bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of uncertainty quantification of ensemble-based Kalman filters with Markov chain Monte Carlo
Authors: Jahanbakhshi Saman
Published: January 2025

Quantification of uncertainty in the prediction of reservoir future performance is one of the most important aspects in reservoir management. In spite of excessive applications of ensemble-based Kalman filters (EnKFs) in characterization of dynamic reservoir models, some shortcomings are also reported regarding the inability of these methods to provide high quality history matches and to accurately quantify the inherent uncertainty. In this study, uncertainty quantification of different EnKFs is evaluated against Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). Accordingly, a very long MCMC is considered so as to produce the reference posterior probability distribution function (PDF) in a small reservoir model, and the approximated posterior PDFs obtained from EnKFs are then compared with that of MCMC. Furthermore, performance of these filters is compared with MCMC in terms of the accuracy of the estimated parameters and the quality of history matching. The estimated permeabilities from MCMC are closest to the true ones compared to the results of the EnKFs. Unsurprisingly, the estimation of more sensitive parameters demonstrates greater accuracy and lower uncertainty. Also, the reference posterior PDF from MCMC shows lower uncertainty relative to the approximated posterior PDFs from the EnKFs. In fact, the higher uncertainty associated with the EnKFs is a remarkably promising result, as most of the previous investigations declare that EnKFs underestimate the inherent uncertainty, especially with small ensemble sizes. The findings of this study shed light on the capability of the EnKFs for quantification of the inherent uncertainty in both the estimated parameter space and in the predictions of future performance.
Drivers of small mammal population dynamics in hardwood forests of northeastern USA
Authors: Willems Joshua S , Moll Remington J , Yamasaki Mariko , Costello Christine , Ducey Mark J , Rowe Rebecca J
Published: January 2025

Many small mammal populations exhibit dramatic annual fluctuations, with abundance sometimes varying by orders of magnitude across years. However, there remains much debate about the factors that drive changes in abundance. Long-term datasets provide important opportunities to further investigate these phenomena. Using 30 yr of data from a study at Bartlett Experimental Forest in north-central New Hampshire, USA, we compare the relative effects of pulsed food resources (beech mast), forest structure, and weather on the population dynamics of 5 rodents and 4 shrew species. We estimated detection-corrected abundances using Bayesian N-mixture models. Mast, forest structure, and weather all influenced abundance; however, responses varied among species, and no single variable proved to be broadly influential across all species. More generally, our results suggest that for most species analyzed, mast availability and weather patterns have a greater influence on abundance fluctuations than forest structure. However, our results suggest that species are not responding to changes in the environment in the same way. Given that small mammals are ubiquitous and serve key ecological roles, a better understanding of the drivers of small mammal population fluctuations could have broad-reaching implications for forest ecology and management.
Does ad hoc language training improve the economic integration of refugees? Evidence from Germany’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis
Authors: Marbach Moritz , Vallizadeh Ehsan , Harder Niklas , Hangartner Dominik , Hainmueller Jens
Published: January 2025

Given the global displacement crisis, the integration of refugees has emerged as a critical policy issue for many host countries. A key challenge involves supporting refugees in learning the language of their host country. While several European nations have instituted publicly funded language training for asylum seekers and refugees soon after their arrival, evidence on the efficacy of these early language programmes in promoting economic integration remains limited. This study examines the impact of a pioneering, large-scale ad hoc programme introduced by German policymakers, which provided basic language training to over 230,000 refugees arriving in 2015–2016. Utilizing register data on the population of asylum seekers and exploiting a cut-off date in programme eligibility, we assess the programme’s effectiveness using a regression discontinuity design. Our findings reveal no discernible effect on refugee employment over the subsequent 2 years. To explore whether language programmes are generally ineffective during refugee crises, we contrast these results with the impacts of a more comprehensive, preexisting, yet smaller-scale programme. Using a variety of difference-in-differences estimators, we find that this programme considerably increased refugee employment. These contrasting findings offer important insights for policymakers on designing effective language training programmes for refugees.
Curative resection of multiple primary neuroendocrine tumors enabled by preoperative imaging: a case report
Authors: Shidahara Hidetoshi , Hashimoto Masakazu , Mori Keiichi , Kuroda Shintaro , Tahara Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Ohdan Hideki
Published: January 2025

Neuroendocrine tumors (NENs) originate from neuroendocrine cells and predominantly occur in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and pancreas. Although the liver is commonly involved in NEN metastasis, primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors (PHNETs) are rare. Herein, we report a case of a 52-year-old female who presented with slowly enlarging, cystic, multiple PHNETs. Two tumors in segments 6 (S6) and S7 were noted on computed tomography (CT), and an additional S7/8 tumor was found on magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, CT during hepatic arteriography (CTHA) revealed a small tumor in S8. No other primary tumors were detected in other organs. Posterior segmentectomy and S8 partial resection were performed for the tumors. The postoperative pathological diagnosis was a grade 2 neuroendocrine tumor. The patient showed no recurrence of tumor 3 years postoperatively. In this study, CTHA was more effective than other examinations in detecting small tumors, which could be resected without any residual tumors.
On Rosser theories
Authors: Cheng Yong
Published: January 2025

Rosser theories play an important role in the study of the incompleteness phenomenon and meta-mathematics of arithmetic. In this paper, we first define the notions of $n$-Rosser theories, exact $n$-Rosser theories, effectively $n$-Rosser theories and effectively exact $n$-Rosser theories (see Definition 1.6). Our definitions are not restricted to arithmetic languages. Then we systematically examine properties of $n$-Rosser theories and relationships among them. Especially, we generalize some important theorems about Rosser theories for recursively enumerable sets in the literature to $n$-Rosser theories in a general setting.
Molecular mechanisms underlying allosteric behavior of Escherichia coli DgoR, a GntR/FadR family transcriptional regulator
Authors: Singh Swati , Arya Garima , Mishra Rajesh , Singla Shivam , Pratap Akhil , Upadhayay Krishna , Sharma Monika , Chaba Rachna
Published: January 2025

GntR/FadR family featuring an N-terminal winged helix–turn–helix DNA-binding domain and a C-terminal α-helical effector-binding and oligomerization domain constitutes one of the largest families of transcriptional regulators. Several GntR/FadR regulators govern the metabolism of sugar acids, carbon sources implicated in bacterial–host interactions. Although effectors are known for a few sugar acid regulators, the unavailability of relevant structures has left their allosteric mechanism unexplored. Here, using DgoR, a transcriptional repressor of d-galactonate metabolism in Escherichia coli, as a model, and its superrepressor alleles, we probed allostery in a GntR/FadR family sugar acid regulator. Genetic and biochemical studies established compromised response to d-galactonate as the reason for the superrepressor behavior of the mutants: T180I does not bind d-galactonate, and while A97V, S171L and M188I bind d-galactonate, effector binding does not induce a conformational change required for derepression, suggesting altered allostery. For mechanistic insights into allosteric communication, we performed simulations of the modeled DgoR structure in different allosteric states for both the wild-type and mutant proteins. We found that each mutant exhibits unique dynamics disrupting the intrinsic allosteric communication pathways, thereby impacting DgoR function. We finally validated the allosteric communication model by testing in silico predictions with experimental data.
Design and optimization of water scrubbing system for tar reduction in biomass gasification: a statistical analysis
Authors: Lanjekar Pranay Rajendra , Panwar Narayan Lal
Published: January 2025

Biomass gasification produces energy from waste, but tar production limits the use of the produced syngas. Water scrubbing is commonly used to remove tar from gas. Based on absorption and impaction principles, a new water scrubbing unit was developed and tested using a statistical approach. The study focused on two key parameters: water flow rate and sampling time, which affect tar yield. Central Composite Design was used to optimize and understand how these parameters influence the results. The analysis showed that increasing the water flow rate and reducing the sampling time led to lower tar content. Optimal results were achieved with a water flow rate of 80 l/min and a sampling time of 10 min, producing minimal tar compared to other experimental setups. The developed tar scrubbing unit reduced tar content by up to 67%. Statistical analysis of variance revealed that the water flow rate significantly influenced tar reduction in syngas across all trials examined in this study. This reduction is crucial for enhancing the fuel value of syngas, underscoring its potential for diverse applications. In conclusion, this tar reduction unit effectively reduces tar in syngas from small and medium-sized gasifier plants, which helps improve fuel quality.
Excitation Spillover from PSII to PSI in Leaves at 77K
Authors: Terashima Ichiro , Oguchi Riichi , Atsuzawa Kimie , Kaneko Yasuko , Kono Masaru
Published: January 2025

Heterogeneous distribution of PSI and PSII in thick grana in shade chloroplasts is argued to hinder spillover of chlorophyll excitations from PSII to PSI. To examine this dogma, we measured fluorescence induction at 77K at 690 nm (PSII) and 760 nm (mostly PSI) in the leaf discs of Spinacia oleracea, Cucumis sativus and shade tolerant Alocasia odora, grown at high and low light, and quantified their spillover capacities. PSI fluorescence (FI) consists of the intrinsic PSI fluorescence (FIα) and fluorescence caused by excitations spilt over from PSII (FIβ). When FI and FII parameters between State 1 and State 2, induced by weak far-red and blue light, were compared, PSII maximum fluorescence (FIIm) and FIβ were greater, and FIα was smaller in State 1 and thereby the spillover ratio, FIβ/(FIα+FIβ), was greater in State 1. When non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) was induced, the spillover ratio decreased. Since analyses of Fv/Fm spectra tentatively suggested that about 15% of Fm at 760 nm was from PSII, all data were corrected accordingly. Even after the correction, the spillover ratio in FIm in State 1 ranged from 16 to 28%. The spillover ratios did not greatly differ between the species or growth light levels. Although extensive grana in low light grown plants would suggest that PSII and PSI are too separated for spillover, the ratios of non-appressed thylakoid membranes/total thylakoid membranes in A. odora chloroplasts were little affected by growth light and more than 40%. Abundant non-appressed thylakoids and margins of appressed-thylakoids would enable efficient spillover. (250 words)
Muscle-specific miRNAs in plasma and skeletal muscle of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy are modulated by disease and training
Authors: Laiferová Nikoleta Alchus , Vernerová Lucia , Nemec Michal , Barkova Daria , Rerková Katarína , Malenovská Karin Marček , Vokurková Martina , Oreská Sabína , Klein Martin , Špiritović Maja , Tomčík Michal , Ukropec Jozef , Vencovský Jiří , Ukropcová Barbara
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Objective of this work was to examine myomiR levels in plasma, skeletal muscle, and skeletal muscle cells of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM), their interrelations with the disease-related clinical phenotypes and with the effects of the disease-modifying 6-month training-intervention.

Methods

Samples of vastus lateralis muscle (n = 12/13) and plasma (n = 20/21) were obtained from IIM patients and healthy controls, respectively. Muscle and plasma were obtained before and after a 6-month training-intervention in 7 patients. MyomiRs miR-1,-206,-133a,-133b were quantified by qPCR. Effects of pro-inflammatory (TNF), metabolic (glucose, insulin) systemic factors and the immunosuppressive therapy (dexamethasone) on the myomiRs were examined in muscle cells in vitro.

Results

MiR-133b was lower in skeletal muscle of IIM patients compared with healthy controls (p= 0.03). Levels of miR-133a, miR-1, and miR-206 were not regulated. Moreover, plasma levels of miR-133b and miR-1 were reduced in IIM compared with healthy controls (p< 0.05). Exercise induced reciprocal regulation of specific myomiRs in muscle and plasma of IIM patients, it lowered miR-133b in muscle while increasing miR-133b and miR-206 in plasma. Treatment of myotubes with TNF, insulin, and glucose and dexamethasone induced distinct myomiRs down-regulation.

Conclusion

Lower myomiR levels in skeletal muscle of IIM patients might indicate reduced muscle regenerative potential in IIM, which could be linked to inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and immunosuppressive therapy. Training-induced changes of muscle and plasma myomiRs indicate an increase in myomiRs release, which could contribute to the adaptive response underlying the positive systemic effects of exercise in IIM.
Pemigatinib suppresses liver fibrosis and subsequent osteodystrophy in mice
Authors: Mihara Taiki , Tsuru Yoshiharu , Kurosawa Tamaki , Nonoshita Yuma , Yamakawa Yuki , Hori Masatoshi
Published: January 2025

Background:

Liver fibrosis could lead to serious secondary diseases, including osteodystrophy. The interaction between liver and bone has not been fully elucidated, thus existing therapies for osteodystrophy secondary to liver fibrosis are often ineffective. FGF23 was initially found as an endocrine regulator of phosphate homeostasis, but recently, its involvement in fibrosis has been suggested. In this study, we hypothesized that the FGF23 level increases with liver injury, which in turn induces liver fibrosis and osteodystrophy.

Methods:

Liver fibrosis model mice were generated via carbon tetrachloride administration and bile duct ligation. Fibrosis was assessed using Masson trichrome staining and hydroxyproline assay. The bone structure was evaluated using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and microcomputed tomography. Human HSC lines LX-2 and primary rat HSCs were used for in vitro analyses.

Results:

Carbon tetrachloride–induced and bile duct ligation–induced liver injury increased the serum FGF23 level compared with that in control mice. RNA sequencing analysis of FGF23-treated LX-2 showed that FGF23 promotes the production of matrisome, which helps in forming the extracellular matrix. The FGF receptor antagonist pemigatinib alleviated carbon tetrachloride–induced and bile duct ligation–induced liver fibrosis and the deleterious alterations in bone density and microstructure in mice.

Conclusions:

The serum FGF23 level increased with liver injury, and FGF23 promoted liver fibrosis. Moreover, pemigatinib alleviated liver fibrosis and hepatic osteodystrophy. These findings suggest that FGF23 mediates the communication between the liver and bone and that FGF23 may be a new therapeutic target for liver fibrosis and subsequent osteodystrophy.
The evolving role of liver biopsy: Current applications and future prospects
Authors: Gopal Purva , Hu Xiaobang , Robert Marie E. , Zhang Xuchen
Published: January 2025

Histopathologic evaluation of liver biopsy has played a longstanding role in the diagnosis and management of liver disease. However, the utility of liver biopsy has been questioned by some, given the improved imaging modalities, increased availability of noninvasive serologic tests, and development of artificial intelligence over the past several years. In this review, we discuss the current and future role of liver biopsy in both non-neoplastic and neoplastic liver diseases in the era of improved noninvasive laboratory, radiologic, and digital technologies.
A Practical and Simplified Method for Structure-Function Analysis in Patients with Glaucoma and Retinal Disease
Authors: Oh Jin Kyun , Lu Lam , DeMoraes C. Gustavo , Liebmann Jeffrey M. , Chang Stanley
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

To describe an accessible method of structure-function correlation using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and virtual reality perimetry (VRP) for patients with retinal disease and glaucoma and to compare results with those of conventional Humphrey visual fields (HVF).

Methods:

Patients with a diagnosis of glaucoma involving the central visual field or macula-involving retinal disease were recruited. Patients underwent ophthalmic examination followed by OCT imaging, HVF, and VRP testing. Both HVF and VRP results were compared to OCT scans to identify areas of visual field abnormality and their corresponding structural deficits. The correlation between HVF and VRP findings was evaluated.

Results:

36 eyes of 21 patients were included as part of this study. VRP was able to reliably identify visual field deficits that correlated with structural abnormalities on OCT in patients with both glaucoma involving the central visual field and complex macula-involving retinal pathology. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was 0.83 (p<0.001) for mean deviation and 0.85 (p<0.001) for pattern standard deviation between VRP and HVF.

Conclusion:

The combination of VRP and OCT allows for practical and accurate structure-function correlation of complex retinal disease and glaucoma. This approach is particularly valuable in identifying the contributions of confounding glaucoma and retinal disease in patients with multiple disorders.
Focal Scleral Nodules: Retrospective Case Series and Novel Insight
Authors: Shiwani Haaris A. , Memon Danyal , Hayat Usman , Lamin Ali , Finch Kieran , Soorma Talha , El-Nemr Donia , Bilal Loreena , Chaturvedi Ritu , De La Mata Guillermo
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to add to the limited literature of Focal Scleral Nodule (FSN).

Methods:

This study was a single-centre, retrospective, observational case series performed at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (United Kingdom). Nineteen eyes from nineteen patients over a thirteen year period (January 2011 to January 2024) were included. The principal observations were taken from patient demographic data, fundal and autofluorescence imaging, and OCT-EDI imaging.

Results:

Most patients with FSN were female, with median age of 47 years and median visual acuity of 20/20 Snellen. FSN were yellow, yellow-white, orange or orange halo in appearance. Median horizontal length of a FSN was 2.02mm (range 0.34mm-4.79mm) and median thickness was 417μm (range 272μm-803μm). The choroid above the FSN was thinned in 9 and absent in 10 cases. Most FSN appeared hyper-autofluorescent on autofluorescence imaging. Extramacular FSN appeared directly inferiorly to the optic disc in 7, infero-temporally in 5, supero-nasally in 2, and supero-temporally in 5 cases. Seven patients demonstrated FSN within the macula, and 2 of these had subretinal fluid. Further investigation revealed one of these patients with subretinal fluid had polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) at the same area as the FSN.

Conclusion:

This study analysed FSN lesions of a medium-sized group over a large timeframe. It provides more data in the literature for an uncommon ophthalmic lesion. Furthermore, the study described the first known case in the literature of FSN with PCV in the same area. This finding highlights a potential new complication of the condition.
Endothelialectomy With Trypan Blue Staining to Enhance Descemetorhexis Visualization
Authors: Cheung Albert Y. , de la Presa Martin , Silverberg Marc L. , Quiroz-Casian Natalia , Holland Edward J.
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

To describe a technique involving combined endothelialectomy and trypan blue staining to allow for improved visualization and Descemet membrane (DM) removal during endothelial keratoplasty.

Methods:

Endothelialectomy with 2 disposable endothelial irrigating cannulas (Vortex and Sterimedix) and an irrigation-aspiration handpiece are described. Several passes over the desired area are made to ensure adequate endothelialectomy treatment. Trypan blue is instilled into the anterior chamber, and after irrigation, the trypan stains the exposed DM, which enhances visualization. Subsequently, one's standard technique for descemetorhexis can then be performed.

Results:

Endothelialectomy with trypan blue staining was performed in 9 eyes and was able to successfully enhance visualization of DM in all cases. The technique easily allowed for visualization of the descemetorhexis edge despite the poor view. Although all 3 instruments for endothelialectomy allowed for successful descemetorhexis, the Vortex endothelial cannula provided more complete and consistent endothelialectomy with fewer passes. The descemetorhexis tissue from 1 case using the Sterimedix cannula was sent for histological review and demonstrated a paucity of endothelial cells, intact DM, and blunted guttae.

Conclusions:

Targeted endothelialectomy and trypan blue staining can be a useful technique to enhance visualization during endothelial keratoplasty. This can allow for a more complete descemetorhexis in areas with marginal visibility.
Focus on mechano-immunology: new direction in cancer treatment
Authors: Zhao Lin , Gui Yajun , Deng Xiangying
Published: January 2025

The immune response is modulated by a diverse array of signals within the tissue microenvironment, encompassing biochemical factors, mechanical forces, and pressures from adjacent tissues. Furthermore, the extracellular matrix and its constituents significantly influence the function of immune cells. In the case of carcinogenesis, changes in the biophysical properties of tissues can impact the mechanical signals received by immune cells, and these signals can be translated into biochemical signals through mechano-transduction pathways. These mechano-transduction pathways have a profound impact on cellular functions, influencing processes such as cell activation, metabolism, proliferation, and migration etc. The tissue mechanics may undergo temporal changes during the process of carcinogenesis, offering the potential for novel dynamic levels of immune regulation. Here, we review advances in mechanoimmunology in malignancy studies, focusing on how mechanosignals modulate the behaviors of immune cells at the tissue level, thereby triggering an immune response that ultimately influences the development and progression of malignant tumors. Additionally, we have also focused on the development of mechano-immunoengineering systems, with the help of which could help to further understand the response of tumor cells or immune cells to alterations in the microenvironment and may provide new research directions for overcoming immunotherapeutic resistance of malignant tumors.
Safety and clinical efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy with immunotherapy for organ preservation in ultra-low rectal cancer: preliminary results of the CHOICE-I trial: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Leqi , Yu Guanyu , Shen Yuxin , Wen Rongbo , Ding Haibo , Zhou Jidian , Zhu Xiaoming , Hong Yonggang , Gong Haifeng , Liu Lianjie , Wang Hao , Zhang Huojun , Bai Chenguang , Hao Liqiang , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2025

Objective:

To explore the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) combined with a PD-1 antibody in improving complete clinical response (cCR) and organ preservation in patients with ultra-low rectal cancer.

Methods:

This was a prospective phase II, single-arm, open-label trial. Patients with confirmed pMMR status T1-3aN0-1M0 retcal adenocarcinoma were included. Long-course chemoradiotherapy was delivered to a dose of 50 Gy. A PD-1 antibody was added 2 weeks after the first radiotherapy session, and two courses were administered. After chemoradiotherapy, CapeOX plus PD-1 antibody was administered to patients for two cycles. After evaluation, patients with cCR were managed with a watch-and-wait (W&W) approach. Local excision or a W&W approach was performed for patients with near complete clinical response (ncCR) as per multidisciplinary team decision. Radical surgery was recommended for poorly regressed or progressed tumors.

Results:

Twenty-five patients were enrolled, but two patients withdrew from the study. A total of 23 patients completed the entire neoadjuvant therapy. Ten and five patients achieved cCR and ncCR, respectively, and the rest had a partial clinical response. Patients with cCR were managed with W&W. Four patients with ncCR underwent local excision and were managed using W&W. Eight patients with partial clinical response underwent anus-preserving surgery. At the last follow-up, the rectum and anus preservation rates were 63.4% (14/22) and 95.5% (21/22), respectively.

Conclusion:

nCRT combined with immunotherapy tended to achieve better cCR and rectum preservation rates with good tolerance in patients.
Efficacy of dapagliflozin to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis
Authors: Duan Hua , Chen Fangyuan
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Dapagliflozin shows some potential in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease complicated with type 2 diabetes, and this meta-analysis aims to explore the efficacy of dapagliflozin vs placebo to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease complicated with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:

PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO and Cochrane library databases have been searched through July 2024, and we included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of dapagliflozin for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease complicated with type 2 diabetes.

Results:

Five RCTs and 353 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control intervention in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes, dapagliflozin treatment was able to significantly decrease ALT (standard mean difference [SMD] = −1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.37 to −0.84; P < .00001), AST (MD = −1.32; 95% CI = −1.76 to −0.88; P < .00001) and HbA1c (SMD = −0.60; 95% CI = −1.02 to −0.17; P = .006), but demonstrated no influence on fasting glucose (SMD = −0.55; 95% CI = −1.10 to 0; P = .05), LDL-C (SMD = −0.19; 95% CI = −0.56 to 0.17; P = .30) or triglyceride (SMD = −0.30; 95% CI = −1.47 to 0.88; P = .62).

Conclusions:

Dapagliflozin may benefit to treat patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.
Casual correlation between overweight, obesity, and severe COVID-19 infection with respiratory failure: A two-sample Mendelian randomization
Authors: Chen Shiqiang , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Xiaobing , Xie Peiyao , Guo Hua , Lu Fengling , Zhou Chaoyang , Dong Fubo
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to detect the causal association of overweight and obesity on severe COVID-19 infection with respiratory failure through a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method based on the genome-wide association studies datasets. All genome-wide association studies summary data of exposures and outcome used in this study were obtained from the IEU database derived from Europeans. The study mainly used the inverse variance weighted method to test causal relationship. Simultaneously, MR-PRESSO and MR-EGGER were used to detect the pleiotropy, and sensitivity analysis was performed using leave-one-out analysis. In the inverse variance weighted analyses, we found no causal association between obesity (e.g., OR = 1.15, 95% CIs = 0.96–1.37, P = .13 for obesity-ebi-a-GCST90000255), obesity subtypes (e.g., OR = 1.93, 95% CIs = 0.90–4.14, P = .10 for obesity and other hyperalimentation) as well as overweight (OR = 0.90, 95% CIs = 0.64–1.27, P = .54) and severe COVID-19 infection with respiratory failure. The findings showed no causal association between obesity or overweight and severe COVID-19 infection with respiratory failure. Further validation is needed regarding whether obesity or overweight is a risk factor for it.
Comprehensive analysis of the survival outcomes and causes of death among patients diagnosed with myeloid sarcoma in the United States from 2000 to 2016: A retrospective SEER-based study
Authors: Mali Bahaa , Mali Ali , Mali Alaa , Hammad Mohammad , Abdulrazzak Mohammed , Jobran Afnan W.M.
Published: January 2025

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare hematological malignancy characterized as an extramedullary tumor mass of neoplastic myeloid blasts that may involve various anatomical sites and affect their tissue structure. Given that MS is very rare, there is insufficient knowledge regarding its clinical features and no well-established therapeutic guidelines. We conducted a retrospective study of MS patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2016 using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We studied survival outcomes across different demographic and therapeutic subgroups. We also investigated the causes of death among our aimed cohort of patients. We found that between 2000 and 2016, 573 MS cases were reported in SEER 17 registries. Most patients were males (57.9%), and 55.1% were 60 or older. Most were non-Hispanic white (67.7%) and married (47.8%). Almost 61.4% were diagnosed with MS as their first primary tumor and 51.3% had only 1 tumor. In terms of treatment, 51.1% received chemotherapy, 26.2% underwent radiation therapy, and 13.6% had surgical management. The relative survival rate for MS patients in the United States is quite low, with a 3-year relative survival rate of 43.4%, declining to 39.0% at 5 years. Treatment with chemotherapy or surgical management has shown better survival outcomes. The primary cause of death is malignant diseases, particularly leukemias. Most deaths occur within the first year of diagnosis, with the risk gradually declining over time. MS is a rare malignant disease with a poor prognosis. Age and tumor location at diagnosis are important factors affecting survival. Chemotherapy is the most common treatment and has been found to improve survival. Most deaths in MS cases are due to malignant diseases, particularly leukemias. Future prospective studies are required to provide more significant outcomes and create targeted management regimens to enhance survival.
Clinical efficacy of flexible ureteroscopy with holmium laser lithotripsy for geriatric patients with complex upper urinary tract calculi
Authors: Zeng Wenbiao , Zhao Zhenwei , Li Guomin , Yao Xiance , Yuan Feng
Published: January 2025

The study aims to compare the efficacy of flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) with holmium laser lithotripsy (HLL, herein collectively referred to as FURS-HLL) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of complex upper urinary tract calculi in elderly patients, highlighting the advantages of FURS-HLL. A total of 40 elderly patients (aged ≥ 60) with complex upper urinary tract calculi admitted to the Department of Urology, Fuyong People’s Hospital from October 2020 to October 2023 were randomly divided into 2 groups on the basis of the treatment they received: the FURS-HLL group (preset ureteral stent) and the PCNL group. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, stone-free rate, and postoperative complications (fever, hematuria, infection, and severe urinary tract injury) were compared and analyzed between the 2 groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the average age, sex, stone diameter, stone type, and underlying diseases between the 2 groups (P > .05). The FURS-HLL group had significantly less intraoperative blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and longer operation time than the PCNL group (P < .05). The postoperative infection rate and the 1-week stone-free rate were lower in the FURS-HLL group than in the PCNL group (P < .05). However, there were no statistically significant between-group differences in postoperative fever, hematuria, urinary tract injury, 1-month stone-free rate, and the rate of secondary surgery (P > .05). FURS-HLL can significantly improve the stone-free rate and reduce postoperative complications, making it an ideal surgical approach for elderly patients with complex upper urinary tract calculi.
Efficacy of electroacupuncture in the treatment of insomnia in cancer patients: A meta-analysis
Authors: Li Ke , Luo Ying
Published: January 2025

Background:

The purpose of this meta-analysis of current studies was to assess the efficacy of electroacupuncture for cancer-related insomnia.

Methods:

A comprehensive search was conducted encompassing randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of electroacupuncture in treating cancer-related insomnia across CNKI, VIP, Wang Fang, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Web of Science, with a search deadline of December 26, 2023. The Cochrane manual’s risk-of-bias evaluation was used for quality assessment, while Stata 15.0 was used for the data analysis.

Results:

Eight randomized controlled studies involving 537 individuals were finally included. Meta-analysis results suggested that electroacupuncture improved total sleep time [SMD = 0.68, 95% CI (0.31, 1.06)], sleep efficiency [SMD = 1.26, 95% CI (0.02, 2.50)], and reduced Pittsburgh sleep quality index [SMD = –0.44, 95% CI (–0.63, −0.25)], insomnia severity index [SMD = –1.23, 95% CI (–1.88, −0.58)], and sleep onset latency [SMD = –0.76, 95% CI (–1.36, −0.15)] in cancer patients.

Conclusion:

Based on the current study, we found that electroacupuncture may have a better effect on insomnia in cancer patients.
Trends in the incidence, survival, and prognostic nomogram of angiosarcoma in the United States
Authors: Zeng Dong , Wang Zhiyi , Feng Yongdong , McKay Michael J. , Masanam Monika K. , Long Haixia , Cao Xi
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological trends of angiosarcoma and to establish a tool to estimate its prognosis. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (1975–2016) were used to assess trends in the epidemiology of angiosarcoma, and a nomogram was established based on independent prognostic factors. The age-adjusted incidence of angiosarcoma gradually increased from 0.13/100,000 in 1975 to 0.33/100,000 in 2016 (annual percentage change [2.4]). The most significant increase was observed in patients aged ≥ 60 years. The same increasing trend was observed across all the stages and grades. The limited-duration prevalence increased from 0.0003% in 1992 to 0.0013% in 2016 (P < .05). In multivariable analyses, age, sex, marital status, grade, historical stage, surgery, site, and tumor size were independent prognostic factors for angiosarcoma. The concordance index of the nomogram was significantly higher than that of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 6th edition and the AJCC 7th edition (0.74 vs 0.61 vs 0.66, respectively). Calibration analysis showed optimal agreement between nomogram predictions and actual observations. The incidence and prevalence of angiosarcoma has increased over the past 40 years. We established a nomogram to predict the overall survival of patients with angiosarcoma.
CD274/PD-L1 copy number gained malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: A case report and literature review
Authors: Na Kiyong , Kim Hong Jun
Published: January 2025

Rationale:

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive soft tissue sarcomas with a poor prognosis, particularly in metastatic cases. Traditional treatments have shown limited effectiveness, highlighting the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. This case report aims to emphasize the critical role of genomic profiling in identifying therapeutic targets, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, to improve treatment strategies for MPNST.

Patient concerns:

An 82-year-old male presented with a long-standing history of MPNST, multiple recurrences, and a recent rapid enlargement of a mass in the right axillary region. The patient also reported a 10% weight loss over the last 6 months.

Diagnoses:

Comprehensive genomic profiling of the tumor revealed significant alterations, including CD274/PD-L1 amplification, CDKN2A loss, and TP53 mutation. These genetic findings were aligned with previous cases that responded favorably to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Interventions:

Despite the potential for targeted immunotherapy, the patient’s economic constraints prevented the initiation of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The patient underwent multiple surgical interventions, including an above-elbow amputation.

Outcomes:

The patient experienced severe wound bleeding and a significant decline in general condition, requiring intensive care unit support. Given the poor prognosis and high surgical risks, the patient’s caregivers opted for hospice care.

Lessons:

Genomic profiling identifies genetic alterations that could guide immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, offering the promise of personalized treatment for MPNST patients. By highlighting the potential of genomic profiling, this case demonstrates the importance of integrating personalized immunotherapy into future treatment paradigms for MPNST.
Small cell lung cancer progressing into fatal ascending motor and sensory polyneuropathy despite dramatic response to chemotherapy: A case report
Authors: Naqvi Syed Mohammad , Hashim Hashim Talib , Naqvi Syed Yaseen , Alhatemi Ahmed Qasim Mohammed , Sulaiman Fatimah Abdullah , Abdulmahdi Sally Muayad , Al-Obaidi Ahmed Dheyaa , Basalilah Ashraf Fhed Mohammed , Al-Obaidi Ammar
Published: January 2025

Rationale:

Paraneoplastic syndromes occur in 10% to 20% of all malignancies, with paraneoplastic neurological syndromes in less than 1% of all malignancies. In small cell lung cancer (SCLC), paraneoplastic manifestations are more common, affecting up to 5% of cases. Common manifestations include syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, Cushing’s syndrome due to adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion, paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Paraneoplastic acute motor and sensory polyneuropathy is an exceptionally rare but severe complication, necessitating timely diagnosis and management.

Patient concerns:

A 55-year-old male with an 80 pack-year history of smoking presents to the hospital with a 3-week history of fevers, productive cough, dyspnoea, and wheeze. He had no significant comorbidities.

Diagnoses:

Extensive radiological investigations revealed a large mass at the right hilum compressing on the right lower bronchus with metastatic adrenal deposits. Biochemical investigations confirmed syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, and histology identified SCLC.

Interventions:

Despite initiating a combination chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide, the patient developed progressive motor paralysis and sensory loss over 4 days, leading to a diagnosis of paraneoplastic acute motor and sensory polyneuropathy.

Outcomes:

He deteriorated rapidly and died 14 days after symptom onset due to respiratory failure, underscoring the aggressive nature of paraneoplastic syndromes.

Lessons:

Paraneoplastic syndromes, particularly in SCLC, pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and prompt multidisciplinary intervention, which may improve outcomes despite the low incidence of these severe complications. Treating cancer with appropriate systemic chemotherapy or suppression of the immune response alleviates neurological symptoms and improves prognosis.
Red blood cell distribution width and platelet distribution width as a predictive marker in the diagnosis of malignant and benign causes of acute gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Onem Soner , Gulecoglu Onem Muge Gul
Published: January 2025

The main aim of this study is to investigate complete blood count parameters in order to distinguish between benign and malignant causes of bleeding in patients who presented to the emergency department with gastrointestinal bleeding. In our study, we assessed 455 patients who were admitted to the emergency department between January 2022 and December 2023 with upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Patient’s data were analyzed retrospectively. The diagnosis of malignancy was established following pathological investigation. The study investigated the relationship between benign and malignant causes and different components of the complete blood count, including white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, red cell distribution width (RDW), platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume, platelets, neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte–monocyte ratio, thrombocyte–lymphocyte ratio, RDW–platelet ratio, and mean platelet volume–platelet ratio. t test and Mann Whitney U test used for parametric and nonparametric scale values. cutoff points, sensitivity and specificity, and area under curve detected with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Of the 455 patients who applied to the emergency department, 382 (84%) had gastrointestinal bleeding due to benign causes, and 73 (16%) had malignant causes. RDW (P = .008) value was found to be significantly higher in bleeding due to malignant causes. The PDW (P = .017) value was significantly higher in bleeding associated with benign causes. No relationship was found between the other parameters. The ROC curve study revealed that the RDW had the highest diagnostic accuracy for predicting malignancy at a threshold of 14.1, and the area under the curve was 0.654 (95% CI: 0.578–0.729). The ROC curve analysis demonstrated that PDW exhibited the maximum diagnostic accuracy for predicting benign causes at a threshold of 13.8, with an area under the curve of 0.590 (95% CI: 0.502–0.678), showing moderate accuracy. The sensitivity and specificity of the RDW was 86% and 39%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the PDW was 63.95% and 58%, respectively. Our study has shown that the values of RDW and PDW can be valuable in predicting malignant and benign etiology in patients admitted to the emergency department with gastrointestinal bleeding.
Identification of potential crucial genes and biomarkers from neutrophils in sepsis using bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zhang Junfeng , Fu Qinghui , Zhao Jianfeng
Published: January 2025

Sepsis is a complex series of immune responses to infection and is commonly associated with acquired immunodeficiency. The current study aimed to identify the biomarkers of sepsis. Differential expression analysis and protein–protein interaction analysis were conducted to explore potential biomarkers. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis were performed to explore potential mechanisms. The Immune Cell Abundance Identifier website was utilized to evaluate immune cell infiltration in the whole blood. Receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve were applied to compare the prognostic accuracy of hub genes. Six genes were selected via differentially expressed gene analysis and protein–protein interaction analysis. Furthermore, CTSD, GADD45A, MAPK14, MMP9, and VIM were selected via validation analysis of independent datasets. Immune infiltration analysis showed that CTSD, GADD45A, MAPK14, MMP9, and VIM may regulate immune cells via neutrophils. Patients with sepsis had a significantly higher expression of CTSD, GADD45A, MAPK14, MMP9, and VIM than normal health controls. The area under the curve of CTSD, GADD45A, MAPK14, MMP9, and VIM were 0.90 (0.83–0.97), 0.89 (0.81–0.96), 0.91 (0.84–0.87), 0.95 (0.91–1.00), and 0.95 (0.91–1.00), respectively. According to the validation result of RT-PCR, only MAPK14 was significantly upregulated compared with controls, which was concordant with the bioinformatics analysis results. This study identified several potential diagnostic genes including CTSD, GADD45A, MAPK14, MMP9, and VIM. These genes may regulate the expression of immune cells via neutrophils in the development of sepsis.
Influence of cytokines on the recovery trajectory of HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy: A review
Authors: Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi
Published: January 2025

Cytokines, critical signaling molecules in the immune system, significantly influence the pathophysiology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Dysregulated cytokine production, characterized by elevated pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, plays a pivotal role in chronic inflammation and immune activation in untreated HIV patients. ART initiation leads to changes in cytokine levels, typically resulting in decreased systemic inflammation, though the extent and persistence of these changes vary among individuals. Despite successful viral suppression with ART, many HIV patients experience persistent immune activation and inflammation, driven by ongoing cytokine dysregulation. This persistent inflammatory state is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive impairment, and non-AIDS-related cancers. Understanding the specific cytokine profiles that contribute to these outcomes is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic interventions to improve long-term health. Cytokine modulation presents a promising avenue for enhancing immune recovery and reducing chronic inflammation in HIV patients on ART. Identifying cytokine patterns that serve as biomarkers for disease progression and treatment response can help tailor individualized treatment strategies. Future research should focus on adjunctive therapies that target cytokine activity to mitigate residual inflammation, thereby improving the overall health and quality of life for HIV patients.
The effect of Chinese 5-element music with midnight-noon ebb-flow theory on depression, anxiety, quality of life satisfaction among older adults: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Jiayin , Beh Wen Fen , Wang I Ta , Wu Yechen
Published: January 2025

Background:

The prevalence rates of depression and anxiety are constantly increasing, and the aging population is growing in China. Music-based intervention is a nonpharmacological treatment that is used to treat depression and anxiety and that has very few side effects. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of Chinese 5-element music-based intervention (CFEMBI) based on the midnight-noon ebb-flow theory on depression and anxiety among older adults.

Methods:

A total of 86 patients were divided into the control and experimental groups. The control group underwent a traditional CFEMBI, and the experimental group underwent a CFEMBI based on the midnight-noon ebb-flow theory. Outcomes were assessed at the 4th week, 8th week, and 12th week during the intervention.

Results:

After the 12th week, there was a significant difference in scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) between the control and experimental groups (Z = −6.375, P value < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the cure rate of depression between the 2 groups at week 12 (P < .001). After the 8th week, there was a significant difference in Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) scores between the 2 groups (t = 7.422, P value < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in scores on the Quality of Life, Enjoyment, and Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF) between the 2 groups (Z = 4.991, P value < 0.001; Z = 3.023, P value < 0.01; Z = 3.023, P value < 0.01).

Conclusions:

CFEMBI based on the midnight-noon ebb-flow theory is effective at alleviating depression and anxiety in older adults and improving life satisfaction.