bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the strength characteristics and micro-mechanism of modified solidified red mud
Authors: Ding Ziyi , Cheng Yu , Jin Lu , Wang Wentong , Yan Shiying
Published: August 2024

The residue generated during the production process of alumina, known as red mud, is a type of solid waste. The engineering properties of red mud can be significantly enhanced through the modification and solidification using inorganic materials. This study primarily utilized red mud as the raw material, supplemented with fly ash, lime, and clay, to conduct a solidification experiment of red mud. Orthogonal tests with three factors of two ash ratio (ratio of lime to fly ash), two ash content (total lime and fly ash), and red mud types were designed to study the changes of different ratios and maintenance conditions, etc., on the engineering properties of red mud. In addition, the micro-mechanisms of modified red mud were investigated by means of XRF, XRD, SEM and EDX. The results show that for optimum moisture content, red mud types are the most important influencing factor and for maximum dry density, two ash content is the most important influencing factor. For strength characteristics, the optimum two ash ratio was 1.5:1, the optimum two ash content was 50%, and the optimum red mud types were 70% CRM (red mud made of Chalco Shandong Co., Ltd) mixed with 30% clay. The addition of lime, fly ash, and clay improves the temperature shrinkage coefficient of the red mud. Through the analysis of microscopic composition and structure, it can be seen that goethite (α-FeO(OH)) and magnetite (γ-Fe2O3) in the red mud reacted with the modified materials to generate crystalline aluminosilicate and amorphous hydrated silicate gel, and these products together with the original calcium carbonate (CaCO3), tricalcium aluminate (Ca3Al2O6) and garnet (Ca3TiFeSi3O12) in the red mud which have certain strengths enhance the structural strength of the modified red mud. The optimum ratio obtained from the combined test results was lime: fly ash: CRM = 30:20:50. Therefore, using lime, fly ash and clay as modified materials can greatly enhance the engineering properties of red mud and realise the resourceful use of red mud.
Case report: The use of metagenomic next-generation sequencing to diagnose Lemierre’s syndrome caused by lost root canal fillings in a 33-year-old patient with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Zhou Yimeng , Zhai Yongzhen , Wang Yan , Zhang Dan , Feng Guohe
Published: August 2024

Background

Lemierre’s syndrome is a rare and serious complication of pharyngitis with an estimated annual incidence of 1 in 100,000 people worldwide. It is characterized by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein with metastatic infection, usually after oropharyngeal infection. Rare cases of Lemierre’s syndrome have been reported to be caused by odontogenic infection.

Case report

A 33-year-old male visited our hospital with symptoms of fever and sore throat for 16 days. The other symptoms included pain in his left neck and shoulder. In addition, metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on waist circumference, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Fusobacterium necrophorum bacteria was detected using the metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technique. The enhanced computerized tomography (CT) scan showed thrombosis of the left proximal jugular vein and brachiocephalic vein. Based on these observations, Lemierre’s syndrome was diagnosed. The etiology was that the fillings in the root canal tooth were lost with no blood or pain about 2 weeks before the onset. The patient recovered after treatment with antibiotics and blood purification.

Conclusion

Lemierre’s syndrome should be evaluated for patients with fever, sore throat, and neck pain. If the loss of fillings from root canal therapy occurs, especially for those with metabolic syndrome, we should be aware of the possibility of this disease. Furthermore, the mNGS test can be used as a crucial supplementary diagnostic tool for patients with undetermined fever.
Case report: Systemic tuberculosis with prostate involvement mimicking prostate cancer with multiple metastases on 18F-FDG and 18F-PSMA PET/CT
Authors: Sun Xinyao , Qiu Yongkang , Song Lele , Kang Lei
Published: August 2024

Background

Prostate tuberculosis is a common form of urogenital tuberculosis that occurs in men. Clinical and imaging manifestations of prostate tuberculosis are atypical, which often need to be differentiated from benign prostatic hyperplasia, a prostate malignant tumor, and a urinary tract infection. Although prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is considered a specific biomarker for prostate cancer, it is also found within tuberculosis tissues that may be stimulated by angiogenic factors. An abnormal PSMA uptake on positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) should eliminate the possibility of tuberculosis.

Case report

In this study, we reported a case of a 51-year-old man with an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) but a normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value. 2-Deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) and [fluorine-18]-prostate-specific membrane antigen (18F-PSMA) PET/CT scans were performed for further evaluation. The prostate showed a high fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) uptake but a slight PSMA uptake. Multiple osteolytic bone destruction and lymph nodes with an increased FDG uptake but a mild PSMA uptake were observed throughout the body. Systemic tuberculosis was diagnosed based on the prostate biopsy and the positive result of the T-cell spot test regarding tuberculosis infection. After 6 months of standard anti-tuberculosis treatment, the patient experienced symptom relief.

Conclusion

In the case of a urinary tract infection, where the prostate shows high FDG uptake lesions with perilesional abscess, a mildly increased PSMA uptake, a low PSA value, a high ESR, and relevant clinical symptoms, tuberculosis should be considered and laboratory tests are required, especially when symptoms are relieved after successful anti-tuberculosis therapy. The final confirmation of the diagnosis still relies on pathological examination.
Relationship between systemic immune-inflammation index and osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional study from the NHANES 2005–2018
Authors: He Qiang , Wang Zhen , Mei Jie , Xie Chengxin , Sun Xin
Published: August 2024

Objective

The study aimed to explore the relationship between systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) levels and osteoarthritis (OA) using cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2005 to 2018.

Methods

Using cross-sectional data from the NHANES database from 2005 to 2018, we included 11,381 study participants divided into OA (n = 1,437) and non-OA (n = 9,944) groups. Weighted multivariable regression models and subgroup analyses were employed to investigate the relationship between SIRI and OA. Additionally, restricted cubic spline models were used to explore nonlinear relationships.

Results

This study enrolled 11,381 participants aged ≥20 years, including 1,437 (14%) with OA. Weighted multivariable regression analysis in the fully adjusted Model 3 indicated a correlation between higher levels of SIRI (log2-transformed) and an increased OA risk (odds ratio: 1.150; 95% confidence interval: 1.000–1.323, p < 0.05). Interaction tests showed that the variables did not significantly affect this correlation (p for interaction all >0.05). Additionally, a restricted cubic spline model revealed a nonlinear relationship between log2(SIRI) and OA risk, with a threshold effect showing 4.757 as the critical value of SIRI. SIRI <4.757 showed almost unchanged OA risk, whereas SIRI >4.757 showed rapidly increasing OA risk.

Conclusion

The positive correlation between SIRI and OA risk, with a critical value of 4.757, holds clinical value in practical applications. Additionally, our study indicates that SIRI is a novel, clinically valuable, and convenient inflammatory biomarker that can be used to predict OA risk in adults.
Severe pneumonia with empyema due to multiple anaerobic infections: case report and literature review
Authors: Yu Fangyu , Zhang Xiaojing , Li Yujiao , Gai Wei , Zheng Yafeng , Cai Xudong
Published: August 2024

Background

Cases of severe pneumonia complicated by empyema due to normal anaerobic flora from the oral cavity are infrequent. Diagnosing anaerobic infections through conventional microbiological test (CMT) is often challenging.

Case presentation

This study describes the case of a 67-year-old man, bedridden long-term, who developed severe pneumonia with empyema caused by multiple anaerobic bacterial infections. The patient was hospitalized with a 5-day history of cough, sputum and fever, accompanied by a 2-day history of dyspnea. Despite CMT, the specific etiology remained elusive. However, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) identified various anaerobic bacteria in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), blood and pleural effusion. The patient was diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection involving multiple anaerobic bacteria. Following treatment with metronidazole and moxifloxacin, the patient’s pulmonary symptoms improved.

Conclusion

mNGS serves as a valuable adjunctive tool for diagnosting and managing patients whose etiology remains unidentified following CMT.
Competency development for pharmacy: adopting and adapting the FIP global advanced development framework
Authors: Al-Haqan Asmaa , Waheedi Salah , Abdullah Israa , Meilianti Sherly , Shaaban Jenan
Published: August 2024

Background

Pharmacy education shifts toward competency-based training to meet healthcare demands. This study aims to develop and validate the Kuwait Advanced Competency Framework (KACF) for pharmacists. The study adopts the FIP Global Advanced Development Framework (GADF) to develop a country-specific framework, emphasizing the importance of aligning with global standards while adapting to local contexts. The developed framework builds upon the Kuwait Foundation Competency Framework to address the need for advanced pharmacy services.

Methods

This is a mixed methods study that employed an “adopt and adapt” approach. The KACF was adopted from the FIP GADF and adapted following four phases. Phase one involved checking and validating the Arabic version of the FIP GADF. Phase two employed a series of focus groups to validate accuracy and relevancy of competency statements. Phase three utilized a workshop with different stakeholders as a final step of validation. Phase four involved a national survey to assess the national pharmacy workforce against the framework competencies. Qualitative feedback from focus groups and workshops informed competencies modifications. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and multiple correspondence analyses (MCA).

Results

The translation phase verified a bilingual framework that could be utilized by pharmacists in Kuwait. The initial and final validation phases identified 20 behavioral statements (out of 22 in the original document) that are relevant to pharmacy practice in Kuwait. The national survey, comprising 169 respondents, validated the KACF’s applicability, revealing variations in career stage progression across competency clusters. Findings highlighted associations between career stages and practice settings, offering insights for tailored workforce development strategies.

Conclusion

The KACF emerges as a pivotal tool for advancing pharmacy services in Kuwait, aligning with global trends toward competency-based education. Findings underscored the necessity for context-specific approaches in advancing pharmacy practice, providing a comprehensive understanding of competency progression and readiness for advanced roles.
Vascular-adhesion protein 1 in giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Petzinna Simon M. , Bauer Claus-Jürgen , Schäfer Valentin S.
Published: August 2024

Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is a type 2 transmembrane sialoglycoprotein with oxidative deamination functionality, encoded by the amine oxidase copper-containing 3 (AOC3) gene. VAP-1 is widely expressed across various tissues, particularly in highly vascularized tissues and organs essential for lymphocyte circulation. In the vascular system, VAP-1 is predominantly found in vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells, with higher expression levels in vascular smooth muscle cells. Under inflammatory conditions, VAP-1 rapidly translocates to the endothelial cell surface, facilitating leukocyte adhesion and migration through interactions with specific ligands, such as sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectins (Siglec)-9 on neutrophils and monocytes, and Siglec-10 on B cells, monocytes, and eosinophils. This interaction is crucial for leukocyte transmigration into inflamed tissues. Furthermore, VAP-1’s enzymatic activity generates hydrogen peroxide and advanced glycation end-products, contributing to cytotoxic damage and vascular inflammation. In this context, the soluble form of VAP-1 (sVAP-1), produced by matrix metalloproteinase cleavage from its membrane-bound counterpart, also significantly influences leukocyte migration. This review aims to elucidate the multifaceted pathophysiological roles of VAP-1 in vascular inflammation, particularly in giant cell arteritis (GCA) and associated polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). By exploring its involvement in immune cell adhesion, migration, and its enzymatic contributions to oxidative stress and tissue damage, we investigate the importance of VAP-1 in GCA. Additionally, we discuss recent advancements in imaging techniques targeting VAP-1, such as [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-Siglec-9 PET/CT, which have provided new insights into VAP-1’s role in GCA and PMR. Overall, understanding VAP-1’s comprehensive roles could pave the way for improved strategies in managing these conditions.
Priority order of neonatal colonization by a probiotic or pathogenic Escherichia coli strain dictates the host response to experimental colitis
Authors: Hudcovic Tomas , Petr Hermanova Petra , Kozakova Hana , Benada Oldrich , Kofronova Olga , Schwarzer Martin , Srutkova Dagmar
Published: August 2024

The alarming prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in early childhood is associated with imbalances in the microbiome, the immune response, and environmental factors. Some pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains have been found in IBD patients, where they may influence disease progression. Therefore, the discovery of new harmful bacterial strains that have the potential to drive the inflammatory response is of great importance. In this study, we compared the immunomodulatory properties of two E. coli strains of serotype O6: the probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 and the uropathogenic E. coli O6:K13:H1. Using the epithelial Caco-2 cell line, we investigated the different abilities of the strains to adhere to and invade epithelial cells. We confirmed the potential of E. coli Nissle 1917 to modulate the Th1 immune response in a specific manner in an in vitro setting by stimulating mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs). In gnotobiotic in vivo experiments, we demonstrated that neonatal colonization with E. coli Nissle 1917 achieves a stable high concentration in the intestine and protects mice from the progressive effect of E. coli O6:K13:H1 in developing ulcerative colitis in an experimental model. In contrast, a single-dose treatment with E. coli Nissle 1917 is ineffective in achieving such high concentrations and does not protect against DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice neonatally colonized with pathobiont E. coli O6:K13:H1. Despite the stable coexistence of both E. coli strains in the intestinal environment of the mice, we demonstrated a beneficial competitive interaction between the early colonizing E. coli Nissle 1917 and the late-arriving strain O6:K13:H1, suggesting its anti-inflammatory potential for the host. This study highlights the importance of the sequence of bacterial colonization, which influences the development of the immune response in the host gut and potentially impacts future quality of life.
Emergence of blaNDM–1-carrying Enterobacter chengduensis in China
Authors: Fu Hongyu , Zhu Zhichen , Wang Xiao , Lv Jingnan , Zhu Jie , Chen Liang , Yu Hua , Du Hong
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Enterobacter chengduensis was defined as a novel species in the genus. Enterobacter in 2019, however, antimicrobial resistance, such as carbapenem resistance, has rarely been described in E. chengduensis. This study described the molecular features of four carbapenem-resistant E. chengduensis strains collected from a tertiary health care hospital in Southwest China.

Methods

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to determine the genome sequence of four E. chengduensis strains. The precise species of strains were identified by average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (isDDH). The clonal relatedness of four E. chengduensis strains and additional 15 ones from NCBI were examined through phylogenetic analysis. The molecular features of E. chengduensis and genetic structure of carbapenemase- encoding plasmids were characterized through genomic annotation and analysis.

Results

The results revealed the emergence of blaNDM–1-carrying E. chengduensis strains in China. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis showed that all 19 E. chengduensis belonged to the same sequence type of ST414. Core SNP analysis suggested the potential intrahospital clonal transmission of ST414 E. chengduensis. The carbapenemase-encoding gene blaNDM–1 was harbored by an IncC-type plasmid, which was experimentally confirmed to be able to conjugate.

Discussion

This study reports the first emergence and potential clonal transmission of blaNDM–1-carrying E. chengduensis. Further surveillance should be advocated to monitor the dissemination of carbapenem-resistant E. chengduensis and blaNDM–1-harboring IncC-type plasmids in China.
Genomic diversity of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium isolated from chicken processing facilities in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Bandaranayake Samitha , Williamson Sarah , Stewart Jack , Payne Michael , Kaur Sandeep , Wang Qinning , Sintchenko Vitali , Pavic Anthony , Lan Ruiting
Published: August 2024

Contamination of poultry products by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (STm) is a major cause of foodborne infections and outbreaks. This study aimed to assess the diversity and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) carriage of STm in three chicken processing plants using genomic sequencing. It also aimed to investigate whether any particular strain types were associated with cases of human illness. Multilevel genome typing (MGT) was used to analyze 379 STm isolates from processed chicken carcasses. The diversity of chicken STm sequence types (STs) increased from MGT1 (2 STs) to MGT9 (257 STs). STs at MGT5 to MGT9 levels that were unique to one processing plant and shared among the processing plants were identified, likely reflecting the diversity of STm at their farm source. Fifteen medium resolution MGT5 STs matched those from human infections in Australia and globally. However, no STs matched between the chicken and human isolates at high resolution levels (MGT8 or MGT9), indicating the two STm populations were phylogenetically related but were unlikely to be directly epidemiologically linked. AMR genes were rare, with only a blaTEM-1 gene carried by a 95 kb IncI1 Alpha plasmid being identified in 20 isolates. In conclusion, subpopulations that were widespread in processing plants and had caused human infections were described using MGT5 STs. In this STM population, AMR was rare with only sporadic resistance to a single drug class observed. The genomic analysis of STm from chicken processing plants in this study provided insights into STm that contaminate meat chickens early in the food production chain.
Abdominal multi-organ iron content and the risk of Parkinson’s disease: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Mingrui , Tang Cheng , Peng Fei , Luo Chaotian , Chen Guowei , Kong Rong , Peng Peng
Published: August 2024

Background

To evaluate the causal relationship between abdominal multi-organ iron content and PD risk using publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) data.

Methods

We conducted MR analysis to assess the effects of iron content in various abdominal organs on PD risk, followed by reverse analysis. Additionally, MVMR analysis evaluated the independent effects of organ-specific iron content on PD. We utilized genetic variation data from the UK Biobank, including liver iron content (n = 32,858), spleen iron content (n = 35,324), and pancreas iron content (n = 25,617), as well as summary-level data for Parkinson’s disease from the FinnGen (n = 218,473) and two other large GWAS datasets of European populations (First dataset n = 480,018; Second dataset n = 2,829). The primary MR analysis used the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method, confirmed by MR-Egger and weighted median methods. Sensitivity analysis was performed to address potential pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Observational cohort results were validated through replication cohort analysis, followed by meta-analysis.

Results

IVW analysis revealed a causal relationship between increased liver iron content and elevated risk of PD (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.05–1.53; p = 0.015). No significant causal relationship was observed between spleen (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.76–1.32; p = 0.983) and pancreatic (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.72–1.20; p = 0.573) iron content and increased risk of PD. Meta-analysis of GWAS data for PD from three different sources using the random-effects IVW method showed a statistically significant causal relationship between liver iron content and the occurrence of PD (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.01–1.35; p = 0.012).

Conclusion

This study presents evidence from Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis indicating a significant causal link between increased liver iron content and a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). These findings suggest that interventions targeting body iron metabolism, particularly liver iron levels, may be effective in preventing PD.
Individual corticosterone response to intermittent swim stress predicts a shift in economic demand for ethanol from pre-stress to post-stress in male rats
Authors: Robison Christopher L. , Madore Victoria , Cova Nicole , Drugan Robert C. , Charntikov Sergios
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the relationship between stress exposure and subsequent ethanol use, focusing on individual differences among male rats. We combined operant self-administration with behavioral economics to assess how intermittent swim stress affects ethanol consumption. This approach allowed for a nuanced analysis of the transition from regular ethanol intake to stress-induced escalation in economic demand. Results showed a consistent rise in ethanol demand post-stress among subjects, irrespective of exposure to actual swim stress or a sham procedure. This increase may result from a two-week abstinence or an inherent rise in demand over time. Significantly, we identified a direct link between post-stress corticosterone levels and the demand for ethanol, considering baseline levels. This correlation was particularly pronounced when examining the shifts in both corticosterone levels and demand for ethanol post-stress. However, neither post-stress corticosterone levels nor their change over time correlated significantly with changes in ethanol demand following a forced swim test that was administered 24 h after the intermittent swim stress test. This suggests potential context-specific or stressor-specific effects. Importantly, pre-stress ethanol demand did not significantly predict the corticosterone response to stress, indicating that high ethanol-demand rats do not inherently exhibit heightened stress sensitivity. Our research brings to light the complex interplay between stress and ethanol consumption, highlighting the critical role of individual differences in this relationship. This research introduces a nuanced perspective, underscoring the need for future studies in the realm of stress and substance use to give greater consideration to individual variability.
The integrity of thalamo-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex tract: a key factor in residual consciousness in disorders of consciousness patients
Authors: Jung Ji Yoon , Yoo Yeun Jie , Yoon Mi-Jeong , Hong Bo Young , Kim Tae-Woo , Park Geun-Young , Lee Jong In , Lee Soo-Hwan , Im Sun , Lim Seong Hoon
Published: August 2024

Background

The mesocircuit model describes a complex network that includes the prefrontal cortical-striatopallidal-thalamo-cortical loop systems and is involved in the mechanism underlying consciousness in patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). Inhibitory signals to the thalamus become hyperactive in DoC patients, leading to a loss of consciousness. Reactivating this mesocircuit system is important for recovering consciousness in these patients. We investigated how the residual integrity of the thalamo-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex tract (TDLPFCT) influences consciousness in patients with DoC.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study included three groups: prolonged DoC (n = 20), stroke without DoC (n = 20), and healthy controls (n = 20). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed at least 4 weeks after the onset. Thalamo-DLPFC tracts were reconstructed using diffusion tensor tractography, and fractional anisotropy (FA) and tract volume (TV) were measured for each hemisphere. Consciousness was assessed using the revised coma recovery scale (CRS-R) within a week of brain imaging.

Results

Significant differences in DLPFCT TV were observed across all three groups, in both affected and less-affected lobes, with the DoC group showing the greatest reduction. A significant correlation was found between the TV of the less-affected TDLPFCT and CRS-R score.

Conclusion

The integrity of the TDLPFCT, particularly in the less affected hemisphere, is associated with consciousness levels in patients with prolonged DoC. This finding suggests its potential importance in assessing prognosis and further developing therapeutic strategies for patients with DoC.
Unveiling the hidden connection: the blood-brain barrier’s role in epilepsy
Authors: Han Jinkun , Wang Ying , Wei Penghu , Lu Di , Shan Yongzhi
Published: August 2024

Epilepsy is characterized by abnormal synchronous electrical activity of neurons in the brain. The blood-brain barrier, which is mainly composed of endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes and other cell types and is formed by connections between a variety of cells, is the key physiological structure connecting the blood and brain tissue and is critical for maintaining the microenvironment in the brain. Physiologically, the blood-brain barrier controls the microenvironment in the brain mainly by regulating the passage of various substances. Disruption of the blood-brain barrier and increased leakage of specific substances, which ultimately leading to weakened cell junctions and abnormal regulation of ion concentrations, have been observed during the development and progression of epilepsy in both clinical studies and animal models. In addition, disruption of the blood-brain barrier increases drug resistance through interference with drug trafficking mechanisms. The changes in the blood-brain barrier in epilepsy mainly affect molecular pathways associated with angiogenesis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Further research on biomarkers is a promising direction for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Flow diversion for unruptured MCA bifurcation aneurysms: comparison of p64 classic, p64 MW HPC, and p48 MW HPC flow diverter stents
Authors: Hellstern V. , Brenner N. , Cimpoca A. , Albina Palmarola P. , Henkes E. , Wendl C. , Bäzner H. , Ganslandt O. , Henkes H.
Published: August 2024

Background

MCA bifurcation aneurysms pose treatment challenges because of the complex hemodynamics at the bifurcation and the risk of rupture. FDS implantation has been controversial and there are only limited reports. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of this treatment strategy using p64 MW HPC and p48 MW HPC FDSs for MCA bifurcation aneurysms, compared with the p64 classic FDS.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed our institutional database and identified all patients with saccular, non-ruptured MCA bifurcation aneurysms treated with p64 MW HPC, p48 MW HPC, or p64 classic FDS implantation alone. Aneurysms with implantation of additional devices in the same session, previous treatments, and acutely ruptured and fusiform aneurysms were excluded.

Results

A total of 79 aneurysms met the inclusion criteria: 23 receiving a p64 MW HPC, 34 receiving a p48 MW HPC, and 22 receiving a p64 classic FDS. The occlusion rate was highest for the p48 MW HPC 2 mm FDS, at 88.9% at FU2, compared with 72.2% for the p64 MW HPC and 70.6% for the p64 classic. The time to aneurysm occlusion was shortest with the p64 MW HPC, at 178.31 days. The highest retreatment rate was observed with the p48 MW HPC 3 mm.

Conclusion

Treatment of MCA bifurcation aneurysms with a p48 MW HPC 2 mm or p64 MW HPC FDS is a safe and reliable strategy achieving high aneurysm occlusion rates - attributable to their lower porosity in relation to the parent vessel diameter as compared to the p48 MW HPC 3 mm FDS-, with reasonable morbidity and mortality.
Motion sickness whilst reading as a passenger in the car is highly predictive of vestibular migraine
Authors: Rova Konstantina , Joffily Lucia , Carvalho Lara , Cortese Elvira , Koohi Nehzat , Kaski Diego
Published: August 2024

Background

Vestibular Migraine (VM) is a prevalent vestibular disorder, affecting up to 2.7% of the general population. Despite the establishment of diagnostic criteria by the Bárány Society and its inclusion in the International Classification of Headache Disorders, the clinical diagnosis of VM remains challenging due to its complex pathophysiology and symptom overlap with other dizziness disorders. Motion sickness is a core feature of migraine and can be interrogated through simple questionnaires.

Objective

This study aims to identify to what extent motion sensitivity can predict VM compared to other causes of dizziness.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 113 patients from the vestibular neurology clinics at University College London Hospitals. Participants were categorized into VM, Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD), combined VM and PPPD, and ‘other’ dizziness etiologies. Data on motion sickness history and dizziness during car travel were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using logistic regression to assess the predictive value of these symptoms for VM.

Results

A substantial portion of patients with VM (91.2%) reported nausea or dizziness when reading as a passenger, a symptom significantly more prevalent than in those with PPPD or other dizziness diagnoses. Logistic regression indicated that VM patients are significantly more likely to experience these symptoms compared to non-VM patients, with an odds ratio suggesting a strong predictive value for this symptom in diagnosing VM.

Conclusion

The findings highlight increased motion sensitivity while reading in a moving vehicle as a promising diagnostic tool for VM, offering a practical aid in clinical settings to distinguish VM from other vestibular disorders.
Exploring causal association between malnutrition, nutrients intake and inflammatory bowel disease: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Wang Shi , Wang Jing , Meng Xinyao , Yang Shimin , Wu Luyao , Chen Ke , Li Zejian , Xiao Jun , Yu Xiaosi , Chen Xuyong , Feng Jiexiong , Gong Rui
Published: August 2024

Background

Malnutrition has emerged as main side effects of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which might also affect the prognosis of IBD. However, whether these associations are causal remains unclear. We aimed to identify the causality of IBD on malnutrition and explore the causal relationship of malnutrition and nutrients intake on IBD by using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with IBD, malnutrition and nutrients intake were obtained from previous researches of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) (p < 0.00000005). MR analysis was conducted to evaluate the causality with different methods based on OR and their 95% CIs. Meanwhile, heterogeneity, pleiotropy and MR-PRESSO were used for instrumental variables evaluation.

Results

The results of MR analysis revealed that IBD, both Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), could directly impact the incidence of malnutrition (p-value <0.01). CD is directly related to nutrients such as sugar, fat, VA, VC, VD and zinc, while UC is correlated with carbohydrate, fat, VB12, VC, VD, VE, iron, zinc and magnesium. However, our results suggested that malnutrition could not affect the risk of IBD directly (p > 0.05). Further analysis showed similar results that nutrients intake had no direct effect on IBD, neither CD or UC.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that IBD increases the risk of malnutrition, however, malnutrition and nutrients intake might not directly affect the progression of IBD.
Association between the geriatric nutritional risk index and cognitive functions in older adults: a cross-sectional study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Tan Zhichun , Nie Yaxin , Yan Ning
Published: August 2024

Objective

To investigate the associations between the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) with cognitive functions among U.S. older adults. (Patients were classified into two nutrition risk groups based on the GNRI).

Methods

Our analysis utilized data from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2011 and 2014. Cognitive function was measured using CERAD test, AFT and DSST. Composite z-scores were obtained by summing test-specific z-scores of the above three cognitive tests and were used to assess the global cognitive function. We employed weighted logistic regression models to evaluate the associations between GNRI and nutritional status (low and high GNRI) with cognitive function among older participants. The non-linear relationship was described using fitted smoothed curves and threshold effect analyses. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests were also conducted.

Results

This study included 2,592 older participants aged 60 years and older. After adjusting for confounding variables, the GNRI was positively associated with AFT (β = 0.05, 95% CI 0.005–0.096, p-value = 0.0285), DSST (β = 0.192, 95% CI 0.078–0.305, p-value = 0.0010) and the composite z-scores (β = 0.027, 95% CI 0.010–0.044, p-value = 0.0024). The results also showed that the high-GNRI group was significantly associated with AFT (β = 0.922, 95% CI 0.166–1.677, p-value = 0.0169), DSST (β = 2.791, 95% CI 0.884–4.698, p-value = 0.0042) and composite z-scores (β = 0.405, 95% CI 0.115–0.695, p-value = 0.0062) likewise had significant positive correlations, using the low-GNRI group as a reference. In addition, inflection points with CERAD and composite z-scores were found at GNRI of 108.016, and 105.371, respectively. Specifically, on the left side of the inflection point GNRI levels were positively correlated with CERAD and composite z-scores (CERAD β = 0.087, 95% CI 0.024–0.150, p-value = 0.0070; composite z-scores β = 0.065, 95% CI 0.040–0.091, p-value <0.0001), while on the right side of the inflection point were significantly negatively associated (CERAD β = −0.295, 95% CI −0.529 to −0.062, p-value = 0.0133, composite z-scores β = −0.050, 95% CI −0.091 to −0.008, p-value = 0.0184).

Conclusion

Lower GNRI was associated with poorer performance in several cognitive domains. Additionally, there was a non-linear positive association between GNRI and cognitive function in normal nutritional states, for excessive GNRI may cause cognitive decline.
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Ying , Wu Tong , Ren Xue , Liu Jing , Zhang Haibo , Yang Defu , Yan Ying , Lv Dongyang
Published: August 2024

Background

The prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is high in patients with cancer and can often present as the first symptom of malignancy. Cancer-associated VTE is one of the most important risk factors contributing to cancer mortality, making its prevention and treatment critical for patients with lung cancer.

Methods

We systematically searched for observational studies that estimated the prevalence of VTE in patients with lung cancer. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library, was systematically conducted from database inception through January 21, 2022. The qualities of included studies were assessed in three domains, including patient selection, comparison, and results. Random effects meta-analyses of the prevalence of VTE in lung cancer were conducted using the metaprop procedure. Chi-square test and I2 value were used to evaluate study heterogeneity.

Results

Thirty-five studies involving 742,156 patients were considered eligible for this study. The pooled prevalence of VTE among patients with lung cancer was 5% (95% CI: 0.043–0.056, P = 0.000). The regional prevalence of VTE was 7% (95% CI: 0.06–0.08; I2 = 99.2%) in North America, 8% (95% CI: 0.06–0.10; I2 = 97.6%) in Asia, 6% (95% CI: 0.04–0.09; I2 = 95.9%) in Europe and 11% (95% CI: 0.07–0.15) in Australasia.

Conclusions

The prevalence of lung cancer-related VTE is high and region-specific. These results of this review emphasize the importance of understanding the incidence of lung cancer-related VTE and provide argue for VTE screening of patients with lung cancer.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier PROSPERO (CRD42022306400).
Detection of time of birth and cord clamping using thermal video in the delivery room
Authors: Kolstad Vilde , García-Torres Jorge , Brunner Sara , Johannessen Anders , Foglia Elizabeth , Ersdal Hege , Meinich-Bache Øyvind , Rettedal Siren
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Newborn resuscitation algorithms emphasize that resuscitation is time-critical, and all algorithm steps are related to the time of birth. Infrared thermal video has the potential to capture events in the delivery room, such as birth, cord clamping, and resuscitative interventions, while upholding the privacy of patients and healthcare providers.

Objectives

The objectives of this concept study were to (i) investigate the technical feasibility of using thermal video in the delivery room to detect birth and cord clamping, and (ii) evaluate the accuracy of manual real-time registrations of the time of birth and cord clamping by comparing it with the accuracy of registrations abstracted from thermal videos.

Methods

An observational study with data collected at Stavanger University Hospital, Norway, from September 2022 to August 2023. The time of birth and cord clamping were manually registered on a portable tablet by healthcare providers. Thermal cameras were placed in the delivery rooms and operating theatre to capture births. Videos were retrospectively reviewed to determine the time of birth and cord clamping.

Results

Participation consent was obtained from 306 mothers, of which 195 births occurred in delivery rooms or an operating theatre with a thermal camera installed. We excluded 12 videos in which no births occurred. Births were detectable in all 183 (100%) thermal videos evaluated. There was a median (quartiles) of 1.8 (0.7, 5.4) s deviation in the manual registrations of the times of births relative to those abstracted from thermal videos. Cord clamping was detectable in 173 of the 183 (95%) thermal videos, with a median of 18.3 (3.3, 108) s deviation in the manual registrations of the times of cord clampings relative to those abstracted from thermal videos.

Conclusion

Recognizing the time of birth and cord clamping from thermal videos is technically feasible and provides a method for determining when resuscitative events occur.
Sub-chronic nicotine exposure influences methamphetamine self-administration and dopamine overflow in a sex-and genotype-dependent manner in humanized CHRNA6 3′-UTR SNP (rs2304297) adolescent rats
Authors: Carreño Diana , Facundo Antonella , Cardenas Anjelica , Lotfipour Shahrdad
Published: August 2024

Introduction: The rewarding effects of drugs of abuse are associated with the dopaminergic system in the limbic circuitry. Nicotine exposure during adolescence is linked to increased use of drugs of abuse with nicotine and methamphetamine (METH) commonly used together. Nicotine acts on neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) systems, critical for reward processing and drug reinforcement, while METH leads to a higher dopamine (DA) efflux in brain reward regions. A human single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of the α6 nicotinic receptor subunit gene (CHRNA6, rs2304297), has been linked with tobacco/nicotine and general substance use during adolescence. Using CRISPR-Cas9 genomic engineering, our lab recapitulated the CHRNA6 3′UTRC123G SNP, generating α6CC and α6GG allele carriers in Sprague Dawley rats. We hypothesized the CHRNA6 3′UTRC123G SNP would sex- and genotype-dependently enhance nicotine-induced METH self-administration as well as nicotine-induced DA overflow in the nucleus accumbens shell of adolescent α6GG and α6CC carriers.

Methods: Adolescent male and female rats underwent a 4-day sub-chronic, low-dose (0.03 mg/kg/0.1 mL, x2) nicotine pretreatment paradigm to assess intravenous METH (0.02 mg/kg/0.1 mL) self-administration as well as nicotine- and METH (0.02 mg/kg/0.1 mL)-induced DA overflow in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcS) using in vivo microdialysis coupled with high-performance liquid-chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD).

Results: Nicotine pretreatment sex- and genotype-dependently enhanced subsequent METH self-administration in adolescent CHRNA6 3′UTRC123G SNP rats. Further nicotine and METH-induced DA overflow is observed in α6CC females as compared to α6GG females, with METH-induced DA overflow enhanced in α6GG males when compared to α6CC males.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the CHRNA6 3′-UTRC123G SNP can sex- and genotype-dependently impact adolescent nicotine-induced effects on METH self-administration and stimulant-induced DA overflow in reward regions of the brain.
A comparative analysis of chloroplast genomes revealed the chloroplast heteroplasmy of Artemisia annua
Authors: Ding Xiaoxia , Pan Hengyu , Shi Peiqi , Zhao Siyu , Bao Shengye , Zhong Shan , Dai Chunyan , Chen Jieting , Gong Lu , Zhang Danchun , Qiu Xiaohui , Liao Baosheng , Huang Zhihai
Published: August 2024

Artemisia annua L. is the main source of artemisinin, an antimalarial drug. High diversity of morphological characteristics and artemisinin contents of A. annua has affected the stable production of artemisinin while efficient discrimination method of A. annua strains is not available. The complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of 38 A. annua strains were assembled and analyzed in this study. Phylogenetic analysis of Artemisia species showed that distinct intraspecific divergence occurred in A. annua strains. A total of 38 A. annua strains were divided into two distinct lineages, one lineage containing widely-distributed strains and the other lineage only containing strains from northern China. The A. annua cp genomes ranged from 150, 953 to 150, 974 bp and contained 131 genes, and no presence or absence variation of genes was observed. The IRs and SC junctions were located in rps19 and ycf1, respectively, without IR contraction observed. Rich sequence polymorphisms were observed among A. annua strains, and a total of 60 polymorphic sites representing 14 haplotypes were identified which unfolding the cpDNA heteroplasmy of A. annua. In conclusion, this study provided valuable resource for A. annua strains identification and provided new insights into the evolutionary characteristics of A. annua.
Global particle buildup simulations with gas puff scan: application to WEST discharge
Authors: Kudashev I. , Scotto d’Abusco M. , Glasser A. , Serre E. , Schwander F. , Bufferand H. , Ciraolo G. , Ghendrih P. , Tamain P.
Published: August 2024

This paper deals with the distribution of sources, transport, and exhaust of particles in a tokamak. Knowledge and understanding of all the physical phenomena involved in the global particle buildup are necessary to study and predict density regimes and subsequently to develop optimized scenarios for tokamak operation in order to control heat and particle exhaust. Neutral particles and their interactions with plasma are central in this perspective. This paper discusses the impact of varying the intensity of particle fueling in 2D transport simulations of a WEST discharge. Simulations are performed with an updated version of SOLEDGE-HDG that allows a more realistic transport of neutrals using a self-consistent diffusive model based on charge exchange and ionization processes. New code capabilities allow the entire WEST poloidal cross section to be simulated in a realistic configuration for both geometry and the range of control parameters. A gas puff scan illustrates the main features of the sheath-limited, high-recycling, and detached regimes, such as the buildup of the temperature gradient and the pressure drop in the scrape-off layer (SOL), the target temperature falling to 1 eV, and the ionization source moving away from the targets, as well as the particle flux rollover. A crude estimate of wall erosion is also provided, showing the respective role of each plasma wall component in each of these regimes.
The arrhythmic substrate of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using ECG imaging
Authors: Chow Ji-Jian , Leong Kevin M. W. , Shun-Shin Matthew , Jones Sian , Guttmann Oliver P. , Mohiddin Saidi A. , Lambiase Pier , Elliott Perry M. , Ormerod Julian O. M. , Koa-Wing Michael , Lefroy David , Lim Phang Boon , Linton Nicholas W. F. , Ng Fu Siong , Qureshi Norman A. , Whinnett Zachary I. , Peters Nicholas S. , Francis Darrel P. , Varnava Amanda M. , Kanagaratnam Prapa
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are at risk for lethal ventricular arrhythmia, but the electrophysiological substrate behind this is not well-understood. We used non-invasive electrocardiographic imaging to characterize patients with HCM, including cardiac arrest survivors.

Methods: HCM patients surviving ventricular fibrillation or hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia (n = 17) were compared to HCM patients without a personal history of potentially lethal arrhythmia (n = 20) and a pooled control group with structurally normal hearts. Subjects underwent exercise testing by non-invasive electrocardiographic imaging to estimate epicardial electrophysiology.

Results: Visual inspection of reconstructed epicardial HCM maps revealed isolated patches of late activation time (AT), prolonged activation-recovery intervals (ARIs), as well as reversal of apico-basal trends in T-wave inversion and ARI compared to controls (p < 0.005 for all). AT and ARI were compared between groups. The pooled HCM group had longer mean AT (60.1 ms vs. 52.2 ms, p < 0.001), activation dispersion (55.2 ms vs. 48.6 ms, p = 0.026), and mean ARI (227 ms vs. 217 ms, p = 0.016) than structurally normal heart controls. HCM ventricular arrhythmia survivors could be differentiated from HCM patients without a personal history of life-threatening arrhythmia by longer mean AT (63.2 ms vs. 57.4 ms, p = 0.007), steeper activation gradients (0.45 ms/mm vs. 0.36 ms/mm, p = 0.011), and longer mean ARI (234.0 ms vs. 221.4 ms, p = 0.026). A logistic regression model including whole heart mean activation time and activation recovery interval could identify ventricular arrhythmia survivors from the HCM cohort, producing a C statistic of 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.72–0.81), with an optimal sensitivity of 78.6% and a specificity of 79.8%.

Discussion: The HCM epicardial electrotype is characterized by delayed, dispersed conduction and prolonged, dispersed activation-recovery intervals. Combination of electrophysiologic measures with logistic regression can improve differentiation over single variables. Future studies could test such models prospectively for risk stratification of sudden death due to HCM.