bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends and disparities in prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases by food security status in the United States
Authors: Liu Junxiu , Yi Stella S. , Russo Rienna G. , Horowitz Carol R. , Zhang Donglan , Rajbhandari-Thapa Janani , Su Dejun , Shi Lu , Li Yan
Published: January 2024

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated the association between food security and cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), yet none have investigated trends in prevalence of CMDs by food security status in the United States (US).

Methods

Serial cross-sectional analysis of the US nationally representative data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2018) was conducted among adults aged 20 years or older. Food security status was defined by the US Household Food Security Survey Module (full, marginal, low, and very low food security). We estimated the age-adjusted prevalence of CMDs including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease by food security status. Racial and ethnic disparities in age-adjusted prevalence of CMDs by food security status were also assessed.

Results

A total of 49,738 participants were included in this analysis (weighted mean age 47.3 years; 51.3% women). From 1999 to 2018, the age-adjusted prevalence of CMDs was lower in full food secure group as compared with other groups. For example, trends in hypertension decreased from 49.7% (47.5-51.8%) to 45.9% (43.8-48.0%) (P-trend = 0.002) among the full and from 54.2% (49.9-58.5%) to 49.7% (46.8-52.6%) (P-trend = 0.02) among the marginal but remained stable among the low at 49.7% (47.9-51.6%) and among the very low at 51.1% (48.9-53.3%) (P-interaction = 0.02). Prevalence of diabetes increased from 8.85% (8.15-9.60%) to 12.2% (11.1-13.5%) among the full (P-trend < 0.001), from 16.5% (13.2-20.4%) to 20.9% (18.6-23.5%) (P-trend = 0.045) among the marginal and from 14.6% (11.1-19.0%) to 20.9% (18.8-23.3%) (P-trend = 0.001) among the low but remained stable at 18.8% (17.0-20.9) among the very low (P-trend = 0.35) (P-interaction = 0.03). Racial and ethnic differences in prevalence of CMD by food security status were observed. For example, among individuals with full food secure status, the prevalence of diabetes was 9.08% (95% CI, 8.60-9.59%) for non-Hispanic whites, 17.3% (95% CI, 16.4-18.2%) for non-Hispanic blacks, 16.1% (95% CI, 15.0-17.4%) for Hispanics and 14.9% (95% CI, 13.3-16.7%) for others.

Conclusions and relevance

Prevalence of CMDs was greatest among those experiencing food insecurity, and food insecurity disproportionately affected racial/ethnic minorities. Disparities in CMD prevalence by food security status persisted or worsened, especially among racial/ethnic minorities.
Circulating cell-free DNA methylation patterns as non-invasive biomarkers to monitor colorectal cancer treatment efficacy without referencing primary site mutation profiles
Authors: Yasui Kazuya , Toshima Toshiaki , Inada Ryo , Umeda Yuzo , Yano Shuya , Tanioka Hiroaki , Nyuya Akihiro , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi , Yamada Takeshi , Naomoto Yoshio , Goel Ajay , Nagasaka Takeshi
Published: January 2024

This study investigates methylation patterns in circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) for their potential role in colorectal cancer (CRC) detection and the monitoring of treatment response. Through methylation microarrays and quantitative PCR assays, we analyzed 440 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and an additional 949 CRC samples. We detected partial or extensive methylation in over 85% of cases within three biomarkers: EFEMP1, SFRP2, and UNC5C. A methylation score for at least one of the six candidate regions within these genes' promoters was present in over 95% of CRC cases, suggesting a viable detection method. In evaluating ccfDNA from 97 CRC patients and 62 control subjects, a difference in methylation and recovery signatures was observed. The combined score, integrating both methylation and recovery metrics, showed high diagnostic accuracy, evidenced by an area under the ROC curve of 0.90 (95% CI = 0.86 to 0.94). While correlating with tumor burden, this score gave early insight into disease progression in a small patient cohort. Our results suggest that DNA methylation in ccfDNA could serve as a sensitive biomarker for CRC, offering a less invasive and potentially more cost-effective approach to augment existing cancer detection and monitoring modalities, possibly supporting comprehensive genetic mutation profiling.
Health-related quality of life in primary care patients: a comparison between EQ-5D-5L utility score and EQ-visual analogue scale
Authors: Xu Richard Huan , Sun Ruiqi , Tian Lidan , Cheung Annie Wai-ling , Wong Eliza Laiyi
Published: January 2024

Objective

The EQ-VAS is an important component of the EQ-5D questionnaire. However, there is limited evidence comparing its performance to the EQ-5D utility score, which restricts its use in the population. This study aimed to EQ-5D-5L utility score and EQ-visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) in primary care patients in Hong Kong (HK).

Methods

Secondary data analysis was performed on the data collected from a cross-sectional survey to investigate patient engagement in HK. Participants were recruited through random sampling from a single general outpatient clinic. Trained investigators conducted face-to-face interviews with all eligible patients attending the clinic. Patients who were: 1) ≥ 18 years old, 2) have visited the clinic at least once in the last 6 months, 3) no cognitive problems, and 4) can speak and understand the local language. Pearson correlation was used to explore the association between EQ-5D utility and EQ-VAS score. Ordinary least squares regression and heteroscedastic Tobit regression models were adopted to analyze the EQ-VAS and EQ-5D utility data, respectively.

Results

The analysis included data from 1,004 responses (response rate = 65%). Around 52.7% of participants were female, 25.9% completed tertiary or above education, and 75.1% living with chronic disease. The mean EQ-5D utility and EQ-VAS score were 0.92 (SD = 0.13) and 72.27 (SD = 14.69), respectively. A significant association was found between EQ-5D utility and EQ-VAS score, with coefficients ranging from 0.335 (participants who divorced) to 0.744 (participants living alone). Around 98.5% reported having no problems with 'Self-care', followed by 'Usual activities' (96.3%), 'Mobility' (91.5%) and 'Anxiety/depression' (79.9%). The correlation between EQ-VAS score and EQ-5D utility was positive for each dimension of the EQ-5D instrument (correlation coefficients ranged between 0.211 and 0.623). Age strongly influenced the magnitude and trajectory of EQ-VAS score and utility, as observed in the changes. The regression model showed that 'Mobility', 'Pain/discomfort', and 'Anxiety/depression' have considerable influence on EQ-VAS score.

Conclusions

This study compared the EQ-5D utility score and EQ-VAS in HK primary care setting. Although heterogeneity existed, the EQ-VAS and utility score are significantly correlated and reliable for evaluating health-related quality of life in this population.
Comparison of anterior cervical diskectomy with fusion (ACDF) and laminoplasty treating multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy with developmental canal stenosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Dai Liping , Qin Chao , Guo Peiyu , Gong Hongda , Wang Weizhou , Hou Xiaodong , Du Kaili , Zhang Chunqiang
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To evaluate clinical effectiveness and radiologic results of anterior cervical diskectomy with fusion (ACDF) comparing with laminoplasty (LP) in treating multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM) with developmental canal stenosis (DCS).

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 41 patients who had MCSM with DCS treated with ACDF or LP from December 2018 to April 2023. Patients were split into ACDF and LP groups for comparison, and patients were further separated into subgroups based on whether or not a reserving canal space was present. The operation time, hemoglobin, hospital stay, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score, and visual analog scale (VAS) score were used to assess clinical efficacy. The C2–C7 Cobb angle, C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis, T1 slope, and cervical range of motion were applied to evaluate imaging changes.

Results

Of the 41 patients, 19 received ACDF, and 22 received LP. At the final follow-up, both groups’ mJOA scores significantly improved, and the intercomparison showed no differences; the VAS score was much lower in the ACDF group but remained unchanged in the LP group. At the final follow-up, the C2–C7 Cobb angle and T1 slope had significantly increased in the ACDF group, while the LP group showed no change; the cervical range of motion had significantly decreased in both groups, with the ACDF group exhibiting a more marked reduction. Within the ACDF subgroup, there was no postoperative symptom improvement for those with reserving space, whereas there was postoperative symptom resolution for those with non-reserving space; however, postoperative symptom in the LP subgroup was resolved.

Conclusions

Both ACDF and LP were efficacious for MCSM patients with DCS. While ACDF could improve cervical lordosis and alleviate neck pain more effectively, it can also result in cervical sagittal imbalance and decreased mobility. Furthermore, the recovery from LP was superior to that from ACDF for patients with reserving space. In contrast, the recovery from both decompression techniques was comparable for individuals in non-reserving space.
The efficacy of pregabalin for pain control after thoracic surgery: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2024

Background

Pregabalin may have some potential in alleviating pain after thoracic surgery, and this meta-analysis aims to explore the impact of pregabalin on pain intensity for patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

Methods

PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched, and we included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of pregabalin on pain intensity after thoracic surgery.

Results

Five RCTs were finally included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control intervention for thoracic surgery, pregabalin was associated with significantly reduced pain scores at 0 h (mean difference [MD]=-0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]=-1.10 to -0.30; P = 0.0005), pain scores at 24 h (MD=-0.47; 95% CI=-0.75 to -0.18; P = 0.001) and neuropathic pain (odd ratio [OR] = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.12 to 0.47; P < 0.0001), but demonstrated no obvious impact on the incidence of dizziness (OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 0.15 to 7.46; P = 0.95), headache (OR = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.30 to 3.35; P = 1.00) or nausea (OR = 1.24; 95% CI = 0.46 to 3.35; P = 0.68).

Conclusions

Pregabalin may be effective to alleviate the pain after thoracic surgery.
Association between patterns of biological rhythm and self-harm: evidence from the baoxing youth mental health (BYMH) cohort
Authors: Shan Dan , Wang Yue , Tousey-Pfarrer Marissa , Guo Cancan , Wan Mengtong , Wang Peijie , Dai Zhihao , Ge Fenfen , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2024

Background

Self-harm, a severe mental health concern among children and adolescents, has varying global prevalence rates. Previous studies have suggested potential associations between specific behavioral aspects of biological rhythm and self-harm risk in these populations.

Objective

Our study aimed to elucidate the relationship between biological rhythm patterns and the propensity of self-harm among Chinese children and adolescents using the Baoxing Youth Mental Health (BYMH) cohort.

Methods

We included 1883 Chinese children and adolescents from the BYMH cohort. The self-report questions used to assess biological rhythm and self-harm. We applied Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to distinguish patterns of biological rhythms. Logistic regression models were conducted to estimate the associations between biological rhythm, as well as biological rhythm patterns and risk of self-harm.

Results

Of the participants, 35.0% reported experiencing lifetime self-harm. PCA revealed six significantly predominant biological rhythm patterns. Elevated risks of self-harm were linked with unhealthy eating practices, daytime tiredness, and unhealthy bedtime snacking. Conversely, patterns emphasizing physical exercise, family meals for breakfast, and nutritious diet exhibited decreased self-harm propensities. These trends persisted across varied self-harm attributes, including type, recency, and frequency of self-harm.

Conclusions

This study underscores the critical impact of biological rhythms on self-harm risks among Chinese youth. Targeted lifestyle interventions, focusing on improved sleep and dietary habits, could serve as potent preventive measures. Our findings lay the groundwork for future longitudinal studies to further probe these associations, fostering the creation of tailored interventions to curb self-harm and enhance mental well-being in younger populations.
A prospective study on tumour response assessment methods after neoadjuvant endocrine therapy in early oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
Authors: López-Velazco Joanna I. , Manzano Sara , Otaño María , Elorriaga Kepa , Bultó Núria , Herrero Julio , Lahuerta Ainhara , Segur Virginia , Álvarez-López Isabel , Caffarel Maria M. , Urruticoechea Ander
Published: January 2024

Background

Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) in oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) /HER2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer allows real-time evaluation of drug efficacy as well as investigation of the biological and molecular changes that occur after estrogenic deprivation. Clinical and pathological evaluation after NET may be used to obtain prognostic and predictive information of tumour response to decide adjuvant treatment. In this setting, clinical scales developed to evaluate response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy are not useful and there are not validated biomarkers to assess response to NET beyond Ki67 levels and preoperative endocrine prognostic index score (mPEPI).

Methods

In this prospective study, we extensively analysed radiological (by ultrasound scan (USS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) and pathological tumour response of 104 postmenopausal patients with ER+ /HER2- resectable breast cancer, treated with NET for a mean of 7 months prior to surgery. We defined a new score, tumour cellularity size (TCS), calculated as the product of the residual tumour cellularity in the surgical specimen and the tumour pathological size.

Results

Our results show that radiological evaluation of response to NET by both USS and MRI underestimates pathological tumour size (path-TS). Tumour size [mean (range); mm] was: path-TS 20 (0–80); radiological-TS by USS 9 (0–31); by MRI: 12 (0–60). Nevertheless, they support the use of MRI over USS to clinically assess radiological tumour response (rad-TR) due to the statistically significant association of rad-TR by MRI, but not USS, with Ki67 decrease (p = 0.002 and p = 0.3, respectively) and mPEPI score (p = 0.002 and p = 0.6, respectively). In addition, we propose that TCS could become a new tool to standardize response assessment to NET given its simplicity, reproducibility and its good correlation with existing biomarkers (such as ΔKi67, p = 0.001) and potential added value.

Conclusion

Our findings shed light on the dynamics of tumour response to NET, challenge the paradigm of the ability of NET to decrease surgical volume and point to the utility of the TCS to quantify the scattered tumour response usually produced by endocrine therapy. In the future, these results should be validated in independent cohorts with associated survival data.
Benchmarking differential abundance methods for finding condition-specific prototypical cells in multi-sample single-cell datasets
Authors: Yi Haidong , Plotkin Alec , Stanley Natalie
Published: January 2024

Background

To analyze the large volume of data generated by single-cell technologies and to identify cellular correlates of particular clinical or experimental outcomes, differential abundance analyses are often applied. These algorithms identify subgroups of cells whose abundances change significantly in response to disease progression, or to an experimental perturbation. Despite the effectiveness of differential abundance analyses in identifying critical cell-states, there is currently no systematic benchmarking study to compare their applicability, usefulness, and accuracy in practice across single-cell modalities.

Results

Here, we perform a comprehensive benchmarking study to objectively evaluate and compare the benefits and potential downsides of current state-of-the-art differential abundance testing methods. We benchmarked six single-cell testing methods on several practical tasks, using both synthetic and real single-cell datasets. The tasks evaluated include effectiveness in identifying true differentially abundant subpopulations, accuracy in the adequate handling of batch effects, runtime efficiency, and hyperparameter usability and robustness. Based on various evaluation results, this paper gives dataset-specific suggestions for the practical use of differential abundance testing approaches.

Conclusions

Based on our benchmarking study, we provide a set of recommendations for the optimal usage of single-cell DA testing methods in practice, particularly with respect to factors such as the presence of technical noise (for example batch effects), dataset size, and hyperparameter sensitivity.
Transcriptional profiling of human cartilage endplate cells identifies novel genes and cell clusters underlying degenerated and non-degenerated phenotypes
Authors: Kuchynsky Kyle , Stevens Patrick , Hite Amy , Xie William , Diop Khady , Tang Shirley , Pietrzak Maciej , Khan Safdar , Walter Benjamin , Purmessur Devina
Published: January 2024

Background

Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is frequently attributed to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Though the contributions of the adjacent cartilage endplates (CEP) to IVD degeneration are well documented, the phenotype and functions of the resident CEP cells are critically understudied. To better characterize CEP cell phenotype and possible mechanisms of CEP degeneration, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing of non-degenerated and degenerated CEP cells were performed.

Methods

Human lumbar CEP cells from degenerated (Thompson grade ≥ 4) and non-degenerated (Thompson grade ≤ 2) discs were expanded for bulk (N=4 non-degenerated, N=4 degenerated) and single-cell (N=1 non-degenerated, N=1 degenerated) RNA sequencing. Genes identified from bulk RNA sequencing were categorized by function and their expression in non-degenerated and degenerated CEP cells were compared. A PubMed literature review was also performed to determine which genes were previously identified and studied in the CEP, IVD, and other cartilaginous tissues. For single-cell RNA sequencing, different cell clusters were resolved using unsupervised clustering and functional annotation. Differential gene expression analysis and Gene Ontology, respectively, were used to compare gene expression and functional enrichment between cell clusters, as well as between non-degenerated and degenerated CEP samples.

Results

Bulk RNA sequencing revealed 38 genes were significantly upregulated and 15 genes were significantly downregulated in degenerated CEP cells relative to non-degenerated cells (|fold change| ≥ 1.5). Of these, only 2 genes were previously studied in CEP cells, and 31 were previously studied in the IVD and other cartilaginous tissues. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed 11 unique cell clusters, including multiple chondrocyte and progenitor subpopulations with distinct gene expression and functional profiles. Analysis of genes in the bulk RNA sequencing dataset showed that progenitor cell clusters from both samples were enriched in “non-degenerated” genes but not “degenerated” genes. For both bulk- and single-cell analyses, gene expression and pathway enrichment analyses highlighted several pathways that may regulate CEP degeneration, including transcriptional regulation, translational regulation, intracellular transport, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Conclusions

This thorough analysis using RNA sequencing methods highlighted numerous differences between non-degenerated and degenerated CEP cells, the phenotypic heterogeneity of CEP cells, and several pathways of interest that may be relevant in CEP degeneration.
Comparison of in-patient glucose team based management with conventional blood glucose management- a retrospective study from China
Authors: Lin Jiayu , Zhang Jinying , Liang Bo , Lin Jinkuang , Wang Neng , Lin Jialin , Huang Huibin
Published: January 2024

Background

Glycemic control for patients with diabetes in the surgical department is often unsatisfactory. Compounding this issue is the fact that conventional glucose management models are often inefficient and difficult to monitor over time.

Objective

To investigate the impact of inpatient glucose team-based management on glycemic control and hospital days in surgical patients with diabetes.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 4156 patients with diabetes in the surgical department who received inpatient management of diabetes at a tertiary medical center from June 2020 to May 2022. Based on whether they received inpatient glucose team-based management, the surgical patients with diabetes were divided into two groups: the inpatient glucose team-based management (GM group, consisting of 1698 participants) and the conventional blood glucose management group (control group, consisting of 2458 participants). We compared the two groups in terms of glycemic control, hospital days, and health-care costs. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to build the hospital days prediction model and nomogram. Finally, the performance of the model was evaluated.

Results

The rate of glucose detection was higher in the GM group at 2 h postprandial (P < 0.01). The incidence of hypoglycemia and severe hyperglycemia, blood glucose attainment time, pre-operative preparation days, hospital days, and health-care costs were lower in the GM group than in the control group (P < 0.01). The linear regression model revealed that blood glucose attainment time, incidence of hypoglycemia (< 3.9mmol/L), preoperative preparation days, perioperative complications, and health-care costs were the factors influencing the hospital days (Total Point 83.4 points, mean hospital days 9.37 days). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram had good accuracy for predicting hospital days (area under the ROC curve 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74 to 0.92).

Conclusion

Inpatient glucose team-based management demonstrated significant improvements in glycemic control among surgical patients with diabetes, resulting in reduced hospital days and associated costs. The developed nomogram also exhibited promising potential in predicting hospital days, offering valuable clinical applications.
The role of gut microbiota in human metabolism and inflammatory diseases: a focus on elderly individuals
Authors: Khaledi Mansoor , Poureslamfar Behnam , Alsaab Hashem O. , Tafaghodi Shahrad , Hjazi Ahmed , Singh Rajesh , Alawadi Ahmed Hussien , Alsaalamy Ali , Qasim Qutaiba A. , Sameni Fatemeh
Published: January 2024

Background

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating the host’s immune responses during aging, which was characterized by a different abundance of bacteria in several age groups.

Main body

Gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with aging, antibiotic exposure, underlying diseases, infections, hormonal variations, circadian rhythm, and malnutrition, either singularly or in combination. The appropriate use of prebiotics and probiotics may be able to prevent or reduce this disruption.

Conclusion

The current review focuses on the gut microbiota composition across the life cycle, factors affecting gut microbiota changes with aging, and interventions to modulate gut microbiota.
The predictive value of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist indexes for the prognosis of patients with severe cerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Yao Lin , Zhou Zihao , Yu Tao , Wang Guiliang , Fan Zhen , Tang Yun
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study assessed the predictive value of electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi) and the EAdi-derived monitoring index in the prognosis of patients with severe cerebral hemorrhage.

Methods

Ninety patients with severe cerebral hemorrhage were admitted to the Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit of Yijishan Hospital from April 2019 to June 2021 and were divided into the good prognosis group (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] ≥ 4) and poor prognosis group (GOS ≤ 3). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate prediction accuracy.

Results

EAdi, neuro-ventilatory efficiency (NVE), and neuro-muscular efficiency (NME) in patients with good prognosis were significantly higher than those in patients with poor prognosis (4.707 µV vs 2.80 µV, P < 0.001; 141.85 ml/µV vs 66.01 ml/µV, P = 0.000; 2.57 cm H2O/µV vs 1.37 cm H2O/µV, P = 0.000). The area under the ROC curve for the EAdi score was 0.719, with sensitivity of 69.70% and specificity of 68.42% when EAdi was 3.6 µV. The AUC for NVE score was 0.793, with sensitivity of 75.76% and specificity of 75.44% when the NVE value was 95.32 ml/µV. The AUC for NME score was 0.792, with sensitivity of 69.70% and specificity of 78.95% when the NME value was 2.06 H2O/µV. The 6-month survival time of patients with higher EAdi, NVE, and NME was significantly longer than that of patients with lower EAdi, NVE, and NME

Conclusion

EAdi, NVE, and NME can be used as indices for predicting the prognosis of patients with severe cerebral hemorrhage.

Trial registration No.ChiCTR1900022861. Registered April 28, 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography–CT/MRI fusion guidance for percutaneous ablation of inconspicuous, small liver tumors: improving feasibility and therapeutic outcome
Authors: Lee Yuna , Yoon Jeong Hee , Han Seungchul , Joo Ijin , Lee Jeong Min
Published: January 2024

Background

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is pivotal for treating small malignant liver tumors, but tumors often remain inconspicuous on B-mode ultrasound (US). This study evaluates the potential of CEUS-CT/MRI fusion imaging (FI) to improve tumor visibility and the associated RFA outcomes for small (≤ 3 cm) malignant liver tumors that were inconspicuous on US.

Methods

Between January 2019 and April 2021, a prospective study enrolled 248 patients with liver malignancies (≤ 3 cm) that were poorly visible on B-mode US. Tumor visibility and ablation feasibility were assessed using B-mode US, US-CT/MRI FI, and CEUS-CT/MRI FI, and graded on a 4-point scale. CEUS was employed post-registration of US and CT/MRI images, utilizing either SonoVue or Sonazoid. Comparisons between US-based and CEUS-based fusion visibility and feasibility scores were undertaken using the Friedman test. Moreover, rates of technical success, technique efficacy, local tumor progression (LTP), and major complications were assessed.

Results

The cohort included 223 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) (89.9%) and 23 metastases (9.3%), with an average tumor size of 1.6 cm. CEUS-CT/MRI FI demonstrated a significant advantage in tumor visibility (3.4 ± 0.7 vs. 1.9 ± 0.6, P < 0.001) and technical feasibility (3.6 ± 0.6 vs. 2.9 ± 0.8, P < 0.001) compared to US-FI. In 85.5% of patients, CEUS addition to US-FI ameliorated tumor visibility. Technical success was achieved in 99.6% of cases. No severe complications were reported. One and two-year post CEUS-CT/MRI FI-guided RFA estimates for LTP were 9.3% and 10.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

CEUS-CT/MRI FI significantly improves the visualization of tumors not discernible on B-mode US, thus augmenting percutaneous RFA success and delivering improved therapeutic outcomes.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05445973. Registered 17 June 2022 – Retrospectively registered, http://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05445973?id=NCT05445973&rank=1.
Combined genicular artery embolization and genicular nerve block to treat chronic pain following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Zhou Wenhui , Bultman Eric , Mandl Lisa A. , Giori Nicholas J. , Kishore Sirish A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Chronic knee pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common complication that is difficult to treat. This report aims to highlight the benefit of combining embolotherapy and neurolysis intervention for symptomatic relief of post-TKA pain in a patient with long-standing pain refractory to conservative management.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old man who had previously undergone left knee arthroplasty has been grappling with worsening knee effusion and debilitating pain, resulting in limited mobility and progressive musculature deconditioning over a 20-year period. Diagnostic arteriography showed marked diffuse periarticular hyperemia around the medial and lateral joint spaces of the left knee, along with capsular distention. The patient initially underwent microsphere embolization to selectively target multiple branches of the genicular arteries, achieving a 50% reduction in pain at the one-month follow-up. Subsequently, the patient underwent image-guided genicular nerve neurolysis, targeting multiple branches of the genicular nerves, which led to further pain reduction (80% compared to the initial presentation or 60% compared to post-embolization) at the one-month follow-up. This improvement facilitated weight-bearing and enabled participation in physical therapy, with sustained pain relief over the 10-month follow-up period.

Conclusion

The combination of genicular artery embolization and genicular nerve block may be a technically safe and effective option for alleviating chronic pain after total knee arthroplasty.
Determining Differences in Perioperative Functional Mobility Patterns in Lumbar Decompression Versus Fusion Patients Using Smartphone Activity Data
Authors: Chauhan Daksh , Ahmad Hasan S. , Hamade Ali , Yang Andrew I. , Wathen Connor , Ghenbot Yohannes , Mannam Sai , Subtirelu Robert , Bashti Malek , Wang Michael Y. , Basil Gregory , Yoon Jang W.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Smartphone activity data recorded through high-fidelity accelerometry can provide accurate postoperative assessments of patient mobility. The “big data” available through smartphones allows for advanced analyses, yielding insight into patient well-being. This study compared rate of change in functional activity data between lumbar fusion (LF) and lumbar decompression (LD) patients to determine preoperative and postoperative course differences.

METHODS:

Twenty-three LF and 18 LD patients were retrospectively included. Activity data (steps per day) recorded in Apple Health, encompassing over 70 000 perioperative data points, was classified into 6 temporal epochs representing distinct functional states, including acute preoperative decline, immediate postoperative recovery, and postoperative decline. The daily rate of change of each patient's step counts was calculated for each perioperative epoch.

RESULTS:

Patients undergoing LF demonstrated steeper preoperative declines than LD patients based on the first derivative of step count data (P = .045). In the surgical recovery phase, LF patients had slower recoveries (P = .041), and LF patients experienced steeper postoperative secondary declines than LD patients did (P = .010). The rate of change of steps per day demonstrated varying perioperative trajectories that were not explained by differences in age, comorbidities, or levels operated.

CONCLUSION:

Patients undergoing LF and LD have distinct perioperative activity profiles characterized by the rate of change in the patient daily steps. Daily steps and their rate of change is thus a valuable metric in phenotyping patients and understanding their postsurgical outcomes. Prospective studies are needed to expand upon these data and establish causal links between preoperative patient mobility, patient characteristics, and postoperative functional outcomes.
Dialectics of War as a Natural Phenomenon: Existential Perspective
Authors: Egbekpalu Purissima Emelda , Oguno Paschal Onyi , Alozie Princewill
Published: January 2024

Due to natural processes of movements of opposites that interact with one another in equal forces, the universe is naturally considered an arena of conflicts. As the law of the universe continues to maintain everything in motion, each matter in the ecosystem strives to protect itself in given existential struggles within necessary conflicts. Therefore, the fundamental law of nature is the protection of life (self-preservation) which is often realized through self-defence. It then explains why humans engage themselves in conflicts; not necessarily to bring peace but to survive and maintain themselves in existence. Hence, war is motivated by the innate drive for self-defence and maintenance of self in existence guided by a natural instinct for survival. From conception to death, humans continue to struggle for survival and that entails overcoming conflicts and adversities of life. Thus, war can be considered as having a genetic foundation. This is evidenced in the works of evolutionary theorists. The Darwinian ethological theory tenaciously holds that humans, just like other organisms, struggle to survive, but this is influenced by natural selection which favours the stronger species against the weaker ones. While the stronger ones pass on their inheritable genes to the next generation for maintenance of their species in existence, the weaker ones die off. Hence, the survival of the fittest. This position was very much supported by the Malthusian theory of over-population alert against the limited human resources which demonstrates the constant fight for food in order to survive. The Nietzschean Superman, Marxian class struggle, Heraclitan notion of change, and so on, all cling to the idea that the universe is a violent arena. Consequently, the protection of life has an important moral value. By implication, self-defence is right and justified even if it involves war. Therefore, it is ethical to push through; to defeat the adversary.
Διερεύνηση εφαρμογής του Ν. 4538/2018 για τον θεσμό της αναδοχής στα Πλαίσια Παιδικής Προστασίας
Authors: Μπαλτσιώτη Βασιλική , Φαρμακοπούλου Ιγνατία
Published: January 2024

Το παρόν άρθρο πραγματεύεται τον θεσμό της αναδοχής στα Πλαίσια Παιδικής Προστασίας (ΠΠΠ). Εξετάζονται τα είδη, οι μορφές, τα οφέλη και οι παράγοντες κινδύνου της αναδοχής ανηλίκων καθώς και το νέο Νομοθετικό πλαίσιο Ν. 4538/2018. Επίσης, παρουσιάζονται τα κύρια ευρήματα μιας ερευνητικής μελέτης η οποία είχε ως σκοπό την διερεύνηση της εφαρμογής του θεσμού της αναδοχής βάσει της Νομοθετικής Μεταρρύθμισης, στην οποία συμμετείχαν Διευθυντές ΠΠΠ Πανελληνίως και Ανάδοχοι Γονείς. Αναδεικνύεται η σοβαρή υποστελέχωση των ΠΠΠ καθώς αρκετές Δομές δεν έχουν Διευθυντή και ο κοινωνικός λειτουργός ασκεί και αυτό το καθήκον και κάποια ΠΠΠ δεν διαθέτουν κοινωνικό λειτουργό. Επιπλέον, βρέθηκε ότι επικρατεί ο τύπος της μακροχρόνιας αναδοχής, η μη επανατοποθέτηση ανηλίκων σε άλλες ανάδοχες οικογένειες, μειωμένη επαφή του ανάδοχου παιδιού με τους βιολογικούς του γονείς και ότι υπάρχει αυξημένη συχνότητα αναδοχής παιδιών μικρής ηλικίας έναντι των εφήβων που παραμένουν ακόμα στις Δομές.
Helping Small Businesses Become More Data-Driven: A Field Experiment on eBay
Authors: Bar-Gill Sagit , Brynjolfsson Erik , Hak Nir
Published: January 2024

As digitization sweeps across industries and markets, analytics and data-driven decision making (DDD) are becoming increasingly important. The adoption of analytics and DDD has been slower in small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) compared with large firms, and reliable causal estimates of the impacts of analytics tools for small businesses have been lacking. We derive experiment-based estimates of the impact of an analytics tool on SME outcomes, analyzing the randomized introduction of eBay’s Seller Hub (SH), a data-rich seller dashboard. We find that SH adoption is associated with increased DDD and that access to SH increases e-retailers’ revenues by 3.6% on average, as more items are transacted and service quality increases, without increases in average prices. Our results suggest that analytics and DDD help SMEs establish a competitive advantage. Managerial practices play an important role in reaping the benefits from the analytics dashboard, as more than a third of the SH impact is driven by active performance monitoring. Digital platforms should therefore embed analytics tools to support SMEs to increase entry and revenues. Furthermore, policies to support small businesses’ transition to the data era should address analytics and DDD gaps by ensuring access to both tools like SH and to appropriate managerial training.

This paper was accepted by Anindya Ghose, information systems.

Funding: This work was supported by the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation [Grant 2018263].

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.02026 .
Recovering Dantzig–Wolfe Bounds by Cutting Planes
Authors: Chen Rui , Günlük Oktay , Lodi Andrea
Published: January 2024

Leveraging Dantzig–Wolfe Decomposition in the Original Variable Space for Mixed-Integer Programming

Dantzig–Wolfe decomposition has been extensively applied to solve large-scale mixed-integer programs with decomposable structures, leading to exact solution approaches, such as branch and price. However, these approaches would require solving the problem in an extended variable space and are not readily present in off-the-shelf solvers. In “Recovering Dantzig–Wolfe Bounds by Cutting Planes,” Chen, Günlük, and Lodi propose a computational effective approach for generating cutting planes from Dantzig–Wolfe decomposition to enhance branch and cut in the space of original variables. The proposed approach requires a relatively small number of cutting planes to recover the strength of the Dantzig–Wolfe dual bound and should be easy to implement in general-purpose mixed-integer programming solvers. The authors show that these cutting planes typically lead to a formulation with lower dual degeneracy and hence, a better computational performance than naïve approaches, such as the objective function cut.
Insights into the Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Targets of Consequences Induced by Polycythemia in COPD
Authors: Ganesh M Shankar , S Satheesh , S Aravindhan
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT: Polycythemia, characterized by an excess of red blood cells (RBCs), is a common occurrence in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to chronic hypoxia resulting from impaired lung function. While polycythemia may have some protective effects for COPD patients on long-term oxygen therapy, it can also increase the risk of life-threatening complications such as pulmonary embolism (PE). This review explores the impact of polycythemia on COPD patients, delving into its epidemiology, risk factors, and potential consequences. The prevalence of polycythemia in COPD varies from 6% to 10.2% in outpatient settings and is associated with factors like smoking, male gender, impaired lung function, and severe hypoxemia. The elevated red blood cell count can thicken the blood, increasing the risk of blood clots and cardiovascular complications. Proper management of polycythemic COPD involves addressing increased blood viscosity, managing thromboembolic risks, and optimizing cardiovascular health. Therapeutic interventions include phlebotomy, low-dose aspirin, and oxygen therapy to reduce complications and improve outcomes. Additionally, new cytoreductive therapies may offer promising treatment options for primary polycythemia. However, further research is required to enhance our understanding and refine care for individuals with polycythemic COPD, with the ultimate goal of mitigating complications, improving quality of life, and enhancing long-term prognosis. Clinicians must remain vigilant in managing polycythemia in COPD to optimize patient outcomes and reduce the burden of associated complications.
Formulation of Drug-polyelectrolyte Complex for Enhancement of Solubility of Hydrochlorthiazide
Authors: Talele Swati , Kajale Priyanka , Bhil Shital , Gaikwad Amit , Borse Laxmikant
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT: The objective of this work is to formulate Nanoplex formulation which enhances the drug solubility and also to enhance the dissolution rate of the formulation which were prepared. Complex nanoplex is formed when positively or negatively charged molecules of the drug react with oppositely charged polyelectrolyte. In this study, we use hydrochlorothiazide as a study drug and dextran sulphate as anionic polyelectrolyte. During the procedure crystalline nanoplex is formed due to electrostatic interactions between API and polyelecrolyte. The nanoplex shaped by this method upgrades dissolvability and disintegration rate of inadequately water solvent medication. It was assessed for complexation effectiveness, % yield, molecule size, zeta potential, SEM, TEM, XRD, soaked solvency study and so forth. This gives particles having molecule size in the scope of 100-200nm.Amongst different ratio, 1:1 showed highest Complexation efficiency as 96.3%, % yield and drug loading as 82 % and 77.69 % respectively. Solubility and stability of hydrochlorothiazide, poorly water-soluble molecule can be increased with formulation of hydrochlorothiazide nanoplex.
Exploring Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity of Gramine Bioactive Molecule in Wistar Rats.
Authors: R. Sable Rahul , B. Jadhav Ghanshyam , B. Udavant Pavan
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT: The study evaluated the toxicity of Gramine in Wistar rats using a specified dose for acute and subacute toxicity evaluation. Female rats were given the Single dose as specified in OECD Guideline 425. Subacute toxicity was assessed using doses of 13, 27.5, and 55 mg/kg p.o. compared to a control group. After treatment, the satellite group continued operating for 14 days to assess the recovery effects. No mortality was observed at doses of 175mg/kg, but mortality was observed at doses of 550 mg/kg. In a subacute toxicity investigation, rats given Gramine orally for 28 days showed significant weight loss, reduced food intake, and normal water consumption. No harmful effects were observed for haematological or biochemical parameters, and no evidence of deterioration was found in brain, kidney, or liver histopathological examinations. The results indicate that 13, 27.5, and 55 mg/kg were considered safe doses for both short- and long-term oral therapy.
Association of Alu APO Gene Marker with Type 2 Diabetic patients of Dimapur District, Nagaland India
Authors: Ao Semsadangla , Singson Moamenla , Somasundaram Jeyaparvathi
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT: With Type 2 Diabetes, the body either produces insufficient insulin or rejects it, which leads to an accumulation of glucose in the blood. Type 2 diabetes affects 90% of the population.. Examining the relationship between Type 2 diabetes patients from the tribal tribes of Dimapur District and the Alu APO gene marker was the main goal of this study. Using the use of random sampling, blood samples were taken from 31 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients at Eden Medical Centre in Dimapur and 31 control samples were collected from healthy individuals . Depending on the patient availability, blood samples were taken from both male and female patients. Within a day of collecting the blood, DNA was extracted. PCR and an allele-specific marker (APO) were used for genotyping. After genotyping, results were recorded by visualizing the PCR products in UV transilluminator. With this investigation, we discovered that the female exhibits a high statistical significance in the DD genotype (0.00*). On the other hand, neither genotype is statistically significant in males.
Beyond Comparative Analysis: Making Arguments with Similarity Metrics and Structured Manuscript Data, with a Case Study in Marginal Iconography
Authors: Patrick Brey Alexander , Doyle Maeve K.
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Quantitative measurements of similarity can help researchers understand the increasing amount of manuscript metadata or digital images now available for study. Researchers in archaeology, ecology, and information retrieval have developed diverse methods for quantifying the similarity of categorical, numerical, and presence/absence data. The variety of methods in use reflects the complex associations of the term "similarity" and suggests that quantitative approaches can preserve some of the nuance associated with traditional humanistic approaches. We argue that similarity metrics, contextualized against random simulations, provide flexible tools for identifying and analyzing trends in large sets of multifaceted historical data and can be applied to many kinds of manuscript research projects. Simulations (permutation tests) that highlight how observed patterns diverge from random or theoretical scenarios have allowed us to interpret similarity measurements against a baseline that is analogous to researchers' intuitions born of experience. In this paper, we model using similarity metrics to conduct multifaceted analyses of an iconographic dataset derived from Lilian M. C. Randall's Images in the Margins of Gothic Manuscripts (1966), indexing images in French, English, and Flemish manuscripts produced between about 1250 and 1350. We share examples of approaches such as statistical analysis, Analysis of Similarity, and clustering to model the type of quantitative approaches we believe will become increasingly important for the analysis of digital manuscript data.
"Deathless fragments within the reach of many …": Tracing Four Decades of Manuscript Fragmentation via the Lima (OH) Public Library Staff Loan Fund Association Archive
Authors: Johnson Eric J.
Published: January 2024

Abstract: The breaking and dispersal of Otto Ege's manuscripts have been the subject of focused scholarly inquiry for nearly three decades, with new discoveries and insights emerging with regularity as more scholars and collectors work to uncover previously unrecognized and unrecorded Ege manuscript fragments in an attempt to reconstruct their original codicological and historical contexts. But the historical records of Ege's biblioclasm are just as fragmentary as the manuscripts he broke, and much remains unknown about the business practices, partnerships, and processes that facilitated the distribution of his manuscripts' pages. Drawing upon a new cache of archival documentation discovered by the author, this article sheds new light on one of Ege's most important commercial partnerships, highlighting his decades-long enterprise with the Lima (OH) Public Library to market and sell fragments to their mutual financial benefit and for the first time revealing the full statistical and financial extent of the Ege-Lima partnership—and its lasting impact on the distribution of medieval manuscripts across North America (and beyond).