bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between psoriasis and asthma: a systematic review and bidirectional meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Doudou , Zhou Xiangnan , Wu Fan , Cai Rui , Liu Jiayi , Bai Yanping
Published: June 2024

Background

The risk of asthma in patients with psoriasis has been identified in previous studies, but the bidirectional association between the two has not been fully explored.

Methods

We thoroughly searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to find relevant observational studies published from the inception of these databases to October 2023. All the risk and bias assessments were analyzed by STATA 16.0. Where the heterogeneity was less than 50%, the fixed effect model was utilized. While where the level of heterogeneity was more than 50%, the random effect model was applied. Moreover, to identify publication bias, a visual funnel chart, and Egger’s test were applied.

Results

A total of 12,396,911 participants from 16 studies, published between 2011 and 2023 were included in this meta-analysis. We found that psoriasis patients had a higher risk of developing asthma (OR = 1.48, 95%CI 1.28–1.68). Meanwhile, asthma patients also had a higher overall risk of developing psoriasis (OR = 1.33, 95%CI 1.23–1.44). In the subgroup analysis, we found that the type of study, age, and severity of the psoriasis were significant factors in the survey of asthma risk in psoriasis patients.

Conclusions

In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we found a bidirectional association between psoriasis and asthma with significantly increased risk. As a result, clinicians should make patients aware of the connection between the two, particularly adolescents or patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who need to be informed about the rising likelihood of developing asthma.

Trial registration

Registration number CRD42023390111.
Framingham risk scores for determination the 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease in participants with and without the metabolic syndrome: results of the Fasa Persian cohort study
Authors: Dehghan Azizallah , Jahangiry Leila , Khezri Rozhan , Jafari Alireza , Pezeshki Babak , Rezaei Fatemeh , Aune Dagfinn
Published: June 2024

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors and the Framingham risk score (FRS) is a useful metric for measuring the 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk of the population. The present study aimed to determine the 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease using the Framingham risk score in people with and without MetS in a large Iranian cohort study.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was done using the Fasa cohort. Participants aged ≥ 35 years old were recruited to the study from 2015 to 2016. The FRS was calculated using age, sex, current smoking, diabetes, systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. MetS was defined as the presence of three or more of the MetS risk factors including triglyceride (TG) level ≥ 150 mg dl− 1, HDL level < 40 mg dl− 1 in men and < 50 mg dl− 1 in women, systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥ 130/≥85 mmHg or using medicine for hypertension, fasting blood sugar (FBS) level ≥ 100 mg dl− 1 or using diabetes medication and abdominal obesity considered as waist circumference (WC) ≥ 88 cm for women and ≥ 102 cm for men. Multiple logistic regressions were applied to estimate the 10- year CVD risk among people with and without MetS.

Results

Of 8949 participants, 1928 people (21.6%) had MetS. The mean age of the participants with and without Mets was 50.4 ± 9.2 years and 46.9 ± 9.1 years respectively. In total 15.3% of participants with MetS and 8.0% of participants without MetS were in the high-risk category of 10-year CVD risk. Among participants with MetS gender, TG, SBP, FBS and in people without MetS gender, TG, SBP, FBS, and HDL showed strong associations with the predicted 10-year CVD risk.

Conclusion

Male sex and increased SBP, TG, and FBS parameters were strongly associated with increased 10-year risk of CVD in people with and without MetS. In people without MetS, reduced HDL-cholestrol was strongly associated with increased 10-year risk of CVD. The recognition of participant’s TG, blood pressure (BP), FBS and planning appropriate lifestyle interventions related to these characteristics is an important step towards prevention of CVD.
Lung cancer metabolomics: a pooled analysis in the Cancer Prevention Studies
Authors: Tang Ziyin , Liang Donghai , Deubler Emily L. , Sarnat Jeremy A. , Chow Sabrina S. , Diver W. Ryan , Wang Ying
Published: June 2024

Background

A better understanding of lung cancer etiology and the development of screening biomarkers have important implications for lung cancer prevention.

Methods

We included 623 matched case–control pairs from the Cancer Prevention Study (CPS) cohorts. Pre-diagnosis blood samples were collected between 1998 and 2001 in the CPS-II Nutrition cohort and 2006 and 2013 in the CPS-3 cohort and were sent for metabolomics profiling simultaneously. Cancer-free controls at the time of case diagnosis were 1:1 matched to cases on date of birth, blood draw date, sex, and race/ethnicity. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression, controlling for confounders. The Benjamini–Hochberg method was used to correct for multiple comparisons.

Results

Sphingomyelin (d18:0/22:0) (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.53, FDR = 0.15) and taurodeoxycholic acid 3-sulfate (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.55, FDR = 0.15) were positively associated with lung cancer risk. Participants diagnosed within 3 years of blood draw had a 55% and 48% higher risk of lung cancer per standard deviation increase in natural log-transformed sphingomyelin (d18:0/22:0) and taurodeoxycholic acid 3-sulfate level, while 26% and 28% higher risk for those diagnosed beyond 3 years, compared to matched controls. Lipid and amino acid metabolism accounted for 47% to 80% of lung cancer-associated metabolites at P < 0.05 across all participants and subgroups. Notably, ever-smokers exhibited a higher proportion of lung cancer-associated metabolites (P < 0.05) in xenobiotic- and lipid-associated pathways, whereas never-smokers showed a more pronounced involvement of amino acid- and lipid-associated metabolic pathways.

Conclusions

This is the largest prospective study examining untargeted metabolic profiles regarding lung cancer risk. Sphingomyelin (d18:0/22:0), a sphingolipid, and taurodeoxycholic acid 3-sulfate, a bile salt, may be risk factors and potential screening biomarkers for lung cancer. Lipid and amino acid metabolism may contribute significantly to lung cancer etiology which varied by smoking status.
Potentiating dual-directional immunometabolic regulation with nanomedicine to enhance anti-tumor immunotherapy following incomplete photothermal ablation
Authors: Jiang Qinqin , Qiao Bin , Zheng Jun , Song Weixiang , Zhang Nan , Xu Jie , Liu Jia , Zhong Yixin , Zhang Qin , Liu Weiwei , You Lanlan , Wu Nianhong , Liu Yun , Li Pan , Ran Haitao , Wang Zhigang , Guo Dajing
Published: June 2024

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising cancer treatment method due to its ability to induce tumor-specific T cell responses and enhance therapeutic outcomes. However, incomplete PTT can leave residual tumors that often lead to new metastases and decreased patient survival in clinical scenarios. This is primarily due to the release of ATP, a damage-associated molecular pattern that quickly transforms into the immunosuppressive metabolite adenosine by CD39, prevalent in the tumor microenvironment, thus promoting tumor immune evasion. This study presents a photothermal nanomedicine fabricated by electrostatic adsorption among the Fe-doped polydiaminopyridine (Fe-PDAP), indocyanine green (ICG), and CD39 inhibitor sodium polyoxotungstate (POM-1). The constructed Fe-PDAP@ICG@POM-1 (FIP) can induce tumor PTT and immunogenic cell death when exposed to a near-infrared laser. Significantly, it can inhibit the ATP-adenosine pathway by dual-directional immunometabolic regulation, resulting in increased ATP levels and decreased adenosine synthesis, which ultimately reverses the immunosuppressive microenvironment and increases the susceptibility of immune checkpoint blockade (aPD-1) therapy. With the aid of aPD-1, the dual-directional immunometabolic regulation strategy mediated by FIP can effectively suppress/eradicate primary and distant tumors and evoke long-term solid immunological memory. This study presents an immunometabolic control strategy to offer a salvage option for treating residual tumors following incomplete PTT.
Equivalence between physicians and associate clinicians in the frequency of iatrogenic urogenital fistula following cesarean section in Tanzania and Malawi
Authors: Ngongo Carrie J. , Raassen Thomas J. I. P. , van Roosmalen Jos , Mahendeka Marietta , Lombard Ladeisha , Bukusi Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

Background

Physicians and associate (non-physician) clinicians conduct cesarean sections in Tanzania and Malawi. Urogenital fistulas may occur as complications of cesarean section. Location and circumstances can indicate iatrogenic origin as opposed to ischemic injury following prolonged, obstructed labor.

Methods

This retrospective review assessed the frequency of iatrogenic urogenital fistulas following cesarean sections conducted by either associate clinicians or physicians in Tanzania and Malawi. It focuses on 325 women with iatrogenic fistulas among 1290 women who had fistulas after cesarean birth in Tanzania and Malawi between 1994 and 2017. An equivalence test compared the proportion of iatrogenic fistulas after cesarean sections performed by associate clinicians and physicians (equivalence margin = 0.135). Logistic regression was used to model the occurrence of iatrogenic fistula after cesarean section, controlling for cadre, date, maternal age, previous abdominal surgery and parity.

Results

Associate clinicians attended 1119/1290 (86.7%) cesarean births leading to fistulas, while physicians attended 171/1290 (13.3%). Iatrogenic fistulas occurred in 275/1119 (24.6%) cesarean births by associate clinicians and in 50/171 (29.2%) cesarean births by physicians. The risk difference and 90% confidence interval were entirely contained within an equivalence margin of 13.5%, supporting a conclusion of equivalence between the two cadres. The odds of iatrogenic fistula after cesarean section were not statistically significantly different between associate clinicians and physicians (aOR 0.90; 95% CI 0.61–1.33).

Conclusions

Associate clinicians appear equivalent to physicians performing cesarean sections in terms of iatrogenic fistula risk. Lower iatrogenic proportions for associate clinicians could reflect different caseloads. The occurrence of iatrogenic fistulas illustrates the importance of appropriate labor management and cesarean section decision-making, irrespective of health provider cadre. Given the noninferior performance and lower costs of employing associate clinicians, other countries with insufficient and/or unequally distributed health workforces could consider task-shifting cesarean sections to associate clinicians.
Siderophore-harboring gut bacteria and fecal siderophore genes for predicting the responsiveness of fecal microbiota transplantation for active ulcerative colitis
Authors: Yan Jingshuang , Zhou Guanzhou , Ren Rongrong , Zhang Xiaohan , Zhang Nana , Wang Zikai , Peng Lihua , Yang Yunsheng
Published: June 2024

Background

Predictive markers for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) outcomes in patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC) are poorly defined. We aimed to investigate changes in gut microbiota pre- and post-FMT and to assess the potential value in determining the total copy number of fecal bacterial siderophore genes in predicting FMT responsiveness.

Methods

Patients with active UC (Mayo score ≥ 3) who had undergone two FMT procedures were enrolled. Fecal samples were collected before and 8 weeks after each FMT session. Patients were classified into clinical response and non-response groups, based on their Mayo scores. The fecal microbiota profile was accessed using metagenomic sequencing, and the total siderophore genes copy number via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, we examined the association between the total siderophore genes copy number and FMT efficacy.

Results

Seventy patients with UC had undergone FMT. The clinical response and remission rates were 50% and 10% after the first FMT procedure, increasing to 72.41% and 27.59% after the second FMT. The cumulative clinical response and clinical remission rates were 72.86% and 25.71%. Compared with baseline, the response group showed a significant increase in Faecalibacterium, and decrease in Enterobacteriaceae, consisted with the changes of the total bacterial siderophore genes copy number after the second FMT (1889.14 vs. 98.73 copies/ng, P < 0.01). Virulence factor analysis showed an enriched iron uptake system, especially bacterial siderophores, in the pre-FMT response group, with a greater contribution from Escherichia coli. The total baseline copy number was significantly higher in the response group than non-response group (1889.14 vs. 94.86 copies/ng, P < 0.01). A total baseline copy number cutoff value of 755.88 copies/ng showed 94.7% specificity and 72.5% sensitivity in predicting FMT responsiveness.

Conclusions

A significant increase in Faecalibacterium, and decrease in Enterobacteriaceae and the total fecal siderophore genes copy number were observed in responders after FMT. The siderophore genes and its encoding bacteria may be of predictive value for the clinical responsiveness of FMT to active ulcerative colitis.
circSORBS1 inhibits lung cancer progression by sponging miR-6779-5p and directly binding RUFY3 mRNA
Authors: Xu Haotian , Zheng Yue , Wu Jiaxi , Zhang Ruirui , Zhao Qingyun , Chen Sixian , Peng Wenyi , Cai Dunyu , Gao Yihong , Chen Xingcai , Li Deqing , yuan Shengyi , Li Gang , Nan Aruo
Published: June 2024

Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and its global incidence and mortality rates remain high. The differential expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) can affect the development of cancer, but the mechanisms by which circRNAs regulate lung cancer progression remain unclear. In this study, we identified circSORBS1, a circRNA that has not been previously described in lung cancer and is significantly underexpressed in lung cancer tissues, blood and cell lines, and the low expression of circSORBS1 correlated with tumour grade and prognosis. In vitro and in vivo functional experiments revealed that circSORBS1 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation and migration while enhancing apoptosis. Mechanistically, circSORBS1 acts as a sponge for miR-6779-5p, indirectly inhibiting RUFY3 mRNA degradation. Simultaneously, it binds to RUFY3 mRNA to enhance its stability. This dual regulatory mechanism leads to an increase in RUFY3 protein levels, which ultimately activates the YWHAE/BAD/BCL2 apoptotic signalling pathway and suppresses lung cancer progression. Our findings not only increase the knowledge about the regulatory pattern of circRNA expression but also provide new insights into the mechanisms by which circRNAs regulate lung cancer development.
The role of hematological parameters in asymptomatic and non-severe cases of Omicron variant infection
Authors: Ben Suqin , Gao Fengying , Xu Ziheng , Zhang Rulin , Zhang Xingyi , Wang Ning , Zhang Min , Hou Lili
Published: June 2024

Background

Omicron variants are currently the predominant circulating lineage worldwide and most cases are mild or asymptomatic. The Omicron variant is characterized by high transmissibility and immune evasion. Early identification of Omicron cases in clinical settings is crucial for controlling its spread. Previous studies have indicated that changes in hematological parameters can be used to predict the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the role of hematological parameters in non-severe and asymptomatic cases remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of hematological parameters in non-severe and asymptomatic Omicron variant infections.

Methods

Hematological parameters and results were analyzed and compared in symptomatic (n = 356) and asymptomatic (n = 171) groups respectively, and between these two groups with positive COVID-19 tests. The utility of hematological parameters for predicting positive COVID-19 tests was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

Individuals with non-severe cases exhibited decreased levels of platelets, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes (%), eosinophils (%), and basophils (%), while exhibiting elevated counts of monocytes, neutrophils (%), monocytes (%), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) when compared to suspected cases or asymptomatic carriers. In asymptomatic patients, positive carriers had lower leukocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts but higher monocyte, monocyte (%), PLR, and CRP levels than negative carriers. Basophil counts combined with lymphocytes or the PLR demonstrated a more significant predictive value in screening non-severe cases earlier compared to other parameters. The combined assessment of the monocyte (%) and the PLR had the highest area under the curve for diagnosing asymptomatic carriers.

Conclusions

Circulating basophils, alone or in combination with other hematological parameters, may be used as efficient biomarkers for early screening of non-severe Omicron cases.
Non-destructive wood identification using X-ray µCT scanning: which resolution do we need?
Authors: Dierickx Sofie , Genbrugge Siska , Beeckman Hans , Hubau Wannes , Kibleur Pierre , Van den Bulcke Jan
Published: June 2024

Background

Taxonomic identification of wood specimens provides vital information for a wide variety of academic (e.g. paleoecology, cultural heritage studies) and commercial (e.g. wood trade) purposes. It is generally accomplished through the observation of key anatomical features. Classic methodologies mostly require destructive sub-sampling, which is not always acceptable. X-ray computed micro-tomography (µCT) is a promising non-destructive alternative since it allows a detailed non-invasive visualization of the internal wood structure. There is, however, no standardized approach that determines the required resolution for proper wood identification using X-ray µCT. Here we compared X-ray µCT scans of 17 African wood species at four resolutions (1 µm, 3 µm, 8 µm and 15 µm). The species were selected from the Xylarium of the Royal Museum for Central Africa, Belgium, and represent a wide variety of wood-anatomical features.

Results

For each resolution, we determined which standardized anatomical features can be distinguished or measured, using the anatomical descriptions and microscopic photographs on the Inside Wood Online Database as a reference. We show that small-scale features (e.g. pits and fibres) can be best distinguished at high resolution (especially 1 µm voxel size). In contrast, large-scale features (e.g. vessel porosity or arrangement) can be best observed at low resolution due to a larger field of view. Intermediate resolutions are optimal (especially 3 µm voxel size), allowing recognition of most small- and large-scale features. While the potential for wood identification is thus highest at 3 µm, the scans at 1 µm and 8 µm were successful in more than half of the studied cases, and even the 15 µm resolution showed a high potential for 40% of the samples.

Conclusions

The results show the potential of X-ray µCT for non-destructive wood identification. Each of the four studied resolutions proved to contain information on the anatomical features and has the potential to lead to an identification. The dataset of 17 scanned species is made available online and serves as the first step towards a reference database of scanned wood species, facilitating and encouraging more systematic use of X-ray µCT for the identification of wood species.
NPRL2 is required for proliferation of oncogenic Ras-transformed bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Chuang Jing-Yuan , Kuo Hsiao-Hui , Wang Pei-Han , Su Chih-Jou , Yih Ling-Huei
Published: June 2024

Nitrogen permease regulator-like 2 (NPRL2/TUSC4) is known to exert both tumor-suppressing and oncogenic effects in different types of cancers, suggesting that its actions are context dependent. Here, we delineated the molecular and functional effects of NPRL2 in malignantly transformed bronchial epithelial cells. To do so, we depleted NPRL2 in oncogenic HRas-transduced and malignantly transformed human bronchial epithelial (BEAS2B), Ras-AI-T2 cells. Intriguingly, depletion of NPRL2 in these cells induced activation of mTORC1 downstream signaling, inhibited autophagy, and impaired Ras-AI-T2 cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that NPRL2 is required for oncogenic HRas-induced cell transformation. Depletion of NPRL2 increased levels of the DNA damage marker γH2AX, the cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p27, and the apoptosis marker cleaved-PARP. These NPRL2-depleted cells first accumulated at G1 and G2, and later exhibited signs of mitotic catastrophe, which implied that NPRL2 depletion may be detrimental to oncogenic HRas-transformed cells. Additionally, NPRL2 depletion reduced heat shock factor 1/heat shock element- and NRF2/antioxidant response element-directed luciferase reporter activities in Ras-AI-T2 cells, indicating that NPRL2 depletion led to the suppression of two key cytoprotective processes in oncogenic HRas-transformed cells. Overall, our data suggest that oncogenic HRas-transduced and malignantly transformed cells may depend on NPRL2 for survival and proliferation, and depletion of NPRL2 also induces a stressed state in these cells.
Clinical evaluation of laryngeal mask airways in video-assisted thoracic surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Luo Kai , Chen Kaiming , Li Yu , Ji Yang
Published: June 2024

Background

Endotracheal intubation is often associated with postoperative complications such as sore throat discomfort and hoarseness, reducing patient satisfaction and prolonging hospital stays. Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) plays a critical role in reducing airway complications related to endotracheal intubation. This meta-analysis was performed to determine the efficacy and safety of LMA in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline and Web of Science databases were searched for eligible studies from inception until October 5, 2023. Cochrane’s tool (RoB 2) was used to evaluate the possibility biases of RCTs. We performed sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis to assess the robustness of the results.

Results

Seven articles were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with endotracheal intubation, there was no significant difference in the postoperative hospital stay (SMD = -0.47, 95% CI = -0.98–0.03, P = 0.06), intraoperative minimum SpO2 (SMD = 0.00, 95% CI = -0.49–0.49, P = 1.00), hypoxemia (RR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.26–3.89, P = 1.00), intraoperative highest PetCO2 (SMD = 0.51, 95% CI = -0.12–1.15, P = 0.11), surgical field satisfaction (RR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.98–1.03, P = 0.61), anesthesia time (SMD = -0.10, 95% CI = -0.30–0.10, P = 0.31), operation time (SMD = 0.06, 95% CI = -0.13–0.24, P = 0.55) and blood loss (SMD =- 0.13, 95% CI = -0.33–0.07, P = 0.21) in LMA group. However, LMA was associated with a lower incidence of throat discomfort (RR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.17–0.48, P < 0.00001) and postoperative hoarseness (RR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.16–0.81, P = 0.01), endotracheal intubation was found in connection with a longer postoperative awake time (SMD = -2.19, 95% CI = -3.49 – -0.89, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Compared with endotracheal intubation, LMA can effectively reduce the incidence of throat discomfort and hoarseness post-VATS, and can accelerate the recovery from anesthesia. LMA appears to be an alternative to endotracheal intubation for some specific thoracic surgical procedures, and the efficacy and safety of LMA in VATS need to be further explored in the future.
Quality of life and activities of daily living one year after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Emamzadehashemi Khashayar Rezvani , Khanghah Atefeh Ghanbari , Azizi Ali , Paryad Ezzat , Noveiri Marzieh Jahani Sayad
Published: June 2024

Background

Daily activities have been recommended to minimize the long-term complications of coronary artery bypass as one of the strategies to return to the normal activity level, the effectiveness of which needs further investigation. This study aims to determine the quality of life and activities of daily living one year after CABG.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on 206 patients who had undergone CABG for more than one year in 2018 in the north of Iran. The research instrument was a questionnaire including five sections, Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi2, Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and a Logistic regression model.

Result

The mean score of quality of life was 31.7 ± 2.04 of 12 to 48 possible scores. About Activities of Daily Living results showed 99.5% and 84.7% of the samples needed help with many of these activities respectively. The mean score of quality of life was significantly different based on sex (p < 0.018) and instrumental activity of daily living (p < 0.0001). A logistic regression model was used to determine the factors related to quality of life. The final model showed cross-clamp duration (OR = 0.33,p = 0.014), length of stay(LOS)in the intensive care unit(OR = 0.42,p = 0.05), and instrumental activities of daily living (OR = 0.08,p = 0.001) predicted patients' quality of life one year after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Conclusion

Although more than half of the samples had a good average quality of life score, due to the lack of definitive treatment for coronary artery disease, it is suggested to consider predictive variables to help plan to improve the quality of life of these patients.
High risk Langerhans cell histiocytosis in children: the role of salvage in improving the outcome. A single center experience
Authors: Sedky Mohamed Sedky M. , Hamoda Asmaa , Taha Hala , Zaky Iman , Hassanain Omayma , ElHaddad Alaa
Published: June 2024

Background

In pediatric multi-system high risk organs (RO +) Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), failing 1st line treatment has the highest mortality. We aim to present the outcome of failure of 1st line whether due to disease progression (DP) at end of induction or reactivation (REA) after initial better status response.

Patients and methods

Sixty-seven RO + LCH patients with hemopoietic, hepatic or splenic involvement, treated between 2007 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The median follow-up (IQR) is 6 years (4–8.8 y).They were subjected to 2 eras of treatment; one with salvage by 2-Cda based regimen (2-CdABR) and another without.

Results

Of 67 patients, M/F 40/27, median age 1.74 y (0.2–10 y), 42 failed 1st line (62.7%). Of them DP n = 22 (52%) and REA n = 20 (48%). Of those with DP, 9/22 patients received 2-CdABR, where 5 survived in better status. While the remaining 13 did not receive 2-CdABR and all of them died. Otherwise, of those with REA, 12/20 reactivated on RO + mode. Of them, 8/12 received 2-CdABR, where only one survived in better status and the remaining 4 received vinblastine-based regimen,where 2 died and 2 were rescued. RO + 5-year overall survival (OS) was 65% (CI 95% 54 -78) while the event free survival (EFS) 36% (26.3—50.1). The OS of DP 27% (14–54) versus REA 67% (49–93) p 0.004. OS of DP with 2-CdABR 56% (31–97.7) versus 8% without (2–51), p < 0.001. While OS of REA with 2-CdABR 38% (13–100) versus 74% without (53–100) p 0.7.

Conclusion

Survival of RO + remains limited. Failure of 1st line in RO + due to DP carries worse prognosis in relation to REA. In DP those who were not salvaged by 2-CdABR, showed dismal outcome. This could not be shown when applied in REA.
scHolography: a computational method for single-cell spatial neighborhood reconstruction and analysis
Authors: Fu Yuheng C. , Das Arpan , Wang Dongmei , Braun Rosemary , Yi Rui
Published: June 2024

Spatial transcriptomics has transformed our ability to study tissue complexity. However, it remains challenging to accurately dissect tissue organization at single-cell resolution. Here we introduce scHolography, a machine learning-based method designed to reconstruct single-cell spatial neighborhoods and facilitate 3D tissue visualization using spatial and single-cell RNA sequencing data. scHolography employs a high-dimensional transcriptome-to-space projection that infers spatial relationships among cells, defining spatial neighborhoods and enhancing analyses of cell–cell communication. When applied to both human and mouse datasets, scHolography enables quantitative assessments of spatial cell neighborhoods, cell–cell interactions, and tumor-immune microenvironment. Together, scHolography offers a robust computational framework for elucidating 3D tissue organization and analyzing spatial dynamics at the cellular level.
Non-orthogonal multiple access-based MEC for energy-efficient task offloading in e-commerce systems
Authors: Zheng Xiao , Tahir Muhammad , Aurangzeb Khursheed , Anwar Muhammad Shahid , Aamir Muhammad , Farzan Ahmad , Ullah Rizwan
Published: June 2024

Mobile edge computing (MEC) reduces the latency for end users to access applications deployed at the edge by offloading tasks to the edge. With the popularity of e-commerce and the expansion of business scale, server load continues to increase, and energy efficiency issues gradually become more prominent. Computation offloading has received widespread attention as a technology that effectively reduces server load. However, how to improve energy efficiency while ensuring computing requirements is an important challenge facing computation offloading. To solve this problem, using non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) to increase the efficiency of multi-access wireless transmission, MEC supporting NOMA is investigated in the research. Computing resources will be divided into separate sub-computing that will be handled via e-commerce terminals or transferred to edge sides by reutilizing radio resources, we put forward a Group Switching Matching Algorithm Based on Resource Unit Allocation (GSM-RUA) algorithm that is multi-dimensional. To this end, we first formulate this task allocation problem as a long-term stochastic optimization problem, which we then convert to three short-term deterministic sub-programming problems using Lyapunov optimization, namely, radio resource allocation in a large timescale, computation resource allocating and splitting in a small-time frame. Of the 3 short-term deterministic sub-programming problems, the first sub-programming problem can be remodeled into a 1 to n matching problem, which can be solved using the block-shift-matching-based radio resource allocation method. The latter two sub-programming problems are then transformed into two continuous convex problems by relaxation and then solved easily. We then use simulations to prove that our GSM-RUA algorithm is superior to the state-of-the-art resource management algorithms in terms of energy consumption, efficiency and complexity for e-commerce scenarios.
Oro-dental manifestations of eating disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Valeriani Leoluca , Frigerio Francesco , Piciocchi Claudia , Piana Gabriela , Montevecchi Marco , Donini Lorenzo Maria , Mocini Edoardo
Published: June 2024

Background

Eating disorders (EDs) pose a significant risk to health, especially when not diagnosed early. For several years EDs and oral health has been extensively studied, and now it is quite clear the existence of a correlation between specific oral manifestations and these disorders. While these oral signs could potentially aid early diagnosis of EDs, their identification and the eventual establishment of a correlation is currently heavily limited to the clinician’s experience. The present systematic review critically examines existing literature, offering an updated overview of oro-dental manifestations associated with EDs.

Method

MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and grey literature were searched, and relevant epidemiological comparative studies were screened using the Rayyan software. No limitations have been imposed on the research regarding oro-dental outcomes, encompassing all medically diagnosed EDs. The quality of the studies was valuated using AXIS appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies.

Result

Out of 3990 studies, 32 fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the synthesis. The identified eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and/or Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified, predominantly among female subjects, primarily originating from Europe. The evaluated oro-dental outcomes include dental erosion, caries, saliva assessment, hygiene-periodontal parameters, and mucosal tissue appearance. The association with erosion is confirmed while gingival recession, dentinal hypersensitivity, salivary flow thresholds and aspects relating to oral pathology are receiving increasing support from emerging evidence.

Discussion

This trend emphasizes the critical role of the complete intraoral examination to detect significant oro-dental signs that may indicate the onset of an ED.
Altered brain expression and cerebrospinal fluid levels of TIMP4 in cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Jäkel Lieke , De Kort Anna M. , Stellingwerf Arno , Hernández Utrilla Carla , Kersten Iris , Vervuurt Marc , Vermeiren Yannick , Küsters Benno , Schreuder Floris H. B. M. , Klijn Catharina J. M. , Kuiperij H. Bea , Verbeek Marcel M.
Published: June 2024

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a highly prevalent and progressive pathology, involving amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition in the cerebral blood vessel walls. CAA is associated with an increased risk for intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH). Insight into the molecular mechanisms associated with CAA pathology is urgently needed, to develop additional diagnostic tools to allow for reliable and early diagnosis of CAA and to obtain novel leads for the development of targeted therapies. Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 4 (TIMP4) is associated with cardiovascular functioning and disease and has been linked to vascular dementia. Using immunohistochemistry, we studied occipital brain tissue samples of 57 patients with CAA (39 without ICH and 18 with ICH) and 42 controls, and semi-quantitatively assessed expression levels of TIMP4. Patients with CAA had increased vascular expression of TIMP4 compared to controls (p < 0.001), and in these patients, TIMP4 expression correlated with CAA severity (τb = 0.38; p = 0.001). Moreover, TIMP4 expression was higher in CAA-ICH compared to CAA-non-ICH cases (p = 0.024). In a prospective cross-sectional study of 38 patients with CAA and 37 age- and sex-matched controls, we measured TIMP4 levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum using ELISA. Mean CSF levels of TIMP4 were decreased in patients with CAA compared to controls (3.36 ± 0.20 vs. 3.96 ± 0.22 ng/ml, p = 0.033), whereas median serum levels were increased in patients with CAA (4.51 ng/ml [IQR 3.75–5.29] vs 3.60 ng/ml [IQR 3.11–4.85], p-9.013). Moreover, mean CSF TIMP4 levels were lower in CAA patients who had experienced a symptomatic hemorrhage compared to CAA patients who did not (2.13 ± 0.24 vs. 3.57 ± 0.24 ng/ml, p = 0.007). CSF TIMP4 levels were associated with CSF levels of Aβ40 (spearman r (rs) = 0.321, p = 0.009). In summary, we show that TIMP4 is highly associated with CAA and CAA-related ICH, which is reflected by higher levels in the cerebral vasculature and lower levels in CSF. With these findings we provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of CAA, and more specifically in CAA-associated ICH.
Determining prognostic indicator for anticoagulant therapy in sepsis-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: Iba Toshiaki , Yamakawa Kazuma , Shiko Yuki , Hisamune Ryo , Tanigawa Tomoki , Helms Julie , Levy Jerrold H.
Published: June 2024

Background

There is no reliable indicator that can assess the treatment effect of anticoagulant therapy for sepsis-associated disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in the short term. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a prognostic index identifying 28-day mortality in septic DIC patients treated with antithrombin concentrate after a 3-day treatment.

Methods

The cohort for derivation was established utilizing the dataset from post-marketing surveys, while the cohort for validation was acquired from Japan’s nationwide sepsis registry data. Through univariate and multivariate analyses, variables that were independently associated with 28-day mortality were identified within the derivation cohort. Risk variables were then assigned a weighted score based on the risk prediction function, leading to the development of a composite index. Subsequently, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). 28-day survival was compared by Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

In the derivation cohort, 252 (16.9%) of the 1492 patients deceased within 28 days. Multivariable analysis identified DIC resolution (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22–0.45, P < 0.0001) and rate of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score change (HR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.36–0.50, P < 0.0001) were identified as independent predictors of death. The composite prognostic index (CPI) was constructed as DIC resolution (yes: 1, no: 0) + rate of SOFA score change (Day 0 SOFA score–Day 3 SOFA score/Day 0 SOFA score). When the CPI is higher than 0.19, the patients are judged to survive. Concerning the derivation cohort, AUROC for survival was 0.76. As for the validation cohort, AUROC was 0.71.

Conclusion

CPI can predict the 28-day survival of septic patients with DIC who have undergone antithrombin treatment. It is simple and easy to calculate and will be useful in practice.
Undercommoning Anthrogenesis
Authors: van der Waal Rodante
Published: June 2024

Sophie Lewis coined anthrogenesis as “the production of human beings” and, using this unfamiliar term, calls for the radical reimagining of gestational politics, as an alternative to liberal feminism's focus on choice. Revivisng Shulamith Firestone, for feminists like Lewis and Helen Hester this reimagination takes shape within a techno-utopic communist framework. While enticing, such a framework relies on a modernist understanding of institutions that has been critiqued by decolonial and abolitionist theory and risks undervaluing the fugitive underground work of radical care and mutual aid that already exists today. In this article, two strategies at play in the contemporary Marxist reimagination of anthrogenesis are differentiated: (1) a communist approach focusing primarily on fundamentally restructuring the commons of reproductive care on a grand societal scale and (2) an “undercommons” approach that aims to fugitively abolish public institutions through small-scale mutual aid and radical care practices that are already constituting otherworlds of reproductive justice through transnational coalitions. Highlighting abortion and birth networks in the Netherlands (the Abortion Network Amsterdam and the Geboortebeweging, a loose collaborative network of midwives) who transnationally and fugitively care for anthrogenesis, the second strategy is proposed as the more promising one for the anthrogenesis of human beings otherwise. The author develops another possible outcome of Firestone's revolutionary thought: not a gestational communism but an anarcho-abolitionist fugitive undercommoning of anthrogenesis, through the work Stefano Harney and Fred Moten, Marquis Bey, and Chiara Bottici.
Drug resistant typhoid fever: A clinical challenge and a potential solution
Authors: Muhammad Aliyan Ahmed  , Yasir Ahmad  , Muhammad Saad
Published: June 2024

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.7.10052
How to cite this: Ahmed MA, Ahmad Y, Saad M. Drug resistant typhoid fever: A clinical challenge and a potential solution. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(7):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.7.10052
Clinical value of Vitamin-D combined with budesonide/formoterol and theophylline sodium glycinate sustained-release tablets in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Ni Xiuyuan , Zhou Shigeng , Wang Congling , Chen Shengheng , Hu Jingdan , Zhang Shengjing
Published: June 2024

Objective: To explore the clinical value of Vitamin-D combined with budesonide/formoterol (BF) and theophylline sodium glycinate (TSG) sustained-release tablets in the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Methods: Medical records of 114 patients with CODP, treated in Wenzhou Geriatric Hospital from October 2020 to February 2023, were retrospectively analyzed. Of them, 59 received treatment with Vitamin-D combined with BF and TSG sustained-release tablets (Group-A), and 55 patients received treatment with BF combined with TSG sustained-release tablets (Group-B). Lung function indicators, blood gas status, inflammatory factors, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels before and after the treatment in both groups were collected.
Results: After the treatment, lung function indicators, blood gas status, inflammatory factors, FeNO, and 25 (OH) D levels in both groups were significantly improved compared to pretreatment levels, and were significantly better in the Group-A compared to Group-B (P<0.05).
Conclusions: The combination of Vitamin-D, BF, and TSG sustained-release tablets can effectively regulate the blood gas status of patients with COPD, improve lung function, regulate FeNO and 25 (OH) D, and effectively downregulate the levels of inflammatory factors, thus reducing the degree of inflammatory response.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.7.9495
How to cite this: Ni X, Zhou S, Wang C, Chen S, Hu J, Zhang S. Clinical value of Vitamin-D combined with budesonide/formoterol and theophylline sodium glycinate sustained-release tablets in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(7):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.7.9495
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
La tutela del Derecho al Medioambiente frente a la responsabilidad empresarial de los grupos de sociedades.
Authors: Jiménez Cardona Noemí
Published: June 2024

El presente artículo centra su análisis en el derecho al medioambiente como derecho humano universal y su protección frente a los supuestos de responsabilidad que se desencadenan bajo una relación de grupo. Asimismo, se examinan los principales mecanismos jurídicos que permiten articular una posible comunicación de responsabilidad entre la sociedad filial explotadora de la actividad y la empresa matriz del grupo. Concluye el estudio con una reflexión sobre la conveniencia de extender en sede medioambiental los criterios interpretativos adoptados desde otros campos de la responsabilidad extracontractual (vgr. Derecho de la Competencia) a fin de alcanzar un régimen de responsabilidad extracontractual común en materia de grupos societarios.
L'insegnamento intensivo del progetto. Un'esperienza di didattica internazionale
Authors: Mauro Marzo
Published: June 2024

L'articolo illustra l'esperienza dell'Erasmus Intensive Programme intitolato “Fortified Places” svoltosi in tre edizioni, tra l'aprile del 2012 e il febbraio 2014, a Venezia, Parigi e Siviglia, e indaga il metodo di insegnamento del progetto adottato nell'iniziativa. La discussione sui progetti si è svolta a più livelli incrociati tra loro: studenti-studenti, studenti-docenti, docenti-docenti e questo ha arricchito notevolmente lo scambio di informazioni e metodi didattici intorno al progetto. Svolgendosi in tale modalità, il trasferimento del sapere, dei punti di vista e delle conoscenze è avvenuto sia sull’asse verticale (docente-allievo), sia sull’asse orizzontale (studente-studente, docente-docente).
Immagini che innamorano
Authors: Ildebrando Clemente
Published: June 2024

La ricerca impossibile in architettura, ovvero l’impossibile come ricerca, l’impossibile con tutto il suo carico di tentazioni e speranze è assunto in questo articolo come energia rivitalizzante i significati che favoriscono una buona nascita del progetto di architettura. Si tratta dell’impossibile fare immagini capaci di riflettere, potenziandoli reciprocamente, dimensione logica e dimensione simbolica delle forme dell’architettura. Ricerca impossibile da ridurre alla sola ragione discorsiva della produzione di significati generati dal mondo dell’informazione informatico/mediatica ma necessaria per risvegliare l’intreccio costitutivo di una concezione immaginativa del progetto di architettura e costitutiva dell’anima della realtà.
Comporre il frammento. La dispositio adrianea nella modernità architettonica
Authors: Gregorio Froio
Published: June 2024

Ha senso parlare ancora oggi di composizione in architettura? Dopo essere stato rimosso dalle scuole di architettura tale vocabolo oggi sembra ritrovare un rinnovato motivo di interesse in relazione all'originario significato vitruviano. A partire dal modello compositivo di Villa Adriana, nella rilettura iconografica del Campo Marzio di Piranesi, l'architettura moderna e contemporanea riscopre la vitalità insita nel comporre per frammenti.
Editoriale: Campus e città
Authors: FAMagazine Redazione
Published: June 2024

Il numero 34 di FAmagazine è dedicato al tema del “campus universitario”, tipologia che rientra indubbiamente tra quelle che si sono contraddistinte nella storia moderna del progetto architettonico e nei processi fondativi della città. Strumento “poleogenetico continuamente sperimentato nel corso storico della città e forse oggi, per molteplici aspetti, caricato di ulteriori responsabilità”, il campus universitario è considerato, negli articoli che seguono, nella relazione Università-Città dove, come sostiene Carlo Quintelli, la componente universitaria diventa elemento “strategicamente indispensabile nello sviluppo di un’economia della conoscenza, quella dove la ricerca è alla base di ogni laboratorio produttivo caratterizzato dall’innovazione”. Questo approccio, riscontrabile nel progetto Mastercampus promosso dall’Università di Parma muove a partire da questi presupposti ricavandone due linee di indirizzo, descritte da Quintelli nel suo articolo, in cui in una prima, si considera una strategia “di insediamento universitario applicata all’intera articolazione urbana, tra nucleo storico, prima periferia ed area suburbana” e in una seconda si instaura un “rapporto critico con la città sul piano dimostrativo di fronte a certe sue criticità, presupponendone un effetto di indotto positivo per il contesto”.
Il tempo come materiale da costruzione. Il museo delle collezioni reali sulla Cornisa di Madrid
Authors: Emilio Tuñón
Published: June 2024

L’autore stesso dell’opera racconta nell’articolo il lungo percorso temporale che hanno attraversato per giungere alla realizzazione del Museo delle Collezioni Reali, che si estende sul bordo occidentale della città antica monumentale. Da un lato la scelta materico costruttiva, la ripetizione dei portali in cemento bianco, così influenzata dal contesto e dalle sue complesse stratificazioni storiche, e dall’altro la scelta tipologica, strettamente condizionata dalle necessità espositive della contemporaneità, sono declinazioni diverse di un tempo riletto come materiale del progetto.
Torres Blancas
Authors: José Manuel López-Peláez
Published: June 2024

Nella Madrid degli anni sessanta l’architetto navarro Sáenz de Oíza sperimenta la costruzione di un edificio residenziale a torre in cemento armato. Risultato della felice relazione con un imprenditore mecenate, Juan Huarte, l’edificio si articola nella variazione tipologica di alloggi ad L e duplex, di locali per uffici e servizi, fino agli spazi ad uso comune, come la piscina e il ristorante della terrazza sul tetto, per proporsi come modello di piccola città autosufficiente.