bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
18Theory on Theory
Authors: Carr Nicholas
Published: October 2024

Taking its cue from Jonathan Kramnick’s Criticism and Truth, ‘Theory on Theory’ this year examines some of the core practices that mark literary criticism and theory. In Section 1, Kramnick’s work, which focuses on criticism as a distinct writing practice, is reviewed, along with a brief consideration of teaching in the form of Fredric Jameson’s Mimesis, Expression, Construction. Section 2 takes Eric L. Santner’s Untying Things Together as a representative example of various writing practices characteristic of Theory, and considers (following Kramnick) how these practices may affect the sorts of content or truth that theory can claim. In Section 3, Caroline Levine’s The Activist Humanist provides the occasion for considering another characteristic practice, namely the method of homology, and its use in facilitating the sorts of claims that are commonly made for the utility of literary studies. Finally, in Section 4, Christopher Rovee’s New Critical Nostalgia and Robert T. Tally’s The Critical Situation highlight the connection between our understanding of methods or practices and the wider situation of a discipline that often draws on senses of crisis and (implicit) nostalgia for its self-understanding.
An integrated analysis of the Passifloraceae virome using public-domain data
Authors: Higuita Monica , Sanchez-Yali Juliana , Perez Alejandra , Arias Engie , Gutierrez Pablo A.
Published: October 2024

Passifloraceae is a plant family that includes several species of interest in the food, medicinal, and ornamental industries. The most relevant species are the purple and yellow varieties of P. edulis, which are among the most highly prized tropical fruits in the international markets. Unfortunately, the rapid expansion of this crop worldwide has resulted in the emergence of several viral diseases that endangered the productivity of this crop. In this work, we performed an integrated analysis of the Passifloraceae virome using public data. We investigated Pubmed and Genbank records and analyzed all the transcriptome data available for members of this plant family. This analysis resulted in the identification of six novel virus associations and six putative new viral species. We also used RNAseq to inspect virus accumulation levels and mixed infections. Using network analysis, we also examined the global distribution of Passiflora viruses and their associations with alternative hosts, which is valuable information in implementing viral disease management strategies. Our data suggest that a large diversity of viruses remains to be discovered. Finally, we used the information gathered in this work to estimate the cross-transmission risk of viruses in Colombian Passiflora fields.
The metalloproteinase ADAM10 sheds angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) from the pulmonary endothelium as a soluble, functionally active convertase
Authors: Webers Maria , Yu Yan , Eyll Johanna , Vanderliek‐Kox Julia , Schun Katharina , Michely Anna , Schumertl Tim , Garbers Christoph , Dietrich Jana , Jonigk Danny D. , Krüger Ingo , Kühnel Mark P. , Martin Christian , Ludwig Andreas , Düsterhöft Stefan
Published: October 2024

The renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a critical role in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid balance, with angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) being a key transmembrane enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Hence, ACE activity is an important drug target in cardiovascular pathologies such as hypertension. Our study demonstrates that human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) are an important source of proteolytically released ACE. The proteolytic release of transmembrane proteins, a process known as ectodomain shedding, is facilitated by membrane proteases called sheddases. By knockout and inhibition studies, we identified ADAM10 (A disintegrin and metalloprotease 10) as a primary sheddase responsible for ACE release in HEK293 cells. The function of ADAM10 as primary, constitutive sheddase of ACE was confirmed in HPMECs. Moreover, we demonstrated the physiological relevance of ADAM10 for ACE shedding in ex vivo precision cut lung slices (PCLS) from human and mouse lungs. Notably, ADAM17 activity is not directly involved in ACE shedding but indirectly by regulating ACE mRNA and protein levels, leading to increased ADAM10‐mediated ACE shedding. Importantly, soluble ACE generated by shedding is enzymatically active and can thereby participate in systemic RAAS functions. Taken together, our findings highlight the critical role of ADAM10 (directly) and ADAM17 (indirectly) in ACE shedding and RAAS modulation.
Association between Intraoperative Electroencephalogram Burst Suppression and Postoperative Delirium: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Park Sun-Kyung , Han Dong Woo , Chang Chul Ho , Jung Hyunjoo , Kang Hyun , Song Young
Published: October 2024

Background:

Electroencephalogram burst suppression can be associated with postoperative delirium; however, the results of relevant studies are discrepant. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between intraoperative burst suppression and postoperative delirium in adult surgical patients.

Methods:

PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched and updated in May 2023. The authors included cohort studies, case–control studies, and randomized controlled studies reporting on postoperative delirium incidence with documented intraoperative burst suppression in adults receiving general anesthesia for any surgery. The primary outcome was the pooled odds ratio for postoperative delirium in cases with intraoperative burst suppression compared to those without burst suppression, calculated using a random-effects model. Two independent investigators extracted the data. The protocol was prospectively registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration No. CRD42022326479); the results were reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results:

Fourteen studies (6,435 patients) were included in the analysis. The overall incidence of postoperative delirium was 21.1% (1,358 of 6,435). Patients with intraoperative burst suppression had a higher incidence of postoperative delirium than those without burst suppression (pooled odds ratio, 1.492; 95% CI, 1.022 to 2.178; I2 = 44%; 95% CI, 0 to 75%; τ2 = 0.110). The intraoperative duration of burst suppression was significantly longer in patients who developed postoperative delirium (standardized mean difference, 0.462; 95% CI, 0.293 to 0.632; I2 = 63%; 95% CI, 16 to 84%; τ2 = 0.027). The burst suppression ratio was significantly higher in the delirium group (standardized mean difference, 0.150; 95% CI, 0.055 to 0.245; I2 = 0%; 95% CI, 0 to 85%; τ2 = 0.00).

Conclusions:

The meta-analysis suggests an association between intraoperative burst suppression and postoperative delirium; however, the quality of evidence was very low. The limited number of studies and substantial heterogeneity across them emphasize the need for further high-quality studies to establish a more robust conclusion.
Establishment of prognostic model for invasive ductal carcinoma with distant metastasis within the triple-negative breast cancer: a SEER population-based study
Authors: Yang Minghao , Wang Chunxi , Ouyang Lu , Zhang Haowen , Lin Junlong
Published: October 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a complex and diverse group of malignancies. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the predominant pathological subtype and is closely linked to the ominous potential for distant metastasis, a pivotal factor that significantly influences patient outcomes. In light of these considerations, the present study was conceived with the objective of developing a nomogram model. This model was designed to predict the prognosis observed in IDC with distant metastasis in TNBC. This was a retrospective study based on the SEER database. Data of 9739 IDC-TNBC patients diagnosed from 2010 to 2020 were included in our study. Independent risk factors were screened by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses successively, which were used to develop a nomogram model predicting for prognosis. Cox multivariable analysis showed statistical significance in bone metastasis, liver metastasis, surgery, and chemotherapy. Incorporating statistically significant variables, as well as clinically significant age, lung metastasis, and brain metastasis into the construction of the prediction model, the C-indexes of the training group and validation group were 0.702 (0.663–0.741) and 0.667 (0.600–0.734), respectively, while the calibration curves were all close to the ideal 45° reference line, and decision curve analysis curves show excellent net benefit in the predictive model. The prognostic prediction model developed in this study demonstrated enhanced predictive accuracy, enabling a more precise evaluation of mortality risks associated with IDC with distant metastasis in TNBC.
A time-dependent bidirectional association between folate and lung cancer deaths among a national cohort
Authors: Odion Blessing E. , Cowan Logan , Yu Lili , Zhang Jian
Published: October 2024

The relationship between folate and the risk of cancer remains undetermined partially due to the dynamic changes in folate intakes at the population level caused by folic acid fortification implemented in the USA and other countries. To control for the interference from fortification, we assessed the relationship between folate and lung cancer death (LCD) risk among a national cohort established years before folic acid fortification. We followed up 14 528 adults aged 19 years or older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994) on average for 14 years. LCD’s hazard ratios were estimated by the folate levels using Cox regressions. After 192 973 person-years (py) of follow-up, 233 LCDs were recorded. The LCD rates were 1.20/1000 py, 1.14/1000 py, and 1.38/1000 py for adults with low (1st quarter), moderate (2nd and 3rd quarter), and high (4th quarter) serum folate. In the first 10 years of follow-up, the adjusted hazard ratio was 2.87 (1.30–6.37) for adults with moderate, and 1.56 (0.58–4.23) for adults with high serum folate, compared to adults with low serum folate. For adults who survived longer than 10 years of follow-up, the hazard ratios were 0.45 (0.24–0.86) and 0.37 (0.16–0.87) respectively. No association was observed between LCD risk and red blood cell folate level. With minimized interference from folic acid fortification, we detected a time-dependent bidirectional association that supports the dual effects of folate on the carcinogenesis of lung cancer.
The impact of different dietary flavonoids on the risk of coronary heart disease in cancer patients and that on the prognosis of patients with cancer and coronary heart disease
Authors: Zhu Jingjing , Xu Tao , Cao Xu , Pan Di , Yao Zhiyuan , Li Yuqi , Wang Hongmei , Han Zhengxiang
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study is to explore the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in cancer patients who consume different flavonoids, and the impact of flavonoids on the prognosis of cancer patients with CHD. We extracted dietary flavonoids data on 1454 patients diagnosed with cancer from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between the intake of flavonoids and the risk of CHD. Cox proportional hazard model was used to explore the impact of flavonoids intake on prognosis in 148 patients with cancer and CHD. Malvidin intake increased the risk of CHD by 1% [odds ratio (OR) = 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00–1.02, P < 0.05] in cancer patients, while epicatechin and isorhamnetin reduced the risk of CHD by 3% (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94–1.00, P < 0.05) and 15% (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72–1.00, P < 0.05), respectively. Adjusted by age, sex, and race, malvidin intake increased the risk of CHD in cancer patients by 1% (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02, P < 0.05), isorhamnetin decreased the risk by 15% (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72–1.00, P < 0.05), and epicatechin showed no effect on the risk of CHD (P > 0.05). No flavonoids had impact on the prognosis of patients with cancer and CHD (P > 0.05). For patients with cancer, consuming malvidin increases the risk of CHD, while isorhamnetin reduces the risk. Consuming flavonoids has no impact on the prognosis of patients with cancer and CHD.
Beyond the Local Effect: An Examination of Cardiovascular and Other Systemic Complications of Ophthalmologic Drugs
Authors: Khan Rida S. , Frishman William H.
Published: October 2024

Ophthalmologic drugs may be delivered to the eye via a number of ways, including topical drops and gels, intraocular injections, and parenteral or oral administration. The inadvertent systemic absorption of these drugs may lead to a myriad of side effects, ranging from benign cosmetic changes to potentially fatal cardiovascular complications. Historically, glaucoma treatment, including β-blockers and α-agonists, have been particularly examined for such events. However, recent studies suggest that the systemic absorption of many drugs commonly used in ophthalmology may lead to acute and serious secondary reactions. The following review examines ocular drugs delivered through various pathways, the mechanisms by which they may be systemically absorbed, and the potential adverse events that may ensue.
Associations of seasonally available global positioning systems-derived walkability and objectively measured sleep in the Nurses’ Health Study 3 Mobile Health Substudy
Authors: Hu Cindy R. , Wilt Grete E. , Roscoe Charlotte , Iyer Hari S. , Kessler William H. , Laden Francine , Chavarro Jorge E. , Coull Brent , Redline Susan , James Peter , Hart Jaime E.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Sleep is influenced by the environments that we experience while awake and while asleep. Neighborhood walkability has been linked with chronic disease and lifestyle factors, such as physical activity; however, evidence for the association between walkability and sleep is mixed. Extant studies assign walkability based on residential addresses, which does not account for mobility. We examined the association between walkability and sleep in the Nurses’ Health Study 3 (NHS3) Mobile Health Substudy (MHS).

Methods:

From 2018 to 2020, individuals in the United States-based NHS3 prospective cohort participated in the MHS, in which minute-level global positioning systems (GPS) data and objective sleep duration and efficiency measures were collected via a custom smartphone application and Fitbit, respectively, for four 7-day periods across a year to capture seasonal variability. Census tract walkability was calculated by summing z-scores of population density (2015–2019 American Community Survey), business density (2018 Infogroup), and intersection density (2018 TIGER/Line road shapefiles). We ran generalized additive mixed models with penalized splines to estimate the association between walkability and sleep, adjusting for individual-level covariates as well as GPS-based exposure to environmental and contextual factors.

Results:

The average main sleep period duration was 7.9 hours and the mean sleep efficiency was 93%. For both sleep duration and sleep efficiency, we did not observe an association with daily average walkability exposure.

Conclusion:

In this study of women across the United States, we found that daily GPS-based neighborhood walkability exposure during wake time was not associated with objective wearable-derived sleep duration or sleep efficiency.
Comparative Analysis of Anticoagulation Versus Combination Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Presenting With Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Dakroub Ali , Beaini Hadi , Kibbi Ramzi , Moumneh Mohamad B. , Halablab Saleem M. , Dankar Razan , Adra Nour , Rizk Chantal , Barada Kassem , Refaat Marwan
Published: October 2024

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) taking antithrombotic (AT) therapy are at an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). The comparative effect of a combination of anticoagulant (AC) and antiplatelet (AP) versus AC monotherapy on clinical outcomes in patients with AF presenting with GIB is not well characterized. This study compares outcomes in AF patients with GIB on AC alone with those on combination AP and AC therapy, as part of a larger prospective study from 2013 to 2023. One hundred and thirty-seven patients diagnosed with AF who presented with overt GIB were evaluated during their hospitalization, at 1 month and 1 year postdischarge and then annually. The median follow-up of patients was 57 months. Patients in the combination AP + AC therapy group had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and coronary/vascular stent placement compared with the AC monotherapy group. No statistically significant differences were noted between the 2 groups in terms of end-of-follow-up mortality, in-hospital mortality, major bleeding, rebleeding, and length of hospital stay. Cox regression analysis revealed chronic kidney disease [hazard ratio (HR) 2.05, 95% confidence interval (1.04–4.05) (P = 0.038)] and warfarin use [HR 4.94, 95% confidence interval (1.11–22.09) (P = 0.037)] to be independent predictors of mortality at 12 months. Antithrombotic therapy in patients with AF who experience GIB should be mainly directed by their cardiovascular needs. Health care providers may explore non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants as alternatives to warfarin for AF patients at risk of GIB, and efforts must be maximized to prevent bleeding in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Ablation options for sub-epicardially located ventricular substrates responsible for ventricular tachycardia: where is it all headed?
Authors: Sperling Jason S. , Santangeli Pasquale
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review

Patients with nonischemic and ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM and ICM) exhibit re-entrant tachycardias related to scar tissue in subepicardial, in addition to typical subendocardial locations. Control of ventricular arrhythmias related to these targets has remained elusive despite advances in mapping and ablation technology.

Recent findings

Percutaneous epicardial ablation is the standard after failed endocardial ventricular ablation, but recurrence rates are disappointing. Pulsed-field energy has been associated with coronary artery spasm and therefore may be less suitable for epicardial ablation. Commercially available energy sources, including pulsed-field, have limited depths of myocardial penetration when applied epicardially. Lateral volumetric thermal spreading of ablation injury is associated with decreasing depth of ablation and is difficult to control. A new cryoablation technology based on liquid helium and developed specifically for epicardial work may be able to overcome these limitations.

Ablation strategies that can improve lesion formation in subepicardial ventricular myocardium may improve outcomes of ablation in nonsubendocardial NICM and ICM targets.
Beyond the Agatston calcium score: role of calcium density and other calcified plaque markers for cardiovascular disease prediction
Authors: Razavi Alexander C. , Whelton Seamus P. , Blumenthal Roger S. , Blaha Michael J. , Dzaye Omar
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review

To review the current evidence and highlight future strategies regarding consideration of coronary artery calcium (CAC) density in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification.

Recent findings

Expressed as the product of plaque area and a peak calcium density weighting factor, the Agatston method is the gold-standard for measuring CAC on noncontrast cardiac computed tomography. Over the last decade, observational data have suggested that calcium density is inversely associated with CVD events and confers additional prognostic information independent of traditional risk factors and Agatston CAC scores. Specific density measures have been assessed including peak calcium density, mean CAC density, and CAC area-density discordance. Beyond calcium density, the number of affected arteries and regional distribution of CAC which may be correlated with CAC density have also improved the predictive utility of the Agatston score.

Calcium density is inversely associated with CVD risk after considering plaque area and/or volume. Calcium markers including density, vessel involvement, and regional distribution confer additional prognostic information for the prediction of incident CVD among those with prevalent subclinical atherosclerosis. A future area of study includes calcium radiomics (’calcium-omics’) and whether the artificial intelligence-derived automated measurement of calcium markers beyond the Agatston score may be of value in CVD risk stratification among individuals with early to advanced subclinical atherosclerosis.
Application of Subretinal Balanced Salt Solution Injection: A Novel technique in treating Severe idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane
Authors: Luan Rong , Liu Boshi , Cai Bincui , Gong Yi , Li Xiaorong
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

To describe a novel surgical approach for treating patients diagnosed with severe idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERM) featuring ectopic intrafoveal layers (EIFL).

Method:

A retrospective, interventional case series was conducted involving eight cases of iERM with EIFL. The technique involved a 27-gauge vitrectomy, removal of all vitreous adhesions, and injection of approximately 100μl sub-retinal balanced salt solution (BSS) using a 41-gauge subretinal needle, creating 3-4 localized bleb-like elevations around the folded retina to loosen it.

Results:

Vision improved significantly from a preoperative mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) LogMAR of 0.72 (20/105) to 0.46 (20/58) at 1 week, 0.29 (20/40) (P = 0.016) at 1 month, and 0.28 (20/38) (P = 0.031) at the last follow-up. Central macular thickness (CMT) improved from a preoperative mean of 567.5 µm to 395.5 µm (P < 0.001) at 1 week, 377.38 µm (P < 0.001) at 1 month, and 381.50 µm (P < 0.001) at the last follow-up. No significant complications were observed.

Conclusion:

The novel technique combining vitrectomy with subretinal BSS injection has demonstrated significant visual and anatomical efficacy in treating severe iERM. This approach can rapidly enhance BCVA and downgrad the EIFL Stage. Both anatomical and functional success can be achieved in this small series.
Corneal hypersensitivity to cold stimuli in symptomatic computer users
Authors: Talens-Estarelles Cristian , Golebiowski Blanka , Ehrmann Klaus , García-Lázaro Santiago , Cerviño Alejandro , Stapleton Fiona
Published: October 2024

SIGNIFICANCE

Prolonged computer use may result in repeated stimulation of the ocular surface due to ocular dryness, potentially leading to alterations in its sensitivity.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between ocular symptoms and corneal sensitivity to cold and mechanical stimuli in computer users.

METHODS

Fifty-two young (31 ± 6 years), frequent computer users, including symptomatic and asymptomatic users, participated in this study. Mechanical and cold sensation thresholds were determined at the central cornea of one randomly selected eye of each participant using the UNSW Liquid Jet Aesthesiometer. Ocular surface symptoms and digital eye strain were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index, Ocular Comfort Index, Instant Ocular Symptom Survey, and Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q). Associations between central corneal sensation thresholds and demographic variables, patterns of digital device use, and symptom scores were analyzed using Pearson (r) or Spearman (ρ) correlations and linear regression models.

RESULTS

Age (ρ = 0.24), CVS-Q score (ρ = −0.33), CVS-Q dry eye score (ρ = −0.28), and mechanical sensation threshold (ρ = 0.63) were significantly associated with cold sensation threshold (p≤0.04). Conversely, there were no significant relationships with Ocular Surface Disease Index, Ocular Comfort Index, or Instant Ocular Symptom Survey or with other demographic variables (p≥0.34). In multiple linear regression models, age and mechanical sensation threshold were significant predictors of cold sensitivity (p=0.04 and p<0.001, respectively) (adjusted R
2 = 0.459). There were no significant correlations between mechanical sensitivity and symptom scores (p≥0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms of digital eye strain, particularly those related to dry eye, were associated with higher corneal cold sensitivity. Corneal hypersensitivity to cold stimuli as a marker of ocular discomfort during computer use requires further investigation.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Variants and Some Pitfalls That They Create
Authors: Ibrahim Ammoura , Montgomery Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2024

The diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is generally straightforward using a combination of histologic evaluation and pertinent immunohistochemical staining with CD117/kit and DOG-1 (discovered on GIST) antibodies. However, this tumor can be challenging in cases with an unusual morphology, in limited biopsies, for those in uncommon sites, post-treatment, and when other neoplasms express CD117/kit and DOG-1, thereby mimicking GIST. Finding epithelioid GISTs in the stomach in younger patients should prompt testing for succinate dehydrogenase (SHD)-deficiency using immunohistochemical staining for subunit B (SDHB). However, SDH-deficient GISTs can also arise in older patients, or as part of the Carney triad or Carney-Stratakis syndrome. GISTs with PDGFRA mutations can also prove difficult if they lack kit expression. It is also important to consider morphologic and immunophenotypic changes associated with treatment, including the potential absence of kit expression, particularly in GISTs that have metastasized. Therefore, obtaining clinical information regarding prior therapy with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) is crucial.
The missing link: How is the phantom limb influenced by prosthesis wearing in people with lower-limb amputation?
Authors: Bachini Lisa , Mahé Claire , Touillet Amélie , Loiret Isabelle , Mesure Serge , Bonillo Isabelle , Paysant Jean , De Graaf Jozina B.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Recent therapeutic and technological solutions aim to improve the daily living of people with limb amputation by considering various aspects of the phantom limb, in particular painless phantom sensations (PS) and voluntary phantom movements (VPM).

Objective:

Although previous research has explored these phenomena mostly without considering the prosthesis, this study investigates the influence of prosthesis wearing on painless PS, painful PS, and VPM, in people with lower-limb amputation.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study based on semi-directed interviews.

Methods:

Semi-directed interviews were conducted with 111 people with major lower-limb amputations. They described their phantom limb without and with the prosthesis, in a static seated position. The influence of the prosthesis wearing on the intensity of painless PS, painful PS, and on VPM ability was classified into 5 categories: disappearance, decrease, modification, increase, and appearance.

Results:

Prosthesis wearing leads mostly to an increase of painless PS intensity (44%), a decrease of painful PS intensity (44%), and an improvement of VPM ability (47%). The study also highlights the richness of prosthesis-related changes, including modifications in phantom limb position, shape, and size. The influence of prosthesis wearing on phantom phenomena was not related to the presence of referred sensations, the amputation etiology, the level of amputation, the time since amputation, or the use of medication, but might be related to the pressure applied by the socket on the residual limb.

Conclusions:

This study provides valuable information on the influence of the prosthesis on PS and may allow for better consideration of this relationship in the context of research, engineering, and rehabilitation.
Distinct Cognitive Trajectories According to Amyloid Positivity in Non-Alzheimer Disease Dementias
Authors: Jang Hyemin , Chun Min Young , Yun Jihwan , Kim Jun Pyo , Kang Sung Hoon , Kim Hee Jin , Na Duk L. , Lee Eun Hye , Shin Daeun , Ham Hongki , Gu Yuna , Kim Chi-Hun , Woo Sook-Young , Seo Sang Won ,   On Behalf of the K-ROAD Study Groups
Published: October 2024

Background

The clinical effects of β-amyloid positivity (Aβ+) on copathologies in various dementias remain relatively underexamined. Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and clinical effects of Aβ+ in subcortical vascular cognitive impairment (SVCI) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Patients and Methods

We enrolled SVCI (n = 583), FTD (n = 152), and cognitively unimpaired (CU) participants (n = 1,249) who underwent Aβ PET scans. The odds of having Aβ+ were subsequently compared among the diagnostic groups (CU, SVCI, and FTD) according to age and apolipoprotein E genotype. Additionally, a linear mixed-effects model was used to investigate the effects of Aβ+ on cognitive trajectories in SVCI and FTD.

Results

Compared with CU, the SVCI group had a higher prevalence of Aβ+ in the 75 to 90 years age group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.36–2.85; P < 0.001), as well as within the apolipoprotein E ε3/ε3 group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.20–2.63; P = 0.001), whereas the FTD group showed no difference in Aβ+ prevalence. Aβ+ was associated with a worse cognitive trajectory in SVCI (adjusted β-coefficient = −0.6424; P < 0.001), but not in FTD.

Conclusions

These findings contribute to our understanding of Aβ biomarker traits in various dementias in Korea.
Post-TACE FDG Accumulation in HCC Surrounding the Liver Parenchyma
Authors: Abe Mirei , Toyama Yoshitaka , Sano Akitoshi , Takanami Kentaro , Takase Kei
Published: October 2024

An 80-year-old patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) underwent an 18F-FDG PET/CT scan owing to suspected lumbar metastasis identified via a CT scan performed during transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) 2 weeks earlier. The PET scan revealed segmental high uptake in the HCC and surrounding liver parenchyma, where lipiodol deposited during TACE had mostly washed out. The segmental uptake was attributed to TACE-induced inflammatory changes in the liver parenchyma around the HCC, confirmed by reduced uptake in a follow-up 18F-FDG PET/CT scan 4 months later. This highlights the need to differentiate between inflammation and viable HCC in post-TACE 18F-FDG PET/CT evaluations.
A Rare Case of Osteoid Osteoma of the Medial Cuneiform Bone at Tibialis Anterior Insertion Confirmed by Bone Scan SPECT/CT
Authors: Sahafi Pegah , Sadeghi Ramin , Mousavian Alireza
Published: October 2024

A 34-year-old man presented with progressive foot pain that was initially on the medial soft tissue but eventually localized to the medial side of midfoot. Despite undergoing various imaging tests and conservative treatments over 2 years, the patient remained undiagnosed. After 6 months, soft tissue and bone involvement were observed on the medial cuneiform. A needle biopsy was inconclusive. Since bone tumor is rare in the medial cuneiform, the patient was referred to our department for 99mTc-MDP bone scan. The imaging and clinical findings suggested osteoid osteoma as the likely diagnosis, which was confirmed as intraarticular nidus under tibialis anterior attachment, after surgical resection and pathological examination.
Solitary Peritoneal Metastasis in Case of Osteosarcoma Detected by FDG PET/CT
Authors: Subedi Ujjwal , Mahdi Raza Abbas , Mittal Bhagwant Rai , Singh Harmandeep , Kumar Rajender , Bachhal Vikas
Published: October 2024

Primary osteosarcomas predominantly originate in the metaphyseal region of long bones. The introduction of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging has revealed unusual and often rare sites of metastatic spread. Peritoneal deposits in osteosarcoma are not a commonly reported finding in the literature. The present case highlights the 18F-FDG PET/CT findings in a case of osteosarcoma of the left fibula with isolated peritoneal metastasis with no regional or distant metastases.
18F-FDG PET/CT Finding of Bilateral Breast Relapse in a Male Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patient
Authors: Yao Xilan , Wang Hongrong , Yang Jigang
Published: October 2024

Extramedullary relapse with involvement of the breasts by acute lymphoblastic leukemia is rare. Herein, we report a case of bilateral breast relapse of acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia in a man detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT. After systematic therapy, follow-up PET/CT showed a complete response of the bilateral breasts and the axillary lymph nodes.
Genotypic study of isolated resistance to isoniazid in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in  a Moroccan hospital

Authors: Amri Amine , BENAISSA Elmostafa , BENLAHLOU Yassine , BSAIBIS Fatna , MALEB Adil , CHADLI Mariama , ELOUENASS Mostafa
Published: October 2024

Introduction:
Despite the introduction 40 years ago of effective and low-cost treatment for tuberculosis, morbidity and mortality from this disease remain substantial worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 10.6 million people contracted tuberculosis, with 1.3 million deaths in 2022. The increasing number of multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis raises concerns
Materials and Methods :
This is a retrospective study conducted at the Bacteriology Department of Mohammed V Military Instruction Hospital over a period of 3 years. Data were collected via the laboratory information system. Clinical samples underwent treatment using both conventional bacteriological methods and molecular techniques. The study of resistance to major anti-tuberculosis drugs was performed using the reverse hybridization technique, specifically the HAIN method (GenoType® MTBDRplus by Hain Lifescience). Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using Excel software     
 
Results :  
 
The study involved 464 patients treated for pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis, including both new cases and those previously treated with positive cultures. The mean age of the patients was 42.2 years, with a range from 8 to 88 years. There was a predominance of males at 74%, with a sex ratio of 2.8. Pulmonary sputum samples accounted for 84.8% of the cases, whereas extrapulmonary samples representedonly15.2% , the positivity rates for direct examination and culture across all samples were74%and100%,respectively.Isoniazid resistance had a prevalence of 9% (43/464). Genetic mutations observed indicated that 63% of the clinical isolates resistant to INH had mutations in the KATG gene, while 37% had mutations in the inhA gene
Conclusion :
The increasing prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains resistant to one or more first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs necessitates regular epidemiological surveillance to limit the spread of these strains in the general population
Development and clinical evaluation of a monkeypox antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic test
Authors: Kurosawa Nobuyuki , Ozawa Tatsuhiko , Ozawa Kousei , Shimojima Masayuki , Kawahara Madoka , Kasuya Fumi , Okada Wakaba , Nagashima Mami , Sadamasu Kenji , Itamochi Masae , Tani Hideki , Morinaga Yoshitomo , Yuhara Kosuke , Okamoto Jun , Ichikawa Haruna , Kawahata Takashi , Yamazaki Tomomi , Isobe Masaharu
Published: October 2024

To address the global emergence of monkeypox after the 2022 epidemic, a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool is needed at the point of care to identify individuals infected with monkeypox virus (MPXV) to prevent and control the spread of the virus. We designed an antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic test that exclusively detects MPXV without cross-reacting with the vaccinia virus by developing monoclonal antibodies against the MPXV nuclear capsid protein A5L (MPXV-A5L). The test established a limit of detection sensitivity of 0.5 ng/mL of MPXV-A5L, with high sensitivity (87%) for clinical specimens collected from MPXV patients, a qPCR cycle threshold value ≤ 25 and 100% specificity for qPCR-negative samples. The test is an ideal rapid diagnostic tool for supporting clinical decision-making for people suspected of having MPXV infection in resource-poor settings.
Enhancing the versatility of photocrosslinkable silk fibroin using an eco-friendly solvent
Authors: Brooks Anne Katherine , Yadavalli Vamsi K.
Published: October 2024

Silk fibroin (SF), known for its biocompatibility and versatility, has been widely studied in tissue engineering and biomedical devices. The modification of silk fibroin with photoreactive groups has been used to create novel biomaterials that undergo a liquid-to-solid transition upon exposure to light, enabling precise control over structure formation, pore geometry, and degradation. This advancement of photofibroin (PF) has been shown for the biofabrication of hydrogels, 3D scaffolds, and micro-patterned surfaces suitable for biomedical applications, including tissue scaffolds and bioelectronics. Here, we present a further improvement using a water based ternary solvent of calcium chloride-ethanol-water (Ajisawa reagent (AR)), to dissolve photofibroin, offering a sustainable alternative to previously used organic solvents. PF in AR is shown to be compatible with various light-based manufacturing techniques including soft lithography, photolithography, and 3D printing, enabling the fabrication of multiscale structures with high fidelity. The gels formed demonstrate excellent cytocompatibility, supporting cell adhesion and growth without additional coatings, making them ideal for regenerative medicine. The integration of conductive polymers, such as PEDOT:PSS as a 3D printable conducting gel opens possibilities for bioelectronics. The research represents a significant step forward in employing the versatile photofibroin as a sustainable, high-performance biomaterial for diverse applications.
Engineered Age-Mimetic Breast Cancer Models Reveal Differential Drug Responses in Young and Aged Microenvironments
Authors: Yang Jun , Hawthorne Lauren , Stack Sharon , Blagg Brian , Ali Aktar , Zorlutuna Pinar
Published: October 2024

Aging is one of the most significant risk factors for breast cancer. With the growing interests in the alterations of the aging breast tissue microenvironment, it has been identified that aging is related to tumorigenesis, invasion, and drug resistance. However, current pre-clinical disease models often neglect the impact of aging and sometimes result in worse clinical outcomes. In this study, we utilized aged animal-generated materials to create and validate a novel age-mimetic breast cancer model that generates an aging microenvironment for cells and alters cells towards a phenotype found in the aged environment. Furthermore, we utilized the age-mimetic models for 3D breast cancer invasion assessment and high-throughput screening of over 700 drugs in the FDA-approved drug library. We identified 36 potential effective drug targets and 34 potential drug targets with different drug responses in different age groups, demonstrating the potential of this age-mimetic breast cancer model for further in-depth breast cancer studies and drug development.
Can artificial intelligence diagnose seizures based on patients’ descriptions? A study of GPT-4
Authors: Ford Joseph , Pevy Nathan , Grunewald Richard , Howell Steve , Reuber Markus
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Generalist large language models (LLMs) have shown diagnostic potential in various medical contexts. However, there has been little work on this topic in relation to epilepsy. This paper aims to test the performance of an LLM (OpenAI’s GPT-4) on the differential diagnosis of epileptic and functional/dissociative seizures (FDS) based on patients’ descriptions.

Methods

GPT-4 was asked to diagnose 41 cases of epilepsy (n=16) or FDS (n=25) based on transcripts of patients describing their symptoms. It was first asked to perform this task without being given any additional training examples (‘zero-shot’) before being asked to perform it having been given one, two, and three examples of each condition (one-, two, and three-shot). As a benchmark, three experienced neurologists were also asked to perform this task without access to any additional clinical information.

Results

In the zero-shot condition, GPT-4’s average balanced accuracy was 57% (κ: .15). Balanced accuracy improved in the one-shot condition (64%, κ: .27), though did not improve any further in the two-shot (62%, κ: .24) or three-shot (62%, κ: .23) conditions. Performance in all four conditions was worse than the average balanced accuracy of the experienced neurologists (71%, κ: .41).

Significance

Although its ‘raw’ performance was poor, GPT-4 showed noticeable improvement having been given just one example of a patient describing epilepsy and FDS. Giving two and three examples did not further improve performance, but more elaborate approaches (e.g. more refined prompt engineering, fine-tuning, or retrieval augmented generation) could unlock the full diagnostic potential of LLMs.
Pseudomonasintra-genus competition determines protective function of SynComs in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Amrhein Anton , Hacquard Stéphane , Heintz-Buschart Anna , Wippel Kathrin
Published: October 2024

The plant root microbiota is crucial for nutrient acquisition, development, and disease suppression. Although commensal bacteria display host preference, their beneficial impact on their cognate host and mechanisms of species selection by the plant are still unclear. We use bacterial culture collections derived from the two model speciesArabidopsis thaliana(At) andLotus japonicus(Lj) to design synthetic communities (SynComs) and test their protective function upon exposure ofAtCol-0 to the detrimental root-colonizingPseudomonasisolate R401.Lj-derived SynComs were fully protective, whereasAt-derived SynComs displayed full protective activity only towards a R401 mutant impaired in the production of inhibitory exometabolites. The protective phenotypes were associated with a reduced titer of the R401 opportunistic pathogen.In vitroantagonist assays,in plantaandin vitrobacterial community profiling, as well as strain-swapping and strain-dropout experiments revealed that competition among commensalPseudomonasstrains and R401 determines the success of the opportunist, independent of the original host or the phylogeny of the commensals. Furthermore, we determine the carbon utilization potential of these isolates, which may explain the competition with the detrimental strain and the role of host-secreted compounds. Our results provide evidence that intra-genus interactions within SynComs modulate plant health and disease, and that an individual beneficial strain can be sufficient to outcompete an opportunistic relative. This has implications for the successful development of beneficial microbial consortia for agriculture.
Temporal dynamics and readout latency in perception and iconic memory
Authors: Matić Karla , Tafech Issam , König Peter , Haynes John-Dylan
Published: October 2024

Following the offset of complex visual stimuli, rich stimulus information remains briefly available to the observer, reflecting a rapidly decaying iconic memory trace. Traditionally, iconic memory decay is assumed to begin with stimulus offset. Instead, here we found that available information begins decaying already when cues are presented in the final stage of stimulus presentation. Using closely spaced (“micro-timed”) readout cues and a theoretical model of information availability, we observed that a cue has to be presented around 10-30 milliseconds before stimulus offset in order to access the full sensory information. We suggest that this does not reflect an early loss in sensory encoding, but instead it is a consequence of a latency in the processing of the cue which postpones the readout of the sensory representation by 10-30 milliseconds. Our analysis also shows that spatial proximity of items in complex arrays impacts sensory representation during both perceptual encoding and initial memory decay. Overall, these results provide a theoretical and empirical characterization of the readout from visual representations, and offer a detailed insight into the transition from perception into iconic memory.
Empirically establishing drug exposure records directly from untargeted metabolomics data
Authors: Zhao Haoqi Nina , Kvitne Kine Eide , Brungs Corinna , Mohan Siddharth , Charron-Lamoureux Vincent , Bittremieux Wout , Tang Runbang , Schmid Robin , Lamichhane Santosh , El Abiead Yasin , Andalibi Mohammadsobhan S. , Mannochio-Russo Helena , Ambre Madison , Avalon Nicole E. , Bryant MacKenzie , Caraballo-Rodríguez Andrés Mauricio , Maya Martin Casas , Chin Loryn , Ellis Ronald J. , Franklin Donald , Girod Sagan , Gomes Paulo Wender P , Hansen Lauren , Heaton Robert , Iudicello Jennifer E. , Jarmusch Alan K. , Khatib Lora , Letendre Scott , Magyari Sarolt , McDonald Daniel , Mohanty Ipsita , Cumsille Andrés , Moore David J. , Rajkumar Prajit , Ross Dylan H. , Sapre Harshada , Shahneh Mohammad Reza Zare , Thomas Sydney P. , Tribelhorn Caitlin , Tubb Helena M. , Walker Corinn , Wang Crystal X. , Xing Shipei , Zemlin Jasmine , Zuffa Simone , Wishart David S. , Kaddurah-Daouk Rima , Wang Mingxun , Raffatellu Manuela , Zengler Karsten , Pluskal Tomáš , Xu Libin , Knight Rob , Tsunoda Shirley M. , Dorrestein Pieter C.
Published: October 2024

Despite extensive efforts, extracting information on medication exposure from clinical records remains challenging. To complement this approach, we developed the tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) based GNPS Drug Library. This resource integrates MS/MS data for drugs and their metabolites/analogs with controlled vocabularies on exposure sources, pharmacologic classes, therapeutic indications, and mechanisms of action. It enables direct analysis of drug exposure and metabolism from untargeted metabolomics data independent of clinical records. Our library facilitates stratification of individuals in clinical studies based on the empirically detected medications, exemplified by drug-dependent microbiota-derivedN-acyl lipid changes in a cohort with human immunodeficiency virus. The GNPS Drug Library holds potential for broader applications in drug discovery and precision medicine.