bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-cell RNA landscape of the intratumoral heterogeneity and expression of angiogenesis-related genes in osteosarcoma
Authors: Li Hao , Ma Tian , Yi Zhiqian , Gao Fang , Li Xiaojuan , Li Mi
Published: December 2024

Background: Osteosarcoma is an aggressive malignancy of bone that poses significant treatment challenges and has been a focal point of extensive research due to its complex pathogenesis. Despite advances in traditional therapeutic approaches, the intricate genetic and cellular landscape of osteosarcoma remains inadequately understood, emphasizing the need for innovative research methodologies to unravel its underlying mechanisms.
Objective: This study aims to leverage the power of single-cell transcriptome sequencing technology to elucidate the cellular heterogeneity, gene expression patterns, intercellular communication networks, and critical genetic pathways implicated in osteosarcoma. By doing so, we intend to contribute valuable insights into the biogenesis of this malignancy, which may ultimately inform precision treatment strategies.
Methods: Utilizing single-cell sequencing, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of osteosarcoma samples to identify diverse cellular subpopulations within the tumor microenvironment. Our focus on gene expression profiles revealed significant differences across these subpopulations. Moreover, we employed bioinformatics approaches to explore the intercellular communication networks and identified key ligand-receptor pairings, substantiating the role of angiogenesis-related genes prominently expressed in osteoblasts and their proliferative counterparts.
Results: Our findings underscore the critical involvement of angiogenesis in osteosarcoma pathogenesis, with notable pathway activity variations among distinct cellular subpopulations. Additionally, protein interaction network mapping has unveiled significant discrepancies in pathway activities and highlighted the potential functional roles of key genes involved in tumor progression.
Conclusion: This study offers a comprehensive exploration of the biological characteristics of osteosarcoma through single-cell sequencing technology, thereby establishing a robust theoretical foundation that may facilitate the development of targeted and effective therapeutic strategies. However, it is essential to recognize that these findings are preliminary, necessitating further validation through expanded sample sizes and integration of multi-omics data. Future research will delve deeper into the mechanisms of the identified key pathways and genes, with the aspiration of enhancing the prognostic outcomes and quality of life for patients with osteosarcoma.
Longitudinal Trajectories of Cognitive Function, Functional Ability, and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Alzheimer's Disease: The Mediating Role of IADL and the Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown in South Korean Older Adults
Authors: Lee Hahyun , Shin Soojin , Nam Gieun , Kwak Seyul , Cho Yoon Soo , Hwang Eunji , Oh Sohee , Kim So Yoon , Yoo So Young , Lee Jun-Young
Published: December 2024

Background:
The progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and its interaction with COVID-19-induced social isolation remains poorly understood. This study investigated the longitudinal trajectories of AD severity on cognitive function, functional ability, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, and examined the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on AD patients in South Korea.
Methods:
In this retrospective longitudinal study, data from 253 adults (aged ≥ 55) diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD were analyzed, collected between 2018 and 2022. Participants were classified into four groups based on Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores: MCI, AD-CDR0.5, AD-CDR1, and AD-CDR2. Cognitive function, functional abilities, neuropsychiatric symptoms, depressive symptoms, and overall dementia severity were assessed. Linear mixed-effects models, along with mediation and moderation analyses were employed to analyze the data.
Results:
Significant trajectories of decline in cognitive function and functional abilities were observed over time, with more pronounced declines in higher AD severity groups. The COVID-19 lockdown exacerbated cognitive decline and impairment in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) specifically in the most severe AD group (AD-CDR2). Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) mediated the relationship between Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and CDR Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) in the MCI, AD-CDR0.5, and AD-CDR1 groups. A significant interaction between MMSE scores and neuropsychiatric symptoms was observed in the moderate AD group (AD-CDR1), indicating that worsening neuropsychiatric symptoms intensified cognitive decline. Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) scores increased over time, indicating worsening neuropsychiatric symptoms, whereas depressive symptoms, measured by the Short Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS), remained stable over the study period.
Conclusions:
This study highlights the impact of AD severity on cognitive and functional decline, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 lockdown. The mediating role of IADL suggests that maintaining complex daily activities may be crucial in slowing disease progression in AD patients. Additionally, the worsening of neuropsychiatric symptoms underscores the need for targeted mental health support, especially during periods of social isolation, to mitigate adverse effects on patients and caregivers.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy versus laparoscopic liver resection for single hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 5 cm: a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study
Authors: Zhou Bin , Ma Zihui , Cheng Xi , Yan Maolin , Duan Yunfei , Ye Jiazhou , Guo Lei , Xue Jie , Meng Yan , Cheng Shuqun , Guo Weixing
Published: December 2024

Objectives
To compare the efficacy of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤ 5 cm.
Materials and methods
This retrospective cohort study included 383 patients from four hospitals between January 2017 and December 2019, with 268 patients in the LLR group and 115 in the SBRT group. Propensity score matching (PSM) and subgroup analyses were performed.
Results
After PSM adjustment, 98 patients were selected from each group for further analysis. The 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates were 94.9%, 88.8%, and 85.7% in the LLR group and 94.9%, 74.5% and 67.3% in the SBRT group, respectively (p = 0.005). The 1-, 3- and 5-year RFS rates were 86.7%, 71.4%, and 70.4% in the LLR group and 83.7%, 61.2% and 53.1% in the SBRT group, respectively (p = 0.011). LLR provided better OS and RFS than SBRT. However, SBRT resulted in comparable OS and RFS times to LLR for tumors ≤ 3 cm ((p = 0.158; p = 0.418)), and perivascular tumors (p = 0.082; p = 0.166).
Conclusion
LLR is the first choice for treating single HCC ≤ 5 cm, while SBRT offers advantages in treating small and perivascular lesions.
Enrichment of pSer129 alpha-synuclein in synaptic terminals precedes synaptic loss in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Frigerio Irene , Morella Martino , Winkelaar Amber B , Vorgia Danai T , Brevé John JJP , Boiten Walter A , Gaag Bram L van der , Calandri Ismael L , Jonker Allert J , Berendse Henk W , Mona Daniel , Britschgi Markus , Jonkman Laura E , de Berg Wilma DJ van
Published: December 2024

Background At early stages in Parkinson’s disease (PD), α-synuclein aggregation in pre-synaptic terminals in the striatum is hypothesized to set off a cascade of events leading to synaptic loss and widespread cortical Lewy body (LB) pathology. Here, we tested whether α-synuclein proteoforms are enriched in putaminal pre- and post-synaptic terminals in relation to synaptic degeneration and cortical LB pathology in anatomically connected regions across PD stages.Methods We employed multiplex-immunofluorescence in combination with high-resolution confocal microscopy to visualize and quantify total α-synuclein (Syn1), phosphorylated at Serine129 (pSer129), and C-terminal-truncated at residue 122 (CTT122) in dopaminergic (DAT+), cortical glutamatergic (VGLUT1+) pre-synapses and post-synapses (PSD95+), in the putamen of 32 incidental LB disease (iLBD), 27 PD, and 10 control brain donors. LB density was quantified in cingulate and frontal regions. In a subset of the same donors (n = 38), total, pSer129, and CTT122 α-synuclein protein levels were quantified in putaminal synaptosomes using AlphaLISA immunoassays.Results In PD, severe DAT+ terminal loss was observed in the putamen (-86%, p < 0.001), which associated with lower Syn1+ DAT+ synaptic density (rho = 0.61, p < 0.001). VGLUT1+ and PSD95+ synaptic density did not change across disease stages (p > 0.05). pSer129 was highly increased in DAT+ synapses in iLBD cases with Braak stage 3 (+ 2000%, p = 0.007) and in VGLUT1+ and PSD95+ synapses in later stages (Braak stages 4–5; +1296–1613%, p < 0.05). CTT122 was enriched in DAT+, VGLUT1+, PSD95+ synapses in late PD stages (Braak stages 4–6; +294–1332%, p < 0.05). DAT+ synaptic loss was associated with pSer129 (rho=-0.54, p < 0.001) and CTT122 (rho=-0.47, p < 0.001) enrichment in remaining DAT+ synapses. pSer129 and CTT122 were enriched in VGLUT1+ synapses prior to LB pathology in cingulate and frontal regions. Synaptosome fractions showed increased pSer129 protein levels in PD (+ 134%, p = 0.043) but not in iLBD (p = 0.392). We did not detect changes in total or CTT122 protein levels in PD or iLBD (p > 0.05).Conclusions Our results strongly suggest that synaptic enrichment of pSer129 α-synuclein is already increased in early PD stages, possibly contributing to dopaminergic denervation and cortical LB pathology, while CTT122 α-synuclein enrichment in synaptic terminals accompanies pSer129 in later stages.
Enhancing Software Development Effort Estimation: A Cloud-based Data Framework Utilizing Use Case Points, Fuzzy Logic, and Machine Learning
Authors: . Ritu , Bhambri Pankaj
Published: December 2024

Effort estimation is a crucial task in the software development process, as it determines the type of resources needed, the number of required resources, and the project duration. Nevertheless, client requirement could alter during the development process, reducing the accuracy and dependability of early estimates. By offering a methodology, this study seeks to improve effort estimation. A framework that uses the Use Case Point method to estimate the project’s effort has been developed and made available as software as a service on the cloud. The framework determines how long the project will take, based on the input values for the project’s domain, technical factors, environmental factors, and information. The framework maintains a database called the use case repository, which developers and project managers may use to compare and estimate the length of future projects. To increase accuracy and dependability, fuzzy rules and a triangular membership function are employed in fuzzy logic to predict the time. The estimation’s accuracy is demonstrated by cross-checking the findings against popular datasets. Regression analysis is used to anticipate the project’s duration using the Gaussian Process Regression technique in combination with a machine learning system. The training and testing data, collected from friends, classmates, and other software businesses, are validated against the widely available De-shranais dataset. Ultimately, a business intelligence tool is used to produce reports and do comparative analysis based on various features in the repository data. Developers and administrators may now use a range of criteria to analyze the repository data according to specific project and domain-specific requirements.
Predicting 5-Year Survival in Gastric Cancer Patients Using Iliopsoas Muscle CT Radiomics and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Hong Yuan , Li Yifan , Zhang Peng , Chen Haosong , Chen Yixian , Yu Yang , Zhang Zimo , Cheng Kang , Xiong Maoming , Chen Bo
Published: December 2024

Objectives
Sarcopenia, linked to postoperative survival in cancer patients, was investigated in this study. The research explored the relationship between CT imaging features of muscles in gastric cancer patients and their survival. Additionally, the study aimed to create a quantifiable survival prediction model using artificial intelligence.
Methods
In a retrospective study, 100 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer were analyzed. After identifying sarcopenia using the psoas muscle index, clinical factors related to patient survival were investigated. Imaging features were extracted from manually delineated iliopsoas muscles and used in 11 machine learning algorithms. After completing the model training, we used a dataset comprising 34 patients from a secondary center as an external validation set to evaluate the model’s classification performance. After identifying the optimal model, we further explored the fusion methods of clinical omics and radiomics. Based on this, we constructed a predictive model for estimating the five-year survival rate of patients.
Results
Clinical survival analysis highlighted age and tumor M stage as relevant factors. For the task of predicting five-year survival, we found that the Logistic Regression (LR) model without clinical feature fusion exhibited the most balanced and superior performance. Specifically, the AUC (Area Under Curve) values of this model on the training set, internal validation set, and external validation set were 0.82, 0.72, and 0.69, respectively. Additionally, the model’s accuracy remained relatively stable, approximately around 70%.
Conclusions
In this study, we developed a machine learning model based on preoperative CT imaging data of gastric cancer patients to predict their five-year survival rate. The model can achieve about 70% accuracy. Additionally, we explored the necessity and rationale of incorporating clinical independent factors into this predictive model. The results indicated a significant correlation between muscle imaging features and overall patient survival, highlighting the importance of sarcopenia in the clinical management of gastric cancer patients.
Accurate Prediction of Disease-Free and Overall Survival in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Using Patient-Level Multimodal Weakly Supervised Learning
Authors: Che Nanying , Li Yongmeng , Chai Xiaodong , Yang Moxuan , Xiong Jiahang , Zeng Junyang , Chen Yun , Xu Gang , Lin Haifeng , Wang Wei , Wang Shuhao
Published: December 2024

With the rapid progress in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital pathology, prognosis prediction for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has become a critical component of personalized medicine. In this study, we developed a multimodal AI model that integrates whole-slide images and dense clinical data to predict disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) with high accuracy for NSCLC patients undergoing surgery. Utilizing data from 618 patients at Beijing Chest Hospital, the model achieved outstanding performance, with areas under the curve of 0.8084 for predicting progression and 0.8021 for predicting death in the test set. Importantly, the model demonstrated accurate prediction of 5-year DFS and OS, achieving accuracies of 0.7680 for DFS and 0.7760 for OS. By categorizing patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, the model identified significant differences in survival outcomes, with hazard ratios of 4.85 for progression and 4.57 for death, both with p-values below 0.0001. Additionally, it uncovered novel digital biomarkers associated with poor prognosis, offering further insights into NSCLC treatment. This model has the potential to revolutionize postoperative decision-making by providing clinicians with a precise tool for predicting DFS and OS, thereby improving patient outcomes.
The Degree of Pre-Operative Osteoarthritis is Associated with Outcome Following THA
Authors: Kashanian Koorosh , Hinde Yoshio , Austin Roman , Mavromatis Alexander , Bingham Joshua , Grammatopoulos George
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasingly used in less severe cases of hip osteoarthritis (OA).This paper aimed to determine 1) The prevalence of different degrees of OA before THA, 2) The association of pre-operative OA severity with the severity of baseline symptoms and 3) The association of pre-operative OA severity with outcomes post-THA.
Methods: A retrospective study of a prospective database of all THAs at two tertiary academic centers between 2020 and 2021 was conducted. There were 803 patients in the database, with 109 being excluded due to incomplete data. There were 694 patients included, and the mean age and body mass index were 64.50±12.80 years and 28.45±5.90 kg/m2, respectively. Most patients were women (n=361; 52.0%).
Radiographic analysis was performed to assess the degree of hip OA with the Tönnis grade (0 – 3; no OA – complete degradation). Patients had pre-operative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of hip function via the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and their overall well-being via the EQ-5D-5L, with follow-up and post-operative PROMs 12 months after surgery. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (IBM, Armonk, NY).
Results: There were no differences in pre-operative OHS between Tönnis groups (18±6.26, n=14 in Tönnis 1, 21.19±8.27, n=260 in Tönnis 2 and 18.18±7.09, n=420 in Tönnis 3, p=0.14) After one year, the increase in OHS was 18.03±11.95, 18.32±10.96, and 24.32±9.98, respectively for Tönnis 1,2, and 3 (p<0.001). Thus, the percentage meeting the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) was 57.1%, 60.8% and 72.6%. One year EQ-5D-5L was also highest in Tönnis 3 (47.5 ± 4.03, 79.6 ± 13.25 and 82.12 ± 11.67, p<0.001).
Conclusion: The highest-grade OA before THA was correlated with the greatest improvements in hip function and quality of life. This study demonstrates that a conservative approach and re-education should be attempted in patients who have an absence of advanced radiographic OA.
Osteosarcopenia as a Predictor of Histopathologic Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Hirase Yuki , Sasaki Ken , Tsuruda Yusuke , Shimonosono Masataka , Uchikado Yasuto , Matsushita Daisuke , Arigami Takaaki , Tada Nobuhiro , Baba Kenji , Kawasaki Yota , Ohtsuka Takao
Published: December 2024

Purpose: Predicting chemoradiotherapy (CRT) response in esophageal cancer is essential as outcomes vary among patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of osteosarcopenia on the effectiveness of neoadjuvant CRT (NACRT).
Methods: Ninety-five patients with advanced esophageal cancer who underwent surgical resection post-NACRT were included. Sarcopenia and osteopenia were determined using pre-NACRT skeletal muscle index and bone density at L3 and Th11 levels. Patients were categorized based on osteosarcopenia status.
Results: Thirty-seven patients (39%) had osteosarcopenia. Among tumors, 49 (51.6%) were grade 1 (non-responders), 12 grade 2 (12.6%), and 34 (35.8%) grade 3 (responders). NACRT was significantly more effective in patients with above-median body mass index, shallow tumor depth, low squamous cell carcinoma antigen levels, and without osteosarcopenia. Osteosarcopenia was independently correlated with the histopathologic response to NACRT. No significant differences in overall- or relapse-free survival were observed based on osteosarcopenia status.
Conclusion: Osteosarcopenia may predict NACRT response in esophageal cancer.
Predictive Biomarkers for TNF Inhibitor Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Proteomics-based Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Cho Ara , Yi Eugene C , Lee Yun Jong , Song Yeong Wook , Tanaka Yoshiya , Kim Kristine M
Published: December 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a prevalent systemic autoimmune disease, affects 0.5–1% of the global population and is characterized by persistent joint inflammation and potential bone damage. Despite the utilization of Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) and TNF inhibitors (TNFi) to manage RA, approximately one-third of patients do not response to these treatments, underscoring the urgent need for more precise therapeutic approaches. This study presents a proteomics-based machine learning approach to identify serum biomarkers capable of predicting individual patient responses to TNFi therapy, specifically infliximab By analyzing serum samples from 71 responders and 122 non-responders using Data-Independent Acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) for comprehensive proteomic profiling, we identified a panel of 10 multi-biomarkers, SAA2, MBL2, CLU, F5, FCGBP, IGFBP3, FGA, PROS1 and PCOLCE. These biomarkers are closely linked to key biological processes in RA, such as inflammation (SAA2, MBL2), immune modulation (CLU, FCGBP), coagulation (F5, PROS1, FGA), and tissue remodeling (PCOLCE). A logistic regression model utilizing these biomarkers achieved an accuracy of 82%, with a sensitivity of 0.74 and a specificity of 0.87. These biomarkers correlating with RA disease activity and patient response to infliximab, have the potential to enable a predictive model for personalized treatment. The advancement suggests a future shift towards a more predictive, personalized approach in RA management, potentially Improving by reducing the reliance on the current trial-and-error method in therapy selection.
A life that’s worth living – measuring health-related quality of life among people treated for tuberculosis in Viet Nam: a longitudinal EQ-5D-5L survey
Authors: Vo Luan Nguyen Quang , Forse Rachel , Codlin Andrew James , Huynh Huy Ba , Wiemers Anja Maria Christine , Creswell Jacob , Garg Tushar , Dang Thi Minh Ha , Nguyen Lan Huu , Nguyen Hoa Binh , Dinh Luong Van , Nguyen Nhung Viet , Wingfield Tom , Sidney-Annerstedt Kristi , Shedrawy Jad , Lonnroth Knut
Published: December 2024

Background
In many settings, Tuberculosis (TB) represents a catastrophic life event that substantially impairs a person’s Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). We aimed to measure the impact of TB disease and treatment on HRQoL in Viet Nam.
Methods
This study took place in four provinces from Oct-2020 to Sep-2022. Persons initiated on TB treatment were consecutively recruited across three pathways to access care: passive case finding (NTP); active case finding (ACF); and private sector engagement (PPM). We conducted the EuroQol–5-Dimension–5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) survey during the intensive, continuation, and post-treatment phase. We described participant characteristics, assessed the survey’s psychometric properties, and calculated utility indexes using a Vietnamese value set. We reported these alongside visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) scores and EQ-5D-5L dimensions by treatment stage, care pathway and other participant characteristics. Mixed-effect Tobit models were fitted to identify relevant associations with HRQoL, which we compared to general population benchmarks.
Results
We recruited 585 participants (76% male) with a median age of 51 years. EQ-5D-5L dimensions at baseline showed that 53.8% experienced pain/discomfort and 35.0% felt anxiety/depression, while 33.8%, 30.4%, and 9.6% reported problems with carrying out usual activities, mobility, and self-care, respectively. The mean utility index was 0.83 (95% confidence interval: [0.82, 0.85]) and mean EQ-VAS was 67.1 (95%CI: [65.6, 68.6]). Post-treatment, HRQoL improved significantly on all dimensions and composite measures While utility indexes were at parity with general population benchmarks (0.90; 95%CI: [0.89, 0.92] vs. 0.91), self-reported EQ-VAS scores remained significantly lower (79.4; 95%CI: [78.1, 80.6] vs. 87.4). HRQoL was higher at baseline in the ACF versus the NTP cohorts on utility index (0.87 vs. 0.82; p = 0.003) and EQ-VAS score (70.4 vs. 65.5; p = 0.015). The EQ-5D-5L tool demonstrated moderate to high validity on Cronbach’s alpha (0.75 ≤ α ≤ 0.84) and Spearman’s rho (0.4679 ≤ ρ0 ≤ 0.5651) across treatment stages and various known groups.
Conclusion
TB significantly impairs HRQoL among affected Vietnamese people. While treatment partially remedies these impairments, they may persist post-TB. Hence, physical, psychological and social rehabilitation during and after therapy should receive more attention. We found evidence that ACF may mitigate TB-related declines in HRQoL, but tailored studies are needed to substantiate these findings.
Risk Factors for Low Back Pain after Stand-Alone Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (OLIF): Is Short-Term Pain the same as Long-Term Pain?
Authors: Gao Xianda , Chang Hengrui , Sun Jiayuan , Miao Dazhuang , Zhang Weiqi , Xu Jiaxin , Zhang Di
Published: December 2024

Purpose: As a complication, low back pain (LBP) was a common source of poor clinical outcomes after Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (OLIF). However, little was known about LBP and its risk factors. Our purpose was to compare LBP at different periods and identified their risk factors.
Methods:106 patients who underwent stand-alone OLIF were reviewed retrospectively in the study. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score was used to evaluate LBP at preoperative, postoperative and last follow-up. According to LBP at different periods, the symptom was divided into short-term LBP and long-term LBP. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for LBP at different periods.
Results: There were 34 patients (32.08%) with short-term LBP and 21 patients (19.81%) with long-term LBP. Endplate injury (OR=4.041, 95% CI=1.139-14.342, p=0.031) and intervertebral height overdistraction (OR=3.628, 95% CI=1.504-8.754, p=0.004) were identified as risk factors for short-term LBP. Most of short-term LBP relieved at last follow-up with ODI 29.92±7.96 decreasing to 12.96±8.24. Cage subsidence (OR=7.188, 95% CI=2.330-22.175, p=0.001) was identified as risk factors for long-term LBP.
Conclusions: LBP was a common complication after OLIF and there were different characteristics at different period. Endplate injury and IH overdistraction were the risk factors for short-term LBP. Most of short-term LBP would relieve spontaneously with symptomatic treatment. Cage subsidence was the risk factor for long-term LBP. Patients with osteoporosis and endplate injury were more prone to suffer from cage subsidence and we suggested instrumentations were required for patients combined with the two risk factors.
Job Preferences of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Workers: A Discrete Choice Experiment in China
Authors: Guo Yan , Nie Hanlin , Chen Hao , Nicholas Stephen , Maitland Elizabeth , Chen Sisi , Huang Lieyu , Zhang Xiumin , Shi Xuefeng
Published: December 2024

Background
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) in China face retention and recruit challenges, which impact the efficiency and performance of disease control and prevention. This study explores the career choice preferences of CDC workers by conducting a discrete choice experiment, which provides CDC management information and recommendations for optimizing employee retention and motivation policies.
Methods
A discrete choice experiment was conducted in nine provinces in China, where seven key job preference attributes were identified through a literature review and expert consultation to analyze the job choice preferences of CDC workers. A mixed logit model, latent class model, and a policy simulation tool were estimated.
Results
A total of 7071 respondents from 117 CDC were surveyed, with a valid sample of 5944 cases included for analysis after consistency testing. Our main findings were that all seven attributes, including income, welfare benefits, bianzhi, workload, acceptance and respect from the public, opportunities for career development, and job skill training, significantly influenced CDC workers' job choices. Heterogeneity analyses identified two main groups based on different levels of preference for the utility of attributes. Income-prioritisers were concerned with income, opportunities for career development, and welfare benefits, while bianzhi-prioritiserswere concerned with bianzhi, welfare benefits and income. The policy simulation analysis found that the income-prioritisers had relatively higher sensitivity to multiple job preference incentives.
Conclusion
Income and bianzhi were two key attributes that influence the job choice and retention preferences of CDC workers. We also identified heterogeneity in job choice preferences. We suggest providing different retention management programs and work incentive strategies based on the preference characteristics of different subgroups of CDCs workers, taking into account realistic feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
Lipoprotein profile as a predictor of type 2 diabetes with sarcopenia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Tang Ting , Hao Junjie , Yang Qingyan , Bao Guodan , Wang Zhong-Ping
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study investigated the relationship between lipoprotein profiles and sarcopenia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The objective is to provide a solid theoretical foundation and treatment strategies for clinical prevention and management of diabetes, particularly in individuals with concurrent sarcopenia.
Methods
In this study, we selected inpatients aged over 60 years diagnosed with T2DM who were admitted to the Department of Geriatrics at Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital from July 2023 to June 2024 as research subjects. We collected general patient data, including gender, age, ethnicity, height, weight, and calculated body mass index (BMI). Key indices measured included glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoproteins A and B (ApoA and ApoB), phospholipids, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and free fatty acids (FFA). Additionally, we assessed limb skeletal muscle mass, grip strength, walking speed, and calculated the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI). Based on Asian diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia, patients were categorized into a non-sarcopenic group or a group with T2DM combined with sarcopenia. Baseline laboratory data along with ASMI measurements, grip strength assessments, and walking speeds were statistically analyzed for both groups.
Results
Compared with T2DM patients without sarcopenia, the levels of HbA1c, Lp(a), FFA, serum albumin, TC, TG, HDL-C, ApoA and VLDL in type 2 diabetic patients with sarcopenia were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). When multivariate adjustments were made for these clinical features, age (OR = 1.18, 95%CI: 1.11–1.25, P < 0.001), BMI (OR = 0.81, 95%CI: 0.72–0.91, P < 0.001), ApoA (OR = 0.04, 95%CI: 0.00-0.98, P = 0.048), Lp(a) > 15.5 mg/dL (OR = 3.27, 95%CI: 1.58–6.80, P = 0.001) and FFA > 0.48 g/L (OR = 4.06, 95%CI: 1.96–8.43, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of diabetes mellitus with sarcopenia. ROC curve analysis showed that free fatty acids (AUC = 0.721, 95%CI: 0.660–0.782, P < 0.001) in T2DM with sarcopenia has good predictive value judgment.
Conclusion
Age, BMI, ApoA, Lp(a), and FFA were independent predictors of T2DM with sarcopenia. Serum free fatty acids have a good predictive value in the judgment of T2DM complicated with sarcopenia.
A Cost-benefit Analysis of Basic Income Support during the Initial Stage of the AI Revolution.
Authors: Jozaghi Ehsan
Published: December 2024

Background: Recently, some jurisdictions have started experimenting with basic income support (BIS). Some of the pilot programs have been very successful in promoting better mental health and reduced drug/alcohol use, with successful results in the job markets and schools. While there have been various cost projections over the years, this is the first cost-benefit study to evaluate their efficacy.
Methods: To assess the BIS program, the benefits are estimated via the more extended life expectancy linked to mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs). This study used a mathematical model to assess the benefit-cost ratio and projected cost savings via a BIS program intervention.
Results: If BIS programs are implemented, the tangible benefits linked to potential longer life expectancy linked to mental health and SUDs will translate to CAN$1.86 x 1013. Intangible benefits generated a combined value of CAN$2.69 x 1014. When the overall cost of implementing a BIS is considered, such programs generate a benefit-to-cost ratio of 3.057 x 103: 1 for SUDs and mental health. The average value of the tangible and intangible projection based on the benefit-to-cost ratio was 1.634 x 103.
Conclusion: Billions of dollars are spent annually on the treatment of mental health and SUDs. Moreover, thousands of lives are lost to suicides, drug overdose deaths, and alcohol-related fatalities. The BIS program could provide a harm-reduction rational choice during the age of the Artificial intelligence revolution affecting the economy, culture, and democracy.
Conformational analysis of arginine methylated and di methylated and serine phosphorylated in silico
Authors: Santos Martim
Published: December 2024

post-translational modifications (PTMs) encompass alterations to the side chains of amino acids subsequent to their synthesis. These modifications play pivotal roles in regulating diverse cellular processes, such as kinase activation, protein degradation, and more. Additionally, they exert a significant influence on the functionality and architecture of the proteins within which these processes occur. Depending on the specific amino acid affected and its location, these modifications can contribute to the development of various diseases. Through Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, we delve into the structural ramifications of PTMs on amino acids, exploring whether they might contribute to their deregulation. We recognize that these modifications do indeed alter the orientation of amino acids, which may play a significant role in the development of various diseases or even their initiation. Additionally, we observe PTMs also have an impact on several characteristics of amino acids, such as dipolar moment, highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), and partial charge. This suggests that modifying these features can potentially influence factors like the stability of the amino acid or even the entire protein. Through this study, we can conclude that by adopting this approach, we can gain deeper insights into the influence of PTMs on amino acids and whether such influences can be directly linked to the development of diseases associated with PTM deregulation.
Jan Paweł Kaczkowski (J.P. d' Ardeschah), 1874–1940
Authors: Grzelak Tomasz Jerzy
Published: December 2024

Jan Paweł Kaczkowski entfaltete ab 1896 durch vier Jahrzehnte eine mal stärker, mal schwächer ausgeprägte deutsch-polnische und polnisch-deutsche kulturelle Mittlertätigkeit. In polnischen Periodika berichtete er über das aktuelle literarische Leben im Deutschen Reich; für deutsche Verlage übersetzte er polnische Höhenkammliteratur von Norwid und Reymont, außerdem Mitte der 1930er Jahre mehrere Bände Erinnerungen und Ansprachen von Józef Piłsudski. Für seine polnischen Publikationen benutzte er seinen bürgerlichen Namen Kaczkowski, für die Übersetzungen ins Deutsche das Pseudonym Jean Paul d'Ardeschah.
Elisabeth Kaerrick, 1886–1966
Authors: Kelletat Andreas F.
Published: December 2024

Für das Bild, das sich durch etliche Jahrzehnte des Russischen nicht kundige Leser von Leben und Werk Dostoevskijs machen konnten, sind die ab 1906 in Reinhard Pipers Verlag erschienenen Dostoevskij-Ausgaben, die im verlegerischen Peritext eine Person namens "E. K. Rahsin" als Übersetzer ausweisen, von kaum zu überschätzender Bedeutung. "Dostojewskijs Romane wühlten uns auf. Die roten Piper-Bände leuchteten wie Flammenzeichen von jedem Schreibtisch", erinnert sich Hans-Georg Gadamer 1965 an das Marburg der 20er Jahre. Dass es sich bei dem Namen "E. K. Rahsin" um ein Pseudonym handelte, sprach sich in Literatenkreisen rasch herum, aber dass sich hinter diesem Decknamen die auf ihrer Unsichtbarkeit konsequent beharrende Elisabeth Kaerrick verbarg, war sogar 1960 noch nicht bekannt, als "E. K. Rahsin" für ihr Dostoevskij gewidmetes, sich durch "getreue Verdeutschung" auszeichnendes "Lebenswerk" der Übersetzerpreis der Deutschen Akademie für Sprache und Dichtung verliehen wurde.
Wolfgang Kasack, 1927–2003
Authors: Göbler Frank
Published: December 2024

Wolfgang Kasack war einer der bedeutendsten Kenner russischer Literatur des 20. Jahrhunderts im deutschen Sprachraum. Neben seinem umfangreichen wissenschaftlichen und literaturkritischen Œuvre legte er eine größere Zahl literarischer Übersetzungen vor, die er als Beitrag zur Vermittlung russischer Literatur und Kultur verstand. Der größere Teil der Übersetzungen fällt in seine aktive Zeit als Professor für Slavische Philologie an der Universität zu Köln (1969-1992).
الغناء عبر مراحل تطوره وسياق جمالياته
Authors: Al-Sarraj Surwd Fuad Mohammed
Published: December 2024

ان محور هذا البحث هو التفكير الفلسفي الجمالي في فن الغناء ومحاولة التوصل الى دلالاته وأسراره الجمالية عبرمراحل تطوره وسياقه والتعرف على ماهيته في تفسير طبيعته وقيمته ووظيفته وأثره على المتلقى. هذه الصورة المرسومة جمالياً والمتداخلة مع الحاجات الانسان المادية والجسدية مترابطة بالوعي الفني و بصورة تعكس خلق عمل فنى يوازى عملية الادراك  الحسي لديه لذا لابد له ان يواكب ثلاثة مراحل  التى هي بمثابة تكوين العملية الفنية وتجلياتها   ففي المرحلة الاولى ( الارتقاء ) : يجب أن يشبع الانسان حتى يتفلسف ، ان يرتقي من الحياة المادية ، من حاجات الجسد ، ليتفرغ الى الحياة الفكرية ، حيث يهتم بالنواحي العقلية ، مثل القيم العليا ، الحق والخير والجمال، وفي المرحلة الثانية ( الاكتشاف ) یتم اكتشاف الجمال في الطبيعة ( في الواقع ، في الحياة ) ثم استخراجه والتمتع به كغذاء روحى ، تلك هى حال الانسان العادي، وفي المرحلة الثالثة والاخیرة والتي تسمی العملية الفنية، يأخذ الفنان الجمال فيصفه في نفسيته، ثم يعيده جمالاً مصنعاً يسمى فنا. وهذا الفن هو  فعل ايمان متجدد بالقيم الاجتماعية الفكرية الانسانية التى يشعر بها الانسان كما الفنان اذ كان الانسان العادي يجهل التعبير الفني ، فالفنان هو الذى يبرز أحد أوجه الجمال في تلك القيم كاعلان تأكيد على أهميتها.
Assessing By Model Fitting Criteria and Comparing Between Stirling and Aitken Interpolation Formulas to Determine the Preferred Treatment of Choice, (Surgery) Or (Surgery with Chemotherapy), For Lung Cancer, In Kurdistan
Authors: Al-Barznji Nazeera Sedeeq , Abdullah Duaa Faiz , Kareem Rezan Sedeeq , Sedeeq Bikhal Samad
Published: December 2024

Numerical analysis is a branch of mathematical science; Interpolation is a method in Numerical analysis used for creating a model for group of discrete data points. This paper focused on two interpolations methods [Stirling's and Aitken] in numerical analysis can use the applied mathematics, to identify the mathematical model which it is bio statistical model refers to the equation about the effect of the best type of treatment for the Lung cancer, where the Lung cancer is a dangers disease either starts in the lungs then extend to the lymphatic system or from cancer in the other part of body to the Lung.to determine the preferred treatment of lung cancer, by surgery, or surgery with chemotherapy.  for this analysis data obtained from the doctor specialist in Lung cancer  through ratio  percentages success of treatment , and by [Stirling's  and Aitken interpolation formula] we formulated, firstly two(equations) or models for (surgery with chemotherapy treatments)  with the fourth and third degrees , and Secondly, another two equations for (surgery treatments )  with second degree , this confirms that surgery with chemotherapy is preferred treatment of lung cancer  patients, and since the Stirling interpolation equation in the fourth degree emphasize  that it is the most appropriate formula for bio-statistical analyses. by Cox and Snell R-Square in both treatments refer to   good ratio and in the statistical analysis, the model fitting criteria in both analyzes the p-values emphasize the best fit of the models indicates perfect prediction. Improvement.
Kurdish EFL Students' Perceptions towards AI-Powered Platforms for Learning English Grammar
Authors: Shareef Nawsha Ghaleb
Published: December 2024

The accelerated advancements of AI have extended to all the areas of learning English as a foreign language, including grammar learning. This study aims at investigating Kurdish EFL students’ perceptions and perceived feelings towards the use of AI-powered platforms for learning and improving English grammar. It additionally aims to explore whether the students can master English grammar solely through the use of AI-powered platforms, in absence of the traditional learning methods of grammar. This study employs a quantitative research approach administering a survey questionnaire to 118 Kurdish EFL students at Salahaddin University. The findings point out that the Kurdish EFL students perceive AI-powered platforms as good means for improving English grammar proficiency and they hold a favorable feeling towards the platforms. The findings further showcase that the students believe that they cannot master English grammar by relying solely on the AI-powered platforms. They rather find AI-powered platforms more effective when they are integrated into the traditional learning methods of grammar.
Rituximab in the treatment of Pembrolizumab induced Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: O’Keeffe Jessica C. , Friedman Nadia Deborah , Ayyappan Sujith
Published: December 2024

Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody programmed cell death 1 inhibitor that is an established treatment for melanoma and various lung cancers. Whilst an effective treatment option, it is known to have multiple immune related adverse events associated with its use, including neurological complications such as myasthenia gravis. Previous case reports on the treatment of Pembrolizumab induced myasthenia gravis have detailed the difficulty in managing the condition. There is increasing evidence that Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody directed at CD20 antigen B cells may be an effective treatment option for this condition. This case report outlines the successful treatment of a patient with Pembrolizumab induced myasthenia gravis who was managed with Rituximab.
Apomorphine and Domperidone Review
Authors: Mackinnon Rachael , Carroll Vincent
Published: December 2024

Apomorphine is generally a safe and well tolerated therapy used in acute and intermittent treatment of the motor symptoms, the ‘off’ motor state in Parkinson’s disease, and there is growing evidence supporting its clinical value in non-motor symptoms. It has an excellent efficacy profile in clinical practice, though the use of the agent continues to be underutilised. One of the most common reasons of this is most likely the perception of how difficult it is to use the agent, and the management of the adverse events (AE’s). The discontinuation due to AE’s is not as common as it has been believed. Apomorphine is generally well tolerated by most patients and if AE’s do develop, they are manageable in most cases.

The objective of this literature review was to examine the body of literature regarding the risk of Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, and cardiac arrest in apomorphine challenges; and to look for safety parameters for people commencing and continuing apomorphine therapy. There is evidence that apomorphine can prolong a QTc interval, leading to cardiac arrhythmias. During the apomorphine challenge the drug domperidone is widely used to combat the side effects of nausea and vomiting, and vasodilation side effects of postural hypotension from the apomorphine. Domperidone has also been identified and studied as a medication with risks of QTc prolongation.
The Intersection between Voluntary Assisted Dying, Suicide and Advance Care Planning in Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Hosken Ruth C
Published: December 2024

Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder, with a life expectancy 10-20 years after symptom onset which is usually in middle age. Symptoms of HD include physical deterioration, cognitive impairment and a high incidence of suicide and suicidal ideation, which may cause intolerable suffering. While the strong association between depression and other psychiatric manifestations with suicide is discussed, this paper explores whether suicide can ever be deemed rational. By the time a person with HD reaches an advanced and terminal stage, their decisionmaking capacity will be so impaired as to make them ineligible for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) under all current and proposed legislation in Australia and New Zealand. Given that Advance Care Planning (ACP) can provide an opportunity to refuse all medical treatment, except palliative treatment, could this provide an acceptable alternative to suicide and VAD? Nurses need to consider these ethical dilemmas and remain informed on the debates. They may experience moral conflict when a person wishes to discuss their view on rational suicide or seek to implement refusal of treatment in an advanced care directive. They must be aware and consider how their professional obligations and personal opinions interact with this complex topic.
Identifying and Managing Drug Induced Parkinsonism: The Role of Neuroscience Nurses
Authors: Nichols Linda , Alty Jane
Published: December 2024

Drug induced parkinsonism (DIP) is one of the most frequently occurring side effects of dopamine-receptor blocking agents such as antipsychotic (neuroleptic) and antiemetic drugs. It typically presents with extrapyramidal signs, such as slowed movements, reduced facial expression and muscle stiffness. In contrast to Parkinson’s disease, which is caused by a progressive degeneration of pre-synaptic dopaminergic neurons that project from the substantia nigra in the brainstem, DIP is thought to usually occur due to the post-synaptic antagonism of dopamine receptors in the striatum. However, the two conditions can sometimes be clinically indistinguishable, and may even occur together, and thus it can be challenging to make an accurate diagnosis of DIP. It is important to consider DIP in the differential diagnosis of any person with extrapyramidal signs within the context of recent medication changes as the condition is reversible when the offending drug is withdrawn and, without early identification, there is substantial risk of increased morbidity, complications such as falls, and poor quality of life. Recent advancements in cerebral imaging have improved diagnostic accuracy but this technology is costly and not widely available.

There is a dearth of literature pertaining to the role of neuroscience nurses and DIP. This is concerning as the potential for DIP presentations to occur within the neuroscience setting is high. Neuroscience nurses, particularly those working within the movement disorder speciality areas, need the skills to advocate and pursue further investigation for patients who present with extrapyramidal signs, especially if these begin in the context of the prescription of dopamine-blocking drugs. This review is written primarily for neurosciences nurses but will be applicable to a wide range of healthcare workers; it aims to outline potential causative drugs, risk factors and the key clinical characteristics of DIP. It also highlights useful features that help distinguish DIP from Parkinson’s disease, summarises investigations and discusses management and care.