bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint inference of clonal structure using single-cell genome and transcriptome sequencing data
Authors: Bai Xiangqi , Duren Zhana , Wan Lin , Xia Li C
Published: February 2024

Latest advancements in the high-throughput single-cell genome (scDNA) and transcriptome (scRNA) sequencing technologies enabled cell-resolved investigation of tissue clones. However, it remains challenging to cluster and couple single cells for heterogeneous scRNA and scDNA data generated from the same specimen. In this study, we present a computational framework called CCNMF, which employs a novel Coupled-Clone Non-negative Matrix Factorization technique to jointly infer clonal structure for matched scDNA and scRNA data. CCNMF couples multi-omics single cells by linking copy number and gene expression profiles through their general concordance. It successfully resolved the underlying coexisting clones with high correlations between the clonal genome and transcriptome from the same specimen. We validated that CCNMF can achieve high accuracy and robustness using both simulated benchmarks and real-world applications, including an ovarian cancer cell lines mixture, a gastric cancer cell line, and a primary gastric cancer. In summary, CCNMF provides a powerful tool for integrating multi-omics single-cell data, enabling simultaneous resolution of genomic and transcriptomic clonal architecture. This computational framework facilitates the understanding of how cellular gene expression changes in conjunction with clonal genome alternations, shedding light on the cellular genomic difference of subclones that contributes to tumor evolution.
Fractionated radiotherapy for spinal tumors: A literature review regarding spinal glioma, ependymoma, and meningioma
Authors: Bodensohn Raphael , Haehl Erik , Belka Claus , Niyazi Maximilian
Published: February 2024

Radiation therapy plays a vital role in the management of primary spinal tumors in adults. However, due to the rarity of these tumor types, the literature on optimal treatment indications and radiation doses is limited. Many treatment recommendations are extrapolated from their cranial counterparts, where more data are available. Despite the absence of prospective data, numerous retrospective studies have provided valuable insights to guide treatment decisions until more comprehensive data become available. This review provides an overview of the most relevant literature, with a specific focus on spinal gliomas, ependymomas, and meningiomas, in the context of the role of radiation therapy.
Astrocytomas of the spinal cord
Authors: Tonn Joerg-Christian , Teske Nico , Karschnia Philipp
Published: February 2024

Tumors of astrocytic origin represent one of the most frequent entities among the overall rare group of spinal cord gliomas. Initial clinical symptoms are often unspecific, and sensorimotor signs localizing to the spinal cord occur with progressing tumor growth. On MRI, a hyperintense intrinsic spinal cord signal on T2-weighted sequences with varying degrees of contrast enhancement raises suspicion for an infiltrative neoplasm. Blood and CSF analysis serves to exclude an infectious process, nutritional deficits, or metabolic disorders. When such other differential diagnoses have been ruled out, a neuropathological tissue-based analysis is warranted to confirm the diagnosis of a spinal cord astrocytoma and guide further patient management. As such, maximal safe resection forms the basis of any treatment. Meticulous preoperative planning is necessary to weigh the potential improvement in survival against the risk of functional deterioration. Intraoperative neuromonitoring and ultrasound may aid in achieving a more extensive resection. Depending on the assigned WHO tumor grade spanning from grade 1 to grade 4, the use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy might be indicated but also wait-and-scan approaches appear reasonable in tumors of lower grade. Close imaging follow-up is necessary given that recurrence inevitably occurs in astrocytomas of grades 2–4. Prognosis is so far dictated by tumor grade and histopathological findings, but also by age and clinical performance of the patient. Targeted therapies resting upon an in-depth tissue analysis are emerging in recurrent tumors, but no prospective study is available so far given the rarity of spinal cord astrocytomas.
Separation surgery for metastatic spine tumors: How less became more
Authors: Zhang Xiaoran , Giantini Larsen Alexandra , Kharas Natasha , Bilsky Mark H , Newman William Christopher
Published: February 2024

Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is an increasingly common clinical entity in cancer patients and is associated with significant morbidity and neurologic sequalae. Management of MESCC has undergone many significant paradigms shifts over the past 50 years and was at times managed exclusively with either surgery or radiation. Historically, aggressive surgical techniques to achieve en bloc or intralesional gross tumor resections were pursued but were associated with significant morbidity and poor tumor control rates when combined with conventional external beam radiation. However, improvements in radiation treatment delivery in the form of stereotactic body radiation therapy have allowed for the safe delivery of high-dose conformal photon beam radiation providing histology-independent ablative responses. This shifted the goals of surgery away from maximal tumor resection toward simple spinal cord decompression with reconstitution of the thecal to create a tumor target volume capable of being irradiated within the constraints of spinal cord tolerance. This new approach of creating space between the thecal sac and the tumor was termed separation surgery and when combined with postoperative SBRT, it is referred to as hybrid therapy. Herein, we will describe the evolution of the management of MESCC, the technique of separation surgery and its outcomes, and finish with an illustrative case example.
Tracked and self-reported nighttime smartphone use, general health, and healthcare utilization: results from the SmartSleep Study
Authors: Drews Henning Johannes , Sejling Christoffer , Andersen Thea Otte , Varga Tibor V , Jensen Andreas Kryger , Rod Naja Hulvej
Published: February 2024

Study Objectives

Nighttime smartphone use is an increasing public health concern. We investigated whether nighttime smartphone use is associated with general health and primary healthcare utilization.

Methods

Four thousand five hundred and twenty individuals (age 35.6 ± 9.7 years, 35% male) provided self-reported information on smartphone use frequency, symptoms of depression, and general health (one-item perceived health and cross-symptom composite score). A subset of the study sample (n = 3221) tracked their nighttime smartphone use. Primary healthcare utilization, i.e. the number of weeks in which at least one service from the patient’s general practitioner (GP) was billed in 2020, was extracted from Danish population registries. Statistical analysis comprised logistic and multiple linear regression, controlling for sociodemographics.

Results

Three hundred and nineteen individuals (7%) reported using their smartphone almost every night or more. More frequent self-reported nighttime smartphone use was associated with poor general health across all measures. Using the smartphone almost every night or more was associated with 2.8 [95% CI: 1.9, 4.1] fold higher odds of reporting poor health and with an average of 1.4 [95% CI: 0.7, 2.1] additional GP utilizations per year compared to no use. Associations were also found for the cross-symptom composite score across all symptoms. Further adjustment for symptoms of depression attenuated some associations. Smartphone use towards the end of the sleep period (sleep-offset use) was associated with poorer self-reported general health, but not with healthcare utilization.

Conclusions

Nighttime smartphone use frequency is associated with poor general health and healthcare utilization. Further studies should investigate the underlying causal structure and nighttime smartphone use as a transdiagnostic intervention target.
Leaf thermotolerance of Hevea brasiliensis clones: intra- versus interclonal variation and relationships with other functional traits
Authors: Hazir Mohd Hafiz Mohd , Gloor Emanuel , Docherty Emma , Galbraith David
Published: February 2024

Land surface temperature is predicted to increase by 0.2 °C per decade due to climate change, although with considerable regional variability, and heatwaves are predicted to increase markedly in the future. These changes will affect where crops can be grown in the future. Understanding the thermal limits of plant physiological functioning and how flexible such limits are is thus important. Here, we report on the measurements of a core foliar thermotolerance trait, T50, defined as the temperature at which the maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) of photosystem II declines by 50%, across nine different Malaysian Hevea brasiliensis clones. We explore the relative importance of interclonal versus intraclonal variation in T50 as well as its association with leaf and hydraulic traits. We find very low variation in T50 within individual clones (mean intraclonal coefficient of variation (CoV) of 1.26%) and little variation across clones (interclonal CoV of 2.1%). The interclonal variation in T50 was lower than for all other functional traits considered. The T50 was negatively related to leaf mass per area and leaf dry matter content, but it was not related to hydraulic traits such as embolism resistance (P50) or hydraulic safety margins (HSM50). The range of T50 observed (42.9–46.2 °C) is well above the current maximum air temperatures Tmax,obs (T50 − Tmax,obs >5.8 °C), suggesting that H. brasiliensis is likely thermally safe in this south-east Asian region of Malaysia.
Post-transplant HBV reactivation impacts the prognosis of patients with hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma: a dual-center retrospective cohort study in China
Authors: Li Huigang , Lu Di , Chen Jingyan , Zhang Junchi , Zhuo Jianyong , Lin Zuyuan , Cao Chenghao , Shen Wei , He Chiyu , Chen Hao , Hu Zhihang , Sun Yiyang , Wei Xuyong , Zhuang Li , Zheng Shusen , Xu Xiao
Published: February 2024

Background:

Highly active hepatitis B virus (HBV) is known to be associated with poor outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to investigate the relationship between HBV status and HCC recurrence after liver transplantation.

Methods:

The study retrospectively analyzed HCC patients undergoing liver transplantation in two centers between January 2015 and December 2020. We reviewed post-transplant HBV status and its association with outcomes.

Results:

The prognosis of recipients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) reappearance (n=58) was poorer than those with HBsAg persistent negative (n=351) and positive (n=53). In HBsAg persistent positive group, recipients with HBV DNA reappearance or > 10-fold increase above baseline had worse outcomes than those without (P<0.01). HBV reactivation was defined as (a) HBsAg reappearance or (b) HBV DNA reappearance or > 10-fold increase above baseline. After propensity score matching, the 5-year overall survival rate and recurrence-free survival rate after liver transplantation in recipients with HBV reactivation were significantly lower than those without (32.0% vs 62.3%; P<0.01, and 16.4% vs 63.1%; P<0.01, respectively). Moreover, HBV reactivation was significantly related to post-transplant HCC recurrence, especially lung metastasis. Cox regression analysis revealed that beyond Milan criteria, microvascular invasion and HBsAg positive graft were independent risk factors for post-transplant HBV reactivation, and a novel nomogram was established accordingly with a good predictive efficacy (AUROC=0.78, C-index =0.73).

Conclusions:

Recipients with HBV reactivation had worse outcomes and higher tumor recurrence rates than those without. The nomogram could be used to evaluate the risk of post-transplant HBV reactivation effectively.
A CT-based multitask deep learning model for predicting tumor stroma ratio and treatment outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer: a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Cui Yanfen , Zhao Ke , Meng Xiaochun , Mao Yun , Han Chu , Shi Zhenwei , Yang Xiaotang , Tong Tong , Wu Lei , Liu Zaiyi
Published: February 2024

Background:

Tumor-stroma interactions, as indicated by tumor-stroma ratio (TSR), offer valuable prognostic stratification information. Current histological assessment of TSR is limited by tissue accessibility and spatial heterogeneity. We aimed to develop a multitask deep learning (MDL) model to noninvasively predict TSR and prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Materials and Methods:

In this retrospective study including 2268 patients with resected CRC recruited from four centers, we developed an MDL model using preoperative CT images for the simultaneous prediction of TSR and overall survival. Patients in the training cohort (n=956) and internal validation cohort (IVC, n=240) were randomly selected from center I. Patients in the external validation cohort1(EVC1, n=509), EVC2 (n=203), and EVC3 (n=360) were recruited from other three centers. Model performance was evaluated with respect to discrimination and calibration. Furthermore, we evaluated whether the model could predict the benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results:

The MDL model demonstrated strong TSR discrimination, yielding areas under the receiver operating curves (AUCs) of 0.855 (95%CI, 0.800-0.910), 0.838(95% CI, 0.802-0.874), and 0.857(95% CI, 0.804-0.909) in the three validation cohorts, respectively. The MDL model was also able to predict overall survival and disease-free survival across all cohorts. In multivariable Cox analysis, the MDL score (MDLS) remained an independent prognostic factor after adjusting for clinicopathological variables (all P<0.05). For stage II and stage III disease, patients with a high MDLS benefited from adjuvant chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.391 [95%CI, 0.230–0.666], P=0.0003; HR=0.467[95%CI, 0.331-0.659], P<0.0001, respectively), whereas those with a low MDLS did not.

Conclusion:

The multitask DL model based on preoperative CT images effectively predicted TSR status and survival in CRC patients, offering valuable guidance for personalized treatment. Prospective studies are needed to confirm its potential to select patients who might benefit from chemotherapy.
Deep learning combining mammography and ultrasound images to predict the malignancy of BI-RADS US 4A lesions in women with dense breasts：a diagnostic study
Authors: Yang Yaping , Zhong Ying , Li Junwei , Feng Jiahao , Gong Chang , Yu Yunfang , Hu Yue , Gu Ran , Wang Hongli , Liu Fengtao , Mei Jingsi , Jiang Xiaofang , Wang Jin , Yao Qinyue , Wu Wei , Liu Qiang , Yao Herui
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

We aimed to assess the performance of a deep learning (DL) model, based on a combination of ultrasound (US) and mammography (MG) images, for predicting malignancy in breast lesions categorized as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) US 4A in diagnostic patients with dense breasts.

Methods:

A total of 992 patients were randomly allocated into the training cohort and the test cohort at a proportion of 4:1. Another, 218 patients were enrolled to form a prospective validation cohort. The DL model was developed by incorporating both US and MG images. The predictive performance of the combined DL model for malignancy was evaluated by sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The combined DL model was then compared to a clinical nomogram model and to the DL model trained using US image only and to that trained MG image only.

Results:

The combined DL model showed satisfactory diagnostic performance for predicting malignancy in breast lesions, with an AUC of 0.940 (95% confidence interval [95%CI], 0.874~1.000) in the test cohort, and an AUC of 0.906 (95%CI, 0.817~0.995) in the validation cohort, which was significantly higher than the clinical nomogram model, and the DL model for US or MG alone (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

The study developed an objective DL model combining both US and MG imaging features, which was proven to be more accurate for predicting malignancy in the BI-RADS US 4A breast lesions of patients with dense breasts. This model may then be used to more accurately guide clinicians’ choices about whether performing biopsies in breast cancer diagnosis.
THRIVE
Authors: Pignatiello Shannon , Donofrio Hannah , Horn Jennifer , Moore Andie , Mau Kathleen A. , Distelhorst Karen
Published: February 2024

Nursing assistants are vital healthcare team members who often experience personal challenges to professional success. The Transformational Healthcare Readiness through Innovative Vocational Education (THRIVE) program is designed to combat these challenges through coaching and curriculum that is steeped in adult learning and social theories. The program's goal is to increase retention and success of newly hired nursing assistants through personal and professional support. Components of THRIVE can be adapted in a variety of healthcare settings.
Missed Opportunities in HIV Testing in Turkiye: Implications for Late Diagnoses
Authors: Özkaya Hacer Deniz , Elazab Khaled , Turan Bülent , Nazlı Arzu , Öztürk Barçın , Pullukçu Hüsnü , Gökengin Deniz
Published: February 2024

Background:

Late diagnosis of HIV infection is a major global problem. In Turkiye, only 41%–50% of people living with HIV are diagnosed, suggesting that many opportunities for HIV testing might be missed.

Setting:

The aim of this study was to determine the missed testing opportunities for HIV in healthcare settings in Turkiye and the predictors for missed opportunities (MOs).

Methods:

The study included patients with a new HIV diagnosis, presenting to care between January 2018 and December 2020. They were given a verbal questionnaire face to face, by a telephone call or an online meeting for visits to a health care setting within the year before their diagnosis. Electronic medical records were also examined.

Results:

The sample included 198 patients with at least 1 visit to any health care setting, with a total of 1677 visits. Patients had an indication for HIV testing in 51.3% (861/1677) of the visits; an HIV test was not offered in 77.9% (671/861) and was considered a MO. The highest number of MOs was in emergency departments (59.8%) (180/301). The most common reason for visiting was constitutional symptoms and indicator conditions (55.4%) (929/1677). University graduates and those with a CD4+ T-cell count <200/mm3 were more likely to have a MO.

Conclusions:

Many opportunities to diagnose HIV at an early stage are missed in health care settings in Turkiye. Considering the rapidly increasing number of new diagnoses in the last decade, urgent action needs to be taken.
Brief Report: Lower Self-Reported Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Adolescents in Boarding Schools Compared to Day Schools
Authors: Wandika Brenda , Nyapara Florence , Aballa Calvince , Richardson Barbra A. , Wamalwa Dalton , John-Stewart Grace , Inwani Irene , Njuguna Irene
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Adolescents living with HIV (ALH) have poorer adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) than adults. Many ALH in sub-Saharan Africa are enrolled in boarding schools where stigma is pervasive and may impact adherence.

Methods:

We collected sociodemographic data, school information, medical history, and viral load data from ALH aged 14–19 years in 25 HIV clinics in 3 counties in Kenya. Using generalized estimating equations, we compared ART adherence in ALH attending day and boarding schools.

Results:

Of 880 ALH, 798 (91%) were enrolled in school, of whom 189 (24%) were in boarding schools. Of those in school, the median age was 16 years (interquartile range: 15–18), 55% were female, 78% had a parent as a primary caregiver, and 74% were on DTG-based ART. The median age at ART initiation was 6 years (interquartile range: 3–10). Overall, 227 (29%) ALH self-reported missing ART when school was in session (40% in boarding and 25% in day school). After adjusting for sociodemographic and HIV care characteristics, ALH in boarding schools were significantly more likely to self-report missing ART than those in day schools (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.18 to 1.83, P = 0.001). Among 194 ALH, only 60% had undetectable (<20 copies/mL) HIV viral load (62% day schools and 51% boarding schools; P = 0.097).

Conclusions:

ALH had high self-reported nonadherence overall, with worse adherence among those in boarding schools. Schools remain a critical untapped resource for improving ALH outcomes.
How Early Can Checkpoint Inhibitors Induce a Complete Metabolic Response in Chemorefractory Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Authors: Georgopoulou Angeliki N. , Zerzi Calliope , Samaras Vaios , Rondogianni Phivi , Vassilakopoulos Theodoros P.
Published: February 2024

A 24-year-old man with classical Hodgkin lymphoma was lost to follow-up after metabolic complete remission (mCR). He presented 4 years later with B-symptoms and impaired clinical condition. Relapsed classical Hodgkin lymphoma was diagnosed. PET/CT revealed stage IVB with liver and spleen involvement. Two liver function–adjusted salvage attempts were ineffective. Pembrolizumab was instituted with gradual clinical improvement. PET was missed before treatment for a life-threatening condition and was performed on day +10 showing a near mCR. A mCR was confirmed before cycle 2, on day +21, underlining—for the first time in the literature—the possibility to achieve very early mCR with pembrolizumab.
68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT for In Vivo Imaging of CXCR4 Receptors in Glioma Demonstrating a Potential for Response Assessment to Radiochemotherapy: Preliminary Results
Authors: Waheed Abdul , Singh Baljinder , Watts Ankit , Kaur Harneet , Singh Harmandeep , Dhingra Kirti , Ahuja Chirag , Madan Renu , Singh Apinderpreet , Radotra Bishan D.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT for in vivo CXCR4 receptors imaging in glioma and its possible role in response assessment to radiochemotherapy (R-CT).

Methods

Nineteen (12 men, 7 women) patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) underwent 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT, contrast-enhanced MR, and MR spectroscopy. Patients were divided in to 2 groups, that is, group I was the presurgical (n = 9) group in which the scanning was done before surgery, and PET findings were correlated with CXCR4 receptors’ density. The group II was the postsurgical (n = 10) group in which the scanning was done before and after R-CT and used for treatment response evaluation. The quantitative analysis of 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT evaluated the mean SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak, and T/B values. MR spectroscopy data evaluated the ratios of tumor metabolites (choline, NAA, creatine).

Results

68Ga-Pentixafor uptake was noted in all (n = 19) the patients. In the group I, the mean SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak, and T/B values were found to be 4.5 ± 1.6, 0.60 ± 0.26, 1.95 ± 0.8, and 6.9 ± 4.6, respectively. A significant correlation (P < 0.005) was found between SUVmean and choline/NAA ratio. Immunohistochemistry performed in 7/9 showed CXCR4 receptors’ positivity (intensity 3+; stained cells >50.0%). In the group II, the mean SUVmax at baseline was 4.6 ± 2.1 and did not differ (4.4 ± 1.6) significantly from the value noted at post–R-CT follow-up PET/CT imaging. At 6 months’ clinical follow-up, 4 patients showed stable disease. SUVmax and T/B ratios at follow-up imaging were lower (3.70 ± 0.90, 2.64 ± 1.35) than the corresponding values (4.40 ± 2.8; 2.91 ± 0.93) noted at baseline. Six (6/10) patients showed disease progression, and the mean SUVmax, and T/B ratio in these patients were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the corresponding values at baseline and also higher than that noted in the stable patients.

Conclusions

68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT can be used for in vivo mapping of CXCR4 receptors in GBM. The technique after validation in a large cohort of patients may have added diagnostic value for the early detection of GBM recurrence and for treatment response evaluation.
Identifying Mixed Dementia With Lewy Bodies and Alzheimer Disease Using Multitracer PET Imaging
Authors: Li Qijun , Wang Junshan , Cui Ruixue , Yuan Jing
Published: February 2024

We reported imaging findings with complex signs that were corresponded with both dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Alzheimer disease (AD) in the case of a 78-year-old woman. Initially suspected as DLB due to cognitive and movement issues, diagnostic support included the cingulate island sign on 18F-FDG PET, positive 131I-MIBG cardiac scintigraphy, and DAT PET. However, MRI indicated hippocampal atrophy, and 18F-FDG PET showed hypometabolism in the medial temporal lobe, suggesting the possibility of concomitant AD. Subsequent detection of β-amyloid pathology and tau accumulation in the brain further supported the concurrent presence of AD pathology.
Aneurysmal 99mTc-HMPAO Uptake in Brain Death
Authors: Do Danka , Suhaj Petr , Benes Jiri , Matej Radoslav , Lang Otto
Published: February 2024

A 41-year-old man was admitted to hospital due to sudden loss of consciousness. A regional brain perfusion SPECT/low-dose CT showed abnormal 99mTc-HMPAO uptake in the right hemisphere frontotemporally without any other supratentorial or infratentorial radiotracer uptake. A neuropathological examination disclosed a middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Presumably, vessel wall fibrosis prevented collapse. Multiple transmural dissections of the fibrotic aneurysmal wall were the source of the subarachnoid hemorrhage. This interesting image shows that radiotracer accumulation in cerebral artery aneurysms can be a diagnostic pitfall in brain death scintigraphy assessment.
Pulmonary Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Mimicking Carcinoid Lung on 18F-FDG and 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT
Authors: Jaleel Jasim , Damle Nishikant Avinash , Khurana Aditi , Joshi Mohit , Jain Deepali
Published: February 2024

Pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (PMEC) is a rare pulmonary neoplasm. Although 18F-FDG PET/CT has been shown to present with increased metabolic activity in PMEC, literature does not report increased somatostatin receptor expression in these tumors. We present the case of a 15-year-old boy where PMEC mimicked a typical carcinoid of the lung on DOTANOC PET/CT by showing significant uptake on 68Ga-DOTANOC.
Perioperative Changes in Serum Transaminase Levels
Authors: Wang Fumin , Lu Jingming , Yang Tian , Ren Yaoxing , Ratti Francesca , Marques Hugo P. , Silva Silvia , Soubrane Olivier , Lam Vincent , Poultsides George A. , Popescu Irinel , Grigorie Razvan , Alexandrescu Sorin , Martel Guillaume , Workneh Aklile , Guglielmi Alfredo , Hugh Tom , Aldrighetti Luca , Endo Itaru , Lv Yi , Zhang Xu-Feng , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

To define how dynamic changes in pre- versus post-operative serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) levels may impact postoperative morbidity after curative-intent resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Background:

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion can occur at the time of liver resection and may be associated with adverse outcomes following liver resection.

Methods:

Patients who underwent curative resection for HCC between 2010-2020 were identified from an international multi-institutional database. Changes in AST and ALT (CAA) on postoperative day (POD) 3 versus preoperative values (

) were calculated using the formula:

based on a fusion index via Euclidean norm, which was examined relative to the comprehensive complication index (CCI). The impact of CAA on CCI was assessed by the restricted cubic spline regression and Random Forest analyses.

Results:

A total of 759 patients were included in the analytic cohort. Median CAA was 1.7 (range, 0.9 to 3.25); 431 (56.8%) patients had a CAA<2, 215 (28.3%) patients with CAA 2-5, and 113 (14.9%) patients had CAA ≥5. The incidence of post-operative complications was 65.0% (n=493) with a median CCI of 20.9 (IQR, 20.9-33.5). Spline regression analysis demonstrated a non-linear incremental association between CAA and CCI. The optimal cutoff value of CAA=5 was identified by the recursive partitioning technique. After adjusting for other competing risk factors, CAA≥5 remained strongly associated with risk of post-operative complications (Ref. CAA<5, OR 1.63, 95%CI 1.05-2.55, P=0.03). In fact, the use of CAA to predict post-operative complications was very good in both the derivative (AUC 0.88) and external (ACU 0.86) cohorts (n=1137).

Conclusions:

CAA was an independent predictor of CCI after liver resection for HCC. Use of routine labs such as AST and ALT can help identify patients at highest risk of post-operative complications following HCC resection.
Risk of Early Postoperative Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Complication in Patients with Preoperative COVID-19 Undergoing Cancer Surgery
Authors: SenthilKumar Gopika , Verhagen Nathaniel B , Nimmer Kaitlyn , Yang Xin , Figueroa Castro Carlos E , Szabo Aniko , Taylor Bradley W , Wainaina Njeri , Gould Jon C , Kothari Anai N ,   on behalf of the N3C Consortium
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

As the COVID-19 pandemic shifts to an endemic phase, an increasing proportion of patients with cancer and a preoperative history of COVID-19 will require surgery. This study aimed to assess the influence of preoperative COVID-19 on postoperative risk for major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACEs) among those undergoing surgical cancer resection. Secondary objectives included determining optimal time-to-surgery guidelines based on COVID-19 severity and discerning the influence of vaccination status on MACE risk.

STUDY DESIGN:

National COVID Cohort Collaborative Data Enclave, a large multi-institutional dataset, was used to identify patients that underwent surgical cancer resection between January 2020 and February 2023. Multivariate regression analysis adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and risk of surgery was performed to evaluate risk for 30-day postoperative MACE.

RESULTS:

Of 204,371 included patients, 21,313 (10.4%) patients had a history of preoperative COVID-19. History of COVID-19 was associated with an increased risk for postoperative composite MACE as well as 30-day mortality. Among patients with mild disease who did not require hospitalization, MACE risk was elevated for up to 4 weeks after infection. Postoperative MACE risk remained elevated more than 8 weeks after infection in those with moderate disease. Vaccination did not reduce risk for postoperative MACE.

CONCLUSIONS:

Together, these data highlight that assessment of the severity of preoperative COVID-19 infection should be a routine component of both preoperative patient screening as well as surgical risk stratification. In addition, strategies beyond vaccination that increase patients’ cardiovascular fitness and prevent COVID-19 infection are needed.
Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of aerobic bacteria responsible for post-surgical wound infection of the patients admitted into Khulna Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Arrafy , Hossain Khondoker Moazzem , Sayed Shithima , Alam S. M. Tushar , Faruq Omar , Habib Md. Ahasun , Khatun Fahmida
Published: February 2024

Resistance against antimicrobial agents is dramatically increasing and gradually impacting treatment costs. Using existing drugs would have helped avoid bacterial infections in various circumstances. The primary objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of pathogens responsible for postsurgical wound infections and their antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance pattern among the patients admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital, Khulna Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study involved 250 patients suffering from postsurgical wound infection as respondents. The bacterial pathogens were isolated from pus samples obtained from those patients. The isolated bacterial pathogens were identified through several standard biochemical tests, and finally, the culture sensitivity tests of those bacterial isolates were performed. The study was conducted from August 2019 to June 2020. Data regarding the patient’s age, gender, occupation, surgery performed, duration of hospital stay, and comorbidity were also documented using standard questionnaires. Five bacterial pathogens were identified with different frequencies, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa (36 %), Escherichia coli (21.2 %), Staphylococcus aureus (8.8 %), Klebsiella spp. (7.2 %) and Proteus spp. (4.8 %). These bacterial pathogens showed sensitivity to ciprofloxacin (75 %), piperacillin-tazobactam (56.7 %) and gentamicin (50 %). Besides, S. aureus showed sensitivity to linezolid and vancomycin and resistance to cefuroxime, ceftazidime and imipenem. Male patients (68.4 %) suffered more from postsurgical wound infection than female patients (31.6 %). Patients aged 31 to 40 years were more severely affected than patients from other age groups. Postsurgical wound infection was vigorously observed in the patients who underwent hand surgery. Intensive occurrence of this infection was found in the patients who stayed in the hospital from 31 to 40 days. Diabetic patients suffered more from postsurgical wound infection compared to the other patients. Throughout the study, ciprofloxacin has been the best performer against E. coli, Klebsiella spp., and Proteus spp., and gentamicin showed better performance against S. aureus. The antibiotic resistance pattern of these bacterial pathogens reflects the worldwide necessity of rational antibiotic management and proper steps to maintain hospital hygiene in Bangladesh.
Effects of a diverse prebiotic fibre blend on inflammation, the gut microbiota, and affective symptoms: A pilot open label randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hall C.V. , Hepsomali P , Dalile B , Scapozza L , Gurry T.
Published: February 2024

Emerging evidence suggests that low-grade systemic inflammation plays a key role in altering brain activity, behaviour, and affect. Modulation of the gut microbiota using prebiotic fibre offers a potential therapeutic tool to regulate inflammation, mediated via the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, the impact of prebiotic consumption on affective symptoms, and the possible contribution from inflammation, gut symptoms, and the gut microbiome, is currently underexamined. In this 12-week study, the effects of a diverse prebiotic blend on inflammation, gut microbiota profiles, and affective symptoms in a population with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) was examined. Sixty patients meeting the criteria for MetS were randomised into a treatment group (n = 40), receiving 10g per day of a diverse prebiotic blend and healthy eating advice and a control group (n = 20), receiving healthy eating advice only. Our results showed a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), alongside improvements in self-reported affective scores in the treatment compared to the control group. While there were no differences in relative abundance between groups at week 12, there was a significant increase from baseline to week 12 inBifidobacteriumandParabacteroidesin the treatment group, both of which are recognised as SCFA producers. Multivariate regression analyses further revealed that changes in affective scores were positively associated with both gastrointestinal symptoms and CRP. Together, this study provides preliminary support for the use of a diverse prebiotic blend for mood, stress, and anxiety.
Clinical Performance of the Alinity m HR HPV Assay in a Large Urban Cervical Cancer Screening Program in the United States
Authors: Kostera Joshua , Tursunovic Almedina , Botts Paige , Zhang Yan , Galloway Regina , Davis April , Yang Tong
Published: February 2024

Background

Certain high-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) genotypes may carry greater risk of progression to high-grade cervical cancer, and extended HR HPV genotyping may help refine risk assessment.

Objectives

To examine the performance of the Alinity m HR HPV assay in comparison to cobas 4800 HPV assay (cobas 4800) and the association between cytology results, age, and extended HR HPV genotyping.

Study design

This was a cross-sectional cohort study of 149 de-identified remnant cervical cytology specimens collected in ThinPrep as part of a routine cervical cancer screening program at a large urban hospital system. Specimens were tested on the Alinity m HR HPV assay and the cobas 4800 assay; results were analyzed by age and cytology.

Results

Overall percent agreement (OPA) between Alinity m and the cobas 4800 assay was >96% for the detection of any HR HPV, HPV 16 and 18, and other HR HPV genotypes, across all cytology categories (Cohen’s κ ≥0.91). The majority of Alinity m negative results had negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancy (NILM) or atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) cytology. Alinity m positivity, particularly for HPV 16, 18, and Other A (HPV 31, 33, 52, and 58), increased with the severity of atypical cytology. Alinity m positivity was more often associated with ASC-US cytology in specimens from individuals ≤29 years of age and with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) cytology or more severe cervical disease in individuals ≥30 years of age.

Conclusions

The extended genotyping capability of the Alinity m HR HPV assay may aid in the detection of specimens with increased risk of progressing to high-grade cervical disease.
The BioRECIPE Knowledge Representation Format
Authors: Holtzapple Emilee , Luo Haomiao , Tang Difei , Zhou Gaoxiang , Arazkhani Niloofar , Hansen Casey , Telmer Cheryl A. , Miskov-Zivanov Natasa
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The BioRECIPE (Biological system Representation for Evaluation, Curation, Interoperability, Preserving, and Execution) knowledge representation format was introduced to facilitate seamless human-machine interaction while creating, verifying, evaluating, curating, and expanding executable models of intra- and intercellular signaling. This format allows a human user to easily preview and modify any model component, while it is at the same time readable by machines and can be processed by a suite of model development and analysis tools. The BioRECIPE format is compatible with multiple representation formats, natural language processing tools, modeling tools, and databases that are used by the systems biology community.

Graphical abstract
EMinsight: a tool to capture cryoEM microscope configuration and experimental outcomes for analysis and deposition
Authors: Hatton Daniel , Cha Jaehoon , Riggs Stephen , Harrison Peter J. , Thiyagalingam Jeyan , Clare Daniel K. , Morris Kyle L.
Published: February 2024

The widespread adoption of cryoEM technologies for structural biology has pushed the discipline to new frontiers. A significant worldwide effort has refined the Single Particle Analysis (SPA) workflow into a reasonably standardised procedure. Significant investment of development time have been made particularly in sample preparation, microscope data collection efficiency, pipeline analyses and data archiving. The widespread adoption of specific commercial microscopes, software for controlling them and best practises developed at national facilities has also begun to establish a degree of standardisation to data structures coming from the SPA workflow. There is opportunity to capitalise on this moment in the field’s maturation, to capture metadata from SPA experiments and correlate this with experimental outcomes, which is presented here in a set of programmes called EMinsight. This tool aims to prototype the framework and types of analyses that could lead to new insights into optimal microscope configurations as well as for defining methods for metadata capture to assist with archiving of cryoEM SPA data. We also envisage this tool to be useful to microscope operators and facilities looking to rapidly generate reports on SPA data collection and screening sessions.

Synopsis

EMinsight is a Python-based tool for systematically mining metadata from single particle analysis cryoEM experiments. The capture and analysis of metadata facilitates assessment of instrument performance, provides concise reporting of experiment performance and sample quality by analysing preprocessing results, and gathers metadata for deposition. We envisage this approach to benefit the microscope operator, facility managers, database developers and users.
Exploration of complex nanostructures in block copolymers
Authors: Lee Hojun , Kim Jihoon , Park Moon Jeong
Published: February 2024

The exploration of nanoscale morphologies with three-dimensional spatial arrangements in block copolymers involves the manipulation of compositional fluctuations at interfaces, induction of conformational asymmetry, and design of complex architectures. Despite the abundance of triply periodic minimal surfaces identified to date, the experimental demonstration of thermodynamically stable complex nanostructures with high-packing frustration remains limited. This research update focuses on the importance of molecular interactions for stabilizing complex nanostructures and proposes the use of end-group chemistry as a versatile method for realizing thermodynamically stable network structures with high-packing frustration in simple linear diblock copolymers. The proposed approach substantially alters phase diagrams and reveals unprecedented network structures in block copolymers. Ongoing research has the potential to generate even more diverse and stable nanostructures, thereby advancing nanotechnology and expanding our understanding of polymers and materials science.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Is labour force participation independent of unemployment? A panel analysis for high-income countries
Authors: Paternesi Meloni Walter
Published: February 2024

Purpose

We test the pertinence of the unemployment invariance hypothesis (UIH) for a set of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries.

Design/methodology/approach

We empirically investigate the nexus between unemployment and labour force participation employing structural vector autoregressive methods for panel data.

Findings

We find that shocks in unemployment produce long-lasting, negative effects on participation, testifying to a discouraged worker effect.

Originality/value

Our results do not support the validity of the UIH in high-income economies. This has relevant implications for policy making and macroeconomic models.
Strategic supplier selection and order allocation for sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises: insights from a case study
Authors: Narkhede Ganesh
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Efforts to implement supplier selection and order allocation (SSOA) approaches in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are quite restricted due to the lack of affordable and simple-to-use strategies. Although there is a huge amount of literature on SSOA techniques, very few studies have attempted to address the issues faced by SMEs and develop strategies from their point of view. The purpose of this study is to provide an effective, practical, and time-tested integrated SSOA framework for evaluating the performance of suppliers and allocating orders to them that can improve the efficiency and competitiveness of SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in two stages. First, an integrated supplier selection approach was designed, which consists of the analytic hierarchy process and newly developed measurement alternatives and ranking using compromise solution to evaluate supplier performance and rank them. Second, the Wagner-Whitin algorithm is used to determine optimal order quantities and optimize inventory carrying and ordering costs. The joint impact of quantity discounts is also evaluated at the end.

Findings

Insights derived from the case study proved that the proposed approach is capable of assisting purchase managers in the SSOA decision-making process. In addition, this case study resulted in 10.89% total cost savings and fewer stock-out situations.

Research limitations/implications

Criteria selected in this study are based on the advice of the managers in the selected manufacturing organizations. So the methods applied are limited to manufacturing SMEs. There were some aspects of the supplier selection process that this study could not explore. The development of an effective, reliable supplier selection procedure is a continuous process and it is indeed certainly possible that there are other aspects of supplier selection that are more crucial but are not considered in the proposed approach.

Practical implications

Purchase managers working in SMEs will be the primary beneficiaries of the developed approach. The suggested integrated approach can make a strategic difference in the working of SMEs.

Originality/value

A practical SSOA framework is developed for professionals working in SMEs. This approach will help SMEs to manage their operations effectively.
Output reachable set synthesis for singular Markovian jump systems with time-varying delay: a PD bumpless transfer control scheme
Authors: Yin Quanwei , Zhang Liang , Zhao Xudong
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to study the issues of output reachable set estimation for the linear singular Markovian jump systems (SMJSs) with time-varying delay based on a proportional plus derivative (PD) bumpless transfer (BT) output feedback (OF) control scheme.

Design/methodology/approach

To begin with, a sufficient criterion is given in the form of a linear matrix inequality based on the Lyapunov stability theory. Then, a PD-BT OF controller is designed to keep all the output signs of the system are maintain within a predetermined ellipsoid. Finally, numerical and practical examples are used to demonstrate the efficiency of the approach.

Findings

Based on PD control and BT control method, an OF control strategy for the linear SMJSs with time-varying delay is proposed.

Originality/value

The output reachable set synthesis of linear SMJSs with time-varying delay can be solved by using the proposed approach. Besides, to obtain more general results, the restrictive assumptions of some parameters are removed. Furthermore, a sufficiently small ellipsoid can be obtained by the design scheme adopted in this paper, which reduces the conservatism of the existing results.