bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-world efficacy and safety of combined first-line treatment with PARP inhibitors and novel hormonal therapy in mCRPC patients with HRR gene mutations
Authors: Guo Andong , Wu Chenrui , Cao Jishuang , Zhu Kejia , Ding Sentai
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study evaluated the real-world efficacy and safety of combining PARP inhibitors with novel hormonal therapy (NHT) as a first-line treatment in Chinese patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) harboring homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene mutations.

Methods

We enrolled 41 mCRPC patients who received at least 1 month of combined treatment with PARP inhibitors and NHT. Patients were divided into two groups: Cohort A (mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, or ATM genes) and Cohort B (mutations in other HRR genes). The primary endpoint was imaging-based progression-free survival (PFS), with secondary endpoints including objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), PSA50 response, and adverse events (AEs). To ensure accurate research results and control confounding factors, we will employ multivariate Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate key variables affecting mCRPC patient survival outcomes.

Results

This study enrolled 41 patients, 22 in Cohort A and 19 in Cohort B. The median PFS for all patients was 21.8 months, and the median OS had yet to be reached. The overall ORR was 48.8%, and the DCR was 61.0%. Specifically, the median PFS for Cohort A was 21.8 months compared to 14.5 months for Cohort B. The median OS had yet to be reached for either cohort. Regarding efficacy, 81.8% of patients in Cohort A and 73.7% in Cohort B achieved a PSA50 response. Imaging assessments showed ORRs of 54.6% for Cohort A and 42.1% for Cohort B, with DCRs of 72.7% and 47.4%, respectively. 85.4% of patients experienced grade 1 or 2 adverse events, and 51.2% encountered grade 3 or 4. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis focusing on PFS, the Gleason score was identified as a significant predictor (HR = 5.8, 95% CI: 1.65–20.2, p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Combined first-line treatment with PARP inhibitors and NHT is effective and well-tolerated in mCRPC patients with HRR gene mutations, particularly those with BRCA1, BRCA2, or ATM mutations. These findings underscore the potential of this therapeutic combination in managing mCRPC in the Chinese population, suggesting a favorable outcome for those with specific genetic backgrounds.
Preparing patient navigators and assessing the impact of patient navigation in promoting cervical cancer screening uptake, knowledge, awareness, intention, and health beliefs: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mboineki Joanes Faustine , Chen Changying
Published: December 2024

Aim

There are limited studies in Tanzania concerning the modality of preparing patient navigators and the influence of patient navigation strategies on cervical cancer screening. This protocol describes the preparation of patient navigators and assesses the impact of a patient navigation strategy on promoting cervical cancer screening uptake, knowledge, awareness, intention, and health beliefs.

Design

This is a protocol for a community-based randomized controlled trial.

Methods

The method is categorized into two phases. (1) Preparing patient navigators, which will involve the training of five patient navigators guided by a validated training manual. The training will be conducted over three consecutive days, covering the basic concepts of cervical cancer screening and guiding navigators on how to implement a patient navigation strategy in the communities. (2) Delivering a patient navigation intervention to community women (COMW) which will involve health education, screening appointments, navigation services, and counseling. The study will recruit 202 COMW who will be randomized 1:1 by computer-based blocks to either the patient navigation intervention group or the control group.

Public contribution

The study will prove that the trained patient navigators are easily accessible and offer timely and culturally acceptable services to promote cervical cancer screening uptake in communities.
Hypoxia reconstructed colorectal tumor microenvironment weakening anti-tumor immunity: construction of a new prognosis predicting model through transcriptome analysis
Authors: Zhang Ruizhi , Gao Yisong , Li Chong , Tao Ruikang , Mao Gan , Song Tianyu , Nie Wenxiang , Liu Suao , Tao Kaixiong , Li Wei
Published: December 2024

Background

Hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in the progression and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, effective methods for assessing TME hypoxia remain lacking. This study aims to develop a novel hypoxia-related prognostic score (HPS) based on hypoxia-associated genes to improve CRC prognostication and inform treatment strategies.

Methods

Transcriptomic data from CRC patients were analyzed using Lasso regression to identify hypoxia-associated genes with the strongest prognostic significance. The identified genes were validated in vitro by assessing their expression under normoxic and hypoxic conditions in normal intestinal epithelial cells and CRC tumor cell lines. Functional relevance was explored through differential gene expression analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. The association of HPS with extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, immune cell infiltration, and immune suppression was also investigated.

Results

Seven hypoxia-associated signature genes were identified, each demonstrating a strong correlation with CRC prognosis. The hypoxia-related prognostic score (HPS), derived from these genes, was significantly linked to changes in the TME. Specifically, HPS values were associated with alterations in ECM composition and distinct immune cell infiltration patterns. Higher HPS values corresponded to increased infiltration of immune-suppressive cells and reduced presence of anti-tumor immune cells. This imbalance promoted an immune-suppressive TME, facilitating tumor progression and immune evasion.

Conclusions

The hypoxia-related prognostic score (HPS) captures the regulatory influence of TME hypoxia on immune responses, offering valuable insights into its role in tumor progression. HPS holds promise as a prognostic tool and a guide for developing personalized treatment strategies in CRC.
Effects of PGK1 on immunoinfiltration by integrated single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing analysis in sepsis
Authors: Liu Yu , Li Weijie , Lei Lei , Zhou Yaoliang , Huang Mingcheng , Li Yide , Zhang Xiaoying , Jiang Yingyu , Wu Haiqi , Zheng Zhihua , Ma Kongyang , Tang Chun
Published: December 2024

Background

Sepsis, a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated immune response to infection, remains a significant global health challenge. Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) has been implicated in regulating inflammation and immune cell infiltration in inflammatory conditions. However, the role of PGK1 in sepsis remains largely unexplored.

Methods

Four microarray datasets and a high throughput sequencing dataset were acquired from GEO database to reveal the PGK1 expression in patients of sepsis. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting was then used to validate the PGK1 level. Additionally, microarray and single-cell RNA sequencing data integration, including gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), KEGG and GO functional enrichment analysis, immune infiltration analysis, and single-cell sequencing analysis, were performed to elucidate the role of PGK1 in sepsis.

Results

Our results revealed a significant upregulation of PGK1 in sepsis patients, with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) exceeding 0.9 across multiple datasets, indicating PGK1’s strong potential as a diagnostic biomarker. Notably, PGK1 was enriched in key immune-related pathways, including the TNF signaling pathways, and leukocyte transendothelial migration, suggesting its involvement in immune regulation. Furthermore, PGK1 expression showed a positive correlation with the levels of inflammatory mediators CXCL1, CXCL16, and the chemokine receptor CCR1. In terms of immune cell infiltration, PGK1 was positively correlated with naive B cells, resting memory CD4 T cell, gamma delta T cells, M0 macrophages, eosinophils and negatively correlated with plasma cells, CD8 T cells, activated memory CD4 T cell, Tregs, activated dendritic cells.

Conclusions

This study concluded that PGK1 served as a novel diagnostic biomarker for sepsis, with potential implications for prognosis and immune regulation. The significant upregulation of PGK1 in sepsis patients and its association with immune-related pathways and cell types highlight its potential role in the pathogenesis of sepsis.
Mid-term follow-up results of neoadjuvant sintilimab combined with chemotherapy for locally advanced resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cai Haibo , Chen Liji , Huang Junjun , Ma Hongmei , Zhang Shifa , Zhong Kaize , Yang Dongbao , Sun Jiuhe , Liu Hongfeng , Song Ru
Published: December 2024

Background

The study was conducted in order to investigate whether neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy can bring survival benefits to patients with locally advanced resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in the real world.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed patients with locally advanced resectable ESCC who underwent surgery at the Jining First People’s Hospital from April 2020 to April 2022. Based on their medical history, the enrolled patients were divided into a neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy plus surgery group (nICT group) and a surgery-only group (S group). Primary endpoints were the two-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates. Secondary endpoints were the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer, and compared the surgery and postoperative outcomes between the two groups.

Results

A total of 47 patients in the nICT group and 73 patients in the S group were included for further analysis, the stage of the nICT group was more advanced than that of the S group. In the group nICT, 8 patients (17%) achieved the complete pathological response (pCR), 29 patients (61.7%) achieved major pathological response (MPR), including 6 patients (12.8%) with a primary tumor achieving pCR but had residual tumor cells in the lymph nodes (pT0N+), and the treatment-related AES was manageable. The surgery and postoperative outcomes were comparable in both groups. The two-year OS and DFS rates for the nICT group were 91.5% and 85.5% respectively, while those for the S group were 71.2% and 68.5%, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and log-rank test revealed significant differences in DFS and OS between the two groups. Patients who achieved MPR in the nICT group showed better DFS and OS, while the Three-cycle subgroup did not exhibit any survival benefit compared to the Two-cycle subgroup.

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant sintilimab combined with chemotherapy has promising efficacy and safety in the treatment of locally advanced resectable ESCC. The treatment modality has the potential to become a standard therapy for locally advanced resectable ESCC.
Challenging granulomatous differential diagnosis of CNS lesions in a 75-year-old patient with indolent lymphoma
Authors: Thurner Lorenz , Melivadze Ketevani , Matschke Jakob , Topalidis Theodoros , Bachhuber Armin , Speicher Tilman , Rosar Florian , Reischl Udo , Tränkenschuh Wolfgang , Friesenhahn-Ochs Bettina , Fries Peter , Becker Sören L. , Fleser Octavian
Published: December 2024

We report here on a patient with concomitant indolent lymphoma who showed a rapid progressive deterioration of his general condition and emerging neurological symptoms. The combination of severe B symptoms with hypermetabolic involvement of the adrenal glands and multiple central nervous system (CNS) lesions initially suggested a malignant disease. However, when the patient presented to us with biopsy results from one of the CNS lesions, the biopsy revealed granulomatous inflammation but no evidence of malignancy. This case illustrates the difficulties and challenges of diagnosing in a timely manner Histoplasma capsulatum, an ultra rare infectious disease in Europe.
The pan-cancer landscape of aldo-keto reductase1B10 reveals that its expression is diminished in gastric cancer
Authors: Wu Anqi , Li Hao , Gao Mengnan , Liang Juan , Huang Jiaqi , Farrés Jaume , Cao Deliang , Li Guoqing
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Aldo-keto reductase 1B10 (AKR1B10) is a multifunctional enzyme, which is important in cancer development and progression, but the landscape of AKR1B10 in pan-cancers and in tumor microenvironment is unclear.

Method

This study integrated the sequencing data of 33 cancer types, including gastric cancer, from TCGA project to explored the expression pattern and genetic and epigenetic alterations of AKR1B10. The association of AKR1B10 expression with clinical progression of cancers was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis; the potential role of AKR1B10 in tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune-related gene expression were analyzed by PURITY, ESTIMATE, TIMER and CIBERSORT algorithms. The expression of AKR1B10 and immune cell markers in gastric cancer were evaluated with multiplex immunofluorescence staining.

Result

Results indicated that AKR1B10 was highly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract in health donors, but the expression of AKR1B10 was significantly changed in most of cancer types, which may be ascribed to DNA methylation in its promoter. The AKR1B10 expression in cancers and its value in disease progression was bidirectional and functionally enriched in metabolism in pan-cancers. In tumor microenvironment, AKR1B10 was significantly correlated with immune cell infiltrations and immune gene expression. In the stomach, along with the diminishing of AKR1B10 expression, CD68+ macrophage increased and CD19+ B cell decreased in gastric cancer.

Discussion

These data indicates that AKR1B10 may be an important factor in the development and progression and a potential therapeutic target for multiple cancers, but plays as a protector in the gastric tissues.
Cytokine profiling reveals HLA-linked Th2 and Th17 driven immune activation in pemphigus vulgaris patients and genetically susceptible healthy controls
Authors: Schwartz Rebekah R. , Seiffert-Sinha Kristina , Sinha Animesh A.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Cytokines and chemokines direct the inflammatory response and may serve as markers of immune dysregulation in Pemphigus vulgaris (PV), an autoimmune blistering skin disorder. Previous studies on limited numbers of patients and cytokine profiles in PV have produced equivocal results regarding the role these mediators play in disease.

Methods

In this study, we interrogated serum samples from 116 PV patients and 29 healthy controls by multiplexed bead array assays across a comprehensive set of cytokines and chemokines covering several functional categories, including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, TNFα, IFNγ, MCP-1, and Eotaxin.

Results

We found that patients with PV generally display an activated cytokine and chemokine immune response compared to controls, but also show remarkable interindividual heterogeneity in terms of cytokine levels, with a limited activation of different T helper cell pathways in different patients. Surprisingly, we also found that healthy individuals that carry the PV susceptibility alleles HLA DR4 (DRB1*0402) and/or DR6 (DQB1*0503) (HLA-matched controls) show an upregulation of cytokine and chemokine levels that are on par with those seen in PV patients for certain pro-inflammatory, Th2, and Th17 mediators and IL-8, while healthy controls that did not carry the PV susceptibility alleles (HLA-unmatched controls) express significantly lower levels of these cytokines and chemokines.

Discussion

Our data suggest the existence of a limited immune activation linked to the presence of key PV associated HLA alleles regardless of disease status. Interestingly, the cytokines IL-10 and IL-15 were found to be significantly downregulated in the HLA-matched control group, suggesting the presence of a possible counter-regulatory function in genetically susceptible but disease-free individuals.
Metabolism: a potential regulator of neutrophil fate
Authors: Yipeng Zhou , Chao Cao , Ranran Li , Tingting Pan , Hongping Qu
Published: December 2024

Neutrophils are essential components of the innate immune system that defend against the invading pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as having regulatory roles in various conditions, including tissue repair, cancer immunity, and inflammation modulation. The function of neutrophils is strongly related to their mode of cell death, as different types of cell death involve various cellular and molecular alterations. Apoptosis, a non-inflammatory and programmed type of cell death, is the most common in neutrophils, while other modes of cell death, including NETOsis, necrosis, necroptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, have specific roles in neutrophil function regulation. Immunometabolism refers to energy and substance metabolism in immune cells, and profoundly influences immune cell fate and immune system function. Intercellular and intracellular signal transduction modulate neutrophil metabolism, which can, in turn, alter their activities by influencing various cell signaling pathways. In this review, we compile an extensive body of evidence demonstrating the role of neutrophil metabolism in their various forms of cell death. The review highlights the intricate metabolic characteristics of neutrophils and their interplay with various types of cell death.
Integrative multi-omics analysis reveals a novel subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma with biological and clinical relevance
Authors: Li Shizhou , Lin Yan , Gao Xing , Zeng Dandan , Cen Weijie , Su Yuejiao , Su Jingting , Zeng Can , Huang Zhenbo , Zeng Haoyu , Huang Shilin , Tang Minchao , Li Xiaoqing , Luo Min , Huang Zhihu , Liang Rong , Ye Jiazhou
Published: December 2024

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous tumor, and the development of accurate predictive models for prognosis and drug sensitivity remains challenging.

Methods

We integrated laboratory data and public cohorts to conduct a multi-omics analysis of HCC, which included bulk RNA sequencing, proteomic analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), spatial transcriptomics sequencing (ST-seq), and genome sequencing. We constructed a tumor purity (TP) and tumor microenvironment (TME) prognostic risk model. Proteomic analysis validated the TP-TME-related signatures. Joint analysis of scRNA-seq and ST-seq revealed characteristic clusters associated with TP high-risk subtypes, and immunohistochemistry confirmed the expression of key genes. We conducted functional enrichment analysis, transcription factor activity inference, cell-cell interaction, drug efficacy analysis, and mutation information analysis to identify a novel subtype of HCC.

Results

Our analyses constructed a robust HCC prognostic risk prediction model. The patients with TP-TME high-risk subtypes predominantly exhibit hypoxia and activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin, Notch, and TGF-beta signaling pathways. Furthermore, we identified a novel subtype, XPO1+Epithelial. This subtype expresses signatures of the TP risk subtype and aligns with the biological behavior of high-risk patients. Additional analyses revealed that XPO1+Epithelial is influenced primarily by fibroblasts via ligand-receptor interactions, such as FN1-(ITGAV+ITGB1), and constitute a significant component of the TP-TME subtype. Moreover, XPO1+Epithelial interact with monocytes/macrophages, T/NK cells, and endothelial cells through ligand-receptor pairs, including MIF-(CD74+CXCR4), MIF-(CD74+CD44), and VEGFA-VEGFR1R2, respectively, thereby promoting the recruitment of immune-suppressive cells and angiogenesis. The ST-seq cohort treated with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) and Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1) presented elevated levels of TP and TME risk subtype signature genes, as well as XPO1+Epithelial, T-cell, and endothelial cell infiltration in the treatment response group. Drug sensitivity analyses indicated that TP-TME high-risk subtypes, including sorafenib and pembrolizumab, were associated with sensitivity to multiple drugs. Further exploratory analyses revealed that CTLA4, PDCD1, and the cancer antigens MSLN, MUC1, EPCAM, and PROM1 presented significantly increase expression levels in the high-risk subtype group.

Conclusions

This study constructed a robust prognostic model for HCC and identified novel subgroups at the single-cell level, potentially assisting in the assessment of prognostic risk for HCC patients and facilitating personalized drug therapy.
Resumptive pronouns and code-switched A-bar dependencies: investigating the effects of optimization strategies in Egyptian Arabic/English bilinguals
Authors: Sedarous Yourdanis , Baptista Marlyse
Published: December 2024

In this paper we investigate bilinguals' sensitivity to two structures that display overlapping word orders across their two languages but are argued to have different derivational properties in their formation. We focus on filler-gap dependencies with and without resumptive pronouns in Egyptian Arabic, a language argued to have grammatical resumptive pronouns base generated at the tail end of nominal A-bar dependencies, and English, a language argued to have intrusive resumptive pronouns inserted post-syntactically due to illicit movement operations, such as in syntactic islands. Using experimental data from code-switched filler-gap dependencies, we argue that when given conflicting requirements of structural well-formedness, this population of bilinguals converge on a single structural representation across their two languages, resulting in a one-to-one mapping between derivational properties and surface form rather than maintaining two distinct representations resulting in a many-to-one mapping. To explain why bilinguals may have chosen to converge onto a unified structure rather than maintaining two distinct representations, we highlight that such one-on-one mapping is part of an arsenal of optimization strategies observable in the grammars of various bilingual populations in which bilinguals capitalize on the structural overlaps already present between their two languages. For the purpose of this paper, such optimization results in a structure that is ultimately common to both English and Egyptian Arabic, for this population of bilinguals.
AB-LSTM: a mesoscale eddy feature prediction method based on an improved Conv-LSTM model
Authors: Ma Xiaodong , Zhang Lei , Xu Weishuai , Li Maolin
Published: December 2024

Mesoscale eddies are the most important mesoscale phenomena in the oceans, and determining how to predict their spatial and temporal characteristics is a very challenging task. Most previous studies focused on the accuracy of full-domain prediction and ignored the accuracy of single-eddy prediction. To solve this problem, in this paper, we first apply multi-year sea surface height data to produce a spatiotemporal sequence sample dataset with a bidirectional prediction mechanism. Then, we introduce an adversarial generative mechanism through stacked spatiotemporal prediction blocks and rely on the strong generative ability of the generative adversarial network models to construct an adversarial bidirectional long- and short-term memory model (AB-LSTM). Next, the mesoscale eddy mixing algorithm is used to extract the matching eddy pair features from the real and predicted data, and several evaluation metrics are used to conduct error analysis. The experiments yield the following results. Prediction sequence days 1–7: the root mean square error (RMSE) values are 1.97–7.70 cm, the structural similarity index (SSIM) values are >0.61, the accuracy is >54.6%, and the eddy centre distance error is 6.34 km. The result is 11.61 km, which is consistent with many spatiotemporal prediction models and passes the generalisation test in many different sea areas. Finally, we carry out single eddy prediction on the basis of the evaluation of the entire prediction of the sea surface height and also obtain a more satisfactory experimental effect. This method has a better prediction ability than the original spatiotemporal method and has a certain reference significance for mesoscale eddy spatiotemporal feature prediction technology and subsequent underwater reconstruction.
Self-care practices among hypertensive patients at the primary health care centers in Unaizah city, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Siam Bahia Galal Abd El-Razik , Aldakeel Hind Kaliefah , Alrasheeday Awatif M. , Alsaqri Salman H. , Alshammari Bushra , Alshammari Farhan
Published: December 2024

Background

This study assessed the self-care practices among hypertensive patients at the primary health centers in Unaizah city, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023, at all primary healthcare centers in Unaizah city. A total of 372 hypertensive patients, aged 18 and older, who had been on follow-up care for at least 6 months were randomly selected using a cluster sampling method. Data regarding socio-demographics, health history, and hypertensive self-care practices (H-SCALE) were collected using a validated questionnaire.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 41.4 ± 9.6 years. Of them, 34.1% were males and 65.9% were females. Only 14.0% were smokers, 55.9% had hypertension for less than 1 year, and 53.8% did not monitor their blood pressure. None of them was addicted to any substance or using alcohol. The most commonly associated chronic disease among the participants was hyperlipidemia (61.3%), followed by diabetes mellitus. The participants were most likely reported engaging in weight management-related self-care activities, followed by healthy diet activities, and medication adherence. The H-SCALE scores increased as the frequency of engagement in self-care activities increased. There were significant differences in H-SCALE scores based on age, gender, education level, and employment status.

Conclusion

Engaging in self-care activities is associated with better self-care behavior. Age, gender, education level, and employment status are significant predictors of hypertension self-care behaviors. Healthcare providers should educate hypertensive patients on blood pressure monitoring and integrated management of hypertension and other chronic diseases.
Negative pressure pulmonary edema: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wu Jian , Yuan Hua , Guo Zhiqiang , Feng Qiupeng , Ma Jin
Published: December 2024

Negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) is a form of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema triggered by a swift increase in negative intrapleural pressure due to upper airway obstruction and represents a potential cause of acute respiratory failure. This study documents a case of NPPE post-endotracheal extubation subsequent to general anesthesia. The patient, a young female, underwent a “laparoscopy-assisted unilateral salpingectomy” under general anesthesia for an ectopic pregnancy. Immediately post-extubation, the patient exhibited a sudden decline in oxygen saturation and tachypnea. Pink frothy secretions were suctioned from the oral and nasal cavities. Swift interventions, including oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation, diuretics, and corticosteroids, were administered. The patient’s condition was effectively managed, and after 6 days of treatment, she was discharged from the hospital following full recovery.
Psychological features of systemic sclerosis: results from an observational study
Authors: Romanazzo Sara , Rometsch Caroline , Marangoni Alessia , Guiducci Serena , Cosci Fiammetta
Published: December 2024

Objectives

(a) Assessing mental disorders, psychological distress, psychological wellbeing in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc); (b) identifying psychological features independently contributing to the status of having the diagnosis of SSc.

Methods

Two hundred SSc outpatients were compared with 100 healthy subjects. Mental disorders were assessed via the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Self-reported rating scales were administered: Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), Psychological Well Being scales (PWB). General linear models allowed to verify which psychological feature would individually make unique contributions to overall status of having the diagnosis of SSc.

Results

Major depressive episode/disorder, panic disorder were more prevalent among patients with SSc (p < 0.05); SCL-90-R somatization and depression were more severe (p < 0.05) in SSc; PWB personal growth, positive relationships with others, purposes in life were poorer (p < 0.05) in patients with SSc if compared to healthy controls. The final general linear model, accounting for 20.4% of variance, showed that having the diagnosis of SSc was associated to lower SCL-90-R paranoid ideation and poorer PWB relationships with others.

Conclusion

SSc showed to present psychological features in need of assessment since some of them individually made unique contributions to overall status of having the SSc diagnosis.
Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio associated with psoriasis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Xinyan , Li Keou , Huang Tingxuan , Tang Hongfeng
Published: December 2024

Objective

Individuals with psoriasis face significant physiological and psychological burdens, and their compliance and satisfaction with medication regimens are alarmingly low. In recent years, the comorbidity of psoriasis has become a research focus. This study aims to explore the potential correlation between psoriasis and the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR).

Methods

Data from 17,941 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning two intervals, 2003–2006 and 2009–2014, served as the foundation for this analysis. We used weighted logistic regression, stratified analysis, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve fitting to validate potential associations between NHHR and psoriasis risk.

Results

In this investigation, the analysis of three different models highlighted elevated levels of the NHHR as a consistent risk factor for psoriasis. After adjusting for potential confounders, a positive correlation was observed between NHHR and the prevalence of psoriasis (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.15, p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis and interaction tests were conducted to determine if variables such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke impact the association between NHHR and psoriasis. The findings indicated no significant modification of the NHHR-psoriasis link by these factors, as all interaction p-values were above 0.05. The RCS analysis uncovered a nonlinear relationship between psoriasis and the NHHR (p = 0.0176).

Conclusion

Statistical analysis confirms a significant correlation between the NHHR and the development of psoriasis, suggesting that NHHR may serve as a novel marker for predicting psoriasis risk. This correlation also provides insights for early health management strategies.
Conservative treatments for women with stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Li Mengzhen , Qiu Kexin , Guo Haoran , Fan Mengsi , Yan Li
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of various conservative treatment strategies for women with stress urinary incontinence.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted from their inception through March 2024, without restrictions on language or location. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of conservative treatments for stress urinary incontinence, using short-term pad test or the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) score as outcome measures, were included. We conducted a network meta-analysis using a random-effects model to compare the effectiveness of different conservative treatment strategies, employing prediction interval plots and league tables, and ranked them according to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). The quality of the included studies was assessed following the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

Results

A total of 31 RCTs involving 1,900 patients across 8 intervention categories were included in the analysis. SUCRA rankings indicated that electrical stimulation (SUCRA = 95.9%) was the most effective therapy for improving ICIQ-UI SF scores, followed by biofeedback electrical stimulation (SUCRA = 84.9%), radiofrequency (SUCRA = 77.5%), biofeedback (SUCRA = 57.8%), magnetic stimulation (SUCRA = 45.3%), pelvic floor muscle training (SUCRA = 38.4%), Er: YAG laser (SUCRA = 37.4%), and CO2 laser (SUCRA = 7.4%). In terms of reducing urine leakage, the treatments were ranked in descending order as follows: Er: YAG laser (SUCRA = 97.5%), biofeedback electrical stimulation (SUCRA = 83.4%), biofeedback (SUCRA = 67.0%), radiofrequency (SUCRA = 59.5%), electrical stimulation (SUCRA = 48.4%), pelvic floor muscle training (SUCRA = 43.0%), magnetic stimulation (SUCRA = 27.8%), and CO2 laser (SUCRA = 21.4%). Based on the clustered rankings of the two metrics, biofeedback electrical stimulation was identified as the most effective therapy for improving stress urinary incontinence.

Conclusion

Based on the combined analysis of two indicators, we found that biofeedback electrical stimulation may be the optimal therapy for the conservative management of stress urinary incontinence.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024569845.
Grey and harbor seals in France (mainland and Saint-Pierre et Miquelon): microbial communities and identification of a microbial source tracking seal marker
Authors: Godino Sanchez Alisson , Serghine Joëlle , Le Mennec Cécile , Noël Cyril , Schaeffer Julien , Goraguer Herlé , Vincent Cécile , Vitré Thomas , Le Guyader Françoise S. , Gourmelon Michèle
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Seals, protected wild marine mammals, are widely found in waters around the world. However, rising concerns about their increasing numbers in some areas have led to potential worries regarding microbiological contamination of coastal areas by their feces, which could impact bathing and shellfish-harvesting activities. To the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted on the bacterial and RNA viral communities present in the feces of both grey and harbor seals, which are the two main seal species observed in mainland France and overseas.

Methods

Fecal bacterial (n = 132) and RNA viral (n = 40) communities of seals were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon high-throughput sequencing and viral RNA sequencing methods, respectively. In addition, to identify the specific characteristics of seal fecal microbial communities compared to other animal fecal microbial communities that may also contaminate coastal areas, the bacterial communities of seals were compared to those of wild waterbirds and breeding animals (i.e., cattle and pigs) which could be present in upstream catchments of coastal areas. Finally, ANCOM was used to identify unique and seal-associated Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs), aiming to develop a Microbial Source Tracking (MST) bacterial qPCR marker associated with seals.

Results and discussion

The bacterial communities of grey and harbor seals were not found to be significantly different and were characterized by a predominance of Firmicutes, including the genera Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Peptoclostridium, followed by Fusobacteriota with the genus Fusobacterium, and Bacteroidota with the genus Bacteroides. However, variations in bacterial communities between sites and individuals were observed. Similar observations were made for the RNA viral communities being characterized by a predominance of Picobirnaviridae (44% of total reads) and Astroviridae (15%). This study successfully developed a sensitive (89.8%) and specific (97.1%) MST qPCR marker targeting grey seal-associated bacteria belonging to the Bifidobacteriaceae family. This marker can be used to identify potential fecal contamination of coastal areas by seals and complements the MST toolboxes of markers already developed for humans, wild birds and livestock.
Integrating spore trapping technology with loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for surveillance and sustainable management of rice false smut disease
Authors: Arumugam Gopalakrishnan Meena , Chellappan Gopalakrishnan , Ayyanar Kamalakannan , Ramasamy Jagadeeswaran , Santhosh Ganapati Patil , Nagaranai Karuppasamy Sathyamoorthy
Published: December 2024

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a vital crop feeding more than half of the world’s population, with production occurring predominantly in Asian countries. However, rice cultivation faces challenges from various fronts, including biotic stresses intensified by climate change. False smut, caused by Ustilaginoidea virens, has emerged as a significant threat to rice production globally. The application of curative fungicides after symptom appearance has limited scope in managing this disease since the infection process usually starts during the early flowering stage of rice crops. This study investigates the utilization of spore-trapping technology coupled with Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay for monitoring airborne U. virens inocula in rice fields. For early detection and quantification of U. virens, sampling rods coated with silicone grease were deployed to collect airborne spores, and DNA extraction was performed using a modified method. Both PCR and LAMP assays were employed for detection, with LAMP offering advantages of rapidity, sensitivity, and simplicity. The study demonstrated the superior sensitivity of LAMP compared to PCR, detecting U. virens DNA at concentrations as low as 100 femtograms. Continuous monitoring of U. virens inoculum using spore trapping revealed the spatio-temporal dynamics of U. virens dispersal, providing valuable insights for disease management. Implementing a fungicidal application schedule based on airborne inoculum detection led to significant reductions in both false smut incidence and severity and improved crop yield. The meteorological parameters including minimum temperature, relative humidity in the morning and evening, sunshine, and solar radiation were found to be correlated with disease incidence. Multi-operator validation confirmed the robustness and specificity of the LAMP assay. Overall, this integrated approach offers a proactive strategy for monitoring and managing false smut disease, enhancing sustainable rice production and food security.
Global research trajectories in gut microbiota and functional constipation: a bibliometric and visualization study
Authors: Ong Shun Seng , Xu Lianjie , Ang Ching Wei , Deng Xiaoyue , Lu Hai , Xu Tianshu
Published: December 2024

Background

Functional constipation (FC) negatively impacts quality of life and is associated with gut microbiota (GM) imbalances. Despite the growing interest in this area, a thorough analysis of research trends is missing. This study uses bibliometric methods to assess the global research on GM’s role in FC, pinpointing key topics, impactful studies, and prominent researchers to guide future research and identify gaps.

Methods

In our study, we conducted a performance analysis and science mapping using bibliometric indicators such as publication trends, author and institutional contributions, productivity, impact, keyword analysis, and collaboration networks. We employed software tools like VOSviewer, Biblioshiny, CiteSpace, and SCImago Graphica to automate the assessment of metrics including country, institutional, and journal distribution, authorship, keyword frequency, and citation patterns.

Results

From 2013 to 2024, annual publications on GM and FC rose from 29 to 252, with a slight decrease to 192 in 2024. Average citations per publication peaked at 11.12 in 2021, declining to 6.43 by 2024. China led in research output (37.8%), followed by the United States (14.4%) and Japan (7.5%). Bibliometric analysis identified key authors like CHEN W and ZHANG H, with 30 and 27 articles, respectively. Jiangnan University and Harvard University were top contributors, with 131 and 81 articles. Keywords analysis revealed “constipation,” “gut microbiota,” and “probiotic” as central themes, with a shift toward “gut microbiota” and “intestinal flora” in recent years. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the research landscape, highlighting leading authors, institutions, and evolving research priorities in the field.

Conclusion

Our review synthesizes current GM and FC research, guiding future studies. It suggests exploring GM in various GI disorders, the impact of lifestyle and drugs on GM, advanced research techniques, and probiotics/prebiotics for FC. There’s also a focus on therapies targeting GM’s effect on the gut-brain axis, paving the way for improved FC management.
Deciphering the evolving niche interactome of human hematopoietic stem cells from ontogeny to aging
Authors: Feng Cong , Fan Haoyan , Tie Ruxiu , Xin Saige , Chen Ming
Published: December 2024

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) reside within specialized microenvironments that undergo dynamic changes throughout development and aging to support HSC function. However, the evolving cell-cell communication networks within these niches remain largely unexplored. This study integrates single-cell RNA sequencing datasets to systematically characterize the HSC niche interactome from ontogeny to aging. We reconstructed single-cell atlases of HSC niches at different developmental stages, revealing stage-specific cellular compositions and interactions targeting HSC. During HSC maturation, our analysis identified distinct patterns of ligand-receptor interactions and signaling pathways that govern HSC emergence, expansion, and maintenance. HSC aging was accompanied by a decrease in supportive niche interactions, followed by an adaptive increase in interaction strength in old adult bone marrow. This complex aging process involved the emergence of interactions associated with inflammation, altered stem cell function, and a decline in the efficacy of key signaling pathways. Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic remodeling of the HSC niche interactome throughout life, paving the way for targeted interventions to maintain HSC function and promote healthy aging. This study offers valuable insights into the intricate cell-cell communication networks that govern HSC behavior and fate, with implications for hematological disorders and regenerative medicine.
Unmanned aerial vehicles for human detection and recognition using neural-network model
Authors: Abbas Yawar , Al Mudawi Naif , Alabdullah Bayan , Sadiq Touseef , Algarni Asaad , Rahman Hameedur , Jalal Ahmad
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Recognizing human actions is crucial for allowing machines to understand and recognize human behavior, with applications spanning video based surveillance systems, human-robot collaboration, sports analysis systems, and entertainment. The immense diversity in human movement and appearance poses a significant challenge in this field, especially when dealing with drone-recorded (RGB) videos. Factors such as dynamic backgrounds, motion blur, occlusions, varying video capture angles, and exposure issues greatly complicate recognition tasks.

Methods

In this study, we suggest a method that addresses these challenges in RGB videos captured by drones. Our approach begins by segmenting the video into individual frames, followed by preprocessing steps applied to these RGB frames. The preprocessing aims to reduce computational costs, optimize image quality, and enhance foreground objects while removing the background.

Result

This results in improved visibility of foreground objects while eliminating background noise. Next, we employ the YOLOv9 detection algorithm to identify human bodies within the images. From the grayscale silhouette, we extract the human skeleton and identify 15 important locations, such as the head, neck, shoulders (left and right), elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, and hips (left and right), and belly button. By using all these points, we extract specific positions, angular and distance relationships between them, as well as 3D point clouds and fiducial points. Subsequently, we optimize this data using the kernel discriminant analysis (KDA) optimizer, followed by classification using a deep neural network (CNN). To validate our system, we conducted experiments on three benchmark datasets: UAV-Human, UCF, and Drone-Action.

Discussion

On these datasets, our suggested model produced corresponding action recognition accuracies of 0.68, 0.75, and 0.83.
Changes in body composition revealed by bioelectrical impedance analysis reflect strength and motor performance in myotonic dystrophy type 2
Authors: Frezza Erica , Merra Giuseppe , Greco Giulia , Goglia Mariangela , Seraceno Silvia , Boffa Laura , Mercuri Nicola B. , De Lorenzo Antonino , Massa Roberto
Published: December 2024

Introduction

In myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2), metabolic dysfunctions are frequent. Therefore, measurement of muscle mass and body composition by non-invasive methods could help in evaluating disease severity and progression. The aim of our study was to investigate, by means of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), whether DM2 patients have an alteration in their body composition and if this finding correlates with strength and motor performances.

Methods

We obtained anthropometric measures, nutritional data, BIA and blood tests in 18 DM2 patients and correlated them with motor function tests.

Results

The 33% of male and 22% of female patients had BMI values compatible with severe obesity, whereas 44% of males and 33% of females had a metabolic syndrome. Considering BIA parameters, phase angle was under normal values in 56% of males and 89% of females. This may be regarded as a marker of deranged cell membrane function. Motor tests showed a fair to strong direct correlation with several BIA parameters.

Conclusion

These data suggest that BIA findings may be faithful markers of the degree of muscle wasting and impairment in DM2. The different degree of BIA alterations between genders indicate that body composition undergoes sex-related modifications in this disease. The potential of this technique to capture changes in a slowly progressive disorder such as DM2 should be tested in longitudinal studies.