bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of CT attenuation correction on viable myocardium detection in combined SPECT and PET/CT: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhao Fukai , Chen Yue , Zhao Jiaming , Pang Zekun , Wang Jiao , Cao Bing , Li Jianming
Published: October 2024

The influence of computed tomography attenuation correction (CTAC) on the accuracy of diagnosing viable myocardium using Tc-99m-MIBI dedicated cardiac cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) combined with F-18-FDG Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) metabolic imaging, compared with conventional SPECT MPI, remains to be fully elucidated. To evaluate the impact of CTAC on the accuracy of diagnosing viable myocardium using Tc-99m-MIBI dedicated cardiac CZT SPECT MPI combined with F-18-FDG PET/CT, compared to conventional SPECT MPI. 193 patients underwent CZT SPECT and F-18-FDG PET/CT imaging, while 39 patients underwent conventional SPECT and F-18-FDG PET/CT imaging, with both groups utilizing CT for attenuation correction. The injured myocardium (hibernating and scarring) was quantified using the Q.PET software. After CTAC, both groups showed significant improvements in perfusion of the injured myocardial areas, particularly in the inferior wall (INF). The reduction in perfusion was more notable in the CZT SPECT group than that in the conventional group, particularly in the inferior and lateral walls. Among patients with large cardiac chambers, those undergoing MPI with CZT, with normal weights, or males, hibernating myocardium (HM) and scar post-CTAC reductions were particularly significant in the INF. If HM ≥ 10% is considered an indicator for recommended revascularization, among the 87 patients without prior cardiac bypass, 25 (28.7%) might not require revascularization treatment. Dedicated cardiac CZT SPECT and conventional SPECT MPI combined with F-18-FDG PET/CT significantly influenced the assessment of viable myocardium. The impact of CTAC was more profound in dedicated cardiac CZT SPECT, particularly in the INF region. CTAC significantly enhances the accuracy of viable myocardial assessment and may influence clinical decisions regarding revascularization therapy. Therefore, CTAC should be routinely used in dedicated cardiac CZT SPECT MPI combined with F-18-FDG PET/CT for myocardial viability diagnosis.
The analgesic benefit of rectus sheath block in robotic gynecologic surgery: A retrospective study
Authors: Manici Mete , Kalyoncu İlayda , Vatansever Doğan , Gürkan Yavuz
Published: October 2024

With the growing adoption of robotic techniques in gynecologic surgery, the advantages of minimally invasive procedures over traditional open surgery, such as reduced postoperative pain and quicker recovery, are clear. Yet, establishing an effective multimodal analgesic regimen remains a challenge. This retrospective study from a tertiary care center aimed to assess the analgesic efficacy of the rectus sheath block (RSB) on postoperative pain and opioid consumption after robotic gynecologic surgery. Between June 2022 and March 2023, 20 patients who underwent robotic gynecologic surgery were evaluated. Key parameters included postoperative visual analog scale scores, opioid consumption, and postoperative nausea/vomiting instances. Anesthesia protocols were standardized, with postsurgical pain management involving RSB and a patient-controlled analgesia device filled with morphine. Patients showed an average morphine intake of 8.2 ± 5.09 mg over the initial 24 hours postsurgery. During mobilization, average pain scores were consistently low, with no correlation identified between opioid consumption and age or body mass index. 40% of patients reported postoperative nausea on the first day, and no complications linked to the RSB were observed. The study underlines the potential of integrating RSB in a multimodal analgesic regimen after robotic gynecologic surgery. Its application may lead to reduced opioid consumption and more efficient postoperative pain management. Further randomized controlled trials are recommended to validate these findings.
Delayed diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma presenting with shoulder pain: A case report
Authors: Kim Jaesuk , Park Seongjin , Kwon So Young
Published: October 2024

Rationale:

Shoulder pain is a common type of musculoskeletal pain. While musculoskeletal issues are primary causes of shoulder pain, it is important to note that referred pain in the shoulder area can also originate from non-musculoskeletal problems.

Patient concerns:

A 60-year-old male presented with a month-long stabbing pain in the right shoulder that was worsened by deep breathing. He had no trauma history or neurological symptoms. He also experienced a 5 kg weight loss over 3 months. Physical examination was normal. Shoulder X-ray suggested degenerative arthritis. Despite medication including opioids, his pain persisted and worsened to a 10/10 severity, spreading to the right flank and anterior chest.

Diagnosis:

An abdominal CT scan revealed multiple hepatic nodules, ascites, and right pleural effusion, suggesting a systemic condition.

Interventions:

This prompted immediate referral to oncology, where subsequent investigations confirmed the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Outcomes:

The patient deteriorated and passed away during the buildup phase for cancer treatment.

Lessons:

This case underscores the importance of considering systemic conditions in patients presenting with seemingly localized symptoms such as shoulder pain. It highlights the significance of thorough evaluation and prompt referral for further investigations when necessary.
Therapeutic mechanism and key active ingredients of Yinxing Mihuan Oral Solution in coronary heart disease comorbidity with anxiety: A network pharmacology and molecular docking approach
Authors: Jin Jiajun , Chen Huaigang , Wang Hong , Gu Yuncheng , Yang Liu
Published: October 2024

Yinxing Mihuan Oral Solution (YMOS) is a Chinese patent medicine for treating coronary heart disease combined anxiety (CHDCA), but the molecular mechanism of its treatment is still unclear. This article aims to understand the molecular mechanism, optimize clinical drug use, and guide new drug development. Using the Swiss Target Prediction database, we obtained the main chemical composition of YMOS. Then we used network pharmacology to identify their potential targets. Network construction, coupled with protein–protein interaction and enrichment analysis was used to identify representative components and core targets. Finally, molecular docking simulation was conducted to further refine the drug–target interaction. Forty-two active chemicals were found in YMOS and 91 target genes related to CHDCA. The treatment effect was found to be associated with 1908 biological processes and 160 pathways, as revealed by the outcomes of the enrichment analysis. The potential therapeutic mechanisms of the drug are closely related to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vascular function regulation pathways, and the main core targets include albumin, tumor necrosis factor, TP53, AKT serine/threonine kinase 1, interleukin 1 beta, and vascular endothelial growth factor A. The potential molecular mechanisms of YMOS in CHDCA treatment were identified using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. The results reveal the systemic biological implications of YMOS. This study has systematically uncovered the molecular mechanism of YMOS for the first time, offering fresh insights for evidence-based clinical applications.
Causal relationship between amino acids and ovarian cancer in the European population: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Yingji , Su Jiaqi , Ma Changbo
Published: October 2024

In recent years, an increasing number of observational studies have reported the impact of amino acids on ovarian cancer. However, Mendelian randomization studies have not yet been conducted to explore the causal relationship between them in the context of ovarian cancer. This study conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis of 20 amino acids in relation to ovarian cancer data from 2 different sources within the European population, using a two-sample MR approach. The primary results from the inverse variance weighting analysis were then subjected to a meta-analysis, followed by multiple testing correction for the meta-analysis thresholds. Finally, reverse causality testing was performed on the positively associated amino acids and ovarian cancer. MR analyses were conducted for 20 amino acids with ovarian cancer data from both the Finngen R10 and Open genome-wide association study databases. The inverse variance weighted results from these 2 analyses were then combined through meta-analysis, with multiple corrections applied to the significance thresholds of the meta-analysis results. The findings showed that only cysteine had a significant association with ovarian cancer, with an (odds ratio) odds ratio value of 0.507 (95% confidence interval: 0.335–0.767, P = .025). The P-value of the combined MR and meta-analysis, after multiple testing correction, was 0.025, indicating statistical significance (P < .05). Additionally, cysteine did not show a reverse causal relationship with ovarian cancer in either data source. Cysteine is a protective factor for ovarian cancer, potentially reducing the risk of ovarian cancer and slowing the progression of the disease.
Diagnostic role of the fibrosis-4 index and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score as a noninvasive tool for liver fibrosis scoring
Authors: Chen Mingxi , Guo Chang , Ouyang Ke , Liu Na
Published: October 2024

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by liver fibrosis, which serves as a crucial indicator of its progression and prognosis. Owing to the limitations of biopsy, which is the gold standard for measuring liver fibrosis, a reliable and noninvasive marker is required. We evaluated the diagnostic role of the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS) in patients with NAFLD with varying severities of liver fibrosis. The FIB-4 index and NFS were calculated using laboratory data from 121 patients who underwent liver biopsies between January 2022 and December 2023. The results were compared with those of the Scheuer scoring system for liver biopsies (F0, F1 + F2, and F3 + F4) to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the FIB-4 index and the liver disease fibrosis score in detecting and staging liver fibrosis. Twenty-one patients had advanced fibrosis (F3–F4), and 100 had minimal or mild fibrosis (F0–F2). The degree of liver fibrosis increased with decreased albumin, alanine aminotransferase and platelet count levels, and increasing age. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for the FIB-4 index and NFS revealed that the areas under the curve for the FIB-4 index and NFS were 0.895 (95% confidence interval: 0.836–0.954) and 0.882 (95% confidence interval: 0.813–0.952), respectively. The FIB-4 indices showed 95.24% sensitivity at a cutoff point of 1.30, and 85% specificity at a cutoff point of 2.67, while the NFS indices showed 95.24% sensitivity at −1.455 cutoff point and 95% specificity at a cutoff point of 0.676. The FIB-4 index and NFS may replace biopsy for the detection of fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.
A network meta-analysis of different acupuncture therapy in the treatment of poststroke cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: Huo Lei , Zhao Manli , Wang Zeying , Zhang Lunzhong , Fu Kaili , Zhang Xuezheng
Published: October 2024

Background:

Poststroke cognitive impairment and dementia (PSCID) is a major cause of stroke-related morbidities and mortalities. Over the last few years, there has been growing evidence supporting the effectiveness of needle-related treatments in PSCID. Our goal was to rate the included therapies and assess the clinical effectiveness of various needle-related treatments in patients with PSCID.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed), Wanfang, FDA.gov, and ClinicalTrials.gov. A mix of subject terms and free words was used to search the databases. The retrieval period was from the inception date of the database to February, 2023. We included SRs and MAs from acupuncture RCTs of patients with PSCID. The Cochrane Risk Assessment Scale was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the included studies. State 17.0 was used for network meta-analysis in accordance with the Bayesian framework.

Results:

There were 34 studies total of 2690 patients. The cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) revealed that CT + CFT + EA was the most efficient intervention to improve (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE) efficiency, followed by CT + CFT + AP to improve (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA) efficiency, CT + CFT + ACU for improving (Activities of Daily Living scale, ADL) scores, and CT + CFT + EA to improve clinical efficiency.

Conclusion:

The results show that Different acupuncture methods can improve cognitive function and daily living ability in patients with PSCID. Network meta-analysis revealed that both CT + CFT + ACU and CT + CFT + EA appeared to be more beneficial for daily living activities, while CT + CFT + EA and CT + CFT + AP appeared to be more helpful for cognitive performance in patients with PSCID. Treatments including acupuncture are safer and have a reduced incidence of negative side effects.
Exploring the potential link between gut microbiota and chronic kidney disease in causality: A 2-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Wen Wen , Huo Jin Lin , Xiao Mei Di , Xu Ya Jie , Zhou Jin
Published: October 2024

Increasing evidence indicates a significant correlation between gut microbiota (GM) and susceptibility to chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, causal relationship presence remains uncertain. Mendelian randomization (MR) was applied to evaluate potential causal relation from GM to CKD. Genomic association analysis aggregates publicly online databases, utilizing Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) database focused on GM and CKD. For examination of potential causal connection from GM to CKD, a 2-way, 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method was applied. Sensitivity analyses were utilized to scrutinize for heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, MR outcomes resilience. Result from inverse variance weighting (IVW) method revealed that 10 microbiotas such as Porphyromonadaceae (OR = 1.351, 95% CI: 1.114–1.638, P = .002), Dorea (OR = 1.236, 95% CI: 1.040–1.468, P = .016), Ruminococcus torques group (OR = 1.290, 95% CI: 1.035–1.608, P = .024) are potential CKD risk factors. Five microbiotas, including the Prevotellaceae (OR = 0.814, 95% CI: 0.719–0.922, P = .001) are potential CKD protective factors. Sensitivity analyses reveal no horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity. Additionally, reverse MR results unveiled potential relation between CKD and disorders in 3 microbiotas, including Senegalimassilia. According to the investigation, MR method was employed to delve into reciprocal causal connection from GM to CKD. Our findings identified 15 types of GM causally linked to CKD, as well as CKD demonstrating causal associations with 3 types of GM. Further exploration of these associated GM types is hopeful to raise novel insights, for CKD preventing and early monitoring.
Surgical outcomes of inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment coexisting with a macular hole
Authors: Peng Kai-Ling , Kung Ya-Hsin , Wu Tsung-Tien
Published: October 2024

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the visual outcomes and foveal restoration in eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and macular hole (MH) following surgery using the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique.

We collected data on eyes with coexisting RRD and MH that underwent surgery using the inverted ILM flap technique between January 2016 and December 2018. The primary outcome measures were visual acuity (VA) and optical coherence tomography findings.

Of 308 eyes with MH originating from various causes, 8 (2.6%) eyes diagnosed with coexisting RRD and MH treated using the inverted ILM flap technique were included. The average patient age and axial length were 65.00 ± 12.01 years and 23.66 ± 0.77 mm, respectively. The mean preoperative best-corrected VA (BCVA) was 1.84 (spherical equivalent [SE], counting finger) ± 0.32 logMAR and the mean final BCVA had improved significantly to 1.05 (SE, 20/223) ± 0.67 logMAR (P = .017). The primary retinal reattachment, MH closure, and secondary retinal attachment rates were 75% (6/8), 87.5% (7/8), and 100% (7/7), respectively.

The inverted ILM flap technique led to significant improvements in anatomical and visual outcomes in patients with coexisting RRD and MH.
Causality between immunocytes and polymyositis: A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Yang Ni , Li Chang , Liu Ruhui , Qi Xianghua , Qian Xing
Published: October 2024

Polymyositis is a prominent subgroup of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, considered to have an autoimmune etiology. However, research exploring the condition between immunocytes and polymyositis remains limited, indicating the need for further investigation to unravel these intricate associations. We employed bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to ascertain causality between 731 immunocytes and polymyositis. We also compared the positive immunocytes with dermatomyositis. Our primary analytical method was inverse variance weighted, supplemented by 4 other MR techniques. Additionally, Cochran Q test was performed to assess heterogeneity, MR-Egger to appraise pleiotropy, and MR-PRESSO to identify and eliminate potential outliers. Furthermore, the leave-one-out test evaluated the impact of each instrumental variable (IV) on the causal effect. The inverse variance weighted results revealed that 10 immunocytes exert a protective effect against polymyositis (P < .05, OR < 1), while 16 immunocytes are connected with an elevated risk of the disease (P < .05, OR > 1). In reverse MR, polymyositis was found to decrease the levels of 2 immune cells (P < .05, OR < 1) and elevate the expression of 5 immune cell phenotypes (P < .05, OR > 1). A complex correlation was found between polymyositis and the immunocyte phenotypes CD8, CD33dim, HLA-DR, CD11b, and CD45. Additionally, it was discovered that 15 types of immune cells share a causal relationship between polymyositis and dermatomyositis. All analyses demonstrated no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy (P > .05). Our study provides compelling evidence regarding the intricate causal relationships between immunocytes and polymyositis. Polymyositis and dermatomyositis share common immunocytes’ regulatory mechanisms. CD8, CD33dim, HLA-DR, CD11b, and CD45 may represent potential immune cell markers for polymyositis. These findings hold implications for planning prognosis and therapeutic strategies for polymyositis, offering novel insights for drug development.
Clinical effects of dexmedetomidine on patients with sepsis and myocardial injury
Authors: Si Xiaomin , Huang Zhonglue , Pan Zhanqun
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to explore the organ-protective effects of dexmedetomidine in patients with sepsis combined with myocardial injury. From December 2021 to December 2023, 263 sepsis patients with myocardial injury were included based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were divided into an experimental group (n = 122), who had previously received dexmedetomidine, and a control group (n = 141), who had received midazolam. After matching baseline characteristics, the treatment outcomes between the 2 groups were compared. In a propensity score-matched cohort of 263 patients, each group had 62 individuals with balanced baseline characteristics. The experimental group showed significantly lower heart rates on days 1, 3, and 7 compared to the control (P < .05). Biomarkers high-sensitivity troponin I and creatine kinase-MB decreased significantly by days 3 and 7, with lower levels in the experimental group. B-type natriuretic peptide levels were also lower in the experimental group on days 3 and 7. Heart function improved in both groups, with the experimental group showing better outcomes. Inflammatory markers decreased significantly after 7 days, with the experimental group having lower levels. Hospitalization duration was similar between groups. Dexmedetomidine reduces heart rate and inflammatory markers, protects myocardial cells, and improves cardiac function in patients with sepsis and myocardial injury. It shows potential as a treatment option, with future research needed to assess its long-term efficacy and safety.
A bibliometric analysis of bladder cancer and microRNA research: Trends and advances from 2008 to 2022
Authors: Zhang Wei , Guo Gaowei , Li Xinji , Lin Jinming , Zheng Zexian , Huang Peidong , Lin Chuqi , Lin Yurong , Chen Xiaosheng , Lin Kuncheng , Zheng Changzheng , Lin Huirong , Lu Yong , Zhang Hui
Published: October 2024

Bladder cancer (BC) is a significant global health issue with high incidence and mortality rates. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and have been found to be dysregulated in BC. Understanding the role of miRNAs in BC development could lead to targeted therapies and improved patient management. Our study presents a thorough examination of the correlation between BC and miRNA research from 2008 to 2022. With the help of 3 powerful methods, including VOSviewer, Biblioshiny, and CiteSpace software, we analyzed the retrieved documents from “Core Collection databases online” on the Web of Science. In total, 798 articles were extracted from the Web of Science, and the number of published papers showed an upward trend from 2008 to 2019. The total number of citations was 21,233, of which the highest paper was a review article written by Chan Jiajia et al in 2018 with 752 citations. Based on the result of the coauthor analysis, Seki Naohiko was the most productive writer and China had the highest volume of published articles. Co-citation analysis was used to reveal the knowledge structure of the research field. In addition to the keywords “Bladder cancer” and “miRNA,” “Proliferation,” “Biomarkers,” and “Apoptosis” were the high-frequency used keywords. Recently, increasingly researchers have paid more attention to the field about BC and miRNA around the worldwide. Through in-depth communication and close collaboration, the veil of miRNA in BC has gradually been unveiled. Bibliometric analysis helps to identify hotspots in research and areas for future investigation.
Evaluation of spexin levels in euthyroid patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis and its relation to autoimmunity
Authors: Aksu Oguzhan , Can Ummugulsum , Celikdelen Selma Ozlem , Yortanli Betul Cigdem , Kizilarslanoglu Muhammet Cemal , Gunay Ayse
Published: October 2024

Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Cytokines and chemokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, and interleukin-1 beta originating from immune cells are involved in the etiopathogenesis of HT. Spexin (SPX) is a recently identified novel peptide hormone consisting of 14 amino acids and has been demonstrated in follicle epithelial cells in thyroid tissue. SPX has been shown to affect the inflammatory response and play a role in its regulation in various diseases. There is a need for markers for diagnosis and treatment of HT patients with negative antibody levels. We found that there is no study in the literature that investigates the HT and the role of spexin in this inflammatory process. Forty-five patients aged 18 to 70 years with HT or newly diagnosed HT and 42 healthy subjects as the control group were included in the study. Patients in the HT group were divided into 3 categories according to ultrasound findings. Mild heterogeneity was called grade 1 (G1), moderate heterogeneity was called grade 2 (G2), and high heterogeneity was called grade 3 (G3). Laboratory parameters and anthropometric measurements of all patients participating in the study were performed, and SPX was measured by the ELISA method. There was no significant difference between the HT and control groups in terms of SPX levels (P = .27). In HT subgroup analysis, SPX levels were found to be borderline statistically significantly higher in the G2 group, where antibody levels were higher compared to other groups (P = .061). In our study, we evaluated SPX levels in HT patients, which has never been done before in the literature. We found high SPX levels in HT patients with high antibody levels. Multicenter studies with high case series, especially at the tissue level, are needed to fully explain the role of SPX in HT immunoetiopathogenesis and to understand immune-checkpoint pathways more clearly.
Efficacy and safety of thalidomide in patients with β-thalassemia intermedia and major
Authors: Ju Wendong , Din Gaomin , Huang Jun , Zheng Minmin , Wang Xiaoyou , Liu Lingling , Wang Li , Xuan Suling , Xiao Weiqun , Chen Ang
Published: October 2024

To investigate the short-term and long-term efficacy and safety of thalidomide in the treatment of intermediate and severe β-thalassemia. We analyzed patients with intermediate and severe β-thalassemia treated at our hospital from February 2019 to February 2024. Patients who received treatment for more than 3 months were included. The efficacy of thalidomide was assessed by comparing changes in hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, bilirubin, and Hb electrophoresis before and after treatment. Adverse drug reactions during treatment were also recorded. A total of 42 β-thalassemia patients were included, with thalidomide dosages ranging from 75 to 150 mg/d. The response rates at 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment were 73.8% (31/42), 75.0% (24/32), and 94.7% (18/19), respectively. The increase in Hb levels was primarily attributed to fetal hemoglobin (HbF). After 1 month of treatment, the HbF percentage increased from a baseline of 34.04 ± 27.58% to 56.25 ± 28.40% (P < .001). At 3 and 6 months, HbF further increased to 67.21 ± 27.12% (P < .001) and 73.93 ± 22.96% (P < .001), respectively. The average duration of thalidomide treatment was 25.3 ± 9.2 months (range: 4–60 months), with 6 patients treated for over 60 months and 18 patients for over 48 months. Two homozygous patients who failed thalidomide treatment achieved Hb levels above 100 g/L and discontinued transfusion therapy after 3 months of hydroxyurea treatment. The most common adverse reaction was somnolence, which was mild and tolerable. Thalidomide demonstrates significant and sustained therapeutic effects in β-thalassemia patients. The adverse reactions are mild and tolerable, allowing patients to continue treatment.
Crestal approach for maxillary sinus augmentation in individuals with limited alveolar bone height: An observational study
Authors: Cho Sunga , Min Eun Jeong , Hwa Somyeong , Lee Heera , Ko Youngkyung , Park Jun-Beom
Published: October 2024

In cases where the bone presence is <4 mm, the lateral approach is typically the first approach considered. Nevertheless, for patients who prefer minimally invasive procedures or wish to reduce postoperative discomfort, the crestal approach is a viable option. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of crestal sinus augmentation for achieving adequate bone in individuals with residual bone measuring <3 mm. The study comprised 11 participants (63.6 ± 10.9 years of age) who were treated at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital between 2021 and 2023 and received crestal approach sinus augmentation due to insufficient bone density of <3 mm using the crestal approach kit. Pre-augmentation and post-augmentation cone-beam computed tomographic images were analyzed using the imaging software to measure vertical bone height, bucco–palatal width, and mesio–distal width. Before the intervention, the height of the vertical bone was 2.1 ± 0.5 mm, while the width from buccal to palatal was 10.6 ± 2.9 mm, and the width from mesial to distal was 9.9 ± 1.2 mm. Following the intervention, these measurements increased to 8.8 ± 0.9 mm, 12.2 ± 2.2 mm, and 10.2 ± 1.2 mm, respectively. The change in height of the vertical bone was 6.7 ± 1.0 mm, in bucco–palatal width was 1.6 ± 1.4 mm, and in mesio–distal width was 0.3 ± 0.4 mm. The results revealed a significant rise in the height of the vertical bone and bucco–palatal width. Crestal sinus augmentation has been demonstrated to be a highly effective approach for achieving an adequate quantity of bone in patients with residual bone <3 mm. Nonetheless, further observation is required to evaluate the long-term prognosis of the procedures.
TSAM®
Authors: Julson Jenna L. , Maloney Mona H. , Radle Dana J. , Westaby Emily M. , Figi Carol A. , Bauer Jenny M.
Published: October 2024

Nursing professional development practitioners used a phased approach to apply TSAM® in ambulatory nursing orientation redesign across a regional health system in the Midwest. The team used job descriptions, practice standards, and nursing workflows with TSAM® components to develop tiered orientation objectives, resource time activities, and continuous partnership strategies that support ambulatory nursing practice. Project outcomes included creating a standardized orientation record and resource time activities across multiple clinics, strengthening stakeholder accountability, and post-implementation sustainability.
A NOMOGRAM BASED ON THE VALUE OF THE DYNAMIC EVOLUTION OF SYSTEMIC IMMUNE INFLAMMATORY INDEX IN THE EVALUATION OF SEVERE HEATSTROKE
Authors: Xu Chongxiao , Yin Bingling , Zhao Yueli , Guo Haiyang , Hou Xiaogan , Liu Anwei , He Xuan , Chen Wenda , Lin Guodong , Pan Zhiguo
Published: October 2024

Background: Severe heatstroke patients have a poor prognosis. There are few descriptions of the inflammatory response to heatstroke in clinical studies. Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a new index to reflect the inflammatory state of disease. Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients who had severe heatstroke between 2010 and 2023. Multivariate logistic regression and nomogram were performed to determine the ability of the SII to predict the prognosis of these patients, and subgroup analysis was performed according to SII levels. Results: Of the 177 patients included in our study, 28 (15.8%) died. There was no difference in SII values between the first day (P = 0.810) and the second day (P = 0.184) in multivariate analysis. The SII value of the third day (SII 72) was elevated in patients with heatstroke who died compared to that in those who survived (P = 0.035). In multivariable logistic regression, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (odds ratio [OR], 1.717; confidence interval [CI], 1.073–2.747; P = 0.024) and SII 72 (OR, 1.001; 95% CI, 1.000–1.002; P = 0.035) were found to be independent predictors of mortality. SII 72 combined with SOFA score distinguished between patients who died and those who survived better than did the separate SOFA score. Patients with SII 72 > 1,000 had poor clinical prognosis. Conclusions: Compared to SII results from the first and second days, third-day results more meaningfully predict poor heatstroke prognosis. SII 72 may be a good indicator and, when combined with SOFA, offers enhanced predictive value.
The Everyday Autobiographical Memory of Autistic Children
Authors: Brien Ashley R. , Hutchins Tiffany L.
Published: October 2024

Autobiographical memory (ABM) and social cognition are mutually constituted, and both are affected in autism. Meanwhile, very little is known about the heterogeneity of ABM in autism, how ABM differences are present in real-world contexts, and how to best respond to autistic children’s ABM differences. The goals of this qualitative study were to examine the nature of ABM in autistic youth to understand its presentation and practical impacts in everyday life and to identify research priorities to inform clinical and educational practice. Nineteen parents of autistic children (ages 6–15) participated in a semi-structured interview designed to solicit information about their children’s ABM. Interviews were transcribed and coded for the presence of themes. The main themes and their subthemes (in parentheses) were: (1) episodic memory problems (disorganized/overgeneralized narratives; poor episodic foresight; confabulation and avoidance/escape) that demonstrated an effect of task support and (2) ABM strengths (semantic memory; sensory-perceptual memory; emotional memory) that were described as forms of motivated memory. Results were broadly consistent with existing empirical data but expand understanding of the complexity of the memory profiles of autistic youth with important research, practice, and advocacy implications. We conclude that a focus on ABM assessment and support is overdue and critically relevant for clinical and educational goals involving social cognition and communication.
Detection and genetic characterization of Uukuvirus lihanense, (Uukuvirus, Phenuiviridae) in hard ticks from the Colombian Caribbean.
Authors: Anaya Ketty Galeano , Mejía Yesica López , Terán Camilo Guzmán , López Mejía Yeimi , Martinez Héctor Contreras , Perez Alejandra García , Ricardo Luis Romero , Bravo Caty Martínez , De la Hoz Daniel Echeverri , Tuirán Luis Paternina , Rangel Alfonso Calderón , Bernate German Arrieta , MATTAR SALIM
Published: October 2024

Ticks are arthropod vectors that transmit pathogens important to human and animal health. The Objective of this work was to identify Uukuvirus lihanense in the metatranscriptome of hard ticks. Between October 2022 and June 2023, ticks were collected from rural areas of the Colombian Caribbean area of ​​the departments of Córdoba and Cesar. High-throughput sequencing (NGS) was performed using MGI's DNBSEQ-G50RS. Bioinformatics analyses were performed in Galaxy, DIAMOND, and IQtree2. A total of 766 ticks were collected; 87.33% (669/766) were Rhipicephalus microplus, 5.4% (42/766) Dermacentor nitens, 4.2% (32/766) Rhipicephalus sanguineus and 3.0% (23/766) Amblyomma dissimile. Complete and partial L and S segments of Uukuvirus lihanense (LITV) were detected in the metatranscriptome of A. dissimile, D. nitens, and R. microplus. The LITV sequences found are phylogenetically related to those detected in R. sanguineus and A. variegatum from the French Antilles, in R. microplus from Trinidad and Tobago, and R. microplus from Brazil. LITV was identified in D. nitens and R. microplus; the first report was in A. dissimile. Although LITV is not considered necessary in public health, The virus belongs to the Phenuiviridae family, which includes viruses of public health importance, such as Dabie bandavirus and Bandavirus heartlandense. The data indicate the wide range of tick species that LITV can infect, with the potential for spread to other vectors.
Identification methods as a factor affecting the performance of clinical microbiology laboratories participating in an external quality assessment program: a cross-sectional, retrospective analysis
Authors: Wu Jennifer , Alam Md Saiful , Restelli Veronica , Vimalanathan Selvarani , Perrone Lucy A.
Published: October 2024

Introduction. Laboratory participation in external quality assessment (EQA) programmes including proficiency testing (PT) is a requirement of clinical laboratory conformance to ISO 15189:2022 Medical laboratories – Requirements for quality and competence. PT is one EQA method whereby laboratories are sent blinded samples for characterization by routine laboratory diagnostic methods. Importantly, PT enables a laboratory’s performance to be evaluated in comparison to the standard reference methods and to the performance of other peer laboratories using similar diagnostic methods.

Gap statement. The desired outcome of participating in PT is to help laboratories identify possible sources of error in each step of the total testing process and particularly in their test methods during the analytical phase.

Aim. This cross-sectional study investigated the impact of using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) compared to conventional phenotypic biochemical testing on laboratory performance in a clinical bacteriology PT scheme.

Methodology. During a 6-year period from 2017-2022, the Canadian Microbiology Proficiency Testing implemented 112 PT challenges comprising 22 different sample types and included 61 different bacterial species. This was translated into 5883 graded test events for analysis. Multiple logistic regression techniques were employed to explore the association between the test method employed and laboratory performance. The sample type and aerobic classification of challenge organisms were included as confounding variables.

Results. Laboratories using MALDI-TOF MS performed significantly better in characterizing microorganisms than laboratories using phenotypic biochemical testing alone [odds ratio OR = 5.68, confidence interval (CI): 3.92, 8.22] regardless of the sample type and aerobic classification. Notably, our analysis identified a significant association between anaerobic organisms and laboratory performance (OR: 0.24, CI: 0.17–0.35), suggesting that culturing and identifying fastidious organisms remains a significant obstacle for many clinical microbiology laboratories.

Conclusions. Although no method is infallible and its performance will depend on the validation and quality assurance procedures, this finding may help the management in the decision for implementing MALDI-TOF MS in the microbiology laboratory. This study highlights the important role PT providers play in the objective assessment of laboratory performance and how it can provide evidence for quality improvement.
Nosocomial cluster of patients infected with imipenemase-1-producing Enterobacter ludwigii
Authors: Zaragozá González Raquel , Iglesias Llorente Laura , Fernández-Paniagua Estefanía Águila , Alonso Acero Laura , Monserrat Blázquez Teresa , Horcajada Iballa , Florén Zabala Laura Florén
Published: October 2024

Introduction. Imipenemase (IMI) enzymes are an uncommon class A carbapenemases that have been isolated from aquatic environments and, occasionally, from clinical isolates of Enterobacterales.

Aim. We describe a cluster of three patients infected by IMI-1 carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter ludwigii (IMI-1-Elud) in a tertiary university hospital in Gran Canaria, Spain.

Methodology. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the Vitek2 AST-N355 card and antibiotic gradient strips. The modified carbapenem inactivation method (CIM) test was performed in cases where the ertapenem MIC value was higher than 0.125 mg l−1. The carbapenemase was identified by PCR and DNA microarray and later characterized by whole-genome next-generation sequencing (NGS) with Illumina.

Results. Three patients presented thoracic or abdominal infections caused by IMI-1-Elud ST1677 from 14 June 2022 to 14 July 2022. All patients underwent at least one gastroscopy during their admission, and two of them were located in adjoining rooms. Isolates were resistant to carbapenems, colistin and fosfomycin but susceptible to ciprofloxacin. IMI/NMC-A carbapenemase was detected by PCR and hybridization test and confirmed by NGS as IMI-1. All patients underwent at least one gastroscopy, and two of them were in nearby rooms. Patients showed microbiological and clinical improvement following focus drainage and targeted antibiotic treatment with a fluoroquinolone.

Conclusions. This study reports the first documented global outbreak of patients infected with IMI-1-Elud. The source appeared to be related to endoscopes. Contact transmission may also have played a role. A screening method such as the modified CIM test is crucial for detecting less common carbapenemases that might not be identified by rapid molecular or immunochromatographic tests, as these often do not include bla
IMI genes, which could lead to the undetected dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales. Effective infection source control and targeted treatment are essential for achieving a favourable clinical outcome.
PhenoScreen: A Dual-Space Contrastive Learning Framework-based Phenotypic Screening Method by Linking Chemical Perturbations to Cellular Morphology
Authors: Wang Shihang , Han Qilei , Qin Weichen , Wang Lin , Yuan Junhong , Zhao Yiqun , Ren Pengxuan , Zhang Yunze , Tang Yilin , Li Ruifeng , Li Zongquan , Zhang Wenchao , Gao Shenghua , Bai Fang
Published: October 2024

Phenotypic drug discovery (PDD) screens compounds in cellular models that represent disease-relevant phenotypes, offering a compelling alternative to traditional target-based approaches. Unlike conventional methods, where compounds act on a single predefined target, PDD identifies compounds capable of exerting therapeutic effects through multiple targets and mechanisms. This makes PDD particularly valuable for discovering first-in-class drugs, especially for diseases with poorly understood molecular mechanisms or those lacking validated therapeutic targets. By enabling broader exploration of biological systems and uncovering multi-target drugs (polypharmacology), PDD provides a powerful strategy for tackling complex diseases. In this study, we introduce PhenoScreen, a deep learning framework designed to advance PDD by utilizing large-scale compound-phenotype association data. Through contrastive learning, PhenoScreen connects chemical space with cellular morphological profiles, allowing for accurate prediction of compound-induced phenotypic changes. PhenoScreen can also accurately identfiy lead compounds which could induce user defined phenotypic shift but more novel scaffolds using different levels of phenotypic information reflected by diverse compounds. The model was validated across multiple screening tasks and successfully predicted active compounds inducing user-specified phenotypes with varying inhibitory effects in the osteosarcoma phenotypic model. Further, other than showing effectiveness to osteosarcoma, our experiments also showed that PhenoScreen demonstrated strong generalization to rhabdomyosarcoma, and the active compound we screened had an IC50of up to 1.842 μM, suggesting its ability to capture key phenotypic features shared across cancer cells. These results underscore PhenoScreen’s potential to accelerate drug discovery by identifying novel therapeutic pathways and increasing the diversity of viable drug candidates. PhenoScreen is accessible online via our group’s web server for compound virtual screening athttps://bailab.siais.shanghaitech.edu.cn/services/PhenoScreen/, and the source codes are available athttps://github.com/Shihang-Wang-58/PhenoScreen.
scGenePT: Is language all you need for modeling single-cell perturbations?
Authors: Istrate Ana-Maria , Li Donghui , Karaletsos Theofanis
Published: October 2024

Modeling single-cell perturbations is a crucial task in the field of single-cell biology. Predicting the effect of up or down gene regulation or drug treatment on the gene expression profile of a cell can open avenues in understanding biological mechanisms and potentially treating disease. Most foundation models for single-cell biology learn from scRNA-seq counts, using experimental data as a modality to generate gene representations. Similarly, the scientific literature holds a plethora of information that can be used in generating gene representations using a different modality - language - as the basis. In this work, we study the effect of using both language and experimental data in modeling genes for perturbation prediction. We show that textual representations of genes provide additive and complementary value to gene representations learned from experimental data alone in predicting perturbation outcomes for single-cell data. We find that textual representations alone are not as powerful as biologically learned gene representations, but can serve as useful prior information. We show that different types of scientific knowledge represented as language induce different types of prior knowledge. For example, in the datasets we study, subcellular location helps the most for predicting the effect of single-gene perturbations, and protein information helps the most for modeling perturbation effects of interactions of combinations of genes. We validate our findings by extending the popular scGPT model, a foundation model trained on scRNA-seq counts, to incorporate language embeddings at the gene level. We start with NCBI gene card and UniProt protein summaries from the genePT approach and add gene function annotations from the Gene Ontology (GO). We name our model “scGenePT”, representing the combination of ideas from these two models. Our work sheds light on the value of integrating multiple sources of knowledge in modeling single-cell data, highlighting the effect of language in enhancing biological representations learned from experimental data.
Single-cell profiling of the lung immune cells of diabetes-tuberculosis comorbidity reveals reduced type-II interferon and elevated Th17 responses
Authors: Chaudhary Shweta , Sravya Mothe , Pahwa Falak , V Sureshkumar , Singh Prateek , Chaturvedi Shivam , Mohanty Debasisa , Dash Debasis , Nanda Ranjan Kumar
Published: October 2024

Understanding the perturbed lung immune cells distribution and its functionality in tuberculosis (TB) is well documented; however, limited reports have covered their disruption, if any, in diabetes-tuberculosis (DM-TB) comorbid conditions. Here, we employed single-cell RNA-seq to investigate the molecular mechanisms that govern the heterogeneity in host immune response in DM-TB comorbid conditions. Diabetes is associated with chronic hyperinflammation and reduced lung-infiltrating immune cells, which delays the immune response to Mycobacterial infection. scRNA-seq of lung CD3⁺ and CD11c⁺ cells revealed compromised adaptive and innate immunity, with decreased Th1 and M1 macrophage populations in DM-TB mice. A dampened immune response, marked by increased IL-16 signaling and reduced TNF and IFN-II responses, was observed in DM-TB. This study highlights chronic inflammation, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia associated with diabetes impairing anti-TB immunity. Selective inhibition of aberrant IL-16 secretion and Th17 cell activation might provide strategies for better managing DM-TB comorbidity.
Integration of protein and coding sequences enables mutual augmentation of the language model
Authors: Zhao Heng-Rui , Cheng Meng-Ting , Zhu Jinhua , Wang Hao , Yang Xiang-Rui , Wang Bo , Sun Yuan-Xin , Fang Ming-Hao , Chen Enhong , Li Houqiang , Han Shu-Jing , Chen Yuxing , Zhou Cong-Zhao
Published: October 2024

Recent language models have significantly accelerated our understanding on the massive biological data, using protein or DNA/RNA sequences as a single-language modality. Here we present a dual-language foundation model, which integrates both protein and coding sequences (CDS) for pre-training. Compared to the benchmark models, it shows a superior performance up to ∼20% on both protein and mRNA-related discriminative tasks, and gains the capacity to de novo generate coding sequences of ∼50% increased protein yield. Moreover, the model also possesses the knowledge transferability from the pre-training data to the upstream 5’ untranslated regions. These findings indicate the intrinsic correlations between protein and its CDS, as well as the coding region and beyond. It provides a new paradigm that leverages the multiple-language foundation model to interpret the hidden context of distinct corpora/biological languages, which could be further applied to mine the yet-unknown biological information/correlation beyond the Central Dogma.
Lipid Demixing Reduces Energy Barriers for High Curvature Vesicle Budding
Authors: Schachter Itay
Published: October 2024

Budding relies on membrane asymmetry, including composition, area, and osmotic differences, and involves large curvature changes in nanoscale lipid vesicles. So far, the combined impact of asymmetry and high curvatures on budding has remained unknown. Here, using continuum elastic theory, the budding pathway is detailed under realistic conditions. It shows that budding is less favored in smaller vesicles but lipid demixing can significantly reduce its energy barrier and yet high compositional deviations of more than 7% between the bud and vesicle only occur with phase separation on the bud.