bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P097 Factors influencing adherence to non-invasive ventilation and its impact on clinical outcomes in chronic respiratory failure
Authors: Fernando D , Hamilton G , Yiu J , Roberts J
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is an established treatment for chronic respiratory failure and is associated with improved quality of life, reduction in hospitalizations and improved survival. Despite its benefits, non-adherence to NIV is a challenge and long-term adherence rates to NIV (defined as 4 hours per night) are generally reported in the range of 40 – 60%. Our service recently began implementing patients with ventilatory failure on long-term NIV as part of a statewide service. This study aims to assess adherence to NIV in our service and identify factors influencing adherence to NIV and its impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective study of 61 adult patients commenced on NIV for chronic respiratory failure. Adherence is assessed by evaluating NIV use duration (time of use and proportion, equal or over 4 hours per night) and clinic attendance. Factors considered as predictors for adherence include demographics, clinical characteristics, supports and psychological comorbidities. The effectiveness of NIV is measured by comparing markers of clinical improvement and hospital admissions pre and post NIV initiation. Statistical analyses will identify predictors of adherence and NIV impact on outcomes.

Progress to date

Ethics approval has been obtained and analysis of the patient database has begun. Full results are expected by the end of August.

Intended outcome

This study aims to benchmark our NIV adherence rates and emphasize the importance of adherence to NIV in improving clinical outcomes. It hopes to highlight the need for a holistic approach addressing both clinical and psychosocial factors, to optimize clinical effects.
A Cost Analysis of Enucleation and Evisceration Surgeries for Treatment of Blind, Painful Eyes
Authors: Chen Darren A. , Azad Amee D. , Lin Lisa Y. , Yoon Michael K.
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to assess the surgical costs of enucleations and eviscerations and their relation to current reimbursement rates using time-driven activity–based costing.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study of patients undergoing enucleation and evisceration surgeries with attachment of muscles (Current Procedural Terminology 65105 and 65093) for a diagnosis of blind, painful eye, from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023, at a single, tertiary level, teaching hospital. A time-driven activity–based cost analysis for day of surgery was performed. Operative reports, perioperative times, and supply costs were extracted from the electronic medical record, and average reimbursement fees were taken from Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services data.

Results:

In the 5-year study span, 110 patients underwent enucleation and 52 underwent evisceration for a primary indication of blind, painful eye by 10 different surgeons. The average operating room time and surgical time for enucleation was approximately 9 minutes longer compared with evisceration (p < 0.01). Both surgeries on average resulted in a negative margin with enucleations costing on average $624 more than eviscerations. The breakeven total operating room time for enucleation and evisceration surgery was approximately 86.3 and 83.1 minutes, respectively. From the sample, approximately 79% of enucleation and 60% of evisceration surgeries resulted in a net negative margin.

Conclusions:

On average, the cost of enucleation and evisceration surgeries exceeded the reimbursement amount set by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Compared with enucleation, evisceration was more time and cost-effective by only a modest margin.
Surgical Timing for Patients with Thyroid Eye Disease Treated with Teprotumumab: A Collaborative Multicenter Study
Authors: Walsh Hannah L. , Clauss Kevin D. , Meyer Benjamin I. , Parunakian Emanuil , Yasar Cigdem , Chiou Carolina A. , Johnson Thomas E. , Ugradar Shoaib , Kossler Andrea L. , Freitag Suzanne K. , Douglas Raymond S. , Wester Sara T.
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

To compare regression rates, characteristics, and surgical outcomes of thyroid eye disease patients who underwent orbit, strabismus, or eyelid surgery at various times during or after teprotumumab treatment.

Design:

Multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study.

Participants:

Adult patients (age >18) with a minimum of 4 infusions of teprotumumab treatment for thyroid eye disease who had had eye surgery during or after treatment.

Methods:

Two groups were formed based on surgery timing: group 1 (G1) (<180 days since last infusion) and group 2 (G2) (≥180 days since last infusion).

Main Outcome Measures:

The primary outcome was postoperative regression rates. Secondary outcomes were postoperative regression characteristics, regression treatment, and orbital decompression proptosis reduction.

Results:

This study evaluated 53 patients (81% female) who underwent 78 surgeries. G1 comprised 24 individuals with 34 surgeries, while G2 comprised 29 patients with 44 surgeries. Regression rates did not significantly differ between G1 and G2 (20.8% vs. 14.7%, p = 0.611). Compared with G1 patients, patients in G2 who regressed showed a significant mean increase in Clinical Activity Score (4.2 vs. 6.1, p = 0.027) and a nonsignificant yet measured increase in proptosis when compared with those in G1 (2.9 vs. 4.25, p = 0.298) at the time of regression. Compared with G1 patients, G2 patients who regressed were equally likely to undergo a repeat course of teprotumumab as group 1 (p = 0.14) but underwent a higher number of additional surgical procedures (p = 0.057). Thyroid stimulating immunoglobin levels uptrended more often in patients who regressed.

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that while the rate of regression may not differ significantly, the severity, clinical impact, and need for additional surgery might be more pronounced for patients who have surgery more than 6 months after their last teprotumumab dose.
Motivation in Rare Disease Self-Care: A Phenomenological Study of Pediatric Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Their Caregivers
Authors: YANG Bao-Huan , CHUNG Chia-Ying , LI Yuh-Shiow
Published: December 2024

Background

Spinal muscular atrophy can cause progressive physical disability and difficulties with self-care. Self-care motivation can enhance patient persistence in self-care behavior and maintain health.

Purpose

This study was designed to explore and describe motivations for self-care among school-aged children and adolescents with spinal muscular atrophy and the perspectives of their primary caregivers.

Methods

Husserl's phenomenological research method was adopted, and data were collected using in-depth, face-to-face, open-ended interviews with patients and their primary caregivers aged 8–18 years with spinal muscular atrophy. A total of eight patient–caregiver dyads were recruited via purposeful sampling from a hospital clinic and through the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Taiwan. The interviews were conducted in the participants' homes and transcribed verbatim. Data were then thematically analyzed using the Giorgi analysis method.

Results

Six themes were identified from the patients' perspective: (a) adapting to dietary restrictions, (b) proactive measures for physical safety, c3) pursuing social connection and peer support, (d) navigating emotional well-being, (e) seeking independence, and (f) achieving success motivation. From the caregivers' perspective, the motivations for patient self-care were identified as follows: (a) ensuring safe and enjoyable eating for patients, (b) facilitating patient autonomy in health risk management, (c) facilitating patient engagement with peers, (d) balancing support with encouraging independence, (e) assessing and balancing independence and safety in patient caregiving, and (f) admiring patients' resilience and self-care innovation.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice

This study highlights the vital roles of caregivers in adapting to the dynamic self-care motivations of children and adolescents and of healthcare professionals in facilitating communication and care strategies. Personalized approaches are essential for enhancing autonomy and well-being in pediatric patients.
Disparities in Evaluation, Treatment, and Outcomes of Pediatric Knee Injuries
Authors: England Patrick , Patel Neeraj M.
Published: December 2024

Similar to other fields, there is growing evidence of disparities in pediatric sports medicine. For children and adolescents with knee injuries, disparities persist along the lines of sex, gender, race, ethnicity, insurance, socioeconomic status, and other determinants. These factors influence the evaluation, treatment, and outcomes for a variety of knee pathologies, including anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, meniscus tears, osteochondritis dissecans, cartilage injuries, and tibial spine fractures. Inequities in care may have long-term functional and psychosocial implications. Additional research is necessary to further elucidate the etiology of these disparities, raise patient and community voices, and design interventions so that equitable care is delivered to every patient.
Exploring the Relationship Between Prolonged Grief and Borderline Personality Symptoms
Authors: Magoon Christopher , Shear M. Katherine
Published: December 2024

Background:

Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) is a new diagnosis that is often mistaken for other psychopathologies. We report a case of PGD in a patient who screened positive for personality disorder. Both PGD and personality disorder symptoms were much improved after a course of prolonged grief disorder therapy.

Case Presentation:

A bereaved woman in her mid-20s sought treatment for depression 9 months after the death of her father. Her depressive symptoms responded well to antidepressant medication and a brief course of interpersonal psychotherapy. However, prolonged grief symptoms persisted at a clinically significant level. Elements of her history, as well as her score of 9 out of 10 on the McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder, indicated a possible diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. Yet, after completing a course of prolonged grief disorder therapy, both her grief and borderline symptoms were much reduced.

Conclusions:

This case raises the possibility of an association between prolonged grief and borderline symptoms. Disruption of attachment relationships provides a possible way of understanding this association. The case we present raises the possibility that prolonged grief disorder may better explain symptoms in some patients presenting with borderline personality disorder symptoms.
Efficiency and Completeness in Outpatient Visits Using the Scientific Method and Analog Scales
Authors: Preskorn Sheldon H.
Published: December 2024

The relationship between the scientific method and clinical practice was discussed in an earlier column. Another column described the application of analog scales to clinical practice. This column will discuss how the combination of these 2 strategies can be used to increase the efficiency and completeness of outpatient psychiatric management.
Digital Technologies Tracking Active and Passive Data Collection in Depressive Disorders: Lessons Learned From a Case Series
Authors: Gardea-Resendez Manuel , Breitinger Scott , Walker Alex , Harper Laura , Xiong Ashley , Stoppel Cynthia , Volety Rama M. , Raman Jeyakumar , Byun Jin Soo , Langholm Carsten , Goes Fernando S. , Zandi Peter P. , Torous John , Frye Mark A.
Published: December 2024

In this case series, we present several examples from participants (2 patients and 1 healthy control) of a 12-week pilot feasibility study to create a digital phenotype of depression (unipolar or bipolar) through active and passive data collection from a smartphone and a wearable device combined with routine clinical care for mood disorders. The selected cases represent real clinical examples that highlight the intrinsic challenges that should be expected when conducting similar studies, including appropriate health data privacy protection, clinical standardization, and interindividual differences in levels of engagement and acceptability of active and passive data collection (ie, self-reported, behavioral, cognitive, and physiological data), particularly with patient-generated data in mobile apps, digital proficiency habituation, and consistent use of wearable devices. In the context of the rapidly growing use of digital technologies in psychiatry, anticipating challenges for the integration of personal mobile devices and smartphone mental health apps as aides to track specific aspects of depressive disorders is critical for a clinically meaningful digital transformation of mood disorders care.
Evaluating Quality and Readability of AI-generated Information on Living Kidney Donation
Authors: Villani Vincenzo , Nguyen Hong-Hanh T. , Shanmugarajah Kumaran
Published: December 2024

Background.

The availability of high-quality and easy-to-read informative material is crucial to providing accurate information to prospective kidney donors. The quality of this information has been associated with the likelihood of proceeding with a living donation. Artificial intelligence–based large language models (LLMs) have recently become common instruments for acquiring information online, including medical information. The aim of this study was to assess the quality and readability of artificial intelligence-generated information on kidney donation.

Methods.

A set of 35 common donor questions was developed by the authors and used to interrogate 3 LLMs (ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and MedGPT). Answers were collected and independently evaluated using the CLEAR tool for (1) completeness, (2) lack of false information, (3) evidence-based information, (4) appropriateness, and (5) relevance. Readability was evaluated using the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease Score and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level.

Results.

The interrater intraclass correlation was 0.784 (95% confidence interval, 0.716-0.814). Median CLEAR scores were ChatGPT 22 (interquartile range [IQR], 3.67), Google Gemini 24.33 (IQR, 2.33), and MedGPT 23.33 (IQR, 2.00). ChatGPT, Gemini, and MedGPT had mean Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease Scores of 37.32 (SD = 10.00), 39.42 (SD = 13.49), and 29.66 (SD = 7.94), respectively. Using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level assessment, ChatGPT had an average score of 12.29, Gemini had 10.63, and MedGPT had 13.21 (P < 0.001), indicating that all LLMs had a readability at the college-level education.

Conclusions.

Current LLM provides fairly accurate responses to common prospective living kidney donor questions; however, the generated information is complex and requires an advanced level of education. As LLMs become more relevant in the field of medical information, transplant providers should familiarize themselves with the shortcomings of these technologies.
Equity Landscape in Healthcare Quality: A Mixed-Methods Study of Efforts within Surgical Quality Programs
Authors: Liu Jessica K , Collins Courtney E , Moturu Anoosha , Pollitt Karen , Kao Lillian S , Mason Bonnie S , Nathens Avery , Ko Clifford Y
Published: December 2024

Background:

Addressing equity in healthcare is necessary to improve population health outcomes. In doing so, a requisite level of foundational resources, organization, and processes are needed. Although increasing attention is being devoted to addressing health inequities, the current landscape supporting these efforts remains unknown. We sought to evaluate the presence of frontline resources, organization, and processes for support of health equity efforts in hospitals participating in American College of Surgeons’ (ACS) quality programs.

Study Design:

Using a mixed-methods design of online surveys and semi-structured interviews, we evaluated hospitals with ACS quality programs. Descriptive analytics were applied to survey results; interview transcripts were coded using an inductive approach. Data and methods were triangulated to report key findings.

Results:

Of the 44 programs invited, 36% completed the survey. Five site program leaders were interviewed. All program leaders reported having a strategy at the institution level for supporting equity efforts and having processes in place for reporting instances of discrimination, mistreatment, or harassment. Survey results demonstrated deficient workforce capacity, lack of engagement, and insufficient organization – negatively impacting efforts. The key themes from interviews were: 1) implementation occurred primarily and superficially at the institutional level, 2) barriers to implementation included preemptive structure, lack of prioritization, and insufficient disparities data, and 3) opportunities included enhancing leadership and staff buy-in, increasing available resources, developing health equity champions, and defining clear strategies.

Conclusions:

Efforts aimed at achieving health equity exist but lack the necessary infrastructure, organization, and processes to support effective frontline practices. The findings from this study support consideration of standards development targeting problems and opportunities at both the institutional and program level for advancing equity in quality improvement efforts.
KnotFold: Improving Peptide Structure Predictions with Simulated Coevolution
Authors: Gerlach Gabriella J. , Nicoludis John M.
Published: December 2024

We present a novel approach for embedding experimental contact information in the protein structure prediction tool AlphaFold2 that harnesses the principles of protein sequence coevolution to enforce disulfide connectivity patterns in the prediction of disulfide-rich peptide (DRP) structures. While AlphaFold2 generates accurate DRP structure prediction in most cases, it sometimes fails at predicting the specific connectivity pattern of the multiple disulfide bonds. Here, we take advantage of the principles of sequence coevolution to engineer the multiple sequence alignment (MSA) input with specific connectivity patterns by mutating highly conserved cysteines in subsets of the MSA—which we term “simulated coevolution.” Engineering the MSA prompt with simulated coevolution provides sufficient context in most cases for AlphaFold2 to obey the provided connectivity. Our approach—KnotFold—can be used to incorporate experimental disulfide connectivity patterns from mass spectrometry into DRP structure prediction. Lastly, we find that peptide properties and AF2Rank Composite Confidence scores can be used to differentiate native from non-native connectivity patterns in some cases, improving the ability to determine native connectivity of DRPs from sequence alone.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Islamic banks and their conventional peers: an empirical investigation on 115 banks from MENA countries
Authors: Neifar Malika
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Exploiting a sample of 80 conventional banks (CBs) and 35 Islamic banks (IBs), this study aims to distinguish the IBs’ performance from their conventional peers in 7 Middel East and North Africa (MENA) economies over the period 2005–2014 covering the 2008 GFC.

Design/methodology/approach

To avoid misleading results, this research used panel-corrected data from outliers effects by quantile method. Then, following the use of the two-sided Student’s t-test and the discriminant function analysis (DFA), we adopt nonlinear panel models (Random Logit and Pooled Probit) to further distinguish between banks. Then, we focus on the stability side through dynamic Generalized method of moment (GMM) linear models and interaction variables to capture the 2008 global financial crisis (GFC) impact on IB performance.

Findings

Univariate tests show that IBs are, on average, less profitable, more liquid and capitalized, less stable, have higher credit risk and are more solvent than CBs. In addition, the difference between the two types of banks was significant pre- and post-GFC; IBs are more profitable pre-GFC and more solvent post-GFC. In accordance with the univariate t-test results, the nonlinear pooled probit model (random logit) confirms that banks, which have more liquidity, are better capitalized, more solvent and less stable (less stable) are more likely to be IBs. From the DFA, stability was the first financial ratio important to discriminate between the two types of banks. In line with the DFA results, from the dynamic models, once the interaction variables are integrated, the GMM estimation result suggests that stronger macroeconomic stability and higher profitability, capital adequacy ratio (CAP) and liquidity are linked to increased IBs stability in the 7 MENA economies post-2008 GFC.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to the ongoing debate by conducting a formal empirical analysis, taking account of a range of considerations (outliers correction, interaction variables and 2008 GFC impacts) that to the best of our knowledge have not been considered by prior studies for the MENA zone.
For Palestine or for us too? Examining Indonesian youth’s willingness to buy local products amid the Israel boycott
Authors: Herani Rina , Angela Jovita
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to explore the drivers behind the willingness of Indonesian youth to buy local products as an alternative to Israeli-affiliated products amid geopolitical tensions between Palestine and Israel, using the framework of identity-based motivation theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses SmartPLS 4 to examine the proposed hypotheses using survey data collected from 307 Indonesian youth, within the context of an ongoing Israel boycott. This dynamic setting allows us to capture real-time and authentic responses of Indonesian youth to socio-political pressures and religious endorsements in their purchasing decisions.

Findings

The findings challenge the belief that religious altruism alone drives Indonesian youth to buy local products during the Israel boycott. Instead, those with strong religious and ethnocentric values are more likely to support local industries when they believe in the effectiveness of boycotting Israeli-affiliated products.

Practical implications

The findings offer valuable insights for domestic marketers, policymakers, educators and communities seeking to strengthen local industries in the face of geopolitical tensions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the underexplored area of local product consumption by integrating religious, geopolitical and national identity factors through the lens of identity-based motivation theory, offering a novel perspective on the motivational drivers behind Indonesian youth’s willingness to buy local products during a boycott.
Velocity model building via combining seismic slope tomography and supervised deep learning
Authors: Huang Yao , Yang Huachen , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: December 2024

Seismic slope tomography is an effective method to build macro velocity model. In order to improve the accuracy and resolution of the slope tomography, we proposed a novel approach that combines slope tomography with supervised deep learning. First, the slope tomography is used to obtain the macro velocity model and the positions of reflection points. Subsequently, the slope tomographic model, positions of reflection points and the corresponding observed traveltimes are used as inputs simultaneously for a neural network, whereas the actual velocity models are used as the labels. Through training the neural network with sufficient samples, the mapping from the inputs to the real velocity model is established. The neural network learns the background velocity of the real model from the smooth tomographic model, the velocity details from the traveltimes and the formation interface information from the positions of reflection points. Consequently, a high‐accuracy and high‐resolution velocity model is obtained on the basis of the slope tomographic model. Both tests on synthetic seismic data and applications to field seismic data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Impact of Early Diagenesis on Biosignature Preservation in Sulfate Evaporites: Insights From Messinian (Late Miocene) Gypsum
Authors: Pellegrino Luca , Natalicchio Marcello , Cotellucci Andrea , Genre Andrea , Jordan Richard W. , Carnevale Giorgio , Dela Pierre Francesco
Published: December 2024

Due to their fast precipitation rate, sulfate evaporites represent excellent repositories of past life on Earth and potentially on other solid planets. Nevertheless, the preservation potential of biogenic remains can be compromised by extremely fast early diagenetic processes. The upper Miocene, gypsum‐bearing sedimentary successions of the Mediterranean region, that formed ca. 6 million years ago during the Messinian salinity crisis, represent an excellent case study for investigating these diagenetic processes at the expense of organic matter and associated biominerals. Several gypsum crystals from the Northern Mediterranean were studied by means of destructive and non‐destructive techniques in order to characterize their solid inclusion content and preservation state. In the same crystal, excellently preserved microfossils coexist with strongly altered biogenic remains. Altered remains are associated with authigenic minerals, especially clays. The results demonstrate that a significant fraction of organic matter and associated biominerals (notably biogenic silica) underwent early diagenetic modification. The latter was likely triggered by bottom sulfidic conditions when the growth of gypsum was interrupted. These results have significant implications for the interpretation of the Messinian Salt Giant.
The Urban Hospitalisation Experience of Rural People: A Scoping Review
Authors: Aquino Jose , Marshall Andrea P. , Ranse Kristen , Mills Kyly
Published: December 2024

Background

Hospitalisation is often typically a stressful experience, but in the face of admission into hospital at a distance from home, the experience can be particularly anxiety‐provoking.

Aim(s)

To describe the urban hospitalisation experiences of rural patients and their relatives who have travelled and relocated for treatment and determine the scope and coverage of the literature on this issue.

Design

The review utilises a scoping review method. CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and EMBASE were searched for primary studies dated from inception to October, 2022. Thirty‐four articles were included in the review. Using an inductive narrative approach, data were extracted, collated and summarised into key themes.

Results

Six themes were identified: Rural Indigenous peoples' experience, the promise of urban quality, separation from support networks, interactions with staff, managing out‐of‐hospital responsibilities and transitioning home.

Conclusion

Underpinned by isolation and unfamiliarity, hospitalisation away from one's local community entails significant psychological stress that compounds the stresses of illness that require admission into the hospital.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Findings demonstrate the dynamic nature of the healthcare encounter, illustrating the multiplicity of the experience and how some aspects of the experience cut across others.

Impact

This scoping review conceptualises the urban hospitalisation experiences of rural people and illustrates the impact of isolation and unfamiliarity on their in‐hospital behaviours, perceptions and interactions.

Reporting Method

PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR).

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
COL10A1 Facilitates Prostate Cancer Progression by Interacting With INHBA to Activate the PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Jiang Kun , Xu Li‐zhe , Cheng Fan , Ning Jin‐zhuo
Published: December 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) constitutes a highly common and lethal disease that impacts males globally. However, the specific molecular pathways responsible for its development are still unknown. Therefore, revealing the molecular regulators that contributed to the progression of PCa is pivotal for developing unique management strategies. Through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of multiple public gene databases, we thoroughly investigated COL10A1 expression level, clinical significance, co‐expressed genes and signalling pathways in PCa. COL10A1 and INHBA expression level was assessed in clinical PCa specimens using RT‐qPCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. A combination of experimental techniques, including CCK‐8 assay, colony formation, flow cytometry, Transwell, wound‐healing, immunoprecipitation assays and rescue study, was utilised to examine the fundamental molecular pathways of COL10A1's action across PCa. The COL10A1 expression was significantly elevated in PCa, and its upregulation has been connected with tumour aggressiveness and a weak predictive outcome in subjects. The current investigation revealed that regulation of COL10A1 expression, either by upregulation or downregulation, resulted in sequential augmentation or suppression of PCa cell progression, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, COL10A1 was manifested to directly interact with INHBA and facilitate PI3K and AKT phosphorylation pathways within PCa cells and mouse models. The results of our study offer new perspectives on the tumorigenic role of COL10A1 in PCa and its interactions with INHBA may play important roles in PCa progression.
Contradictory Role of Gadd45β in Liver Diseases
Authors: Wu Chi , Song Xiaozhen , Zhang Miaoxin , Yang Longjun , Lu Panpan , Ding Qiang , Liu Mei
Published: December 2024

There are three homologous proteins (α, β and γ) in the growth arrest and DNA damage 45 (Gadd45) family. These proteins act as cellular responders to physiological and environmental stimuli. Gadd45β plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Liver injury and growth stimulation increase expression of Gadd45β, which promotes cell survival, growth and proliferation in normal liver cells. By contrast, Gadd45β plays a role in promoting apoptosis and inhibiting tumour function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, it is believed that Gadd45β benefits the liver through two different pathways: binding to MAPK kinase 6 (MKK6) to increase PCD induced by p38 (inhibiting tumours) or binding to constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) to jointly activate transcription of liver synthesis metabolism (promoting liver regeneration). This article aims to systematically review the role of Gadd45β in liver diseases, including its regulatory mechanism on expression and involvement in liver cell damage, inflammation, fibrosis and HCC. In conclusion, we explore the potential of targeting Gadd45β as a therapeutic strategy for liver diseases.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Alleviates Hepatic Fibrosis by Inducing Hepatic Stellate Cell Ferroptosis
Authors: Liu Shenghui
Published: December 2024

Liver injury‐induced activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a crucial step in the progression of liver fibrosis. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand‐activated transcription factor, is highly expressed in the liver. However, the role of AHR in liver fibrosis remains controversial. Our study revealed that the nontoxic ligand YH439 directly activated the AHR and regulated the expression of multidrug‐resistant protein 1 (Mrp1) in mouse hepatic stellate cells (mHSCs), thereby diminishing the antioxidant capacity of mHSCs by promoting GSH efflux, and specifically inducing mHSCs ferroptosis without affecting hepatocytes. In a chronic liver fibrosis model, YH439 activated AHR to promote mHSC ferroptosis without causing hepatocyte ferroptosis, thereby alleviating liver fibrosis. Conclusively, this study shows that AHR alleviates liver fibrosis in mice by selectively inducing mHSC ferroptosis without causing hepatocyte ferroptosis and suggests that AHR is a potential target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Towards affordable biomedical imaging: Recent advances in low‐cost, high‐resolution optoacoustic microscopy
Authors: Kalitsounakis Pavlos , Zacharakis Giannis , Tserevelakis George J.
Published: December 2024

This short review discusses the recent developments in low‐cost, high‐resolution optoacoustic microscopy systems, integrating laser diodes for signal excitation, which are 20–40 times cheaper than the typically employed Q‐switched nanosecond laser sources. The development of laser diode‐based microscopes can substantially improve not only cost efficiency, but also multispectral capabilities, robustness, portability and overall imaging performance of the optoacoustic technique. To this end, we demonstrate relevant implementations in both time and frequency domain, highlighting their representative applications in biomedical research such as microvasculature imaging, oxygen saturation assessments, hybrid and multiview microscopy of model organisms and tissues and Doppler flow speed measurements. Finally, we analyse the benefits and limitations of each approach, identifying the respective application contexts where they achieve optimum performance.
Primary Care Referral Delays in Oral Cancer Diagnosis: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Romero Juan Manuel Seoane , Mallah Narmeen , Varela‐Centelles Pablo Ignacio , Warnakulasuriya Saman , Takkouche Bahi
Published: December 2024

Objective

To measure the primary care interval (PCI) in the diagnostic delay of oral cancer and to assess the relation of the referring physician's specialty with disease stage at diagnosis.

Methods

We meta‐analyzed reports of oral/oropharyngeal carcinomas detailing PCI start‐ and endpoints, i.e., the time needed by a primary care physician to refer a suspected oral cancer patient to a specialist.

Results

17 studies with a total of 2530 patients were eligible; nine provided data on the relative length of PCI, and 10 reported on the impact of the referring professional's specialty on oral cancer diagnostic delay. The average PCI length was slightly longer for general practitioners (GPs) (30.5 days) than for general dental practitioners (GDPs) (27.6 days), while that for the total group was 28.7 days. One‐third of the total pre‐hospital time spent on diagnosis elapses in GP practices (PCI%: 0.31 [95% CI: 0.23, 0.40]). GDPs refer their patients for treatment at earlier disease stages (TNM I‐II) than GPs (Odds Ratio: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.34–0.98).

Conclusions

Primary care accounts for a considerable pre‐hospital amount of time of what is necessary for reaching a diagnosis of oral cancer patients. This calls for enhancing early oral cancer recognition in primary care settings.
A multi‐year case study highlighting the influence of hydrological conditions on epidemic dynamics in a natural plant pathosystem
Authors: Duggal Keenan , Jiranek Juliana , Machado Madison , Smith Peyton , Miller Ian , Metcalf Jessica
Published: December 2024

The scale of influence of hydrological and thermal conditions on disease remains uncertain for most wild plant pathosystems, thus restricting our ability to predict the impacts of climate change. Analysis of the spatiotemporal spread of a fungal rust pathogen throughout four naturally occurring flax populations over the course of five growing seasons reveals relationships between epidemic magnitude and snow cover, relative humidity and temperature, as well as an unexpectedly significant effect of severe drought on disease progression. These results indicate that climate change will likely disrupt wild plant epidemics, and points to a need for further epidemiological studies characterizing the effects of environmental conditions on population‐level disease dynamics in natural pathosystems.
A propensity score‐adjusted HRV analysis of social avoidance and distress in patients with panic disorders
Authors: Kim Joonbeom , Ham Jinsil , Oh Jooyoung
Published: December 2024

Panic disorder (PD) may accompany elevated social avoidance and distress (SAD). Higher SAD in patients with PD predicts a poorer prognosis and response to treatment. As heart rate variability (HRV) reflects the self‐regulatory capacity underlying SAD, applying HRV to distinguish PD heterogeneity would be clinically beneficial in formulating personalized treatment strategies. We hypothesized that HRV would be lower in patients with PD and severe SAD (PD‐SAD group) than in those without SAD (PD group). A total of 288 patients met the eligibility criteria, with complete collection of variables of interest and HRV. The inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method was used to balance the groups for the baseline characteristics of patients. Following IPTW adjustment, the average treatment effects were computed using inverse propensity weighting with regression adjustment (IPW‐RA). All characteristics were similar in both groups after IPTW adjustment. The PD‐SAD group showed a decreased tendency in time domain parameters, including mean heart rate, SDNN, RMSSD, and pNN50 with a nonlinear domain of SD1. However, no significant intergroup differences were observed in the frequency domain. Higher SAD in PD was associated with reduced HRV, mainly in the time domain, which may be attributed to the shared neural networks between dysfunctional self‐regulation statuses, as indexed by reduced HRV. As respiratory sinus arrhythmia is mainly reflected in the frequency domain, the time domain may be more reliable for identifying heterogeneity within patients with PD, who are frequently associated with respiratory pattern abnormalities.
The formation of peat—Decreasing density with depth in UK peats
Authors: Worrall Fred , Clay Gareth D. , Heckman Katherine , Ritson Jonathan , Evans Martin , Small Julian
Published: December 2024

Increasing bulk density with depth in a peat profile has been seen as key to the formation of peat. Increasing bulk density with depth causing the changes in porosity and permeability of peat soils has been proposed as a mechanism to explain how waterlogged, stagnant conditions persist in peat bog soils. However, a previous study (Clay & Worrall, 2015; Soil Use & Management, 31, 77) observed, in passing, that this was not always the case, but this previous study could not test the nature of the peat bulk density profile. Thus, this present study examined 22 peat cores from 13 locations across climatic gradients of the UK, including valley fens, blanket and raised bogs, and both intact peatlands and former peat extraction sites. At none of the 13 locations was there a significant increase in dry bulk density with depth in the peat profile. The oxidation state of the organic carbon (Cox) in the peat profile showed no common pattern of change with depth. The only measured property that showed a consistent change down the peat profile among all 13 locations was an increase in the degree of unsaturation of C bonds. The change in degree of unsaturation shows a trend away from vegetation biomass composition and toward lignin‐like compositions with an average rate of change of 0.2 π‐bonds/ka. The measured pattern of bulk density between locations and types of peat shows that peat density reflects the contemporary peat environment, rather than the nature of peat formation. The bulk density profile likely reflects average water table position, as determined by topographic and land‐management factors, with peat compaction and accelerated decomposition within the aerobic zone. The presence of gas bubbles may also contribute to low bulk density at depth. The common bulk density profile found across the UK for peat ecosystems shows that peat formation is not controlled by porosity change but more specifically by water flow and hydraulic conductivity.
Enhancing Player Retention in Mobile Gaming through Predictive Customer Lifetime Value Modeling using BG/NBD
Authors: Ghantasala Naga Lakshmi Subha Pavan Kumar
Published: December 2024

In the competitive mobile gaming industry, retaining players and maximizing engagement are critical for sustained success. This study employs the Beta-Geometric/Negative Binomial Distribution (BG/NBD) model to predict customer lifetime value (CLTV) and identify players at risk of churning. By targeting these high-risk players with tailored marketing strategies, gaming companies can significantly improve retention rates and overall player engagement.
Supplementary Table S3 from Multiomic Profiling of Central Nervous System Leukemia Identifies mRNA Translation as a Therapeutic Target
Authors: Vanner Robert J. , Dobson Stephanie M. , Gan Olga I. , McLeod Jessica , Schoof Erwin M. , Grandal Ildiko , Wintersinger Jeff A. , Garcia-Prat Laura , Hosseini Mohsen , Xie Stephanie Z. , Jin Liqing , Mbong Nathan , Voisin Veronique , Chan-Seng-Yue Michelle , Kennedy James A. , Waanders Esmé , Morris Quaid , Porse Bo , Chan Steven M. , Guidos Cynthia J. , Danska Jayne S. , Minden Mark D. , Mullighan Charles G. , Dick John E.
Published: December 2024

Differentially abundant proteins as quantified by label-free liquid chromatography mass spectrometry in KMT2A-r B-ALL xenografts.
Supplementary Table S1 from Multiomic Profiling of Central Nervous System Leukemia Identifies mRNA Translation as a Therapeutic Target
Authors: Vanner Robert J. , Dobson Stephanie M. , Gan Olga I. , McLeod Jessica , Schoof Erwin M. , Grandal Ildiko , Wintersinger Jeff A. , Garcia-Prat Laura , Hosseini Mohsen , Xie Stephanie Z. , Jin Liqing , Mbong Nathan , Voisin Veronique , Chan-Seng-Yue Michelle , Kennedy James A. , Waanders Esmé , Morris Quaid , Porse Bo , Chan Steven M. , Guidos Cynthia J. , Danska Jayne S. , Minden Mark D. , Mullighan Charles G. , Dick John E.
Published: December 2024

Clinical Characteristics of B-ALL Patient Samples.
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and related disorders: diagnostic challenges and the need for an interdisciplinary patient care in Germany
Authors: Kernich Nikolaus , Peters Franziska , Schreml Julia , Semler Oliver , Koch Manuel , Schönau Eckhard , Huntgeburth Michael , Eysel Peer , Krieg Thomas , von Stebut-Borschitz Esther , Tantcheva-Poór Iliana
Published: December 2024

(215 words):

Introduction:
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) represent a group of heritable connective tissue disorders characterised by skin hyperelasticity, joint hypermobility and generalized tissue fragility. Many patients remain undiagnosed years after initial symptoms and an accurate diagnosis is difficult despite all efforts. Currently, Germany lacks a patient registry and a specialised EDS centre.

Methods:
In early 2020, a dermatological-orthopaedic EDS outpatient service was established at the University Hospital of Cologne. Medical records of all patients presenting in 2020 were retrospectively analysed.

Results:
43 adults were examined. 15 patients were diagnosed with EDS (different types), 13 with hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) and one with likely Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) based on patient history and a suspicious variant in the gene TGFBR1 and. Excluding hypermobile EDS (6 patients), molecular confirmation was achieved in a total of 4 of 9 patient. The combination of symptomatic generalised hypermobility and skin manifestations was diagnostic in more than two-thirds of the EDS patients. Arterial involvement (aneurysms, dissection and rupture) and distinctive cutaneous signs (thin translucent skin with haematomas) indicated vascular EDS and LDS in altogether three patients.

Conclusion:
With the present analysis, we discuss our diagnostic approach in patients with a suspected diagnosis of EDS in order to raise awareness for this rare group of genodermatoses and review recent developments in EDS nosology.
Microvesicles Derived from Nitric Oxide Synthase-Inhibited Endothelial Cells Promote Cell Dysfunction
Authors: Garcia Vinicius P. , Stockelman Kelly A. , Levy Ma’ayan V. , Fandl Hannah K. , Goulding Anabel , Hijmans Jamie G. , Ruzzene Samuel T. , Berry Auburn R. , Greiner Jared J. , DeSouza Christopher A.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The aims of this study were to determine (1) whether endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibition stimulates endothelial microvesicles (EMVs) release and (2) the effect of EMVs derived from eNOS-inhibited cells on endothelial cell eNOS, inflammation, apoptosis, and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA). Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with the eNOS inhibitor (NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME], 300 µM) for 24 h. EMVs from untreated and L-NAME-treated cells were isolated, quantified, and exposed to HUVECs for 24 h. Results: eNOS-inhibited cells released significantly higher EMVs than untreated cells (81 ± 13 vs. 41 ± 15 EMV/μL; p = 0.005). Expression of total eNOS (97.1 ± 16.4 vs. 157.5 ± 31.2 arbitrary units [AUs]; p = 0.01), p-eNOS (4.9 ± 1.2 vs. 9.1 ± 12.6 AUs; p = 0.02), and NO production (5.0 ± 0.8 vs. 7.0 ± 1.3 µmol/L; p = 0.04) were significantly lower in cells treated with EMVs from L-NAME-treated cells. L-NAME-derived EMVs induced significantly higher IL-6 (38.3 ± 10.3 vs. 21.0 ± 3.8 pg/mL; p = 0.01) and IL-8 (38.9 ± 7.0 vs. 27.2 ± 6.2 pg/mL; p = 0.04) production concurrent with higher expression of p-NF-κB p65 (Ser536) (9.7 ± 1.6 vs. 6.1 ± 1.2 AUs; p = 0.01). Expression of activated caspase-3 was higher (9.5 ± 1.1 vs. 6.4 ± 0.4 AUs) and t-PA lower (24.2 ± 4.3 vs. 36.2 ± 8.4 AUs; p = 0.04) in cells treated with L-NAME-derived EMVs. Conclusion: eNOS inhibition induces an increase in EMV release and an EMV phenotype with adverse cellular effects.
Examining Negativity Biases in Facial Emotion Reactions in Young Persons First-Presenting with Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Korbut Siobhan , Chanen Andrew M. , Terrett Gill , Jovev Martina , Rendell Peter G. , Henry Julie D. , Pizarro-Campagna Elizabeth
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are thought to experience specific biosocial vulnerabilities that give rise to a maladaptive negativity bias in the perception and expression of emotions. However, while this negative bias has been identified in adults with full threshold BPD or high BPD features, it is unclear whether it is evident earlier in the course of the disorder—that being, young persons with first presentation BPD meeting three or more BPD features, as defined by early intervention models. Methods: The current study compared patterns of facial responding in individuals aged 15-25 first presenting to a specialist outpatient service with three or more BPD features (n = 32) to age-matched healthy controls (n = 46). Facial electromyography was used to assess muscle activity associated with positive (zygomaticus major) and negative (corrugator supercilii) expression while participants viewed happy, angry, and neutral facial expressions. Results: The data revealed that negative facial emotional reactivity for the BPD group did not significantly differ from the control group. However, the results for positive emotional reactivity were more nuanced, indicating that while there was not an overall between group difference, there might be an effect of time suggestive of a slower positive emotional reaction to happy faces by the BPD group. Conclusions: These data provide initial evidence that negatively biased emotional expression, when responding with negative facial expressions to neutral, happy or angry faces, is not evident in young persons first-presenting to a specialist outpatient service for treatment of BPD. However, a bias may be demonstrated by what appears to be a slower positive affective response to happy faces. The implications of these findings are discussed, particularly in relation to factors associated with chronicity of illness that might potentially contribute to the development of a more pronounced negativity bias later in the course of the illness. We encourage further examination of negativity biases in the developmental sequelae of BPD via longitudinal design or cross-sectional designs that include BPD participants across the course of illness, as well as further research to explore the possibility that positive affective reactions in this group might not be grossly blunted, but rather delayed.