bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infrared spectroscopy as a new approach for early Fabry disease screening: a pilot study
Authors: Barretto Carolina Teles , Nascimento Márcia Helena Cassago , Brun Bruna Ferro , Silva Tiago Barcelos da , Dias Pedro Augusto Costa , Silva Cassiano Augusto Braga , Singh Maneesh N. , Martin Francis L. , Filgueiras Paulo Roberto , Romão Wanderson , Campos Luciene Cristina Gastalho , Barauna Valerio Garrone
Published: August 2024

Background
Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder marked by alpha-galactosidase-A (α-Gal A) deficiency, caused by pathogenic mutations in the GLA gene, resulting in the accumulation of glycosphingolipids within lysosomes. The current screening test consists of measuring α-Gal A activity. However, this approach is limited to males. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a technique that can generate fingerprint spectra of a biofluid’s molecular composition and has been successfully applied to screen numerous diseases. Herein, we investigate the vibration profile of plasma chemical bonds in patients with FD through attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform IR (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy.
Results
The Fabry disease group (n = 47) and the healthy control group (n = 52) recruited exhibited similar ages (39.2 ± 16.9 and 36.7 ± 10.9 years, respectively), and females were predominant in both groups (59.6% vs. 65.4%). All patients had the classic phenotype (100%), and no late-onset phenotype was detected. PLS-DA classification model independent of gender allowed differentiation of the samples between Fabry and the control groups, reaching 100% sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.
Conclusion
ATR-FTIR spectroscopy harnessed to pattern recognition algorithms can distinguish between FD patients and healthy control participants as a fast-screening test.
GestaltGAN: Synthetic photorealistic portraits of individuals with rare genetic disorders
Authors: Krawitz Peter , Hustinx Alexander , Javanmardi Behnam , Hsieh Tzung-Chien , Brand Fabian , Hellmann Fabio , Mertes Silvan , André Elisabeth , Moosa Shahida , Schultz Thomas , Solomon Benjamin , Kirchhoff Aron
Published: August 2024

The facial gestalt (overall facial morphology) is a characteristic clinical feature in many genetic disorders that is often essential for suspecting and establishing a specific diagnosis. For that reason, publishing images of individuals affected by pathogenic variants in disease-associated genes has been an important part of scientific communication. Furthermore, medical imaging data is also crucial for teaching and training deep-learning models such as GestaltMatcher. However, medical data is often sparsely available, and sharing patient images involves risks related to privacy and re-identification. Therefore, we explored whether generative neural networks can be used to synthesize accurate portraits for rare disorders.
We modified a StyleGAN architecture and trained it to produce artifical condition-specific portraits for multiple disorders. In addition, we present a technique that generates a sharp and detailed average patient portrait for a given disorder. We trained our GestaltGAN on the 20 most frequent disorders from the GestaltMatcher database. We used REAL-ESRGAN to increase the resolution of portraits from the training data with low-quality and colorized black-and-white images. To augment the model's understanding of human facial features, an unaffected class was introduced to the training data.
We tested the validity of our generated portraits with 63 human experts. Our findings demonstrate the model's proficiency in generating photorealistic portraits that capture the characteristic features of a disorder while preserving patient privacy. Overall the output from our approach holds promise for various applications, including visualizations for publications and educational materials, as well as augmenting training data for deep-learning.
Identification of MITF Gene Mutation in Porcupines: A Novel Link to Congenital Deafness and Pigmentation Disorders
Authors: Li Kang , Huo Chunmao , Long Hong , Ke Ketong , Zhang Shibin
Published: August 2024

Worldwide, congenital deafness and pigmentation disorders impact millions with their diverse manifestations, and among these genetic conditions, mutations in the Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF: OMIM#156845) gene are notable for their profound effects on melanocyte development and auditory functions. We first discovered congenital deafness in mutant porcupine individuals with abnormal pigmentation among artificially bred porcupines. Their phenotypic characteristics closely resemble those of human Waardenburg Syndrome Type 2 (WS2: OMIM#193510). This study aims to establish a mutant porcupine model family for identifying candidate pathogenic genes and mutation sites, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms of human hereditary deafness. By analyzing coat color, skin, and eyes, we distinguished between different porcupine phenotypes and utilized the auditory brainstem response (ABR) method to examine and identify hearing function. Then, we used Bulk Segregant Analysis (BSA) to identify and locate the target trait genes of porcupines with pigmentary aberrations. We collected auricle skin tissue from wild type porcupines for reference-free transcriptome sequencing, and then annotated and extracted the transcript sequences of candidate genes. Finally, primers based on the identified candidate genes were designed for PCR amplification, followed by verification through Sanger sequencing. Through BSA analysis, we identified a total of 88 SNP and 336 InDel candidate sites. By annotating the MITF gene, we obtained four unique transcript sequences. The SNP and InDel sites within the porcupine MITF gene sequence, identified through BSA screening, were analyzed in conjunction with the gene's annotation results. This analysis revealed a specific mutation site, MITF c.875_877delGAA p. (Arg217del), which was subsequently verified by Sanger sequencing. This study successfully identified a mutant in porcupine that reflects the genetic and phenotypic complexity of human congenital deafness and pigmentation disorders, specifically WS2.
LBNP exposure - as perspective countermeasure for Moon missions
Authors: Fomina Elena , Romanov Pavel , Burakova Anna , Ganicheva Anna , Senatorova Natalia , Bakhtereva Vera , Kokueva Maria , Alferova Irina , Shushunova Tatiana , Grishin Alexey , Vasin Alexandr , Polyakov Alexey , Yarmanova Zhana , Lemeshko Yegor , Vasilevskaya Marina , Kharlamov Maksim , Orlov Oleg
Published: August 2024

According to the existing scenarios of interplanetary missions, the Moon is considered as an intermediate base on the way to deep space. The paper presents the results of a pilot study performed during a short-term space flight. A new experience of using countermeasure impacts of lower body negative pressure at the early stages of adaptation to microgravity conditions has been gained. Preparation for extravehicular activity on the Moon's surface requires milder LBNP effects in comparison with preparation for return to Earth. Regulatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular system proved to be quite effective when creating decompression up to -20 mm Hg. For the first time the dynamics of motor control system readaptation, verticalization strategy and success of dual task solution from the first to the third day after the short-term space flight is described. Unique data on rearrangements of gravity-dependent physiological systems in short-term flight have been obtained. Assessment of the state of gravity-dependent physiological systems after short-term flight indicates the decrease of functional reserves of the organism and the necessity to develop appropriate countermeasures. The study was one of the first steps in the development of new medical control operations at the stage of paradigm shift from orbital flights to deep space exploration.
Effect of ultrasound-guided individualized Positive end-expiratory pressure on the severity of postoperative atelectasis in elderly patients: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Ma Junyang , Sun Meiqi , Song Fengxiang , wang Aiqi , Tian Xiaoxia , Wu Yanan , Wang Lu , Zhao Qian , Liu Bin , Wang Shengfu , Qiu Yuxue , Hou Haitao , Deng Liqin
Published: August 2024

Background
The mortality rate of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in general anesthesia patients can reach up to 20%. Our research hypothesis is that ultrasound-guided individualized PEEP titration can reduce the risk of PPCs.
Methods
This single-center randomized controlled trial. Eighty-nine patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic radical surgery for colorectal cancer were enrolled in our study. Patients were randomly assigned to two group: the study group (individualized PEEP groups, PEEP Ind group) and the control group (Fixed PEEP group, PEEP 5 group). All patients in these two groups received volume-controlled ventilation during general anesthesia. Patients in the study group were given ultrasound-guided PEEP, while those in the control group were given a fixed 5 cmH2O PEEP. Bedside ultrasound assessed lung ventilation. The primary outcome was PPC incidence within seven days post-surgery.
Results
Lung ultrasound scores (LUSs) in the study group during postoperative seven days was significantly decreased compared with that in the control group (P < 0.05). The severity of postoperative atelectasis in the study group was significantly improved. The incidence of PPCs during postoperative seven days in the study group was significantly less than that in the control group (48.6% vs. 77.8%; RR = 0.625; CI = 0.430–0.909; P = 0.01).
Conclusions
Non-obese elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection by lung ultrasound-guided individualized PEEP can alleviate the severity of postoperative atelectasis.
Detection of poplar leaf rust using UAV multispectral imaging
Authors: Jia Zhicheng , Wang Yue , Tian Yuchan , Xie Ziren , Wang Chenjie
Published: August 2024

Timely and accurate detection of leaf rust helps scientists to make better control deci-sions for poplar. Use of Machine Learning (ML) methods for analysis of Unmanned Aerial Vehi-cle (UAV)-based multispectral data can improve the detection accuracy. In this paper, using poplar trees as the research object, a six-rotor UAV with a multispectral camera was used to ac-quire 5-band spectral images, analyze the canopy images of asymptomatic and diseased poplar trees and calculate 25 common vegetation indices. Firstly, the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and Random Forest (RF) algorithms were used to select the first 5 classification vegetation indices of asymptomatic and low, asymptomatic and moderate, asymptomatic and severe infection, multi-class, then the detection models based on Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Decision Trees (DTs), Naive Bayes (NB), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forest (RF) algorithms were estab-lished. Based on the analysis of the detection accuracy and the reliability of models, for the bina-ry classification, the MLP model had the highest overall accuracy (OA=95%) and the highest value of Area Under the Curve (AUC=1.0), for the multi-class classification, the Naive Bayes (NB) model based on the RF selected binary classification VIs set had highest overall accuracy (OA=100%) and the highest F1-score (F1-score=1.0). The optimal classification vegetation indices for different disease levels were analyzed. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of rapid and accurate detection of poplar leaf rust by UAV multispectral imaging technology, which can pro-vide timely and accurate detection of different disease levels, improve the efficiency of field management and disease control.
Trophic ecologies and dietary niches of Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus) and three coastal forage fishes in Frobisher Bay, Nunavut
Authors: Rauf Sarah , Ehrman Ashley , Lewis Christopher , Martin Zoya , Tallman Ross , Niemi Andrea
Published: August 2024

Here, the trophic ecology of four mid-trophic level fishes is described for an Arctic coastal marine habitat near Iqaluit, Nunavut during a time of coastal change. Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus), Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida), Fish Doctor (Gymnelus viridis), and sculpins (Cottidae) diet and feeding strategies were estimated using gut content, dietary niches were compared using stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N), and relationships between diet indices and metrics of fish condition, including calorie content, were assessed. While the four taxa differed in foraging strategy, targeted prey, and the strength of associations with benthic and pelagic food web pathways, niche overlap occurred among the benthic and pelagic taxa. Pelagic Arctic charr and Arctic cod specialized in hyperbenthic amphipods and copepods respectively, with evidence that selectivity was flexible. Fish Doctor and sculpins were benthic generalists with evidence for inter-individual and population-level specialization. Arctic Charr occupied a central isotopic niche, resulting in a high probability of dietary niche overlap with the other three taxa. Fish Doctor and sculpins were likely to overlap with each other, and both had a low probability of overlap with Arctic Cod. Isotopic diet indicators did not significantly explain variation in fish condition or calorie content. Consequently, multiple indicators are required to understand forage fish responses to food-web alterations driven by coastal change. These findings may be useful to assess future change in this coastal community.
What can the 2001, 2011 and 2021 UK censuses tell us about health inequalities among young people? A cross-sectional study using censuses from England, Wales, and Scotland
Authors: Metsis Katrin , Inchley Joanna , Williams Andrew James , Sullivan Frank
Published: August 2024

Background
Health inequalities are avoidable and unjust differences in people’s health across population groups. The WHO has estimated that up to 70% of premature deaths among adults are related to behaviours initiated in adolescence. However, evidence on health inequalities among adolescents is scarce compared to that among adults and younger children. This study examined the association between self-rated health and a family’s socioeconomic position in young people (10-24-year-olds).
Methods
The outcome variable is the single question of self-reported general health. The study population included young people aged 10 to 24 years. We analysed 2001, 2011 and 2021 census microdata from England and Wales and 2001 and 2011 data from Scotland. We used descriptive methods to determine differences in general health status by sociodemographic variables and logistic regression analysis to calculate the odds of reporting poor health according to the National Statistics Socio-economic Classification of the family reference person. Logistic regression models controlled for the effects of age, gender, household deprivation, and UK region.
Results
Compared to young people from the households where the reference person belonged to the managerial or professional occupational group, all other groups except those self-employed in 2001 had greater odds of reporting poor health. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The odds were highest among young people from households where the reference person had never worked or was long-term unemployed: 2.7 times in 2001, 3.1 times in 2011 and 3.6 times in 2021. The odds of reporting poor health increased with age and were greater among girls than among boys. Young people from households that were deprived in the dimensions of education or housing had greater odds of reporting poor health than did those from nondeprived groups.
Conclusions
Health inequalities in the self-reported health of 10–24-year-olds can be observed using UK census data. We observed a similar social gradient of self-reported poor health across the 2001, 2011 and 2021 datasets; as disadvantage increased, the share of young people with fair or poor health increased.
RIRS with FV-UAS vs. ESWL for the management of 1–2-cm lower pole renal calculi in obese patients: a prospective study
Authors: Zhang Si-cong , Wang Qing , Wu Jie , Li Yun-Peng
Published: August 2024

Objective
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) combined with fexible vacuum-assisted ureteral access sheath (FV-UAS) versus extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for the management of 1–2 cm lower pole renal calculi (LPC) in obese patients.
Patients and methods
This prospective, randomized study included 149 obese patients with 1-2 cm LPC. Patients were allocated into two groups: 76 patients underwent RIRS with FV-UAS, and 73 patients received ESWL.The parameters assessed included stone-free rate (SFR), retreatment rate, complications, operative time, and pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).Stone-free status was defined as the absence of stones on computed tomography or residual fragments smaller than 4 mm at 4 weeks post-procedure.
Results
The baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable.The SFR was significantly higher in the RIRS group, reaching 86.8%, compared to 63.0% in the ESWL group (P = 0.034). Furthermore, the retreatment rate was significantly lower in the RIRS group, at 5.2%, versus 24.7% in the ESWL group (P < 0.001). The average operative time for RIRS was notably longer, at 65.3 ± 6.4 minutes, compared to 25.3 ± 7.8 minutes for ESWL (P < 0.001). The complication rates were 9.2% for the RIRS group and 6.8% for the ESWL group, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.326). All complications were classified as Grade I or II according to the modified Clavien classification system. No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding pain VAS scores and the composition of the stones.
Conclusions
RIRS with FV-UAS demonstrated superior efficacy, evidenced by a higher SFR and reduced retreatment rates compared to ESWL, despite a longer operative duration. Both treatment modalities showed comparable safety profiles. RIRS with FV-UAS emerges as a viable, effective, and reproducible intervention for managing 1-2 cm LPC in obese patients, providing significant clinical advantages.
WITHDRAWN: Differential Identification of Childhood Overweight and Obesity Based on Bioimpedance Analysis of Body Composition
Authors: zhong qiong , zhou zhangming , zhai lei , yang jun , deng lan
Published: August 2024

Objective: This study introduces a novel diagnostic algorithm utilizing bioimpedance analysis to comprehensively evaluate children's body composition, assessing body fat mass, muscle mass, and fat distribution.
Materials and Methods: Bioelectrical impedance measurements were conducted using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer (DongHWA DBA-510, China). Metrics including body weight, BMI, body fat mass, muscle mass, protein content, and waist-to-hip ratio were evaluated. The proposed algorithm was applied to a sample of 1826 children aged 6 to 10, enhancing the classification based on BMI. A comparison was made between BMI-based groupings and those based on BF% and MU.
Results: The algorithm consists of three steps, categorizing children according to BMI, body fat mass, and central fat distribution. Notably, it reveals prognostically unfavorable body types, such as sarcopenic obesity with central fat distribution, highlighting potential health risks. The current BMI-centered diagnostics might misclassify cardiometabolic risks, making early detection challenging. The introduced fat distribution characteristic, the WHR index, offers a practical method for determining children's body types.
Conclusion: This integrated algorithm provides an alternative to BMI-based classification, enabling early detection of obesity and associated risks. Further validation through large-scale epidemiological studies is crucial for establishing correlations between body types and cardiometabolic risks, thereby promoting a more nuanced and personalized approach to pediatric obesity management.
Impact Statement: BMI is still used as a diagnostic tool for childhood obesity and overweight. This study introduces a body composition analyzer and explores new calculation methods to make a new attempt at diagnosing childhood obesity.
Leveraging Inter-Connected Remote Teleradiology Platform to Optimize Radiologist Utilization and Enhance Healthcare Outcomes in India
Authors: Raheja Rohit , Pani Pranab Kumar , Bhattacharya Arindam
Published: August 2024

India's healthcare system faces a critical shortage of radiologists, with only 1.3 to 1.5 per million people, significantly lower than the ratios in developed countries. This shortage is exacerbated by India's vast population of approximately 1.42 billion, with an estimated 1.5 million radiological scans conducted daily, primarily in urban centers. Consequently, this concentration of services leads to considerable diagnostic delays in rural and underserved areas. This paper proposes implementing an interconnected remote teleradiology platform as a strategic solution to distribute the workload of radiologists more equitably across states, thereby enhancing the timeliness and accuracy of diagnostics. Teleradiology, which enables the remote reading of radiological images by specialists, could significantly improve the efficiency of diagnostic processes and facilitate quicker clinical decision-making. This study presents a scalable model for a state-level inter-connected remote teleradiology platform, outlining its potential to improve health outcomes by overcoming geographical, physical, and infrastructural barriers. The paper also discusses the necessary technological, regulatory, and educational frameworks to support such an initiative and addresses challenges such as data security and the need for robust infrastructure. Additionally, the paper includes a high-level diagrammatic model of the proposed interconnected remote teleradiology platform at the state level, emphasizing its potential advantages.
Optimizing Jojoba Oil Methanolysis and Unveiling the Immunomodulatory Potential of cis-13-Docosenol Fatty Alcohol: A Circular Biorefinery Perspective
Authors: Mendoza Laura , Sánchez Marcos , Marchetti Jorge Mario , Montoya María
Published: August 2024

To ensure the sustainability of Jojoba oil production, research and development must prioritize the adoption of environmentally friendly extraction processes. Firstly, optimal conditions for extracting Jojoba oil were predicted marking a significant step towards realizing its economic potential. Molar ratio, temperature and catalysts concentration were taken into consideration to achieve optimal production. Secondly, interactions of cis-13-docosenol (C13D), a key component of Jojoba oil, with innate immune cells were analysed. By meticulously examining the interactions between C13D and critical elements of the innate immune system, including monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DC), we aim to uncover the immunomodulatory properties of this compound. In experiments with THP-1 cells and DC, low doses of C13D were found to elevate pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β to levels comparable to those induced by LPS. Furthermore, modulation of T cell stimulation by monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDC) previously treated with C13D resulted in increased T cell proliferation, likely due to the enhanced activation of surface markers. This detailed exploration into the effects of C13D on innate immune cells not only deepens our understanding of Jojoba oil's therapeutic potential but also establishes a foundation for future advancements in immunology and biotechnology.
Depression as a mediator in diabetes-related cardiovascular disease and mortality: a multi-dimension analysis from NHANES
Authors: Ma Biao , Deng Xiaoqi , He Jie , Jiao Lan , Fu Yufan , Liu Dichuan
Published: August 2024

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and depression exhibit intricate connections. This study investigates depression's mediating effect in the relationship between DM and CVD progression, as well as mortality.
MethodsUtilizing data from the 2005-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we employed multi-variable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models to assess DM's association with CVD and mortality. Sobel tests were conducted to analyze depression's mediation in the diabetes-CVD and mortality link, with subgroup analyses examining heterogeneity in mediation effects.
Results DM elevates CVD and mortality risks. Depression significantly mediates the association between DM and heart failure, coronary artery disease, stroke, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality (indirect effect p-values<0.05), contributing 2.96%, 2.27%, 5.19%, 6.43%, and 8.37%, respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed stronger mediation in older and female populations for diabetes-induced CVD risk, while this effect was reduced among Non-Hispanic Asians and other racial.
ConclusionThis study reinforces DM's significant association with CVD and mortality, highlighting depression's pivotal mediation role, which varies by gender, age, and race. These findings underscore the importance of considering demographic and ethnic disparities in managing depression to mitigate CVD risk among DM patients.
Health action process approach, the effect of a model exercise intervention on muscle strength and somatic function in patients with sarcopenic gastrointestinal tumors
Authors: Tong Li , Weihong Zhang , Wei Zhang , Hongli Yang , Dan Yang , Fengmei Xing , Changyou Wang , Jie Cheng , Guimei Jiao , Xueyou Chang , Xiaoguang Wang , Xinhong Xue , Na Zhu
Published: August 2024

Purpose: To investigate the effects of an exercise intervention based on a healthy action process orientation model (Health Action Process Approach, [HAPA]) on muscle strength and body function in middle-aged and elderly patients with gastrointestinal tumors.
Methods: A control group (52 patients) and an intervention group (52 patients) from the North China University of Science and Technology were selected. The control group received routine perioperative exercise instructions, whereas the intervention group received a perioperative exercise regimen for middle-aged and elderly patients with gastrointestinal tumor sarcopenia based on the HAPA. Differences in muscle strength and somatic function were compared between the two groups.
Results: Fifty-two patients in the control group and 50 in the intervention group completed the study. No significant difference was observed between grip strength in the intervention group and time or interaction effects (P<0.05). Body function score (short physical performance battery) was not significantly different between groups, but the time effect was significant (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the psoas muscle index before (P>0.05) and after the intervention (P<0.001) in the control group.
Conclusion: A perioperative exercise regimen based on the HAPA model could increase muscle strength and body function in middle-aged and elderly patients with gastrointestinal tumors and delay the progression of sarcopenia.
Spray-Induced Gene Silencing against Rice Blast Disease Targeting Dicer-like Protein 2 (DCL2) of Pyricularia oryzae
Authors: Pushpanjie Kalupahana , Hong Lau Wei , Saad Norsazilawati Saad , Jin Hailing , Wong Mui-Yun
Published: August 2024

Rice blast is a devastating disease, caused by the fungal pathogen, Pyricularia oryzae. RNA interference (RNAi) is a novel crop protection method that could control rice blast disease. In this study, dsRNA (PyDCL2–863 bp) was synthesized for silencing of DCL2 transcript of P. oryzae and its efficacy was evaluated. Using slide culture method, P. oryzae mycelial growth was evaluated under different concentrations of PyDCL2-dsRNA molecules i.e. from 0.1 to 10 ng/µl. After 24 hours of incubation, microscopic observations showed abnormal growth with high hyphae branching and vesicle formation in P. oryzae of 10 ng/µl dsRNA-treated slide culture. Disease severity caused by P. oryzae on rice leaves was compared using the detached leaf method with different PyDCL2-dsRNA concentrations, i.e. from 0.1 to 10 ng/µl. It was found that a 10 ng/µl concentration of dsRNA molecules reduced rice blast disease severity by up to 13%. Under glasshouse conditions, PyDCL2-dsRNA was sprayed at 10 ng/µl concentration on rice plants at three-week-old seedlings and disease reduction of rice blast disease was 35.11% six days after dsRNA application compared to unsprayed control. In glasshouse trial, the dsRNA solution with 10 ng/µl concentration was able to perform gene silencing on DCL2 in P. oryzae until 3 days after application. These findings showed a potential for PyDCL2-dsRNA to be developed as a new biofungicide using RNAi-mediated approach for a sustainable disease management of rice blast.
Clinico-pathological factors and 18 F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters for prediction of progression-free survival in Radioiodine Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Phuong Nguyen Thi , Son Mai Hong , Thong Mai Huy , Ha Le Ngoc
Published: August 2024

Objective
Identifying prognostic markers for clinical outcomes is crucial for selecting appropriate treatment options for patients with radioiodine-refractory (RAI-R) differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of clinico-pathological features and quantitative 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters in predicting progression-free survival (PFS) in DTC patients with RAI-R.
Patients and Methods
: This prospective cohort study included 110 consecutive RAI-R DTC patients referred for 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. The maximum lesion SUV (Standard Uptake Value: SUVmax, SUVmean, SULpeak), total metabolic tumor volume (tMTV), and total lesion glycolysis (tTLG) were measured. Disease progression was assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 and/or Positron Emission Tomography Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (PERCIST) criteria. PFS curves were plotted using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were conducted to determine the prognostic factors for PFS.
Results
18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters have predictive value for PFS in RAI-R DTC patients, with sensitivity ranging from 70.7–81% and specificity from 75–92.3% (p < 0.001). PFS was worse in patients with SUVmax > 6.39 g/ml, SUVmean > 3.68 g/ml, SULpeak > 3.14 g/ml, tTLG > 4.23 g/ml × cm³, and tMTV > 1240 ml. Clinico-pathological factors age > 55, aggressive variant and follicular histological subtype, extra-thyroidal extension of the primary tumor, stage III – IV disease at initial DTC dianogsis, distant metastases on 18F-FDG PET/CT findings, and metabolic parameters of 18F-FDG PET/CT associate with PFS in univariate analysis (p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, extra-thyroidal extension (HR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.22–4.16; p = 0.01), distant metastases on 18F-FDG PET/CT (HR: 2.98; 95%CI: 1.62–5.5; p = 0.000), and tMTV > 1240 ml (HR: 4.17; 95% CI: 2.02–8.6; p = 0.000), were independent prognostic factors for PFS.
Conclusions
In addition to classic clinico-pathological factors, the quantitative 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters can be used for dynamic risk stratification for progression in RAI-R DTC patients. Furthermore, extra-thyroidal extension of the primary tumor, distant metastases, and tMTV > 1240 ml are independent prognosticators for PFS.
Exposure and Survival of Wild Raptors During the 2022-2023 Highly Pathogenic Influenza A Virus Outbreak
Authors: Rayment Kelsey M. , Franzen-Klein Dana , Kurimo-Beechuk Elizabeth , Poulson Rebecca L. , Brown Justin , Mendoza Kristelle , Etterson Matthew , Nicoletti Frank , Cardona Carol , Stallknecht David E. , Hall Victoria
Published: August 2024

The global outbreak of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 highly pathogenic influenza A virus (HP H5N1) has had an unprecedented impact on wild birds including raptors, but long-term population impacts have not been addressed. To determine if raptors survive infections with HP H5N1, raptors from the upper Midwest United States were serologically tested for antibodies to influenza A virus (IAV), H5 and N1. Raptors were sampled at The Raptor Center’s (University of Minnesota) wildlife rehabilitation hospital and at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory. Samples were tested for IAV antibodies using a commercially available blocking ELISA, with positive samples tested for antibodies to H5 and N1. Antibodies to IAV were detected in 86 individuals representing 7 species. Antibodies to H5 and N1 were detected in 60 individuals representing 6 species. Bald eagles had the highest seroprevalence with 67/97 (69.1%) seropositive for IAV and 52 of these 67 (77.6%) testing positive for antibodies to both H5 and N1. Prevalence of antibodies to IAV observed in this study was higher than reported from raptors sampled in this same region in 2012. The high prevalence of antibodies to H5 and N1 indicates a higher survival rate post-HP H5N1 infection in raptors than previously believed.
Stent-assisted coil embolization of ruptured vertebral artery dissected aneurysm with severe stenosis of bilateral vertebral artery V4 segment by the Transmountain technique: a case report and review of the literatures
Authors: Hao Guangzhi , Zhang Zijun , Han Yuwei , Huan Yu , Dong Yushu , Zhao Haiyang , Liang Guobiao
Published: August 2024

A 46-year-old woman presented with acute head and neck pain for 10 hours. Head CT showed subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) identified a ruptured dissected aneurysm of the right vertebral artery with severe artery stenosis. Moreover, an unruptured dissecting aneurysm and severe vascular stenosis were also found in the left vertebral artery. How to deal with ruptured bleeding aneurysm and prophylactically deal with contralateral unruptured dissecting aneurysm and the stenosis of the vertebral artery has become a thorny problem. By adopting the Transmountain technique, we used a single Enterprise-2 stent to cover the neck of the right ruptured vertebral artery dissection aneurysm and the severe stenosis of the distal vessel, while bypassing the vertebrobasilar artery junction to continue covering the severe stenosis and the unruptured dilated dissection of the contralateral vertebral artery. This new stent-assisted approach may provide a reference for clinicians in the treatment of complex dissection aneurysms.
Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria Clearance Patterns in the respiratory tract of lung transplant recipients: a single-center prospective observational study
Authors: Liang Qiqiang , Zheng Xiangxin , Li Xiaoxia , Chen Juan , Mai Shixiong , Ding Shuo , Xu Zhijiang , Huang Man
Published: August 2024

Background
The regularity of colonization duration of respiratory carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria (CRGNB) for lung transplant patients has been less studied.
Objectives
to find the role of colonization duration with CRGNB one year after lung transplantation.
Methods
This single-center prospective observational study focused on patients discharged from the hospital after lung transplantation from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid culture was performed to determine whether CRGNB were present at each visit. Clinical data were collected to assess the carriage status and survival rate of patients with CRGNB carriage.
Results
The total number of patients who completed the final follow-up was 174 with 74 patients being CRGNB carriers and 102 patients without CRGNB carriage. CRGNB carriage has significantly more complications during follow-up than the control group, including viral infection, fungal infection, anastomotic complications, etc., which increases the incidence of CRGNB infection during follow-up and leads to a higher 1-year mortality rate. There are 69 (93.2%) patients who turned negative for CRGNB carriage during the one year. The trend rate of CRGNB clearance is fast at first 3 months and the clearance rate in 3 months is 45.9%. There are obvious differences in clearance rates between different bacteria, with the slowest of CRKP.
Conclusion
Respiratory CRGNB clearance can be achieved 1 year after discharge for lung transplant recipient. Respiratory CRGNB carriage after discharge have higher rates of infection and one-year mortality.
Synthesis and Characterization of Cellulose Nanocrystals from Alkali- Pretreated Parthenium hysterophorus with Adsorption Kinetic Studies
Authors: Gautam Divya , Walia Yogesh Kumar , Rana Vishal
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) derived from Parthenium hysterophorus biomass through acid hydrolysis. Nanocellulose, a versatile nanomaterial sourced from renewable biomass, exhibits exceptional properties suitable for various applications. Acid hydrolysis of cellulose extracted from Parthenium resulted in a significant increase in crystallinity, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), with the nanocellulose exhibiting a crystallinity index of 77%. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that acid hydrolysis resulted in the alteration of the fibrous and coiled structure of cellulose, resulting in the formation of spherical CNCs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of CNC revealed an average diameter of approximately 36-79 nm, demonstrating the impact of acid hydrolysis on morphology. Further characterization using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the preservation of cellulose chemical structure, while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed improved thermal stability of the nanocellulose compared to raw biomass post-processing. Zeta potential analysis highlighted strong colloidal stability with a highly negative surface charge (-28.9 ± 6.18 mV), essential for applications requiring dispersion stability. In adsorption studies, the synthesized nanocellulose effectively removed 75% of MG dye from aqueous solutions at room temperature, following pseudo 2nd order kinetics. This research underscores the potential of Parthenium-derived nanocellulose in sustainable materials applications, leveraging invasive weed biomass for eco-friendly nanomaterial production. The findings contribute to advancing sustainable materials research by demonstrating the utility of Parthenium biomass for value-added nanomaterial production, specifically highlighting the enhanced properties and effective adsorption capabilities of the synthesized nanocellulose.
Chatting with Pythons: using ChatGPT and Python computer code to screen abstracts for systematic literature reviews in complex disciplines
Authors: Mudd Alexandra , Conroy Tiffany , Voldbjerg Siri , Goldschmied Anita , Schuwirth Lambert
Published: August 2024

Literature reviews are essential to scientific research; but abstract screening is time intensive, subject to human error and is a non-creative task, arguably impeding research development. Publicly available generative AI is revolutionising human activity creating new opportunities alongside new challenges for academic research. Studies have illustrated the power of AI in abstract screening for discrete exact science projects. However, individual researchers or small research teams, may lack the skills to independently use AI tools in a systematic, reproducible, transparent, and expandable manner. Also, AI’s capabilities to explore complex human activity is unclear. Here we demonstrate ChatGPT’s abilities to screen abstracts examining complex problems intersecting education, language, and human activity, in a manner that is systematic, reproducible, and transparent. We further demonstrate how coding-naïve researchers can use publicly available education in AI prompt engineering and Python computer coding using ChatGPT as a knowledgeable companion alongside assistance from interdisciplinary colleagues to use ChatGPT effectively. The result is an efficient first-line screening tool for academic researchers. We share our publicly available Python computer coding script with interdisciplinary colleagues to facilitate their exploration with AI as a screening tool.
The changes of hemoglobin-to-red cell distribution width ratio in patients after blood transfusion
Authors: Gao Li , Chen Keda , Lu Genjie , Yu Qilin , Chen Wei
Published: August 2024

The hemoglobin-to-red cell distribution width ratio (HRR) is a newly proposed composite parameter for the prognosis evaluation of tumor patients in recent years. Since hemoglobin (Hb) and Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) are significantly affected by the transfusion of allogeneic red blood cells, in order to explore the impact of blood transfusion on HRR, we retrospectively analyzed all patients who applied for one bag (1.5U) of leukocyte-reduced suspended red blood cells during their admission in Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital from January 2023 to December 2023. Observe the changes of HRR before blood transfusion (T0), 1 day after blood transfusion (T1), 7 days after blood transfusion (T2), 15 days after blood transfusion (T3), and 30 days after blood transfusion (T4). The study found that Hb and HRR continued to increase after blood transfusion until they reached the maximum at T4, and RDW also increased immediately after blood transfusion and reached the peak at T3. In the multivariate analysis of HRR, it was discovered that tumor was an influencing factor of HRR(T0). After blood transfusion, the influencing factor of HRR at T1 and T2 were Hb (T0) and RDW (T0), and at T3 and T4, they were Hb (T0), RDW (T0), and Fe. Overall, the HRR value increased significantly after blood transfusion and reached the maximum at 30 days after blood transfusion. The influencing factors of HRR after blood transfusion were mainly HB (T0) and RDW (T0).
Prediction of Tumor Spread Through Air Spaces with an Automatic Segmentation Deep Learning Model in Peripheral Stage I Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Cong , Wang Yu-feng , Gong Ping , Xue Xiu-Qing , Zhao Hong-Ying , Qian Hui , Jia Chao , Li Xiao-Feng
Published: August 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical applicability of deep learning (DL) models based on automatic segmentation in preoperatively predicting tumor spread through air spaces (STAS) in peripheral stage I lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).
Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from patients who underwent surgical treatment for lung tumors from January 2022 to December 2023. An external validation set was introduced to assess the model's generalizability. The study utilized conventional radiomic features and DL models for comparison. ROI segmentation was performed using the VNet architecture, and DL models were developed with transfer learning and optimization techniques. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of our models via calibration curves, decision curve analysis, and ROC curves.
Results: The DL model based on automatic segmentation achieved an AUC of 0.880 (95% CI 0.780-0.979), outperforming the conventional radiomics model with an AUC of 0.833 (95% CI 0.707-0.960). The DL model demonstrated superior performance in both internal validation and external testing cohorts. Calibration curves, decision curve analysis, and ROC curves confirmed the enhanced diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of the DL approach.
Conclusion: The DL model based on automatic segmentation technology shows significant promise in preoperatively predicting STAS in peripheral stage I LUAD, surpassing traditional radiomics models in diagnostic accuracy and clinical applicability.
Are viral loads in the febrile phase a predictive factor of dengue disease severity?
Authors: Dayarathna Shashika , Kuruppu Heshan , Silva Tehani , Gomes Laksiri , Shyamali N. L. Ajantha , Jeewandara Chandima , Ariyaratne Dinuka , Ramu Shyrar Tanussiya , Wijewickrama Ananda , Ogg Graham S. , Malavige Gathsaurie Neelika
Published: August 2024

Background: As many studies have shown conflicting results regarding the extent of viraemia and clinical disease severity, we sought to investigate if viraemia during early dengue illness is associated with subsequent clinical disease severity.
Methods: Realtime PCR was carried out to identify the dengue virus (DENV serotype), in 362 patients, presenting within the first 4 days of illness, from 2017 to 2022, in Colombo Sri Lanka. To characterize subsequent clinical disease severity, all patients were followed throughout their illness daily and disease severity classified according to WHO 1997 and 2009 disease classification.
Results: 263 patients had DF, 99 progressed to develop DHF, and 15/99 with DHF developed shock (DSS). Although the viral loads were higher in the febrile phase in patients who progressed to develop DHF than in patients with DF this was not significant (p=0.5). Significant differences were observed in viral loads in patients infected with different DENV serotypes (p=0.0009), with lowest viral loads detected in DENV2 and the highest viral loads in DENV3. Sub-analysis for association of viraemia with disease severity for each DENV serotyped was again not significant. Although those infected with DENV2 had lower viral loads, infection with DENV2 was significantly associated with a higher risk of developing DHF (p=0.011, Odds ratio 1.9; 95% CI 1.164 to 3.078). Based on the WHO 2009 disease classification, 233 had dengue with warning signs (DWW), 114 dengue without warning signs (DWoWS), and 15 had severe dengue (SD). No significant difference was observed in the viral loads between those with SD, DWW and DWoWS (p=0.27).
Conclusions: Viral loads were significantly different in the febrile phase between different DENV serotypes, and do not appear to significantly associate with subsequent clinical disease severity in a large Sri Lankan cohort.
Optimized Design and Economical Analysis of Eco-Sponge water-logging Prevention System for Converter Stations
Authors: Wan Zhengdong , WU Liangzheng , Huang Yan
Published: August 2024

Converter station has the characteristics of high portion of hardening area, less green area and more high-voltage special equipment and facilities. An efficient coordination between water-logging prevention in the converter station area and environmental pollutants control is of great difficulty for design. So it is necessary to carry out sponge transformation in the converter station and set up ecological storage facilities. Based on the underlying surface condition and rainfall data of a large converter station park, multiple combined LID (Low Impact Development) facilities, such as permeable pavement and sunken green space, were constructed in the station area. In addition, the inundation area caused by runoff will create a natural anoxic area, combined with the aerobic area on the surface of the facility, the denitrification and nitrogen removal capacity of the system will be enhanced, effectively removing nitrogen pollution in runoff, and strengthening the nitrogen removal effect of conditional stormwater runoff. SWMM model is used to calculate the total runoff control rate and the pollutant reduction rate of drainage outlet. According to the simulation results, the stormwater management ability of the sponge reconstruction measures was assessed, and the economic benefit of the qualified reconstruction schemes was evaluated by AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process).