bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Education robot object detection with a brain-inspired approach integrating Faster R-CNN, YOLOv3, and semi-supervised learning
Authors: Hong Qing , Dong Hao , Deng Wei , Ping Yihan
Published: January 2024

The development of education robots has brought tremendous potential and opportunities to the field of education. These intelligent machines can interact with students in classrooms and learning environments, providing personalized educational support. To enable education robots to fulfill their roles, they require accurate object detection capabilities to perceive and understand the surrounding environment of students, identify targets, and interact with them. Object detection in complex environments remains challenging, as classrooms or learning scenarios involve various objects, backgrounds, and lighting conditions. Improving the accuracy and efficiency of object detection is crucial for the development of education robots. This paper introduces the progress of an education robot's object detection based on a brain-inspired heuristic method, which integrates Faster R-CNN, YOLOv3, and semi-supervised learning. By combining the strengths of these three techniques, we can improve the accuracy and efficiency of object detection in education robot systems. In this work, we integrate two popular object detection algorithms: Faster R-CNN and YOLOv3. We conduct a series of experiments on the task of education robot object detection. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed optimization algorithm significantly outperforms individual algorithms in terms of accuracy and real-time performance. Moreover, through semi-supervised learning, we achieve better performance with fewer labeled samples. This will provide education robots with more accurate perception capabilities, enabling better interaction with students and delivering personalized educational experiences. It will drive the development of the field of education robots, offering innovative and personalized solutions for education.
Machine learning hypothesis-generation for patient stratification and target discovery in rare disease: our experience with Open Science in ALS
Authors: Geraci Joseph , Bhargava Ravi , Qorri Bessi , Leonchyk Paul , Cook Douglas , Cook Moses , Sie Fanny , Pani Luca
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Advances in machine learning (ML) methodologies, combined with multidisciplinary collaborations across biological and physical sciences, has the potential to propel drug discovery and development. Open Science fosters this collaboration by releasing datasets and methods into the public space; however, further education and widespread acceptance and adoption of Open Science approaches are necessary to tackle the plethora of known disease states.

Motivation

In addition to providing much needed insights into potential therapeutic protein targets, we also aim to demonstrate that small patient datasets have the potential to provide insights that usually require many samples (>5,000). There are many such datasets available and novel advancements in ML can provide valuable insights from these patient datasets.

Problem statement

Using a public dataset made available by patient advocacy group AnswerALS and a multidisciplinary Open Science approach with a systems biology augmented ML technology, we aim to validate previously reported drug targets in ALS and provide novel insights about ALS subpopulations and potential drug targets using a unique combination of ML methods and graph theory.

Methodology

We use NetraAI to generate hypotheses about specific patient subpopulations, which were then refined and validated through a combination of ML techniques, systems biology methods, and expert input.

Results

We extracted 8 target classes, each comprising of several genes that shed light into ALS pathophysiology and represent new avenues for treatment. These target classes are broadly categorized as inflammation, epigenetic, heat shock, neuromuscular junction, autophagy, apoptosis, axonal transport, and excitotoxicity. These findings are not mutually exclusive, and instead represent a systematic view of ALS pathophysiology. Based on these findings, we suggest that simultaneous targeting of ALS has the potential to mitigate ALS progression, with the plausibility of maintaining and sustaining an improved quality of life (QoL) for ALS patients. Even further, we identified subpopulations based on disease onset.

Conclusion

In the spirit of Open Science, this work aims to bridge the knowledge gap in ALS pathophysiology to aid in diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies and pave the way for the development of personalized treatments tailored to the individual’s needs.
Effect of a processing delay between direct and delayed sound in simulated open fit hearing aids on speech intelligibility in noise
Authors: Roth Sebastian , Müller Franz-Ullrich , Angermeier Julian , Hemmert Werner , Zirn Stefan
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Subjects with mild to moderate hearing loss today often receive hearing aids (HA) with open-fitting (OF). In OF, direct sound reaches the eardrums with minimal damping. Due to the required processing delay in digital HA, the amplified HA sound follows some milliseconds later. This process occurs in both ears symmetrically in bilateral HA provision and is likely to have no or minor detrimental effect on binaural hearing. However, the delayed and amplified sound are only present in one ear in cases of unilateral hearing loss provided with one HA. This processing alters interaural timing differences in the resulting ear signals.

Methods

In the present study, an experiment with normal-hearing subjects to investigate speech intelligibility in noise with direct and delayed sound was performed to mimic unilateral and bilateral HA provision with OF.

Results

The outcomes reveal that these delays affect speech reception thresholds (SRT) in the unilateral OF simulation when presenting speech and noise from different spatial directions. A significant decrease in the median SRT from –18.1 to –14.7 dB SNR is observed when typical HA processing delays are applied. On the other hand, SRT was independent of the delay between direct and delayed sound in the bilateral OF simulation.

Discussion

The significant effect emphasizes the development of rapid processing algorithms for unilateral HA provision.
Simple models to understand complex disease: 10 years of progress from Caenorhabditis elegans models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Eck Randall J. , Stair Jade G. , Kraemer Brian C. , Liachko Nicole F.
Published: January 2024

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are a powerful model system to study human disease, with numerous experimental advantages including significant genetic and cellular homology to vertebrate animals, a short lifespan, and tractable behavioral, molecular biology and imaging assays. Beginning with the identification of SOD1 as a genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), C. elegans have contributed to a deeper understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of this devastating neurodegenerative disease. More recently this work has expanded to encompass models of other types of ALS and the related disease frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-TDP), including those characterized by mutation or accumulation of the proteins TDP-43, C9orf72, FUS, HnRNPA2B1, ALS2, DCTN1, CHCHD10, ELP3, TUBA4A, CAV1, UBQLN2, ATXN3, TIA1, KIF5A, VAPB, GRN, and RAB38. In this review we summarize these models and the progress and insights from the last ten years of using C. elegans to study the neurodegenerative diseases ALS and FTLD-TDP.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict cervical lymph node metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Xiaohan , Zhang Lu , Lu Haijun , Tan Ye , Li Bo
Published: January 2024

Background

Head and neck cancers are a heterogeneous, aggressive, and genetically complex collection of malignancies of the oral cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, paranasal sinuses and salivary glands, which are difficult to treat. Regional lymph nodes metastasis is a significant poor prognosis factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Metastasis to the regional lymph nodes reduces the 5-year survival rate by 50% compared with that of patients with early-stage disease. Accurate evaluation of cervical lymph node is a vital component in the overall treatment plan for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. However, current models are struggle to accurately to predict cervical lymph node metastasis. Here, we analyzed the clinical, imaging, and pathological data of 272 patients with HNSCC confirmed by postoperative pathology and sought to develop and validate a nomogram for prediction of lymph node metastasis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, imaging, and pathological data of 272 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) confirmed by postoperative pathology at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from June 2017 to June 2021. Patients were randomly divided into the training and validation cohorts in a 3:1 ratio, and after screening risk factors by logistic regression, nomogram was developed for predicting lymph nodes metastasis, then the prediction model was verified by C-index, area under curve (AUC), and calibration curve.

Results

Of the 272 patients, seven variables were screened to establish the predictive model, including the differentiation degree of the tumor [95% confidence interval(CI):1.224~6.735, P=0.015], long-to-short axis ratio of the lymph nodes (95%CI: 0.019~0.217, P<0.001), uneven/circular enhancement (95%CI: 1.476~16.715, P=0.010), aggregation of lymph nodes (95%CI:1.373~10.849, P=0.010), inhomogeneous echo (95%CI: 1.337~23.389, P=0.018), unclear/absent medulla of lymph nodes (95%CI: 2.514~43.989, P=0.001), and rich blood flow (95%CI: 1.952~85.632, P=0.008). The C-index was 0.910, areas under the curve of training cohort and verification cohort were 0.953 and 0.938 respectively, indicating the discriminative ability of this nomogram. The calibration curve showed a favorable compliance between the prediction of the model and actual observations. The clinical decision curve showed this model is clinically useful and had better discriminative ability between 0.25 and 0.9 for the probability of cervical LNs metastasis.

Conclusions

We established a good prediction model for cervical lymph node metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients which can provide reference value and auxiliary diagnosis for clinicians in making neck management decisions of HNSCC patients.
Functional information guided adaptive radiation therapy
Authors: Herndon R. Craig
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Functional informaton is introduced as the mechanism to adapt cancer therapies uniquely to individual patients based on changes defined by qualified tumor biomarkers.

Methods

To demonstrate the methodology, a tumor volume biomarker model, characterized by a tumor volume reduction rate coefficient, is used to adapt a tumor cell survival bioresponse radiotherapy model in terms of therapeutic radiation dose. Tumor volume, acquired from imaging data, serves as a surrogate measurement for tumor cell death, but the biomarker model derived from this data cannot be used to calculate the radiation dose absorbed by the target tumor. However, functional information does provide a mathematical connection between the tumor volume biomarker model and the tumor cell survival bioresponse model by quantifying both data sets in the units of information, thus creating an analytic conduit from bioresponse to biomarker.

Results

The information guided process for individualized dose adaptations using information values acquired from the tumor cell survival bioresponse model and the tumor volume biomarker model are presented in detailed form by flowchart and tabular data. Clinical data are used to generate a presentation that assists investigator application of the information guided methodology to adaptive cancer therapy research.

Conclusions

Information guided adaptation of bioresponse using surrogate data is extensible across multiple research fields because functional information mathematically connects disparate bioresponse and biomarker data sets. Thus, functional information offers adaptive cancer therapy by mathematically connecting immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy cancer treatment processes to implement individualized treatment plans.
A meta-analysis of the clinicopathological significance of the lncRNA MALAT1 in human gastric cancer
Authors: Bai Shaoxiong , Guo Jiansheng , Zhang Haofan
Published: January 2024

Background

Dysregulation of the long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) has been linked to some oncogenic pathways that induce cancer initiation and progression. This meta-analysis was conducted to specifically summarize the most recent research on MALAT1 function in human gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

The eligible studies were first identified by searching HowNet, Web of Science, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, and Nature databases for studies published as of April 1, 2023. The meta-analysis included 14 studies assessing MALAT1 expression and presenting clinical parameters and survival outcomes.

Results

The results illustrated that high MALAT1 expression is predictive of lymph node metastasis (pooled odds ratio [OR] = 2.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.97–4.54, P < 0.001) and distant metastasis in GC (OR = 3.11, 95% CI = 1.68–5.75, P < 0.001). In addition, MALAT1 was associated with GC tumor invasion (T3/T4 vs. T1/T2: OR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.90- 4.41, P <0.001) and TNM stage (III/IV vs I/II: OR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.80-4.77, P <0.001). Additionally, higher MALAT-1 expression predicted poorer overall survival in patients with GC (hazard ratio = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.20–2.09, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The current findings suggest that the high MALAT1 expression is an adverse biomarker for prognostic outcomes, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and distant metastasis in GC and MALAT1 could be a prognostic biomarker for GC.
Prognosis stratification and response to treatment in breast cancer based on one-carbon metabolism-related signature
Authors: Zhang Tongxin , Liu Jingyu , Wang Meihuan , Liu Xiao , Qu Jia , Zhang Huawei
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor in the female population. Despite staging and treatment consensus guidelines, significant heterogeneity exists in BC patients' prognosis and treatment efficacy. Alterations in one-carbon (1C) metabolism are critical for tumor growth, but the value of the role of 1C metabolism in BC has not been fully investigated.

Methods

To investigate the prognostic value of 1C metabolism-related genes in BC, 72 1C metabolism-related genes from GSE20685 dataset were used to construct a risk-score model via univariate Cox regression analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithm, which was validated on three external datasets. Based on the risk score, all BC patients were categorized into high-risk and low-risk groups. The predictive ability of the model in the four datasets was verified by plotting Kaplan-Meier curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The candidate genes were then analyzed in relation to gene mutations, gene enrichment pathways, immune infiltration, immunotherapy, and drug sensitivity.

Results

We identified a 7-gene 1C metabolism-related signature for prognosis and structured a prognostic model. ROC analysis demonstrated that the model accurately predicted the 2-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rate of BC patients in the four cohorts. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that survival time of high-risk patients was markedly shorter than that of low-risk patients (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, high-risk patients had a higher tumor mutational burden (TMB), enrichment of tumor-associated pathways such as the IL-17 signaling pathway, lower levels of T follicular helper (Tfh) and B cells naive infiltration, and poorer response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, a strong correlation was found between MAT2B and CHKB and immune checkpoints.

Discussion

These findings offer new insights into the effect of 1C metabolism in the onset, progression, and therapy of BC and can be used to assess BC patients' prognosis, study immune infiltration, and develop potentially more effective clinical treatment options.
Motor dysfunction as a primary symptom predicts poor outcome: multicenter study of glioma symptoms
Authors: Kivioja Tomi , Posti Jussi P. , Sipilä Jussi , Rauhala Minna , Frantzén Janek , Gardberg Maria , Rahi Melissa , Rautajoki Kirsi , Nykter Matti , Vuorinen Ville , Nordfors Kristiina , Haapasalo Hannu , Haapasalo Joonas
Published: January 2024

Background and objectives

The objectives of this study were to investigate the prognostic value of primary symptoms and leading symptoms in adult patients with diffuse infiltrating glioma and to provide a clinical perspective for evaluating survival.

Methods

This study included a retrospective cohort from two tertiary university hospitals (n = 604, 2006–2013, Tampere University Hospital and Turku University Hospital) and a prospective cohort (n = 156, 2014–2018, Tampere University Hospital). Preoperative symptoms were divided into primary and leading symptoms. Results were validated with the newer WHO 2021 classification criteria.

Results

The most common primary symptoms were epileptic seizure (30.8% retrospective, 28.2% prospective), cognitive disorder (13.2% retrospective, 16.0% prospective), headache (8.6% retrospective, 12.8% prospective), and motor paresis (7.0% retrospective, 7.1% prospective). Symptoms that predicted better survival were epileptic seizure and visual or other sense-affecting symptom in the retrospective cohort and epileptic seizure and headache in the prospective cohort. Predictors of poor survival were cognitive disorder, motor dysfunction, sensory symptom, tumor hemorrhage, speech disorder and dizziness in the retrospective cohort and cognitive disorder, motor dysfunction, sensory symptom, and dizziness in the prospective cohort. Motor dysfunction served as an independent predictor of survival in a multivariate model (OR = 1.636).

Conclusion

Primary and leading symptoms in diffuse gliomas are associated with prognoses in retrospective and prospective settings. Motor paresis was an independent prognostic factor for poor survival in multivariate analysis for grade 2-4 diffuse gliomas, especially in glioblastomas.
Dietary intervention for tertiary prevention in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma survivors: clinical and translational results of a randomized phase II trial
Authors: Cavalieri Stefano , Bruno Eleonora , Serafini Mara Serena , Lenoci Deborah , Canevari Silvana , Lopez-Perez Laura , Hernandez Liss , Mariani Luigi , Miceli Rosalba , Gavazzi Cecilia , Pasanisi Patrizia , Rosso Elena , Cordero Francesca , Bossi Paolo , Golusinski Wojciech , Dietz Andreas , Strojan Primož , Fuereder Thorsten , De Cecco Loris , Licitra Lisa
Published: January 2024

Background

There is a strong need for preventive approaches to reduce the incidence of recurrence, second cancers, and late toxicities in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) survivors. We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess a dietary intervention as a non-expensive and non-toxic method of tertiary prevention in HNSCC survivors.

Methods

Eligible participants were disease-free patients with HNSCC in follow-up after curative treatments. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive a highly monitored dietary intervention plus the Word Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research recommendations for cancer prevention (intervention arm) or standard-of-care recommendations (control arm). The planned sample size for the event-free survival evaluation (primary endpoint) was not reached, and the protocol was amended in order to investigate the clinical (nutritional and quality-of-life questionnaires) and translational study [plasma-circulating food-related microRNAs (miRNAs)] as main endpoints, the results of which are reported herein.

Results

One hundred patients were screened, 94 were randomized, and 89 were eligible for intention-to-treat analysis. Median event-free survival was not reached in both arms. After 18 months, nutritional questionnaires showed a significant increase in Recommended Food Score (p = 0.04) in the intervention arm vs. control arm. The frequency of patients with and without a clinically meaningful deterioration or improvement of the C30 global health status in the two study arms was similar. Food-derived circulating miRNAs were identified in plasma samples at baseline, with a significant difference among countries.

Conclusion

This RCT represented the first proof-of-principle study, indicating the feasibility of a clinical study based on nutritional and lifestyle interventions in HNSCC survivors. Subjects receiving specific counseling increased the consumption of the recommended foods, but no relevant changes in quality of life were recorded between the two study arms. Food-derived plasma miRNA might be considered promising circulating dietary biomarkers.
Absence of causal relationship between Parkinson’s disease and subsequent prostate cancer: evidence from meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization studies
Authors: Wang Li , Deng Jing-ya , Fan Xi-yue , Yang Dan , Zhu Ping-yu , Wang Xiao-ming
Published: January 2024

Background

Numerous observational studies have investigated the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) in patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). However, the existence of a definitive association remains uncertain.

Methods

Systematic searches were performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published up to October 1, 2023. For Mendelian randomized (MR) causal inference, we employed pooled data from the IPDGC and PRACTICAL Consortium. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method served as the principal technique for estimating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations under investigation.

Results

Cumulative analysis of nine studies revealed no significant association between patients diagnosed with PD and the subsequent incidence of PCa ([relative ratio] RR = 0.89, 95%CI = 0.73 to 1.08, P = 0.237). However, subgroup analyses indicated a reduced occurrence of PCa in Caucasian patients with PD (RR = 0.81, 95%CI = 0.69 to 0.95, P = 0.011). MR analyses failed to establish a significant link between increased genetic susceptibility to PD and the risk of PCa (IVW OR = 1.025, 95%CI = 0.997 to 1.054, P = 0.082). Sensitivity analyses further corroborated the robustness of these results.

Conclusion

Both observational meta-analysis and MR analysis based on genetic variation do not support an association between PD patients and the subsequent risk of PCa. Further research is warranted to unravel the potential underlying mechanisms linking these two diseases.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023473527.
Analysis of definitive chemo-radiation outcomes in anal cancer: insights from a tertiary cancer center in the MENA Region
Authors: Alawabdeh Tala , Abuhijlih Ramiz , Mohamed Issa , Alnasraween Saif , Ababneh Hazem , Turfa Reem , Alsunna Sanad , Khzouz Yacoub , Abuhijla Fawzi
Published: January 2024

Background

Outcomes of chemo-radiation (CRT) for anal cancer in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are scarce. We aim to report treatment outcomes for anal cancer treated at tertiary cancer center, with a particular focus on patients managed with non-oncological surgery prior definitive CRT.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with locally advanced anal carcinoma, who underwent definitive CRT King Hussein Cancer Center, from January 2007 till January 2020. Patient demographics and disease characteristics were extracted, and a univariate chi-squared test was employed to assess the impact of chemotherapy type, HPV status, and pre-treatment non-oncological surgery on outcomes, including complete remission (CR), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Kaplan–Meier tests were employed to analyze the obtained survival data.

Results

Among the 34 initially identified patients, 30 were eligible, 24 (80%) achieved CR. Notably, 20 out of 21 HPV positive patients achieved CR, versus 1 out 4 HPV-negative achieved CR, p=0.006The 5-years OS for HPV-positive patients was 89% compared with 25% for HPV-negative, p=0001. There was no statistical significant difference in patients outcomes as regard type of chemotherapy, radiation technique and non-oncologic resection prior to CRT.

Conclusion

Herein, we reported the first series of anal cancer from our region. CRT had yielded an oncologic outcome comparable with series in the literature. HPV-positive patients demonstrated better results. Moreover, we found non-oncologic resection prior to CRT did not seem to impact the outcomes. Further studies are warranted to overcome the limitations of our study.
A bone to pick-cellular and molecular mechanisms of bone pain in sickle cell disease
Authors: Gollamudi Jahnavi , Karkoska Kristine A. , Gbotosho Oluwabukola T. , Zou Wei , Hyacinth Hyacinth I. , Teitelbaum Steven L.
Published: January 2024

The bone is one of the most commonly affected organs in sickle cell disease (SCD). Repeated ischemia, oxidative stress and inflammation within the bone is largely responsible for promoting bone pain. As more individuals with SCD survive into adulthood, they are likely to experience a synergistic impact of both aging and SCD on their bone health. As bone health deteriorates, bone pain will likely exacerbate. Recent mechanistic and observational studies emphasize an intricate relationship between bone remodeling and the peripheral nervous system. Under pathological conditions, abnormal bone remodeling plays a key role in the propagation of bone pain. In this review, we first summarize mechanisms and burden of select bone complications in SCD. We then discuss processes that contribute to pathological bone pain that have been described in both SCD as well as non-sickle cell animal models. We emphasize the role of bone-nervous system interactions and pitfalls when designing new therapies especially for the sickle cell population. Lastly, we also discuss future basic and translational research in addressing questions about the complex role of stress erythropoiesis and inflammation in the development of SCD bone complications, which may lead to promising therapies and reduce morbidity in this vulnerable population.
Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the young children participation and environment measure for its use in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland
Authors: Krieger Beate , Ederer Friedrich , Amann Ruth , Morgenthaler Thomas , Schulze Christina , Dawal Britta
Published: January 2024

Background

Concepts such as participation and environment may differ across cultures. Consequently, cultural equivalence must be assured when using a measure like the Young Children Participation and Environment Measure (YC-PEM) in other settings than the original English-speaking contexts. This study aimed to cross-culturally translate and adapt the YC-PEM into German as it is used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Methods

Following international guidelines, two translations were compared, and the research and expert team made the first adaptations. Twelve caregivers of children with and without disabilities from three German-speaking countries participated in two rounds of think-aloud interviews. Data were analyzed by content analysis to look for item, semantic, operational, conceptual, and measurement equivalence to reach a cultural equivalence version in German.

Results

Adaptations were needed in all fields but prominently in item, operational, and conceptual equivalence. Operational equivalence resulted in graphical adaptations in the instructions and questions to make the German version of YC-PEM, YC-PEM (G), more user-friendly.

Conclusion

This study presents a cross-cultural translation and adaptation process to develop a German version of the YC-PEM suitable for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. A culturally adapted YC-PEM (G) is now available for research, practice, and further validation.
Three years of COVID-19 in children that attend the Mexican Social Security Institute's 1,350 child day-care centers, 2020–2023
Authors: Martínez-Valdez Libny , Richardson Vesta L. , Bautista-Márquez Aurora , Camacho Franco Martín Alejandro , Cruz Cruz Vicente , Hernández Ávila Mauricio
Published: January 2024

Background

Studies have suggested that children are less likely than adults to develop COVID-19; however, with the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, hospitalization and death due to this cause have increased among the youngest ones.

Methods

Retrospective, descriptive analytical study of the COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths occurred in children under five years who attended in Child Day-Care Centers (Centros de Atención Infantil-CAIs) of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) from 20th July 2020 to 31st March 2023. Results were compared with Mexico's and the US's national-level data. Incidence, attack (children and workers) and mortality rates were estimated. The risks of getting sick, being hospitalized and dying due to COVID-19 were calculated by year.

Results

There were 4,369 COVID-19 cases among children from IMSS CAIs; 67 (1.5%) required hospitalization and only two deaths were reported (0.04%). Both at IMSS CAIs and at a national level in Mexico and the US, the highest incidences of COVID-19 among children under five years occurred during Omicron prevalence. The attack rate among workers (32.93%) was higher than children (4.99%). Hospitalization and mortality rates in the US decreased since the anti-COVID 19 vaccine was introduced in children older than six months, unlike the rates in Mexico, where the vaccine for this age group was not available. By the year 2020, the children that attended the IMSS CAIs were 77.3% less likely to be hospitalized; 80.9% in 2021, 93.2% in 2022, and 77.7% by March 2023, compared to same age children in Mexico. In 2021, the children that attended IMSS CAIs were 90.6% less likely to die due to COVID-19, and by March 2023, this likelihood was 34.3% lower than the rest of children in this age group in Mexico.

Conclusions

Children that attended IMSS CAIs had a smaller risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. However, the high rates of hospitalization and death due to SARS-CoV-2 in children under five years in our country point to the need and urgency of vaccination against this virus in this age group, as well as of the adherence to strict detection and medical referral protocols.
Congenital toxoplasmosis and audiological outcome: from a case series to a suggestion of patient-based schedule
Authors: Salomè S. , Malesci R. , Delle Cave V. , Amitrano A. , Gammella R. , Fanelli F. , Capone E. , Capasso L. , Fetoni A. R. , Raimondi F.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) has been suggested to be possibly related to congenital toxoplasmosis (CT), although its prevalence varies from 0% to 26%. This variance appears to be dependent especially on early timing of treatment. However, the available data are based on outdated studies conducted on small groups of patients that lack homogeneity. Therefore, to establish evidence-based guidelines for audiologic monitoring in CT, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of a large case series over a long period of time.

Patients and methods

This is a single-center, retrospective cohort that enrolled all infants and children who were exposed in utero to Toxoplasma gondii and/or congenitally infected between September 1980 and December 2022. They underwent standard serial audiological evaluations to detect possible SNHL at an early stage. The first evaluation was performed during the initial assessment to define the onset of congenital toxoplasmosis, with another evaluation conducted at least at 12 months of life.

Results

We collected data from 1,712 patients, and 183 (10.7%) were diagnosed with CT. Among these cases, 78 children (42.6%) presented with symptomatic CT at the onset, exhibiting ocular findings (21.1%), clinical cerebral manifestations (6.1%), and/or abnormal findings on neuroimaging (35.5%). Therapy was administrated at the onset in 164 patients (89.6%) with 115 of them starting treatment prior to 2.5 months of age (0–388, median 32.00 ± 92.352 days of life). Only one patient presented with SNHL at the onset, but this was apparently unrelated to CT. The median number of audiological assessments was 2.2 ± 1.543 (2–10). No patients developed any grade of delayed hearing loss, both in treated and untreated groups. The median age at last audiological evaluation was 2.3 ± 2.18 years (1–8), although the median follow-up period was 12.4 years (±6.3), ranging from 1 to 27 years.

Conclusions

Based on these data, it appears that SNHL may be less frequent in CT than previously assumed. We recommend conducting an audiological assessment at the onset (within the first 2.5 months of life) to comprehensively define the type of CT onset, and then conducting another evaluation within 9 months of life.
Single center experience with first-intention high-frequency jet vs. volume-targeted ventilation in extremely preterm neonates
Authors: Rallis Dimitrios , Ben-David Danielle , Woo Kendra , Robinson Jill , Beadles David , Bernardini Laura , Abdulhayoglu Elisa , Flanigan Elizabeth , Christou Helen
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To examine whether first-intention high-frequency jet ventilation (HFVJ), compared to volume-targeted ventilation (VTV), in extremely preterm infants is associated with lower incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and other adverse clinical outcomes.

Study design

We conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating neonates with gestational age (GA) ≤28 weeks, who received first-intention HFJV (main exposure) or VTV (comparator), between 11/2020 and 3/2023, with a subgroup analysis including neonates with GA ≤26 weeks and oxygenation index (OI) >5.

Results

We identified 117 extremely preterm neonates, 24 (GA 25.2 ± 1.6 weeks) on HFJV, and 93 (GA 26.4 ± 1.5 weeks, p = 0.001) on VTV. The neonates in the HFJV group had higher oxygenation indices on admission, higher inotrope use, and remained intubated for a longer period. Despite these differences, there were no statistically significant differences in rates of BPD, survival, or other adverse outcomes between the two groups. In subgroup analysis of 18 neonates on HFJV and 39 neonates on VTV, no differences were recorded in the GA, and duration of mechanical ventilation, while neonates in the HFJV group had significantly lower rates of BPD (50% compared to 83%, p = 0.034), and no significant differences in other adverse outcomes compared to neonates in the VTV group. In neonates ≤26 weeks of GA with OI >5, HFJV was significantly associated with lower rates of BPD (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.05–0.92), and combined BPD or death (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.03–0.85), after adjusting for birth weight, and Arterial-alveolar gradient on admission.

Conclusions

In extremely preterm neonates ≤26 weeks of GA with OI >5, first-intention HFJV, in comparison to VTV, is associated with lower rates of BPD.
Exercise therapy for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis rehabilitation: a bibliometric analysis (1999–2023)
Authors: Ma Run-Ting , Wu Qiang , Xu Zhen-Da , Zhang Li , Wei Yi-Xin , Gao Qiang
Published: January 2024

Background

Among the conservative treatments for rehabilitation of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), exercise therapy has attracted a large number of studies as its advantages of good clinical effect, high operability, high compliance, few side effects and low cost. We conduct a bibliometric analysis of previous research to identify prevalent areas of study and inform research for the future directions in this paper.

Methods

Relevant publications and reviews were collected using the Science Citation Index Expanded from the Web of Science Core Collection. Information from the included studies was analyzed systematically using VOSviewer and Citespace software to identify patterns regarding publications, keywords, authors, citations, countries, institutions and journals.

Results

A total of 172 articles published from 1999 to 2023 were identified. Over the last decade, the number of publications has gradually increased, reaching a peak of 21 publications in 2021. China, North America and Western European countries and institutions are leading the way as far as the quantity of publications and the total number of citations are concerned. The current areas of focus are the efficacy of exercise therapy in relation to enhancing the quality of life of adolescents during rehabilitation.

Conclusions

This is the first bibliometric analysis that provides a comprehensive review of the research trends and advances in exercise therapy for the rehabilitation of AIS. The study identifies latest research frontiers and hot directions, providing a valuable reference for scholars in the field of exercise therapy.
Cariprazine augmentation of clozapine in schizophrenia—a retrospective chart review
Authors: Siwek Marcin , Chrobak Adrian Andrzej , Gorostowicz Aleksandra , Król Patrycja , Dudek Dominika
Published: January 2024

The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of cariprazine augmentation of clozapine in treatment-resistant schizophrenia in a retrospective chart review. Among 916 medical records of schizophrenia patients, we identified 12 individuals treated with a combination of those drugs for a duration of 3–60 weeks [median 32 (10–40)]. Clinical Global Impression–Improvement (CGI-I) scores were used to measure the treatment response between the introduction of cariprazine augmentation of clozapine and the last point of observation. The majority of the patients presented treatment response (9/12 patients, 75%) after 4–16 weeks of therapy [median 6 (4–12)]. Treatment was associated with the decrease in positive, negative, affective, and anxiety symptom severity, as well as improvement of patient global functioning. One patient discontinued the treatment due to side effects (akathisia), and two patients halted the therapy due to the exacerbation of psychotic symptoms. Our study presents a thorough clinical description of the largest number of treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients medicated using cariprazine augmentation of clozapine in a “real-world” setting. Our results suggest that the use of this combination may lead to the improvement in a broad range of symptoms of patients with this condition.
Current trends and future prospects of drug repositioning in gastrointestinal oncology
Authors: Fatemi Nayeralsadat , Karimpour Mina , Bahrami Hoda , Zali Mohammad Reza , Chaleshi Vahid , Riccio Andrea , Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad Ehsan , Totonchi Mehdi
Published: January 2024

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers comprise a significant number of cancer cases worldwide and contribute to a high percentage of cancer-related deaths. To improve survival rates of GI cancer patients, it is important to find and implement more effective therapeutic strategies with better prognoses and fewer side effects. The development of new drugs can be a lengthy and expensive process, often involving clinical trials that may fail in the early stages. One strategy to address these challenges is drug repurposing (DR). Drug repurposing is a developmental strategy that involves using existing drugs approved for other diseases and leveraging their safety and pharmacological data to explore their potential use in treating different diseases. In this paper, we outline the existing therapeutic strategies and challenges associated with GI cancers and explore DR as a promising alternative approach. We have presented an extensive review of different DR methodologies, research efforts and examples of repurposed drugs within various GI cancer types, such as colorectal, pancreatic and liver cancers. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of employing the DR approach in GI cancers to inform future research endeavors and clinical trials in this field.
Automated anatomical labeling of the intracranial arteries via deep learning in computed tomography angiography
Authors: Chen Ting , You Wei , Zhang Liyuan , Ye Wanxing , Feng Junqiang , Lu Jing , Lv Jian , Tang Yudi , Wei Dachao , Gui Siming , Jiang Jia , Wang Ziyao , Wang Yanwen , Zhao Qi , Zhang Yifan , Qu Junda , Li Chunlin , Jiang Yuhua , Zhang Xu , Li Youxiang , Guan Sheng
Published: January 2024

Background and purpose: Anatomical labeling of the cerebral vasculature is a crucial topic in determining the morphological nature and characterizing the vital variations of vessels, yet precise labeling of the intracranial arteries is time-consuming and challenging, given anatomical structural variability and surging imaging data. We present a U-Net-based deep learning (DL) model to automatically label detailed anatomical segments in computed tomography angiography (CTA) for the first time. The trained DL algorithm was further tested on a clinically relevant set for the localization of intracranial aneurysms (IAs).

Methods: 457 examinations with varying degrees of arterial stenosis were used to train, validate, and test the model, aiming to automatically label 42 segments of the intracranial arteries [e.g., 7 segments of the internal carotid artery (ICA)]. Evaluation metrics included Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), mean surface distance (MSD), and Hausdorff distance (HD). Additionally, 96 examinations containing at least one IA were enrolled to assess the model’s potential in enhancing clinicians’ precision in IA localization. A total of 5 clinicians with different experience levels participated as readers in the clinical experiment and identified the precise location of IA without and with algorithm assistance, where there was a washout period of 14 days between two interpretations. The diagnostic accuracy, time, and mean interrater agreement (Fleiss’ Kappa) were calculated to assess the differences in clinical performance of clinicians.

Results: The proposed model exhibited notable labeling performance on 42 segments that included 7 anatomical segments of ICA, with the mean DSC of 0.88, MSD of 0.82 mm and HD of 6.59 mm. Furthermore, the model demonstrated superior labeling performance in healthy subjects compared to patients with stenosis (DSC: 0.91 vs. 0.89, p < 0.05; HD: 4.75 vs. 6.19, p < 0.05). Concurrently, clinicians with model predictions achieved significant improvements when interpreting the precise location of IA. The clinicians’ mean accuracy increased by 0.04 (p = 0.003), mean time to diagnosis reduced by 9.76 s (p < 0.001), and mean interrater agreement (Fleiss’ Kappa) increased by 0.07 (p = 0.029).

Conclusion: Our model stands proficient for labeling intracranial arteries using the largest CTA dataset. Crucially, it demonstrates clinical utility, helping prioritize the patients with high risks and ease clinical workload.
High-value crops’ embedded groundnut-based production systems vis-à-vis system-mode integrated nutrient management: long-term impacts on system productivity, system profitability, and soil bio-fertility indicators in semi-arid climate
Authors: Bana Ram Swaroop , Choudhary Anil K. , Nirmal Ravi C. , Kuri Bhola Ram , Sangwan Seema , Godara Samarth , Bansal Ruchi , Singh Deepak , Rana D.S.
Published: January 2024

The current study identified two new climate-resilient groundnut-based cropping systems (GBCSs), viz., groundnut–fenugreek cropping system (GFCS) and groundnut–marigold cropping system (GMCS), with appropriate system-mode bio-compost embedded nutrient management schedules (SBINMSs) for semi-arid South Asia. This 5-year field study revealed that the GMCS along with leaf compost (LC) + 50% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF50) in wet-season crop (groundnut) and 100% RDF (RDF100) in winter-season crop (marigold) exhibited the highest system productivity (5.13–5.99 t/ha), system profits (US$ 1,767–2,688/ha), and soil fertility (available NPK). Among SBINMSs, the application of 5 t/ha leaf and cow dung mixture compost (LCMC) with RDF50 showed the highest increase (0.41%) in soil organic carbon (SOC) followed by LC at 5 t/ha with RDF50 and RDF100. Legume–legume rotation (GFCS) had significantly higher soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN) than legume–non-legume rotations (groundnut–wheat cropping system (GWCS) and GMCS). Among SBINMSs, the highest SMBC (201 µg/g dry soil) and SMBN (27.9 µg/g dry soil) were obtained when LCMC+RDF50 was applied to groundnut. The SMBC : SMBN ratio was the highest in the GWCS. LC+RDF50 exhibited the highest SMBC : SOC ratio (51.6). The largest increase in soil enzymatic activities was observed under LCMC+RDF50. Overall, the GMCS with LC+RDF50 in the wet season and RDF100 in the winter season proved highly productive and remunerative with better soil bio-fertility. SBINMSs saved chemical fertilizers by ~25%’ in addition to enhanced system productivity and system profits across GBCSs in semi-arid regions of South Asia. Future research needs to focus on studying the potential of diversified production systems on water and environmental footprints, carbon dynamics, and energy productivity under semi-arid ecologies.
Drive soil nitrogen transformation and improve crop nitrogen absorption and utilization - a review of green manure applications
Authors: Lyu Hanqiang , Li Yue , Wang Yulong , Wang Pengfei , Shang Yongpan , Yang Xuehui , Wang Feng , Yu Aizhong
Published: January 2024

Green manure application presents a valuable strategy for enhancing soil fertility and promoting ecological sustainability. By leveraging green manures for effective nitrogen management in agricultural fields can significantly reduce the dependency of primary crops on chemical nitrogen fertilizers, thereby fostering resource efficiency. This review examines the current advancements in the green manure industry, focusing on the modulation of nitrogen transformation in soil and how crops absorb and utilize nitrogen after green manure application. Initially, the influence of green manure on soil nitrogen transformation is delineated, covering processes such as soil nitrogen immobilization, and mineralization, and losses including NH3, N2O, and NO3−-N leaching. The review then delves into the effects of green manure on the composition and function of soil microbial communities, highlighting their role in nitrogen transformation. It emphasizes the available nitrogen content in the soil, this article discussing nitrogen uptake and utilization by plants, including aspects such as nitrogen translocation, distribution, the root system, and the rhizosphere environment of primary crops. This provides insights into the mechanisms that enhance nitrogen uptake and utilization when green manures are reintroduced into fields. Finally, the review anticipates future research directions in modulating soil nitrogen dynamics and crop nitrogen uptake through green manure application, aiming to advance research and the development of the green manure sector.