bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Somatic PDGFRB activating variants promote smooth muscle cell phenotype modulation in intracranial fusiform aneurysm
Authors: Hao Li , Ya Xiaolong , Wu Jiaye , Tao Chuming , Ma Ruochen , Zheng Zhiyao , Mou Siqi , Ling Yiming , Yang Yingxi , Wang Jiguang , Zhang Yan , Lin Qing , Zhao Jizong
Published: May 2024

Background

The fusiform aneurysm is a nonsaccular dilatation affecting the entire vessel wall over a short distance. Although PDGFRB somatic variants have been identified in fusiform intracranial aneurysms, the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving fusiform intracranial aneurysms due to PDGFRB somatic variants remain poorly understood.

Methods

In this study, single-cell sequencing and immunofluorescence were employed to investigate the phenotypic changes in smooth muscle cells within fusiform intracranial aneurysms. Whole-exome sequencing revealed the presence of PDGFRB gene mutations in fusiform intracranial aneurysms. Subsequent immunoprecipitation experiments further explored the functional alterations of these mutated PDGFRB proteins. For the common c.1684 mutation site of PDGFRβ, we established mutant smooth muscle cell lines and zebrafish models. These models allowed us to simulate the effects of PDGFRB mutations. We explored the major downstream cellular pathways affected by PDGFRBY562D mutations and evaluated the potential therapeutic effects of Ruxolitinib.

Results

Single-cell sequencing of two fusiform intracranial aneurysms sample revealed downregulated smooth muscle cell markers and overexpression of inflammation-related markers in vascular smooth muscle cells, which was validated by immunofluorescence staining, indicating smooth muscle cell phenotype modulation is involved in fusiform aneurysm. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on seven intracranial aneurysms (six fusiform and one saccular) and PDGFRB somatic mutations were detected in four fusiform aneurysms. Laser microdissection and Sanger sequencing results indicated that the PDGFRB mutations were present in smooth muscle layer. For the c.1684 (chr5: 149505131) site mutation reported many times, further cell experiments showed that PDGFRBY562D mutations promoted inflammatory-related vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype and JAK-STAT pathway played a crucial role in the process. Notably, transfection of PDGFRBY562D in zebrafish embryos resulted in cerebral vascular anomalies. Ruxolitinib, the JAK inhibitor, could reversed the smooth muscle cells phenotype modulation in vitro and inhibit the vascular anomalies in zebrafish induced by PDGFRB mutation.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that PDGFRB somatic variants played a role in regulating smooth muscle cells phenotype modulation in fusiform aneurysms and offered a potential therapeutic option for fusiform aneurysms.
Targeted degradation of oncogenic BCR-ABL by silencing the gene of NEDD8 E3 ligase RAPSYN
Authors: Sun Yanzi , Wang Yishu , Liu Chunyan , Huang Yingshuang , Long Qiulin , Ju Caoyun , Zhang Can , Chen Yijun
Published: May 2024

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been the standard treatment for patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) leukemia. However, a series of issues, including drug resistance, relapse and intolerance, are still an unmet medical need. Here, we report the targeted siRNA-based lipid nanoparticles in Ph+ leukemic cell lines for gene therapy of Ph+ leukemia, which specifically targets a recently identified NEDD8 E3 ligase RAPSYN in Ph+ leukemic cells to disrupt the neddylation of oncogenic BCR-ABL. To achieve the specificity for Ph+ leukemia therapy, a single-chain fragment variable region (scFv) of anti-CD79B monoclonal antibody was covalently conjugated on the surface of OA2-siRAPSYN lipid nanoparticles to generate the targeted lipid nanoparticles (scFv-OA2-siRAPSYN). Through effectively silencing RAPSYN gene in leukemic cell lines by the nanoparticles, BCR-ABL was remarkably degraded accompanied by the inhibition of proliferation and the promotion of apoptosis. The specific targeting, therapeutic effects and systemic safety were further evaluated and demonstrated in cell line-derived mouse models. The present study has not only addressed the clinical need of Ph+ leukemia, but also enabled gene therapy against a less druggable target.

Graphical Abstract
Proposed diagnostic and prognostic markers of primary malignant hepatic vascular neoplasms
Authors: Yoo Youngeun , Shin Jinho , Jun Eunsung , Koh Eun-Young , Shin Hwa Jeong , Kang Hyo Jeong
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Primary malignant hepatic vascular tumors with various malignant potentials include epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) and angiosarcoma (AS), which may overlap pathologically. This study aimed to compare the pathological findings of hepatic EHE with those of AS, in association with patient outcomes.

Methods

Fifty-nine histologically confirmed patients with 34 EHE and 25 AS were admitted to a tertiary hospital from 2003 to 2020. Their EHE and AS pathological features were compared. Immunohistochemistry for CD31, ERG, CAMTA-1, TFE3, P53, and Ki-67 labeling was performed on paraffin-embedded blocks. Markers, along with histological findings, were analyzed for the purposes of diagnostic and prognostic significance by multivariate analysis.

Results

CAMTA-1 was 91.2% positive in EHE, but negative in AS (p = < 0.001). AS was significantly correlated to an aberrant p53 expression, high Ki-67 labeling, and high mitotic activity, compared to EHE (all, p = < 0.001). EHE can be classified as low grade (LG) and high grade (HG) using the prognostic values of mitotic activity and ki-67 labeling (sensitivity = 1, specificity = 1). Low grade-EHE showed significantly better overall survival than high grade-EHE (p = 0.020).

Conclusions

Immunohistochemistry for CAMTA-1, P53, and Ki-67 labeling may help distinguish EHE and AS in histologically ambiguous cases, especially small biopsied tissue. Moreover, the combination of mitotic activity and Ki-67 labeling can be a prognostic factor for EHE with various clinical features.
Quadrivalent Live-Attenuated Influenza Vaccine in Milan preschools: an Italian experience of school-located flu vaccination within the 2022–2023 season
Authors: Roncaglia Stefania , Amendola Antonella , Baldassarre Paola , Barilli Francesca , Bianchi Silvia , Biuso Andrea , Chillemi Claudia , Fappani Clara , Gasparini Chiara , Gori Maria , Guida Gabriella , Ripoli Francesca , Sgambetterra Laura , Tanzi Elisabetta , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo
Published: May 2024

Background

In Italy, since the 2020–2021 flu season, the flu vaccine recommendation was extended to all children aged 6 months to 6 years and quadrivalent Live-Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (qLAIV) was introduced. Since school-aged children are important carriers of annual influenza epidemics, a school-based influenza vaccination program may potentially increase vaccine uptake. Recent studies, conducted in the UK and the US, show that school-based vaccination can reach higher percentage of paediatric vaccination coverage compared to children vaccinated in other settings.

Methods

During 2022–2023 flu season in 9 preschools located in Milan healthcare personnel vaccinated children with qLAIV at the end of a school day. A Google Form questionnaire was administered to preschoolers’ parents of all preschools within the Municipality of Milan.

Results

In the preschools engaged in the vaccination program, 233 out of 1939 children were vaccinated (12%). Among these, 61 (26.2%) had never been vaccinated for influenza before. Vaccination coverage was 11.5% for Italian children and 14.3% for children coming from an immigrant background.

We collected 3659 questionnaire responses, divided according to study participation status (371 from preschools that participated in the vaccination program and 3288 from other preschools in Milan). 57% of the families who answered to the questionnaire vaccinated their children for flu. qLAIV accounted for 85.6% of vaccinations. We observed a statistically significant difference in the percentage of vaccinated children between those attending a school participating in the project (67.9%) and children attending other schools (56%) (p < 0.001). Vaccination was administered by family pediatricians (48.9%), in vaccination centers (34.8%), in vaccine hubs (11.3%), in schools (2.6%), by private pediatricians (1.6%) and in other settings (0.7%). Focusing on the responses from families whose children attend schools participating in the vaccination program, 21.8% stated that the vaccination was provided in school.

Conclusion

According to our experience, in Italy, at the moment, only the cooperation between health providers and alternative settings, including schools, may expand flu vaccination coverage. In particular, schools are to be considered a place to inform and reach out to families, useful to increase vaccination coverage.
Incidences of colorectal adenomas and cancers under colonoscopy surveillance suggest an accelerated “Big Bang” pathway to CRC in three of the four Lynch syndromes
Authors: Møller Pål , Haupt Saskia , Ahadova Aysel , Kloor Matthias , Sampson Julian R. , Sunde Lone , Seppälä Toni , Burn John , Bernstein Inge , Capella Gabriel , Evans D. Gareth , Lindblom Annika , Winship Ingrid , Macrae Finlay , Katz Lior , Laish Ido , Vainer Elez , Monahan Kevin , Half Elizabeth , Horisberger Karoline , da Silva Leandro Apolinário , Heuveline Vincent , Therkildsen Christina , Lautrup Charlotte , Klarskov Louise L , Cavestro Giulia Martina , Möslein Gabriela , Hovig Eivind , Dominguez-Valentin Mev
Published: May 2024

Background

Colorectal cancers (CRCs) in the Lynch syndromes have been assumed to emerge through an accelerated adenoma-carcinoma pathway. In this model adenomas with deficient mismatch repair have an increased probability of acquiring additional cancer driver mutation(s) resulting in more rapid progression to malignancy. If this model was accurate, the success of colonoscopy in preventing CRC would be a function of the intervals between colonoscopies and mean sojourn time of detectable adenomas. Contrary to expectations, colonoscopy did not decrease incidence of CRC in the Lynch syndromes and shorter colonoscopy intervals have not been effective in reducing CRC incidence. The prospective Lynch Syndrome Database (PLSD) was designed to examine these issues in carriers of pathogenic variants of the mis-match repair (path_MMR) genes.

Materials and methods

We examined the CRC and colorectal adenoma incidences in 3,574 path_MLH1, path_MSH2, path_MSH6 and path_PMS2 carriers subjected to regular colonoscopy with polypectomy, and considered the results based on sojourn times and stochastic probability paradigms.

Results

Most of the path_MMR carriers in each genetic group had no adenomas. There was no association between incidences of CRC and the presence of adenomas. There was no CRC observed in path_PMS2 carriers.

Conclusions

Colonoscopy prevented CRC in path_PMS2 carriers but not in the others. Our findings are consistent with colonoscopy surveillance blocking the adenoma-carcinoma pathway by removing identified adenomas which might otherwise become CRCs. However, in the other carriers most CRCs likely arised from dMMR cells in the crypts that have an increased mutation rate with increased stochastic chaotic probabilities for mutations. Therefore, this mechanism, that may be associated with no or only a short sojourn time of MSI tumours as adenomas, could explain the findings in our previous and current reports.
Efficacy of expanded periurethral cleansing in reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infection in comatose patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Qin Xingsong , Zhao He , Qin Wei , Qin Xinglei , Shen Songying , Wang Hongyu
Published: May 2024

Background

The effect of the periurethral cleansing range on catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) occurrence remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of expanded periurethral cleansing for reducing CAUTI in comatose patients.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, eligible patients in our hospital were enrolled and allocated randomly to the experimental group (expanded periurethral cleansing protocol; n = 225) or the control group (usual periurethral cleansing protocol; n = 221). The incidence of CAUTI on days 3, 7, and 10 after catheter insertion were compared, and the pathogen results and influencing factors were analyzed.

Results

The incidences of CAUTI in the experimental and control groups on days 3, 7, and 10 were (5/225, 2.22% vs. 7/221, 3.17%, P = 0.54), (12/225, 5.33% vs. 18/221, 8.14%, P = 0.24), and (23/225, 10.22% vs. 47/221, 21.27%, P = 0.001), respectively; Escherichia coli and Candida albicans were the most common species in the two groups. The incidences of bacterial CAUTI and fungal CAUTI in the two groups were 11/225, 4.89% vs. 24/221, 10.86%, P = 0.02) and (10/225, 4.44% vs. 14/221, 6.33%, P = 0.38), respectively. The incidences of polymicrobial CAUTI in the two groups were 2/225 (0.89%) and 9/221 (4.07%), respectively (P = 0.03). The percentages of CAUTI-positive females in the two groups were 9.85% (13/132) and 29.52% (31/105), respectively (P < 0.05). The proportion of CAUTI-positive patients with diabetes in the experimental and control groups was 17.72% (14/79), which was lower than the 40.85% (29/71) in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Expanded periurethral cleansing could reduce the incidence of CAUTI, especially those caused by bacteria and multiple pathogens, in comatose patients with short-term catheterization (≤ 10 days). Female patients and patients with diabetes benefit more from the expanded periurethral cleansing protocol for reducing CAUTI.
Organ donation after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yumoto Tetsuya , Tsukahara Kohei , Obara Takafumi , Hongo Takashi , Nojima Tsuyoshi , Naito Hiromichi , Nakao Atsunori
Published: May 2024

Background

Limited data are available on organ donation practices and recipient outcomes, particularly when comparing donors who experienced cardiac arrest and received extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) followed by veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) decannulation, versus those who experienced cardiac arrest without receiving ECPR. This study aims to explore organ donation practices and outcomes post-ECPR to enhance our understanding of the donation potential after cardiac arrest.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using data from the Japan Organ Transplant Network database, covering all deceased organ donors between July 17, 2010, and August 31, 2022. We included donors who experienced at least one episode of cardiac arrest. During the study period, patients undergoing ECMO treatment were not eligible for a legal diagnosis of brain death. We compared the timeframes associated with each donor’s management and the long-term graft outcomes of recipients between ECPR and non-ECPR groups.

Results

Among 370 brain death donors with an episode of cardiac arrest, 26 (7.0%) received ECPR and 344 (93.0%) did not; the majority were due to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The median duration of veno-arterial ECMO support after ECPR was 3 days. Patients in the ECPR group had significantly longer intervals from admission to organ procurement compared to those not receiving ECPR (13 vs. 9 days, P = 0.005). Lung graft survival rates were significantly lower in the ECPR group (log-rank test P = 0.009), with no significant differences in other organ graft survival rates. Of 160 circulatory death donors with an episode of cardiac arrest, 27 (16.9%) received ECPR and 133 (83.1%) did not. Time intervals from admission to organ procurement following circulatory death and graft survival showed no significant differences between ECPR and non-ECPR groups. The number of organs donated was similar between the ECPR and non-ECPR groups, regardless of brain or circulatory death.

Conclusions

This nationwide study reveals that lung graft survival was lower in recipients from ECPR-treated donors, highlighting the need for targeted research and protocol adjustments in post-ECPR organ donation.
Commonly used software tools produce conflicting and overly-optimistic AUPRC values
Authors: Chen Wenyu , Miao Chen , Zhang Zhenghao , Fung Cathy Sin-Hang , Wang Ran , Chen Yizhen , Qian Yan , Cheng Lixin , Yip Kevin Y. , Tsui Stephen Kwok-Wing , Cao Qin
Published: May 2024

The precision-recall curve (PRC) and the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) are useful for quantifying classification performance. They are commonly used in situations with imbalanced classes, such as cancer diagnosis and cell type annotation. We evaluate 10 popular tools for plotting PRC and computing AUPRC, which were collectively used in more than 3000 published studies. We find the AUPRC values computed by the tools rank classifiers differently and some tools produce overly-optimistic results.
Identification of novel snoRNA-based biomarkers for clear cell renal cell carcinoma from urine-derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Grützmann Konrad , Salomo Karsten , Krüger Alexander , Lohse-Fischer Andrea , Erdmann Kati , Seifert Michael , Baretton Gustavo , Aust Daniela , William Doreen , Schröck Evelin , Thomas Christian , Füssel Susanne
Published: May 2024

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of RCC with high rates of metastasis. Targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase and checkpoint inhibitors have improved treatment success, but therapy-related side effects and tumor recurrence remain a challenge. As a result, ccRCC still have a high mortality rate. Early detection before metastasis has great potential to improve outcomes, but no suitable biomarker specific for ccRCC is available so far. Therefore, molecular biomarkers derived from body fluids have been investigated over the past decade. Among them, RNAs from urine-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are very promising.

Methods

RNA was extracted from urine-derived EVs from a cohort of 78 subjects (54 ccRCC patients, 24 urolithiasis controls). RNA-seq was performed on the discovery cohort, a subset of the whole cohort (47 ccRCC, 16 urolithiasis). Reads were then mapped to the genome, and expression was quantified based on 100 nt long contiguous genomic regions. Cluster analysis and differential region expression analysis were performed with adjustment for age and gender. The candidate biomarkers were validated by qPCR in the entire cohort. Receiver operating characteristic, area under the curve and odds ratios were used to evaluate the diagnostic potential of the models.

Results

An initial cluster analysis of RNA-seq expression data showed separation by the subjects’ gender, but not by tumor status. Therefore, the following analyses were done, adjusting for gender and age. The regions differentially expressed between ccRCC and urolithiasis patients mainly overlapped with small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). The differential expression of four snoRNAs (SNORD99, SNORD22, SNORD26, SNORA50C) was validated by quantitative PCR. Confounder-adjusted regression models were then used to classify the validation cohort into ccRCC and tumor-free subjects. Corresponding accuracies ranged from 0.654 to 0.744. Models combining multiple genes and the risk factors obesity and hypertension showed improved diagnostic performance with an accuracy of up to 0.811 for SNORD99 and SNORA50C (p = 0.0091).

Conclusions

Our study uncovered four previously unrecognized snoRNA biomarkers from urine-derived EVs, advancing the search for a robust, easy-to-use ccRCC screening method.
Inter-season training effects on cardiovascular health in American-style football players
Authors: Hodzic Amir , Gendron Patrick , Baron Emmanuelle , Éthier Amélie , Bonnefous Odile , Saloux Eric , Milliez Paul , Normand Hervé , Tournoux François
Published: May 2024

Background

Recent studies on American-style football (ASF) athletes raised questions about the impact of training on the cardiovascular phenotype, particularly among linemen players who engage mostly in static exercise during competition and who exhibit concentric cardiac remodeling, often considered maladaptive. We aimed to examine the cardiovascular adaptation to the inter-season mixed-team training program among ASF players.

Methods

A prospective, longitudinal, cohort study was conducted among competitive male ASF players from the University of Montreal before and after an inter-season training, which lasted 7 months. This program includes, for all players, combined dynamic and static exercises. Clinical and echocardiographic examinations were performed at both steps. Left atrial (LA) and ventricular (LV) morphological and functional changes were assessed using a multiparametric echocardiographic approach (2D and 3D-echo, Doppler, and speckle tracking). Two-way ANOVA was performed to analyze the impacts of time and field position (linemen versus non-linemen).

Results

Fifty-nine players (20 linemen and 39 non-linemen) were included. At baseline, linemen had higher blood pressure (65% were prehypertensive and 10% were hypertensive), thicker LV walls, lower LV systolic and diastolic functions, lower LA-reservoir and conduit functions than non-linemen. After training, linemen significantly reduced weight (Δ-3.4%, P < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (Δ-4.5%, P < 0.001), whereas non-linemen maintained their weight and significantly increased their systolic (Δ+4.2%, P = 0.037) and diastolic (Δ+16%, P < 0.001) blood pressure ). Mixed training was associated with significant increases in 2D-LA volume (P < 0.001), 3D-LV end-diastolic volume (P < 0.001), 3D-LV mass (P < 0.001), and an improvement in LV systolic function, independently of the field position. Non-linemen remodeled their LV in a more concentric fashion and showed reductions in LV diastolic and LA reservoir functions.

Conclusions

Our study underscored the influence of field position on cardiovascular adaptation among university-level ASF players, and emphasized the potential of inter-season training to modulate cardiovascular risk factors, particularly among linemen.
One chiral fingerprint to find them all
Authors: Orsi Markus , Reymond Jean-Louis
Published: May 2024

Molecular fingerprints are indispensable tools in cheminformatics. However, stereochemistry is generally not considered, which is problematic for large molecules which are almost all chiral.

Herein we report MAP4C, a chiral version of our previously reported fingerprint MAP4, which lists MinHashes computed from character strings containing the SMILES of all pairs of circular substructures up to a diameter of four bonds and the shortest topological distance between their central atoms. MAP4C includes the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) annotation (R, S, r or s) whenever the chiral atom is the center of a circular substructure, a question mark for undefined stereocenters, and double bond cis–trans information if specified. MAP4C performs slightly better than the achiral MAP4, ECFP and AP fingerprints in non-stereoselective virtual screening benchmarks. Furthermore, MAP4C distinguishes between stereoisomers in chiral molecules from small molecule drugs to large natural products and peptides comprising thousands of diastereomers, with a degree of distinction smaller than between structural isomers and proportional to the number of chirality changes. Due to its excellent performance across diverse molecular classes and its ability to handle stereochemistry, MAP4C is recommended as a generally applicable chiral molecular fingerprint.

Scientific contribution

The ability of our chiral fingerprint MAP4C to handle stereoisomers from small molecules to large natural products and peptides is unprecedented and opens the way for cheminformatics to include stereochemistry as an important molecular parameter across all fields of molecular design.

Graphical Abstract
Retraction Note: RFID tag recognition model for Internet of Things for training room management
Authors: Wu Shengqi
Published: May 2024

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13635-024-00154-7
Evaluating the predictions of an interoceptive inference model of bulimia nervosa
Authors: Chester Maia A. , Viranda Thalia , Kaye Walter H. , Berner Laura A.
Published: May 2024

Objective

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is associated with loss-of-control (LOC) eating episodes that frequently occur in response to negative emotions. According to recent neurocomputational models, this link could be explained by a failure to accurately update beliefs about the body in states of high arousal. Specifically, these interoceptive inference models suggest that under-relying on signals from one’s body about sensory experience (“low sensory precision”) and/or over-relying on previously held beliefs (“excessively precise priors”) lead to inaccurate perception and maladaptive behaviors. We conducted an initial test of these core predictions of the interoceptive inference model in BN using self-report measures.

Methods

We compared women with BN (n = 30) and age-, BMI-, and full-scale IQ-matched controls (n = 31) on trust in sensory information from the body and two types of beliefs about what can be done to regulate high negative affect. Within the BN group, we tested interrelations among these measures and explored their associations with LOC eating frequency.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, the BN group reported lower levels of trust in sensory information and stronger beliefs that once upset, there is little one can do, apart from eating, to self-regulate. These beliefs were associated with each other and with lower body trust. Beliefs about the uncontrollability of emotion were associated with more frequent subjective binge-eating episodes.

Conclusions

Findings provide initial support for the core predictions of an interoceptive inference account of BN: low trust in sensory information (“sensory precision”) may promote an overreliance on maladaptive “prior beliefs” about the effects of eating on negative emotions, ultimately interfering with accurate updating of beliefs about other strategies that could regulate emotions and maintain LOC eating. Low body trust, strong expectations about emotions, and their neurocomputational underpinnings could be promising combined treatment targets for BN.
The effect of justice sensitivity on malevolent creativity: the mediating role of anger and the moderating role of emotion regulation strategies
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Keke , Xu Fangfang , Zong Yayi , Chen Lujia , Li Wenfu
Published: May 2024

Background

the AMORAL model emphasizes the close connection of individuals’ belief system and malevolent creativity. Belief in a just world theory (BJW) states that people have a basic need to believe that the world they live in is just, and everyone gets what they deserve. Therefore, justice matters to all people. Justice sensitivity, as one of individual trait, has been found associated with negative goals. However, relevant studies have not tested whether justice sensitivity can affect malevolent creativity and its psychological mechanisms. Additionally, researchers have found that both anger and emotion regulation linked with justice sensitivity and malevolent creativity, but their contribution to the relationship between justice sensitivity and malevolent creativity remained unclear. The current study aims to explore the influence of justice sensitivity on malevolent creativity, the mediating effect of trait anger/state anger on the relationship between justice sensitivity and malevolent creativity, and the moderating effect of emotion regulation on this mediating effect.

Methods

A moderated mediating model was constructed to test the relationship between justice sensitivity and malevolent creativity. A sample of 395 Chinese college students were enrolled to complete the questionnaire survey.

Results

Justice sensitivity positively correlated with malevolent creativity, both trait anger and state anger partly mediated the connection between justice sensitivity and malevolent creativity. Moreover, emotion regulation moderated the indirect effect of the mediation model. The indirect effect of justice sensitivity on malevolent creativity through trait anger/state anger increased as the level of emotion regulation increased. The results indicated that justice sensitivity can affect malevolent creativity directly and indirectly through the anger. The level of emotion regulation differentiated the indirect paths of justice sensitivity on malevolent creativity.

Conclusions

Justice sensitivity and malevolent creativity was mediated by trait anger/state anger. The higher sensitivity to justice, the higher level of trait anger/state anger, which in turn boosted the tendency of malevolent creativity. This indirect connection was moderated by emotion regulation, individuals with high emotion regulation are better able to buffer anger from justice sensitivity.
An inquiry on the psychological well-being of the university students during emergency remote teaching: application of the EMPATHICS model
Authors: Üzmez Aleyna , Kavakli Ulutaş Nurdan
Published: May 2024

The current study investigated university students’ well-being during Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) via EMPATHICS framework in the aftermath of an earthquake that struck the Eastern part of Türkiye. The study had a mixed-methods research design, where quantitative data were analyzed through descriptives of the participants’ overall happiness indices, and qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis of those of narrations. Gathered through convenience sampling, the participants were constituted by 18 university students recruited from the department of Foreign Language Education at a state university in Türkiye. The results scrutinized that the participants did not exhibit elevated levels of well-being within the context of ERT. Additionally, the dimensions of the EMPHATICS framework were elaborated in detail to reveal their psychological well-being during ERT, which could also provide pedagogical implications for student well-being and suggestions for further research.
A joinpoint analysis examining trends in firearm injuries at six us trauma centers from 2016 to 2022
Authors: Salottolo Kristin , Sliter R. Joseph , Marshall Gary , Palacio Lascano Carlos H. , Quan Glenda , Hamilton David , Madayag Robert , Berg Gina , Bar-Or David
Published: May 2024

Background

There is an epidemic of firearm injuries in the United States since the mid-2000s. Thus, we sought to examine whether hospitalization from firearm injuries have increased over time, and to examine temporal changes in patient demographics, firearm injury intent, and injury severity.

Methods

This was a multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study of patients hospitalized with a traumatic injury to six US level I trauma centers between 1/1/2016 and 6/30/2022. ICD-10-CM cause codes were used to identify and describe firearm injuries. Temporal trends were compared for demographics (age, sex, race, insured status), intent (assault, unintentional, self-harm, legal intervention, and undetermined), and severity (death, ICU admission, severe injury (injury severity score ≥ 16), receipt of blood transfusion, mechanical ventilation, and hospital and ICU LOS (days). Temporal trends were examined over 13 six-month intervals (H1, January–June; H2, July–December) using joinpoint regression and reported as semi-annual percent change (SPC); significance was p < 0.05.

Results

Firearm injuries accounted for 2.6% (1908 of 72,474) of trauma hospitalizations. The rate of firearm injuries initially declined from 2016-H1 to 2018-H2 (SPC = − 4.0%, p = 0.002), followed by increased rates from 2018-H2 to 2020-H1 (SPC = 9.0%, p = 0.005), before stabilizing from 2020-H1 to 2022-H1 (0.5%, p = 0.73). NH black patients had the greatest hospitalization rate from firearm injuries (14.0%) and were the only group to demonstrate a temporal increase (SPC = 6.3%, p < 0.001). The proportion of uninsured patients increased (SPC = 2.3%, p = 0.02) but there were no temporal changes by age or sex. ICU admission rates declined (SPC = − 2.2%, p < 0.001), but ICU LOS increased (SPC = 2.8%, p = 0.04). There were no significant changes over time in rates of death (SPC = 0.3%), severe injury (SPC = 1.6%), blood transfusion (SPC = 0.6%), and mechanical ventilation (SPC = 0.6%). When examined by intent, self-harm injuries declined over time (SPC = − 4.1%, p < 0.001), assaults declined through 2019-H2 (SPC = − 5.6%, p = 0.01) before increasing through 2022-H1 (SPC = 6.5%, p = 0.01), while undetermined injuries increased through 2019-H1 (SPC = 24.1%, p = 0.01) then stabilized (SPC = − 4.5%, p = 0.39); there were no temporal changes in unintentional injuries or legal intervention.

Conclusions

Hospitalizations from firearm injuries are increasing following a period of declines, driven by increases among NH Black patients. Trauma systems need to consider these changing trends to best address the needs of the injured population.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with accessory liver lobe attached to the wall of the gallbladder: case reports
Authors: Furuke Hirotaka , Takagi Tsuyoshi , Kobayashi Hiroki , Fukumoto Kanehisa
Published: May 2024

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the most commonly undertaken procedures worldwide for cholecystolithiasis and cholecystitis. Accessory liver lobe (ALL) is a developmental anomaly defined as an excessive liver lobe composed of a normal liver parenchyma. Some ALL exist on the serosal side of the gallbladder. We herein present two cases of ALL incidentally detected during LC.

Case presentation

The first case was a 69-year-old woman diagnosed with chronic cholecystitis. LC was performed. ALL was observed anterior to the wall of the gallbladder and resected after clipping. Pathological findings revealed liver tissue with Glisson’s capsule and a lobular structure in ALL. However, communication between the bile ducts of ALL and the main liver was unclear due to surgical heat degeneration. The second case was a 56-year-old woman diagnosed with acute cholecystitis. LC was performed approximately one month after the attack, and ALL attached to the wall of gallbladder. ALL was clipped and completely resected. Pathological findings showed that the bile ducts of ALL might be connected within the wall of gallbladder.

Conclusions

We presented two cases of ALL attached to the gallbladder encountered during LC. Since ALL contains a normal liver parenchyma, postoperative bleeding or bile leakage may occur if it is inefficiently resected. Therefore, the complete resection of ALL is important to prevent these postoperative complications.
Chondrosarcoma evaluation using hematein-based x-ray staining and high-resolution 3D micro-CT: a feasibility study
Authors: Gersing Alexandra S. , Kimm Melanie A. , Bollwein Christine , Ilg Patrick , Mogler Carolin , Gassert Felix G. , Feuerriegel Georg C. , Knebel Carolin , Woertler Klaus , Pfeiffer Daniela , Busse Madleen , Pfeiffer Franz
Published: May 2024

Background

Chondrosarcomas are rare malignant bone tumors diagnosed by analyzing radiological images and histology of tissue biopsies and evaluating features such as matrix calcification, cortical destruction, trabecular penetration, and tumor cell entrapment.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 16 cartilaginous tumor tissue samples from three patients (51-, 54-, and 70-year-old) diagnosed with a dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma at the femur, a moderately differentiated chondrosarcoma in the pelvis, and a predominantly moderately differentiated chondrosarcoma at the scapula, respectively. We combined a hematein-based x-ray staining with high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) microscopic x-ray computed tomography (micro-CT) for nondestructive 3D tumor assessment and tumor margin evaluation.

Results

We detected trabecular entrapment on 3D micro-CT images and followed bone destruction throughout the volume. In addition to staining cell nuclei, hematein-based staining also improved the visualization of the tumor matrix, allowing for the distinction between the tumor and the bone marrow cavity. The hematein-based staining did not interfere with further conventional histology. There was a 5.97 ± 7.17% difference between the relative tumor area measured using micro-CT and histopathology (p = 0.806) (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.92, p = 0.009). Signal intensity in the tumor matrix (4.85 ± 2.94) was significantly higher in the stained samples compared to the unstained counterparts (1.92 ± 0.11, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Using nondestructive 3D micro-CT, the simultaneous visualization of radiological and histopathological features is feasible.

Relevance statement

3D micro-CT data supports modern radiological and histopathological investigations of human bone tumor specimens. It has the potential for being an integrative part of clinical preoperative diagnostics.

Key points

• Matrix calcifications are a relevant diagnostic feature of bone tumors.

• Micro-CT detects all clinically diagnostic relevant features of x-ray-stained chondrosarcoma.

• Micro-CT has the potential to be an integrative part of clinical diagnostics.

Graphical Abstract
Occurrence of Pantoea agglomerans bloodstream infection in neonatal intensive care unit at tertiary hospital in Tanzania: antibiotic susceptibility profile and clinical outcome
Authors: Masoud Salim S. , Majigo Mtebe , Gangji Raidah R. , Nyawale Helmut , Ntukula Albert , Msafiri Frank , Kamori Doreen , Manyahi Joel , Kasubi Mabula
Published: May 2024

Background

Pantoea agglomerans (P. agglomerans) is an environmental gram-negative bacterium that rarely infects humans. P. agglomerans infections have never been reported in Tanzania. We investigated the occurrence of P. agglomerans bloodstream infections among neonates in the Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and their subsequent clinical outcome that occurred in 2019.

Methodology

Blood samples were collected from neonates with sepsis. A total of 19 P. agglomerans were isolated from 17 infected neonates; two of the neonates had P. agglomerans isolated twice. A total of 14 patient files were retrieved from medical records.

Results

The mean age of the infected neonates were 3.75 ± 7.95 days. Isolated P. agglomerans showed high sensitivity to the antibiotics particularly chloramphenicol (94.7%), piperacillin-tazobactam (94.7%) and meropenem (94.7%). The mortality rate was 71.4% with 35.7% of infected neonates dying before Antibiotic Susceptibility Test results for appropriate management. The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team shut the NICU for thorough decontamination which helped to stop the P. agglomerans occurrence.

Conclusions

P. agglomerans occurrence at the NICU was an uncommon aetiology pathogen for neonatal sepsis associated with high rates of mortality despite high sensitivity to multiple antibiotics. This calls for the strengthening of infection control measures and introduction of surveillance for environmental pathogens capable of causing human infections.
Role of diffusion weighted imaging with background body signal suppression (DWIBS) in diagnosis of breast masses and correlation with histopathological findings
Authors: El-Sawy Deif Allah Naglaa Sabry , Abdallah Randa Hossein , Hassan Mohammed Sobhi , Ibrahim Suzan Farouk
Published: May 2024

Background

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is the important tool in breast imaging. However, two major limitations are represented by its specificity and by the injection of contrast material. Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) provides important functional information without the need for contrast material. A newly introduced diffusion weighted imaging with background suppression (DWIBS) sequence is an accurate and rapid tool for the identification and characterization of breast lesions, with its short examination time, high lesion-to-background contrast and lack of need for intravenous contrast agents.

Objective

To assess the role of DWIBS sequence in the evaluation of indeterminate and suspicious breast masses and to compare its accuracy with DCE-MRI in correlation with histopathological findings.

Methods

Thirty-five patients were included in the study, referred from sono-mammography clinic to MRI unit for further MRI assessment of probably benign, suspicious and malignant looking breast masses (BIRADS 3, BIRADS 4 & BIRADS 5) on sono-mammography imaging results. MRI breast protocol which included DCE-MRI and DWIBS sequences were obtained for characterization and were verified by core needle biopsy or excisional biopsy. The results were statistically analyzed. Sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy (DA), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for DCE-MRI and DWIBS. Apparent diffusion co-efficient (ADC) values were calculated with ADC ≤ 1.2 × 10−3 mm2/s was considered suspicious for malignancy. The results were then compared with the histological findings.

Results

Thirty-five female patients had 39 breast masses included in our study. By DCE-MRI, 8 (20.5%) masses were categorized as benign and 31(79.5%) masses were categorized as malignant. By DWIBS sequence, 7 (17.9%) masses were categorized as benign and 32 (82.1%) masses were categorized as malignant. By histopathology, 14 (35.9%) masses were benign and 25 (64.1%) masses were malignant. DCE-MRI obtained accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV values of 84.6, 100, 57.1, 80.6 and 100%, respectively. DWIBS sequences obtained accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV values of 82.1, 100, 50, 78.1and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

DWIBS can be added to DCE-MRI, as complementary tool to make radiologist more confident about the diagnosis. It can also be used instead of DCE-MRI sequences in certain circumstances such as in cases of renal impairment.
Differences in Rural Versus Urban Patients With Prostate Cancer in Diagnosis and Treatment: An Analysis of a Population-Based Cohort
Authors: Shen Xinglei , Kane Katelyn , Katz Aaron J. , Usinger Deborah , Cao Ying , Chen Ronald C.
Published: May 2024

PURPOSE

Patients living in rural communities have greater barriers to cancer care and poorer outcomes. We hypothesized that rural patients with prostate cancer have less access and receive different treatments compared with urban patients.

METHODS

We used a population-based prospective cohort, the North Carolina Prostate Cancer Comparative Effectiveness and Survivorship Study, to compare differences in prostate cancer diagnosis, access to care, and treatment in patients by geographic residence. The 2013 rural-urban continuum code (RUCC) was used to determine urban (RUCC 1-3) versus rural (RUCC 4-9) location of residence.

RESULTS

Patients with rural residence comprised 25% of the cohort (364 of 1,444); they were less likely to be White race and had lower income and educational attainment. Rural patients were more likely to have <12 cores on biopsy (47.1% v 35.7%; P < .001) and less likely (40.8% v 47.6%; P = .04) to receive multidisciplinary consultation. We observed significant differences in treatment between urban and rural patients, including rural patients receiving less active surveillance or observation (22.6% v 28.7%), especially in low-risk cancer (33.2% v 40.7%). On multivariable analysis that adjusted for patient and diagnostic factors, rural residence was associated with less use of active surveillance or observation over radical treatment (ie, surgery or radiation therapy; odds ratio, 0.49 v urban; P < .001) in patients with low-risk cancer.

CONCLUSION

Patients with prostate cancer who live in rural versus urban areas experience several differences in care that are likely clinically meaningful, including fewer cores in the diagnostic biopsy, less utilization of multidisciplinary consultation, less use of active surveillance, or observation for low-risk disease. Future studies are needed to assess the efficacy of interventions in mitigating these disparities.
Thermoelectric transport and Rashba spin splitting of black arsenic phosphorus under strain regulation
Authors: Li Xiangke , Luo Jinlong , Yang Hai , Jin Guojun
Published: May 2024

The Rashba spin-splitting and thermoelectric transport of two-dimensional black arsenic phosphorus (2D B-AsP) under strain control are studied using non-equilibrium Green's function and first-principles calculations. Firstly, we determine the stability range of 2D B-AsP under strain conditions, with biaxial strain ranging from −2% to +10% and uniaxial strain ranging from −9% to +10%. Secondly, we analyze the spin splitting at the point Γ under strain within the range from −1% to +2%, and find that the spin-splitting coefficient decreases with increasing strain. Thirdly, we discuss the effects of applying strain and changing temperature on 2D B-AsP thermoelectric transport. When the uniaxial compression strain is −4%, the ZT coefficient increases by 14.8%, and increases by 193.6% at a temperature of 600 K. Finally, when two external conditions exist simultaneously, the ZT coefficient of the material increases by 103.4%. The research results demonstrate the potential applications of 2D B-AsP in spintronics and thermoelectricity.
Estimation of Glucose Absorption, Insulin Sensitivity, and Glucose Effectiveness From the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Authors: Stefanovski Darko , Smiley Dawn D , Punjabi Naresh M , Umpierrez Guillermo E , Vellanki Priyathama
Published: May 2024

Context

Glucose tolerance during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is affected by variations in glucose effectiveness (GE) and glucose absorption and thus affects minimal model calculations of insulin sensitivity (SI). The widely used OGTT SI by Dalla Man et al does not account for variances in GE and glucose absorption.

Objective

To develop a novel model that concurrently assesses SI, GE, and glucose absorption.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study conducted at an academic medical center, 17 subjects without abnormalities on OGTT (controls) and 88 subjects with diabetes underwent a 75-gram 120-minute 6-timepoint OGTT. The SI from the Dalla Man model was validated with the novel model SI using Bland-Altman limits of agreement methodology. Comparisons of SI, GE, and gastrointestinal glucose half-life (GIGt1/2), a surrogate measure for glucose absorption, were made between subjects with diabetes and controls.

Results

In controls and diabetes, the novel model SI was higher than the current OGTT model. The SI from both controls (ƿ=0.90, P < .001) and diabetes (ƿ=0.77, P < .001) has high agreement between models. GE was higher in diabetes (median: 0.021 1/min, interquartile range [IQR]: 0.020-0.022) compared to controls (median: 0.016 1/min, IQR: 0.015-0.017), P = .02. GIGt1/2 was shorter in diabetes (median: 48.404 min, IQR: 54.424-39.426) than in controls (median: 55.086 min, IQR: 61.368-48.502) without statistical difference.

Conclusion

Our novel model SI has a good correlation with SI from the widely used Dalla Man's model while concurrently calculating GE and GIGt1/2. Thus, besides estimating SI, our novel model can quantify differences in insulin-independent glucose disposal mechanisms important for diabetes pathophysiology.