bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of refractive errors, amblyopia, strabismus, and low vision among hearing-impaired and deaf students in Kermanshah
Authors: Kangari Haleh , Majd Amir Etemadi , Broumand Mohammad Ghasemi , Tabatabaee Seyed Mehdi
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim: Refractive errors, amblyopia, strabismus, and low vision are more common among children with hearing impairments in comparison with their hearing peers. Neglecting visual disorders can pose educational and social problems for these children. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of refractive errors, amblyopia, strabismus, and low vision among hearing-impaired and deaf students in Kermanshah.
Materials and Methods: A total of 79 deaf and hearing impaired students within the age range of 7-20 years (man age of 15.01±2.72) underwent optometric examinations, including autorefractometry, retinoscopy, ophthalmoscopy, slit lamp, visual acuity measurement, and cover-uncover test. Those who needed further evaluation were referred to the Ophthalmology Clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital.
Results: Regarding the prevalence of refractive errors, 32 (40.5%) subjects had one or a combination of refractive errors, the most common of which was astigmatism (36.7%), followed by amblyopia (15.1%). The most common type of strabismus was latent strabismus (heterophoria) (88.6%), followed by esophoria (81%). Moreover, 3 (3.7%) cases had nystagmus. A significant difference was observed between the prevalence of amblyopia and the degree of hearing loss (P=0.026), and no significant difference was detected in other cases.
Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, refractive errors, amblyopia, strabismus, and low vision are more prevalent among deaf and hearing-impaired children compared to normal children. In light of the fact that deaf and hearing-impaired children are not able to convey their vision problems and need to compensate for their poor hearing with an enhanced sense of sight, inattention to these disorders can present these children with serious educational and social problems. Therefore, eye screening examinations are of paramount importance in deaf and hearing-impaired children.
The Impact of Somatic Symptoms on kinesiophobia after Esophagectomy among Cancer Patients: The Mediating Roles of Intrusive Rumination and Avoidant Coping
Authors: Hu Jinxiu , Zhang Xiaomin , Fang Tingting , Zhang Hui , Kang Ningning , Han Jiangying
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Cancer patients who undergo esophagectomy are prone to developing kinesiophobia, which adversely affects their disease prognosis and quality of life. Somatic symptoms are closely related to kinesiophobia, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the chain-mediation roles of intrusive rumination and avoidant coping in the relationship between somatic symptoms and kinesiophobia in cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in China from February 2023 to December 2023. A total of 279 postesophagectomy cancer patients were evaluated using the Symptom Check List 90 (SCL-90), Event Related Rumination Inventory (ERRI), Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ), and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11).
Results
Kinesiophobia was significantly positively correlated with somatic symptoms, intrusive rumination, and avoidant coping(P < 0.01). Somatic symptoms had a direct impact on kinesiophobia[B = 0.280, 95%CI(0.202, 0.359)]. Furthermore, somatic symptoms could also indirectly affect kinesiophobia through the separate mediating effects of intrusive rumination[B = 0.197, 95%CI(0.139 0.257)] and avoidant coping[B = 0.045, 95%CI(0.016, 0.085)], as well as through the chain-mediated effects of intrusive rumination-avoidant coping[B = 0.023, 95%CI(0.011, 0.041)].
Conclusions
This study suggested that health care professionals can prevent the occurrence of kinesiophobia in postesophagectomy cancer patients by alleviating somatic symptoms, altering patients' intrusive rumination patterns, and guiding patients to actively cope with the disease.
Soil Temperature, Environment, and Moisture Monitoring Network - A low-cost sensing network for Alabama
Authors: Perlaky Nick , Ellenburg W. Lee , Nair Udaysankar , Klein Nick , Solomon Michael B.
Published: June 2024

In order to bolster drought assessment and forecasting capabilities in Alabama, The University of Alabama in Huntsville has developed a network of rapidly-deployable, low-cost soil moisture, temperature, and environment monitoring stations (STEMMNet). This network provides near-real-time transmission of in-situ sensed, high temporal resolution soil data, offering an extension beyond climatological analysis into operational use. Stations are manufactured using commercially available, inexpensive hardware and use low-cost sensors which demonstrated comparable accuracy when evaluated against an existing research-grade soil moisture network. Months of testing in a variety of environments allowed for several system optimizations, yielding a robust network with a high uptime. Collaborations with outside agencies including Alabama Forestry and select National Weather Service offices proved the versatility and need for this network. This study aims to outline the design process, data flow, lab and comparative performance analysis, network design, and outcomes of STEMMNet. Overall, the network has performed well and demonstrates the ability to obtain high quality soil data from a low-cost, minimal footprint, rapidly-deployable station.
Primary prophylaxis with G-CSF for patients with non-round cell soft tissue sarcomas: a systematic review for the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Use of G-CSF 2022 of the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology
Authors: Hirose Takeshi , Ito Mamoru , Tsuchihashi Kenji , Ozaki Yukinori , Nishio Hiroshi , Ichihara Eiki , Miura Yuji , Yano Shingo , Maruyama Dai , Yoshinami Tetsuhiro , Susumu Nobuyuki , Takekuma Munetaka , Motohashi Takashi , Baba Eishi , Ochi Nobuaki , Kubo Toshio , Uchino Keita , Kimura Takahiro , Kamiyama Yutaro , Nakao Shinji , Tamura Shinobu , Nishimoto Hitomi , Kato Yasuhisa , Sato Atsushi , Takano Toshimi , Endo Makoto
Published: June 2024

Background: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF) is an essential supportive agent for chemotherapy-induced severe myelosuppression. We proposed two clinical questions (CQ): CQ #1, “Does primary prophylaxis with G-CSF benefit chemotherapy for non-round cell soft tissue sarcoma (NRC-STS)?” and CQ #2, “Does G-CSF-based intensified chemotherapy improve NRC-STS treatment outcomes?” for the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Use of G-CSF 2022 of the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology.
Methods: A literature search was performed on the primary prophylactic use of G-CSF for NRC-STSs. Two reviewers assessed the extracted papers and analyzed overall survival, incidence of febrile neutropenia, infection-related mortality, quality of life, and pain.
Results: Eighty-one and 154 articles were extracted from the literature search for CQs #1 and #2, respectively. After the first and second screening, one and two articles were included in the final evaluation, respectively. Only some studies have addressed these two clinical questions through a literature review.
Conclusions: The clinical questions were converted to future research questions because of insufficient available data. The statements were proposed: "The benefit of primary G-CSF prophylaxis is not clear in NRC-STS" and “The benefit of intensified chemotherapy with primary G-CSF prophylaxis is not clear in NRC-STSs.” G-CSF is often administered as primary prophylaxis when chemotherapy with severe myelosuppression is administered. However, its effectiveness and safety are yet to be scientifically proven.
Exploiting of pipazethate HCL as a plant activator targeting a salicylic acid pathway in rice for blast fungus Pyricularia oryzae resistance
Authors: Salman Elgaly K. , Ghoniem Kamal E. , Badr Elsayedalaa S. , Arafa Ramadan A. , Das Kallol , Emeran Amero A.
Published: June 2024

Globally, blast disease in rice is one of the most important challenges limiting affected on rice crop productivity. Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) has been broadly investigated in a variety of plant species for enhancing inner resistance to various phytopathogens. The present study aimed to investigate the potential impact of pipazethate HCL as a substance of SAR against Pyricularia oryzae in rice. The obtained results showed that pipazethate HCL has no effectiveness of P. oryzae on liner growth with various concentrations in vitro. However, it significantly improved the level of resistance to rice blast fungus under greenhouse conditions with low and high concentrations under greenhouse conditions. Furthermore, pipazethate HCL, salicylic acid, and tricyclazole 75% are significantly decreasing the number of spores produced on infected rice lesions. Additionally, pipazethate HCL activates some salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway indicators such as OsWRKY45 and OsNPR1, but jasmonic acid (JA) pathways such as AOS2, JAMYB, and PBZ1 (OsPR10) are not clear. The results suggested that pipazethate HCL is a salicylic acid analog against blast disease in rice inducing SAR that might be interrelated with the defense pathways of SA.
Enhancing Patient-Specific Quality Assurance in Carbon-Ion Radiation Therapy: A Novel Method for Recalculating Delivered Dose Distribution Using Log Data
Authors: Yun Yongdo , Han Min Cheol , Kim Changhwan , Hong Chae-Seon , Kim Dong Wook , Lee Ho , Kim Hojin , Han Soorim , Souda Hikaru , Lee Sung Hyun , Miyasaka Yuya , Iwai Takeo , Kim Jin Sung
Published: June 2024

Log data from radiation treatment machines can play a crucial role in quality assurance by enabling the recalculation of the delivered dose distribution and identification of deviations in treatment delivery. This paper proposes a novel method for recalculating the delivered dose distribution in carbon-ion radiation therapy (CIRT) using log data. The proposed approach leverages existing functionality in commercial treatment planning systems, thus, eliminating the need for specialized in-house software for dose calculation and evaluation. The performed tests entail data generation from actual log files using the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine standard, biological dose calculations, and gamma evaluations. The log-based approach demonstrated notable advantages, including improved time efficiency and the ability to calculate three-dimensional biological doses. By recalculating the delivered dose distributions, our method improves quality assurance accuracy in CIRT. It complements conventional measurement-based patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) methods, serving as a valuable addition to the arsenal of tools available for treatment evaluation. We believe that our method has the potential to enhance the efficacy of PSQA and contribute significantly to the advancement of CIRT, thereby reinforcing the ongoing evolution of particle therapy.
The Role of Early PSA Response After Abiraterone Treatment for Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yang Zhi-Hao , Liu Hui-Ying , Chang Yin-Lun , Wang Hung-Jen , Chuang Yao-Chi , Chen Yen-Ta , Shen Yuan-Chi , Liu Yi-Yang , Wu Yen-Ting , Luo Hao-Lun
Published: June 2024

Background
Novel hormone agents (NHAs), such as Abiraterone, offer an alternative treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) but often result in secondary resistance. Among prostate cancer biomarkers, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the most researched and correlates with survival outcomes. This study aims to assess the initial PSA response to Abiraterone in mCRPC patients and its impact on survival, using data from the Chang Gung Research Database across four tertiary referral centers in Taiwan.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study analyzed mCRPC patients who underwent abiraterone treatment from Chang Gung Research Database including the data of four major medical centers in Taiwan. The treatment involved 1000 mg of abiraterone daily and 5 mg of prednisolone twice daily over 90-day cycles, with regular monitoring of PSA levels and tumor assessments.
Results
This study examined 295 mCRPC patients undergoing abiraterone treatment, with a median follow-up of 54.7 months. Patients were divided into pre-chemotherapy (pre-chemo) and post-chemotherapy (post-chemo) groups, with median overall survival (OS) of 13.4 months and 25 months, respectively. Patients were further classified into PSA90 and non-PSA90 groups based on a 90% decrease in PSA levels. In the pre-chemo group, 14% achieved PSA90, which was associated with improved survival outcomes. In the post-chemo group, 44% reached PSA90, also correlating with better survival, fewer bone lesions, and less high-risk patients.
Conclusions
This study highlights the predictive value of a 90% decline in PSA levels within the initial three months of treatment for oncological outcomes in patients with mCRPC receiving abiraterone in chemotherapy-naïve patients and those who had previously received chemotherapy.
Machine Learning-Driven Strategies for Enhanced Pediatric Wheezing Detection
Authors: Moon Hye Jeong , Ji Hyunmin , Kim Baek Seung , Kim Beom Joon , Kim Kyunghoon
Published: June 2024

Background
Auscultation is a critical diagnostic feature of lung diseases, but it is subjective and challenging to measure accurately. To overcome these limitations, artificial intelligence models have been developed.
Methods
In this prospective study, we aimed to compare respiratory sound feature extraction methods to develop an optimal machine learning model for detecting wheezing in children. Pediatric pulmonologists recorded and verified 103 instances of wheezing and 184 other respiratory sounds in 76 children. Various methods were used for sound feature extraction, and dimensions were reduced using t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE). The performance of models in wheezing detection was evaluated using a kernel support vector machine (SVM).
Results
The duration of recordings in the wheezing and non-wheezing groups were 89.36 ± 39.51 ms and 63.09 ± 27.79 ms, respectively. The Mel-spectrogram, Mel-frequency Cepstral Coefficient (MFCC), and spectral contrast achieved the best expression of respiratory sounds and showed good performance in cluster classification. The SVM model using spectral contrast exhibited the best performance, with an accuracy, precision, recall, and F-1 score of 0.897, 0.800, 0.952, and 0.869, respectively.
Conclusion
Mel-spectrograms, MFCC, and spectral contrast are effective for characterizing respiratory sounds in children. A machine learning model using spectral contrast demonstrated high detection performance, indicating its potential utility in ensuring accurate diagnosis of pediatric respiratory diseases.
Investigating the eco-friendly extracts of Salvia pratensis L. for sustainable agricultural applications
Authors: Grulova Daniela , Baranová Beata , Eliašová Adriana , Brun Christelle , De Martino Laura , Caputo Lucia , Poračová Janka , Nastišin Ľuboš , Fejér Jozef , Elshafie Hazem , De Feo Vincenzo , Končná Mária
Published: June 2024

Salvia pratensis L. extracts boast a rich history in the food, cosmetic, and perfume industries. This study focuses on analyzing the chemical composition of S. pratensis, with emphasis on their phenolic, flavonoid, and rosmarinic acid content. Additionally, the research aims to assess the phytotoxic and antioxidant activities of S. pratensis extracts prepared using a 60 °C water bath and a Soxhlet extractor with different solvents: water, 10%, 30% and 70% alcoholic solutions. The highest dry mass was obtained for the water extract prepared in a water bath at 60 °C. The extraction method significantly impacted the quantity of phenols in the extracts. The extract prepared with 30% alcohol exhibited a notably higher concentration, with 148.4 mg/g DM (dry mass) of total phenols, compared to the aqueous extract which contained only 91.1 mg/g DM. The most evident DPPH• activity was noted in the 30% alcohol extract (DPPH• IC50 = 15.6 µg/mL DM), while the lowest activity was in the water extract (DPPH• IC50 = 37.1 µg/mL DM). The Soxhlet extract prepared with 10% ethanol demonstrated the highest efficacy in phytotoxic activity. In summary, S. pratensis appears to be a promising natural reservoir of secondary metabolites, suggesting potential herbicidal effects.
Sacral neuromodulation for Organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: a case report
Authors: Han Junjie , Zhao Dingliang , Feng Shuqiang , Yang Xuesong , Wang Yinchun , Dong Zhenhua , Sun Zhao , Deng Ziyuan , Zhang Yi , Li Ranwei
Published: June 2024

Background: Organophosphate-Induced Delayed Neuropathy (OPIDN) is a rare neurological disorder triggered by exposure to organophosphorus compounds. These compounds exert their neurotoxic effects by impacting the nervous system, leading to systemic manifestations. Urinary system symptoms are infrequently observed in clinical settings. Currently, effective therapeutic interventions for OPIDN-related urinary symptoms are lacking. Sacral nerve modulation therapy, an FDA-approved approach for managing lower urinary tract symptomatology, presents as a promising way. Herein, we present a case of OPIDN-induced lower urinary tract obstruction successfully treated with sacral nerve modulation therapy, resulting in substantial symptom relief.
Case report: a 27-year-old male patient. He presented with severe bilateral hydronephrosis, attributed to low bladder compliance and accompanied by a fever persisting for 6 days. The patient's medical history revealed accidental ingestion of organophosphate pesticide (Dimethoate) with no concomitant underlying diseases. In consideration of the potential for OPIDN, surgical intervention in the form of sacral nerve I modulation was undertaken. Subsequent evaluation one month post-surgery revealed notable improvements in both bladder compliance and bilateral hydronephrosis, necessitating sacral nerve II surgery. Presently, following a 5-month follow-up period, the patient remains asymptomatic and in favorable health.
Conclusion: This patient achieved long-term relief using Sacral neuromodulation.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis and left ventricular thrombus: A series of three cases
Authors: Wang Rui , Li Guang , Luo Jianfang , Dong Haojian
Published: June 2024

Background
The presence of left ventricular thrombus has long been regarded as a contraindication for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS). However, these patients often present with compromised cardiac function and face significant surgical risks, making TAVR a last-resort option. Currently, there are limited reports of TAVR being performed in such cases.
Case presentation:
We present three cases of severe aortic valve stenosis, all of which occurred in patients with end-stage heart failure. Ultrasound assessments revealed a marked decrease in the left ventricular ejection fraction and the presence of left ventricular thrombi. The first patient underwent TAVR via carotid artery access with ECMO assistance, while the remaining two patients underwent conventional TAVR via femoral artery access. All procedures were successfully completed without postoperative thrombotic events. Subsequent follow-up demonstrated significant improvements in cardiac function compared to baseline, accompanied by a reduction or complete resolution of left ventricular thrombi.
Conclusions
We present a series of three successful TAVR procedures without embolic events, despite the presence of left ventricular thrombus. Concurrently, this is the first report of the use of the carotid artery route for the TAVR procedure in such patients.
Structural and Physicochemical Characters of Starch Isolated from Tubers of an Aquatic Plant Aponogeton natans using modern analytical tools
Authors: Dash Sujit , Sahoo Amaresh Chandra , Sahoo Prabhat Kumar , Sinhamahapatra Prabir Kumar , Banerjee Mrityunjay
Published: June 2024

Background: Aponogeton natans, an aquatic floating plant belonging to the family Aponogetonaceae, is endemic to India. Its tubers have been traditionally consumed by various tribal communities in India, either raw or after processing.
Materials and Methods: The starch was extracted from the tubers of Aponogeton natans, and its physicochemical properties were analyzed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
Results: The tubers of Aponogeton natans yielded 77.4% starch, of which 87.6% was amylose. SEM analysis revealed that the starch granules were spherical with a smooth surface. The zeta potential value indicated good colloidal stability. The XRD and DSC analyses confirmed the presence of B-type starch polymorphs.
Conclusion: Aponogeton natans could serve as an important dietary source of starch due to its high amylose content, which contributes to increased retrogradation and resistant starch formation. The study suggests potential applications of this starch in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries, owing to its unique properties.
Chatbot or Humanaut? How the Source of
Advice Impacts Behavior in One-shot Social
Dilemmas
Authors: Babin J. Jobu , Chauhan Haritima
Published: June 2024

This paper explores how the source of advice – human or generative AI (genAI)
– impacts behavior in three classic social dilemmas. Utilizing a novel experiment,
we show that, when it comes to prosociality, the source of advice matters. Players
preferred human advice over that from genAI and were more willing to pay for
it. Prosocial behavior was more prevalent when players received human advice,
increasing cooperation in stag hunts and driving contributions in public goods and
dictator games. Potential explanations include genAI’s empathy limitations and
potential moral wiggle room. Leveraging natural language processing advances
through large language models topic modeling, we demonstrate that the advice
corpora differ significantly. Human advice was more objective, specific, intuitive,
and norm-oriented; genAI offered reasoning and targeted concepts of risk. We
propose that the adoption of genAI technologies should include an investment in
human connectivity and organizational input with a goal of the constrained agency.
Triadic shared decision making in emergency psychiatry: an explorative study
Authors: Asperen G. C. Roselie van , Wierdsma A. I. , Winter R. F. P. , Mulder C. L.
Published: June 2024

Background
This study aims to understand the complex triadic shared decision-making process in psychiatric emergency services, focusing on the choice between inpatient and outpatient care post-triage. It also identify scenarios where patient or significant others’ preferences override clinical judgment.
Methods
Conducted in the greater Rotterdam area, Netherlands, this explorative study surveyed patient and significant others’ preferences for voluntary or involuntary admission versus outpatient treatment, alongside professionals' clinical indications. Descriptive statistics were used to profile participants, and preference data were used to categorize groups, revealing patterns of agreement.
Results
Among 5680 assessments involving significant others, four groups emerged: agreement among the triad on in- or outpatient care (48.2%), patient disagrees (38.5%), significant others disagree (11.0%), and professionals disagree (2.3%). Professionals' recommendations were followed more frequently (57.0%) than patient (9.4%) or significant others’ preferences (11.0%).
Conclusions
We observed that consensus could often be reached among the members of the triad on inpatient or outpatient care following triage. Disagreements typically occurred when patients preferred outpatient care while others favoured inpatient care, or when significant others advocated for inpatient care while others preferred outpatient care. While professionals' recommendations held the most influence, they could be overridden in cases where valid criteria mandated involuntary care.
Blunted ventral striatal reactivity to social reward is associated with more severe motivation and pleasure deficits in psychosis.
Authors: Blanchard Jack , Shackman Alexander , Smith Jason , Orth Ryan , Savage Christina , Didier Paige , McCarthy Julie , Bennett Melanie
Published: June 2024

Among individuals living with psychotic disorders, social impairment is common, debilitating, and challenging to treat. While the roots of this impairment are undoubtedly complex, converging lines of evidence suggest that social motivation and pleasure (MAP) deficits play a key role. Yet most neuroimaging studies have focused on monetary rewards, precluding decisive inferences. Here we leveraged parallel social and monetary incentive delay fMRI paradigms to test whether blunted reactivity to social incentives in the ventral striatum—a key component of the distributed neural circuit mediating appetitive motivation and hedonic pleasure—is associated with more severe MAP symptoms in a transdiagnostic sample enriched for psychosis. To maximize ecological validity and translational relevance, we capitalized on naturalistic audiovisual clips of an established social partner expressing positive feedback. Although both paradigms robustly engaged the ventral striatum, only reactivity to social incentives was associated with clinician-rated MAP deficits. This association remained significant when controlling for other symptoms, binary diagnostic status, or ventral striatum reactivity to monetary incentives. Follow-up analyses suggested that this association predominantly reflects diminished striatal activation during the receipt of social reward. These observations provide a neurobiologically grounded framework for conceptualizing the social-anhedonia symptoms and social impairments that characterize many individuals living with psychotic disorders and underscore the need to establish targeted intervention strategies.
Design of CMOS Low Noise and High Responsivity Terahertz Linear Array Detector
Authors: Xu Leijun , Ma Yujie , Huang Lei , Bai Xue , Chen Jianfeng
Published: June 2024

This paper presents the design of a low-noise, high-responsivity terahertz linear array detector circuit based on CMOS 0.18µm technology. We propose a 1×4 terahertz detector array structure composed of a self-mixing power detection circuit, voltage buffer stage, and low-noise operational amplifier. The self-mixing power detection circuit utilizes a source-coupled differential drive approach to couple terahertz differential signals to the gate and source of the field-effect transistor, enhancing the intensity of terahertz signals within the transistor channel and achieving high responsivity. The voltage buffer stage effectively collects output signals from the detection circuit and reduces noise contributions from the main operational amplifier, thereby lowering overall noise. The low-noise operational amplifier efficiently amplifies detection signals, thereby enhancing detector responsivity. The overall area of the 1×4 detector array is 0.8mm². Test results indicate that when the gate bias of the detector core is set to 0.5V, the detector system achieves a maximum voltage responsivity (RV) of 441 kV/W for a 0.37THz radiation signal, with a corresponding minimum noise equivalent power (NEP) of 48 pW/Hz1/2. Compared to single-pixel detectors, this detector array effectively enhances detection imaging speed, while compared to traditional detector arrays, it exhibits superior performance parameters.
Identifying Hub Genes Driving Glioblastoma Multiforme Progression through Transcriptomics: To Discover Potential Diagnostic and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Saeed Mohammad Umar , Choudhury Arunabh , Ansari Jaoud , Mohammad Taj , Alajmi Mohamed F. , Hussin Afzal , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz
Published: June 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary brain tumor associated with high fatality rates, poor prognosis, and limited treatment options. To enhance our understanding of the disease and pave the way for targeted therapies, it is imperative to identify key genes influencing GBM progression. In this study, we harnessed RNA-Seq gene count data from GBM patients sourced from the GEO database, conducting an in-depth analysis of gene expression patterns. Our investigation involved the stratification of samples into two distinct sets, Group I and Group II, comparing low-grade and GBM tumor samples, respectively. Subsequently, we performed differential expression analysis and enrichment analysis to uncover significant gene signatures. To elucidate the protein-protein interactions that underlie GBM, we leveraged the STRING plugin within Cytoscape for comprehensive network visualization and analysis. By applying Maximal clique centrality (MCC) scores, we identified a set of 10 hub genes in each group. These hub genes were subjected to survival analysis, highlighting their prognostic relevance. In Group I, comprising BUB1, DLGAP5, BUB1B, CDK1, TOP2A, CDC20, KIF20A, ASPM, BIRC5, and CCNB2, these genes emerged as potential biomarkers associated with the transition to low-grade tumors. In Group II, encompassing LIF, LBP, CSF3, IL6, CCL2, SAA1, CCL20, MMP9, CXCL10, and MMP1, these genes were implicated in transforming adult glioblastoma. Kaplan–Meier's overall survival analysis of these hub genes revealed that modifications, particularly upregulation of these candidate genes, were associated with reduced survival in GBM patients. The findings underscore the significance of genomic alterations and differential gene expression in GBM, presenting opportunities for early diagnosis and targeted therapeutic interventions. This study offers valuable insights into the potential avenues for improving the clinical management of GBM.
Rocket launches threaten global conservation
Authors: Ang Lee Ping , Kong Fanhao , Hernández-Rodríguez Enrique , Liu Qiuyu , Cerrejόn Carlos , Feldman Mariano J. , Shu Lei , Gao Lei , Ye Li-Xin , Ang Lee Ling , Yin Xiangbo
Published: June 2024

Satellite technologies are essential for global conserving through providing continuous, real-time Earth monitoring. However, development of these technologies necessitates an increase in rocket launches, which introduces new threats to biodiversity. Here, we mapped rocket launch sites (RLS) and assessed their threats on conservation. Globally, over 90% RLS are within areas where unprotected habitats excesses 50% and over 62% of operating RLS are located within or near protected areas (PA). Importantly, the threats of RLS on conservation are more associated with specific biomes of their location, than responding to latitudinal, longitudinal, and inland versus coastal geographical patterns. Specifically, threatened terrestrial species in Tropical & Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests (TSMBF) are more susceptible to risks from launches than those in other biomes. Our results suggest that without strategic planning for RLS, growing launches could create conflicts between conservation efforts and technology development, compromising the conservation achievement of UN Biological Diversity Goals.
Assessment of myocardial injury by SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with COVID-19 infection in a single center after lifting the restrictions in China
Authors: Xin Keke , Ma Xinghong , Meng Xiaoli , Zhang Xiao , Yang Weidong , Ma Taoqi , Zhou Cheng , Wang Jing , Li Guoquan
Published: June 2024

Purpose: To assess myocardial injury using rest single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and to evaluate whether myocardial injury detected by rest MPI predict the prognosis of symptoms in COVID-19 patients after 6 months follow-up.
Methods: Patients suspected of myocarditis who were referred to the nuclear medicine department for rest MPI between December 2022 and March 2023 after lifting the restrictions of COVID-19 pandemic and between 2018 and March 2019 prior to the pandemic were initially enrolled in this study. Patients with COVID-19 infection after lifting the restrictions and their corresponding cohorts before the pandemic were respectively allocated to the study group and the control group. Compare the parameters of myocardial injury detected by rest SPECT MPI between the two cohorts and investigate the association between myocardial injury and symptom prognosis in both groups.
Results: Total perfusion defect (TPD) (4.2 ± 3.3 vs. 2.3 ± 2.2, P < 0.001), summed rest score (SRS) (5.3 ± 5.4 vs. 2.7 ± 2.0, P< 0.001), the proportion of patients with TPD > 4 (43.3% vs. 17.8%, P < 0.001), TPD > 10 (6.71% vs 0, P < 0.001), SRS > 4 (40.2% vs 15.8%, P < 0.001), SRS > 10 (12.8% vs 0, P < 0.001), the number of abnormal perfusion segments (3.9 ± 3.1 vs. 2.4 ± 1.7, P < 0.001) were all significantly higher in the study group. All the parameters of rest MPI were not associated with the prognosis of symptoms in both groups after 6 months follow-up.
Conclusion: Myocardial injury in COVID-19 patients could be assessed by rest SPECT MPI. The COVID-19 patients exhibited a higher frequency and greater severity of myocardial injury than uninfected control patients. Myocardial injury assessed by rest MPI did not predict for the prognosis of symptoms.
Risk factor analysis of adjacent vertebral compression fracture following the surgery of percutaneous kyphoplasty in postmenopausal women
Authors: Wu Fan , Chen Xingda , Jiang Rueishiuan , Li Liqun , Qin Lei , Qi Weizhen , Hao Chizi , Tang Jingjing
Published: June 2024

Objective
To evaluate the risk factors for adjacent vertebral compression fracture(AVCF) following the surgery of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in postmenopausal women.
Methods
Two hundred and ninety-seven postmenopausal female patients, underwent PKP surgery between January 2016 and December 2020, were divided into two groups according to whether or not AVCF. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves were generated to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of the relative risk factors in the identification of AVCF.
Results
In this study of 297 postmenopausal women who underwent PKP, 67 developed AVCF during follow-up. There were no significant differences in BMI, surgical method, or cement leakage between the groups. The AVCF group was older, had lower BMD, less bone cement volume per section, higher VHA, and larger VKAC. The non-fracture group had lower postoperative VAS and fewer surgical vertebrae. The model showed good discrimination with age, BMD, postoperative VAS, VHR, and VKAC. ROC analysis indicated that a postoperative VAS score > 2.5 was highly predictive of AVCF in postmenopausal women after PKP.
Conclusion
Clinicians should pay particular attention to postoperative pain management in PKP patients, rather than forcing too much restoration of vertebral height and vertebral lordosis angle.
(1, 3)-Beta-D-Glucan in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid: a useful biomarker in diagnosis of invasive pulmonary infection caused by Hormographiella aspergillata?
Authors: Ye Haiyan , He Jinhui , Huang Jing , Chu Patrick , Liu Junru , Xing Fanfan , Poon Rosana Wing-Shan , Lo Simon Kam-Fai , Lau Ricky Wing-Tong , Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Lau Susanna Kar-Pui , Chiu Kelvin Hei-Yeung
Published: June 2024

Hormographiella aspergillata is a rare hyaline mold causing invasive fungal infection in humans, until the frequent use of antifungal prophylaxis in immunocompromised hosts. Due to the high mortality of H. aspergillata infection, early recognition and treatment are crucial. Previous case reports suggested that serum (1,3)-beta-D-Glucan (BG) is one of the diagnostic aids for H. aspergillata infection. Here we report for the first time a case of pulmonary H. aspergillata infection with a negative serum BG but positive bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) BG. This may suggest that BAL BG is a useful and additional microbiological marker for prompt identification of this fatal invasive fungal infection (IFI). But it should be interpreted together with the clinical presentation, imaging, and other laboratory results.
Carbonate mineralogy and geochemistry of bryozoans along the South African coast
Authors: Krzemińska Małgorzata , Piwoni-Piórewicz Anna , Boonzaaier-Davids Melissa , Florence Wayne , Waeschenbach Andrea , Najorka Jens , Jenkins Helen , Kuklinski Piotr
Published: June 2024

The main aim of this study was to investigate whether environmental or biological factors predominantly influence bryozoan mineralization along the South African coast (spanning from 29.263°S; 16.87°E to 27.540°S; 32.677°E), a region known for its diverse oceanographic conditions. New data into the mineralogical (calcite vs. aragonite) and geochemical (Mg content in calcite) composition of bryozoans are provided thereby enhancing the global database and understanding of biomineralization patterns. To date, there has been a notable scarcity of data on bryozoan skeletal composition in tropical and subtropical regions, representing a significant gap in our knowledge and understanding of the impacts of climate change on marine, calcifying organisms. Our research reveals a diverse array of carbonate skeletons across nearly half of the known bryozoan species in the region, with calcitic forms dominating, followed by bimineralic and aragonite-based forms. The prevalence of aragonite-containing skeletons, particularly within the Cheilostomatida, mirrors global patterns, indicating a correlation with sea temperature gradients. Significant mineralogy and magnesium calcite variability exist within the Flustrina and Membraniporina suborders (Cheilostomatida). Despite exploring various environmental parameters such as temperature, salinity, or impact of currents (Agulhas, Benguela, or mixed), no clear correlation with mineralogical patterns emerged. Instead, the study underscores the substantial influence of biological factors (including specific chemical, biochemical, or genetic controls), on bryozoan skeletal carbonate mineralogy and geochemistry. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive, multi-parametric analyses to unravel environmental signals in bryozoan biomineralization, contributing to a deeper understanding of the impacts of climate and local conditions on marine calcifiers.
Dietary Amino Acids Promote Glucagon-like Hormone Release to Generate Novel Calcium Waves in Adipose Tissues
Authors: He Li , Ahmad Muhammad , Wu Shang , Luo Shengyao , Shi Wenjia , Guo Xuan , Cao Yuansheng , Perrimon Norbert
Published: June 2024

Nutrient sensing and the subsequent metabolic responses are fundamental functions of animals, closely linked to diseases such as type 2 diabetes and various obesity-related morbidities. Among different metabolic regulatory signals, cytosolic Ca2+ plays pivotal roles in metabolic regulation, including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and lipolysis. Recently, intercellular calcium waves (ICWs), the propagation of Ca2+ signaling through tissues, have been found in different systems to coordinate multicellular responses. Nevertheless, our understanding of how ICWs are modulated and operate within living organisms remains limited. In this study, we explore the real-time dynamics, both in organ culture and free-behaving animals, of ICWs in Drosophila larval and adult adipose tissues. We identified Adipokinetic hormone (AKH), the fly functional homolog of mammalian glucagon, as the key factor driving Ca2+ activities in adipose tissue. Interestingly, we found that AKH, which is released in a pulsatile manner into the circulating hemolymph from the AKH-producing neurosecretory cells (APCs) in the brain, stimulates ICWs in the larval fat by a previously unrecognized gap-junction-independent mechanism to promote lipolysis. In the adult fat body, however, gap-junction-dependent random ICWs are triggered by a presumably uniformly diffused AKH. This highlights the stage-specific interplay of hormone secretion, extracellular diffusion, and intercellular communication in the regulation of Ca2+ dynamics. Additionally, we discovered that specific dietary amino acids activate the APCs, leading to increased intracellular Ca2+ and subsequent AKH secretion. Altogether, our findings identify that dietary amino acids regulate the release of AKH peptides from the APCs, which subsequently stimulates novel gap-junction-independent ICWs in adipose tissues, thereby enhancing lipid metabolism.
Effect analysis of radiofrequency catheter ablation in the treatment of 6 children with atrial tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Min , Cao Xiaoxiao
Published: June 2024

Background
There are few literature reports of atrial tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy in children, and fewer cases have been effectively treated by radiofrequency catheter ablation. Therefore, we conducted a clinical summary of 6 cases of atrial tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy in children in Wuhan Children's Hospital. To investigate the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency ablation for atrial tachycardia cardiomyopathy.
Methods
A total of 6 children (4 girls and 2 boys) diagnosed with atrial tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy and admitted to Wuhan Children's Hospital from January 2017 to April 2024 were selected. An intracardiac electrophysiological study was performed in all 6 children to confirm the origin of the atrial tachycardia and the presence of decreased cardiac function. All children were followed up 2 to 12 months after RFCA or in combination with atrial appendectomy, and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular ejection fraction were observed.
Results
The age range was 3.6 to 12.5 years and the median age was 10 years. The results of the intracardiac electrophysiological examination of the 6 cases showed that the origin came from the right pulmonary vein in 2 cases, from the left pulmonary vein in 2 cases, from the left atrial appendage in one case, and from the right atrial appendage in one case. Four cases of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy originating in the left and right pulmonary veins were successfully eliminated by radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). In two children with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy in the atrial appendage, atrial appendectomy was performed with parental consent after precise localization of the RFCA. After RFCA or in combination with atrial appendectomy, 5 children were followed for more than 1 year and 1 child for 2 months. All children had sinus rhythm. At the same time, the left ventricular ejection fraction after RFCA or combined atrial appendectomy was significantly increased in 6 cases, indicating statistical significance (P < 0.01), but the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was not statistically significant in the treatment (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
Sustained atrial tachycardia can lead to the occurrence of cardiomyopathy such as cardiac enlargement and heart failure. RFCA and combined atrial appendectomy can effectively stop tachycardia, eliminate the mechanism of tachycardia, and allow complete recovery of cardiac function.
Autism Spectrum Disorder in Offspring of Maternal asthma occurrence, and exacerbations during pregnancy: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Ho Yi-Feng , Lin Chiao-Fan , Chen Vincent Chin-Hung , Chen Yi-Lung , Hsu Tsai-Ching
Published: June 2024

Introduction:
The connection between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and maternal asthma has drawn researchers’ interest. The connection between maternal asthma exacerbation and the development of ASD in offspring remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal asthma, including asthma exacerbation during pregnancy, and the risk of ASD in offspring.
Methods:
Information from over two million mothers and their live newborns, collected from the Taiwan Birth Certificate Registry spanning from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2017, was utilized in this nationwide cohort study based on the population. The Cox regression model was employed to assess the risk of ASD in children between mothers with and without asthma. The analysis adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, parity, birth weight, and parents’ physical and mental illnesses. Sibling control was implemented to investigate the impact of asthma exacerbation during pregnancy on the risk of offspring ASD.
Result:
Children with asthmatic parents face a significantly higher risk of developing ASD compared to those with non-asthmatic parents. Maternal asthma had an HR of 1.44 ( 95% confidence interval of 1.34 to 1.55), while paternal asthma had an HR of 1.12 ( 95% confidence interval of 1.03 to 1.22). Interestingly, acute asthma exacerbations during pregnancy didn't seem to affect the likelihood of having more ASD children in a distinctive way (Adjusted HR 1.23, 95% CI: 0.68–2.24).
Conclusion:
Offspring born to parents with asthma face an elevated risk of having ASD, with a higher risk associated maternal asthma. There was no obvious correlation between mother asthma exacerbations during pregnancy and the likelihood of ASD in the offspring.
COVID-19 pandemic-related disruptions to maternal, child and adolescent health and nutrition services in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Stucke Amanda , Zweig Carolina , Sakai Maryanne , Getlinger Mateus , Bishop Chrissy , Carvajal Liliana , Arts Maaike , Zanetti Marcio
Published: June 2024

Background
The ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic have extended far beyond the direct impacts (cases and deaths); acute pandemic control measures and fear of infection have affected populations more broadly, and vulnerable populations—including women, children and adolescents—have been the most affected. This report seeks to examine the effect that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on health systems in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a focus on ten countries, both overall and with a specific view on maternal, child and adolescent health and nutrition services. The report also presents evidence-based policy recommendations to mitigate these effects.
Methods
We created an analysis framework based on a literature review and publicly available data, and validated with expert interviews. We used this analysis framework to compare the extent of disruptions to maternal, child and adolescent health and nutrition services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results
Overall, we found evidence of significant service disruption across three core domains: antenatal services, intra- and post-partum services and child and adolescent services with possible associations on maternal, infant and child health outcomes. Four key policy implications are presented for consideration to manage risks of service disruption and increase the resilience of health systems more broadly in Latin American and the Caribbean.
Conclusions
Owing to the developing nature of many of the health systems in the countries studied, the findings were affected by missing data and therefore should be interpreted with caution and supplemented with further research.
Well-defined Pt-Fe alloy with enhanced catalytic performance for methanol oxidation and formic acid oxidation
Authors: Qin Congli , Fan Aixin , Dai Fucai , Li Guihua , Zhao Di , Liang Honglian , Lu Yanhong
Published: June 2024

It is of great significance to fabricate the Pt-based alloys with high catalytic activity, as well as the robust stability for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR). In this work, Pt-Fe alloy nanocrystals with concave nanocube and nano-flower structures are successfully synthesized by a simple one-pot method using polyvinylpyrrolidone and glycine as the dual reductants and dual protecting agents. Remarkably, the Pt-Fe nano-flower nanocrystals showed much higher electrocatalytic activity and stability toward MOR (FAOR), which was almost 9 (10) times greater than that of Pt black and 13 (15) times greater than that of commercial Pt/C catalyst. The excellent electro-catalytic performance is ascribed to the unique nano-flower morphology and bimetallic alloy composition.