bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing thermal performance and entropy generation in time-dependent buoyancy flow of water-based over rotating sphere with ternary nanoparticle shape factor
Authors: Mahmood Zafar , Rafique Khadija , Abd-Elmonem Assmaa , Suoliman Nagat A A , Kumar Abhinav , Mukalazi Herbert
Published: December 2024

The heat transfer augmentation, solar power systems, medical equipment, semiconductor cooling, aerospace, and automotive industries all use ternary hybrid nanofluids (THNFs). The current study is mainly about a magnetized THNF flow that cannot be squished around a spinning sphere that has different viscosity, thermal conductivity, and shape (brick, platelets, cylinder, and blade). The heat transport simulation incorporates the principles of viscous dissipation and joule heating. Water is mixed with silver, magnesium oxide, and iron trioxide to make the THNF. Similarity substitution converts model equations to ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Runge–Kutta fourth order numerically estimates the non-dimensional set of ODEs. For certain emergent parameters, velocity, temperature, entropy generation, Nusselt number, and skin friction are computed and analyzed. The research shows that entropy generation increases with brinkman number, nanoparticle volume fraction and magnetic parameters and reduces with temperature difference parameter. Increasing the unsteadiness parameter upsurges velocity in the x-direction, but decreases it in the z-direction and temperature curve. Skin friction upsurges in the x-direction and declines in the z-direction with rotation. Platelet-shaped nanoparticles usually outperform blade, brick, and cylinder shapes. When mass suction $( S )$ is elevated from 1.0 to 2.0, the heat transfer rate increases by 47.25% for the brick form, 47.26% for the platelets shape, 35.08% for the cylinders shape, and 37.65% for the blades shape. Comparing the results to prior literature shows excellent agreement.
Optimizing public-private partnerships to support clinical cancer research
Authors: Herbst Roy S , Blumenthal Gideon , Khleif Samir N , Lippman Scott M , Meropol Neal J , Rosati Kristen , Shulman Lawrence N , Smith Heind , Wang Meina , Winn Robert A , Schilsky Richard L
Published: December 2024

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) in cancer research have emerged as a pivotal model in the development of strategies to rapidly advance therapeutic innovations. The collaboration between public entities, such as government agencies and research institutions, and private entities, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as nonprofit organizations, brings together diverse expertise, resources, and perspectives to address the challenges of efficient drug development and equitable care delivery. This synergy has the potential to accelerate the translation of basic research findings into tangible clinical applications. However, the implementation of PPPs is challenging and fraught with pitfalls that must be overcome if the PPP is to be successful in achieving its goals. To address these issues, in October 2023, the National Cancer Policy Forum and the Forum on Drug Discovery, Development, and Translation held the “Optimizing Public-Private Partnerships for Clinical Cancer Research” workshop in Washington, DC. The goal of the workshop was to examine opportunities to promote collaboration among these various entities through PPPs to facilitate more timely and effective clinical cancer research. Key guiding principles and strategies were highlighted, and the challenges and barriers to implementing a PPP and recommendations to overcome those obstacles are summarized herein.
Mortality patterns in chronic granulomatous invasive fungal rhinosinusitis: insights from two fatal cases
Authors: Aljubran Hussain J , Bamalan Omar A , Alabdulaal Maria R , Almolani Fadhel , Alahmari Mohammad S , Alkhatib Abdulrahman , Almomen Ali
Published: December 2024

Chronic granulomatous invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (CGIFRS) is a type of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis that is characterized by the presence of pathologic findings of non-caseating granulomas in the paranasal sinuses. This article describes two cases of CGIFRS with fatal outcomes. The first case was for a 36-year-old man who presented with headache, dizziness, and vomiting for 1 month. This patient had received the traditional treatment, although the patient’s condition suddenly deteriorated after 1 week of surgery and died due to the disease’s complications. Similarly, the second case was for a 31-year-old man who presented with bilateral nasal obstruction and left eye proptosis for 1 year. This patient had a recurrence of CGIFRS after the first presentation, which was complicated by a cerebral abscess after 2 months of surgery. This study, therefore, underscores the severity of CGIFRS as a potentially fatal disease.
Lessons learned from a case of phlegmasia cerulea dolens treated with thrombolysis and iliac vein stenting
Authors: Chia Adrian C K , Yu Junette , Lee Shaun Q W , Ng Nick Z P
Published: December 2024

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens is a rare manifestation of massive deep vein thrombosis with threat to limb and life. A patient with a background of ovarian malignancy in remission and pelvic radiotherapy presented with left lower limb phlegmasia cerulea dolens as a result of extensive acute left lower limb deep vein thrombosis, extending from the popliteal vein to the inferior vena cava. While initial rapid thrombolysis and left iliac vein stenting were successful, she developed significant hemorrhagic complications from her right radial intra-arterial line with compartment syndrome requiring fasciotomy. She subsequently develops contralateral right lower limb deep vein thrombosis with phlegmasia cerulea dolens as a result of the cessation of anticoagulation and ‘jailing’ of the contralateral right iliac vein. Repeat thrombolysis with a lower dose of thrombolytics was performed, and contralateral iliac vein stenting in ‘kissing’ configuration was performed successfully. We discuss several lessons learned from this uncommon but important case.
Coronary-Pulmonary Artery Fistula and critical LAD stenosis: surgical ligation and revascularization
Authors: Vivekanandan Deepak Dev , Canaan Lucas , Robaczewski Marshall , Louis Mena , Wyer Abigayle , Hastings John Clifton
Published: December 2024

Coronary-pulmonary artery fistulas are rare congenital anomalies that can lead to significant clinical complications, especially when associated with coronary artery disease. We present a case of a 61-year-old male who presented with progressive dyspnea and chest discomfort. Imaging revealed a coronary-pulmonary artery fistula with 60% stenosis in the proximal left anterior descending artery. Due to the size and complexity of the fistula, along with the need for coronary artery revascularization, the patient underwent surgical ligation of the fistula combined with coronary artery bypass grafting. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on postoperative Day 6. At the 3-month follow-up, he reported a complete resolution of symptoms. This case illustrates the importance of surgical intervention in managing complex coronary fistulas with associated coronary artery disease and highlights the need for individualized treatment approaches.
Novel approach to retrograde ureterorenoscopy: a case report of laparoscopic-assisted ureterorenoscopy for minor calyx stone removal
Authors: Tariq Daman , Nazeef Ayesha , Syed Shahzada Nauman , Thakur Amit Kumar
Published: December 2024

A 16-year-old male presented to OPD with right-sided flank pain associated with lower urinary tract symptoms. CT scan and ultrasound findings demonstrated a 12.9 mm renal stone in the lower calyx and moderate hydronephrosis, respectively. The diagnosis of pelvic ureteric junction obstruction was confirmed by a diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) scan. Laparoscopic pyeloplasty was planned but to remove the stone from a hard-to-reach location i.e. minor calyx, ureterorenoscope was introduced from one of the laparoscopic ports. The stone was retrieved successfully. This case represents the implementation of laparoscopic-assisted ureteroscopy instead of conventional retrograde ureteroscopy. This technique warrants further study as it makes the overall procedure more efficient and time-saving.
Synchronous gangrenous cholecystitis and appendicitis secondary to appendiceal diverticulum perforation
Authors: Fennelly Sarah , Dickfos Marilla , Velaga Jyothirmayi , Houli Nezor
Published: December 2024

Acute appendicitis and acute cholecystitis are among the commonest pathologies in acute general surgery. They are characterized by distinct symptoms, clinical examination findings and typical elements of the history which direct further investigations. In the absence of these classic findings, these diagnoses can be missed, particularly where they occur synchronously. Here we present the interesting case of a 63-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with epigastric pain and vomiting with no classical appendicitis or cholecystitis findings who was found to have both appendicitis with a 3 cm collection and gangrenous cholecystitis, managed with urgent laparoscopic appendicectomy and cholecystectomy. This patient had a background of Type 2 Diabetes which may have reduced awareness of symptoms. Given the increasing prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes and the risk of rapid deterioration in these patients, this case demonstrates the importance of prompt assessment of the entire abdomen when these patients present with acute abdomen.
Jurisdiction and Admissibility (Complementarity)
Authors: Ambos Kai
Published: December 2024

This chapter examines the principles of jurisdiction and admissibility. Jurisdiction refers to a State’s exercise of regulatory power about persons and property in legislation, adjudication, and enforcement. The chapter details the extent of national jurisdiction and the conflicts of jursidiction. If the national criminal justice system may claim jurisdiction, a further question arises about how the factual concurrence between the international and the national jurisdiction will be resolved where either the international tribunal enjoys primacy, or it is subsidiary (complementary) to the respective national jurisdiction. The chapter then provides an overview of the complementarity test, which is an ongoing process revisited several times before the trial's commencement.
DDO1002, an NRF2–KEAP1 inhibitor, improves hematopoietic stem cell aging and stress response
Authors: Li Yuwen , Wu Aiwei , Jin Xinrong , Shen Haiping , Zhao Chenyan , Yi Xiao , Nie Hui , Wang Mingwei , Yin Shouchun , Zuo Hongna , Ju Zhenyu , Jiang Zhenyu , Wang Hu
Published: December 2024

Oxidative stress diminishes the functionality of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) as age advances, with heightened reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels exacerbating DNA damage, cellular senescence, and hematopoietic impairment. DDO1002, a potent inhibitor of the NRF2–KEAP1 pathway, modulates the expression of antioxidant genes. Yet, the extent to which it mitigates hematopoietic decline post-total body irradiation (TBI) or in the context of aging remains to be elucidated. Our study has elucidated the role of DDO1002 in modulating NRF2 activity, which, in turn, activates the NRF2-driven antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling cascade. This activation can diminish intracellular levels of ROS, thereby attenuating cellular senescence. In addition, DDO1002 has been demonstrated to ameliorate DNA damage and avert HSC apoptosis, underscoring its potential to mitigate hematopoietic injury precipitated by TBI. Competitive transplantation assay revealed that the administration of DDO1002 can improve the reconstitution and self-renewal capacity of HSCs in aged mice. Single-cell sequencing analysis elucidated that DDO1002 treatment attenuated intracellular inflammatory signaling pathways and mitigated ROS pathway in aged HSCs, suggesting its potential to restore the viability of these cells. Consequently, DDO1002 effectively activated the NRF2–ARE pathway, delaying cellular senescence and ameliorating impaired hematopoiesis, thereby demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic agent for age-related hematopoietic disorders.
A Brief Report on Sex-Specific Differences in Persistent Depression, Anxiety, and Loneliness Among Canadian Veterans During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Webber Colleen , Mahar Alyson L , St Cyr Kate , Cramm Heidi , Reppas-Rindlisbacher Christina , Siddhpuria Shailee , Hallet Julie , Rochon Paula A , Fear Nicola T
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Older adults are at increased risk of severe illness and mortality from Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) infection. However, public health strategies aimed at reducing spread of COVID-19 may have resulted in increased mental health symptoms, particularly among older adults. Currently, little is known about whether older Veterans were more likely to experience persistent mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic than non-Veterans. The objectives of the current study were to (1) compare differences in persistent symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among a sample of Canadian Armed Forces Veterans and non-Veterans ≥55 years of age and (2) to evaluate potential sex-specific differences in persistent mental health symptoms.

Material and Methods

The data for this study are drawn from a longitudinal survey of Canadian adults (55 years and older) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ethical approval was received from the Women’s College Hospital Research Ethics Board. Participants completed a baseline survey of sociodemographic, mental health–related, and COVID-19–related variables in May 2020 and 8 follow-up surveys monthly between May 2020 and January 2021. Modified Poisson regression models with robust standard errors were used to estimate risk of persistent symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Results

Eight hundred twenty-nine participants (13.7% [n = 114] Veterans) were included in the analysis of persistent depressive symptoms, 859 participants (14.0% [n = 120] Veterans) were included in the analysis of persistent anxiety symptoms, and 862 (13.9% [n = 120] Veterans) were included in the analysis of persistent symptoms of loneliness. When comparing male Veterans and non-Veterans, there were small but statistically insignificant differences in persistent symptoms of anxiety (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-1.46), depression (aRR, 1.54; 95% CI, 0.63-3.77), or loneliness (aRR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.36-1.75); similar small but statistically insignificant differences were observed in persistent symptoms of anxiety (aRR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.51-3.09), depression (aRR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.49-2.73), and loneliness (aRR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.61-2.90) when comparing female Veterans to female non-Veterans.

Conclusions

Qualitative, but statistically nonsignificant sex-specific differences in persistent symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic were observed in this study comparing Veterans and non-Veterans. Additional sex-stratified analyses using larger samples or qualitative interviews may be useful in understanding the unique mental health experiences of older men, women, and gender diverse Veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why do some ultra diffuse Galaxies have rich globular cluster systems?
Authors: Forbes Duncan A , Buzzo Maria Luisa , Ferre-Mateu Anna , Romanowsky Aaron J , Gannon Jonah , Brodie Jean P , Collins Michelle L M
Published: December 2024

Some ultra diffuse galaxies (UDGs) reveal many more globular clusters (GCs) than classical dwarf galaxies of the same stellar mass. These UDGs, with a mass in their GC system ($M_{\rm GC}$) approaching 10 per cent of their host galaxy stellar mass ($M_{\ast }$), are also inferred to have high halo mass to stellar mass ratios ($M_{\rm halo}/M_{\ast }$). They have been dubbed Failed Galaxies. It is unknown what role high GC formation efficiencies and/or low destruction rates play in determining the high $M_{\rm GC}/M_{\ast }$ ratios of some UDGs. Here we present a simple model, which is informed by recent JWST observations of lensed galaxies and by a simulation in the literature of GC mass loss and tidal disruption in dwarf galaxies. With this simple model, we aim to constrain the effects of GC efficiency/destruction on the observed GC richness of UDGs and their variation with the integrated stellar populations of UDGs. We assume no ongoing star formation (i.e. quenching at early times) and that the disrupted GCs contribute their stars to those of the host galaxy. We find that UDGs, with high $M_{\rm GC}/M_{\ast }$ ratios today, are most likely the result of very high GC formation efficiencies combined with modest rates of GC destruction. The current data loosely follow the model that ranges from the mean stellar population of classical dwarfs to that of metal-poor GCs as $M_{\rm GC}/M_{\ast }$ increases. As more data becomes available for UDGs, our simple model can be refined and tested further.
Impact of the shape of the prestellar density fluctuations on the core mass function
Authors: Dumond Pierre , Chabrier Gilles
Published: December 2024

It is well known that departure from sphericity in the geometry of primordial dark matter haloes modifies their mass function. The ellipsoidal collapse model yields a better agreement with simulations of hierarchical clustering than the original spherical model. In this paper, we examine the same issue in the context of star formation by studying the impact of non-sphericity of density perturbations in a gravoturbulent medium on the prestellar core mass function (CMF). An important question, notably, is to find out how ellipsoidal, instead of spherical, initial density fluctuations modify both the high-mass and low-mass tails of the CMF. Our study shows that triaxial density fluctuations indeed depart from a purely spherical form but the deformation (prolateness and ellipticity) remains modest, suggesting that the usual hypothesis of spherical collapse in existing theories of the IMF is reasonable. We find that, as in the cosmological case, the departure from sphericity increases the collapse barrier, stabilizing the prestellar cores. The striking difference between the stellar case and the cosmological one for the ellipsoidal collapse model is that, although in both cases the less dense structures are the most deformed, they correspond to small scales, thus low-mass haloes in cosmology but to large scales, thus large mass cores in star formation. As a result, the high-mass range of the CMF is the most affected by the ellipsoidal collapse, resulting in a slightly less steep slope than the one predicted with the spherical hypothesis and a peak slightly shifted towards lower masses.
Ultraviolet scattering polarization from space particles entering Earth’s atmosphere
Authors: López-Viejobueno Jennifer , Gómez de Castro Ana I
Published: December 2024

Space material from leftovers of comets and asteroids is daily entering the Earth’s atmosphere. Traditionally, this influx has been characterized from ground-based observations or through meteorite searches. However, cosmic dust and small meteoroids (below a grain size of 1 cm) are not easily detectable with the current facilities and there is scant information about them. In this work, we analyse the feasibility of characterizing the low-mass end of the dust size distribution using observations at ultraviolet wavelengths from space. For this purpose, we have computed the expected scattered ultraviolet radiation and polarization produced by space dust falling on Earth using the Monte Carlo code radmc-3d. We have built a density model attending to the features and parameters obtained from measurements of meteorites, meteor showers, and cometary dust observations. We show that silicate grains will be easily distinguishable from carbonates and irons based on polarization measurements. Moreover, the polarization reversals produced in the resonance scattering regime can be used to study the details of the size distribution of small dust grains. We point out the dependence of the modelled polarization on the way of discretizing the particle size distribution.
A case report of a 14-year-old male patient with large vessel vasculitis following COVID-19
Authors: Nemoto Hiroki , Nozaki Yoshihiro , Matsumoto Takashi , Kiyoki Kaori , Ishiodori Takumi , Morita Atsushi , Imagawa Kazuo , Murakami Takashi , Takahashi Miho , Imai Hironori , Takada Hidetoshi
Published: December 2024

Most reported cases of large vessel vasculitis (LVV) following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have involved adults, with paediatric cases being rare. We present the case of a 14-year-old boy who developed LVV following COVID-19. Initially, he presented with fever and cough, and nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction testing confirmed COVID-19. His symptoms spontaneously resolved without specific COVID-19 treatments. However, 10 days after contracting COVID-19, his fever recurred and his inflammatory markers were significantly elevated. His condition did not meet the criteria for Kawasaki disease or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed arterial wall thickening in the aorta and carotid arteries, indicative of LVV. Upon initiation of high-dose immunoglobulin therapy and aspirin, his fever subsided and his inflammatory markers and imaging findings normalised. Differential diagnosis ruled out infections, immune disorders, and Takayasu arteritis (TAK), a common cause of aortitis in children. Over a 1-year follow-up period, there were no recurrence and no stenotic lesions in large vessels. This finding suggests that the patient experienced transient LVV following COVID-19. Cytokine profile analysis performed before and after treatment revealed elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-12/IL-23p40, typically associated with the active phase of TAK. Importantly, IL-17A and tumour necrosis factor-α levels were normal, as elevations in these cytokines have been linked to TAK recurrence. Notably, some cases of LVV following COVID-19 do not respond well to treatment; further research, including case accumulation and cytokine profile analysis, is needed to better predict prognosis.
Automated pediatric brain tumor imaging assessment tool from CBTN: Enhancing suprasellar region inclusion and managing limited data with deep learning
Authors: Gandhi Deep B , Khalili Nastaran , Familiar Ariana M , Gottipati Anurag , Khalili Neda , Tu Wenxin , Haldar Shuvanjan , Anderson Hannah , Viswanathan Karthik , Storm Phillip B , Ware Jeffrey B , Resnick Adam , Vossough Arastoo , Nabavizadeh Ali , Fathi Kazerooni Anahita
Published: December 2024

Background

Fully automatic skull-stripping and tumor segmentation are crucial for monitoring pediatric brain tumors (PBT). Current methods, however, often lack generalizability, particularly for rare tumors in the sellar/suprasellar regions and when applied to real-world clinical data in limited data scenarios. To address these challenges, we propose AI-driven techniques for skull-stripping and tumor segmentation.

Methods

Multi-institutional, multi-parametric MRI scans from 527 pediatric patients (n = 336 for skull-stripping, n = 489 for tumor segmentation) with various PBT histologies were processed to train separate nnU-Net-based deep learning models for skull-stripping, whole tumor (WT), and enhancing tumor (ET) segmentation. These models utilized single (T2/FLAIR) or multiple (T1-Gd and T2/FLAIR) input imaging sequences. Performance was evaluated using Dice scores, sensitivity, and 95% Hausdorff distances. Statistical comparisons included paired or unpaired 2-sample t-tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficient based on Dice scores from different models and PBT histologies.

Results

Dice scores for the skull-stripping models for whole brain and sellar/suprasellar region segmentation were 0.98 ± 0.01 (median 0.98) for both multi- and single-parametric models, with significant Pearson’s correlation coefficient between single- and multi-parametric Dice scores (r > 0.80; P < .05 for all). Whole tumor Dice scores for single-input tumor segmentation models were 0.84 ± 0.17 (median = 0.90) for T2 and 0.82 ± 0.19 (median = 0.89) for FLAIR inputs. Enhancing tumor Dice scores were 0.65 ± 0.35 (median = 0.79) for T1-Gd+FLAIR and 0.64 ± 0.36 (median = 0.79) for T1-Gd+T2 inputs.

Conclusion

Our skull-stripping models demonstrate excellent performance and include sellar/suprasellar regions, using single- or multi-parametric inputs. Additionally, our automated tumor segmentation models can reliably delineate whole lesions and ET regions, adapting to MRI sessions with missing sequences in limited data context.
Why a Prudent Commander Must Impose on His Troops the Absolute Necessity to Fight, While Taking It Away from Those of the Enemy
Authors: Machiavelli Niccolò
Published: December 2024

On other occasions we have discussed how useful necessity is in human actions and the glory to which it has brought them; and how some moral philosophers have written that the hands and the tongues of men, two most noble instruments that ennoble...
Whether It Is a Better Policy in Battles to Sustain the Enemy’s Attack and Then to Counter-attack After Doing So; or to Assault Him Violently from the First
Authors: Machiavelli Niccolò
Published: December 2024

Decius and Fabius* were Roman consuls with two armies facing the armies of the Samnites and the Etruscans, and since they happened to be engaged in a skirmish and a battle at the same time, it is to be noted which of two...
Cinderella, or The Little Slipper Made of Glass
Authors: Perrault Charles
Published: December 2024

T
here was once a gentleman who was widowed, and married again. His second wife was the proudest and haughtiest woman who had ever been seen. She had two daughters, and they were just the same; they resembled her in everything. For his part,...
The Way From Gaza to Babylon
Authors: Mandeville John
Published: December 2024

Whosoever wishes to travel overland to Babylon, where the Sultan lives, should obtain, by request from him, permission to travel in safety through the country, in order to go to Mount Sinai before reaching Jerusalem and then returning again via Jerusalem, going from Gaza...
Jerusalem
Authors: Mandeville John
Published: December 2024

Next, to speak of Jerusalem: you need to know that it is well situated amongst hills, and there are neither rivers nor wells, the only water comes by conduit from Hebron. And I should tell you that it was first called Jebus, and then...
Consequentialism and the separateness of persons
Authors: Fischer Jessica J T
Published: December 2024

It is often said that consequentialism violates the separateness of persons. But what does this mean? Existing interpretations are often unclear, or let consequentialism off easy: because they target amendable parts of the consequentialist framework, they can be sidestepped by more subtle versions of the theory. Consequentialism's opponents, however, might hope for a stronger interpretation––one which suggests that the separateness of persons objection presses a distinct and powerful charge against consequentialist theory. This paper proposes such an interpretation. It starts from the fact that, unlike other moral theories, consequentialism determines how to act by looking at features such as states of affairs or outcomes. Yet, crucially, states of affairs or outcomes often make reference to, or extend across, more than one person. Thus, they implicitly and necessarily group together different individuals. In the proposal of this paper, it is this part of consequentialism which violates the separateness of persons.
Coronary artery calcium and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk scores in patients with calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease
Authors: Tedeschi Sara K , Hayashi Keigo , Guan Hongshu , Solomon Daniel H , Weber Brittany
Published: December 2024

Objective

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) events. We examined the atherosclerotic burden by coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores (Agatston score) and compared 10-year atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD) risk scores in patients with vs without chondrocalcinosis, a radiographic marker of CPPD.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional analysis at an academic medical centre, 1991–2022. Among all patients with an Agatston score in routine care, we defined a cohort with chondrocalcinosis detected before the CAC scan. Comparators without chondrocalcinosis were matched 2:1 on age and sex—the primary analysis excluded statin users. We compared Agatston scores between the chondrocalcinosis cohort and comparators. We also tested for differences between cohorts in 10-year ASCVD risk score frequencies (low, borderline/intermediate or high).

Results

756 patients with chondrocalcinosis were matched to 1554 comparators (mean age 68 years, 53% female). CV risk factor burden was high in both cohorts, and statin use was infrequent. The unadjusted Agatston score was non-significantly higher in the chondrocalcinosis cohort (mean 359.1, s.d. 737.9) than in matched comparators (mean 297.1, s.d. 644.9) (P = 0.08). High 10-year ASCVD risk scores were significantly more common in the chondrocalcinosis cohort than comparators (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Coronary atherosclerosis burden by CAC was not significantly different between patients with chondrocalcinosis and matched comparators, though 10-year ASCVD risk scores were higher in the chondrocalcinosis cohort, suggesting that factors beyond coronary artery calcification contribute to the increased CV event rate in patients with CPPD disease.
Compression ratio: a novel method to quantify compressibility as a diagnostic measurement in giant cell arteritis
Authors: Khurshid Muhammad Asim , Mynors-Wallis Daniel , Richards Selwyn , Barclay Charlotte , Fox Christine , Budka Marcin , Hopkinson Neil , Young-Min Steven
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Ultrasonographic assessment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) relies on the demonstration of a non-compressible halo. Several ultrasonographic methods have been developed to quantify arterial wall thickness; however, arterial compressibility has not been quantified. This study presents a possible solution for quantifying compressibility to assist in diagnosing GCA.

Methods

Cross-sectional areas of uncompressed and compressed arteries were measured ultrasonographically, and their ratio was calculated [compression ratio (CR)]. The values obtained were tested for a relationship with the diagnosis of GCA and diagnostic performance was compared against halo count (HC).

Results

Ultrasound findings from 304 patients (65.8% females) were divided into GCA arm (n = 72) and Not-GCA arm (n = 232). The CR values for patients in the GCA arm were significantly lower than the Not-GCA arm whether compared as the individual patient mean or lowest CR value (Mann–Whitney U test P <0.001). The CR values observed in this study from a single skilled clinician suggest a threshold CR value of ≤2.3 for predicting a diagnosis of GCA. If confirmed in other studies this would effectively provide a quantitative measure that might help training sonographers confirm a visually identified halo sign and enhance objectivity in ultrasonographic assessment of GCA.

Conclusion

Compression ratio (CR) is a novel quantifiable measure that contributes to the ultrasound assessment of GCA. It is worthy of further research and in clinical application, it is a measurement that may enhance diagnostic certainty.
Identification and validation of a novel autophagy-related biomarker in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Li Zhiyong , Yi Huijie , Li Yuxi , Yang Jie , Guo Peng , Han Fang
Published: December 2024

Study objectives

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is closely associated with tumor growth. Chronic intermittent hypoxia promotes autophagy and is related to malignant tumor development. However, the role of autophagy in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome progression remains unclear.

Methods

obstructive sleep apnea syndrome datasets (GSE135917 and GSE38792) from Gene Expression Omnibus were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes and autophagy-related differentially expressed genes. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and gene set enrichment analysis were conducted, and a protein–protein interaction network identified hub genes. Colorectal cancer datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas were used for differential expression and survival analyses, along with gene set enrichment analysis and immune infiltration analysis. Chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced autophagy and oxidative stress were investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats using reactive oxygen species assays. Hub genes were validated in rats and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patient samples.

Results

Gene set enrichment analysis revealed significant differences in autophagy-related gene expression among obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients. Hub genes ATG5, CASP1, MAPK8, EIF4G1, and TANK-binding kinase 1 were identified, with ATG5 and TANK-binding kinase 1 validated. Autophagy-related differentially expressed genes were predominantly upregulated in colorectal cancer tissues. TANK-binding kinase 1 expression in colorectal cancer patients was associated with enhanced sensitivity to immunotherapy and CD8 + T cell, macrophage, and regulatory T cell infiltration, potentially influencing the immune microenvironment. The animal experiments showed that chronic intermittent hypoxia increased reactive oxygen species levels, suggesting that chronic intermittent hypoxia plays a role in autophagy. TANK-binding kinase 1 expression was significantly higher in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients than in controls, and continuous positive airway pressure did not alter TANK-binding kinase 1 levels.

Conclusions

This study is the first to describe the potential contribution of TANK-binding kinase 1 to the development of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and its potential as a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
Orthologs of Drosophila pointed and Arginine kinase 1 impact sleep in mice
Authors: Harbison Susan T , Peiravi Morteza , Zhang Fan , Yimam Shemsiya , Noguchi Audrey , Springer Danielle
Published: December 2024

Model organisms such as Drosophila are powerful tools to study the genetic basis of sleep. Previously, we identified the genes pointed and Arginine kinase 1 using selective breeding for long and short sleep duration in an outbred population of Drosophila. pointed is a transcription factor that is part of the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway, while Arginine kinase 1 is involved in proline and arginine metabolism. Conserved orthologs of these genes exist in mice, leading us to hypothesize that they would also impact sleep in a murine model. We generated mutations in the murine orthologs Ets1 and Ckm using CRISPR in a C57BL/6N background and used video analysis to measure sleep in the mice. Both mutations affected sleep parameters, and the effects were observed predominantly in female mice, with males showing fewer differences from littermate controls. The study of natural populations in flies therefore leads to candidate genes with functional conservation on sleep in mammals.
What Does Alcohol Do to the Brain and Behavior?
Authors: Glasner Suzette
Published: December 2024

This chapter looks into how alcohol affects the
brain and behavior. It recognizes that alcohol drinking is an integral part of social
life, despite how alcohol affects the brain. Additionally, age is an important factor
when considering how alcohol affects the brain and body. Since alcohol misuse is one of
the leading preventable causes of death, understanding drinking habits that increase the
risk of developing an alcohol use disorder can be helpful to inform the decision to work
toward cutting back or quitting, or seeking professional help. The chapter considers
behavioral treatments and medications as different types of treatment for alcohol use
disorders.
Why Is Addiction Stigmatized?
Authors: Glasner Suzette
Published: December 2024

This chapter elaborates on the stigma
surrounding addiction. It details how people with addictions can engage in behaviors
that are potentially harmful to others, socially unacceptable, and disruptive. One of
the core drivers of stigma surrounding addiction is the lack of awareness and acceptance
of addiction as a chronic illness. Due to the stigma, people may be hesitant to seek
help because of the stigma attached to the treatments and the ways they might be judged
by others after entering recovery. The chapter highlights the importance of a strong
social support system as part of the recovery process and subsequent long-term
success.
Pregnancy in People With Cystic Fibrosis Treated With Highly Effective Modulator Therapy
Authors: Goralski Jennifer L. , Talati Asha N. , Hardisty Emily E. , Vora Neeta L.
Published: December 2024

With improvements in overall health attributable to newly available medications called highly effective modulator therapy, an increasing number of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) are pursuing pregnancy. However, the safety of these medications for pregnant people with CF and the fetus remains largely unknown. Limited data demonstrate a decline in patients' health and well-being after withdrawal of highly effective modulator therapy during pregnancy; however, both animal and human studies suggest an association between highly effective modulator therapy and cataracts in the offspring that requires further investigation. Use of highly effective modulator therapy can also affect the results of newborn screening and may influence fetal outcomes among fetuses affected by CF as a result of transplacental passage of highly effective modulator therapy. An ongoing prospective cohort study will likely provide more information for pregnant people with CF. Until then, multidisciplinary counseling continues to be critical for people with CF who are of reproductive age.
Living biobank: Standardization of organoid construction and challenges
Authors: Yang Ruixin , Qi Yao , Zhang Xiaoyan , Gao Hengjun , Yu Yingyan
Published: December 2024

In multiple areas such as science, technology, and economic activities, it is necessary to unify the management of repetitive tasks or concepts by standardization to obtain the best order and high efficiency. Organoids, as living tissue models, have rapidly developed in the past decade. Organoids can be used repetitively for in vitro culture, cryopreservation, and recovery for further utilization. Because organoids can recapitulate the parental tissues’ morphological phenotypes, cell functions, biological behaviors, and genomic profiles, they are known as renewable “living biobanks”. Organoids cover two mainstream fields: Adult stem cell-derived organoids (also known as patient-derived organoids) and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived and/or embryonic stem cell-derived organoids. Given the increasing importance of organoids in the development of new drugs, standardized operation, and management in all steps of organoid construction is an important guarantee to ensure the high quality of products. In this review, we systematically introduce the standardization of organoid construction operation procedures, the standardization of laboratory construction, and available standardization documents related to organoid culture that have been published so far. We also proposed the challenges and prospects in this field.
Improving the accuracy of lens formulas for in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation in Marfan syndrome patients with ectopia lentis
Authors: Shen Xin , Chen Zexu , Jia Wannan , Wang Yalei , Chen Xinyao , Chen Tianhui , Liu Yan , Song Linghao , Huo Qiuyi , Jiang Yongxiang
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

To improve the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas by modifying the effective lens position (ELP) equations for patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) and ectopia lentis (EL) undergoing in-the-bag IOL implantation.

Setting:

Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

The formula-specific ELP was obtained from the SRK/T, T2, Holladay 1, and HofferQ formulas. The back-calculated ELP was obtained based on the vergence formula using preoperative biometry, postoperative refraction, and IOL power. The generalized linear models (GLMs) or gradient boosting machines were used to predict ELP or ELP error.

Results:

255 patients (255 eyes) were assigned randomly into a training set and a validation set (7:3 ratio). Linear correlation identified axial length (AL), corneal height, and white-to-white distance as predictors of ELP and ELP error for patients with shorter AL (AL ≤24 mm). For those with longer AL (AL >24 mm), AL and the central corneal radius were identified as the primary predictors. Incorporating these predictors into the modified ELP formula significantly improved the accuracy in the validation set, including SRK/T, T2, Haigis, Holladay 1, and HofferQ formulas. The improvement was more pronounced in patients with shorter AL. In addition, the GLM-modified formulas outperformed both the Barrett Universal II and Kane formulas. The accuracy across different ocular dimensions was comparable among the modified formulas, based on which an online calculator was developed.

Conclusions:

Using the more accurately predicted ELP can significantly improve the accuracy of existing formulas in patients with MFS.
Barriers to Research for Academic Otologists/Neurotologists in the United States
Authors: Remenschneider Aaron K. , Chen Jenny X. , Emmett Susan D. , Hertzano Ronna
Published: December 2024

Objective

The physician-scientist workforce is shrinking in the United States. Academic otologists/neurotologists face a diverse set of barriers to successful careers. We aimed to characterize the factors affecting contemporary otology/neurotology surgeon-scientists.

Study design

An electronic survey was distributed to faculty members of the American Neurotology Society and the American Otological Society in 2021. The survey queried demographics, practice setting, compensation, and barriers to conducting research for respondents in academic practice.

Results

One hundred fifty-seven otologists/neurotologists responded to the survey, corresponding to an overall response rate of 25%. Of the respondents, 94 were in academic practice. The median protected research time was 0.5 days/wk, whereas the mode was zero. Across academic rank, salary compensation was lower for academic surgeons with active research funding and for female academic surgeons as compared with their male counterparts. Grant-funded female academic surgeons had significantly worse compensation compared with rank-matched male surgeons with similar protected time. No grant-funded female earned more than the 30th percentile for their rank. Identified barriers to research were pressure to maintain clinical productivity, insufficient protected time, and personal/family demands. Respondents highlighted several areas for improvement: compensation for research activity, administrative support, and improved grant funding mechanisms for clinician-scientists.

Conclusions

Otology/neurotology surgeon-scientists face barriers to research, including limited protected time, poor administrative support, increasingly competitive funding environments, and misaligned compensation models. New initiatives by the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders aim to increase the surgeon-scientist workforce, but their success may depend upon removing identified barriers at the level of academic institutions.
Diagnostic Performance of Multiparametric MRI for Detection of Prostate Cancer After Focal Therapy
Authors: Petrocelli Robert D. , Bagga Barun , Kim Sooah , Prabhu Vinay , Qian Kun , Becher Ezequiel , Taneja Samir S. , Tong Angela
Published: December 2024

Background

Minimally invasive focal therapy of low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer is becoming more common and has demonstrated lower morbidity compared to other treatments. Multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has the potential to be an effective posttreatment evaluation method for residual/recurrent neoplasm.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of mpMRI to detect residual/recurrent neoplasm after focal therapy treatment of prostate cancer using a 3-point Likert scale.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients who underwent focal therapy utilizing cryoablation, high-frequency ultrasound, and radiofrequency ablation for low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer with baseline mpMRI and biopsy and a 6- to 12-month follow-up mpMRI and biopsy. Three abdominal fellowship-trained readers were asked to evaluate the follow-up mpMRI utilizing a 3-point Likert scale based on the level of suspicion as “nonviable,” “equivocal,” or “viable.” Diagnostic statistics and Light's κ for interreader variability were calculated.

Results

A total of 142 patients were included (mean age, 65 ± 7 years). When considering “equivocal” or “viable” as positive, the overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for detecting recurrent grade group (GG) 2 or greater disease for Reader 1 were 0.47, 0.83, 0.24, 0.93, and 0.65; for Reader 2, 0.73, 0.75, 0.26, 0.96, and 0.74; and for Reader 3, 0.73, 0.57, 0.17, 0.95, and 0.65. When considering “viable” as positive, the overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and AUC for Reader 1 were 0.47, 0.92, 0.41, 0.94, and 0.69; for Reader 2, 0.33, 0.97, 0.56, 0.93, and 0.65; and for Reader 3, 0.53, 0.84, 0.29, 0.94, and 0.69. κ was 0.39.

Conclusions

This study suggests that DCE and DWI are the most important sequences in mpMRI and demonstrates the efficacy of utilizing a 3-point grading system in detecting and diagnosing prostate cancer after focal therapy.

Clinical Impact

mpMRI can be used to monitor for residual/recurrent disease after focal therapy.