bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel molecular classification based on TP53 mutation to predict bladder cancer prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy
Authors: Wang Hongyuan , Li RongQi , Lei Xiao-Hang , Lv Wei-Chao , Zhang Wei , Zhang Jianguo
Published: February 2024

Background
The efficacy of TP53, the most widely researched mutation genetic genes in tumor, in tumor metabolic reprogramming remains unclear.
Methods
The differential analysis of gene expression data information of TP53 mutation and TP53 wild-type patients were conducted to identify TP53 mutation-associated metabolic genes (TMGs), which were used to identify and verify a TP53 mutation-associated metabolic signature (TMMS). Comprehensive bioinformatics analyses were performed to explore biological interpretability and clinical application value of TMMS.
Results
According to TP53 mutation, 218 TMGs were detected. The TMMSscore including GFPT2, ATP6V1C2, IMPDH1, CKMT2, PPT2, CAD, HNMT, INPP1 and PLCH1 genes were constructed and verified to determine a low TMMSscore group, which showed more favorable prognosis in the TCGA and GEO cohort compared to a high TMMSscore group. The high TMMSscore group contained more reprogrammed metabolic pathways, which had glycan-related metabolism and less immune infiltration. The low TMMSscore group showed more immune cell infiltration, which included anti-tumor cells in BC, for instance CD8(+) T cells, Treg cells and less metabolic reprogramming. In two immunotherapy cohorts of anti-PD-1 treated lung and kidney cancers, TMMSscore was used to distinguish a low TMMSscore group with better immunotherapy efficacy from a high TMMSscore group and identify a key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) termed COL1A2. In immunohistochemistry experiments on three tumor tissue samples and three normal tissue samples from three bladder cancer patients, COL1A2 showed high expression characteristics in tumors.
Conclusions
The TMMS based on metabolic genes affected by TP53 mutations predicted the prognosis of BC and develop a guiding strategy for immune checkpoint therapy. This research brought a new insight into the involvement of TP53 mutations in tumor metabolic reprogramming.
The Application of Transbronchial Cryo-biopsy in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis
Authors: Ge Ai , Sun Xiao-li , Cao Zu , Xu Jin-Fu , Xie Hui-Kang , Bai Jiu-wu
Published: February 2024

Background Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease characterized by abnormal alveolar surfactant accumulation. The small tissue specimens obtained by transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) could not adequately meet the need for subsequent diagnosis. In recent years, transbronchial cryo-biopsy (TBCB) has gradually been applied as it can obtain larger and better-quality specimens. This study aims to assess the diagnostic yield and safety of TBCB in PAP.Methods The subjects of this retrospective study are 78 PAP patients who had a lung biopsy in the Tongji University Affiliated Pulmonary Hospital from Jan 2017 to Sep 2022. 36 of them underwent TBLB and the other 42 underwent TBCB. Clinical data, biopsy specimen number, specimen size, the proportion of lesion sites to biopsy specimens, complications, and pathological diagnosis of patients from both groups were recorded.Results Our data analysis shows that the diagnostic yield of TBCB is significantly higher than that of TBLB (78.6% vs. 50%, p < 0.05). The biopsy specimen number and size of the TBCB group were larger than those of the TBLB group (p < 0.05). The proportion of lesion sites to biopsy specimens of the TBCB group was also higher than that of the TBLB group (p < 0.05). As for pathological diagnosis, though we cannot see a statistically significant difference in the specimen number between positive and negative diagnoses of PAP, the specimen size of the PAP-positive group was actually larger than that of the PAP-negative group (p < 0.05). According to the receiver operating characteristic curve, the specimen size of at least 2 mm2 was the cut-off with a higher positive predictive value (area under the curve = 0.676, p = 0.007). For complications of TBLB and TBCB, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of pneumothorax and bleeding between the two groups.Conclusions TBCB is a minimally invasive, effective, and safe technique with a higher diagnostic yield than TBLB in PAP diagnosis. Increasing the biopsy specimen size can effectively improve the diagnostic yield of PAP.
The impact of the fine-grained parameters of the anti-rotation model on the macroscopic mechanical properties of Fujian standard sand
Authors: Liu Hongshuai , Ding Bowen , Zhang Dongtao , Li Liyun
Published: February 2024

Based on PFC3D software, the mechanical response of model meso parameters to macro parameters of the Fujian sand triaxial test was analyzed. Combined with the results of indoor tests, the range of model parameters was determined. The simulation was conducted under the confining pressures of 100kpa, 300kpa and 500kpa respectively. After the macro parameters were obtained, the influence degree of each micro parameter on the macro parameters was analyzed through orthogonal test design to conduct sensitivity analysis on the contact modulus, stiffness ratio, friction coefficient, and anti-rotation coefficient of the sample. The results show that the elastic modulus is positively correlated with the contact modulus, friction coefficient, and anti-rotation coefficient, and negatively correlated with the stiffness ratio. The peak friction angle is negatively correlated with the contact modulus and stiffness ratio and positively correlated with the friction coefficient and anti-rotation coefficient. With the increase of the contact modulus and friction coefficient, the strain softening degree of the sample will increase, and the stiffness ratio and anti-rotation coefficient have no obvious effect on the strain softening degree. The contact modulus has little influence on the stable value of the mechanical coordination number of the sample. In contrast, the friction coefficient, stiffness ratio, and anti-rotation coefficient have greatly influenced the stable value of the mechanical coordination number. Compared with the orthogonal test design, the contact modulus has the greatest impact on the elastic modulus, and the stiffness ratio has the least impact on the elastic modulus. The friction coefficient has the greatest effect on the peak friction angle, and the stiffness ratio has the least effect on the peak friction angle. Based on the orthogonal experimental design results, a set of parameters is obtained. Finally, the PFC calibration results of Fujian sand are obtained by comparing the experimental results obtained from the predicted microscopic parameters with the laboratory tests, which provides a reference for future discrete element simulation laboratory tests.
The prevalence and surgical outcome of Hip Dysplasia in children with Prader-Willi Syndrome
Authors: Mo Yueqiang , Wu Chunxing , Huang Peng , Wang Dahui , Jing Yanhui , Ning Bo
Published: February 2024

Background
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare disease. Orthopedic-related diseases of PWS include scoliosis, hip dysplasia, osteoporosis, genu valgum, and foot deformities. Limited literature exists on the prevalence, diagnosis, and surgical management of hip dysplasia (HD) in PWS. This study aims to assess the prevalence of hip dysplasia in children with PWS and to evaluate the outcomes following surgical intervention.
Materials and Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with PWS at our institution from January 2017 to December 2021. Only those with a genetic confirmation of PWS and an anteroposterior (AP) pelvic radiograph were included. Patient demographics were collected, and the acetabular index (AI) was measured. For children over five years of age, the central edge angle (CEA) was also recorded. A single fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeon determined the presence of HD based on radiographic measurements. Patients who underwent surgery were followed up for a minimum of 12 months.
Results
Among the 178 patients with PWS (100 males and 78 females), 99 had AP pelvic radiograph, of which 33 met the criteria of HD, with a prevalence of 33.3%. There was no significant association between prevalence and sex (P = 0.769) or genetic subtype (P = 0.574). The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 34.4 months (6 months to 109 months). Five patients (2 right side, 3 bilateral) underwent surgical intervention, including Salter innominate osteotomy, proximal femoral osteotomy, and close/open reduction of the hip, at an average age of 82.4 months. One patient (2 hips) was lost to follow-up 1.5 months post cast removal. There was a statistically significant improvement in AI from preoperative (42.8 ± 5.9 degrees) to postoperative (21.7 ± 7.7 degrees) measurements (P = 0.003). One hip resulted in stiffness with a flexion of 60 degrees, while the others showed good mobility. No serious postoperative complications were reported during the follow-up.
Conclusions
The present study demonstrated a higher prevalence of hip dysplasia in patients with PWS than in the general population. The prevalence does not significantly differ across sexes or genetic subtypes. Surgical treatment could reach a similar results as to those of hip dysplasia without PWS.
Comparison of In-Vitro Micropropagation Growth Media Solutions for Prosthechea cochleata (L.) W.E. Higgins vars. diandra and triandra
Authors: Bartel Lauren , Downing Jason Lamar
Published: February 2024

Prosthechea cochleata or clamshell orchid is recognized as a species of both conservation and commercial importance. It has long been prized by orchid breeders and growers for its unique flower and hardy disposition. The commercial market has failed to meet the demand for this species since it is still targeted for illegal collection in the wild. This study examines the effectiveness of the banana powder on two variants (var. diandra and var. triandra) with disparate home ranges and levels of genetic diversity using two commercially available agar-based media (PhytoTechnology P668 and P748). Undifferentiated protocorms of the two variants were monitored for shoot growth and differentiation across a period of 156 days. Banana powder supplement (P748) was more effective in initiating shoot formation in both variants compared to control media (P668) (F = 65.11, p < 0.001, df = 81). The diandrous variant grown with banana showed the highest mean shoot count (98.17 shoots/flask) at the end of the monitoring period. Results suggest that banana supplement is an effective source of plant growth regulators and organic nutrients necessary to promote shoot formation and seedling development in this species. This research is important for the conservation of P. cochleata as it identifies an effective and cost-efficient method for micropropagation, which can aid in increasing the wild populations of this species. Additionally, the findings have implications for commercial orchid production, as it can potentially improve the cultivation and yield of this species for economic purposes.
Long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of preoperative chemoradiotherapy with oral dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase inhibitory fluoropyrimidines in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Tokunaga Takuya , Kashihara Hideya , Yoshikawa Kozo , Nakao Toshihiro , Nishi Masaaki , Takasu Chie , Wada Yuma , Yoshimoto Toshiaki , Shimada Mitsuo
Published: February 2024

Background
The purpose of this study was to determine long-term outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who received preoperative chemoradiotherapy with oral dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD)-inhibiting fluoropyrimidines.
Methods
Fifty-seven locally advanced rectal cancer patients who underwent preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with oral DPD-inhibitory fluoropyrimidines from 2006 to 2013 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Patients with T3–T4 lower rectal cancer were irradiated once daily (2 Gy) with a total dose of 40 Gy, and chemotherapy was administered with tegafur-uracil (300 mg/m2/day) or S-1 (80 mg/m2/day) on radiation days. Total mesorectal excision was performed 6–8 weeks after the completion of radiotherapy.
Results
Pathologic complete response was observed in three patients (5.6%) with a pathologic response rate of 26.3%. Five-year overall survival was 77.8% and 5-year disease-free survival was 65.1%. Recurrence was observed in 20 patients (35.1%) and local recurrence in 9 patients (15.8%). Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors for overall survival identified pre-CRT lateral lymph node metastasis and circumferential resection margin as independent prognostic factors, and ypStage as an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival.
Conclusions
Evaluation of lateral lymph node before CRT is useful in predicting prognosis in patients with locally advanced lower rectal cancer treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy with oral DPD-inhibiting fluoropyrimidines, and surgical planning to ensure a 1-mm circumferential resection margin is important for improving prognosis.
Convolutional neural network using magnetic resonance brain imaging to predict outcome from tuberculosis meningitis
Authors: Dong Trinh Huu Khanh , Canas Liane , Donovan Joseph , Beasley Daniel , Huong Dau Thi Thanh , Thuong-Thuong Nguyen Thuy , Phu Nguyen Hoan , Ha Nguyen Thi , Ourselin Sebastien , Razavi Reza , Thwaites Guy , Modat Marc
Published: February 2024

Introduction Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) leads to high mortality, especially amongst individuals with HIV. Predicting the incidence of disease-related complications is challenging, for which purpose the value of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has not been well investigated. We used a convolutional neural network (CNN) to explore the contribution of brain MRI to the conventional prognostic determinants. Method We used data from two randomised control trials of HIV-positive and HIV-negative adults with clinical TBM in Vietnam to predict the occurrence of death or new neurological complications in the first two months after the subject’s first MR session. We developed and compared three models: a logistic regression with no imaging data as reference, a CNN that utilised only T1-weighted MR volumes, and a model that fused both. All models were fine-tuned using two repeated 5-fold cross-validation. The final evaluation was based on a random 70/30 training/test split, stratified by the outcome and HIV status. Based on the selected model, we explored the interpretability maps derived from the models. Results 215 patients were included, with an event prevalence of 22.3%. On the test set our non-imaging model had higher AUC (71.2% ± 1.1%) than the imaging-only model (67.3% ± 2.6%). The fused model was superior to both, with an average AUC = 77.3% ± 4.0% in the test set. The non-imaging variables were more informative in the HIV-positive group, while the imaging features were more predictive in the HIV-negative group. All three models performed better in the latter cohort. Across 10 folds, all models’ performance varied considerably, suggesting room for improvement. The interpretability maps show the model’s focus on the lateral fissures, the corpus callosum and the tissue around lateral ventricles. Some standard lesions such as tuberculomas and basal enhancement, were not determined by the model to be relevant disease prognostic features. Conclusion Imaging information using a CNN can help predict unwanted outcomes of TBM. A larger dataset is now needed to confirm our findings.
Translation of secretory mRNAs must be restrained during early oncogenesis to permit hepatocellular carcinoma initiation
Authors: Norman Jim , Moore Madeleine , Pardo Luis , Mitchell Louise , Schmidt Tobias , Waldron Joseph , May Stephanie , Muller Miryam , Smith r , Strathdee Douglas , Bryson Sheila , Hodge Kelly , Lilla Sergio , Wilczynska Ania , McGarry Lynn , Gillen Sarah , Peter-Durairaj Ruban , Kanellos Georgios , Nixon Colin , Zanivan Sara , Sansom Owen , Bird Thomas , Bushell Martin , Quesne John Le
Published: February 2024

Increased protein synthesis drives proliferation of established tumours. However, how mRNA translation contributes to early tumorigenesis remains unclear. Following oncogene activation, hepatocytes enter a senescent phase characterized by deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) niches which promote subsequent progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We demonstrate an inverse relationship between translation rates and transition from this oncogene-induced senescent state to proliferating HCC. We have found that this is due to tight coupling of the mRNA translation rate at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and lysosomal degradation of membrane/secretory proteins. Specifically, increased routing of newly synthesized proteins from the ER alters endosomal trafficking of membrane integrins towards late endosomes/lysosomes which, in turn, opposes generation of ECM-rich tumour initiation niches. Consistently, inhibition of protein synthesis during early tumorigenesis accelerates HCC initiation, challenging the current thinking on the relationship between mRNA translation rates and cancer. Our results also highlight that the administration of current therapeutics designed to suppress translation rates may need to be carefully timed to improve patient outcomes.
Nanoscale chemical heterogeneities control magma viscosity and failure
Authors: Munoz Pedro Valdivia , Zandonà Alessio , Löschmann Jessica , Bondar Dmitry , Genevois Cécile , Canizarès Aurélien , Allix Mathieu , Miyajima Nobuyoshi , Kurnosov Alexander , Boffa-Ballaran Tiziana , Fiore Fabrizio Di , Vona Alessandro , Romano Claudia , Deubener Joachim , Bamber Emily , Genova Danilo Di
Published: February 2024

Explosive volcanic eruptions, resulting from magma fragmentation, pose significant threats to inhabited regions. The challenge of achieving fragmentation conditions in less evolved compositions, such as andesites and basalts, stems from their low viscosities. Recent research highlights the role of Fe-Ti-oxide nanocrystals (nanolites) in increasing melt viscosity, yet the mechanisms behind the impact of nanocrystallization remain a subject of ongoing debate. To assess their effect on melt viscosity, we introduce innovative viscosity models exclusively utilizing nanolite-free viscosity data. Our study unveils the first in-situ imaging of nanolite formation in andesitic melt resulting in a heterogeneous distribution of elements, generating a relatively SiO2-enriched matrix and Al-enriched shells around nanolites. This phenomenon results in a substantial, up to 30-fold increase in magma viscosity at eruptive temperatures. By incorporating nanoscale observations of fragmented magma from the literature, we deduce that elemental heterogeneities might play a critical role in driving magmas towards failure conditions.
¿How much and for how long could the annual cost of atmospheric greenhouse gas (CO2e) abatement between 1960-2020 through carbon pricing be estimated?
Authors: Casas-Cuestas Michel , Álvarez-Rodríguez Juan Fernando
Published: February 2024

This document presents the estimated cost and timing of climate change mitigation through carbon pricing based on the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions for the period 1960 to 2020. This was done by constructing a matrix of prices using public databases comparing reported emissions (Andrew, 2021; Friedlingstein et al., 2020), and then formulating the greenhouse gas storage scenarios that were formed based on the cost-effective prices (Griscom et al., 2017). This allowed the range of feasible prices to be determined according to the COP Chair's estimates of annual investment capacity and the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change (Stern, 2006). Consequently, as a contribution to the knowledge of the carbon market prices, the annual cost scenarios for climate change management were formulated on the basis of historical emissions and a financial model that compensates investments including absorption and storage of the greenhouse gases \(CO2e\) in terms of time in a range of 13 to 63 years and a cost of 50 billion to 1.2 trillion dollars. In conclusion, it is possible to use carbon markets to mitigate climate change based on the constraints outlined above by means of the natural climate solutions.
Diagnostic Accuracy of WB-MRI and 123I-mIBG /131I-mIBG Imaging in Metastatic Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma: A Comparative Study
Authors: Mori Hiroshi , Wakabayashi Hiroshi , Saito Shintaro , Nakajima Kenichi , Yoshida Kotaro , Hiromasa Tomo , Kinuya Seigo
Published: February 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to compare tumor lesion detectability and diagnostic accuracy of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) and radioiodine-labeled meta-iodo-benzylguanidine (mIBG) imaging techniques in patients with metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL).
Methods
This retrospective study included 13 patients had pheochromocytoma and 5 had paraganglioma, who were all suspected of having metastatic tumors. Each patient underwent WB-MRI and 123I-mIBG as a pretreatment screening for 131I-mIBG therapy. Two expert reviewers evaluated WB-MRI, 123I-mIBG images, and post-therapy 131I-mIBG images for the presence of metastatic lesions in the lungs, bones, liver, lymph nodes, and other organs. Diagnostic measures for detecting metastatic lesions, including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and receiver operating characteristics (ROC)—area under the curve (AUC), were calculated for each imaging technique.
Results
We analyzed WB-MRI images for detecting metastatic lesions, which demonstrated sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, NPV, and AUC of 82%, 97%, 90%, 96%, 86%, and 0.92, respectively. These values were 83%, 95%, 89%, 94%, 86%, and 0.90 in 123I-mIBG images and 85%, 92%, 89%, 91%, 87%, and 0.91 in post-therapy 131I-mIBG images, respectively.
Conclusion
Our results reveal the comparable diagnostic accuracy of WB-MRI to one of the mIBG images.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Fonka Cyril Bernsah
Published: February 2024

Objective: Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) has a 60% effectiveness and is cost-effective in preventing HIV/AIDS transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is a lack of evidence of the COVID-19 pandemic's potential impact on VMMC in Gauteng province, South Africa. This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on VMMC in Gauteng Province.
Method: This was a longitudinal study design. VMMC data was obtained from all public and private hospitals in Gauteng province from the District Health Information System and all medical schemes respectively. The datasets were merged with the years 2019 and 2020 as the before and during COVID-19 periods respectively. Percentage change in VMMC was calculated to demonstrate the effect of the pandemic on VMMC.
Results: Provincially, VMMC declined in 2020 by an overall of 33.8% for ≥10 years, 32.4% for 10-14 years, and 35.8% for ≥15 years. All five districts in Gauteng province were affected differently. Exceptionally, the Tshwane Metropolitan district recorded an increase of 21.8% in ≥10 years and 36.0% in 10-14 years. While the other four districts saw a percentage decline in the three age groups, the worst performance was experienced in the West Rand district.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse indirect impact on VMMC in the Gauteng province of South Africa, except in one district. Considering the biomedical evidence and cost-effectiveness of VMMC in reducing HIV/AIDS transmission, there is an urgency to return VMMC post-COVID-19 to its pre-pandemic levels.
Metastatic salivary duct carcinoma presenting as cannonball lung lesions on radiology: Case Report
Authors: Ignatowicz Aleksandra , Strike Andrew , Balaji Nivedha , Chew Christopher , Barker Steven , Sykalo Christine , Conway Joseph , Fontem Franklin
Published: February 2024

Background: Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a rare, aggressive salivary gland tumor with a high rate of metastasis and overall poor prognosis. SDC is commonly diagnosed at stage 3 or stage 4 with progression to local, regional lymph nodes or distant metastatic disease predominantly to the lung, bone, brain or skin. The case presents a 44 year old with an unusual presentation of distant metastasis appearing as cannon ball lesions in the lungs.Case presentation: The patient is a 44 year old male tobacco user with a history of recent incarceration who presented with a several month history of weight loss and enlarging right neck mass. He was found to have multiple bilateral lung masses with brain metastasis on imaging. Biopsy of the neck mass was consistent with salivary duct carcinoma with a rare basal-like phenotype. The patient was ultimately treated with targeted radiotherapy palliatively; however, he was not a candidate for chemotherapy due to extensive disease burden. He declined clinically and was transitioned to hospice care.Conclusions: The case provides a new presentation of an atypical salivary duct carcinoma with bilateral cannonball disease on imaging in addition to a rare histopathologic variant originating likely from an ex pleomorphic adenoma. The basal-like variant was found to have differing gene expression compared to the most commonly seen histological types. Considering the expression noted, the findings provide further information on the expression pattern of basal-like SDC for future targeted therapy and also clarify concerns with accurate diagnosis in SDC in comparison to other morphologically similar malignancies.
Prevalence and risk factors for dementia and mild cognitive impairment among older people in Southeast China: a community-based study
Authors: Jiang Bin , Liu Qi , Li Jian-Peng , Lin Si-Ning , Wan Hui-Juan , Yu Zi-Wen , Wang Jing , Zhuang Wei , Tang Jia-Hui , Chen Cai-Hong , Li Fa-Yin , Bi Min , Xiao Nai-An , Zheng Kun-Mu
Published: February 2024

Background
As the aging population grows, there is a rapid increase in the number of individuals with dementia in China. We aimed to conduct a community-based study on the prevalence and risk factors for dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among older adults in China.
Methods
In this study, 20070 individuals aged ≥ 65 were recruited between January 1st, 2022, and February 1st, 2023, from ten communities in Xiamen City, China. We collected data on age, sex, level of education, and medical history, as well as global cognition and functional status. The prevalence of dementia and MCI was examined, and the risk factors for the different groups were assessed.
Results
The overall prevalence of dementia and MCI was approximately 5.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.1–5.7) and 7.7% (95% CI, 7.4–8.1), respectively. The results also indicated that dementia and MCI share similar risk factors, including older age, female sex, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Compared to individuals with no formal education, those with > 6 years of education had an odds ratio for MCI of 1.93 (95% CI, 1.57–2.38). We also found that only 5.5% of the positive participants chose to be referred to the hospital for further diagnosis and treatment during follow-up visits.
Conclusions
We estimated the prevalence and risk factors of dementia and MCI among individuals aged 65 years or older in Southeast China. These findings are crucial for preventing and managing dementia and MCI in China.
Effect Of Internet and Video Games On Blood Pressure Parameters In Adolescents
Authors: YETİŞGİN Hande , İNÖZÜ Mihriban , ÇÖP Esra , OZLU Sare Gülfem
Published: February 2024

Background
Hypertension is an increasing and important health problem among children and adolescents. It is already known that sedentary behaviors are associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors, obesity and increased blood pressure. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of internet addiction and video games on ambulatory blood pressure parameters.
Methods
Children aged between 12 and 18 years old who were referred to our pediatric nephrology outpatient clinic for evaluation of hypertension were included Demographic data and clinical and laboratory findings were obtained from hospital records. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed to confirm the presence of hypertension. Young Internet Addiction Scale and Internet Gaming Disorder Scale scores were compared with ABPM parameters.
Results
Of the 107 patients included in our study, 40 were girls and 67 were boys. The mean age was 14.9 ± 1.8 years. According to ABPM measurements, 43 (40.2%) of 107 patients were normotensive, 24 (22.4%) were prehypertensive, and 40 (37.4%) were hypertensive. We detected that although it did not reach statistical significance, as the test scores increased, the overall mean systolic blood pressure also increased. As Young's Internet Addiction test score increased, the maximum daytime systolic blood pressure and mean daytime systolic blood pressure increased.
Conclusion
Video game playing and increased time spent on the Internet may also lead to the development of hypertension independent of obesity. Therefore, we think that problematic internet use and video game playing disorders should be evaluated when investigating hypertensive children and adolescents.
Survey on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of Malaria Prevention and Control among Chinese Expatriates in South Sudan
Authors: Su Qian , Yu Yongqi , Chen He , Li Jiabin , Gao Yufeng
Published: February 2024

Background:Malaria is a major health risk faced by Chinese expatriates working in South Sudan. The purpose of this study is to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Chinese expatriates in South Sudan towards malaria prevention and control, analyze the influencing factors, and provide a basis for reducing the morbidity and mortality of malaria.
Methods: By distributing questionnaires, data on socio-demographic characteristics of Chinese expatriates in South Sudan, and information on their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards malaria prevention and control were collected from April 5th to 12th, 2023.
Results:Of the 402 respondents, none had a history of malaria before coming to South Sudan, the malaria infection rate was 41.29% (166/402). 72.14% of respondents were familiar with knowledge related to malaria prevention and control; 95.02% had a positive attitude towards malaria prevention and control; 89.80% would take active measures to prevent and control malaria in their daily lives. Of the six independent variables included in a binary Logistic regression model, age (OR=1.033, 95% CI: 1.006-1.061, P-value=0.016), cumulative length of time in South Sudan (OR=4.459, 95% CI: 2.650-7.502, P-value＜0.001), and knowledge scores (OR=0.873, 95% CI: 0.814-0.936, P-value＜0.001) were risk factors for contracting malaria.
Conclusions: KAP of Chinese expatriates in South Sudan towards malaria prevention and control is generally excellent. Strengthening health education on malaria prevention and control is an effective, feasible, and sustainable strategy to reduce the risk of malaria.
Relationship between Psychosocial Work Hazards and Occupational Burnout among Direct Care Staff at Service Institutions for Individuals with Physical and Mental Disabilities
Authors: Lin Jin-Ding , Lin Lan-Ping
Published: February 2024

Background
Understanding the relationship between workplace hazards and occupational burnout among direct care staff at disability service institutions is crucial for cultivating positive workplace environments for employees at such institutions. This study investigated this relationship among direct support staff at disability service institutions and examined the factors associated with occupational burnout.
Methods
The Chinese versions of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, Effort–Reward Imbalance Model, and Demand–Control–Support Model were used to evaluate the work hazards and occupational burnout of direct care staff working at disability service institutions. A total of 361 Taiwanese direct care staff aged ≧ 20 years from six disability service institutions in Taiwan were recruited through convenience sampling, and the data were analyzed via SPSS 22.0 software.
Results
The mean total psychological job demands score was 19.4 ± 2.6 (range = 13–28), and the total job control score was 65.1 ± 7.7 (range = 42–96). The mean physical job demands score was 2.9 ± 0.6 (range = 1–4), and the total occupational burnout score was 7.7 ± 3.6 (range = 0–20). The correlation matrix revealed a significant relationship between individual psychosocial work hazards and occupational burnout (p < 0.01). Finally, a multivariate multiple regression model revealed that shift work, total job control, psychological job demands, and physical job demands were significantly associated with the total occupational burnout score after controlling for participants’ demographic factors (R2 = 0.454, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
According to these findings, disability service institutions can cultivate positive workplace environments by understanding the workplace conditions, job stress, and personal characteristics of their employees and the interactions among them and by analyzing the effects of these factors on occupational burnout and workplace fatigue.
Acute Glomerulonephritis associated with Echinococcal Multilocularis: A Case Report from Ethiopia and a literature review
Authors: Seleshi Tigist , Melkie Addisu , Aberra Beka , Teju Sebhatleab
Published: February 2024

Background
Echinococcosis is a parasitic disease caused by the Echinococcus granulosus complex, E. multilocularis, or E. vogeli, that results in cysts commonly in the liver and lung. Renal involvement is a rare phenomenon.
Case Presentation
A 21-year-old female patient presented with four days history of progressively decreasing urine output with reddish discoloration, flank pain, and intermittent fever. Following admission, the diagnosis of a liver hydatid cyst was made incidentally with an abdominal ultrasound. She was treated with IV antibiotics for pyelonephritis, Albendazole was given, and liver cysts were surgically removed, after which, she had significant improvement.
Conclusion
Glomerular disease related to echinococcosis is poorly understood, and the immune complex-related mechanism of glomerular damage is currently the most widely accepted theory explaining this association. Our case report will strengthen the question of a definite association between echinococcus granulosus as a cause of post-infectious glomerulonephritis and incite further studies.
Polymorphisms in genes related to inflammation and endothelial function are associated with ischemic stroke and other vascular events in populations at high risk of stroke Short title: A community-based survey and cohort study in southwestern China
Authors: Chen Hong , Luo Hua , Zhou Ju , Yu Ming , Qing Ting , Wang Yanfen , Shao Minjie , Wei Wei , Yi Xingyang
Published: February 2024

Background
To investigate the incidence of ischemic stroke and other vascular events in a population at high risk of stroke and to identify associations of the 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes related to inflammation and endothelial function and interaction among these SNPs with outcomes.
Methods
According to the China National Stroke Screening Survey program, we performed this multi-center community-based sectional survey and prospective cohort study in the Sichuan of southwestern China from May 2015 to January 2020. The residents from 8 randomly selected communities volunteered to participate in a face-to-face survey. The 19 SNPs in endothelial function and inflammation genes were measured in the high-risk stroke population. A longitudinal study was conducted to assess the outcomes of recruited people who were at high risk for stroke. These patients were followed up for 4.7 years following a face-to-face survey. The primary outcome was a new ischemic stroke, and the secondary outcome was a composite of new vascular events.
Results
In the cohort of 2698 individuals who were followed up for 4.7 years, 192 subjects (7.1%) experienced various outcomes. Among them, 118 subjects (4.4%) suffered from new ischemic stroke, 24 subjects (0.9%) experienced hemorrhagic stroke, 53 subjects (2.0%) developed myocardial infarction, and 33 subjects (1.2%) passed away. There were significant differences in genotype distribution of TNF rs3093662, IL6Rrs4845625, and TLR4 rs752998 between subjects with and without outcomes by univariate analyses. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) analysis showed a significant SNP-SNP interaction among the 19 SNPs. The best outcome model was interaction among IL6R rs4845625, TLR4 rs1927911, and HABP2 rs932650 (P = 0.004). The high-risk interactive genotypes among the 3 SNPs were independently associated with a higher risk for new ischemic stroke (OR = 2.187, 95%CI: 1.256–5.374, P<0.001) and total vascular events (OR = 2.382, 95%CI: 1.423–5.894, P<0.001) after adjustment with covariates.
Conclusion
Subjects within the high-risk stroke group exhibited a substantially higher occurrence of ischemic stroke and other vascular events. There were associations of specific SNPs in genes related to inflammation and endothelial function with outcomes. The high-risk interactive genotypes among IL6R rs4845625, TLR4 rs1927911, and HABP2 rs932650 were independently associated with a higher risk for new ischemic stroke and other vascular events.
Spatial Temperature Prediction - A Machine Learning and GIS Perspective
Authors: Sailaja B , Gayatri S. , Rathod Santosha , Padmavathi Ch. , Kumar R. Nagarjuna , Sundaram R. M.
Published: February 2024

Temperature plays a crucial role in influencing the growth and development of crops. Rice, being a significant cereal crop, is highly sensitive to both low and high temperature stresses. Upcoming season temperature forecasts help in site-specific crop management, such as assessing crop growth, pest outbreaks, and suggesting heat-tolerant varieties and prediction models. This paper focuses on the prediction of temperatures using a combination of GIS and machine learning models. The study involved in the estimation of daily maximum temperatures for India, by utilizing the Random Forest algorithm within a machine learning model. The training and testing dataset encompassed Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) grid-based daily temperature data (307 grid points across 365 days) from 2010 to 2019. In contrast, the data for 2020 was reserved as a validation dataset. Since the daily temperature data is available for only 307 grid points and there are more than 700 districts in India, GIS tool has been used for estimating temperatures at unknown points using spatial interpolation method. QGIS software was employed to handle the spatial interpolation of grid-based data using Thiessen polygons. The model's performance was evaluated using the R-squared (R2) values, which ranged between 0.8 and 0.9, indicating a strong and accurate performance of the model. The model performed particularly well when comparing the predicted temperature values for 2020 with the validation dataset, as evidenced by a correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.88. Furthermore, it demonstrates that machine learning algorithms, combined with GIS models, are capable of spatial temperature prediction when forecasting large-scale temperature patterns across India. The ability to continually update the training data with real-time IMD information enhances self-learning modules and results in more accurate temperature predictions enabling the timely generation site-specific crop management advisories.
Correlation between central venous oxygen saturation and tissue oxygen saturation measured using time-resolved spectroscopy after major surgery: a prospective observational study
Authors: Kurita Shuichiro , Hiruma Masataka , Honda Hiroyuki , Nishiyama Kei
Published: February 2024

Purpose
The correlation between tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) measured using time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy (t-NIRS) and central venous blood oxygen saturation (ScvO2) remains unclear. This study aimed to verify whether ScvO2 could be noninvasively monitored and estimated using t-NIRS.
Methods
This observational study enrolled patients aged ≥ 18 years who had a central venous line catheter inserted through the internal jugular vein and entered the intensive care unit postoperatively. The study utilized t-NIRS to measure neck tissue oxygen saturation (StO2_neck) and thenar eminence tissue oxygen saturation (StO2_thenar), and ScvO2 was measured to analyze the correlation and concordance between the two.
Results
The coefficient of correlation between StO2_neck and ScvO2 was 0.43 (p < 0.05), whereas that between StO2_thenar and ScvO2 was 0.34 (p = 0.12). Bland–Altman analysis showed mean differences between StO2_neck and ScvO2, as well as between StO2_thenar and ScvO2 (± standard deviation, 95% limits of agreement) of 11. 8% (± 7.1%, -2.1–25.7%) and 14.4% (± 10.2%, -5.6–34.4%), respectively. The bias in StO2_neck was significantly associated with diastolic blood pressure and internal jugular vein diameter. However, no factors were found to be associated with the bias in the hands.
Conclusion
StO2 _neck demonstrated a significant correlation and concordance with ScvO2. However, a bias was observed that was associated with diastolic blood pressure and transverse length of the internal jugular vein. t-NIRS is an important measurement for respiratory and circulatory monitoring. Incorporating factors such as blood pressure and ultrasound findings can enhance the accuracy of ScvO2 estimation.
Trial registration
: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital (2023-0021, May 23rd, 2023).
The Impact of Implementation of Oral Dextrose Gel on the Incidence of Multiple Hypoglycemia Events in the Well Newborn Nursery
Authors: Vaidyanathan Lakshmy , Reid Davika , Yuan Yingchao , Groves Alan
Published: February 2024

Objective: Evaluate the impact of 40% oral dextrose gel (DG) for management of neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) on the incidence of multiple hypoglycemic events in the well-baby nursery.
Study Design: A retrospective chart review of 738 at-risk infants in 2 cohorts before (Cohort 1) and after (Cohort 2) DG implementation. Primary outcome was the incidence of ≥2 hypoglycemic episodes. Secondary outcomes were median number of hypoglycemia events per infant, lowest median glucose level, and incidence of NICU admission.
Results: There were 384 and 354 at-risk newborns in Cohorts 1 & 2. Incidence of multiple hypoglycemia episodes decreased following DG implementation [62(42.5%) vs 29(25.9%), p=0.0058]. Median (range) number of hypoglycemic episodes per infant also decreased [1 (1-6) vs 1 (1-5), p=0.046]. There were no differences in lowest glucose level [37 (14-45) vs 37 (10-45), p=0.31] or NICU admission rate [31 (21.2%) vs 21 (18.8%), p=0.62].
Conclusions:Implementation of DG lowers the incidence of subsequent multiple hypoglycemia events.
Interplay of zinc deficiency, epithelial microdamage, and Escherichia coli infection in a mouse model of oral lichen planus
Authors: Choi Youngnim , Vo Phuc , Park Joo-Young , Kim Hyeong-jin , Yoon Hye-Jung , Chang Sung-Ho
Published: February 2024

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic T-cell-mediated inflammatory mucosal disease of unknown etiology. The lack of suitable animal models has hampered understanding of its etiopathogenesis. This study aimed to elucidate the contribution of bacterial infection and zinc deficiency (ZD) to the pathogenic processes underlying OLP by developing a murine model. After subjecting to standard or zinc-deficient diets, C57BL/6 mice underwent labial mucosal microdamage via scratching, followed by oral administration of OLP-isolated Escehrichia coli 7.2. Scratching alone triggered bacterial translocation to the epithelium and lamina propria, upregulated Mmp9, increased immune responses in the cervical lymph nodes, and augmented CD4+ T-cell recruitment to labial mucosae. E. coli infection intensified these responses, in strong synergism with ZD, which shifted the Th response from Th1 to Th17 dominance. Repeated scratching plus E. coli infection amplified T-cell recruitment, even without ZD, leading to the development of severe inflammatory foci in the labial mucosa, characterized by colloid bodies and disrupted basement membranes. Interestingly, Th1 blockade during E. coli infection hindered bacterial clearance in the epithelium and caused detachment of the epithelium from the underlying lamina propria with dense inflammatory infiltrates. This suggests that the Th1/IFNγ pathway may not be a suitable therapeutic target for OLP. In conclusion, OLP-like histopathology in the oral mucosa was induced through E. coli infection, synergized by repeated epithelial microdamage, ZD, or Th1 blockade. This animal model provides a valuable platform for exploring specific hypotheses related to OLP pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
Development and validation of a risk prediction model for invasiveness of pure ground-glass nodules based on a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Yantao , Zhang Libin , Wang Han , Zhao Jie , Liu Jun , Chen Yun , Lu Jiagui , Duan Yaowu , Hu Huilian , Peng Hao , Ye Lianhua
Published: February 2024

Background: Assessing the aggressiveness of pure ground glass nodules early on significantly aids in making informed clinical decisions.
Objective: Developing a predictive model to assess the aggressiveness of pure ground glass nodules in lung adenocarcinoma is the study's goal.
Methods: A comprehensive search for studies on the relationship between CT characteristics and the aggressiveness of pure ground glass nodules was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Wanfang, CNKI, VIP, and CBM, up to December 20, 2023. Two independent researchers were responsible for screening literature, extracting data, and assessing the quality of the studies. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 20.0, with the training data derived from this analysis. To identify publication bias, Begg's test were employed. This meta-analysis facilitated the creation of a risk prediction model for invasive adenocarcinoma in pure ground glass nodules. Data on clinical presentation and CT imaging features of patients treated surgically for these nodules at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, from September 2020 to September 2023, were compiled and scrutinized using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The model's effectiveness for predicting invasive adenocarcinoma risk in pure ground glass nodules was validated using ROC curves, calibration curves, and decision analysis curves.
Results: In this analysis, 17 studies were incorporated. Key variables included in the model were the largest diameter of the lesion, average CT value, presence of pleural traction, and spiculation. The derived formula from the meta-analysis was: 1.16×the largest lesion diameter + 0.01 × the average CT value + 0.66 ×pleural traction + 0.44 × spiculation. This model underwent validation using an external set of 512 pure ground glass nodules, demonstrating robustness with an ROC curve area of 0.880 (95% CI: 0.852-0.909). The calibration curve indicated accurate predictions, and the decision analysis curve suggested high clinical applicability of the model.
Conclusion: We established a predictive model for determining the invasiveness of pure ground-glass nodules, incorporating four key radiological indicators. This model is both straightforward and effective for identifying patients with a high likelihood of invasive adenocarcinoma.