bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Busulfan plus cyclophosphamide vs. total body irradiation plus cyclophosphamide for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with acute T lymphoblastic leukemia: a large-scale propensity score-based study
Authors: Xu Yang , Shen Yifan , Liu Minyuan , Shen Danya , Chu Mengqian , Li Xuekai , Zhang Xiang , Fan Yi , Chen Jia , Wu Depei , Hu Shaoyan
Published: January 2024

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is considered as a promising treatment option for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). However, the clinical prognosis outcomes of allo-HSCT in T-ALL patients following the two myeloablative conditioning regimens, total body irradiation plus cyclophosphamide (TBI-Cy) and busulfan plus cyclophosphamide (BuCy), have not yet been determined. We conducted a retrospective analysis on 222 patients with T-ALL. Of these, 83 received TBI-Cy and 139 received BuCy as conditioning regimens. The analysis was conducted after propensity score matching based on a large-scale data between 2012 and 2022. The TBI-Cy conditioning regimen resulted in significantly higher 2-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) compared to the BuCy conditioning regimen (OS: 73.9% vs. 53.7%, p = 0.003; PFS: 58.6% vs.46.0%, p = 0.020). The improved survival outcomes may be attributed to the reduced cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR). The 2-year CIR was 35.7% in the TBI-Cy group, and 46.4% in the BuCy group (p = 0.036). Additionally, there was no significant difference in non-relapse mortality (NRM) between the two groups, with a 2-year NRM of 8.0% in the TBI-Cy group and 12.6% following the BuCy group (p = 0.315). Patients with extramedullary disease prior to allo-HSCT or were in no remission (NR) at allo-HSCT who received the TBI-Cy conditioning regimen showed improved survival outcomes compared to those who received the BuCy conditioning regimen. Multivariate analysis confirmed that the TBI-Cy conditioning regimen was an independent predictive factor for improved OS and PFS and reduced CIR. In conclusion, TBI-Cy conditioning regimen appears to be a safe and effective choice for allo-HSCT in T-ALL patients.
Novel Mammalian Ubiquitous Promoter Isolated from Bovine MSTN Gene Promoter
Authors: Eom Kyeong-Hyeon , Kwon Dong-Hyeok , Kim Young-Chai , Gim Gyeong-Min , Yum Soo-Young , Kim Seong-Min , Cha Hyuk-Jin , Jang Goo
Published: January 2024

As the understandings about the biotechnology and the pathophysiology of diseases getting advanced, the genetic materials or genetically engineered cells have brought hopes on patients with inherited diseases. Among many congenital diseases, the muscular dystrophy has been globally one of the major subjects of genetic therap. To apply genetic therapy selectively in muscular tissue, the promoters which express genes specifically in muscle have been necessitated by researchers. In the current study, the promoter region of MSTN gene was postulated as candidate muscle-specific promoter for gene therapy, from the biological significance and muscle-specific distribution of the myostatin. Accordingly, we aimed to isolate a novel promoter for gene therapy from the MSTN gene promoter and trim it more suitable for the therapeutic applications. During the experiments, it was revealed that the MSTN promoter region have functionally distinguishable parts: the highly conserved core region and the region that react to myogenic differentiation. The core region of bovine MSTN gene promoter showed ubiquitous expression of marker gene in differentiated cell lines or cells with stemness, originated from human, mouse, and cattle. In conclusion, we suggest the proximal region of bovine MSTN gene promoter as novel ubiquitous promoter.
Fractal Geometry in Tumour Immunoediting
Authors: Soleymani Nasim , Shariatpanahi Seyed Peyman , Goliaei Bahram
Published: January 2024

As being composed of cancer cells and myofibroblasts, different areas including cancer nest and stroma develop in tumour. The latter plays an important role in penetration of immune system. On the other hand, immune cells do not spread evenly in these areas, and don’t have the same effect on different cells. It is well established that tumour tissue has fractal properties, including unique fractional dimension along with lacunarity. In this study, partial differential equations were applied to simulate the infiltration and diffusion of immune cells in the two areas of modelled tumour tissue. Here we show that not only is fractal dimension an important factor in immunoediting, but also the fractal architecture of tumour plays a vital role in maintaining tumour in equilibrium. The significance of lacunarity is shown in the results. It is shown that tumours with smaller fractal dimension and greater lacunarity are defined as malignant, in contrast, tumours with greater fractal dimension and smaller lacunarity are defined as benign, both of which is due to immunoediting procedure occurring different relating to not just the fractal dimension but also to the pre-fractal architecture of tumour.
Relation Between the Dash Score and Radiographic Evaluation of the Wrist in Patients With Wrist Fracture.
Authors: Hassoun Anthony , Haroun Rami , Hoyek Fadi
Published: January 2024

Traditionally, the assessment of distal radius fracture outcomes has been based on radiological measurements and self-evaluation scores. However, there is uncertainty regarding how accurately these measurements reflect the patient's perception of their outcome. In this study, we examined the correlation between radiological measurements and patient-perceived outcomes using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand outcome (DASH) score. The study involved 140 patients who had healed from a distal radius fracture and had been treated with DVR, Kapandji, percutaneous pinning or closed reduction. The retrospective assessment included 78 females and 62 males, with a mean DASH score of 3.54 points. The study revealed that there was little to no significant correlation between the final radiological measurement and the DASH score, except for the ulnar variance. In conclusion a better radiological outcome did not necessarily equate to a better patient-perceived outcome, as measured by the DASH score.
The importance of stair climbing for recovery after total hip arthroplasty in patients with hip ankylosis secondary to ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Yang Tianyu , Yang Boning , Hao Shimin , Zhang Ao , Shen Dianlin , Guo Lei
Published: January 2024

Stair climbing is effective in improving hip function; We examined the importance of stair climbing for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients receiving Total hip arthroplasty (THA).
Methods
Retrospective analysis of 33 AS patients undergoing unilateral THA, Harris hip scores (HHS), hip range of motion (ROM), flexion, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), time to start and duration of stair climbing, were compared at 6 months, one year, and final follow-up. Multivariable regressions were utilized to adjust for differences in clinical outcomes and stair climbing time among patients.
Results
There was a significant correlation between stair climbing start time and HHS (r = -0.399, P = 0.011) at 6 months postoperatively. At one year postoperatively and at the final follow-up, stair climbing time was positively correlated with HHS (r = 0.456, P= 0.004) (r = 0.416, P = 0.008). The stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that HHS was independently associated with stair climbing start time (P = 0.003) at 6 months postoperatively. At one year postoperatively (P = 0.008) and the final follow-up (P = 0.016), HHS was associated with stair climbing time. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of stair climbing start time and one year stair climbing time was 0.795 (95 % CI: 0.644–0.947, P = 0.006) and 0.793 (95 % CI: 0.598–0.989, P = 0.027), respectively.
Conclusion
THA can improve hip function in AS patients undergoing THA. Sensible stair climbing exercise in the postoperative period can achieve better clinical outcomes.
Development and Evaluation of Vegan Yogurts and Sour Milk Alternatives from White Lupin
Authors: Misz András , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Csutorás Csaba
Published: January 2024

A method to produce white lupin milk was devised, leading to the creation of fermented, dairy-like products. We developed vegan yogurt and sour milk alternatives using white lupin milk. Two mesophilic (CHN-11, CHN-22) and two thermophilic (YC-380, YC-X11) commercial yoghurt cultures were tested, with thermophilic ones yielding superior sensory outcomes for lupin-based yogurt alternatives. The sensory appeal of these products improved with inulin addition. Fourteen panelists assessed the products using a nine-point hedonic scale. Strawberry and peach-flavored white lupin yogurt alternatives achieved sensory scores comparable to cow milk yogurts, suggesting their potential as true substitutes. The sensory values of strawberry and peach-flavored white lupin-based yogurt alternatives closely matched those of cow milk yogurts, positioning them as viable alternatives. These lupin-based products could serve as functional foods for individuals with cow milk allergy or lactose intolerance. While current literature lacks reports on cross-reactivity between milk proteins and white lupin proteins, the potential allergenic proteins in white lupin do pose constraints on their broader application.
Enhancing Maritime Surveillance Video Clarity through SWIN-ESR: A Super-Resolution Approach for Efficient and Precise Ship Safety Monitoring
Authors: Guo Ziyang , Chen Ming , Zhang Gaozheng
Published: January 2024

With advancements in hardware and the rapid development of the internet, the clarity of surveillance videos has significantly improved, allowing people to quickly understand incidents in a specific location without being physically present. This is especially crucial in maritime navigation, where there is a lack of the solid ground feeling of safety. High-definition surveillance videos transmitted from the sea become a medium for land-based entities to ensure maritime safety. However, due to the absence of base stations at sea, these videos must be transmitted via satellite communication, which is limited by bandwidth and efficiency. Under normal weather conditions, the upload speed for a movie is generally below 200kb/s, and even lower during bad weather, meaning it could take a whole day to transmit a two-hour movie. To rapidly transmit surveillance videos without changing hardware, the data is compressed during transmission, such as by reducing the resolution. However, there is a high demand for the clarity of these images or videos, necessitating the use of image super-resolution techniques at the receiving end to enhance resolution and reconstruct the original high-definition images or videos as closely as possible.To minimize the loss of video information or even eliminate it, a method based on video super-resolution using the SWIN-ESR network is proposed to restore the original video, achieving the goal of transmission. This paper will compare SWIN-ESR with SRCNN, SRGAN, ESRGAN, and Real-ESRGAN, and evaluate the models through a series of performance metrics. The experimental results demonstrate that SWIN-ESR performs well in various numerical aspects.
Fecal virome is sufficient to reduce necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Offersen Simone Margaard , Mao Xiaotian , Spiegelhauer Malene Roed , Larsen Frej , Li Viktoria Rose , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Aunsholt Lise , Thymann Thomas , Brunse Anders
Published: January 2024

Background: Fecal filtrate transfer (FFT, i.e. “sterile filtered” fecal matter) is gaining increasing attention as a safer alternative to traditional fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for treating gastrointestinal (GI) complications. Indeed, in the case of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening GI emergency occurring in preterm infants, FFT is superior to FMT in terms of both safety and efficacy when investigated in preterm piglets. Since fecal filtrate is virtually devoid of bacteria, prokaryotic viruses (bacteriophages) are assumed to mediate the beneficial effects by modulating the recipient gut microbiota. However, this assumption remains unproven.
Results: To address this gap, we isolated the virome of donor feces from the residual postbiotic fluid with no loss of bacteriophage infective potential or bacteriophage spillover to the residual fluid. We then compared clinical and gut microbiota responses to these fractions with the parent FFT solution after transferring to NEC-susceptible preterm piglets. Importantly, transfer of isolated donor virome was equally effective as FFT in reducing the severity of NEC-like pathology, whereas the residual postbiotic fraction was ineffective. The bacterial compositional data corroborated clinical findings as virome transfer reduced the relative abundance of several NEC-associated pathogens e.g. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Clostridium perfringens. A viral metagenomics analysis indicated enrichment and diversification of recipient gut viral communities with concomitant constraining effect on bacterial composition in accordance with lytic phage predation of resident bacteria. Surprisingly, virome transfer but not residual postbiotic fluid was associated with suspected viral gastroenteritis as indicated by diarrhea, intestinal atrophy, and weight loss. Although virome sequencing did not reveal any obvious causative agent, we suggest that unidentified eukaryotic viruses are candidates responsible for these side effects.
Conclusion: Using NEC as a relevant case for microbiota-directed therapy, we show that transfer of isolated fecal virome is sufficient to reduce pathogenic bacterial load and overall disease burden. However, we also highlight that receiving exogenous virome increases the risk of enteric virus infection. Despite diarrhea being a minor concern in the human infant context, future work should identify ways of eliminating eukaryotic viruses without losing treatment efficacy.
Perceptions and knowledge of ecosystem services in urban river systems, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Mack Elizabeth A. , Akamagwuna Frank C , Murata Chenai , Materechera-Mitochi Fenji , Nnadozie Chika Felicitas , Odume Oghenekaro Nelson
Published: January 2024

The ecosystem services concept has been studied in rural contexts but not as much in urban landscapes, particularly aquatic ecosystems in Africa. This means we have little knowledge of how urban populations perceive ecosystem services (ES) supplied by rivers in urban centres. To fill this gap, this paper assesses local people’s perceptions and knowledge of ecosystem services supplied by rivers in urban centres using the Swartkops River in the Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan area in the Eastern Cape as a case study. The survey results indicated variation in the extent people felt the river provided a variety of services. There was almost universal agreement that the river never provides freshwater which likely reflects high levels of pollution in the river. An interesting aspect of the model results were differences in results related to the importance of conceptual and experiential knowledge of ES. For provisioning services, like recreation, experiential knowledge of the river was more important than conceptual knowledge, whereas for intangible ES such a regulating services, conceptual knowledge was important than experiential knowledge.
Evaluation of oral supplementation of free and nanoencapsulated Minthostachys verticillata essential oil on immunological, biochemical and antioxidants parameters and gut microbiota in weaned piglets
Authors: Montironi Ivana D. , Arsaute Sofía , Roma Dardo A. , Cecchini María E. , Pinotti Agustina , Mañas Fernando , Bessone Fernando A. , de LeBlanc Alejandra Moreno , Alustiza Fabrisio E. , Bellingeri Romina V. , Cariddi Laura Noelia
Published: January 2024

Early weaning is an important stressor that impairs the piglet´s health, and essential oils appear as promising candidates to improve it. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral supplementation of free and nanoencapsulated Minthostachys verticillata essential oil (EO and NEO, respectively) on immunological, biochemical and antioxidants parameters as well as on gut microbiota in weaned piglets. EO was extracted by hydrodistillation and nanoencapsulation was performed by high-energy method using Tween 80 and Span 60 as surfactants. EO and NEO were chemically analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The cytotoxic effects of both EO and NEO was evaluated on Caco-2 cell line. For in vivo assay, piglets were randomly distributed in six groups of six animals each (n = 6) and received orally EO (10 mg/kg/day) or NEO (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg/day) for 30 consecutive days. Animals not treated or treated with surfactants mixture were evaluated as control and vehicle control. Subsequently, histological, hematological and biochemical parameters, cytokines production, oxidative markers, CD4+/CD8+ T cells and gut microbiota were evaluated. GC-MS analysis was similar in both EO and NEO. The NEO was more toxic on Caco-2 cells than EO. Oral supplementation of EO or NEO (10 mg/kg/day) increased growth performance compared to control group or NEO (2.5 or 5 mg/kg/day) (p < 0.05) groups. NEO (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg/day) did not alter the morpho-physiology of digestive organs and decreased MDA levels in liver (p < 0.05), resulting safer than EO. In addition, NEO (10 mg/kg/day) showed an increase in CD4+/CD8+ T cells ratio (p < 0.001), and induced the highest serum levels of IL-10 (p < 0.01). Serum triglycerides levels were significantly lower in animals treated with EO or NEO (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg/day) compared to control group (p < 0.001). Gut microbiota analysis showed that NEO (10 mg/kg/day) favor the development of beneficial intestinal microorganisms to maintain an anti-inflammatory microenvironment. In conclusion, EO and NEO improved parameters altered by early weaning in piglets however, NEO was safer and powerful. Therefore, NEO should be further studied to be applied in swine health.
Postural instability in the anterior-posterior plane is associated with impaired postural verticality perception and fall risk in Parkinsonian syndromes
Authors: Bergmann Jeannine , Krewer Carmen , Müller Friedemann , Jahn Klaus
Published: January 2024

Retropulsion is a postural behavior which seems frequent in Parkinsonian syndromes, hampering balance and functional tasks, as well as entailing an increase in the risk of falls. This study aimed to investigate different characteristics of retropulsion and their relation to functional disability, postural control and fall risk. Thirty subjects with Parkinsonian syndromes (75 ± 8 years, 13 female, 6 ± 5 years since diagnosis, median UPDRS III 33 (Q1-Q3 22–40), Hoehn and Yahr stage 3 (2–4)) were assessed with the Scale for Retropulsion (SRP), the Berg Balance Scale, the subjective postural vertical, and diagnostic scales. The number of falls within the last 12 months and fall risk was determined. Results revealed signs of retropulsion in 87% of subjects. The SRP score correlated moderately to well with functional disability and disease severity, and strongly with the Berg Balance Scale. The severity of retropulsion was further associated with a backward shifted verticality perception. The SRP significantly differed between recurrent fallers and single or non-fallers and identified subjects at risk of falling. In summary, retropulsion is very frequent in Parkinsonian syndromes. Subjects with an SRP score ≥ 3 have an impaired reference of verticality with considerable balance impairments and an increased risk of falling.
Faster augmented Lagrangian method for solving convex optimization problems with linear constraints
Authors: Zhang Tao
Published: January 2024

A faster augmented Lagrangian method (Faster ALM) with a relaxed parameter ranging from 0 to 2 is introduced in this paper for solving convex optimization problems with equality constraints. The proposed Faster ALM demonstrates a convergence rate of $O\left(1/\sum_{i=0}^{k}a_i\right)$, where ($a_i>0$ is an arbitrary constant), in a non-ergodic sense of the Lagrangian primal-dual gap, the objective function value, and the feasibility measure.To further reduce the computational cost in each iteration, we present the Linearized Faster ALM, which involves linearizing the augmented Lagrangian term while maintaining a relaxed parameter within the range of 0 to 2. The proposed Linearized Faster ALM exhibits a convergence rate of $O(1/k)$ in a non-ergodic sense of the Lagrangian primal-dual gap, the objective function value, and the feasibility measure.
MSC Classification: 47H09 , 47H10 , 90C25 , 90C30
Global, regional, and national prevalence and disability-adjusted life-years for endometriosis in 204 countries and territories, 1990– 2019: findings from a global burden of disease study
Authors: Shen Dongyi , Li Jing , Hu PanWei , Qi Cong , Yang Hong
Published: January 2024

Introduction: This study aimed to analyze the worldwide, regional, and intra-country burden of heteropathy and its trends from 1990 to 2019, utilizing the latest data and improved methodologies from GBD 2019.
Methods: We utilized the Global Health Data Exchange Query tool, Global Burden of Disease (GBD), to analyze endometriosis in prevalence numbers, age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPR), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019 in 204 countries and regions. Additionally, this study investigated the impacts of period, age, and cohort on the prevalence and DALYs of endometriosis from the global perspective and in the five sociodemographic index (SDI) regions.
Results: Among the 21 regions, the most significant reduction in the prevalence of heterosis between 1990 and 2019 occurred in Central Latin America. In 204 countries, the most pronounced decline was observed in Guatemala. At the SDI level, with the increase of SDI, the ASPR of endometriosis in all regions worldwide showed an overall decreasing trend. The prevalence of endometriosis peaked between the ages of 25 and 29.
Discussion: The findings of this study reflect the temporal and spatial tendency of the burden of endometriosis during the study period and provide an epidemiological basis for reducing endometriosis.
Validity and Power of the Case-Only Approach in Prospective Cohort and Case-Cohort Studies with Time-to-Event Endpoints
Authors: Freitag-Wolf Sandra , Akinloye O Mercy , Dempfle Astrid
Published: January 2024

Background For genetic epidemiological studies with binary outcomes, the case-only (CO) approach has been shown to be powerful for examining statistical interactions, in particular gene-environment interactions. For time-to-event outcomes, the CO approach has been extended in the context of randomized clinical trials (RCT), but has not yet been investigated in prospective observational data. Methods We explore the CO approach for time-to-event outcomes in scenarios with main effects of different strength (small, moderate) and compare its results with classical Cox proportional hazard and logistic regression models. We use only the earliest observed events (as ‘cases’) in the CO approach and also consider censored events (as ‘controls’ in logistic regression) by a restricted follow-up scheme in a cohort design or a random subsample of these in a case-cohort design. Results In our simulation study, the CO approach was consistently valid in the cohort settings and had a similar power as the benchmark analyses. In contrast, in the case-cohort design, the CO approach was valid and more powerful only in the scenario with just one main effect. However, in the presence of two moderate main effects, estimators may be biased, with a moderately inflated type I error rate. In a real-world example of a cohort study, the CO design represents an efficient approach that can be applied at an early follow-up time. Conclusion Under a variety of circumstances, the CO approach is as powerful as the standard models for time-to-event data in the cohort framework, but can be biased in the presence of two main effects in the case-cohort framework.
Dual Clinical Practice (DCP) policy to improve retention of Human Resource for Health in Rwanda: A cross sectional study design
Authors: Kayumba Kizito , Ntihabose Corneille , Musange Sabine , Condo Jeanine , Ngabo Bernard , Umutoni Nathalie , Kalisa Ina Rukundo , Birindabagabo Pascal , Mukundirukuri Patience , Dhanani Sumana
Published: January 2024

Background Despite the high demand for public services globally, the quality of services provided by public health facilities remains questionable. Poor remuneration of public sector health care providers (HCPs) prompts their migration to private health facilities. The Dual Clinical Practice (DCP) Policy in Rwanda is a promising strategy to improve retention of human resource for health in public health facilities, allowing HCPs to supplement their income by engaging in private practice alongside their public sector roles. This study aimed to explore the implementation challenges and opportunities regarding the potential reformulation of DCP schemes.Methods A cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted across five Rwandan public hospitals focusing on evaluating the implementation of the DCP policy. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected via Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Joint Interviews (JIs), as well as analysis of health facility records. Data was analyzed using Atlas.ti software.Results The study involved participants from six Rwandan hospitals, with 20 healthcare providers and 32 patients participating. Qualitatively, it was found that the DCP policy was well-received, with high satisfaction among patients using DCP services (81%). However, challenges were noted in policy awareness and operational tracking of DCP engagements. Quantitatively, an increase in patient enrollment was observed in most facilities, and the DCP outpatient visits accounted for a significant percentage of total outpatient visits in some hospitals. Revenue analysis showed that while the DCP contributed to hospital income, there were concerns about the sustainability of the scheme and the adequacy of remuneration for healthcare providers.Conclusion This paper underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach involving tax authorities, hospital administration, and health insurance companies in addressing these issues. Ultimately, there is great need for collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders to revise policies and improve physical infrastructure, balancing healthcare quality with healthcare provider retention, and providing insights for similar global healthcare challenges.
Autopsy findings in a case of Lomentospora prolificans fungemia in myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Imataki Osamu , Kawanaka Yui , Ishida Tomoya , Fujita Haruyuki , Uemura Makiko
Published: January 2024

Background
Lomentospora prolificans is a soil-, plant-, or animal-borne mold that can affect immunocompromised hosts. Most L. prolificans infections are identifieable in the bloodstream. L. prolificans fungemia has never been reported in an autopsy.
Case report
We treated a 79-year-old man with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), subtype MDS-EB-1. Due to a low MDS risk status, the patient was being monitored in an outpatient setting. He developed pneumonia and was hospitalized for treatment. He was treated empirically with meropenem and vancomycin, which did not improve the patient's symptoms or clinical data. We diagnosed the patient with bronchitis obliterans organizing pneumonia because the culture report of the lavage fluid obtained through bronchofiberscopy (BFS) was negative. We administered methylprednisolone (mPSL) at 500 mg/day for 3 days minipulse therapy on day 10, followed by high dose mPSL. The patient’s condition improved slightly but worsened again during the corticosteroid tapering process. A second BFS was performed on day 28, which detected L. prolificans on lavage culture. We treated the patient with voriconazole as per the literature, but it did not improve the condition, and on day 46, the patient died of multiple organ failure due to L. prolificans fungemia. An autopsy revealed macroscopically white nodules and foci of fungal mass abscess pathologically in systemic tissues, including the lung, heart, kidney, thyroid gland, and peritoneum.
Discussion
Diagnosing the rare invasive infection caused by L. prolificans in immunosuppressed patients with hematologic malignancies is difficult. We hope this case report contributes to understanding the pathogenesis of fatal L. prolificans fungemia.
Efficacy and toxicity of photon, proton, and carbon ion radiotherapy in the treatment of central nervous system solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma
Authors: Ton Mike , Deng Maximilian , Meixner Eva , Eichkorn Tanja , Krämer Anna , Seidensaal Katharina , Hörner-Rieber Juliane , Lischalk Jonathan , Herfarth Klaus , Debus Jürgen , König Laila
Published: January 2024

Background Solitary fibrous tumors of the central nervous system are rare and treatment options are not well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of radiotherapy and re-radiotherapy for de novo CNS-SFT and recurrent CNS-SFT.Methods This retrospective analysis included 35 patients (17 female, 18 male) who received RT for CNS-SFT at Heidelberg University Hospital between 2000 and 2020. Efficacy and toxicity of different RT modalities were analyzed in patients who received RT as primary treatment after de novo diagnosis (“primary group”). Of these patients, twelve developed a recurrence which was treated with re-RT (“recurrence group”). Median follow-up period was 54 months (0-282) in the primary group and 20.5 months (0–72) in the recurrence group. RT modalities included 3D-conformal RT, intensity-modulated RT, stereotactic radiosurgery, proton RT, and carbon-ion RT.Results The overall response rate was 40%, with 34% complete remissions and 6% partial remissions in the primary group, and 25% complete remissions and 17% partial remissions in the recurrence group. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year progression-free survival rates were 100%, 96%, and 86%, respectively, in the primary group, and 81%, 14%, and 14%, respectively, in the recurrence group. Proton therapy was associated with a lower likelihood of developing a recurrence in the primary setting than photon therapy (OR = 0.38; p = 0.002), likely due to higher RT-doses (median 60 Gy vs 56.43 Gy). Odds ratio for tumor recurrence was higher for women than for men (OR = 8.07; p = 0.014) with men having a median PFS of 136.3 months, compared to women with 66.2 months.Conclusion The data suggests RT as an effective treatment option for CNS-SFT, with high LPFS and PFS rates. Proton therapy may be associated with a lower risk of recurrence in the primary setting, likely due to the feasibility of higher RT-dose appliance.
Sustainable management studies against Ralstonia solanacearum causing bacterial wilt in tomato
Authors: Chauhan Ankita , Kumar Pardeep , Aravinthkumar A
Published: January 2024

In present investigation, The in vitro evaluation of different varieties against R. solanacearum showed that 4 tomato varieties (LS-89, Hawaii 7996, Hawaii 7998, Palam Pride), 2 brinjal varieties (Arka Keshav, Arka Nidhi) and 2 chilli varieties (PI201232, VI-037556) were found resistant to bacterial wilt. Among six bioagents, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma koningii (DMA-8) showed maximum inhibition zones of 21.67mm and 12.33mm against R. solanacearum, respectively with paper disc method. In case of botanicals, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) showed highest inhibition zone (6.73mm) followed by neem (Azadirachta indica) with 6.56mm at 20% conc. Similarly, among the organic inputs tamar lassi at 5% concentration showed maximum growth inhibition (99.21%) followed by Himsol (93.01%) through poison food technique whereas, Agniastra, Beejamrit and Lantana Ark were found ineffective in inhibiting the growth of R. solanacearum. The maximum survivability of the seedlings was 12.01 days followed by 4.41 days when the seedlings were dipped in a combination of tamar Lassi + Himsol + Panchgavya and tamar lassi alone for 60 minutes at 15% concentration, respectively. As a result of these experiments, we conclude the existence of variability in Ralstonia solanacearum incidence in Himachal Pradesh. This finding would further the research in developing appropriate management strategies to contain the perpetuation ofbacterial wilt disease in plants.
Impacts of Non-Linear Radiation and Internal Heat Generation in a Hybrid Nanofluid Mixed Convection Flow Around an Isothermal Wedge in Porous Media
Authors: Yih Kuo-Ann , Hsu Heng-Pin
Published: January 2024

In this paper, this article uses the Rosseland diffusion approximation to quantitatively evaluate the effect of non-uniform internal heat generation on radiation-mixed convection of a hybrid nanofluid flow around a wedge in porous media. It is believed that the internal heat generation has an exponential declining structure. The wedge's surface is kept at the uniform wall temperature. As the hybrid nanoparticles suspended in water to create a water hybrid nanofluid, alumina () and copper () are discussed. The non-similar governing equations are constructed using a set of transformation variables, and then the Keller box method (KBM) is used to solve them. The results are in good agreement with the published research after comparisons have been made. The dimensionless temperature profile and the local Nusselt number are plotted against the seven major parameters of mixed convection (), internal heat generation (), radiation (), surface temperature ratio (), volume fractions of nanoparticles (), and free stream velocity exponent () to show the results in both graphical and numerical form. Moreover, a thorough discussion of the issue's physical components is also included.
Twenty four-hour sleep, movement and sedentary activity profiles in adults living with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A cross-sectional latent class analysis
Authors: Feehan Lynne , Xie Hui , Lu Na , Li Linda C
Published: January 2024

Background
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune systemic inflammatory disease, affecting more than 17 million people globally. People with RA commonly have other chronic health conditions, have a higher risk for premature mortality, often experience chronic fatigue, pain and disrupted sleep and are less physically active and more sedentary than healthy counterparts. What remains unclear is how people with RA may balance their time sleeping and participating in non-ambulatory or walking activities over 24-hours. Nor is it known how different 24-hour sleep-movement patterns may be associated with common determinants of health in people with RA.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional exploration of objectively measured 24-hour walking, non-ambulatory, and sleep activities in 203 adults with RA. We used Latent Class Analysis to identify 24-hour sleep-movement profiles and examined how different profiles were associated with sleep, sitting and walking quality and meeting published guidelines. We conducted multinomial logistic regression to identify factors associated with likelihood of belonging to individual profiles.
Results
We identified 4 clusters, including one cluster (26%) with more balanced 24-hour sleep, sitting and walking behaviours. The other three clusters demonstrated progressively less balanced profiles; having either too little (< 7 hrs), too much (> 8 hrs), or enough sleep (7–8 hrs) in respective combination with sitting too much (> 12 hrs), walking to little (< 3 hrs) or both when awake. Age, existing sitting and walking habits and fatigue were associated with the likelihood of belonging to different profiles. More balanced 24-hour behaviour was associated with better metrics for sleep, sitting and walking quality and greater likelihood for meeting benchmarks for daily steps, weekly MVPA and Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines.
Discussion
For adults living with RA, and potentially other chronic health conditions, it is important to understand the ‘whole person’ and their ‘whole day’ to define who may benefit from support to modify 24-hour sleep-movement behaviours and for tailoring healthy lifestyle messages for which behaviours to modify. Supports should be are informed by an understanding of personal or health related factors that could be acting as barriers or facilitators to behaviour change including exploring how habitually engrained existing sitting or walking behaviours may be.
Trial Registrations
ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02554474 (2015-09-16) and ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT03404245 (2018-01-11)
False discovery rate control: Moving beyond the Benjamini–Hochberg method
Authors: Koner Salil , Sarkar Navonil , Laha Nilanjana
Published: January 2024

Modern bioinformatics studies often involve numerous simultaneous statistical tests, increasing the risk of false discoveries. To control the false discovery rate (FDR), these studies typically employ a statistical method called the Benjamini–Hochberg (BH) method. Often, the BH approach tends to be overly conservative and overlooks valuable biological insights associated with data structures, particularly those of groups. Group structures can manifest when closely located genomic coordinates are functionally active and closely related because of co-regulation. Recent statistical advancements have led to the development of updated BH methods tailored for datasets featuring pre-existing group structures. These methods can improve the statistical power and potentially enhance scientific discoveries. In this study, we elucidated the advantages of contemporary group-aware BH methods using a previously published microRNA (miRNA) dataset. For this dataset, group-aware BH methods identified a larger set of miRNAs with significantly deregulated expression (p-value < 0.05) than the traditional BH method. These new findings are supported by existing literature on miRNAs and a related 2017 study. Our results underscore the potential of specialized BH methods for controlling the FDR in high throughput omics studies with pre-defined group structures.
Residual Cancer Burden in Two-Stage Nipple Sparing Mastectomy after First Stage Lumpectomy and Devascularization of the Nipple Areolar Complex
Authors: Thompson Candice N. , Chandler Julia , Ju Tammy , Tsai Jacqueline , Wapnir Irene
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Ischemic complications after nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) can be ameliorated by 2-stage procedures wherein devascularization (1S) of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC), lumpectomy, and nodal staging surgery is performed first prior to nipple sparing mastectomy (2S). We report amount of residual disease at NSM and time interval between procedures to evaluate the oncologic safety of this approach.
Methods
Women with breast cancer who received 2S NSM from 2015–2022 were identified. Both patient level and breast level analyses were conducted. Baseline disease amount was defined by preoperative imaging and confirmed by 1S pathology, and residual disease was defined by 2S pathology. The number of breasts with residual disease were calculated and subdivided into microscopic (1-2mm), minimal (3-10mm), and moderate (> 10mm) residual disease.
Results
59 patients (108 breasts) underwent 2S NSM. Of the 60 breasts with invasive carcinoma on 1S pathology, 65% (39/60) had no residual invasive disease on 2S pathology and 40% (24/60) had no residual invasive or in situ disease on final 2S. Most (56%) cases with residual invasive cancer had less than 10 mm of invasive disease on 2S pathology. The overall median time interval between 1S and 2S for all patients was 34 days—31 days for invasive and 41 days for DCIS subsets. Completion NSM was performed within 6 weeks for 72% (42 patients/82 breasts) of the breasts analyzed.
Conclusion
Invasive cancers were completely resected during 1S procedure in 65% of breasts. Residual disease was minimal and there was not significant upstaging of disease at 2S.
Forms and Sources of Arsenic in the Groundwater of the Northeastern Tectonic Active Zone of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: FENG Qingda , ZHANG Huaisheng , ZHAO Wenqiang , SHI Shengchao , ZHOU Jun , ZHU Guilin , NIU Zhaoxuan , ZHANG Shengsheng
Published: January 2024

High-altitude tectonic zones are active areas for geothermal groundwater, and the elevated arsenic content within them has emerged as a significant resource and environmental concern. This study selected the Gonghe-Guide Basin in the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau as the subject of investigation, employing field tests of geothermal water samples, hydrochemistry, thermodynamic simulations, and statistical methods to explore the forms, distribution, and sources of arsenic in geothermal groundwater. The research data indicates that the geothermal groundwater in the area displays weak alkalinity, medium to high mineralization, with the primary hydrochemical types being SO4-Cl·Na and Cl·Na. Arsenic concentration shows a significant negative correlation with Cl− and a positive correlation with water temperature and DO. Thermodynamic simulations suggest that the predominant form of arsenic is As5+. Rock weathering, evaporative concentration, and ion-exchange adsorption collectively shape the hydrochemical characteristics of the study area, laying the environmental groundwork for the formation and migration of arsenic. Notably, the ion-exchange between sodium ions and calcium and magnesium ions significantly impacts the arsenic concentration. This study provides insights into the behavior, forms, and origins of arsenic in geothermal groundwater and offers a reference for similar research in other geothermally active regions.
The Utility of Echocardiography in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Idiopathic bronchiectasis
Authors: Bai Jiu-Wu , Mao Bei , Gao Yong-Hua , Wang Lan , Cao Zu , Li Jian-Xiong , Lu Hai-Wen , Liang Shuo , Cheng Ke-Bin , Xu Jin-Fu
Published: January 2024

Background
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a critical complication in bronchiectasis. However, the optimal noninvasive test for evaluating PH in bronchiectasis patients remains unknown.
Methods
This study included patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis who received right heart catheterization (RHC) to evaluate the consistency between pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and other noninvasive indicators (pulmonary artery systolic pressure [PASP] calculated by echocardiography, main pulmonary artery [MPA] diameter, and MPA/ascending aorta ratio on chest high-resolution computed tomography). It determined the optimal noninvasive indicator for identifying PH and its critical point according to the Youden Index, which were then used to investigate the proportion, risk factors, and prognostic value of PH in patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis in another large-scale population.
Results
Based on data from 82 patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis who received RHC, the PASP demonstrated the best correlation and consistency with the mean or systolic PAP, with a critical point of 44 mmHg. According to this critical point, the predicted proportion of PH was 11.3% (182/1606) in another idiopathic bronchiectasis population. Regression analyses showed that age, cystic or mixed type, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (N-proBNP) were independent risk factors for PH in patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis. Follow-up data showed that mortality was higher in patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis with (n = 182; 24 deaths) than without (n = 1424; 101 deaths) PH (log-rank test = 7.783, P = 0.0053) diagnosed using the PASP.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that echocardiography is a noninvasive and dependable tool for identifying PH in patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03883048).
Nomograms to Predict Individual Potential Benefit from Targeted Therapy for patients with lymph node positive Luminal B (HER2-) breast cancer
Authors: Yue Yuhan , Meng Ran , Li Dan , Ma Haiyan , Wu Yuruo , Li Pengcheng , Liang Junqing , Wang Xin
Published: January 2024

PurposeTo construct nomograms combining clinicopathological characteristics, bone metastases (BM), viscera metastases (VM) and cancer-related deaths (CRD) to predict the higher-risk patients with lymph node positive (N+) Luminal B (HER2-) breast cancer (BC).MethodKaplan-Meier survival analysis, Venn diagram, Bar charts were used to describe the data for subsequent metastasis and CRD. Thirty-six clinicopathological characteristics were extracted in univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to develop nomogram to predict potential risk of BM, VM and CRD among patients with N+ Luminal B (HER2-) BC. The calibration plots, concordance index and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis were applied to determine the nomogram accuracy.ResultThe median age of 8139 patients was 51 years, with a median follow-up of 124 months (4–216 months). There was no statistical difference between the metachronous primary bilateral BC and synchronous primary bilateral BC. The number-peak period of patients with subsequent BM was the third year, VM was the 4th year and CRD was the 6thyear (range second–6th year, 4th–6th year and third–8th year, respectively). BM, VM and CRD nomograms showed outstanding performance and discriminative ability (C-index 0.69, 0.68 and 0.71, respectively). The calibration curves and ROC curves analysis demonstrated the considerable clinical usefulness of the combined nomogram. Three clinical examples showed results differences in optimal period who had similar pathological stage.ConclusionThe developed nomogram model consisting of time-event-dependent clinicopathological characteristics could reliable in predicting BM, VM and CRD probability of patients with N+ Luminal B (HER2-) BC.
Modification of Ki67 on Prognostic Model of Extranodal NK/T Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Wu ShiShou , Zhang Wenfeng , Song Liling , Jiang Lei , Yang Ping , An Licai , Zhang Yuanfeng , Wang Yunjun , Gao Yuan , Liu Yifei , Zhang Jiandi , Yu Guohua , Pan Yu
Published: January 2024

Background: To explore the value of Ki67 in the prognostic evaluation of extranodal NK / T cell lymphoma and the modification effect of NK cell lymphoma prognostic risk index (PINK) and Nomogram modified risk index (NRI).
Methods: A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 106 patients with extranodal nasal NK/T cell lymphoma diagnosed in Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital and the affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from 2008 to 2020. Ki67 immunohistochemical staining and Quantitative Dot Blot (QDB) which is an absolute protein quantitative detection were performed on pathological paraffin specimens, and the R4.1.0 and SPSS were used to analyze the data and determine the threshold.
Results: A total of 106 patients,75/106 (70.7%) patients were male and 31/106(29.3%) were female. The onset age of patients ranged from 14 to 86 years old, and the median onset age was 60 years old. As of September 10, 2020, 105 patients were followed up, 54/105(51.4%) patients were died, 51/105 (48.6%) patients were survived, and the median survival time was 330 days. Immunohistochemical results showed that patients with Ki67 proliferation index > 60% or MIB1 (Ki67) > 11.9 nmol/g had worse prognosis. The data were modified by Ki67 (IHC) and Ki67 (QDB), and the survival analysis of PINK and NRI models showed that there were statistically significant differences among the risk groups (P < 0.001). Compared with Ki67 (IHC), Ki67 (QDB) modified PINK and NRI models could significantly improve their predictive ability (AUCPINK, 0.67 vs 0.74; C-indexPINK, 0.68 vs 0.75; AUCNRI, 0.74 vs 0.80; C-indexNRI, 0.69 vs 0.71).
Conclusions: The results of Ki67 by QDB could significantly enhance the predictive ability of PINK and NRI models. PINK model modified by Ki67 QDB can more accurately describe the prognosis of ENKTCL patients. The absolute quantitative detection technology of QDB protein is expected to be applied to clinical laboratory detection to achieve individualized and accurate diagnosis and treatment of tumors.