bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Plasma Levels of Soluble Lectin‐like Oxidized Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor‐1 Are Associated With Inflammation and Cardiometabolic Risk Profiles in Pediatric Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Stinson Sara E. , Jonsson Anna E. , Andersen Mette K. , Lund Morten A. V. , Holm Louise Aas , Fonvig Cilius E. , Huang Yun , Stankevič Evelina , Juel Helene Bæk , Ängquist Lars , Sørensen Thorkild I. A. , Ongstad Emily L. , Gaddipati Ranjitha , Grimsby Joseph , Rhodes Christopher J. , Pedersen Oluf , Christiansen Michael , Holm Jens‐Christian , Hansen Torben
Published: January 2023

Background

Lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) receptor‐1 is a scavenger receptor for oxidized low‐density lipoprotein. In adults, higher soluble lectin‐like ox‐LDL receptor‐1 (sLOX‐1) levels are associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, but a similar link in pediatric overweight/obesity remains uncertain.

Methods and Results

Analyses were based on the cross‐sectional HOLBAEK Study, including 4‐ to 19‐year‐olds from an obesity clinic group with body mass index >90th percentile (n=1815) and from a population‐based group (n=2039). Fasting plasma levels of sLOX‐1 and inflammatory markers were quantified, cardiometabolic risk profiles were assessed, and linear and logistic regression analyses were performed. Pubertal/postpubertal children and adolescents from the obesity clinic group exhibited higher sLOX‐1 levels compared with the population (
P
<0.001). sLOX‐1 positively associated with proinflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases, body mass index SD score, waist SD score, body fat %, plasma alanine aminotransferase, serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, plasma low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure SD score, and inversely associated with plasma high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (all
P
<0.05). sLOX‐1 positively associated with high alanine aminotransferase (odds ratio [OR], 1.16,
P
=4.1 E‐04), insulin resistance (OR, 1.16,
P
=8.6 E‐04), dyslipidemia (OR, 1.25,
P
=1.8 E‐07), and hypertension (OR, 1.12,
P
=0.02).

Conclusions

sLOX‐1 levels were elevated during and after puberty in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity compared with population‐based peers and associated with inflammatory markers and worsened cardiometabolic risk profiles. sLOX‐1 may serve as an early marker of cardiometabolic risk and inflammation in pediatric overweight/obesity.

Registration

The HOLBAEK Study, formerly known as The Danish Childhood Obesity Biobank,
ClinicalTrials.gov
identifier number NCT00928473,
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00928473
(registered June 2009).
Prognostic Impact of Cardiac Diastolic Function and Coronary Microvascular Function on Cardiovascular Death
Authors: Hong David , Lee Seung Hun , Shin Doosup , Choi Ki Hong , Kim Hyun Kuk , Ha Sang Jin , Joh Hyun Sung , Park Taek Kyu , Yang Jeong Hoon , Song Young Bin , Hahn Joo‐Yong , Choi Seung‐Hyuk , Gwon Hyeon‐Cheol , Lee Joo Myung
Published: January 2023

Background

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) has been considered as a possible cause of cardiac diastolic dysfunction. The current study evaluated the association between cardiac diastolic dysfunction and CMD, and their prognostic implications in patients without significant left ventricular systolic dysfunction and epicardial coronary stenosis.

Methods and Results

A total of 330 patients without left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction ≥50%) and significant epicardial coronary stenosis (fractional flow reserve >0.80) were analyzed. Cardiac diastolic dysfunction was defined by echocardiographic parameters (early diastolic transmitral flow velocity/early diastolic mitral annular velocity, e' velocity, tricuspid regurgitation velocity, and left atrial volume index). Overt CMD was defined as coronary flow reserve <2.0 and index of microcirculatory resistance ≥25 U. The primary end point was cardiovascular death or admission for heart failure during 5 years of follow‐up. In patients without left ventricular systolic dysfunction and significant epicardial coronary stenosis, prevalence of cardiac diastolic dysfunction and overt CMD was 25.5% and 11.2%, respectively. Overt CMD was independently associated with cardiac diastolic dysfunction (adjusted odds ratio, 3.440 [95% CI, 1.599–7.401];
P
=0.002). Patients with cardiac diastolic dysfunction showed significantly higher risk of the primary outcome than those without (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.996 [95% CI, 1.888–4.755];
P
<0.001). Patients with overt CMD also showed significantly higher risk of the primary outcome than those without (adjusted HR, 2.939 [95% CI, 1.642–5.261];
P
<0.001). Presence of overt CMD was associated with significantly increased risk of cardiovascular death among the patients with cardiac diastolic dysfunction (43.8% versus 14.5%;
P
=0.006) but not in patients without cardiac diastolic dysfunction (interaction
P
<0.001). Inclusion of overt CMD into the model with cardiac diastolic dysfunction significantly improved predictive ability for cardiovascular death or heart failure admission (conconrdance index, 0.719 versus 0.737;
P
for comparison=0.034).

Conclusions

There was significant association between the presence of cardiac diastolic dysfunction and overt CMD. Both cardiac diastolic dysfunction and overt CMD were associated with increased risk of cardiovascular death or admission for heart failure. Integration of overt CMD into cardiac diastolic dysfunction showed improvement of the risk stratification in patients without significant left ventricular systolic dysfunction and epicardial coronary stenosis.

Registration

DIAST‐CMD (Prognostic Impact of Cardiac Diastolic Function and Coronary Microvascular Function) registry; Unique identifier: NCT05058833.
Trends in Incidences and Survival Rates in Pediatric In‐Hospital Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Korean Population‐Based Study
Authors: Choi Jaeyoung , Choi Ah Young , Park Esther , Moon Suhyeon , Son Meong Hi , Cho Joongbum
Published: January 2023

Background

Although the outcome of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is still unsatisfactory, there are few studies about temporal trends of in‐hospital CPR incidence and mortality. We aimed to evaluate nationwide trends of in‐hospital CPR incidence and its associated risk factors and mortality in pediatric patients using a database of the Korean National Health Insurance between 2012 and 2018.

Methods and Results

We excluded neonates and neonatal intensive care unit admissions. Incidence of in‐hospital pediatric CPR was 0.58 per 1000 admissions (3165 CPR/5 429 471 admissions), and the associated mortality was 50.4%. Change in CPR incidence according to year was not significant in an adjusted analysis (
P
=0.234). However, CPR mortality increased significantly by 6.6% every year in an adjusted analysis (
P
<0.001). Hospitals supporting pediatric critical care showed 37.7% lower odds of CPR incidence (
P
<0.001) and 27.5% lower odds of mortality compared with other hospitals in the adjusted analysis (
P
<0.001), and they did not show an increase in mortality (
P
for trend=0.882).

Conclusions

Temporal trends of in‐hospital CPR mortality worsened in Korea, and the trends differed according to subgroups. Study results highlight the need for ongoing evaluation of CPR trends and for further CPR outcome improvement among hospitalized children.
Impact of Achieving Blood Pressure Targets and High Time in Therapeutic Range on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Adherent to the Atrial Fibrillation Better Care Pathway: A Report From the COOL‐AF Registry
Authors: Krittayaphong Rungroj , Winijkul Arjbordin , Methavigul Komsing , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: January 2023

Background

We aimed to determine the effect of integrating Atrial Fibrillation Better Care pathway compliance in relation to achievement of systolic blood pressure (SBP) targets and good control of time in therapeutic range (TTR) on clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results

We prospectively enrolled patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation  from 27 hospitals in Thailand. All clinical outcomes were recorded. Main outcomes were the composite of all‐cause death or ischemic stroke/systemic embolism (SSE), as well as secondary outcomes of all‐cause death, SSE, major bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, and heart failure. An SBP of 120 to 140 mm Hg was considered good blood pressure control. Target TTR was a TTR ≥65%. A total of 3405 patients were studied (mean age 67.8 years, 41.8% female). Full ABC pathway compliance was evident in 42.7%. For blood pressure control, 41.9% had SBP within target, whereas 35.9% of those on warfarin had TTR within target. The incidence rates of all‐cause death/SSE, all‐cause death, SSE, major bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, and heart failure were 5.29, 4.21, 1.51, 2.25, 0.78, and 2.84 per 100 person‐years respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios and 95% CI of Atrial Fibrillation Better Care pathway compliance for all‐cause death/SSE, all‐cause death, and heart failure were 0.76 (0.62–0.94), 0.79 (0.62–0.99), and 0.69 (0.51–0.94), respectively, compared with noncompliance. Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Better Care compliance and SBP within target had a better outcome or TTR within target had better outcomes.

Conclusions

In COOL‐AF (Cohort of Antithrombotic Use and Optimal International Normalized Ratio Level in Patients With Non‐Valvular Atrial Fibrillation in Thailand), a multicenter nationwide prospective cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation, achieving SBP within target and TTR ≥ 65% has added value to Atrial Fibrillation Better Care pathway compliance in the reduction of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Descriptions of two new Celticecis species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that induce leaf galls on Celtis boninensis (Cannabaceae) in Japan
Authors: SATO SHINSUKE , YUKAWA JUNICHI
Published: January 2023

Two new species Celticecis insulicola Sato and Yukawa and Celticecis gracilicornis Sato and Yukawa (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) are described from Japan based on morphological comparison with other congeners in the world. The definition of the genus Celticecis is broadened to include the two new species. Molecular phylogenetic analysis supported the results of identification. C. insulicola induces bullet-shaped galls, and C. gracilicornis induces slender conical galls on the leaves of Celtis boninensis Koidzumi (Cannabaceae), a plant of the southern part of Japan, mainly on the Nansei Islands in Kagoshima and Okinawa Prefectures. Both species are univoltine, mature larvae overwintering in the galls on the ground and adults emerging in early spring. C. insulicola was found on Amami, Uke and Okinoerabu Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture, and Okinawa Island, Okinawa Prefecture. C. gracilicornis was found on Amami and Okinawa Islands.
Nomenclatural changes in a taxonomically complex group (Amphipoda: Gammaridae)
Authors: GARCÍA-PARÍS MARIO , JURADO-ANGULO PILAR , RODRÍGUEZ-FLORES PAULA C. , ROSAS-RAMOS NATALIA
Published: January 2023

The family Gammaridae is a large monophyletic group with a complicated taxonomy. A nomenclatural review of the taxonomic status of Pectenogammarus Reid, 1940 was conducted based on Hou & Sket (2016) and Sket & Hou (2018) phylogenetic proposals. These authors used the name Homoeogammarus Schellenberg, 1937 for a set of morphologically diverse taxa previously included mainly within Echinogammarus Stebbing, 1899. Unfortunately, the use of the name Homoeogammarus Schellenberg, 1937 is problematic. As a result of a detailed bibliographic review, we propose the name Pectenogammarus Reid, 1940 (stat. nov.) for the “Homoeogammarus” clade (Sket & Hou 2018), which results in 20 new combinations. In addition, two genera are here formally synonymised as follows: Pectenogammarus Reid, 1940 = Homoeogammarus Barnard et Barnard, 1983, syn. nov. = Laurogammarus G.S. Karaman, 1984, syn. nov. A synonymic catalogue is provided.
A new subspecies of Papilio saharae Oberthür, 1879 (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) from Lampedusa, Italy
Authors: CASSAR LOUIS-F , CATANIA ALDO , COTTON ADAM M
Published: January 2023

An investigation into the only representative of the genus Papilio on the island of Lampedusa, the largest island of the Pelagian group, was conducted as part of a broader Mediterranean-wide study on the machaon complex. Over a three-year period, adults, larvae and ova were collected for further research during field visits, while an in-house breeding programme involving wild-collected gravid females was initiated with a view to examine an adequately sized series of specimens. A total of 38 adults, including 23 male specimens, >150 ova, 233 larvae, and 220 pupae were examined. In addition to a thorough morphometric assessment, statistical tests were performed using one-way ANOVA and multivariate analysis. Results demonstrate morphological characters of P. saharae and, to a lesser degree, of P. machaon, suggesting that the taxon is plausibly the outcome of a hybrid swarm whose occurrence on the island was facilitated by Pleistocene lowstands (when the island was physically connected with the north African continental landmass, the taxon’s centre of origin). Based on results, involving all four stages of metamorphosis, it is proposed to ‘anchor’ the taxon to Papilio saharae Oberthür, 1879 and assign it subspecific status, aferpilaggi ssp. nov.
Redescription of the type species of the genus Cypretta (Ostracoda, Crustacea), with notes on the taxonomy of the genus
Authors: FERREIRA VITOR GÓIS , HIGUTI JANET , MARTENS KOEN
Published: January 2023

With 53 formally described species, the genus Cypretta is one of the most common freshwater ostracod genera in the world. It has a mainly circumtropical distribution. The type species, Cypretta tenuicauda (Vávra, 1895), was described from Zanzibar (Africa) in a superficial way. Therefore, the morphology and identity of this species and of the genus remained problematic until today.

Here, we redescribe Cypretta tenuicauda from the original type material and discuss the morphology of the species and the diagnosis of the genus. The species is characterized by the presence of anterior marginal septa in both valves, the sub-triangular carapace shape in lateral view, the right valve overlapping the left valve, the generally wide carapace and the presence of a serrated posteroventral inner list in the right valve. In addition, both α and β setae on the mandibular palp are long and thin, claws Ga and Gp on the caudal ramus are elongated and seta-like, while the caudal ramus itself is equally slender. The caudal ramus attachment is reduced to a simple branch.

The present redescription of the type species will assist in creating order in what is now a taxonomically confused genus.
Wind and Turbulence Effects on Raindrop Fall Speed
Authors: Testik Firat Y. , Bolek Abdullah
Published: January 2023

Wind and turbulence effects on raindrop fall speeds were elucidated using field observations over a 2-yr time period. Motivations for this study include the recent observations of raindrop fall speed deviations from the terminal fall speed predictions (Vt) based upon laboratory studies and the utilizations of these predictions in various important meteorological and hydrological applications. Fall speed (Vf) and other characteristics of raindrops were observed using a high-speed optical disdrometer (HOD), and various rainfall and wind characteristics were observed using a 3D ultrasonic anemometer, a laser-type disdrometer, and rain gauges. A total of 26 951 raindrops were observed during 17 different rainfall events, and of these observed raindrops, 18.5% had a subterminal fall speed (i.e., 0.85Vt ≥ Vf) and 9.5% had a superterminal fall speed (i.e., 1.15Vt ≤ Vf). Our observations showed that distributions of sub- and superterminal raindrops in the raindrop size spectrum are distinct, and different physical processes are responsible for the occurrence of each. Vertical wind speed, wind shear, and turbulence were identified as the important factors, the latter two being the dominant ones, for the observed fall speed deviations. Turbulence and wind shear had competing effects on raindrop fall. Raindrops of different sizes showed different responses to turbulence, indicating multiscale interactions between raindrop fall and turbulence. With increasing turbulence levels, while the raindrops in the smaller end of the size spectrum showed fall speed enhancements, those in the larger end of the size spectrum showed fall speed reductions. The effect of wind shear was to enhance the raindrop fall speed toward a superterminal fall.
Optimal Design of a Surface Precipitation Network in Canada
Authors: Brunet Dominique , Milbrandt Jason A.
Published: January 2023

The surface precipitation network in Canada suffers from large data gaps due to the challenge of covering a large country with a low population density. A proof-of-concept for an optimal network design is proposed to more efficiently estimate precipitation in Canada with the design goal of minimizing the interpolation uncertainty. The network design is based on a statistical model of precipitation that accounts for intermittency and non-Gaussianity of precipitation. Our results indicate that the greatest needs for new stations are in British Columbia, where coastal and mountain climate leads to more uncertainty in precipitation amounts, while the Prairie Provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) could gain efficiencies by reducing their network size. Despite the current low density of stations in the territories north of Canada, these drier and colder regions only have a moderate need for more stations, mostly in the mountainous regions of Yukon. However, from a spatially varying wind undercatch measurement error model, it is shown that these northern regions have greatest need for higher-accuracy measurements.

Significance Statement

The proposed methodology can guide in the optimal placement of precipitation gauges across a large country such as Canada, which will provide value for money in how rain and snow are monitored.
Bernardevansite, Al2(Se4+O3)3⋅6H2O, dimorphous with alfredopetrovite and the Al-analogue of mandarinoite, from the El Dragón mine, Potosí, Bolivia
Authors: Yang Hexiong , Gu Xiangping , Jenkins Robert A. , Gibbs Ronald B. , Downs Robert T.
Published: January 2023

A new mineral species, bernardevansite (IMA2022-057), ideally Al2(Se4+O3)3⋅6H2O, has been discovered from the El Dragón mine, Potosí Department, Bolivia. It occurs as aggregates or spheres of radiating bladed crystals on a matrix consisting of Co-bearing krut'aite–penroseite. Associated minerals are Co-bearing krut'aite–penroseite, chalcomenite and ‘clinochalcomenite’. Bernardevansite is colourless in transmitted light, transparent with white streak and vitreous lustre. It is brittle and has a Mohs hardness of 2½–3. Cleavage is not observed. The measured and calculated densities are 2.93(5) and 2.997 g/cm3, respectively. Optically, bernardevansite is biaxial (+), with α = 1.642(5), β = 1.686(5) and γ = 1.74(1) (white light). An electron microprobe analysis yielded an empirical formula (based on 15 O apfu) (Al1.26Fe3+0.82)Σ2.08(Se0.98O3)3⋅6H2O, which can be simplified to (Al,Fe3+)2(SeO3)3⋅6H2O.

Bernardevansite is the Al-analogue of mandarinoite, Fe3+2(SeO3)3⋅6H2O or dimorphous with P$\bar{6}$2c alfredopetrovite. It is monoclinic, with space group P21/c and unit-cell parameters a = 16.5016(5), b = 7.7703(2), c = 9.8524(3) Å, β = 98.258(3)°, V = 1250.21(6) Å3 and Z = 4. The crystal structure of bernardevansite consists of a corner-sharing framework of M3+O6 (M = Al and Fe) octahedra and Se4+O3 trigonal pyramids, leaving large voids occupied by the H2O groups. There are two unique M3+ positions: M1 is octahedrally coordinated by (4O + 2H2O) and M2 by (5O + H2O). The structure refinement indicates that Al preferentially occupies M1 (= 0.692Al + 0.308Fe) over M2 (= 0.516Al + 0.484Fe). The substitution of the majority of Fe in mandarinoite by Al results in a significant reduction in its unit-cell volume from 1313.4 Å3 to 1250.21(6) Å3 for bernardevansite. The discovery of bernardevansite begs the question whether the Fe3+ end-member, Fe3+2(SeO3)3⋅6H2O, has two polymorphs as well, one with P21/c symmetry, as for mandarinoite and the other P$\bar{6}$2c, as for alfredopetrovite.
BTK and PLCG2 remain unmutated in one-third of patients with CLL relapsing on ibrutinib
Authors: Bonfiglio Silvia , Sutton Lesley-Ann , Ljungström Viktor , Capasso Antonella , Pandzic Tatjana , Weström Simone , Foroughi-Asl Hassan , Skaftason Aron , Gellerbring Anna , Lyander Anna , Gandini Francesca , Gaidano Gianluca , Trentin Livio , Bonello Lisa , Reda Gianluigi , Bödör Csaba , Stavroyianni Niki , Tam Constantine S. , Marasca Roberto , Forconi Francesco , Panayiotidis Panayiotis , Ringshausen Ingo , Jaksic Ozren , Frustaci Anna Maria , Iyengar Sunil , Coscia Marta , Mulligan Stephen P. , Ysebaert Loïc , Strugov Vladimir , Pavlovsky Carolina , Walewska Renata , Österborg Anders , Cortese Diego , Ranghetti Pamela , Baliakas Panagiotis , Stamatopoulos Kostas , Scarfò Lydia , Rosenquist Richard , Ghia Paolo
Published: January 2023

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) progressing on ibrutinib constitute an unmet need. Though Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) and PLCG2 mutations are associated with ibrutinib resistance, their frequency and relevance to progression are not fully understood. In this multicenter retrospective observational study, we analyzed 98 patients with CLL on ibrutinib (49 relapsing after an initial response and 49 still responding after ≥1 year of continuous treatment) using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel (1% sensitivity) comprising 13 CLL-relevant genes including BTK and PLCG2. BTK hotspot mutations were validated by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) (0.1% sensitivity). By integrating NGS and ddPCR results, 32 of 49 relapsing cases (65%) carried at least 1 hotspot BTK and/or PLCG2 mutation(s); in 6 of 32, BTK mutations were only detected by ddPCR (variant allele frequency [VAF] 0.1% to 1.2%). BTK/PLCG2 mutations were also identified in 6 of 49 responding patients (12%; 5/6 VAF <10%), of whom 2 progressed later. Among the relapsing patients, the BTK-mutated (BTKmut) group was enriched for EGR2 mutations, whereas BTK-wildtype (BTKwt) cases more frequently displayed BIRC3 and NFKBIE mutations. Using an extended capture-based panel, only BRAF and IKZF3 mutations showed a predominance in relapsing cases, who were enriched for del(8p) (n = 11; 3 BTKwt). Finally, no difference in TP53 mutation burden was observed between BTKmut and BTKwt relapsing cases, and ibrutinib treatment did not favor selection of TP53-aberrant clones. In conclusion, we show that BTK/PLCG2 mutations were absent in a substantial fraction (35%) of a real-world cohort failing ibrutinib, and propose additional mechanisms contributing to resistance.
Antibiotic resistance profile of common uropathogens during COVID-19 pandemic: hospital based epidemiologic study
Authors: Abdel Gawad Ahmed M. , Ashry Walaa Mohamed Omar , El-Ghannam Sherief , Hussein Mahmoud , Yousef Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Background

Antimicrobial resistance has a direct impact on the ability to treat common infections, and this was worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Worldwide surveillance studies are lacking and resistance rates vary spatially, so frequent local surveillance reports are required to guide antimicrobial stewardship efforts.

This study aims to report our common local uropathogens and their antibiogram profiles in our community during the COVID era.

Methods

A retrospective study included patients referred to our urology units with urine culture and sensitivity. All bacterial strains were identified, and their antibiotic susceptibilities were tested.

Results

Out of 2581 urine culture results recruited, 30% showed microbiological proof of infection. The majority, 486 (63.4%), were isolated from females. The most frequent isolates were Escherichia coli (44.4%) and Staphylococcus aureus (17.8%). The resistance rates ranged from 26.9 to 79.7%. Piperacillin-tazobactam antibiotic had the lowest resistance rate. The multi-drug resistance pattern was recorded in 181 (23.9%) of the isolates; 159/597 (26.6%) Gram-negative and 22/160 (13.8%) Gram-positive isolates.

Conclusions

Alarming rates of antimicrobial resistance were detected, which stresses the significance of following infection control policies and establishing national antimicrobial stewardship standards.
Analysis of the association of sugammadex with the length of hospital stay in patients undergoing abdominal surgery: a retrospective study
Authors: Tan Jing , He Jianhua , Wang Lijun , Fang Jia , Li Pengyi , Song Zhenghuan , Bian Qingming
Published: January 2023

Background

Sugammadex is a newer medication used for rapid and reliable reversal of neuromuscular blockade. This study evaluated whether sugammadex could reduce the length of postoperative hospital stay in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Methods

This single center retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent major abdominal surgery between January 2015 and October 2019. Patients were randomized according to reversal with sugammadex or spontaneous recovery. The primary outcome was length of postoperative hospital stay. The secondary outcomes were length of post-anesthetic care unit (PACU) stay, postoperative ambulation time, time-to-first-defecation, and incidence of pulmonary complications. After 1:1 propensity score matching, univariate and multiple linear regression analyses estimated the differences in outcomes.

Results

Of the 1614 patients, 517 received sugammadex and 645 spontaneously recovered. After adjusting for potential confounders, non-linear relationship was detected between administration of sugammadex and the length of postoperative hospital stay (β = 0.29 95% confidence interval {CI}: [− 1.13, − 0.54],P = 0.4912). However, it was associated with shorter PACU stay (β = − 20.30 95% CI: [− 24.48, − 17.11],P < 0.0001), shorter time to postoperative ambulation movement (β = − 0.43 95% CI: [− 0.62, − 0.23],P < 0.0001), and reduced time-to-first-defecation (β = − 2.25 95% CI: [− 0.45, − 0.05],P = 0.0129), when compared to the spontaneously recovered group. The incidence of pneumonia in the sugammadex group was significantly lower than that in the spontaneously recovered group (18.6% [44/237] vs. 39.2% [93/237]P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Neuromuscular blockade reversal with sugammadex after abdominal surgery demonstrated an excellent recovery profile and was associated with decreased risk of pneumonia, although it did not affect the length of postoperative hospital stay.
Multivariate longitudinal data for survival analysis of cardiovascular event prediction in young adults: insights from a comparative explainable study
Authors: Nguyen Hieu T. , Vasconcellos Henrique D. , Keck Kimberley , Reis Jared P. , Lewis Cora E. , Sidney Steven , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Schreiner Pamela J. , Guallar Eliseo , Wu Colin O. , Lima João A.C. , Ambale-Venkatesh Bharath
Published: January 2023

Background

Multivariate longitudinal data are under-utilized for survival analysis compared to cross-sectional data (CS - data collected once across cohort). Particularly in cardiovascular risk prediction, despite available methods of longitudinal data analysis, the value of longitudinal information has not been established in terms of improved predictive accuracy and clinical applicability.

Methods

We investigated the value of longitudinal data over and above the use of cross-sectional data via 6 distinct modeling strategies from statistics, machine learning, and deep learning that incorporate repeated measures for survival analysis of the time-to-cardiovascular event in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) cohort. We then examined and compared the use of model-specific interpretability methods (Random Survival Forest Variable Importance) and model-agnostic methods (SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) and Temporal Importance Model Explanation (TIME)) in cardiovascular risk prediction using the top-performing models.

Results

In a cohort of 3539 participants, longitudinal information from 35 variables that were repeatedly collected in 6 exam visits over 15 years improved subsequent long-term (17 years after) risk prediction by up to 8.3% in C-index compared to using baseline data (0.78 vs. 0.72), and up to approximately 4% compared to using the last observed CS data (0.75). Time-varying AUC was also higher in models using longitudinal data (0.86–0.87 at 5 years, 0.79–0.81 at 10 years) than using baseline or last observed CS data (0.80–0.86 at 5 years, 0.73–0.77 at 10 years). Comparative model interpretability analysis revealed the impact of longitudinal variables on model prediction on both the individual and global scales among different modeling strategies, as well as identifying the best time windows and best timing within that window for event prediction. The best strategy to incorporate longitudinal data for accuracy was time series massive feature extraction, and the easiest interpretable strategy was trajectory clustering.

Conclusion

Our analysis demonstrates the added value of longitudinal data in predictive accuracy and epidemiological utility in cardiovascular risk survival analysis in young adults via a unified, scalable framework that compares model performance and explainability. The framework can be extended to a larger number of variables and other longitudinal modeling methods.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00005130, Registration Date: 26/05/2000.
The utility of texture analysis based on quantitative synthetic magnetic resonance imaging in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a preliminary study
Authors: Yang Fan , Li Yujie , Li Xiaolu , Yu Xiaoduo , Zhao Yanfeng , Li Lin , Xie Lizhi , Lin Meng
Published: January 2023

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and occipital clivus (OC) invasion, but a proportion of lesions may be missed using non-enhanced MRI. The purpose of this study is to investigate the diagnostic performance of synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (SyMRI) in differentiating NPC from nasopharyngeal hyperplasia (NPH), as well as evaluating OC invasion.

Methods

Fifty-nine patients with NPC and 48 volunteers who underwent SyMRI examination were prospectively enrolled. Eighteen first-order features were extracted from VOIs (primary tumours, benign mucosa, and OC). Statistical comparisons were conducted between groups using the independent-samples t-test and the Mann–Whitney U test to select significant parameters. Multiple diagnostic models were then constructed using multivariate logistic analysis. The diagnostic performance of the models was calculated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis and compared using the DeLong test. Bootstrap and 5-folds cross-validation were applied to avoid overfitting.

Results

The T1, T2 and PD map-derived models had excellent diagnostic performance in the discrimination between NPC and NPH in volunteers, with area under the curves (AUCs) of 0.975, 0.972 and 0.986, respectively. Besides, SyMRI models also showed excellent performance in distinguishing OC invasion from non-invasion (AUC: 0.913–0.997). Notably, the T1 map-derived model showed the highest diagnostic performance with an AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 0.997, 96.9%, 97.9% and 97.5%, respectively. By using 5-folds cross-validation, the bias-corrected AUCs were 0.965–0.984 in discriminating NPC from NPH and 0.889–0.975 in discriminating OC invasion from OC non-invasion.

Conclusions

SyMRI combined with first-order parameters showed excellent performance in differentiating NPC from NPH, as well as discriminating OC invasion from non-invasion.
The comparison of diffusion tensor imaging in human hearts between 1.5 T and 3.0 T
Authors: Li Xiaodan , Chen Rui , Xu Xi , Xiao Zebin , Wei Xiaoyu , Yang Yuelong , Zhang Zhongping , Wu Zhigang , Zhu Yanjie , Liu Hui
Published: January 2023

Background

The aim was to compare the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) indices derived from human hearts between 1.5 T and 3.0 T scanners. Additionally, the reproducibility of DTI indices was assessed between 1.5 T and 3.0 T scanners.

Methods

A total of 18 ex-vivo hearts were derived from patients who underwent heart transplantation. The DTI schemes were performed at 1.5 T and 3.0 T, respectively. Then, the same slices from each ex-vivo heart were selected for image analysis. The student’s t-test or Wilcoxon-rank test was used to compare the statistical differences. The agreement of DTI indices was mainly reported as the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

No significant differences (all P > 0.05) were found in the DTI indices between 1.5 T and 3.0 T scanners. Interestingly, the ICC of all DTI indices was relatively lower with a low b-value. The reproducibility of the helix angle (HA) was relatively lower when compared to the other DTI indices.

Conclusion

The DTI indices of ex-vivo human hearts between 1.5 T and 3.0 T scanners had no significant differences. The consistency of DTI indices needed caution using a low b-value with different field strengths, and the relatively low reproducibility of HA should be considered.
Elevated RANTES levels are associated with increased risk of cerebral atherosclerotic stenosis
Authors: Guo Yinping , Kong Qianqian , Zhang Yi , Zhao Jing , Yu Zhiyuan , He Dan , Huang Hao , Luo Xiang
Published: January 2023

Background

Cerebral atherosclerotic stenosis (CAS) is a significant factor in the development of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Previous studies have reported that cytokines are involved in atherosclerotic diseases, although the relationship between serum levels of the chemokine RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) and the presence of CAS remains unclear.

Methods

In total, 127 participants (65 non-AIS controls and 62 patients with AIS) were involved in this study. CAS was defined as the presence of ≥ 50% stenosis in major intracranial or extracranial artery by a Digital Substraction Angiography (DSA) examination, and we classified all participants into four groups according to stroke and CAS status. Serum concentrations of 8 cytokines, including RANTES, were measured by the Human ProcartaPlex Multiplex Immunoassay Kit.

Results

Seventy-eight participants (61.41%) had CAS, of which 39 cases with AIS and 39 case with non-AIS. Patients with CAS had higher RANTES levels compared to non-CAS patients in both the non-AIS group (10.54 ± 0.80 vs. 13.20 ± 0.71,p = 0.016) and stroke group (11.96 ± 0.87 vs. 15.03 ± 0.75,p = 0.011), and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the RANTES level is independently associated with CAS in both the non-AIS group (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02–1.12,P = 0.004) and stroke group (adjusted OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.10–1.58,P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Patients with CAS have higher levels of serum RANTES than non-CAS patients regardless of stroke status suggesting that RANTES may play an important role in the formation of CAS.
Tumor micronecrosis predicts poor prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Zhang Wei , Ge Hongbin , Han Xu , Wu Jiangchao , Sun Xuqi , Sun Ke , Cao Wanyue , Huang Chao , Li Jingsong , Zhang Qi , Liang Tingbo
Published: January 2023

Background

Tumor micronecrosis is a histopathological feature predicting poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent liver resection. However, the role of tumor micronecrosis in liver transplantation remains unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with HCC who underwent liver transplantation between January 2015 and December 2021 at our center. We then classified them into micronecrosis(−) and micronecrosis(+) groups and compared their recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). We identified independent prognostic factors using Cox regression analysis and calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to evaluate the predictive value of RFS for patients with HCC after liver transplantation.

Results

A total of 370 cases with evaluable histological sections were included. Patients of the micronecrosis(+) group had a significantly shorter RFS than those of the micronecrosis(−) group (P = 0.037). Shorter RFS and OS were observed in micronecrosis(+) patients without bridging treatments before liver transplantation (P = 0.002 and P = 0.007), while no differences were detected in those with preoperative antitumor therapies that could cause iatrogenic tumor necrosis. Tumor micronecrosis improved the AUC of Milan criteria (0.77–0.79), the model for end-stage liver disease score (0.70–0.76), and serum alpha-fetoprotein (0.63–0.71) for the prediction of prognosis after liver transplantation.

Conclusion

Patients with HCC with tumor micronecrosis suffer from a worse prognosis than those without this feature. Tumor micronecrosis can help predict RFS after liver transplantation. Therefore, patients with HCC with tumor micronecrosis should be treated with adjuvant therapy and closely followed after liver transplantation.

Clinical trials registration

Not Applicable.
Risk stratification and prognostic value of multi-modal MRI-based radiomics for extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Zhao Yu-Ting , Chen Si-Ye , Liu Xin , Yang Yong , Chen Bo , Song Yong-Wen , Fang Hui , Jin Jing , Liu Yue-Ping , Jing Hao , Tang Yuan , Li Ning , Lu Ning-Ning , Wang Shu-Lian , Ouyang Han , Hu Chen , Liu Jin , Wang Zhi , Chen Fan , Yin Lin , Zhong Qiu-Zi , Men Kuo , Dai Jian-Rong , Qi Shu-Nan , Li Ye-Xiong
Published: January 2023

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performs well in the locoregional assessment of extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL). It’s important to assess the value of multi-modal MRI-based radiomics for estimating overall survival (OS) in patients with ENKTCL.

Methods

Patients with ENKTCL in a prospectively cohort were systemically reviewed and all the pretreatment MRI were acquisitioned. An unsupervised spectral clustering method was used to identify risk groups of patients and radiomic features. A nomogram-revised risk index (NRI) plus MRI radiomics signature (NRI-M) was developed, and compared with the NRI.

Results

The 2 distinct type I and II groups of the MRI radiomics signatures were identified. The 5-year OS rates between the type I and type II groups were 87.2% versus 67.3% (P = 0.002) in all patients, and 88.8% versus 69.2% (P = 0.003) in early-stage patients. The discrimination and calibration of the NRI-M for OS prediction demonstrated a better performance than that of either MRI radiomics or NRI, with a mean area under curve (AUC) of 0.748 and 0.717 for predicting the 5-year OS in all-stages and early-stage patients.

Conclusions

The NRI-M model has good performance for predicting the prognosis of ENKTCL and may help design clinical trials and improve clinical decision making.
IGF-1R down regulates the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib through the PI3K / akt and RAS / raf / ERK signaling pathways
Authors: Cai Wenpeng , Ma Yongfang , Song Li , Cao Niandie , Gao Jiafeng , Zhou Shuping , Tang Xiaolong
Published: January 2023

Background

Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) promotes cell proliferation and migration and inhibitsapoptosis, all of which can contribute to the development of cancers.

Method

This study investigated the effect and mechanism of IGF-1R in mediating the desensitization of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to sorafenib.

Results

IGF-1R, highly expressed in the HCC cell lines SK-Hep1 and HepG2, promotes cell proliferation, migration, and anti-apoptosis through PI3K / Akt and RAS / Raf / ERK signaling pathways, resulting in HCC resistance to sorafenib. Knockdown of IGF-1R by RNA interference decreased proliferation and cell migration and upregulation of sorafenib-induced apoptosis of HCC cells. In vivo studies demonstrated that IGF-1R knockdown inhibited the growth of SK-Hep1 xenografts.

Conclusion

These data are evidence that IGF-1R participates in regulating the survival and cell growth of HCC through the PI3K / Akt and RAS / Raf / ERK signaling pathways. Intervention in the expression of IGF-1R may increase the inhibitory effect of sorafenib on HCC.
The characteristics of dome-shaped macula in Chinese children aged 4–6 years using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Xiang Lu , Zhou Yingming , Zhang Xuan , Li Kai , Fei Chunli , Wang Yangyang , Bai Yang , Xie Bing , Shen Xi
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

To evaluate the characteristics of dome-shaped macula (DSM) in children aged 4–6 years with normal visual acuity using optical coherence tomography angiography.

Method:

This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 19 children aged 4–6 years were included. The results of optical coherence tomography angiography images were analysed to identify and quantify retinal structural and vascular parameters in DSM children. The dome height, dome base, and sub-dome choroidal thickness were manually measured. Participants with DSM and those without DSM from our previous study were compared on these parameters.

Results:

Nineteen eyes of the preschool subjects with normal visual acuity showed horizontal DSM on optical coherence tomography (OCT). The DSM was significantly smooth and low in the children, and we did not observe differences between sex and age. Compared to the children without DSM, the average axial length was longer, and the average macular vessel density was lower in the DSM group, especially in the deep retinal vascular density. Additionally, the dome height was positively correlated with the sub-dome choroidal thickness. When the dome base/height was increased, the fovea avascular zone (FAZ) area was larger.

Conclusion:

Dome-shaped macula was detected in the preschool children in the process of the emmetropization with normal visual acuity. The changes in macular structure and vasculature provide new ideas for further investigation into the characteristics of DSM formation.
Quantifying side effects and caregiver burdens of pediatric pulmonary hypertension therapies
Authors: Nelson Erik J. , Cook Ella , Nelson Samara , Brown Rebecca , Pierce Megan , Seelos Ashley Bangerter , Stickle Heather , Johansen Michael
Published: January 2023

Background and objectives

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare, but serious disease among children. However, PH has been primarily evaluated among adults. Consequently, treatment therapies have not been fully evaluated among pediatric populations and are used in an ‘off label’ manner. The purpose of this study was to estimate the side effect profiles of the most commonly prescribed pediatric PH therapies and to understand the burdens placed upon families caring for children living with PH.

Methods

Participants were recruited online through the “Families of children with pulmonary hypertension” Facebook group and asked to complete a survey about PH treatments.

Results

A total of 139 parents of a child living with PH completed the survey. Almost all children used ≥ 1 medication to treat PH, with 52% using ≥ 3 medications. The highest average number of side effects was reported by users of Treprostinil, Selexipag and type-5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors. The most common side effects were skin flushing, headache, nasal congestion, joint/muscle pain, and nausea. In terms of accessing care, 81% travel ≥ 20 miles and 68% travel for ≥ 60 min to receive care.

Conclusions

We found an array of treatment combinations employed to mitigate symptoms of PH in children, with a wide range of side effects. We also found a large, unseen economic, emotional, and time burden of caring for a child living with PH. Further research is warranted to understand the clinical implications of these side effects to move towards labeled usage of these therapies rather than post-hoc off-label usage.
The emotional well-being of Long COVID patients in relation to their symptoms, social support and stigmatization in social and health services: a qualitative study
Authors: Samper-Pardo M. , Oliván-Blázquez B. , Magallón-Botaya R. , Méndez-López F. , Bartolomé-Moreno C. , León-Herrera S.
Published: January 2023

Background

Long COVID patients have experienced a decline in their quality of life due to, in part but not wholly, its negative emotional impact. Some of the most prevalent mental health symptoms presented by long COVID patients are anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. As such, the need has arisen to analyze the personal experiences of these patients to understand how they are managing their daily lives while dealing with the condition. The objective of this study is to increase understanding about the emotional well-being of people diagnosed with long COVID.

Methods

A qualitative design was created and carried out using 35 patients, with 17 participants being interviewed individually and 18 of them taking part in two focus groups. The participating patients were recruited in November and December 2021 from Primary Health Care (PHC) centers in the city of Zaragoza (Northern Spain) and from the Association of Long COVID Patients in Aragon. The study topics were emotional well-being, social support networks, and experience of discrimination. All an inductive thematic content analyses were performed iteratively using NVivo software.

Results

The Long COVID patients identified low levels of self-perceived well-being due to their persistent symptoms, as well as limitations in their daily lives that had been persistent for many months. Suicidal thoughts were also mentioned by several patients. They referred to anguish and anxiety about the future as well as a fear of reinfection or relapse and returning to work. Many of the participants reported that they have sought the help of a mental health professional. Most participants identified discriminatory situations in health care.

Conclusions

It is necessary to continue researching the impact that Long COVID has had on mental health, as well as to provide Primary Health Care professionals with evidence that can guide the emotional treatment of these patients
Autism spectrum disorder knowledge scale: Chinese revision of the general population version
Authors: Su Linfei , Lin Zehui , Li Youyuan , Wei Ling
Published: January 2023

The general population of China has misconceptions about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The measurement of ASD knowledge is conducive to conducting widespread scientific publicity. However, China lacks a structurally complete ASD knowledge scale with good reliability and validity. Therefore, this study aimed to introduce a suitable Chinese ASD knowledge scale. Based on 317 participants, this study revised the Chinese version of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Knowledge Scale(ASKSG), assessed its reliability, validity, and psychometric properties, and analyzed the ASD knowledge of the Chinese general population of this subject sample. The results provided support for the Chinese version of the ASKSG as a suitable measure for assessing ASD knowledge and indicated that ASD knowledge in this study’s sample was relatively poor, particularly with regard to etiology and epidemiology.