bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stromal cartilage oligomeric matrix protein as a tumorigenic driver in ovarian cancer via Notch3 signaling and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Gorji-Bahri Gilar , Krishna B. Madhu , Hagerling Catharina , Orimo Akira , Jirström Karin , Papadakos Konstantinos S. , Blom Anna M.
Published: April 2024

Background

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), an extracellular matrix glycoprotein, is vital in preserving cartilage integrity. Further, its overexpression is associated with the aggressiveness of several types of solid cancers. This study investigated COMP’s role in ovarian cancer, exploring clinicopathological links and mechanistic insights.

Methods

To study the association of COMP expression in cancer cells and stroma with clinicopathological features of ovarian tumor patients, we analyzed an epithelial ovarian tumor cohort by immunohistochemical analysis. Subsequently, to study the functional mechanisms played by COMP, an in vivo xenograft mouse model and several molecular biology techniques such as transwell migration and invasion assay, tumorsphere formation assay, proximity ligation assay, and RT-qPCR array were performed.

Results

Based on immunohistochemical analysis of epithelial ovarian tumor tissues, COMP expression in the stroma, but not in cancer cells, was linked to worse overall survival (OS) of ovarian cancer patients. A xenograft mouse model showed that carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) expressing COMP stimulate the growth and metastasis of ovarian tumors through the secretion of COMP. The expression of COMP was upregulated in CAFs stimulated with TGF-β. Functionally, secreted COMP by CAFs enhanced the migratory capacity of ovarian cancer cells. Mechanistically, COMP activated the Notch3 receptor by enhancing the Notch3-Jagged1 interaction. The dependency of the COMP effect on Notch was confirmed when the migration and tumorsphere formation of COMP-treated ovarian cancer cells were inhibited upon incubation with Notch inhibitors. Moreover, COMP treatment induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and upregulation of active β-catenin in ovarian cancer cells.

Conclusion

This study suggests that COMP secretion by CAFs drives ovarian cancer progression through the induction of the Notch pathway and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
Teleintervention’s effects on breastfeeding in low-income women in high income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Corkery-Hayward Madeleine , Talaei Mohammad
Published: April 2024

Background

Many mothers in high-income countries (HIC) do not breastfeed to the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of two years. This is particularly true for low-income women (LIW). They often face additional socio-structural barriers that encourage early discontinuation and are inadequately supported by current healthcare interventions. Teleinterventions are flexible and widely used following the global pandemic and increase maternal autonomy over intervention delivery. They show promise in improving other maternal conditions in LIW, including postpartum depression. Teleinterventions can increase breastfeeding rates in the wider maternal population, however their efficacy for this underserved population has not yet been systematically assessed. This meta-analysis aimed to identify if teleinterventions increase ‘exclusive’ or ‘any’ breastfeeding by LIW in HIC at 1-, 3–4, and 6-months postpartum.

Methods

We searched five online databases for randomised controlled trials assessing breastfeeding teleinterventions for LIW in HIC. Risk ratios (RR) were used to calculate the average effect of teleinterventions on ‘any’ and ‘exclusive’ breastfeeding at at 1-, 3–4, and 6-months postpartum using random effects meta-analysis. Study bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB2), and outcome quality was evaluated against GRADE criteria.

Results

Nine studies met inclusion criteria: six providing telephone calls, two text messages and one an online support group. All the studies were conducted in the United States, with small sample sizes and a high risk of bias. Pooled results indicate teleinterventions modestly increase ‘any’ and ‘exclusive’ breastfeeding at all time points, with a statistically significant increase in ‘exclusive’ breastfeeding after 3–4 months (RR 1.12, 95% CI [1.00,1.25]). At 3–4 months teleinterventions providing peer support were more effective than educational teleinterventions at promoting any and exclusive breastfeeding. Evidence for all outcomes were rated ‘low’ or ‘very low’ quality using the GRADE tool, mainly due to high attrition and low power.

Conclusions

Despite insufficient high-quality research into breastfeeding teleinterventions for LIW, our results suggest teleinterventions may improve exclusive and any breastfeeding. Given breastfeeding is particularly low in LIW population from HIC, our findings are promising and require further exploration by larger, methodologically sound trials in other HIC.
Simplified S1 vertebral bone quality score independently predicts proximal junctional kyphosis after surgery for degenerative lumbar scoliosis
Authors: Deng Wei , Zhou Yue , Zhou Qingsong , Yin Yong , Song Yueming , Feng Ganjun
Published: April 2024

Objective

Our study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the simplified S1 vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score in predicting the incidence of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) after surgery for degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS).

Methods

We reviewed 122 patients with DLS who underwent posterior lumbar decompression and long-segment fusion surgery in our hospital from January 2016 to December 2020. The patients were classified into PJK group and non-PJK group. S1 VBQ scores are determined by signal intensity measurements taken from the mid-sagittal plane of T1-weighted non-contrast MRI. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with PJK. Receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the value of S1 VBQ score in predicting pedicle PJK after DLS.

Results

122 DLS patients (90 females and 32 males) met the inclusion criteria. In addition, 27 patients (22.13%) had PJK at the time of last follow-up. VBQ was higher in PJK patients than non-PJK patients (3.58 ± 0.67 vs. 3.08 ± 0.54, p < 0.001). Preoperatively, patients in the PJK group had a greater TLK than those in the non-PJK group (20.00 ± 6.22 vs. 16.86 ± 5.38, p = 0.011). After surgery, patients in the PJK group had greater TLK (p < 0.001) and PJA (p < 0.001) compared with the non-PJK group. At final FU, patients in the PJK group had greater TK (p = 0.002), TLK (p < 0.001), SVA (p < 0.001), and PJA (p < 0.001) than patients in the non-PJK group (Table 4). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, higher VBQ score (OR 4.565, 95% CI 1.43–14.568, p = 0.010), advanced age (OR 1.119, 95% CI 1.021–1.227, p = 0.016), and larger TLK (OR 1.191, 95% CI 1.041–1.362, p = 0.011) were significant predictors of postoperative PJK in patients with DLS (Table 6). A statistically significant positive correlation existed between VBQ score and PJA change (r = 0.370, p < 0.001). We created ROC curves for VBQ scores as predictors of PJK with a diagnostic accuracy of 72.1% (95% CI 60.15–82.9%.The ideal limit for the VBQ score was 3.205 (sensitivity: 77.8%, specificity: 81.4%).

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of the S1 VBQ score in predicting postoperative PJK in DLS. Our study included major risk factors and found that S1 VBQ score was a significant predictor of PJK in patients undergoing DLS surgery. The higher the S1 VBQ score, the higher the probability of PJK.
Open aortic arch repair without circulatory arrest by frozen elephant trunk in Ishimaru zone 0
Authors: Bancone Ciro , Della Corte Alessandro , Lo Presti Federica , Ashurov Rasul , Sica Giacomo , Palmieri Lucrezia , Di Fraia Rita , De Feo Marisa
Published: April 2024

Background

Open arch surgery is technically demanding for the surgeon and surgically and biologically invasive for the patient, requiring a variably long period of hypothermic circulatory arrest.

Case presentation

Here we present a case of an elderly patient with chronic renal failure and multiple splanchnic artery disease successfully treated for a rupturing pseudoaneurysm of the aortic arch with a technique that we developed for particularly frail patients. The procedure includes: triple supra-aortic vessel perfusion; distal thoracic aorta antegrade perfusion; balloon endo-clamping of the descending aorta; and anastomosis of an off-the-shelf hybrid arch prosthesis in Ishimaru zone 0. These maneuvers allowed to maintain an extracorporeal circulation in the phase of distal anastomosis, instead of a period of circulatory arrest, employing just mild hypothermia: technical details are depicted and discussed also in comparison with other methods proposed in the literature.

Conclusions

Being able to take advantage of both open surgery advancements and endovascular methods is the key to cardiovascular surgery success today in front of complex pathologies of the aorta: increasing safety and reducing invasiveness of therapeutic options may progressively extend surgical candidacy to the frailest patients.
Transapical intramyocardial septal microwave ablation in treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: 12-month outcomes of a swine model
Authors: Zhou Mi , Li Zhaolong , Liu Yun , Fang Yuehua , Qin Le , Yang Wenjie , Yan Fuhua , Zhao Qiang
Published: April 2024

Background

To date, the extended Morrow procedure is considered the gold standard treatment for patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who experience severe symptoms and are unresponsive to medication treatment. We therefore aimed to perform transapical intramyocardial septal microwave ablation to reduce the thickness of the interventricular septum myocardium in a minimally invasive method.

Methods

Fourteen swine were divided to form either a microwave ablation group (n = 7) or a sham group (n = 7). In the microwave ablation group, a transapical microwave antenna was inserted into the septum to ablate each myocardial segment at 40 W for 1 min, while in the sham group, the same operation was performed but without power output. We used echocardiography, electrocardiogram, during the operation. And added computerized tomography, cardiac nuclear magnetic resonance during follow-up.

Results

Segment hypokinesis was observed in all swine immediately following ablation. Compared with the sham group, the thickness of ablated segments in the ablation group decreased significantly 1 month post-operation (ablation group, 5.53 ± 1.00 mm vs. 8.03 ± 1.15 mm, respectively, P < 0.01; sham group, 8.40 ± 0.94 mm vs. 8.21 ± 1.09 mm, respectively, P = 0.081), and the outcome was still observed 1 year post-operation (ablation group, 3.36 ± 0.85 mm vs. 8.03 ± 1.15 mm, respectively, P < 0.01). No perforation of the septum was observed during the procedure or follow-up, and no heart failure or sudden cardiac death occurred during postoperative feeding.

Conclusions

Transapical intramyocardial septal microwave ablation can effectively and safely produce a large region of necrosis. This technique can potentially mimic surgical myectomy while avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass and median sternotomy in high-risk hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy patients.
Different anatomical variations in the anterior segment of the right upper lung
Authors: Yan Wu , Wang MengXuan , Zhao JiXing , Li YongSheng , Wei Wei
Published: April 2024

During a routine physical examination three years ago, a 47-year-old woman received a diagnosis of a nodule in her right upper lung. Since then, she has been regularly attending outpatient clinic appointments for follow-up. Over time, the nodule has shown gradual growth, leading to a suspicion of lung cancer. Through the use of enhanced CT imaging, a three-dimensional reconstruction was performed to examine the bronchi and blood vessels in the patient’s chest. This reconstruction revealed several variations in the anatomy of the anterior segment of the right upper lobe. Specifically, the anterior segmental bronchus (B3) was found to have originated from the right middle lung bronchus. Additionally, the medial subsegmental artery of the anterior segmental artery (A3b) and the medial segmental artery (A5) were observed to share a common trunk. As for the lateral subsegmental artery of the anterior segmental artery (A3a), it was found to have originated from the right inferior pulmonary trunk. Furthermore, the apical subsegmental artery of the apical segmental artery (A1a) and the posterior segmental artery (A2) were found to have a shared trunk.
Uncommon using of the pulmonary homograft in oncological case - three years follow up
Authors: Lahidheb Dhaker , Komarov Roman , Alikhanov Ruslan , Tlisov Boris , Ismailbaev Alisher , Dhif Ines
Published: April 2024

Introduction

There are enough cases of colorectal cancer with liver metastasis, but inferior vena cava infiltraion with dissemination to the right atrium is an infrequent event.

Presentation of case

This is the first case of surgical treatment of recurrent liver metastasis with the infiltration to the inferior vena cava and to the right atrium of the heart, using a cryopreserved pulmonary homograft.

Discussion

The choice of a cryopreserved pulmonary homograft was preferred by the need for a radical and wide resection of tissues involved in the metastasis, as well as to potentially reduce the risk of thrombosis in the short- and long-term postoperative period.

Conclusion

The use of a cryopreserved homograft in operation undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass allowed us to perform the required volume of radical resection and to replace an extended section of the inferior vena cava.
Development of a stability indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method for determination of cenobamate: study of basic degradation kinetics
Authors: EL-Malla Samah F. , Mansour Fotouh R. , Elbastawissy Almoataz Bellah B. , Elagamy Samar H.
Published: April 2024

This study presents a stability indicating high-performance liquid chromatography HPLC method for the determination of cenobamate (CNB) in presence of its main impurity (CNB H-impurity) and degradation products. The chromatographic separation was carried out on a Thermo BDS Hypersil-C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm; 5 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of a 50:50 (%v/v) ratio of methanol and purified water. The flow rate was maintained at 1.0 mL. min− 1. CNB was detected at 210 nm using a PDA detector. The column temperature was held at 40 °C.The retention time of the drug was found to be 3.2 min. Furthermore, the study investigates the degradation behavior of CNB under various stress conditions, including acidic, basic, oxidative, and light-induced degradation. The results indicate that CNB is particularly susceptible to basic degradation. Consequently, a comprehensive study of the basic degradation kinetics was conducted. The method was also successfully applied for the determination of CNB in its dosage form. The results also show that there is no co-elution from degradation products or excipients as indicated by the mass balance and peak purity values confirming the specificity of the proposed method and its applicability for routine analysis of CNB.
An optimised YOLOv4 deep learning model for efficient malarial cell detection in thin blood smear images
Authors: Sukumarran Dhevisha , Hasikin Khairunnisa , Khairuddin Anis Salwa Mohd , Ngui Romano , Sulaiman Wan Yusoff Wan , Vythilingam Indra , Divis Paul Cliff Simon
Published: April 2024

Background

Malaria is a serious public health concern worldwide. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for controlling the disease’s spread and avoiding severe health complications. Manual examination of blood smear samples by skilled technicians is a time-consuming aspect of the conventional malaria diagnosis toolbox. Malaria persists in many parts of the world, emphasising the urgent need for sophisticated and automated diagnostic instruments to expedite the identification of infected cells, thereby facilitating timely treatment and reducing the risk of disease transmission. This study aims to introduce a more lightweight and quicker model—but with improved accuracy—for diagnosing malaria using a YOLOv4 (You Only Look Once v. 4) deep learning object detector.

Methods

The YOLOv4 model is modified using direct layer pruning and backbone replacement. The primary objective of layer pruning is the removal and individual analysis of residual blocks within the C3, C4 and C5 (C3–C5) Res-block bodies of the backbone architecture’s C3-C5 Res-block bodies. The CSP-DarkNet53 backbone is simultaneously replaced for enhanced feature extraction with a shallower ResNet50 network. The performance metrics of the models are compared and analysed.

Results

The modified models outperform the original YOLOv4 model. The YOLOv4-RC3_4 model with residual blocks pruned from the C3 and C4 Res-block body achieves the highest mean accuracy precision (mAP) of 90.70%. This mAP is > 9% higher than that of the original model, saving approximately 22% of the billion floating point operations (B-FLOPS) and 23 MB in size. The findings indicate that the YOLOv4-RC3_4 model also performs better, with an increase of 9.27% in detecting the infected cells upon pruning the redundant layers from the C3 Res-block bodies of the CSP-DarkeNet53 backbone.

Conclusions

The results of this study highlight the use of the YOLOv4 model for detecting infected red blood cells. Pruning the residual blocks from the Res-block bodies helps to determine which Res-block bodies contribute the most and least, respectively, to the model’s performance. Our method has the potential to revolutionise malaria diagnosis and pave the way for novel deep learning-based bioinformatics solutions. Developing an effective and automated process for diagnosing malaria will considerably contribute to global efforts to combat this debilitating disease. We have shown that removing undesirable residual blocks can reduce the size of the model and its computational complexity without compromising its precision.

Graphical Abstract
Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 A in serum is an ideal biomarker for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Zhang Xiaomin , Liu Jing , Zhang Jingjing , Liu Congcong , Cui Yuting , Song Qiao , Hou Yuli , Wang Yaqi , Zhang Qian , Zhang Yingzhen , Fan Yujian , Jia Jianping , Wang Peichang
Published: April 2024

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that early intervention was the best plan to inhibit the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which relied on the discovery of early diagnostic biomarkers. In this study, synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 A (SV2A) was examined to improve the early diagnostic efficiency in AD.

Methods

In this study, biomarker testing was performed through the single-molecule array (Simoa). A total of 121 subjects including cognitively unimpaired controls, amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), AD and other types of dementia underwent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) SV2A testing; 430 subjects including health controls, aMCI, AD and other types of dementia underwent serum SV2A, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light chain (NfL) and p-tau217 testing; 92 subjects including aMCI and AD underwent both CSF SV2A and serum SV2A testing; 115 cognitively unimpaired subjects including APOE ε4 carriers and APOE ε4 non-carriers were tested for serum SV2A, GFAP, NfL and p-tau217. Then, the efficacy of SV2A for the early diagnosis of AD and its ability to identify those at high risk of AD from a cognitively unimpaired population were further analyzed.

Results

Both CSF and serum SV2A significantly and positively correlated with cognitive performance in patients with AD, and their levels gradually decreased with the progression of AD. Serum SV2A demonstrated excellent diagnostic efficacy for aMCI, with a sensitivity of 97.8%, which was significantly higher than those of NfL, GFAP, and p-tau217. The SV2A-positive rates ranged from 92.86 to 100% in aMCI cases that were negative for the above three biomarkers. Importantly, of all the biomarkers tested, serum SV2A had the highest positivity rate (81.82%) in individuals at risk for AD.

Conclusions

Serum SV2A was demonstrated to be a novel and ideal biomarker for the early diagnosis of AD, which can effectively distinguish those at high risk of AD in cognitively unimpaired populations.
Heterogeneous effects of hospital competition on inpatient quality: an analysis of five common diseases in China
Authors: Lu Yinghui , Jiang Qingling , Zhang Xueli , Lin Xiaojun , Pan Jay
Published: April 2024

Background

Many countries has introduced pro-competition policies in the delivery of healthcare to improve medical quality, including China. With the increasing intensity of competition in China's healthcare market, there are rising concerns among policymakers about the impact of hospital competition on quality. This study investigated heterogeneous effects of hospital competition on inpatient quality.

Methods

We analyzed the inpatient discharge dataset and selected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ischemic stroke, pneumonia, hemorrhagic stroke, and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as representative diseases. A total of 561,429 patients in Sichuan Province in 2017 and 2019 were included. The outcomes of interest were in-hospital mortality and 30-day unplanned readmissions. The Herfindahl–Hirschman Index was calculated using predicted patient flows to measure hospital competition. To address the spatial correlations of hospitals and the structure of the dataset, the multiple membership multiple classification model was employed for analysis.

Results

Amid intensifying competition in the hospital market, our study discerned no marked statistical variance in the risk of inpatient quality across most diseases examined. Amplified competition exhibited a positive correlation with heightened in-hospital mortality for both COPD and pneumonia patients. Elevated competition escalated the risk of 30-day unplanned readmissions for COPD patients, while inversely affecting the risk for AMI patients.

Conclusions

There is the heterogeneous impact of hospital competition on quality across various diseases in China. Policymakers who intend to leverage hospital competition as a tool to enhance healthcare quality must be cognizant of the possible influences of it.
Energy-efficient two-way full-duplex relay transmission strategy with SWIPT and direct links
Authors: Cai Caixia , Zhong Fuli , Hai Han , Chen Mingzhi , Gan Wenyang , Sun Bing , Yang Yayu
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we improve networks’ spectral efficiency (SE), extend networks’ lifetime, and maximize networks’ energy efficiency (EE) of two-way full-duplex (FD) relay networks. Firstly, to improve networks’ SE and to extend networks’ lifetime simultaneously, we design a two-way FD relay transmission strategy with simultaneous wireless information and power transfer and direct links (DLs). The designed transmission strategy can complete a bidirectional communication in only one time slot with the exists of DLs and the energy-constrained relay node. With the designed transmission strategy, we further give the characteristics of relay amplification factor, the analysis of the designed transmission strategy, and the EE analysis of traditional half-duplex two-way amplify-and-forward relaying. Secondly, to maximize networks’ EE, we present both the EE maximization problems and analyses of the designed transmission strategy with equal power allocation and optimal power allocation. To solve the EE maximization problems, we further propose the alternating optimal algorithm and give complexity analysis of the algorithm. Simulations show that our designed transmission strategy can improve the SE and EE of the networks.
An overview of QoS-aware load balancing techniques in SDN-based IoT networks
Authors: Rostami Mohammad , Goli-Bidgoli Salman
Published: April 2024

Increasing and heterogeneous service demands have led to traffic increase, and load imbalance challenges among network entities in the Internet of Things (IoT) environments. It can affect Quality of Service (QoS) parameters. By separating the network control layer from the data layer, Software-Defined Networking (SDN) has drawn the interest of many researchers. Efficient data flow management and better network performance can be reachable through load-balancing techniques in SDN and improve the quality of services in the IoT network. So, the combination of IoT and SDN, with conscious real-time traffic management and load control, plays an influential role in improving the QoS. To give a complete assessment of load-balancing strategies to enhance QoS parameters in SDN-based IoT networks (SD-IoT), a systematic review of recent research is presented here. In addition, the paper provides a comparative analysis of the relevant publications, trends, and future areas of study that are particularly useful for the community of researchers in the field.
The differences in gastric cancer epidemiological data between SEER and GBD: a joinpoint and age-period-cohort analysis
Authors: Wu Zenghong , Zhang Kun , Wang Weijun , Fan Mengke , Lin Rong
Published: April 2024

Background

The burden of gastric cancer (GC) should be further clarified worldwide, and helped us to understand the current situation of GC.

Methods

In the present study, we estimated disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and mortality rates attributable to several major GC risk factors, including smoking, dietary risk, and behavioral risk. In addition, we evaluated the incidence rate and trends of incidence-based mortality (IBM) due to GC in the United States (US) during 1992–2018.

Results

Globally, GC incidences increased from 883,395 in 1990 to 1,269,805 in 2019 while GC-associated mortality increased from 788,316 in 1990 to 957,185 in 2019. In 2019, the age-standardized rate (ASR) of GC exhibited variations around the world, with Mongolia having the highest observed ASR (43.7 per 100,000), followed by Bolivia (34 per 100,000) and China (30.6 per 100,000). A negative association was found among estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and ASR (age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR): r = − 0.28, p < 0.001; age-standardized death rate (ASDR): r =  − 0.19, p = 0.005). There were 74,966 incidences of GC and 69,374 GC-related deaths recorded between 1992 and 2018. The significant decrease in GC incidences as well as decreasing trends in IBM of GC were first detected in 1994. The GC IBM significantly increased at a rate of 35%/y from 1992 to 1994 (95% CI 21.2% to 50.4%/y), and then begun to decrease at a rate of − 1.4%/y from 1994 to 2018 (95% CI − 1.6% to − 1.2%/y).

Conclusion

These findings mirror the global disease burden of GC and are important for development of targeted prevention strategies.
Data assimilation for fault slip monitoring and short-term prediction of spatio-temporal evolution of slow slip events: application to the 2010 long-term slow slip event in the Bungo Channel, Japan
Authors: Kano Masayuki , Tanaka Yusuke , Sato Daisuke , Iinuma Takeshi , Hori Takane
Published: April 2024

Monitoring and predicting fault slip behaviors in subduction zones is essential for understanding earthquake cycles and assessing future earthquake potential. We developed a data assimilation method for fault slip monitoring and the short-term prediction of slow slip events, and applied to the 2010 Bungo Channel slow slip event in southwest Japan. The observed geodetic data were quantitatively explained using a physics-based model with data assimilation. We investigated short-term predictability by assimilating observation data within limited periods. Without prior constraints on fault slip style, observations solely during slip acceleration predicted the occurrence of a fast slip; however, the inclusion of slip deceleration data successfully predicted a slow transient slip. With prior constraints to exclude unstable slip, the assimilation of data after slow slip event occurrence also predicted a slow transient slip. This study provides a tool using data assimilation for fault slip monitoring and prediction based on real observation data.

Graphical Abstract
Two cases of strangulated bowel obstruction due to exposed vessel and nerve after laparoscopic and robot-assisted lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) for rectal cancer
Authors: Fujiwara Ryota , Yano Masaaki , Matsumoto Makoto , Higashihara Tomoaki , Tsudaka Shimpei , Hashida Shinsuke , Ichihara Shuji , Otani Hiroki
Published: April 2024

Background

The majority of small bowel obstructions (SBO) are caused by adhesion due to abdominal surgery. Internal hernias, a very rare cause of SBO, can arise from exposed blood vessels and nerves during pelvic lymphadenectomy (PL). In this report, we present two cases of SBO following laparoscopic and robot-assisted lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) for rectal cancer, one case each, of which obstructions were attributed to the exposure of blood vessels and nerves during the procedures.

Case presentation

Case 1: A 68-year-old man underwent laparoscopic perineal rectal amputation and LLND for rectal cancer. Four years and three months after surgery, he visited to the emergency room with a chief complaint of left groin pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a closed-loop in the left pelvic cavity. We performed an open surgery to find that the small intestine was fitted into the gap between the left obturator nerve and the left pelvic wall, which was exposed by LLND. The intestine was not resected because coloration and peristalsis of the intestine improved after the hernia was released. The obturator nerve was preserved. Case 2: A 57-year-old man underwent a robot-assisted rectal amputation with LLND for rectal cancer. Eight months after surgery, he presented to the emergency room with a complaint of abdominal pain. CT revealed a closed-loop in the right pelvic cavity, and he underwent a laparoscopic surgery with a diagnosis of strangulated SBO. The small intestine was strangulated by an internal hernia caused by the right umbilical arterial cord, which was exposed by LLND. The incarcerated small intestine was released from the gap between the umbilical arterial cord and the pelvic wall. No bowel resection was performed. The umbilical arterial cord causing the internal hernia was resected.

Conclusion

Although strangulated SBO due to an exposed intestinal cord after PL has been a rare condition to date, it is crucial for surgeons to keep this condition in mind.
Association of Sports Practice in Childhood and Adolescence with Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Adulthood: A Retrospective Epidemiological Study
Authors: Christofaro Diego Giulliano Destro , Tebar William R. , Mota Jorge , Delfino Leandro D. , Santos Amanda B. , Ritti-Dias Raphael M. , Fernandes Rômulo A. , Ferrari Gerson , Vanderlei Luiz Carlos M.
Published: April 2024

Background

Practicing sports during childhood and adolescence provides benefits to cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) at these stages of life. However, it is not known whether these benefits to CAM persist into adulthood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the association of early sports practice (sports practice in childhood and/or adolescence) with CAM in adult life, regardless of habitual moderate-to-vigorous PA.

Methods

The sample of the present study consisted of 242 adults (141 women and 101 men; age: 41.99 ± 16.24). The assessment of CAM was performed using heart rate variability indices. Sports practice in childhood and adolescence was assessed using a questionnaire. The intensity of physical activity was assessed using accelerometry. To analyze the association between previous sports practice (childhood and/or adolescence) and CAM, the Generalized Linear Model was adopted, considering CAM indices as continuous variables and early sports practice as a 3-fold factor (no sports practice; sports practice in childhood or adolescence; and sports practice in both childhood and adolescence) adjusted by sex, age, socioeconomic condition, and moderate to vigorous PA.

Results

Sports practice in childhood was associated with the average standard deviation of all normal RR intervals expressed in milliseconds (SDNN): β = 5.89; 95%CI: 0.25;11.52, and the standard deviation of the long-term intervals between consecutive heartbeats (SD2): β = 7.63; 95%CI:1.04; 14.23 indices. Sports practice in adolescence was associated in adulthood with the SD2 index: β = 7.37; 95%CI: 0.71;14.04. Sports practice in at least one of the periods (childhood or adolescence) was significantly associated with the square root of the mean square of the differences between adjacent normal RR intervals for a period of time expressed in milliseconds (RMSSD) (β = 8.86; 95%CI = 0.71;17.01), and the standard deviation of the instantaneous beat to beat variability (SD1) (β = 6.21; 95%CI = 0.45;11.97). Sports practice at both stages of life was significantly associated with better SDNN (β = 7.70; 95%CI = 1.16;14.23) and SD2 (β = 10.18; 95%CI = 2.51;17.85).

Conclusion

Early sports practice was associated with better CAM in adulthood, independently of the current physical activity level. Based on these findings, sports practice is encouraged from childhood and adolescence, for benefits to CAM in adult life.
Online compassion-based self-help for depression in people with skin conditions: a feasibility study
Authors: Clarke Elaine N. , Norman Paul , Thompson Andrew R.
Published: April 2024

Background

There is a need to develop psychological interventions for depression in people with skin conditions. This study aimed to investigate the acceptability, feasibility, and effects of an online compassion-based self-help intervention for depression in people with skin conditions.

Methods

Adult participants (n = 34) with skin conditions and mild-moderate depressive symptoms were invited to undertake a six-week, compassion-based online intervention for depression with email support. Engagement with the intervention was monitored, along with time spent facilitating the intervention, and participant feedback was collected each week and post-intervention. Pre-post changes in depression, self-compassion and dermatological quality of life were also assessed.

Results

The intervention was started by 25 participants and completed by 13. Feedback scores indicated that the website was evaluated positively and that the sessions had positive impacts on participants. Participants appreciated the skin-specific aspects of the intervention but varied as to which of the compassion-based exercises they found helpful. The online intervention was feasible to provide and facilitate, and treatment completers showed improvements in depression, quality of life and self-compassion.

Conclusions

The online compassion-based intervention holds promise as a treatment for depression in people with skin conditions. Recommendations are made for future research and further development of the intervention.

Trial registration

This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 21 October 2019, NCT04132973.
Incidence of pulmonary hypertension in COPD and its relation to inflammatory marker interleukin-1
Authors: Eissa Sherif Ahmed , Soliman Youssef Mohamed Amin , Essawy Tarek Samy , Elsayed Mostafa Mohammed Abdelrahman , Amin Nashwa Ahmed
Published: April 2024

Background

Many COPD patients present with severe PH defined by a pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) > 5 WU as measured by right heart catheterization (RHC), and inflammation is thought to be contributing strongly to pulmonary vascular remodeling in COPD besides hypoxia. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is thought to be a major cytokine that may be involved in development of PH in these patients.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the incidence of PH in COPD and its relation to inflammatory marker IL-1.

Patients and methods

One-hundred COPD patients underwent echocardiography and serum IL-1 analysis, and patients with high probability of PH underwent pulmonary artery catheterization using Swan-Ganz catheter.

Results

The mean serum IL-1 level was 82 pg/ml ± 22 pg/ml (the normal IL-1 serum level is known to be 0:5 pg/mL), 51% of the participants were categorized as having a low probability of PH, 35% was intermediate, and 14% was high. RHC results were as follows: mild combined pre- and postcapillary PH was diagnosed in 14.3% of the patients. Mild precapillary PH was found in 42.9%, making it the most common type. Severe combined pre- and postcapillary PH was noted in 21.4% of the patients. Severe precapillary PH was present in 14.3%. A significant positive correlations were observed between serum IL-1 and tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) (r = 0.409, P < 0.001), estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (ESPAP) (r = 0.508, P < 0.001), and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) (r = 0.410, P = 0.140).

Conclusion

Serum IL-1 is a potent predictor of a high probability of PH in COPD patients, and there was significant positive correlation between serum IL-1 and echocardiographic findings and PH probability and RHC findings in COPD patients.
Prism-shaped rock-physics template
Authors: Sharifi Javad
Published: April 2024

Despite the emergence of statistical and intelligent approaches for quantitative seismic interpretation in recent years, rock-physics templates (RPTs) are still preferred because of their simplicity and easy implementation. RPTs have been introduced as a fundamental tool for lithology and fluid discrimination based on well-log and seismic data, which have already been proven in terms of accuracy and reliability. Considering the demand for comprehensive RPTs and improving their efficiency, I develop a novel 3D prism-shaped template for lithology and fluid discrimination called a prism-shaped RPT (P-RPT). For this, a theoretical methodology for designing conventional RPT is introduced with the aim of bounds and hybrid rock-physics models. Next, some novel triangular and rectangular ternary and binary templates are designed and connected to one another to build a prism for fluid discrimination and lithology identification. Two ternary charts are used for fluid and lithology, incorporating the P- and S-wave velocity ratios and lambda-mu parameters. Furthermore, binary charts, including acoustic impedance, Lamé parameters, and porosity, are designed and modified from the literature for fluid and lithology identification. Next, the obtained templates are successfully validated on blind data sets (ultrasonic, well logging, and seismic data) in different reservoirs with various lithologies and fluid types. The results indicate that the P-RPT could integrate the available RPTs into a 3D diagram and give a reliable framework for applications in seismic interpretation. User friendliness and generalizability are the most prominent advantages of this template for detecting fluid type and lithology based on well logs and seismic inversion, the results of which can be interpreted on a single chart rather than analyzing the data with different templates. The methodology and framework for implementing and generating templates are thoroughly explained in theory and practice to localize P-RPT or update the new RPT for another region.
WISE: Full-waveform variational inference via subsurface extensions
Authors: Yin Ziyi , Orozco Rafael , Louboutin Mathias , Herrmann Felix J.
Published: April 2024

We introduce a probabilistic technique for full-waveform inversion, using variational inference and conditional normalizing flows to quantify uncertainty in migration-velocity models and its impact on imaging. Our approach integrates generative artificial intelligence with physics-informed common-image gathers, reducing reliance on accurate initial velocity models. Considered case studies demonstrate its efficacy producing realizations of migration-velocity models conditioned by the data. These models are used to quantify amplitude and positioning effects during subsequent imaging.
Evaluation method of sandy conglomerate reservoir heterogeneity based on the combined weighted TOPSIS model
Authors: Ju Xiaoyu , Zhao Xiaodong , Ma Chunai , Qin Jiaming , Zhou Boyu , Jiang Sichong , Ji Xuebing , Xi Rong , Zhang Yaxuan
Published: April 2024

At present, single parameters for characterizing reservoir heterogeneity are commonly used in oilfield exploration and development, such as the permeability coefficient of variation, permeability inrush coefficient, and extreme difference, which have problems such as characterization blind spots. The heterogeneity of thick-bedded sand and conglomerate reservoirs is affected by various factors due to their thick layer characteristics, and it is difficult to effectively evaluate the heterogeneity of thick-bedded sand and conglomerate reservoirs with a single parameter. According to the characteristics of the thick sandy conglomerate reservoir, a comprehensive index calculation method of heterogeneity based on the combination weighting TOPSIS evaluation model is developed to comprehensively evaluate the heterogeneity of the sandy conglomerate reservoir by synthesizing the parameters affecting the heterogeneity of the reservoir, such as porosity, permeability, thickness of the sand layer, effective thickness coefficient, permeability variation coefficient, permeability rush coefficient, permeability contrast, and mudstone content. This approach is conducive to the normalized evaluation of complex reservoirs, and the quantitative characterization is more accurate and comprehensive. Based on the former classification scheme and the geologic characteristics of the study area, the evaluation criteria of the heterogeneity of the sandstone conglomerate reservoir are determined according to the comprehensive heterogeneity index. The research indicates that the objective weights of each indicator parameter of reservoir heterogeneity can be reasonably calculated by improving the criteria importance though intercrieria correlation weighting method, and the combined weights reflecting the importance of the indicators can be obtained by modifying the objective weights through the analytic hierarchy process. The calculated heterogeneous comprehensive index can be used to quantitatively characterize the heterogeneity of sand conglomerate reservoirs and solve the problems existing in conventional single parameters. The heterogeneous synthetic index has a good correlation with conventional parameters and has a good positive correlation with productivity. The weaker the heterogeneity is, the higher the productivity.
Transition support for patients admitted to intensive treatment for anorexia nervosa: qualitative study of patient and carer experiences of a hybrid online guided self-help intervention (ECHOMANTRA)
Authors: Clark Bryan Danielle , Rowlands Katie , Macdonald Pamela , Cardi Valentina , Ambwani Suman , Arcelus Jon , Landau Sabine , Schmidt Ulrike , Treasure Janet
Published: April 2024

Background

Adults with anorexia nervosa experience high levels of relapse following in-patient treatment. ECHOMANTRA is a novel online aftercare intervention for patients and carers, which provides psychoeducation and support to augment usual care.

Aims

To explore patient and carer experiences of receiving the ECHOMANTRA intervention.

Method

This is part of the process evaluation of the ECHOMANTRA intervention as delivered in the TRIANGLE trial (ISRCTN: 14644379). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants randomised to the ECHOMANTRA (ten patients and ten carers). Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview transcripts.

Results

Five major themes were identified: (1) Mixed experience of the intervention; (2) tailoring the intervention to the stage of recovery; (3) involvement of carers; (4) acceptability of remote support; and (5) impact of self-monitoring and accountability.

Conclusions

Participants were mostly positive about the support offered. The challenges of using remote and group support were counterbalanced with ease of access to information when needed. Components of the ECHOMANTRA intervention have the potential to improve care for people with eating disorders.
Substituting Carbohydrate at Lunch for Added Protein Increases Fat Oxidation During Subsequent Exercise in Healthy Males
Authors: Slater Tommy , Mode William J A , Bonnard Louise C , Sweeney Cian , Funnell Mark P , Smith Harry A , Hough John , James Ruth M , Varley Ian , Sale Craig , Betts James A , James Lewis J , Clayton David J
Published: April 2024

Context

How pre-exercise meal composition influences metabolic and health responses to exercise later in the day is currently unclear.

Objective

Examine the effects of substituting carbohydrate for protein at lunch on subsequent exercise metabolism, appetite, and energy intake.

Methods

Twelve healthy males completed 3 trials in randomized, counterbalanced order. Following a standardized breakfast (779 ± 66 kcal; ∼08:15), participants consumed a lunch (1186 ± 140 kcal; ∼13:15) containing either 0.2 g·kg−1 carbohydrate and ∼2 g·kg−1 protein (LO-CARB), or 2 g·kg−1 carbohydrate and ∼0.4 g·kg−1 protein (HI-CARB), or they fasted (FAST). Participants later cycled at ∼60% V̇O2peak for 1 hour (∼16:15) and post-exercise ad libitum energy intake was measured (∼18:30). Substrate oxidation, subjective appetite, and plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), peptide YY (PYY), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and acylated ghrelin were measured for 5 hours post-lunch.

Results

Fat oxidation was greater during FAST (+11.66 ± 6.63 g) and LO-CARB (+8.00 ± 3.83 g) than HI-CARB (P < .001), with FAST greater than LO-CARB (+3.67 ± 5.07 g; P < .05). NEFA were lowest in HI-CARB and highest in FAST, with insulin demonstrating the inverse response (all P < .01). PYY and GLP-1 demonstrated a stepwise pattern, with LO-CARB greatest and FAST lowest (all P < .01). Acylated ghrelin was lower during HI-CARB and LO-CARB vs FAST (P < .01). Energy intake in LO-CARB was lower than FAST (−383 ± 233 kcal; P < .001) and HI-CARB (−313 ± 284 kcal; P < .001).

Conclusion

Substituting carbohydrate for protein in a pre-exercise lunch increased fat oxidation, suppressed subjective and hormonal appetite, and reduced post-exercise energy intake.
Depression, Anxiety, and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Lee Iris T , Rees John , King Shakira , Kim Anne , Cherlin Tess , Hinkle Stefanie , Mumford Sunni L , Dokras Anuja
Published: April 2024

Context

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at high risk of depression, anxiety, and metabolic syndrome (MetSyn), a key predictor of cardiovascular disease. The impact of depression and/or anxiety on MetSyn is unknown in this population.

Objective

To compare the risk of developing MetSyn in patients with PCOS with and without a history of depression and/or anxiety.

Methods

Retrospective longitudinal cohort study (2008-2022) with median follow-up of 7 years at a tertiary care ambulatory practice. Patients with hyperandrogenic PCOS and at least 2 evaluations for MetSyn ≥3 years apart (n = 321) were included. The primary outcome was risk of developing MetSyn. We hypothesized that this risk would be higher with a history of depression and/or anxiety.

Results

At the first visit, 33.0% had a history of depression and/or anxiety, with a third prescribed antidepressants or anxiolytics. Depression and/or anxiety increased risk of developing MetSyn during the study period (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.45, 95% CI 1.02-2.06, P = .04) with an incidence of MetSyn of 75.3 compared with 47.6 cases per 100 person-years among those without (P = .002). This was primarily driven by depression (aHR 1.56, 95% CI 1.10-2.20, P = .01).

Conclusion

Patients with PCOS and depression and/or anxiety have a high risk of developing MetSyn, with a stronger association between depression and MetSyn. Our findings highlight the urgent need for guideline-directed screening for depression and anxiety at time of diagnosis of PCOS as well as screening at subsequent visits to facilitate risk stratification for metabolic monitoring and early intervention in this high-risk group.