagnostic approach and collaborate with internal medicine departments to investigate this rare yet significant etiology.

Case presentation

A 17-year-old Caucasian woman presenting unilateral panuveitis was later diagnosed with HL. The ocular findings were non-necrotizing scleritis, anterior uveitis, vitritis, white/yellowish chorioretinal lesions, papillitis and vasculitis. A left supra-clavicular lymph node biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of nodular sclerosing Hodgkin’s lymphoma stage IIB. Other causes of uveitis were excluded. Chemotherapy led to remission of the disease and the ocular lesions became quiescent with persistent pigmented chorioretinal scars.

Conclusions

Hodgkin's lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of diseases that can occasionally be revealed by unilateral ocular inflammation. A comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach is key to properly assessing such cases.
Embedding community and public voices in co-created solutions to mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Thailand using the ‘Responsive Dialogues’ public engagement framework
Authors: Poomchaichote Tassawan , Kiatying-Angsulee Niyada , Boonthaworn Kanpong , Naemiratch Bhensri , Ruangkajorn Supanat , Prapharsavat Ravikanya , Thirapantu Chaiwat , Sukrung Karnjariya , Limmathurotsakul Direk , Osterrieder Anne , Cheah Phaik Yeong
Published: July 2024

The use of antimicrobials in Thailand has been reported as one of the highest in the world in human and animal sectors. Our engagement project aimed to improve our understanding of the issue of antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among adult Thai communities, and co-create locally relevant solutions to AMR, especially those focusing on raising awareness to improve related policies in Thailand.

We conducted a series of online and in-person ‘conversations’ according to Wellcome’s ‘Responsive Dialogues’ engagement approach, designed to bring together different voices to understand complex AMR problems and find potential solutions. This approach enabled key AMR stakeholders and policy makers to hear directly from communities and members of the public, and vice versa. Conversations events took place between 25 November 2020 and 8 July 2022, and we engaged 179 AMR key stakeholders and members of the public across Thailand.

The issues found were: there were quite a lot of misunderstandings around antimicrobials and AMR; participants felt that communications and engagement around antimicrobial resistance had limited reach and impact; asking for and taking antibiotics for self-limiting ailments is a social norm in Thailand; and there appeared to be a wide availability of cheap antimicrobials. To mitigate the spread of AMR, participants suggested that the messages around AMR should be tailored to the target audience, there should be more initiatives to increase general health literacy, there should be increased availability of AMR related information at the local level and there should be increased local leadership of AMR mitigation efforts.

Trial registration Thaiclinicaltrials.org registration: TCTR20210528003 (28/05/2021).
Modifiable predictors of mental health literacy in the educational context: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Suwanwong Charin , Jansem Anchalee , Intarakamhang Ungsinun , Prasittichok Pitchada , Tuntivivat Sudarat , Chuenphittayavut Krittipat , Le Khuong , Lien Le Thi Mai
Published: July 2024

Mental health literacy is vital for well-being in educational settings, extending beyond academics to include social and emotional development. It empowers individuals, allowing them to recognize and address their mental health needs and provide essential support to their peers. Despite the acknowledged importance of modifiable factors, there is a noticeable research gap in those amenable to change through educational interventions. Thus, this systematic review aims to identify potentially modifiable predictors of mental health literacy in the educational context. A systematic search was conducted for quantitative studies published between 2019 and October 2023 using several databases following PRISMA guidelines. Studies needed to focus on potentially modifiable predictors of mental health literacy in the educational context. Study quality was assessed using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS tool). In total, 3747 titles and abstracts were screened, 60 articles were assessed in full-text screening, and 21 were included in the review. Significant correlations between mental health literacy and modifiable predictors, including stigma toward professional help, self-efficacy, attitudes toward help-seeking, social support, positive psychological states, receiving mental health training, and psychological distress, were identified. By addressing these factors, educational institutions can cultivate community’s adept in mental health, fostering an environment marked by empathy, understanding, and proactive engagement in addressing mental health issues. The implications serve as a foundation for future research, policy development, and implementing of practical strategies to enhance mental health literacy in diverse educational settings.
Monodispersed mesoscopic star-shaped gold particles via silver-ion-assisted multi-directional growth for highly sensitive SERS-active substrates
Authors: Kim Sumin , Yoo Sunghoon , Nam Dong Hwan , Kim Hayoung , Hafner Jason H. , Lee Seunghyun
Published: July 2024

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) exploits localized surface plasmon resonances in metallic nanostructures to significantly amplify Raman signals and perform ultrasensitive analyses. A critical factor for SERS-based analysis systems is the formation of numerous electromagnetic hot spots within the nanostructures, which represent regions with highly concentrated fields emerging from excited localized surface plasmons. These intense hotspot fields can amplify the Raman signal by several orders of magnitude, facilitating analyte detection at extremely low concentrations and highly sensitive molecular identification at the single-nanoparticle level. In this study, mesoscopic star-shaped gold particles (gold mesostars) were synthesized using a three-step seed-mediated growth approach coupled with the addition of silver ions. Our study confirms the successful synthesis of gold mesostars with numerous sharp tips via the multi-directional growth effect induced by the underpotential deposition of silver adatoms (AgUPD) onto the gold surfaces. The AgUPD process affects the nanocrystal growth kinetics of the noble metal and its morphological evolution, thereby leading to intricate nanostructures with high-index facets and protruding tips or branches. Mesoscopic gold particles with a distinctive star-like morphology featuring multiple sharp projections from the central core were synthesized by exploiting this phenomenon. Sharp tips of the gold mesostars facilitate intense localized electromagnetic fields, which result in strong SERS enhancements at the single-particle level. Electromagnetic fields can be further enhanced by interparticle hot spots in addition to the intraparticle local field enhancements when arranged in multilayered arrays on substrates, rendering these arrays as highly efficient SERS-active substrates with improved sensitivity. Evaluation using Raman-tagged analytes revealed a higher SERS signal intensity compared to that of individual mesostars because of interparticle hot spots enhancements. These substrates enabled analyte detection at a concentration of 10− 9 M, demonstrating their remarkable sensitivity for trace analysis applications.
[68Ga]Ga‑PSMA‑617 PET-based radiomics model to identify candidates for active surveillance amongst patients with GGG 1–2 prostate cancer at biopsy
Authors: Yang Jinhui , Xiao Ling , Zhou Ming , Li Yujia , Cai Yi , Gan Yu , Tang Yongxiang , Hu Shuo
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To develop a radiomics-based model using [68Ga]Ga-PSMA PET/CT to predict postoperative adverse pathology (AP) in patients with biopsy Gleason Grade Group (GGG) 1–2 prostate cancer (PCa), assisting in the selection of patients for active surveillance (AS).

Methods

A total of 75 men with biopsy GGG 1–2 PCa who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into a training group (70%) and a testing group (30%). Radiomics features of entire prostate were extracted from the [68Ga]Ga-PSMA PET scans and selected using the minimum redundancy maximum relevance algorithm and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to construct the prediction models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curve were employed to evaluate the diagnostic value, clinical utility, and predictive accuracy of the models, respectively.

Results

Among the 75 patients, 30 had AP confirmed by RP. The clinical model showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.821 (0.695–0.947) in the training set and 0.795 (0.603–0.987) in the testing set. The radiomics model achieved AUC values of 0.830 (0.720–0.941) in the training set and 0.829 (0.624–1.000) in the testing set. The combined model, which incorporated the Radiomics score (Radscore) and free prostate-specific antigen (FPSA)/total prostate-specific antigen (TPSA), demonstrated higher diagnostic efficacy than both the clinical and radiomics models, with AUC values of 0.875 (0.780–0.970) in the training set and 0.872 (0.678–1.000) in the testing set. DCA showed that the net benefits of the combined model and radiomics model exceeded those of the clinical model.

Conclusion

The combined model shows potential in stratifying men with biopsy GGG 1–2 PCa based on the presence of AP at final pathology and outperforms models based solely on clinical or radiomics features. It may be expected to aid urologists in better selecting suitable patients for AS.
Bibliometric analysis of the application of deep learning in cancer from 2015 to 2023
Authors: Wang Ruiyu , Huang Shu , Wang Ping , Shi Xiaomin , Li Shiqi , Ye Yusong , Zhang Wei , Shi Lei , Zhou Xian , Tang Xiaowei
Published: July 2024

Background

Recently, the application of deep learning (DL) has made great progress in various fields, especially in cancer research. However, to date, the bibliometric analysis of the application of DL in cancer is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the research status and hotspots of the application of DL in cancer.

Methods

We retrieved all articles on the application of DL in cancer from the Web of Science database Core Collection database. Biblioshiny, VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to perform the bibliometric analysis through analyzing the numbers, citations, countries, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords.

Results

We found 6,016 original articles on the application of DL in cancer. The number of annual publications and total citations were uptrend in general. China published the greatest number of articles, USA had the highest total citations, and Saudi Arabia had the highest centrality. Chinese Academy of Sciences was the most productive institution. Tian, Jie published the greatest number of articles, while He Kaiming was the most co-cited author. IEEE Access was the most popular journal. The analysis of references and keywords showed that DL was mainly used for the prediction, detection, classification and diagnosis of breast cancer, lung cancer, and skin cancer.

Conclusions

Overall, the number of articles on the application of DL in cancer is gradually increasing. In the future, further expanding and improving the application scope and accuracy of DL applications, and integrating DL with protein prediction, genomics and cancer research may be the research trends.
Evidence for suboceanic small-scale convection from a “garnet”-bearing lherzolite xenolith from Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands
Authors: Akizawa Norikatsu , Ozawa Kazuhito , Kogiso Tetsu , Ishikawa Akira , Miyake Akira , Igami Yohei , Wallis Simon R. , Nagaya Takayoshi , Ohshima Chihiro , Fujita Ryo , Kawamoto Tatsuhiko , Tamura Akihiro , Morishita Tomoaki , Arai Shoji , Yasumoto Atsushi
Published: July 2024

Garnet peridotite xenoliths have been rarely reported from suboceanic mantle. Petrographic and geochemical characteristics of garnet-bearing oceanic peridotite xenoliths provide precious information on dynamics of the suboceanic lithosphere and asthenosphere interaction. We examined a lherzolite xenolith included in olivine nephelinite lava from Aitutaki Island, a member of the Cook-Austral volcanic chain. The lherzolite xenolith contains reddish fine-grained (< 5 µm in size) mineral aggregates (FMAs) with size range of 0.5–6 mm, consisting of olivine, calcic and sodic plagioclases, aluminous spinel, native iron, and nepheline. Microstructural observations and chemical data corroborate that the FMA is a decomposed pyrope-rich garnet including chromian spinel grains with an irregular highly indented morphology in the center. The FMA is surrounded by pyroxene-poor and olivine-rich aureole. The spatial and morphological relationships of FMA and chromian spinel with pyroxene-depleted margin suggest a reaction of aluminous spinel + pyroxenes → pyrope-rich garnet + olivine, which requires a compression before decomposition of the garnet to FMA. An orthopyroxene grain shows slight but clear chemical zoning characterized by increase in Al, Ca, and Cr from the grain center to the rim. The zoning patterns of Al and Ca in the orthopyroxene grain can be modeled by diffusion-controlled solid-state reactions induced by pressure and temperature changes, keeping surface concentrations in equilibrium with the other coexisting mineral phases. The results indicate that the mantle, from which the lherzolite xenolith was derived, underwent isothermal decompression followed by a weak heating on a time scale of a few tenths of million years before the xenolith extraction. From the deduced compression and decompression histories, we hypothesize that the mantle beneath Aitutaki Island was once dragged down to a garnet-stable deep mantle region and brought up later by small-scale sublithospheric convection.
Comparison of short-term clinical results between modified kinematically-aligned and guided motion bicruciate stabilized total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Anjiki Kensuke , Nakano Naoki , Ishida Kazunari , Takayama Koji , Fujita Masahiro , Kamenaga Tomoyuki , Tsubosaka Masanori , Kuroda Yuichi , Hayashi Shinya , Kuroda Ryosuke , Matsumoto Tomoyuki
Published: July 2024

Background

Both kinematically-aligned (KA) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and bicruciate stabilized (BCS) TKA aim to reproduce the physiological knee kinematics. In this study, we compared the femoro-tibial component rotational mismatch between patients who underwent modified KA-TKA and those who received guided-motion BCS-TKA, and its influence on the clinical outcomes.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 77 consecutive patients were included and divided into two groups: subjects who underwent modified KA-TKA with Persona (KA Group; n = 42) and those who received BCS-TKA with JOURNEY II (BCS group; n = 35). Range of motion, the 2011 Knee Society Score (KSS), the rotational alignment of the femoral and tibial components, and the correlations between the rotational mismatch and the 2011 KSS subscales were examined.

Results

The postoperative objective knee indicators (P = 0.0157), patient satisfaction (P = 0.0039) and functional activity scores (P = 0.0013) in the KA group were significantly superior to those in the BCS group 1 year postoperatively. There was no significant difference between the two groups observed in the rotational mismatch. In the BCS group, significant negative correlations were identified between the rotational mismatch and objective indicators, patient satisfaction, and functional activity scores but not in the KA group.

Conclusions

The short-term clinical results following KA-TKA showed superior objective knee indicators, patient satisfaction and functional activity scores. A negative correlation was observed between component rotational mismatch and the 2011 KSS subscales in the BCS group, compared to no relationship found between the two in the KA group. These findings suggested that KA-TKA has a relatively higher tolerance for rotational mismatch than BCS-TKA.
The effect of right ventricle septal pacing versus apical pacing in dual-chamber pacemakers on patients’ anxiety and depression: a one-year follow-up study
Authors: El-Shirbiny Hassan , Biomy Reda , Haseeb Wael Anwar , Saboukh Islam
Published: July 2024

Background

Anxiety and depression are potentially harmful outcomes of permanent cardiac pacemakers. Dual-chamber P.P.M. is frequently used to treat life threatening bradycardia. The study aims to estimate the effect of the right ventricular PM lead position on recipients’ anxiety and depression before, 6 months, and 1 year after implantation.

Results

A statistically significant correlation was discovered between the studied groups regarding HADS depression score after 6 months (p 0.013) and 1 year (p 0.013). A statistically non-significant difference was found among the studied groups at any point of time regarding baseline (p 0.063), after 6 months (p 0.054), or after 1 year (p 0.099). Significance was found between HADS anxiety score (p 0.015) or depression score after 1 year and the incidence of complications (p 0.001).

Conclusions

A strong relationship was found between the level of depression and the R.V. site of implantation, as patients with the apical group had higher levels of depression post-implantation. The septal position has less stress and depression on the patient’s well-being than the apical one.
Effects of the equation of state on the process of the merger of a binary neutron star system
Authors: Κανάκης-Πέγιος Αλκιβιάδης
Published: July 2024

Σκοπός της διδακτορικής διατριβής αποτελεί η μελέτη της επίδρασης της καταστατικής εξίσωσης της πυκνής πυρηνικής ύλης κατά την διαδικασία συγχώνευσης διπλού συστήματος αστέρων νετρονίων. Ειδικότερα, αντικείμενο μελέτης αποτελούν βασικές ιδιότητες των αστέρων νετρονίων, όπως είναι η μάζα και η ακτίνα, κυρίως μέσω της μελέτης της παλιρροιακής παραμόρφωσης που υφίστανται οι αστέρες νετρονίων. Στη συνέχεια, μελετάται η παλιρροιακή παραμόρφωση και η επίδραση της καταστατικής εξίσωσης σε αυτήν, σε συνδυασμό με παρατηρησιακά δεδομένα όπως προκύπτουν από την ανίχνευση βαρυτικών κυμάτων τα οποία εκπέμπονται από τη συγχώνευση δύο αστέρων νετρονίων. Η μελέτη της καταστατικής εξίσωσης αφορά τόσο την ψυχρή όσο και την θερμή πυρηνική ύλη. Ειδικά για την περίπτωση της εμφάνισης θερμοκρασίας, βασικός στόχος είναι η μελέτη της επίδρασής της στην παλιρροιακή παραμόρφωση ενός διπλού συστήματος αστέρων νετρονίων. Επιπρόσθετα, αντικείμενο μελέτης αποτελούν μικροσκοπικές ποσότητες της πυρηνικής ύλης και της καταστατικής εξίσωσης, όπως είναι η ταχύτητα του ήχου. Η μελέτη των παραμέτρων αυτών πραγματοποιείται σε συνδυασμό με την παλιρροιακή παραμόρφωση ενός υπό συγχώνευση διπλού συστήματος αστέρων νετρονίων, στοχεύοντας στην εξαγωγή χρήσιμων συμπερασμάτων και περιορισμών τόσο στις τιμές της ταχύτητας του ήχου όσο και στην καταστατική εξίσωση. Τέλος, η εργασία επεκτείνεται στην μελέτη της ύπαρξης του υποθετικού μποζονίου X17 και των επιπτώσεων που αυτό φέρει στην καταστατική εξίσωση τόσο για την αδρονική ύλη όσο και για την ύλη που αποτελείται από κουαρκ.
Counselling psychologists’ perspective on masochistic personality
Authors: Κόλλια Ευτυχία
Published: July 2024

Πραγματοποιήθηκε μια φαινομενολογική μελέτη προκειμένου να διερευνηθεί η αντίληψη και ο τρόπος προσέγγισης των συμβουλευτικών ψυχολόγων για τα μαζοχιστικά φαινόμενα με ιδιαίτερη έμφαση μαζοχιστική διαταραχή προσωπικότητας. Οι συμμετέχοντες επιλέχτηκαν μέσω της τεχνικής της χιονοστιβάδας και αποτελούνταν από επτά πιστοποιημένους συμβουλευτικούς ιδιώτες ψυχολόγους. Όλοι οι συμμετέχοντες ασκούνταν στη βορειοανατολική Αγγλία. Τα στοιχεία αποκάλυψαν ότι παρά την τάση σύνδεσης του μαζοχισμού με τη σεξουαλική διαστροφή, οι συμμετέχοντες αναγνώρισαν ότι υπάρχει ένας τύπος μαζοχισμού που αφορά την προσωπικότητα. Οι συμμετέχοντες απεικόνισαν την πρωτοκαθεδρία του ψυχολογικού μαζοχισμού και τόνισαν τα πιθανά οφέλη από την ένταξη της μαζοχιστικής προσωπικότητας στο DSM. Επιπλέον, τα αποτελέσματα ρίχνουν φως στις πτυχές της θεραπευτικής διαδικασίας με θεραπευόμενους που παρουσιάζουν μαζοχιστικές τάσεις. Η ερμηνεία των αποτελεσμάτων θα πρέπει να λαμβάνεται υπόψη παράλληλα με τους περιορισμούς αυτής της μελέτης.