bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of interactomic hub genes in PBMC cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and periodontitis
Authors: yadalam Pradeep kumar , Arumuganainar Deepavalli , Ronsivalle Vincenzo , Di Blasio Marco , Badnjevic Almir , Marrapodi Maria Maddalena , Cervino Gabriele , Minervini Giuseppe
Published: March 2024

Background and objective

In recent years, the complex interplay between systemic health and oral well-being has emerged as a focal point for researchers and healthcare practitioners. Among the several important connections, the convergence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), dyslipidemia, chronic periodontitis, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is a remarkable example. These components collectively contribute to a network of interactions that extends beyond their domains, underscoring the intricate nature of human health. In the current study, bioinformatics analysis was utilized to predict the interactomic hub genes involved in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dyslipidemia, and periodontitis and their relationships to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by machine learning algorithms.

Materials and Methods

Gene Expression Omnibus datasets were utilized to identify the genes linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM), dyslipidemia, and Periodontitis (GSE156993).Gene Ontology (G.O.) Enrichr, Genemania, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were used for analysis for identification and functionalities of hub genes. The expression of hub D.E.G.s was confirmed, and an orange machine learning tool was used to predict the hub genes.

Result

The decision tree, AdaBoost, and Random Forest had an A.U.C. of 0.982, 1.000, and 0.991 in the R.O.C. curve. The AdaBoost model showed an accuracy of (1.000). The findings imply that the AdaBoost model showed a good predictive value and may support the clinical evaluation and assist in accurately detecting periodontitis associated with T2DM and dyslipidemia. Moreover, the genes with p-value < 0.05 and A.U.C.>0.90, which showed excellent predictive value, were thus considered hub genes.

Conclusion

The hub genes and the D.E.G.s identified in the present study contribute immensely to the fundamentals of the molecular mechanisms occurring in the PBMC associated with the progression of periodontitis in the presence of T2DM and dyslipidemia. They may be considered potential biomarkers and offer novel therapeutic strategies for chronic inflammatory diseases.
Implementing mind mapping in small-group learning to promote student engagement in the medical diagnostic curriculum: a pilot study
Authors: He Jieyu , Wu Bei , Zhong Haiying , Zhan Junkun , Zhu Lanyan , Zhang Jie , Zeng Yi , Li Zhihong
Published: March 2024

Background

Medical diagnostics is a pivotal bridge curriculum that receives much less attention from undergraduates in non-clinical medicine health profession programs with less student engagement and poor performance. Mind mapping is an active learning strategy for graphically presenting radiant thinking to culture clinical reasoning. The purpose of this study was to explore whether students’ comprehensive diagnostic skills are enhanced through increased student engagement by employing mind mapping.

Methods

We implemented mind mapping in small-grouped workshops with 86 junior undergraduates from preventive medicine program, for physical diagnostic sessions including physical examination (PE) maneuver, electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation and medical history collection. We also conducted assessments of the above skills, as well as online surveys regarding their expectation on this course, self-evaluation of mind mapping in teaching and the learning process of all the modules.

Results

Group members employing mind mapping in all PE sessions obtained higher scores in the heart and lung systems during the PE maneuver exam. Similarly, groups that made more in-depth mind maps achieved higher scores on the ECG quiz. In addition, groups displaying mind maps for history taking from normal classes and reformed class exhibited greater completeness of medical history with both standardized patients and real patients, which was consistent with increased collection of accompanying symptoms. Mind mapping was valued by the majority of students for its benefits in terms of acquiring PE maneuver, theoretical knowledge, medical history collection and medical records writing, clinical reasoning, communication skills, sense of teamwork and cooperation, professionalism and humanistic literacy.

Discussion

The visual feature of mind mapping evoked extensive behavioral engagement in all groups, as did cognitive and emotional engagement, as the majority of students expressed their willingness and affective reactions. In the short term, the positive feedbacks encourage growing engagement. The continuous benefits of mind mapping require long-term observation.
Areas of consensus on unwarranted and warranted transfers between nursing homes and emergency care facilities in Norway: a Delphi study
Authors: Wiik Arne Bastian , Doupe Malcolm Bray , Bakken Marit Stordal , Kittang Bård Reiakvam , Jacobsen Frode Fadnes , Førland Oddvar
Published: March 2024

Background

Transferring residents from nursing homes (NHs) to emergency care facilities (ECFs) is often questioned as many are terminally ill and have access to onsite care. While some NH to ECF transfers have merit, avoiding other transfers may benefit residents and reduce healthcare system costs and provider burden. Despite many years of research in this area, differentiating warranted (i.e., appropriate) from unwarranted NH to ECF transfers remains challenging. In this article, we report consensus on warranted and unwarranted NH to ECF transfers scenarios.

Methods

A Delphi study was used to identify consensus regarding warranted and unwarranted NH to ECF transfers. Delphi participants included nurses (RNs) and medical doctors (MDs) from NHs, out-of-hours primary care clinics (OOHs), and hospital-based emergency departments. A list of 12 scenarios and 11 medical conditions was generated from the existing literature on causes and medical conditions leading to transfers, and pilot tested and refined prior to conducting the study. Three Delphi rounds were conducted, and data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics.

Results

Seventy-nine experts consented to participate, of whom 56 (71%) completed all three Delphi rounds. Participants reached high or very high consensus on when to not transfer residents, except for scenarios regarding delirium, where only moderate consensus was attained. Conversely, except when pain relieving surgery was required, participants reached low agreement on scenarios depicting warranted NH to ECF transfers. Consensus opinions differ significantly between health professionals, participant gender, and rurality, for seven of the 23 transfer scenarios and medical conditions.

Conclusions

Transfers from nursing homes to emergency care facilities can be defined as warranted, discretionary, and unwarranted. These categories are based on the areas of consensus found in this Delphi study and are intended to operationalize the terms warranted and unwarranted transfers between nursing homes and emergency care facilities.
Association between genetic risk and adherence to healthy lifestyle for developing age-related hearing loss
Authors: Jung Sang-Hyuk , Lee Young Chan , Shivakumar Manu , Kim Jaeyoung , Yun Jae-Seung , Park Woong-Yang , Won Hong-Hee ,   Penn Medicine Biobank, Kim Dokyoon
Published: March 2024

Background

Previous studies have shown that lifestyle/environmental factors could accelerate the development of age-related hearing loss (ARHL). However, there has not yet been a study investigating the joint association among genetics, lifestyle/environmental factors, and adherence to healthy lifestyle for risk of ARHL. We aimed to assess the association between ARHL genetic variants, lifestyle/environmental factors, and adherence to healthy lifestyle as pertains to risk of ARHL.

Methods

This case–control study included 376,464 European individuals aged 40 to 69 years, enrolled between 2006 and 2010 in the UK Biobank (UKBB). As a replication set, we also included a total of 26,523 individuals considered of European ancestry and 9834 individuals considered of African-American ancestry through the Penn Medicine Biobank (PMBB). The polygenic risk score (PRS) for ARHL was derived from a sensorineural hearing loss genome-wide association study from the FinnGen Consortium and categorized as low, intermediate, high, and very high. We selected lifestyle/environmental factors that have been previously studied in association with hearing loss. A composite healthy lifestyle score was determined using seven selected lifestyle behaviors and one environmental factor.

Results

Of the 376,464 participants, 87,066 (23.1%) cases belonged to the ARHL group, and 289,398 (76.9%) individuals comprised the control group in the UKBB. A very high PRS for ARHL had a 49% higher risk of ARHL than those with low PRS (adjusted OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.36–1.62; P < .001), which was replicated in the PMBB cohort. A very poor lifestyle was also associated with risk of ARHL (adjusted OR, 3.03; 95% CI, 2.75–3.35; P < .001). These risk factors showed joint effects with the risk of ARHL. Conversely, adherence to healthy lifestyle in relation to hearing mostly attenuated the risk of ARHL even in individuals with very high PRS (adjusted OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.09–0.52; P < .001).

Conclusions

Our findings of this study demonstrated a significant joint association between genetic and lifestyle factors regarding ARHL. In addition, our analysis suggested that lifestyle adherence in individuals with high genetic risk could reduce the risk of ARHL.
Biosafe cerium oxide nanozymes protect human pluripotent stem cells and cardiomyocytes from oxidative stress
Authors: Hang Chengwen , Moawad Mohamed S. , Lin Zheyi , Guo Huixin , Xiong Hui , Zhang Mingshuai , Lu Renhong , Liu Junyang , Shi Dan , Xie Duanyang , Liu Yi , Liang Dandan , Chen Yi-Han , Yang Jian
Published: March 2024

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have the highest mortality worldwide. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and their cardiomyocyte derivatives (hPSC-CMs) offer a valuable resource for disease modeling, pharmacological screening, and regenerative therapy. While most CVDs are linked to significant over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the effects of current antioxidants targeting excessive ROS are limited. Nanotechnology is a powerful tool to develop antioxidants with improved selectivity, solubility, and bioavailability to prevent or treat various diseases related to oxidative stress. Cerium oxide nanozymes (CeONZs) can effectively scavenge excessive ROS by mimicking the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. This study aimed to assess the nanotoxicity of CeONZs and their potential antioxidant benefits in stressed human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and their derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs).

Results

CeONZs demonstrated reliable nanosafety and biocompatibility in hESCs and hESC-CMs within a broad range of concentrations. CeONZs exhibited protective effects on the cell viability of hESCs and hESC-CMs by alleviating excessive ROS-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, CeONZs protected hESC-CMs from doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity and partially ameliorated the insults from DOX in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs). Furthermore, during hESCs culture, CeONZs were found to reduce ROS, decrease apoptosis, and enhance cell survival without affecting their self-renewal and differentiation potential.

Conclusions

CeONZs displayed good safety and biocompatibility, as well as enhanced the cell viability of hESCs and hESC-CMs by shielding them from oxidative damage. These promising results suggest that CeONZs may be crucial, as a safe nanoantioxidant, to potentially improve the therapeutic efficacy of CVDs and be incorporated into regenerative medicine.

Graphical Abstract
Identification of novel protein biomarkers from the blood and urine for the early diagnosis of bladder cancer via proximity extension analysis
Authors: Kong Tong , Qu Yang , Zhao Taowa , Niu Zitong , Lv Xiuyi , Wang Yiting , Ding Qiaojiao , Wei Pengyao , Fu Jun , Wang Liang , Gao Jing , Zhou Cheng , Wang Suying , Jiang Junhui , Zheng Jianping , Wang Kaizhe , Wu Kerong
Published: March 2024

Background

Bladder cancer (BC) is a very common urinary tract malignancy that has a high incidence and lethality. In this study, we identified BC biomarkers and described a new noninvasive detection method using serum and urine samples for the early detection of BC.

Methods

Serum and urine samples were retrospectively collected from patients with BC (n = 99) and healthy controls (HC) (n = 50), and the expression levels of 92 inflammation-related proteins were examined via the proximity extension analysis (PEA) technique. Differential protein expression was then evaluated by univariate analysis (p < 0.05). The expression of the selected potential marker was further verified in BC and adjacent tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and single-cell sequencing. A model was constructed to differentiate BC from HC by LASSO regression and compared to the detection capability of FISH.

Results

The univariate analysis revealed significant differences in the expression levels of 40 proteins in the serum (p < 0.05) and 17 proteins in the urine (p < 0.05) between BC patients and HC. Six proteins (AREG, RET, WFDC2, FGFBP1, ESM-1, and PVRL4) were selected as potential BC biomarkers, and their expression was evaluated at the protein and transcriptome levels by IHC and single-cell sequencing, respectively. A diagnostic model (a signature) consisting of 14 protein markers (11 in serum and three in urine) was also established using LASSO regression to distinguish between BC patients and HC (area under the curve = 0.91, PPV = 0.91, sensitivity = 0.87, and specificity = 0.82). Our model showed better diagnostic efficacy than FISH, especially for early-stage, small, and low-grade BC.

Conclusion

Using the PEA method, we identified a panel of potential protein markers in the serum and urine of BC patients. These proteins are associated with the development of BC. A total of 14 of these proteins can be used to detect early-stage, small, low-grade BC. Thus, these markers are promising for clinical translation to improve the prognosis of BC patients.

Graphical Abstract
miR-101-3p-mediated role of PDZK1 in hepatocellular carcinoma progression and the underlying PI3K/Akt signaling mechanism
Authors: Gao Huihui , Gao Zhaofeng , Liu Xiaobei , Sun Xu , Hu Zhonghui , Song Zhengwei , Zhang Cheng , Fei Jianguo , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: March 2024

Background

The molecular targets and associated mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been widely studied, but the roles of PDZK1 in HCC are unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the role and associated mechanisms of PDZK1 in HCC.

Results

It was found that the expression of PDZK1 in HCC tissues was higher than that in paired paracancerous tissues. High expression of PDZK1 was associated with lymph node metastasis, degree of differentiation, and clinical stage. Upregulation of PDZK1 in HCC cells affected their proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and cell cycle, and also induced PI3K/AKT activation. PDZK1 is a downstream target gene of miR-101-3p. Accordingly, increase in the expression of miR-101-3p reversed the promotive effect of PDZK1 in HCC. Moreover, PDZK1 was found to accelerate cell proliferation and promote the malignant progression of HCC via the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Conclusion

Our study indicated that the miR-101-3p/PDZK1 axis plays a role in HCC progression and could be beneficial as a novel biomarker and new therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
GSDMD induces hepatocyte pyroptosis to trigger alcoholic hepatitis through modulating mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Xie Yandi , Wang Zilong , Song Guangjun , Ma Hui , Feng Bo
Published: March 2024

Background

Mechanisms and consequences of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) activation in alcoholic hepatitis (AH) are unclear. In the present study, we investigated whether GSDMD induces hepatocyte pyroptosis by regulating mitochondrial dysfunction in AH.

Results

Liver damage in AH mice was assessed by HE staining, serum levels of AST, ALT, TC, and TG. The levels of IL-1β, IL-18, LDH, inflammasome-associated proteins and hepatocyte death were assessed to determine pyroptosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction was assessed through various parameters including mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels, ROS generation, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP contents, levels of mitochondrial function-related proteins and morphological changes of mitochondria. AH induced gasdermin D (GSDMD) activation, leading to increased protein expression of N-terminal GSDMD (GSDMD-N), NLRP3, and Caspase 11 in liver tissues. Downregulation of GSDMD alleviated alcohol-induced hepatocyte pyroptosis. Alcohol also causes mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes in AH, which was improved by inhibiting GSDMD. Furthermore, enhancing mitochondrial function suppressed alcohol-induced hepatocyte pyroptosis. Further, knockdown of GSDMD or dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) improved AH-induced liver injury, accompanied by a decrease in hepatocyte pyroptosis.

Conclusion

GSDMD induces hepatocyte pyroptosis by modulating mitochondrial dysfunction during AH-induced inflammation and liver injury. These findings may pave the way to develop new therapeutic treatments for AH.
Evaluation of veteran community care outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting: a retrospective pilot cohort
Authors: Cotton Jake L , Netsanet Adom , Suarez-Pierre Alejandro , Abbitt Danielle , Jones Teresa S , Rove Jessica Y , Jones Edward L
Published: March 2024

For Veterans who cannot be seen in a timely fashion or must travel long distances to be seen, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) offers funded care in the community. The use of this program has rapidly increased; however, there have been no systematic evaluations of surgery specific metrics such as perioperative complications, mortality and timeliness of care. To evaluate this in cardiac surgery patients, we compared veterans undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in the community to those remaining within the VHA. We identified 78 patients during calendar year 2018 meeting inclusion criteria. 41 underwent surgery in the community versus 37 in the VHA. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics including age, sex, race, ethnicity, comorbidities and surgical risk scores. With regard to perioperative outcomes, veterans who underwent surgery within the VHA had lower infection rates (17% vs. 0%, p = 0.008) and 30-day emergency department utilization (22% vs. 5%, p = 0.04). A longer median postoperative inpatient stay was also seen within the VHA (8 days vs. 6 days, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that the VHA may better serve Veterans and prevent adverse events after CABG, at the expense of prolonged hospitalization. More study is needed to validate the findings of this pilot study.
Current prospects of hereditary adrenal tumors: towards better clinical management
Authors: Ohmoto Akihiro , Hayashi Naomi , Takahashi Shunji , Ueki Arisa
Published: March 2024

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) and pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL) are two rare types of adrenal gland malignancies. Regarding hereditary tumors, some patients with ACC are associated with with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), and those with PPGL with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Recent studies have expanded this spectrum to include other types of hereditary tumors, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis. Individuals harboring germline TP53 pathogenic variants that cause LFS have heterogeneous phenotypes depending on the respective variant type. As an example, R337H variant found in Brazilian is known as low penetrant. While 50–80% of pediatric ACC patients harbored a LFS, such a strong causal relationship is not observed in adult patients, which suggests different pathophysiologies between the two populations. As for PPGL, because multiple driver genes, such as succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)-related genes, RET, NF1, and VHL have been identified, universal multi-gene germline panel testing is warranted as a comprehensive and cost-effective approach. PPGL pathogenesis is divided into three molecular pathways (pseudohypoxia, Wnt signaling, and kinase signaling), and this classification is expected to result in personalized medicine based on genomic profiles. It remains unknown whether clinical characteristics differ between cases derived from genetic predisposition syndromes and sporadic cases, or whether the surveillance strategy should be changed depending on the genetic background or whether it should be uniform. Close cooperation among medical genomics experts, endocrinologists, oncologists, and early investigators is indispensable for improving the clinical management for multifaceted ACC and PPGL.
Heterogeneity of clinical symptomatology in pediatric patients at clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Rintell L. Sophia , Carroll Devon , Wales Meghan , Gonzalez-Heydrich Joseph , D’Angelo Eugene
Published: March 2024

Objective

Widespread use of diagnostic tools like the Structured Interview for Prodromal Symptoms (SIPS) has highlighted that youth at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (CHR-P) present with heterogeneous symptomatology. This pilot study aims to highlight the range of clinical characteristics of CHR-P youth, investigate the role of the non-positive (negative, disorganization, and general) symptoms in risk assessment, and determine if specific profiles are associated with severe symptomatology.

Methods

38 participants aged 7–18 were administered the SIPS and designated as CHR-P. Descriptive statistics and mean difference t-tests were used to describe the range in prevalence and severity of SIPS symptoms and to identify symptoms associated with greater overall symptomatology.

Results

Participants who had a greater number of positive symptoms also had significantly more negative, disorganization, and general symptoms. A number of SIPS symptoms were associated with greater number of positive symptoms.

Conclusion

CHR-P youth represent a heterogeneous group, presenting with a wide range in clinical presentation as reflected in both the number of SIPS symptoms and their severity. Though the severity and duration of positive SIPS symptoms determines the CHR-P classification, high ratings on several of the other SIPS negative, disorganization, and general items may be useful indicators of elevated symptomatology.
Viscoelastic parameters derived from multifrequency MR elastography for depicting hepatic fibrosis and inflammation in chronic viral hepatitis
Authors: Wang Yikun , Zhou Jiahao , Lin Huimin , Wang Huafeng , Sack Ingolf , Guo Jing , Yan Fuhua , Li Ruokun
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The capability of MR elastography (MRE) to differentiate fibrosis and inflammation, and to provide precise diagnoses is crucial, whereas the coexistence of fibrosis and inflammation may obscure the diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

In this retrospective study, from June 2020 to December 2022, chronic viral hepatitis patients who underwent multifrequency MRE (mMRE) were included in, and further divided into, training and validation cohorts. The hepatic viscoelastic parameters [shear wave speed (c) and loss angle (φ) of the complex shear modulus] were obtained from mMRE. The logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate performance of viscoelastic parameters for fibrosis and inflammation.

Results

A total of 233 patients were assigned to training cohort and validation cohorts (mean age, 52 years ± 13 (SD); 51 women; training cohort, n = 170 (73%), and validation cohort, n = 63 (27%)). Liver c exhibited superior performance in detecting fibrosis with ROC (95% confidence interval) of ≥ S1 (0.96 (0.92–0.99)), ≥ S2 (0.86 (0.78–0.92)), ≥ S3 (0.89 (0.84–0.95)), and S4 (0.88 (0.83–0.93)). Similarly, φ was effective in diagnosing inflammation with ROC values of ≥ G2 (0.72 (0.63–0.81)), ≥ G3 (0.88 (0.83–0.94)), and G4 (0.92 (0.87–0.98)). And great predictive discrimination for fibrosis and inflammation were shown in validation cohort (all AUCs > 0.75).

Conclusion

The viscoelastic parameters derived from multifrequency MRE could realize simultaneous detection of hepatic fibrosis and inflammation.

Critical relevance statement

Fibrosis and inflammation coexist in chronic liver disease which obscures the diagnostic performance of MR elastography, whereas the viscoelastic parameters derived from multifrequency MR elastography could realize simultaneous detection of hepatic fibrosis and inflammation.

Key points

• Hepatic biomechanical parameters derived from multifrequency MR elastography could effectively detect fibrosis and inflammation.

• Liver stiffness is useful for detecting fibrosis independent of inflammatory activity.

• Fibrosis could affect the diagnostic efficacy of liver viscosity in inflammation, especially in early-grade of inflammation.

Graphical Abstract
How young radiologists use contrast media and manage adverse reactions: an international survey
Authors: Albano Domenico , Mallardi Carmen , Afat Saif , Agnollitto Paulo Moraes , Caruso Damiano , Cannella Roberto , Carriero Serena , Chupetlovska Kalina , Clauser Paola , D’Angelo Tommaso , De Santis Domenico , Dioguardi Burgio Marco , Dumic-Cule Ivo , Fanni Salvatore Claudio , Fusco Stefano , Gatti Marco , Gitto Salvatore , Jankovic Sonja , Karagechev Tsvetomir , Klontzas Michail E. , Koltsakis Emmanouil , Leithner Doris , Matišić Vid , Muscogiuri Giuseppe , Penkova Ralitsa , Polici Michela , Serpi Francesca , Sofia Carmelo , Snoj Ziga , Akinci D’Antonoli Tugba , Vernuccio Federica , Vieira João , Vieira Ana Catarina , Wielema Mirjam , Zerunian Marta , Messina Carmelo
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To collect real-world data about the knowledge and self-perception of young radiologists concerning the use of contrast media (CM) and the management of adverse drug reactions (ADR).

Methods

A survey (29 questions) was distributed to residents and board-certified radiologists younger than 40 years to investigate the current international situation in young radiology community regarding CM and ADRs. Descriptive statistics analysis was performed.

Results

Out of 454 respondents from 48 countries (mean age: 31.7 ± 4 years, range 25–39), 271 (59.7%) were radiology residents and 183 (40.3%) were board-certified radiologists. The majority (349, 76.5%) felt they were adequately informed regarding the use of CM. However, only 141 (31.1%) received specific training on the use of CM and 82 (18.1%) about management ADR during their residency. Although 266 (58.6%) knew safety protocols for handling ADR, 69.6% (316) lacked confidence in their ability to manage CM-induced ADRs and 95.8% (435) expressed a desire to enhance their understanding of CM use and handling of CM-induced ADRs. Nearly 300 respondents (297; 65.4%) were aware of the benefits of contrast-enhanced ultrasound, but 249 (54.8%) of participants did not perform it. The preferred CM injection strategy in CT parenchymal examination and CT angiography examination was based on patient’s lean body weight in 318 (70.0%) and 160 (35.2%), a predeterminate fixed amount in 79 (17.4%) and 116 (25.6%), iodine delivery rate in 26 (5.7%) and 122 (26.9%), and scan time in 31 (6.8%) and 56 (12.3%), respectively.

Conclusion

Training in CM use and management ADR should be implemented in the training of radiology residents.

Critical relevance statement

We highlight the need for improvement in the education of young radiologists regarding contrast media; more attention from residency programs and scientific societies should be focused on training about contrast media use and the management of adverse drug reactions.

Key points

• This survey investigated training of young radiologists about use of contrast media and management adverse reactions.

• Most young radiologists claimed they did not receive dedicated training.

• An extreme heterogeneity of responses was observed about contrast media indications/contraindications and injection strategy.

Graphical Abstract
Dyadic risk mechanisms–a nomenclature for 36 proto-cascading effects determining humanity’s future
Authors: Undheim Trond Arne
Published: March 2024

Re-reading the risk literature, I sketch a novel nomenclature for 36 dyadic risk interactions that constitute the prototypes of what eventually become cascading effects. This analysis demonstrates where cascading risk effects originate and also hints at how they get their enormous power. Risk dyads derive from basic first-order interactions across six disruptive forces: sci-tech, governance, economics, social dynamics, ecological impact, and health adversity. I give brief examples of each and provide a short case description of six of the most prominent dyads. Very few of these dyads have an existing shorthand. The exception is NaTech, which denotes natural disasters being amplified by, or amplifying industrial risk, or now more broadly, sci-tech-derived risk. By generalizing the NaTech-style nomenclature across domains, I aim to provide the basic building blocks for a precise understanding of contemporary risk mechanics. This step is often skipped by avid complexity scholars intent on first describing system-wide features. Yet, dyadic analysis is an important prerequisite for systemic understanding of complex cascading effects that depend on triadic or tetradic risk relationships. In reality, even if systemic, and existential risks, as they emerge in the twenty-first century, depend on a myriad of cascading effects, they cannot be fully understood simply by looking at the whole system and attempting to analytically ignore its constituent parts claiming to gain a better overview.
Feature selection strategies: a comparative analysis of SHAP-value and importance-based methods
Authors: Wang Huanjing , Liang Qianxin , Hancock John T. , Khoshgoftaar Taghi M.
Published: March 2024

In the context of high-dimensional credit card fraud data, researchers and practitioners commonly utilize feature selection techniques to enhance the performance of fraud detection models. This study presents a comparison in model performance using the most important features selected by SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values and the model’s built-in feature importance list. Both methods rank features and choose the most significant ones for model assessment. To evaluate the effectiveness of these feature selection techniques, classification models are built using five classifiers: XGBoost, Decision Tree, CatBoost, Extremely Randomized Trees, and Random Forest. The Area under the Precision-Recall Curve (AUPRC) serves as the evaluation metric. All experiments are executed on the Kaggle Credit Card Fraud Detection Dataset. The experimental outcomes and statistical tests indicate that feature selection methods based on importance values outperform those based on SHAP values across classifiers and various feature subset sizes. For models trained on larger datasets, it is recommended to use the model’s built-in feature importance list as the primary feature selection method over SHAP. This suggestion is based on the rationale that computing SHAP feature importance is a distinct activity, while models naturally provide built-in feature importance as part of the training process, requiring no additional effort. Consequently, opting for the model’s built-in feature importance list can offer a more efficient and practical approach for larger datasets and more intricate models.
A new GNSS-acoustic positioning software implementing multiple positioning functions considering nadir total delays
Authors: Tomita Fumiaki , Kido Motoyuki
Published: March 2024

Global navigation satellite system-acoustic (GNSS-A) positioning is an important geodetic observation technique for detecting seafloor crustal deformation. After the 2011 Tohoku–Oki earthquake, GNSS-A observational networks were extended along various subduction zones, and observational systems have been improved, especially for sea surface platforms, such as the introduction of an unmanned vehicle, the Wave Glider. The aforementioned development of GNSS-A observations has provided a large amount of observational data. Furthermore, GNSS-A positioning methods were recently developed considering the lateral heterogeneity of the sound speed structure. Thus, it is important to develop a software that makes it easy for widespread use of the latest GNSS-A positioning methods. However, there is currently only one open-source GNSS-A positioning software, which may hinder the entry of various researchers into GNSS-A positioning analyses. Here, we developed a new GNSS-A positioning software, henceforth called “SeaGap” (Software of enhanced analyses for GNSS-acoustic positioning), that executes various positioning methods from the conventional kinematic positioning technique to the latest Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)-based static positioning technique. We introduce their methodology and demonstrate its application to actual observational data. The software newly added optional prior distributions to the unknown parameters expressing the heterogeneity of a sound speed structure into the MCMC-based static positioning method, and we also applied the new method to actual observational data. In addition to the positioning functions, the software contains various auxiliary functions, including drawing. The developed software is written using the “Julia” language and is distributed as an open-source software.

Graphical Abstract
Criteria for patient selection and indication for intracorneal ring segments in keratoconus
Authors: Vega Alfredo , Alió Jorge L.
Published: March 2024

Background

Keratoconus is an ectatic, progressive corneal disorder characterized by alterations in the morphology of the corneal tissue that leads to limitation of visual function of the patient. Intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) are small synthetic devices that are implanted in the corneal stromal in order to regularize the morphology of the tissue therefore improving the visual function and the quality of life of the patients.

Main text

The present narrative review summarizes the main scientific articles developed by the authors in relation to the clinical outcomes and long-term results of ICRS in the treatment of keratoconus. It was found that those patients that benefit the most from this surgical intervention are those that have the most severe form of keratoconus. Additionally, patients with good visual function, those with more than 0.9 in the decimal scale are at risk of losing visual acuity after ICRS implantation. In relation to long-term results, scientific investigations published by the authors demonstrate that ICRS is a stable procedure after long period of time in terms of vision, refraction, and topographic variables in those patients with stable keratoconus. However, in patients with keratoconus and signs of progression, ICRS may not have the capability of halting the progression of the disease. Using artificial intelligence to guide ICRS implantation provide better clinical outcomes and improvement in corneal higher-order aberrations in patients with keratoconus in comparison to those treated using the commercial nomogram of implantation.

Conclusions

ICRS is a safe surgical procedure in the treatment of keratoconus. Patients that benefit most from the surgery are those with a significant visual impairment. ICRS should not be considered in patients with good visual function because of the risk of losing lines of vision. Long-term follow-up demonstrate stability of the clinical outcomes in patients with stable keratoconus although ICRS may not have the ability of halting the progression of the disease. New technologies based artificial intelligence improved the indications and the clinical outcomes of keratoconus patients treated with ICRS.
Development of an automated method for flood inundation monitoring, flood hazard, and soil erosion susceptibility assessment using machine learning and AHP–MCE techniques
Authors: Prakash A. Jaya , Begam Sazeda , Vilímek Vít , Mudi Sujoy , Das Pulakesh
Published: March 2024

Background

Operational large-scale flood monitoring using publicly available satellite data is possible with the advent of Sentinel-1 microwave data, which enables near-real-time (at 6-day intervals) flood mapping day and night, even in cloudy monsoon seasons. Automated flood inundation area identification in near-real-time involves advanced geospatial data processing platforms, such as Google Earth Engine and robust methodology (Otsu’s algorithm).

Objectives

The current study employs Sentinel-1 microwave data for flood extent mapping using machine learning (ML) algorithms in Assam State, India. We generated a flood hazard and soil erosion susceptibility map by combining multi-source data on weather conditions and soil and terrain characteristics. Random Forest (RF), Classification and Regression Tool (CART), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) ML algorithms were applied to generate the flood hazard map. Furthermore, we employed the multicriteria evaluation (MCE) analytical hierarchical process (AHP) for soil erosion susceptibility mapping.

The highest prediction accuracy was observed for the RF model (overall accuracy [OA] > 82%), followed by the SVM (OA > 82%) and CART (OA > 81%). Over 26% of the study area indicated high flood hazard-prone areas, and approximately 60% showed high and severe potential for soil erosion due to flooding. The automated flood mapping platform is an essential resource for emergency responders and decision-makers, as it helps to guide relief activities by identifying suitable regions and appropriate logistic route planning and improving the accuracy and timeliness of
emergency response efforts. Periodic flood inundation maps will help in long-term planning and policymaking, flood management, soil and biodiversity conservation, land degradation, planning sustainable agriculture interventions, crop insurance, and climate resilience studies.
Effect of organic biostimulants on cannabis productivity and soil microbial activity under outdoor conditions
Authors: Da Cunha Leme Filho Jose F. , Chim Bee K. , Bermand Cameron , Diatta Andre A. , Thomason Wade E.
Published: March 2024

In 2019 and 2020, we investigated the individual and combined effects of two biofertilizers (manure tea and bioinoculant) and one humic acid (HA) product on cannabis biochemical and physiological parameters and soil CO2 evolution under outdoor conditions. Our hypothesis was that HA would increase the microbial activity in the biofertilizers and synergy of both compounds would promote better plant performance and stimulate soil microbial activity. In 2020, the individual and combined application of biofertilizers and HA increased cannabis height, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, aboveground biomass, and bucked biomass by 105, 52, 43, 122, and 117%, respectively. Impacts were greater under suboptimal growing conditions caused by planting delay experienced in 2020. In 2019, planting date occurred in-between the most favorable period and chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency were the only parameters influenced by the application of biostimulants. The discrepancies between the two growing seasons reinforce the evidence of other studies that biostimulants efficacy is maximized under stress conditions. This study could not conclusively confirm that the combined use of biofertilizer + HA is a superior practice since affected plant parameters did not differ from application of the compounds singly. Similarly, only one biofertilizer + HA treatment increased soil microbial activity. More research is needed to define optimum rates and combinations of biofertilizer and stimulants for cannabis.
State licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries: neighborhood-level determinants of applicant quality in Missouri
Authors: Yaskewich David M.
Published: March 2024

Background

When state governments impose quotas on commercial marijuana licenses, regulatory commissions use an application process to assess the feasibility of prospective businesses. Decisions on license applications are often met with formal appeals and legal challenges from rejected applicants. Although prior research has examined substate disparities in the availability of marijuana dispensaries, less attention has been given to the quality of license applications. The present study analyzed the relationship between neighborhood-level characteristics and the quality of prospective dispensary businesses.

Methods

During Missouri’s first applicant pool for medical marijuana dispensaries in 2019, a total of 606 census tracts contained the location site of at least one dispensary applicant. Using data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the American Community Survey, fractional and binary logistic regression models were used to estimate the relationship between census-tract characteristics and application outcomes.

Results

License applications received higher evaluation scores when proposed dispensary sites were in census tracts with greater population densities and no majority in racial/ethnic composition. Census tracts with poorer socioeconomic conditions attracted a disproportionate share of low-scoring applicants from the bottom quartile of scores. These effects were stronger for certain application subsections, particularly those assessing the quality of an applicant’s business plan and on-site security.

Conclusions

Some communities tend to attract prospective license holders who possess better quality resources, business practices, and industry experience. State disparities in commercial licensing requirements and application processes may lead to the inequities in legal product access found in some prior studies.
Care, management, and use of ferrets in biomedical research
Authors: Pramod Ravindran Kumar , Atul Pravin Kumar , Pandey Mamta , Anbazhagan S. , Mhaske Suhas T. , Barathidasan R.
Published: March 2024

The ferret (Mustela putorius furo) is a small domesticated species of the family Mustelidae within the order Carnivora. The present article reviews and discusses the current state of knowledge about housing, care, breeding, and biomedical uses of ferrets. The management and breeding procedures of ferrets resemble those used for other carnivores. Understanding its behavior helps in the use of environmental enrichment and social housing, which promote behaviors typical of the species. Ferrets have been used in research since the beginning of the twentieth century. It is a suitable non-rodent model in biomedical research because of its hardy nature, social behavior, diet and other habits, small size, and thus the requirement of a relatively low amount of test compounds and early sexual maturity compared with dogs and non-human primates. Ferrets and humans have numerous similar anatomical, metabolic, and physiological characteristics, including the endocrine, respiratory, auditory, gastrointestinal, and immunological systems. It is one of the emerging animal models used in studies such as influenza and other infectious respiratory diseases, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, cardiac research, gastrointestinal disorders, neuroscience, and toxicological studies. Ferrets are vulnerable to many human pathogenic organisms, like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), because air transmission of this virus between them has been observed in the laboratory. Ferrets draw the attention of the medical community compared to rodents because they occupy a distinct niche in biomedical studies, although they possess a small representation in laboratory research.
The effects of stress on auditory system: a narrative review
Authors: Emami Seyede Faranak
Published: March 2024

Background

Stress is an integral part of human life, small amounts of which can be effective in adapting to conditions, while its continuous increase is a predisposing factor for all diseases. The aim of this article is to determine the effect of stress on auditory system. The full text of 51 articles published between 2000 and 2023 was extracted from Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Sciences websites and became the source of this research.

Results

Positive and negative emotions cause the release of stress hormones that affect all human cognitive behaviors, perceptions, and peripheral senses. They can have destructive effects on the functioning of the auditory system.

Conclusion

Abnormal release of stress hormones can increase susceptibility to hearing disorders. A healthy lifestyle is essential to reduce the harmful effects of stress. The most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle are regular and uninterrupted night sleep, drinking enough water, avoiding high amounts of caffeine, a Mediterranean diet, staying away from noise/light/industrial pollution and social crimes, listening to relaxing music and doing movements in harmony with their rhythm, laughing constantly, writing down negative emotions, having true love in life, deep emotional connections with kind people, and receiving positive energy from their intentions.
Systemic lupus erythematosus causes necrosis of the jejunum: a case report
Authors: Fu Dingran , Liu Yunquan , Zhou Shiyong , Lu Jin , Ai Fei
Published: March 2024

Background

Lupus mesenteric vasculitis (LMV) is a serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that can lead to a range of gastrointestinal issues, such as intestinal bleeding, necrosis, and perforation. The optimal surgical approach for cases of intestinal necrosis in LMV remains a topic of debate.

Case presentation

We present the first documented instance of jejunal necrosis in a 56-year-old woman undergoing SLE treatment. The patient presented with symptoms including abdominal distension, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Physical examination revealed abdominal tenderness, rebound pain, and muscle tension. Following surgery and steroid therapy, the patient experienced successful recovery and was discharged from the hospital.

Conclusions

Patients with jejunal necrosis due to SEL, during intraoperative exploration, surgical decisions should be made based on careful observation. In cases of extensive jejunal necrosis that cannot be preserved, it is advisable to resect the necrotic tissue as much as possible, with a recommended extended resection margin of 2–3 cm.
Knuckleheads
Authors: Gilligan Timothy D.
Published: March 2024

Partnering with patients who reject our recommended treatment: how to understand what our patients are going through