bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Starch and Dry Matter Content in Coloured Flesh Table Potato Tubers
Authors: Zarzecka Krystyna , Gugała Marek , Ginter Agnieszka , Durakiewicz Waldemar
Published: April 2024

The study aimed at comparing of basic components of table potato tubers, that is starch and dry matter of seven cultivars with coloured flesh and one cultivar characterised by light flesh. The study material consisted of potato tubers obtained in a one-factor field experiment carried out at the Agricultural Experiment Station in Zawady (52003’N, 22033’E) owned by the University of Siedlce in Poland in 2021–2023. The following cultivars were tested: Eurostar (light yellow flesh), Rote Emmalie and Herbie 26 (red flesh), Provita, Salad Blue, Blaue Annelise, Vitelotte Noire and Bora Valley (purple and blue flesh). The highest average starch and dry matter contents were determined in the tubers of cv. Eurostar with light yellow flesh (respectively 167.6 and 262.1 g kg− 1), and cv. Blaue Annelise with coloured flesh (respectively 118.3 and 211.0 g kg− 1), them being the lowest in red flesh tubers of cv. Rote Emma (respectively 96.0 and 173.8 g kg− 1).
Role of immune cells in mediating the effect of triacylglycerol (50:2) on hypotension
Authors: Lin Weiye , Han Ning , Hong Qianran , Li Jiayang , Qu Yiqian , He Yuting , Qiu Shengliang
Published: April 2024

Objective
To explore the causal relationship between genetically predicted triglyceride (TG) levels and the risk of hypotension under the mediation of immune cells using a two-step Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
Methods
We utilized summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and information from the FinnGen database to select single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables (IVs). A two-step MR analysis was conducted on genetically predicted hypotension (including 4924 cases and 406223 controls), employing methods such as inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger regression, and sensitivity analysis to ensure the accuracy and robustness of the results.
Results
Genetically predicted TG was found to be positively associated with the risk of hypotension (for each 1 SD increase, the risk of hypotension increased by 21.1%, OR = 1.211; 95% CI = 1.085–1.352, P < 0.001, IVW method), with immune cells CD25 + + CD8br AC (mediation effect ratio = 7.223%) and IgD + CD38dim %B cell (mediation effect ratio = 5.730%) acting as mediators. The above MR analyses did not exhibit heterogeneity and pleiotropy.
Conclusion
Our study provides a new perspective for a deeper understanding of the causal relationship between lipid metabolism pathways and the risk of hypotension. This includes optimizing dietary structure and improving the health of the immune system to prevent the occurrence of hypotension, or using CD25 + + CD8br AC and IgD + CD38dim %B cell as biomarkers for hypotension to identify individuals at potential risk early on, providing new possibilities for targeted treatment. This can contribute to providing more precise and personalized strategies for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with hypotension. Additionally, further research is needed to validate our findings.
Genome-wide association study of global Plasmodium vivax populations provides insights into the evolution of drug resistance
Authors: Ngwana-Joseph Gabrielle , Phelan Jody , Manko Emilia , Dombrowski Jamille , Santos Simone dos , Suarez-Mutis Martha , Machado Ricardo Luiz , Marinho Claudio , Nolder Debbie , Nosten François , Sutherland Colin , Campino Susana , Clark Taane
Published: April 2024

Increasing reports of chloroquine resistance (CQR) in Plasmodium vivax endemic regions has led to several countries, including Indonesia, to adopt dihydroarteminsin-piperaquine instead. Evidence for the major candidate, pvmdr1, as a putative determinant for CQR is conflicting. Using a genome-wide approach, we perform genomic analysis of 1,534 P. vivax isolates across 29 endemic countries, detailing population structure, patterns of relatedness, selection, and resistance profiling, providing insight into putative drivers of CQR. Differential selection metrics applied between isolates from low-grade and high-grade CQR regions revealed sweeps in a locus proximal to pvmdr1 and in transcriptional regulation genes. Our investigation of the temporal dynamics of selective sweeps in 106 isolates from Indonesian Papua, the epicentre of CQR, revealed pvmrp1 as an emerging candidate for piperaquine resistance. Overall, our work provides novel markers for resistance surveillance in candidate loci, supported by evidence of regions under recent directional selection in this continually evolving parasite.
Advanced Screening Methods for Assessing Motility and Hatching in Plant- Parasitic Nematodes
Authors: Kadlecová Alena , Hendrychová Romana , Jirsa Tomáš , Čermák Václav , Huang Mengmeng , Grundler Florian M.W. , Schleker A. Sylvia S.
Published: April 2024

Background Plant-parasitic nematodes are economically important pests responsible for substantial losses in agriculture. Researchers focusing on plant-parasitic nematodes often need to assess basic parameters such as their motility, viability, and reproduction. Traditionally, these assays involve visually counting juveniles and eggs under a dissecting microscope, making this investigation time-consuming and laborious.Results In this study, we established a procedure to efficiently determine the motility of two plant-parasitic nematode species, Heterodera schachtii and Ditylenchus destructor, using the WMicrotracker ONE platform. Additionally, we demonstrated that hatching of the cyst nematode H. schachtii can be evaluated using both the WMicrotracker ONE and by assessing the enzymatic activity of chitinase produced during hatching.Conclusions We present easy and straightforward protocols for studying nematode motility and hatching that allow us to draw conclusions about viability and survival. Thus, these methods are useful tools for facilitating fast and efficient evaluation in various fields of research focused on plant-parasitic nematodes. The methods should also be compatible with other plant-parasitic nematode species.
Preclinical Modeling of Metabolic Syndrome to Study the Pleiotropic Effects of Novel Antidiabetic Therapy Independent of Obesity
Authors: Mochel Jonathan P. , Ward Jessica L. , Blondel Thomas , Kundu Debosmita , Merodio Maria M. , Zemirline Claudine , Guillot Emilie , Giebelhaus Ryland T. , Mata Paulina , Iennarella-Servantez Chelsea A. , Blong April , Nam Seo Lin , Harynuk James J. , Suchodolski Jan , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Cerón José Joaquín , Bourgois-Mochel Agnes , Zannad Faiez , Sattar Naveed , Allenspach Karin
Published: April 2024

Background and Purpose
Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health reflects the interactions between metabolic risk factors, chronic kidney disease, and the cardiovascular system. A growing body of literature suggests that metabolic syndrome (MetS) in individuals of normal weight is associated with a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and an increased mortality. The aim of this study was to establish a non-invasive preclinical model of MetS in support of future research focusing on the effects of novel antidiabetic therapies beyond glucose reduction, independent of obesity.
Experimental Approach
Eighteen healthy adult Beagle dogs were fed an isocaloric Western diet (WD) for ten weeks. Biospecimens were collected at baseline (BAS1) and after ten weeks of WD feeding (BAS2) for measurement of blood pressure (BP), serum chemistry, lipoprotein profiling, blood glucose, glucagon, insulin secretion, NT-proBNP, angiotensins, oxidative stress biomarkers, serum, urine, and fecal metabolomics. Differences between BAS1and BAS2 were analyzed using non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank testing.
Key Results
The isocaloric WD model induced significant variations in several markers of MetS, including elevated BP, increased glucose concentrations, and reduced HDL-cholesterol. It also caused an increase in circulating NT-proBNP levels, a decrease in serum bicarbonate, and significant changes in general metabolism, lipids, and biogenic amines.
Conclusions and Implications
Short-term, isocaloric feeding with a WD in dogs replicated key biological features of MetS while also causing low-grade metabolic acidosis and elevating natriuretic peptides. These findings support the use of the WD canine model for studying the metabolic effects of new antidiabetic therapies independent of obesity.
Litter removal harms long-term nutrient dynamics in tropical secondary forest
Authors: Rodrigues Julia Isabella de Matos , Martins Walmer Bruno Rocha , de Oliveira Victor Pereira , Dionísio Luiz Fernandes Silva , Pacheco Hiago Felipe Cardoso , Filho Marcos Alexandre Vieira Nascimento , de Paula Manoel Tavares , Oliveira Francisco de Assis , Schwartz Gustavo
Published: April 2024

Aims
A project developed over eight years in the Amazonia manipulated water availability through periodic irrigation (IRR) and nutrients through biweekly litter removal (REM). This study aimed to investigate whether, after 16 years of resource management (water and nutrients), the effects on litter and soil nutrient dynamics are still observable, initially hypothesizing that differences would be evident and that water supply would result in improved soil conditions in the forest.
Methods
We evaluated the chemical properties of soil and litter in a secondary forest in the eastern Amazonia, calculating the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and nutrient retranslocation rate.
Results
The results showed that resource manipulation had residual effects on the dynamics of K, Ca, Mg, and P nutrients. IRR increased soil K availability, while REM reduced pH and monthly production of Ca, Mg, and P. Additionally, it was found that the NUE of Ca and Mg could be impaired with increased rainfall, while higher temperatures provided greater N and P NUE, reinforcing global warnings about the impacts of climate change.
Conclusions
In summary, the results provide important insights for the management of secondary forests and suggest that resource management may have a long-term impact on nutrient dynamics in secondary forests.
Comparative Analysis of Adverse Event Rates and Severity Following COVID-19 mRNA Vaccinations Among SARS-CoV-2 Naïve Nursing Home Residents and Staff
Authors: Itamochi Masae , Yazawa Shunsuke , Saga Yumiko , Shimada Takahisa , Tamura Kosuke , Maenishi Emi , Isobe Junko , Sasajima Hitoshi , Kawashiri Chikako , Tani Hideki , Oishi Kazunori
Published: April 2024

We aimed to assess the rate and severity of adverse events (AEs), and the relationship between antibody responses and AEs after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in a nursing home cohort. Ninety-five SARS-CoV-2 naïve participants, consisting of 26 staff (median age, 51 years) and 69 residents (median age, 88 years), were evaluated for the rate and severity of local and systemic AEs. The severity of AEs was evaluated using grading scale for each sign or symptom, and expressed as the AE score. The rates of most AEs were considerably lower in the residents after the first to the fifth dose of the mRNA vaccination, compared to the staff. The severity of AEs using AE scores were also considerably lower in the residents after the first to the fifth dose of vaccination, compared to the staff. No clear relationship was detected between receptor-binding domain IgG or neutralizing titer levels and the cumulative AE score either in staff or residents after the second, third, or fifth dose of the mRNA vaccination, although there were two exceptions. Our conclusion of lower event occurrence and milder side effects strongly corroborates the science-driven proposal of COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations for older generations in high-risk care facilities.
Target prediction and potential application of dihydroartemisin on hepatocarcinoma
Authors: Guo Wenjia , Liu Yu’e , Chen Bingdi , Fan Lieying
Published: April 2024

Purpose
With high incidence of hepatocarcinoma and limited effective treatments, most patients suffer in pain. Anti-tumor drugs are single-targeted, toxicity, causing adverse side effects and resistance. Dihydroartemisinin(DHA) inhibits tumor through multiple mechanisms effectively. This study explores and evaluates afety and potential mechanism of DHA towards human hepatocarcinoma based on network pharmacology in a comprehensive way.
Methods
Adsorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) properties of DHA were evaluated with pkCSM, SwissADME and ADMETlab. Potential targets of DHA were obtained from SwissTargetPrediction, Drugbank, TargetNET and PharmMapper. Target gene of hepatocarcinoma were obtained from OMIM, GeneCards and DisGeNET. Overlapping targets and hub genes were identified and analyzed for GO, KEGG and Reactome pathway. Molecular docking was utilized to investigate the interactions sites and hydrogen bonds. CCK8, wound healing, invasion and migration assays on HepG2 and SNU387 cell proved DHA inhibits malignant biological features of hepatocarcinoma cell.
Results
DHA is safe and desirable for clinical application. A total of 131 overlapping targets were identified. Biofunction analysis showed targets were involved in kinase activity, protein phosphorylation, intracellular reception, signal transduction, transcriptome dysregulation, PPAR pathway and JAK-STAT signaling axis. Top 9 hub genes were obtained using MCC algorithm, namely CDK1, CCNA2, CCNB1, CCNB2, KIF11, CHEK1, TYMS, AURKA and TOP2A. Molecular docking suggests that all hub genes form a stable interaction with DHA for optimal binding energy were all less than − 5 kcal/mol.
Conclusions
Dihydroartemisin might be a potent and safe anticarcinogen based on its biological safety and effective therapeutic effect.
Epidemiological and clinical profiles of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Amhara National Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia: A multicenter study
Authors: Gashaw Bizuayehu , Yizengaw Endalew , Nibret Endalkachew , Workineh Addisu , Abebe Adisu
Published: April 2024

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania parasites. Ethiopia is one of the top ten countries with a high load of CL. It remains the most neglected of neglected tropical disease in Ethiopia. The Amhara National Regional State (ANRS) is one of the CL hotspot areas in Ethiopia. There is limited data on the burden of CL in the region. This study determined the epidemiology and clinical profiles of CL in ANRS.
Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from April to October 2023 in eight Leishmaniasis Treatment Centres (LTCs). A data review was done from patients presenting to these centres between June 2018 and July 2023. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the CL registration logbook. Descriptive statistics was used to describe relevant variables. Chi-square test and logistic regression were performed using SPSS-23.
Result: A total of 1729 CL patients were recorded. The overall burden of CL per 10,000 outpatients was 900. Males accounted for 66% of the total CL patients. More cases
were recorded among 15–29 age group. Most of the patients (71.1%) presented with localised cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL). The patients were from 112 districts. About 12% of the patients lived with the disease for over a year without treatment. The skin lesion was ≥4mm in 60% of the patients. Multiple-time comer patients accounted for 13.2% of the patients. Patients with <6 months of duration of illness had 4.5 times bigger lesion size than those patients with ≥ 24 months of duration of illness. Duration of illness <6 months and 6–12 months showed a significant association with lesion size.
Conclusion: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is still a major public health problem in ANRS. Large scale community based study is required to determine the actual burden of CL in the region.
Retrospective analysis of 5 cases with COVID-19-associated encephalitis
Authors: Li Zhensheng , Wang Lingling , Qi Zijuan , Xiang Wei , Deng Bingmei , Liu Zhifeng
Published: April 2024

Objective
To explore the clinical characteristics, possible etiology, and treatment strategies for COVID-19-associated encephalitis.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical, electroencephalogram, and imaging data and laboratory examination results of five patients diagnosed with COVID-19-associated encephalitis.
Results
The primary clinical manifestations of the 5 patients were consciousness disturbance and epileptic seizures. The lesions shown in the electroencephalogram and imaging data were mostly located near the perisylvian fissure cortex. Laboratory examination revealed increased white blood cell count and protein levels in the CSF. SAR-COV-2 RNA and autoimmune encephalitis antibody tests were negative in two patients, and four of them showed a good response to IVIG therapy.
Conclusion
Direct viral infection and immune responses after infection are the main causes of COVID-19-associated encephalitis, with the latter playing a dominant role. The patients responded well to IVIG therapy.
Association between cytomegalovirus infection and insulin resistance: evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2004)
Authors: Gao Hui , Yang Yang , Cai Fengqing , Wang Qian , He Xinyu , Sun Changxuan , Shen Hongqiang , Bai Guannan
Published: April 2024

Background
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has been shown to induce insulin resistance in animal models, but this relationship in humans remains unknown. Therefore, we conducted the present study to assess the association between CMV infection and insulin resistance in a nationally representative population in the United States.
Methods
We analyzed data from 2391 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cohort 1999–2004. Binary logistic regression models were used to assess the association between CMV infection and insulin resistance in the overall population and subgroups stratified by gender and weight status. The full model was adjusted by covariates including age, race, educational level, and poverty income ratio.
Results
1519 (63.5%) participants had CMV infection, and 561 (23.5%) had insulin resistance. Logistic regression analyses showed that CMV infection was significantly associated with insulin resistance in males with overweight (OR: 2.32; 95% CI: 1.15–4.72) and obesity (OR:2.91; 95% CI:1.13–7.45) after adjusting covariates.
Conclusion
The present study demonstrated that CMV infection was an independent risk factor of insulin resistance in males who were overweight or obese. Clarifying the relationship between CMV infection and insulin resistance may prevent T2DM in the general population.
Building health systems resilience in Central Asia through nursing and midwifery: Evidence to inform policy action
Authors: Llop-Gironés Alba , Azhymambetova Gulnaz Kachkynovna , Asanova Aizat Kubanysbekovna , Salomuddin Jabborovich Yusufi , Boynazarova Malohat Hikmatulloevna , Raupov Firdavs Orifovich , Zholzhanova Nazira Usenovna , Ruzdenova Naila Beksautovna , Tojiboyeva Gulnora Sheraliyevna , Salikhodjayeva Rikhsi Kamilovna , Langins Margrieta
Published: April 2024

Background
The recent announcement of the next WHO State of the World’s Nursing and Midwifery Reports calls for a review of the state of nursing and midwifery worldwide. In the WHO European region, a broad set of health system reforms have been introduced in Central Asian countries (CACs), namely, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. These reforms have become the focus of a series of sub-regional policy dialogs between CACs, led by government chief nursing and midwifery officers, to accelerate the implementation of a package of policies to strengthen the capacity of nurses and midwives and build health system resilience. This study reviews the current state of nursing and midwifery capacity and documents future actions that can be taken in CACs.
Case presentation
A systematic approach was used to describe trends, capacity and gaps in CACs’ education, practice, regulation, leadership, and working conditions of nurses and midwives. Currently, CACs face challenges in increasing the level, quality and evidence-base of nursing and midwifery education, require efforts to expand the role of nurses, with emphasis on PHC and particular attention is required to decent working conditions, including fair income and security in the workplace. The GCNMOs have demonstrated experience in the oversight of both workforces and require support for effective work in making policies. To build health systems resilience in CACs through nursing and midwifery, a strategic package of evidence-informed actions that addresses education, practice, regulation, leadership, and working conditions of nurses and midwives is suggested for the period up to 2030.
Conclusions
Current educational reforms and curricular development, combined with innovations in clinical practice and working environment can be pursued to foster better access to quality of care, enhance workplace satisfaction and improve recruitment and retention of nurses and midwives. However, to fully achieve this, CACs will require increased institutional capacity; strengthened data for nursing and midwifery planning in the context of health workforce policy and health priorities, and financial and non-financial investment in the nursing and midwifery workforce.
Multi-modal characteristics of lncRNAs-derived subtypes in colorectal cancer
Authors: Xiong Minghao , Li Jie , Li Xue , Zhao Jiaojiao , Liu Qin , Tu Mengjie , Zeng Fanxin
Published: April 2024

Background: The growing knowledge of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has suggested the role and predictive potential of lncRNA in cancer, but has not been translated into effective practical tools. The morbidity of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been declining because of effective screening tools. However, the mechanism of the disease is not well understood.
Methods: The LncRNAs that extracted using univariable cox analysis were explored for the potential functions and applied for classification of lncRNAs-derived subtypes of CRC. Multi-modal data involving microscope to macroscope levels were applied to evaluate the molecular, cell, and medical image characteristics of lncRNAs-derived subtypes. Radiomic signature calculated by LASSO regression analysis was utilized for distinguishing the CRC subtypes. The performance of lncRNA and radiomic signature were assessed with respect to its calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness.
Results: The lncRNA signature which composed of 8 lncRNAs that significantly associated with prognosis, metabolism and organismal system showed good performance in patients prognosis assessment (AUC, 0.717; time-depended ROC > 0.71). And patients separated into two subtypes (HRG vs LRG) based on the lncRNA signature displayed notably prognostic differences (Kaplan-Meier, p < .001). Multi-modal analysis indicated obvious heterogeneity between HRG and LRG subgroups, mainly focused on the abnormal enrichment of glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway, different cellular differentiation, and density level characteristics in tumor region. In addition, the radiomic signature showed good accuracy (AUC, 0.919), discrimination (p < .05) and generalization ability (external independent test cohort, p < .05) for lncRNA-derived subgroups assessment.
Conclusion: This study described multi-modal characteristics landscape of lncRNAs-derived subtypes in CRC and strengthened the connection form microscope to macroscope levels.
Comprehensive prediction and analysis of human protein essentiality based on a pre-trained protein large language model
Authors: Kang Boming , Fan Rui , Cui Chunmei , Cui Qinghua
Published: April 2024

Human essential genes and their protein products are indispensable for the viability and development of the individuals. Thus, it is quite important to decipher the essential proteins and up to now numerous computational methods have been developed for the above purpose. However, the current methods failed to comprehensively measure human protein essentiality at levels of humans, human cell lines, and mice orthologues. For doing so, here we developed Protein Importance Calculator (PIC), a sequence-based deep learning model, which was built by fine-tuning a pre-trained protein language model. As a result, PIC outperformed existing methods by increasing 5.13%-12.10% AUROC for predicting essential proteins at human cell-line level. In addition, it improved an average of 9.64% AUROC on 323 human cell lines compared to the only existing cell line-specific method, DeepCellEss. Moreover, we defined Protein Essential Score (PES) to quantify protein essentiality based on PIC and confirmed its power of measuring human protein essentiality and functional divergence across the above three levels. Finally, we successfully used PES to identify prognostic biomarkers of breast cancer and at the first time to quantify the essentiality of 617462 human microproteins.
Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Gauging Pain Severity caused by Local Dental Anesthetic Injections in Children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alkhouli Muaaz , Al-Nerabieah Zuhair , Al-Issa Sami , Dashash Mayssoon
Published: April 2024

Pain assessment in children is essential for effective management, particularly during dental procedures. This study aimed to validate an AI software that utilizes facial expression analysis for pain assessment in children undergoing dental injections. A total of 300 children aged 6–9 years were included in the study. Pain assessment was conducted using both the AI software and the widely used FLACC scale. The AI software used a CNN algorithm to detected the action units (AUs) associated with pain. Statistical analysis, including correlation and regression, was performed to evaluate the performance of the AI software and the agreement between the FLACC scores and AI scores. The results showed a high sensitivity and specificity of the AI software in pain assessment, with an almost perfect agreement observed between the AI scores and the FLACC scores (r = 0.921). The AI model accurately detected pain levels in children, with comparable results for boys and girls. The findings of this study support the validity and reliability of the AI software for pain assessment in children undergoing dental injections. The AI software demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in detecting pain.
No Genetic Causal Association between Periodontitis and Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Zhang Bitong , Mi Zhongqian , Shang Huiyu , Qiu Xinjie , Zhao Miaomiao , Yan Xuedan , Cheng Rui , Gao Jinhua , Ren Xiuyun
Published: April 2024

Background Recent studies have reported associations between periodontitis and autoimmune disorders; however, it remains unclear whether the association between periodontitis and autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is causal. The purpose of this study was to investigate the causal association between periodontitis and AIT. Methods We conducted a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) statistics. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for AIT were derived from 244 patients and 187,684 controls. The pooled periodontitis association data included up to 17,353 individuals. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used for the primary analysis. We applied two complementary methods, the weighted median and MR-Egger. Then, these causal estimates were expressed as dominance ratios [odds ratios (ORs)]. Results Genetically determined AIT did not have a causal effect on probing depth (PD) (IVW OR = 0.998, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.948 ~ 1.051, p = 0.952). Furthermore, we did not find a significant causal effect of PD on AIT in the reverse MR analysis (IVW OR = 1.044, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.789 ~ 1.382, p = 0.759). The MR-Egger regression and weighted median results were consistent with those of the IVW method. Horizontal pleiotropy was unlikely to distort the causal estimates according to the sensitivity analysis. Conclusion Within the limits of MR studies, the outcomes neither supported periodontitis affecting autoimmune thyroiditis nor autoimmune thyroiditis affecting periodontitis.
Virulence variation of Israeli populations of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici during the period 2009 – 2019
Authors: Kosman Evsey G. , Anikster Yehoshua , Ben-Yehuda Pnina , Manisterski Jacob , Sela Hanan
Published: April 2024

This paper is dedicated to the memory of the APS Fellow Prof. Yehoshua Anikster (1934 -2023).
A total of 336 urediniospore isolates of Pucciniagraminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) were derived from samples collected in Israel from 2009 to 2019 and analyzed for virulence with the standard set of 20 differentials. Seventy-two virulence phenotypes were identified during the survey. Two Pgt phenotypes (TKTTF, TTTTF) were found in nine annual populations while 49 appeared in only one year. The yearly pathogen collections of 2009 – 2014 differed from the collections of 2015-2018, and the 2019 collection diverged from all others. No virulence to Sr24 and Sr31 indicators of UG99 was detected. Comparing the 2009 – 2014 and 2015 – 2018 periods, virulence frequencies declined on Sr17, 30, and 38 genes from 0.853 - 0.973 to 0.308 – 0.587, whereas the frequency on Sr36 rose (0.418 vs. 0.865). The average relative virulence complexity of the Pgt phenotypes decreased from 0.833 (2009 - 2014) and 0.786 (2015 – 2018) to 0.671 in 2019. Variability within the annual populations gradually increased over time. The Pgt collections of isolates in 2009 – 2014 and 2015 – 2018 were significantly different (p = 0.01). The effective number of different annual populations in 2009 – 2018 was 2.04 (β-variation = 0.116). Since Pgt does not over-summer in Israel, the northern source of inoculum from Turkey and Russia seems the most probable.
Nephrology Providers’ Perspective and Use of Mortality Prognostic Tools in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Bergeron Jennifer , Cheung Katharine L. , Marchese Christina , Jensen Colton , Meagher Sean , Kennedy Amanda G. , Tompkins Bradley
Published: April 2024

Background: Mortality prognostic tools exist to aid in shared decision making with kidney failure patients but are underutilized. This study aimed to elucidate nephrology providers’ practice patterns and understand barriers to prognostic tool use.
Methods: Nephrology providers (8 physicians and 2 nurse practitioners) at an academic medical center underwent semi-structured interviews regarding their experience and perspective on the utility of mortality prognostic tools. Common themes were identified independently by 2 reviewers using grounded theory. Three six-month mortality prognostic tools were applied to the 279 prevalent dialysis patients that the interviewed providers care for. The C statistic was calculated for each tool based on via logistic regression and subsequent ROC analysis. Nephrology providers reviewed the performance of the prognostication tools in their own patient population. A post interview reassessed perspectives and any change in attitudes regarding the tools.
Results: Nephrology providers did not use these mortality prognostic tools in their practice. Key barriers identified were provider concern that the tools were not generalizable to their patients, providers’ trust in their own clinical judgement over that of a prognostic tool, time constraints, and lack of knowledge about the data behind these tools. When re-interviewed with the results of the three prognostic tools in their patients, providers thought the tools performed as expected, but still did not intend to use the tools in their practice. They reported that these tools are good for populations, but not individual patients. The providers preferred to use clinical gestalt for prognostication.
Conclusion: Although several well validated prognostic tools are available for predicting mortality, the nephrology providers studied do not use them in routine practice, even after an educational intervention. Other approaches should be explored to help incorporate prognostication in shared-decision-making for patients receiving dialysis.
The impact of qualitative 18F-FDG PET/CT in Predicting Clinical Outcomes of Post-surgical Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients with Elevated Thyroglobulin and Negative Radioiodine Whole-Body Scan
Authors: Ha Le Ngoc , Phuong Nguyen Thi , Son Mai Hong
Published: April 2024

Background
18F-FDG PET/CT (FDG PET/CT) has been widely used as a diagnostic tool in detection and localization of recurrent non-avid radioiodine lesions in post-operative differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients with elevated serum thyroglobulin but negative radioiodine whole-body scan (TENIS) syndrome. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of FDG PET/CT in prediction on outcomes of these DTC patients.
Methods
Post-operative DTC patients with TENIS syndrome were collected in the department of nuclear medicine, Hospital 108 from 2019 to 2023. Patients underwent FDG PET/CT with standard protocol following EANM guideline for tumor imaging version 2.0. The qualitative FDG PET/CT imaging characteristics were classified into three categories: (i) negative FDG PET/CT, (ii) minimal FDG PET/CT volume of lesions, (iii) extensive FDG PET/CT volume of lesions. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were the end point of the study. The prognosis of qualitative FDG PET/CT in predicting PFS and OS was illustrated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The independent factors predicting PFS and OS were determined by univariate and multivariate analysis using logistic regression.
Results
There were 164 consecutive patients, 51.2% female and 48.8% female. The most common histopathology type was papillary accounting for 87.8%. The median time of follow-up was 33.3 months, (range 6.57–82.5). There was 70 (36.6%) progressions and 12 (7.35%) deaths. Negative FDG PET/CT uptake patients had median PFS with median 57.1 months which was higher than that of minimal category (46.2 months), and extensive category (37.6 months) (p < 0,001). 1-year OS and 5-year OS in extensive PET/CT category was 97.8% and 86.2% respectively which were significantly lower than that of negative and minimal categories (p = 0.053). In multivariate analysis, pulmonary, bone metastases and extensive FDG PET/CT volume of lesions were the independent factor predicting PFS. Bone metastasis was only the factor could predict OS in multivariate analysis.
Conclusions
The minimal and negative FDG PET/CT categories had better prognosis than extensive category in PFS and OS. Extensive FDG PET/CT category was an independent factor for predicting PFS. Bone metastasis was only the independent factor that could predict both PFS and OS.
CD147 and PCSK9 as Predictors of Cancer in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Comparative Study with Healthy Individuals
Authors: Tsao Lien-Cheng , Lin Chi-Chien , Kuo Chen-Ling , Cheng Yu-Shan , Huang Ching-Shan , Liu Chin-San , Su Shih-Li
Published: April 2024

Diabetes has a higher cancer prevalence and a poorer prognosis than nondiabetes. Traditional parameters of blood pressure, sugar, and lipids unmet cancer prognosis. Novel biomarkers that predict the possibility of cancer development and mortality are still desirable in the clinic. 141 patients with type 2 diabetes and 172 healthy individuals with observation are enrolled. The differentiation cluster 147 (CD147), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), antibody (oxLDL-Ab), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), and cyclophilin A (CyP A) were examined. Cancer morbidity and all-cause mortality were compared between the diabetic and control group. Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m2 (37.6% vs. 10.6%, p < 0.001), 10-year mortality rate (35% vs. 2.3%, p < 0.001), and cancer morbidity (16% vs. 5.23%, p < 0.001) were higher in the diabetic group. Obese diabetes had high oxLDL, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1-1 (sICAM-1), PCSK9, CyP A, and CD147. Deceased diabetes had a higher cancer rate and a low CD147 level. CD147 and PCSK9 levels show predictive efficacy in cancer and diabetes without obesity (area under the curve [AUC], 0.665) and diabetes and obesity (AUC, 0.726), respectively. CD147 and PCSK9 levels were better predictors of cancer in diabetes, regardless of whether they were obese or not.
Late Onset Hearing Loss in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Iwamoto Lynn , Liu Chloe Anne
Published: April 2024

Objective: To determine the incidence of late onset hearing loss and associated risk factors in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
Study Design: Retrospective study (2003-2015) of post-discharge hearing outcomes and risk factors in the VLBW infant population, before and after the institution of a standardized follow-up program.
Results: Late onset hearing loss increased from 2.9 per 100 VLBW infants to 7.8 per 100 after instituting a monitoring protocol. The follow-up compliance rate nearly doubled. Both infants with late-onset sensorineural hearing loss and those with a conductive component were identified. The rate of conductive loss detection increased seven-fold.
Conclusion: The institution of a standardized hearing follow-up program significantly increased the detection of late onset hearing loss in VLBW infants. A significant proportion of those with late onset hearing loss had a conductive component. Without identification and treatment, even conductive losses may negatively impact speech and language development.
High Body Mass Index with the Risk of Allergic Conjunctivitis in Children: A Case-Control Study in Southwest China
Authors: Tang Xiao-Jiao , He Jia-Tong , Liu Qing , Chen Lin
Published: April 2024

Purpose
To assess the correlation of body mass index (BMI), diet and lifestyle with allergic conjunctivitis (AC) in children.
Methods
This prospective case-control study included 105 children with AC and 105 age- and sex-matched children. Clinical data were collected, including BMI, dietary habits, physical activity, and sleep time. Multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for AC.
Results
Dietary habits including vitamin A supplement use (χ2 = 0.00; P = 1.00), the consumption of sweet food (χ2 = 6.70; P = 0.08), fast food (χ2 = 3.74; P = 0.29), beverages (χ2 = 1.17; P = 0.76), and seafood and fish (χ2 = 6.15; P = 0.10) and snacking before sleep (χ2 = 2.23; P = 0.53), were not associated with AC. There were significant differences in physical activity (χ2 = 12.64; P < 0.01) between the children with AC and healthy children, but there were no differences in sleep duration (χ2 = 5.39; P = 0.07). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that a high BMI (overweight and obesity) (OR = 3.05; 95% CI: 1.30–7.20; P = 0.01) was a significant risk factor for AC. The consumption of fish oil supplements (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.17–0.81; P = 0.01) and having been breastfed (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.16–0.72; p = 0.005) were protective factors against AC.
Conclusion
A high BMI (overweight and obesity) can increase the incidence of AC. Breastfeeding and dietary supplementation with fish oil are recommended for children susceptible to AC.
Applying the scene reappearance-based learning (SRBL) method in medical humanities training in the context of anesthesiology residency
Authors: Yi Tingting , Wu You , Lv Zhiquan , Luo Hongxia , Ma Linyu , Wang Shouyong
Published: April 2024

Background
To propose the novel scene reappearance-based learning method (SRBL) method for education in the medical humanities and to investigate whether this method can be used to curb the negative medical humanistic behavior of anesthesia residents effectively in the context of the assessment of block levels during spinal-epidural anesthesia.
Methods
Based on video recordings, we retrospectively found that anesthesia residents employed the negative humanistic behavior of nipping patients' skin with their fingers to assess block levels during spinal-epidural anesthesia. We further investigated the incidence of such negative behavior among residents, reconstructed the scene for all residents using video recordings, and guided the residents in a discussion of what behavior is appropriate in the context of the medical humanities in this scenario using simulation and roleplaying exercises.
Results
Among the 25 residents included in this training base, 18 used the same method of nipping the patient’s skin to assess block levels during spinal-epidural anesthesia. Through discussion, these 25 students reached consensus regarding ways of respecting patients’ humanistic feelings when assessing block levels during spinal-epidural anesthesia. Once these measures were implemented, the negative humanistic behavior of nipping the patient’s skin was eliminated in the training base within 3 months.
Conclusions
This paper proposes a method of medical humanities education for anesthesia residents that we call SRBL, which is administered during the assessment of block levels during spinal-epidural anesthesia and can quickly curb the negative medical humanistic behavior exhibited by anesthesia residents.
ZnO Q-Dots Nanoparticles: Intensifying ROS Stress to Improve Anticancer Drug Efficacy
Authors: Esmaeili Shadi , Salahi-Niri Aryan
Published: April 2024

Zinc oxide quantum dot Nanoparticles (ZnO Q-Dots NPs) are a conducive and versatile nano-platform with extraordinary biological applications. Despite a legion of studies, ZnO's biological and pharmacological activities have yet to be utilized in therapeutic applications. Recently, arsenic trioxide (ATO), an anti-cancer missile with multiple warheads, has shown harbinger therapeutic potential for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) by selectively instigating reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress in cancer cells. However, determining how best to lessen the toxic effects of ATO while increasing its therapeutic efficacy is a severe subject. In this study, we report that ZnO can synergize with ATO and escalate the ROS stress in NB4 cells, thereby greatly enhancing the apoptotic cell death and not only up-regulated the effect the ATO on the expression of anti-apoptotic target genes but also significantly elevating the expression of pro-apoptotic molecules in NB4 cells, as compared to either agent alone. We found that when ATO combined with ZnO, even the lower concentrations could induce flagrantly inhibitory effects on the survival of NB4 through retreating the cells to replicate DNA in the S phase of cell cycle. Moreover, our study indicated for the first time that the anti-leukemic effect of dual therapy combination of ZnO and ATO was coupled with the up-regulation of p21 and, thereby, G2/M cell cycle arrest. Our data suggest that incorporating ZnO with ATO can potentially ameliorate anti-leukemic effect in NB4 cells, thereby providing a synergistic strategy in the development of theranostic nanomedicine in APL patients.
Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas (SPNs): Diagnostic accuracy of CT and CT imaging features
Authors: Zhao Ming , Wang Jie , Lai Jiejuan , Liu Fenghao , Zhang Yujun , Cao Li , Liu Li , Ma Kuansheng , Li Jianwei , Deng Qingsong
Published: April 2024

Purpose: To summarize the abdominal computed tomography (CT) imaging and clinicopathological data of patients with SPNs of the pancreas and analyze the accuracy of preoperative CT diagnosis and features.
Materials and Methods: Between June 2006 and June 2023, CT images of 120 histopathologically proven SPNs in the pancreas were retrospectively reviewed. The 15 features of age, sex, and CT-determined features were included in multiple stepwise regression analysis. The correlation between features and SPNs was evaluated, including odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results: Of the 120 patients, the diagnostic accuracy of CT was 43.3%. The baseline CT results of patients with a correct diagnosis and misdiagnosis showed that there were significant differences in sex (P=0.043), age (P=0.004), boundary (P=0.037) and encapsulation (P=0.002) between the two groups. The preoperative imaging diagnostic accuracy was significantly greater in females than in males (47.9% vs. 25.0%, P=0.043). There was no significant difference in immunohistochemical indices between the two groups. The results of univariate analysis revealed significant differences in sex (P=0.048), age (P=0.014), tumor length (P=0.023), tumor boundaries (P=0.039) and capsule type (P=0.003). The results of multivariate analysis showed that encapsulation was closely related to the diagnostic accuracy of CT (P=0.04).
Conclusions: The accuracy of CT in the diagnosis of SPNs is low, but the length‒diameter ratio of the tumor approaching 1.0, encapsulation and clear boundary are important CT-determined features. The capsule is an independent CT predictor in the diagnosis of SPNs.
Potential Pathogenetic Role of a Novel Abcc8 Missense Variant on Both Transient Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus and Fetal Growth Restriction: A Case Report
Authors: Perri Alessandro , Fattore Simona , Minucci Angelo , Rinelli Martina , Barbetti Fabrizio , Pitocco Dario , Costa Simonetta , Vento Giovanni
Published: April 2024

We report a novel missense ABCC8 variant associated with a clinical phenotype compatible with transient neonatal diabetes mellitus in a fetal growth restricted preterm infant. The variant would appear to be associated with a mild and transient clinical course, since the hyperglycemia resolved shortly after the first month of life, needed transient insulin therapy, and did not recur later in life. The novel genetic variant we found could be the main cause of both transient neonatal diabetes mellitus and fetal growth restriction.
Brainstem Encephalitis: An Unusual Neurologic Complication of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease
Authors: Tan You Jiang , Chuah Tyng Yu
Published: April 2024

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is an uncommon, self-limiting histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis of unknown aetiology which commonly affects younger women, and displays a higher prevalence amongst Asians. It is characterized by non-specific clinical features of regional lymphadenopathy, fever, and night sweats, and is thus commonly mistaken for tuberculous infections, systemic lupus erythematosus, and lung or lymphomatous malignancies. Nodal biopsy is often helpful in demonstrating the classical findings of necrosis with karyorrhexis. Neurological complications have been sparingly reported, with KFD patients developing aseptic meningitis or meningoencephalitis, weeks to months after the onset of lymphadenopathy. KFD-related neurologic complications involving the brainstem were even rarer, and consequently present significant diagnostic challenges to physicians. Herein, we describe a patient who developed acute area postrema six months after the onset of KFD symptoms
Lymphangiogenesis in the Liver of Biliary Atresia
Authors: Kosaka Seitaro , Muraji Toshihiro , Ohtani Haruo , Harumatsu Toshio , Shimizu Saki , Toma Miki , Yanai Toshihiro , Ieiri Satoshi
Published: April 2024

Background
Lymphatic vessels (LVs) are crucial in immune reactions and serve as principal conduits for immune cells. However, till date, no study has analyzed the morphological changes in the LVs of patients with biliary atresia (BA). In this study, we aimed to determine the morphological changes in the LVs of the liver in patients with BA, elucidate their correlation with the morphology of the portal vein (PV) branches, and discuss their etiopathogenetic significance.
Methods
Morphometric analyses of liver biopsy specimens from patients treated between 1986 and 2016 were performed. The parameters measured were as follows: the whole liver area of the specimen, the fibrotic area, the number of LVs, LVs without patent lumen (designated as Ly0) and PV branches, and the diameters of the LVs with patent lumen and PVs.
Results
The number of LVs, Ly0, and PV branches per unit area of the whole liver specimen was significantly higher in patients with BA than in control participants with liver disease and those with normal livers. However, no correlation was observed between the fibrotic area and the average diameter of LVs or PVs, as well as between the fibrotic area and the number of LVs or PV branches. Furthermore, no correlation was observed between the total number of LVs and the number of PV branches.
Conclusions
The present study showed a significant increase in the total LVs and Ly0, characterized by a high Ly0 to total LVs ratio, suggesting that lymphangiogenesis occurs in the liver of patients with BA.