bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HPV infection and vaginal microecological disorders in women with intrauterine adhesion: cross-sectional study in a Chinese population
Authors: Wang Li , Zeng Jiuzhi , Liu Hanbo , Xu Hongzhou , Liu Yan , Luo Mengjun , Liu Weixin
Published: November 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the vaginal microecology and the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes in patients with uterine adhesions and explore the correlation between HPV infection and vaginal microecology imbalance and the occurrence of intrauterine adhesion (IUA).

Methods

A total of 479 women were enrolled in the study, including 259 in the normal group and 220 in the IUA group. Vaginal microecological and HPV analyses were performed on all participants. Significant differences between the two groups were analyzed, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed.

Results

The incidence of IUA in patients between 31 and 40 years of age was high. The I-II degree of vaginal cleanliness in the IUA group was significantly lower than that in the normal group, and the number of III-IV degree was significantly higher than that in the normal group. Moreover, the incidences of VVC (vulvovaginal candidiasis) and vaginal disorders and infections with HPV 16 and HPV 52 subtypes were significantly higher in the IUA group than in the normal group. The incidence of high-risk HPV infection combined with vaginal disorders in the IUA group was higher than that in the normal group. Correlation analysis showed that the occurrence of IUAs was positively correlated with HPV infection and negatively correlated with PH and vaginal microecological imbalance.

Conclusion

The HPV infection rate and vaginal microecology disorders affect the occurrence of IUAs. For patients with IUAs, control of the HPV infection rate and the prevention of vaginal microecological disorders should be improved.
The role of computed tomography features in assessing response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Wei Chengzhi , He Yun , Luo Ma , Chen Guoming , Nie Runcong , Chen Xiaojiang , Zhou Zhiwei , Chen Yongming
Published: November 2023

Objective

To compare the computed tomography (CT) images of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (GC) before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in order to identify CT features that could predict pathological response to NAC.

Methods

We included patients with locally advanced GC who underwent gastrectomy after NAC from September 2016 to September 2021. We retrieved and collected the patients’ clinicopathological characteristics and CT images before and after NAC. We analyzed CT features that could differentiate responders from non-responders and established a logistic regression equation based on these features.

Results

We included 97 patients (69 [71.1%] men; median [range] age, 60 [26–75] years) in this study, including 66 (68.0%) responders and 31 (32.0%) non-responders. No clinicopathological variable prior to treatment was significantly associated with pathological response. Out of 16 features, three features (ratio of tumor thickness reduction, ratio of reduction of primary tumor attenuation in arterial phase, and ratio of reduction of largest lymph node attenuation in venous phase) on logistic regression analysis were used to establish a regression equation that demonstrated good discrimination performance in predicting pathological response (area under receiver operating characteristic curve 0.955; 95% CI, 0.911–0.998).

Conclusion

Logistic regression equation based on three CT features can help predict the pathological response of patients with locally advanced GC to NAC.
Synergistic lethality in chronic myeloid leukemia – targeting oxidative phosphorylation and unfolded protein response effectively complements tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment
Authors: Häselbarth Lukas , Gamali Sara , Saul Domenica , Krumbholz Manuela , Böttcher-Loschinski Romy , Böttcher Martin , Zou Deyu , Metzler Markus , Karow Axel , Mougiakakos Dimitrios
Published: November 2023

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is effectively treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), targeting the BCR::ABL1 oncoprotein. Still, resistance to therapy, relapse after treatment discontinuation, and side effects remain significant issues of long-term TKI treatment. Preliminary studies have shown that targeting oxidative phosphorylation (oxPhos) and the unfolded protein response (UPR) are promising therapeutic approaches to complement CML treatment. Here, we tested the efficacy of different TKIs, combined with the ATP synthase inhibitor oligomycin and the ER stress inducer thapsigargin in the CML cell lines K562, BV173, and KU812 and found a significant increase in cell death. Both, oligomycin and thapsigargin, triggered the upregulation of the UPR proteins ATF4 and CHOP, which was inhibited by imatinib. We observed comparable effects on cell death when combining TKIs with the ATP synthase inhibitor 8-chloroadenosine (8-Cl-Ado) as a potentially clinically applicable therapeutic agent. Stress-related apoptosis was triggered via a caspase cascade including the cleavage of caspase 3 and the inactivation of poly ADP ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1). The inhibition of PARP by olaparib also increased CML death in combination with TKIs. Our findings suggest a rationale for combining TKIs with 8-Cl-Ado or olaparib for future clinical studies in CML.
A first study on the usability and feasibility of four subtypes of suicidality in emergency mental health care
Authors: de Winter Remco F. P. , Meijer Connie M. , van den Bos Anne T. , Kool-Goudzwaard Nienke , Enterman John H. , Gemen Manuela A.M.L , Nuij Chani , Hazewinkel Mirjam C. , Steentjes Danielle , van Son Gabrielle E. , de Beurs Derek P. , de Groot Marieke H.
Published: November 2023

Background

Based on clinical experience, a (hypothetical) four-type model of suicidality that differentiates between subtypes with a unique pathway to entrapment ((h)4ME)was developed. The subtypes are: 1) perceptual disintegration (PD), 2) primary depressive cognition (PDC), 3) psychosocial turmoil (PT) and 4) inadequate communication/coping (IC). This study was carried out to examine the usability and feasibility of the subtypes in an absolute and dimensional way with the SUICIDI-2 instrument.

Objective

A first step was to examine the model and the SUICIDI-2 instrument for usability and feasibility in clinical practice. We aim to investigate the’real life’ practical application of the model and hope the feedback we get after practical use of the model will help us with improvements for the model and the SUICIDI-2 instrument.

Methods

Discharge letters to general practitioners of 25 cases of anonymized suicidal emergency patients were independently reviewed by three psychiatrists and three nurses. Using the SUICIDI-2 instrument, describing the proposed subtypes, cases were classified by the psychiatrists and nurses. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) for absolute/discrete and dimensional ratings were calculated to examine the model’s usability and the instrument‘s feasibility. The study was approved by the ethical board.

Results

All raters were able to recognize and classify the cases in subtypes. We found an average measure of good reliability for absolute/(discrete) subtypes. For dimensional scores, we found excellent average measures for the subtype PDC, and good average measures for the subtypes PD, PT and IC. The reliability of dimensional score for the SUICIDI-2 was relatively lower than an alternative dimensional rating, but had good ICC values for all subtypes. After reviewing the results though, we found some inconsistently assessment between raters. This was ground to narrow down the criteria per subtype to describe the subtypes more precisely. This resulted in adjusted formulations for subtypes PD and IC and agreement was achieved about formulations in the revised SUICIDI-3.

Conclusions

The hypothetical model of entrapment leading to suicidality shows promising results for both the usability and feasibility of the SUICIDI instrument. Follow up studies with participants with a more diverse background may show consistency and validity for the model.
Analysis of serum calcium change trajectories and prognostic factors in patients with acute type A aortic dissection
Authors: Lin Jian-Long , Li Sai-Lan , Peng Yan-Chun , Chen Liang-Wan , Lin Yan-Juan
Published: November 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to analyze the correlation between serum calcium changes and short-term prognosis of patients with acute type A aortic dissection.

Methods

Patients who underwent acute type A aortic dissection surgery at Fujian Heart Medical Center between June 2019 and June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 383 patients were enrolled. According to the changing track of serum calcium in patients after acute type A aortic dissection, three potential category tracks were determined: high-level (n = 85), medium-level (n = 259), and continuous low-level groups (n = 39). Using the medium-level group as the control, regression analysis showed that poor prognosis risk was increased in the group with continuous low serum calcium (odds ratio = 2.454, P < 0.05) and in the group with continuous low serum calcium > 48 h (odds ratio = 3.595, P < 0.05). Age (odds ratio = 1.063, P < 0.001), body mass index (odds ratio = 1.138, P < 0.05), hypertension (odds ratio = 3.697, P < 0.05), and the highest lactic acid within 72 h after surgery(odds ratio = 1.093, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis after aortic dissection.

Conclusion

Continuous low serum calcium was an independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients with acute type A aortic dissection.
Antimicrobial efficacy of sodium hypochlorite and hyper-pure chlorine dioxide in the depth of dentin tubules in vitro
Authors: Szabó Enikő Vasziné , Huszta Brigitta , Polyák Melinda , Ruksakiet Kasidid , Bernáth Róbert , Ghidán Ágoston , Csáki Ágnes , Kostadinova Milia , Dinya Elek , Vág János , Lohinai Zsolt M.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The study aimed to compare the antibacterial effect of a novel disinfectant, hyper-pure chlorine dioxide (hClO2) to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in various depths of dentin tubules.

Materials and methods

The distal root of the extracted lower molars was infected artificially with Enterococcus faecalis. The control group was rinsed with saline, and the test groups were irrigated with either 5% NaOCl or 0.12% hClO2. The longitudinally split teeth were stained by viability stain. The coronal third of the root was scanned with a confocal laser scanning microscope. The fluorescent intensities were measured, and the percentage of dead bacteria was calculated at depths up to 950 μm along the dentin tubules. The effect of penetration depth, irrigants, and their interaction on antimicrobial efficacy was determined by the linear mixed model.

Results

The percentage of dead bacteria was higher both in the NaOCl (45.1 ± 2.3%, p < 0.01) and in the hClO2 (44.6 ± 3.8%, p < 0.01) irrigant groups compared to saline (23 ± 4.5%); however, there was no difference between them. The percentage of killed bacteria was not correlated with the depths in any group (p = 0.633).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the functional penetration depth of NaOCl is at least 2–3 times more than published to date. There is no difference in disinfection effectiveness along the dentin tubules between NaOCl and hClO2 until at least the measured 950 μm. However, both were only able to eradicate the intratubular bacteria partially.

Clinical relevance

Hyper-pure ClO2 could be used as an alternative or final adjuvant irrigant in endodontic treatment.
Risk-stratification machine learning model using demographic factors, gynaecological symptoms and β-catenin for endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Masadah Rina , Maulana Aries , Nelwan Berti Julian , Ghaznawie Mahmud , Miskad Upik Anderiani , Tawali Suryani , Rauf Syahrul , Herman Bumi
Published: November 2023

Background

Demographic features, suggestive gynaecological symptoms, and immunohistochemical expression of endometrial β-catenin have a prognostic capacity for endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. This study assessed the interaction of all variables and developed risk stratification for endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to July 2023 at two teaching hospitals in Makassar Indonesia. Patients (< 70 years old) with suggestive symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma or being referred with disease code N.85 who underwent curettage and/or surgery for pathology assessment except those receiving radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, presence of another carcinoma, coagulation disorder, and history of anti-inflammatory drug use and unreadable samples. Demographic, and clinical symptoms were collected from medical records. Immunohistochemistry staining using mouse-monoclonal antibodies determined the β-catenin expression (percentage, intensity, and H-score) in endometrial tissues. Ordinal and Binary Logistic regression identified the potential predictors to be included in neural networks and decision tree models of histopathological grading according to the World Health Organization/WHO grading classification.

Results

Abdominal enlargement was associated with worse pathological grading (adjusted odds ratio/aOR 6.7 95% CI 1.8–24.8). Increasing age (aOR 1.1 95% CI 1.03–1.2) and uterus bleeding (aOR 5.3 95% CI 1.3–21.6) were associated with carcinoma but not with %β-catenin and H-Score. However, adjusted by vaginal bleeding and body mass index, lower %β-catenin (aOR 1.03 95% 1.01–1.05) was associated with non-atypical hyperplasia, as well as H-Score (aOR 1.01 95% CI 1.01–1.02). Neural networks and Decision tree risk stratification showed a sensitivity of 80-94.8% and a specificity of 40.6–60% in differentiating non-atypical from atypical and carcinoma. A cutoff of 55% β-catenin area and H-Score of 110, along with other predictors could distinguish non-atypical samples from atypical and carcinoma.

Conclusion

Risk stratification based on demographics, clinical symptoms, and β-catenin possesses a good performance in differentiating non-atypical hyperplasia with later stages.
Promotion of training course on ICD-10 Poisoning coding : necessity to adopt preventive strategies
Authors: Asadi Farkhondeh , Afkhami Shokoofeh , Asadi Farideh
Published: November 2023

Background

Poisoning is considered the most common cause of referral to emergency departments and hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU). Training or retraining of coders and ensuring the positive impact of these trainings in assigning accurate codes to poisoning cases is necessary to adopt practical health measures for optimal management of this disease. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of holding a training course on poisoning coding rules based on ICD-10 in clinical coders.

Methods

This study is descriptive and analytical. With the target population included the coders of hospitals affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (N = 45). In order to evaluate the training course on poisoning coding rules, the Conex Input Process Product (CIPP) evaluation model was used. This model was the first goal-oriented approach evaluation model. According to the CIPP model, evaluation of the training course held in four components, including Context factors (course objectives and priority of objectives), Input factors (instructor, curriculum, facilities, equipment, and training location), Process factors (teaching process, learning, management, and support), and Product factors (feedback, knowledge, and skills). A researcher-made questionnaire containing 39 questions with a 5-point Likert scale was used to collect data. The validity of the questionnaire was calculated through content validity, and its reliability was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (alpha = 90% in all components). In order to analyze the data, descriptive statistics (frequency percentage distribution) and inferential statistics (one-sample t-test) were used.

Results

The findings of this study were presented in four components of context, input, process, and product evaluation. The average criterion for all questions in the questionnaire was considered 3. As a result, the significance level obtained from the one sample t-test was equal to P = 0. 0001.The training course had a favorable effect in terms of context, input, process and products.

Conclusion

The knowledge and skills of clinical coders can be enhanced by updating medical knowledge, holding training courses, workshops, seminars, and conducting clinical coder accreditation. Extensive and continuous training for clinical coders is essential due to the impact of code quality on financial forecasting, electronic health records, and conducting research.
Priorities for implementation research on diagnosing cancer in primary care: a consensus process
Authors: Willis Thomas A , Neal Richard D , Walter Fiona M , Foy Robbie
Published: November 2023

Background

The early detection and diagnosis of cancer to reduce avoidable mortality and morbidity is a challenging task in primary health care. There is a growing evidence base on how to enable earlier cancer diagnosis, but well-recognised gaps and delays exist around the translation of new research findings into routine clinical practice. Implementation research aims to accelerate the uptake of evidence by health care systems and professionals. We aimed to identify priorities for implementation research in early cancer diagnosis in primary care.

Methods

We used a RAND/UCLA modified Delphi consensus process to identify and rank research priorities. We asked primary care physicians, patients and researchers to complete an online survey suggesting priorities for implementation research in cancer detection and diagnosis. We summarised and presented these suggestions to an 11-member consensus panel comprising nine primary care physicians and two patients. Panellists independently rated the importance of suggestions on a 1–9 scale (9 = very high priority; 1 = very low priority) before and after a structured group discussion. We ranked suggestions using median ratings.

Results

We received a total of 115 suggested priorities for implementation research from 32 survey respondents (including 16 primary care professionals, 11 researchers, and 4 patient and public representatives; 88% of respondents were UK-based). After removing duplicates and ineligible suggestions, we presented 37 suggestions grouped within 17 categories to the consensus panel. Following two rounds of rating, 27 suggestions were highly supported (median rating 7–9). The most highly rated suggestions concerned diagnostic support (e.g., access to imaging) interventions (e.g., professional or patient education), organisation of the delivery of care (e.g., communication within and between teams) and understanding variations in care and outcomes.

Conclusions

We have identified a set of priorities for implementation research on the early diagnosis of cancer, ranked in importance by primary care physicians and patients. We suggest that researchers and research funders consider these in directing further efforts and resources to improve population outcomes.
In vitro co-culture studies and the crucial role of fibroblast-immune cell crosstalk in IPF pathogenesis
Authors: Thiam Fama , Phogat Sakshi , Abokor Filsan Ahmed , Osei Emmanuel Twumasi
Published: November 2023

IPF is a fatal lung disease characterized by intensive remodeling of lung tissue leading to respiratory failure. The remodeling in IPF lungs is largely characterized by uncontrolled fibrosis. Fibroblasts and their contractile phenotype the myofibroblast are the main cell types responsible for typical wound healing responses, however in IPF, these responses are aberrant and result in the overactivation of fibroblasts which contributes to the inelasticity of the lung leading to a decrease in lung function. The specific mechanisms behind IPF pathogenesis have been elusive, but recently the innate and adaptive immunity have been implicated in the fibrotic processes of the disease. In connection with this, several in vitro co-culture models have been used to investigate the specific interactions occurring between fibroblasts and immune cells and how this contributes to the pathobiology of IPF. In this review, we discuss the in vitro models that have been used to examine the abnormal interactions between fibroblasts and cells of the innate and adaptive immune system, and how these contribute to the fibrotic processes in the lungs of IPF patients.
Electrophoretic deposition of magnesium oxide coating on micro-arc oxidized titanium for antibacterial activity and biocompatibility
Authors: Fan Xinli , Du Jiaheng , Li Yaohua , Duan Ke , Liu Gangli
Published: November 2023

Titanium (Ti) dental implants face risks of early failure due to bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. It is thus necessary to endow the implant surface with antibacterial ability. In this study, magnesium oxide (MgO) coatings were prepared on Ti by combining micro-arc oxidation (MAO) and electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The MgO nanoparticles homogeneously deposited on the microporous surface of MAO-treated Ti, yielding increasing coverage with the EPD time increased to 15 to 60 s. After co-culture with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) for 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h, the coatings produced antibacterial rates of 4–53 %, 27–71 %, and 39–79 %, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, EPD for 45 s offered satisfactory comprehensive performance, with an antibacterial rate 79 % at 72 h and a relative cell viability 85 % at 5 d. Electron and fluorescence microscopies revealed that, both the density of adherent bacterial adhesion on the surface and the proportion of viable bacteria decreased with the EPD time. The morphology of cells on the surface of each group was intact and there was no significant difference among the groups. These results show that, the MgO coating deposited on MAO-treated Ti by EPD had reasonably good in vitro antibacterial properties and cytocompatibility.
Chromothripsis in lipoblastoma: second reported case with complex PLAG1 rearrangement
Authors: Lanceta Joel , Tripodi Joseph , Karp Lynne , Shaham Meira , Mahmood Nayyara , Najfeld Vesna , Edelman Morris , Cohen Ninette
Published: November 2023

Lipoblastomas (LPBs) are rare benign neoplasms derived from embryonal adipose that occur predominantly in childhood. LPBs typically present with numeric or structural rearrangements of chromosome 8, the majority of which involve the pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) proto-oncogene on chromosome 8q12. Here, we report on a LPB case on which showed evidence of chromothripsis. This is the second reported case of chromothripsis in LPB.
The underlying relationship between exercise and the prevalence of periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cao Rongkai , Qiu Piaopiao , Zhou Yuan , Dong Bo , Han Yucheng , Fan Zhen
Published: November 2023

Background

Although exercise has been proposed as an effective intervention for various lifestyle-related diseases and pathological scenarios, few researches assessed the impact of taking exercise on the prevalence of periodontitis.

Purpose

This study aimed to perform a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis from both observational and intervention studies to explore the relationship between exercise and periodontitis and to provide references for future intervention programs aimed at preventing periodontitis.

Method

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus for peer-reviewed studies published in English From January 1993 to January 2023 according to the PRISMA guidelines. Articles were selected if subjects were human and studies evaluating the association between exercise and periodontitis.

Results

4098 references were retrieved. After screening the results, 30 studies were selected. Of these, 20 studies indicated an inverse association between exercise and periodontitis, while the remaining 10 did not reach conclusive findings. The meta-analysis demonstrated a risk ratio of 0.84 (95%CI: 0.77, 0.91) between the active group and the inactive group (P < 0.01), which indicated an inverse relationship between exercise and periodontitis.

Conclusion

Overall, the increase in exercise presents an inverse association with the presence and severity of periodontitis. Accordingly, taking exercise might be a potential approach that contributes to improvements in periodontitis.
Knowledge and attitude towards sickle cell anemia among care givers of paediatric sickle cell patients at a tertiary hospital in Eastern Uganda: a cross sectional study
Authors: Namugerwa Christine H , Gavamukulya Yahaya , Barugahare Banson John
Published: November 2023

Objective

To explore the knowledge and attitude towards sickle cell disease (SCD) among care givers of paediatric sickle cell patients at Mbale regional referral hospital in Eastern Uganda.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted at Mbale regional referral hospital. We used simple random sampling technique to recruit participants from among the care givers of pediatric sickle cell patients admitted at the hospital, administered questionnaires and conducted multivariable logistic regression to establish the association between the different factors.

Results

372 respondents participated in the study, 82.26% of which were female. 57.80% of the respondents had ever heard of SCD/SCA. 36.02% were willing to stay in a relationship with their partner despite the risk of having a child with SCD/SCA. A multivariate analysis revealed that variables; “number of children”, “children with sickle cell can cope with life” and “willing to stay in a relationship despite the risk of a having a child with sickle cell” were statistically significant.

Conclusion

There was a high level of general awareness about SCD/SCA but comprehensive knowledge about its cause and prevention was low and the majority did not find a reason as to why it should influence their marital decisions. Inclusion of SCD/SCA in existing health education programs is highly recommended.
Clinical outcomes up to 9 years after [18F]flutemetamol amyloid-PET in a symptomatic memory clinic population
Authors: Collij Lyduine E. , Farrar Gill , Zwan Marissa , van de Giessen Elsmarieke , Ossenkoppele Rik , Barkhof Frederik , Rozemuller Annemieke J. M. , Pijnenburg Yolande A. L. , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Bouwman Femke
Published: November 2023

Background

Previous studies demonstrated increases in diagnostic confidence and change in patient management after amyloid-PET. However, studies investigating longitudinal outcomes over an extended period of time are limited. Therefore, we aimed to investigate clinical outcomes up to 9 years after amyloid-PET to support the clinical validity of the imaging technique.

Methods

We analyzed longitudinal data from 200 patients (Mage = 61.8, 45.5% female, MMMSE = 23.3) suspected of early-onset dementia that underwent [18F]flutemetamol-PET. Baseline amyloid status was determined through visual read (VR). Information on mortality was available with a mean follow-up of 6.7 years (range = 1.1–9.3). In a subset of 108 patients, longitudinal cognitive scores and clinical etiological diagnosis (eDx) at least 1 year after amyloid-PET acquisition were available (M = 3.06 years, range = 1.00–7.02). VR − and VR + patients were compared on mortality rates with Cox Hazard’s model, prevalence of stable eDx using chi-square test, and longitudinal cognition with linear mixed models. Neuropathological data was available for 4 patients (mean delay = 3.59 ± 1.82 years, range = 1.2–6.3).

Results

At baseline, 184 (92.0%) patients were considered to have dementia. The majority of VR + patients had a primary etiological diagnosis of AD (122/128, 95.3%), while the VR − group consisted mostly of non-AD etiologies, most commonly frontotemporal lobar degeneration (30/72, 40.2%). Overall mortality rate was 48.5% and did not differ between VR − and VR + patients. eDx at follow-up was consistent with baseline diagnosis for 92/108 (85.2%) patients, with most changes observed in VR − cases (VR −  = 14/35, 40% vs VR +  = 2/73, 2.7%, χ2 = 26.03, p < 0.001), who at no time received an AD diagnosis. VR + patients declined faster than VR − patients based on MMSE (β =  − 1.17, p = 0.004), episodic memory (β =  − 0.78, p = 0.003), fluency (β =  − 1.44, p < 0.001), and attention scores (β = 16.76, p = 0.03). Amyloid-PET assessment was in line with post-mortem confirmation in all cases; two cases were VR + and showed widespread AD pathology, while the other two cases were VR − and showed limited amyloid pathology.

Conclusion

In a symptomatic population, we observed that amyloid-status did not impact mortality rates, but is predictive of cognitive functioning over time across several domains. Also, we show particular validity for a negative amyloid-PET assessment, as these patients did not receive an AD diagnosis at follow-up.
Pricing and cost-saving potential for deep-learning computer-aided lung nodule detection software in CT lung cancer screening
Authors: Du Yihui , Greuter Marcel J. W. , Prokop Mathias W. , de Bock Geertruida H.
Published: November 2023

Objective

An increasing number of commercial deep learning computer-aided detection (DL-CAD) systems are available but their cost-saving potential is largely unknown. This study aimed to gain insight into appropriate pricing for DL-CAD in different reading modes to be cost-saving and to determine the potentially most cost-effective reading mode for lung cancer screening.

Methods

In three representative settings, DL-CAD was evaluated as a concurrent, pre-screening, and second reader. Scoping review was performed to estimate radiologist reading time with and without DL-CAD. Hourly cost of radiologist time was collected for the USA (€196), UK (€127), and Poland (€45), and monetary equivalence of saved time was calculated. The minimum number of screening CTs to reach break-even was calculated for one-time investment of €51,616 for DL-CAD.

Results

Mean reading time was 162 (95% CI: 111–212) seconds per case without DL-CAD, which decreased by 77 (95% CI: 47–107) and 104 (95% CI: 71–136) seconds for DL-CAD as concurrent and pre-screening reader, respectively, and increased by 33–41 s for DL-CAD as second reader. This translates into €1.0–4.3 per-case cost for concurrent reading and €0.8–5.7 for pre-screening reading in the USA, UK, and Poland. To achieve break-even with a one-time investment, the minimum number of CT scans was 12,300–53,600 for concurrent reader, and 9400–65,000 for pre-screening reader in the three countries.

Conclusions

Given current pricing, DL-CAD must be priced substantially below €6 in a pay-per-case setting or used in a high-workload environment to reach break-even in lung cancer screening. DL-CAD as pre-screening reader shows the largest potential to be cost-saving.

Critical relevance statement

Deep-learning computer-aided lung nodule detection (DL-CAD) software must be priced substantially below 6 euro in a pay-per-case setting or must be used in high-workload environments with one-time investment in order to achieve break-even. DL-CAD as a pre-screening reader has the greatest cost savings potential.

Key points

• DL-CAD must be substantially below €6 in a pay-per-case setting to reach break-even.

• DL-CAD must be used in a high-workload screening environment to achieve break-even.

• DL-CAD as a pre-screening reader shows the largest potential to be cost-saving.

Graphical Abstract
Kasimovian (late Pennsylvanian) cornute rugose corals from Egypt: taxonomy, facies and palaeogeography of a cool-water fauna from northern Gondwana
Authors: El-Desouky Heba , Herbig Hans-Georg , Kora Mahmoud
Published: November 2023

A strongly endemic Upper Pennsylvanian (Kasimovian) rugose coral association consisting of small, mostly non-dissepimented, simple structured and poorly diversified species is studied from the lower member of the Aheimer Formation (Western side of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt). The unit is composed of grey, silty mudstone intercalated with thin, ferruginous, silty dolostone–limestone and calcareous siltstone beds. Ten taxa from four families were identified. Four species of the Antiphyllinae are new; Actinophrentiscrassithecata n. sp., Lytvolasmaaheimerensis n. sp., L.paraaucta n. sp. and Monophyllumgalalaensis n. sp. Besides, Rotiphyllumexile de Groot, 1963 and Bothrophyllumokense Kossovaya, 2001 were identified; four taxa remain in open nomenclature (Lytvolasma cf. canadense, Zaphrentites cf. parallela, Zaphrentites sp. and Ufimia sp.). Rejuvenation, encrustation and bioerosion phenomena are rare. Attachment structures during mature stages are not evident; attachment scars in the apical parts are also rare. Growth patterns and embedding in the muddy deposits indicates that the corals lived as mudstickers in soft substrate. Recrystallization, dolomitization and ferrugination of open pore spaces inside the corals are the most common diagenetic features. The corals from the lower Aheimer Formation represent a typical cyathaxonid fauna that was adapted to high clastic input and turbid waters in a restricted, sheltered, episodically storm-swept inner ramp environment in an embayment of the southern shelf of the Palaeotethys. A time-averaged ramp model shows a regressive development from a mixed carbonate–siliciclastic open inner ramp setting during the Moscovian to the restricted inner ramp of the lower Aheimer Formation (Kasimovian) and following peritidal to fluvial environments of the Gzhelian. General and local palaeoclimatic considerations indicate cooling. Besides relations to northern Spain that root Egypt in the western Palaeotethys, connections existed via the Donets Basin (and the southern Urals) to the Cordilleran–Arctic–Uralian realm which is a cool water province during the Lower and Middle Permian. The Egyptian fauna appears to be a precursor of the anti-tropical cyathaxonid fauna of the latter time slice and also of the Lower Permian cool-water faunas of the east Cimmerian peri-Gondwana terranes.

ZooBank LSID: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:708F049E-F27B-4DDA-B052-22B56D883CAE
Targeted sequencing of high-density SNPs provides an enhanced tool for forensic applications and genetic landscape exploration in Chinese Korean ethnic group
Authors: Lan Qiong , Lin Yifeng , Wang Xi , Yuan Xi , Shen Chunmei , Zhu Bofeng
Published: November 2023

Background

In this study, we present a NGS-based panel designed for sequencing 1993 SNP loci for forensic DNA investigation. This panel addresses unique challenges encountered in forensic practice and allows for a comprehensive population genetic study of the Chinese Korean ethnic group. To achieve this, we combine our results with datasets from the 1000 Genomes Project and the Human Genome Diversity Panel.

Results

We demonstrate that this panel is a reliable tool for individual identification and parentage testing, even when dealing with degraded DNA samples featuring exceedingly low SNP detection rates. The performance of this panel for complex kinship determinations, such as half-sibling and grandparent-grandchild scenarios, is also validated by various kinship simulations. Population genetic studies indicate that this panel can uncover population substructures on both global and regional scales. Notably, the Han population can be distinguished from the ethnic minorities in the northern and southern regions of East Asia, suggesting its potential for regional ancestry inference. Furthermore, we highlight that the Chinese Korean ethnic group, along with various Han populations from different regional areas and certain northern ethnic minorities (Daur, Tujia, Japanese, Mongolian, Xibo), exhibit a higher degree of genetic affinities when examined from a genomic perspective.

Conclusion

This study provides convincing evidence that the NGS-based panel can serve as a reliable tool for various forensic applications. Moreover, it has helped to enhance our knowledge about the genetic landscape of the Chinese Korean ethnic group.
MmisAT and MmisP: an efficient and accurate suite of variant analysis toolkit for primary mitochondrial diseases
Authors: Huang Shuangshuang , Wu Zhaoyu , Wang Tong , Yu Rui , Song Zhijian , Wang Hao
Published: November 2023

Recent advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology have greatly accelerated the need for efficient annotation to accurately interpret clinically relevant genetic variants in human diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to develop appropriate analytical tools to improve the interpretation of disease variants. Given the unique genetic characteristics of mitochondria, including haplogroup, heteroplasmy, and maternal inheritance, we developed a suite of variant analysis toolkits specifically designed for primary mitochondrial diseases: the Mitochondrial Missense Variant Annotation Tool (MmisAT) and the Mitochondrial Missense Variant Pathogenicity Predictor (MmisP). MmisAT can handle protein-coding variants from both nuclear DNA and mtDNA and generate 349 annotation types across six categories. It processes 4.78 million variant data in 76 min, making it a valuable resource for clinical and research applications. Additionally, MmisP provides pathogenicity scores to predict the pathogenicity of genetic variations in mitochondrial disease. It has been validated using cross-validation and external datasets and demonstrated higher overall discriminant accuracy with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area under the curve (AUC) of 0.94, outperforming existing pathogenicity predictors. In conclusion, the MmisAT is an efficient tool that greatly facilitates the process of variant annotation, expanding the scope of variant annotation information. Furthermore, the development of MmisP provides valuable insights into the creation of disease-specific, phenotype-specific, and even gene-specific predictors of pathogenicity, further advancing our understanding of specific fields.
A parent-report measure of children’s anxiety: psychometric properties of the Macquarie Anxiety Behavioural Scale (MABS) in a Chinese sample of preschool children
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhou Xingrong , Yin Xingyu , Zhao Shouying
Published: November 2023

Objective

The Macquarie Anxiety Behavioural Scale (MABS) is a newly developed scale to assess anxiety in children and teenagers. The present study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the MABS, as well as the measurement invariance across different age groups in a preschool-aged sample.

Methods

A total of 1007 parents with children aged 3–6 years participated in the study. Internal consistency was assessed by calculating Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega and average inter-item correlation values. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to examine the five-factor model. Multi-group CFA was conducted to test the measurement equivalence across different age groups (3- and 4-year-olds and 5- and 6-year-olds). Convergent, divergent, and criterion-related validity were assessed with Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results

Internal consistency for the MABS total score was good and that of the subscales was acceptable. The CFA results showed that the five-factor structure of the MABS was supported in preschoolers (e.g., CFI = 0.929, TLI = 0.914, RMSEA = 0.050). In addition, scalar invariance of the MABS was supported across different age groups (e.g., ΔCFI = − 0.003, ΔTLI = 0, ΔRMSEA = 0). Furthermore, the MABS showed good convergent and divergent validity as well as criterion-related validity.

Conclusion

The Chinese version of the MABS demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties and appeared to be a valid and reliable instrument for measuring anxiety in preschool children.
Using the grouping function of machine learning algorithm to reduce the influence of information avoidance tendency during reading behavior
Authors: Zhou Juan , Wang Siqi , Xu Ling , Yin Chengjiu
Published: November 2023

Information avoidance has been studied in medicine, economics, and psychology, and has recently been discussed in educational technology. In this study, the authors developed a grouping method to reduce students’ information avoidance in reading through group work. This two-step group method includes the k-means and genetic algorithm to explore the grouping method based on students’ marking tendencies. To examine the effect of this method, an experiment was conducted in a web-system development course with 33 graduate students. The results showed that information avoidance occurred less in the experimental group than in the control group. The students of the two-step grouping method evaluated group work as more helpful for their study than the students who attended the usual group work.
Experimental investigation of relationship between bearing capacity and vibration parameters for planetary exploration legged rovers
Authors: Watanabe Tomohiro , Iizuka Kojiro
Published: November 2023

In recent years, robots with leg mechanisms have received considerable attention as high-running planetary exploration rovers. Rovers undertaking planetary exploration require outstanding running performance to travel on loose ground on which they mostly slip and hardly move forward. The movement of the rover easily deforms the surface of loose ground. This problem can be solved by increasing the bearing capacity. The bearing capacity, the resistance force exerted on the rover legs when they make contact with the ground, needs to be sufficiently large to prevent legged rovers from slipping on loose ground. The bearing capacity can be increased by compaction of the ground by imparting vibrations. This study investigates the relationship between the bearing capacity in the horizontal direction and vibration parameters because this relationship offers valuable information for improving the running performance of legged rovers. First, we investigated the effect of changing the vibration parameters on the bearing capacity. Our experimental results show that the bearing capacity is related to vibration acceleration. These results suggest that the bearing capacity can be estimated from the vibration acceleration. Next, the frequency and amplitude were compared as vibration parameters to devise an efficient method for increasing the bearing capacity. The results of these experiments showed that high-amplitude vibrations increase the bearing capacity to a greater extent than high-frequency vibrations. The reason is that high-amplitude vibrations generate larger additional vibrations by the collision between the rod and the ground than high-frequency vibrations. This knowledge is valuable for selecting a suitable vibration that can efficiently increase the bearing capacity. This study suggests a method of facilitating further planetary exploration using legged rovers.
Validation of the novel Eosinophilic Esophagitis Impact Questionnaire
Authors: McCann Eilish , Chehade Mirna , Spergel Jonathan M. , Yaworsky Andrew , Symonds Tara , Stokes Jonathan , Tilton Sarette T. , Sun Xian , Kamat Siddhesh
Published: November 2023

Background

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has a detrimental effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The Eosinophilic Esophagitis Impact Questionnaire (EoE-IQ) is a novel patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure assessing the impact of EoE on HRQOL. To assess suitability of the EoE-IQ, its measurement properties were evaluated.

Methods

Using baseline and week 24 data from the pivotal, randomized, placebo-controlled, multinational phase 3 R668-EE-1774 trial (NCT03633617) of dupilumab, we evaluated EoE-IQ’s measurement properties (including reliability, construct and known-groups validity, and ability to detect change) and established the threshold for change in scores that can be considered clinically meaningful.

Results

The analysis population comprised 239 adults and adolescents with EoE. Mean age was 28.1 (standard deviation, 13.14) years; 63.6% were male, and 90.4% were White. Reliability estimates for the EoE-IQ average score exceeded acceptable thresholds for patients who were stable as indicated by ratings of Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGIS) and Change (PGIC) (intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.75 and 0.81). Construct validity correlations with other EoE-specific PRO scores were moderate at baseline (|r|= 0.44–0.60) and moderate to strong at week 24 (|r|= 0.61–0.72). In known-groups analysis, EoE-IQ average score discriminated among groups of patients at varying EoE severity levels defined by PGIS scores. A ≥ 0.6-point reduction in EoE-IQ average score (where scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating worse HRQOL) from baseline to week 24 can be considered clinically meaningful.

Conclusions

The EoE-IQ’s measurement properties are acceptable, making it a valid, reliable measure of the HRQOL impacts of EoE among adults and adolescents.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03633617. Registered August 14, 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03633617.
Sheep as a large animal model for hearing research: comparison to common laboratory animals and humans
Authors: Lue Po-Yi , Oliver Mark H. , Neeff Michel , Thorne Peter R. , Suzuki-Kerr Haruna
Published: November 2023

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), caused by pathology in the cochlea, is the most common type of hearing loss in humans. It is generally irreversible with very few effective pharmacological treatments available to prevent the degenerative changes or minimise the impact. Part of this has been attributed to difficulty of translating “proof-of-concept” for novel treatments established in small animal models to human therapies. There is an increasing interest in the use of sheep as a large animal model. In this article, we review the small and large animal models used in pre-clinical hearing research such as mice, rats, chinchilla, guinea pig, rabbit, cat, monkey, dog, pig, and sheep to humans, and compare the physiology, inner ear anatomy, and some of their use as model systems for SNHL, including cochlear implantation surgeries. Sheep have similar cochlear anatomy, auditory threshold, neonatal auditory system development, adult and infant body size, and number of birth as humans. Based on these comparisons, we suggest that sheep are well-suited as a potential translational animal model that bridges the gap between rodent model research to the clinical use in humans. This is especially in areas looking at changes across the life-course or in specific areas of experimental investigation such as cochlear implantation and other surgical procedures, biomedical device development and age-related sensorineural hearing loss research. Combined use of small animals for research that require higher throughput and genetic modification and large animals for medical translation could greatly accelerate the overall translation of basic research in the field of auditory neuroscience from bench to clinic.