bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical features and prognostic factors of IV combined small cell lung cancer: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: cai shanshan , Yang Weichang , Li Zhouhua , Huang Xiaotian , Li Jinbo , Luo Hongdan , Ye Xiaoqun
Published: February 2024

Background
Nowadays, the characteristics and treatment of combined small-cell lung carcinoma (CSCLC) remain controversial. This study aimed to analyze the feature of clinical characteristics, survival outcomes and treatment modalities among IV CSCLC, IV SCLC and IV NSCLC, to provide more evidence for the study of IV CSCLC
Methods
All CSCLC, SCLC and NSCLC patient data were obtained from the SEER database (2010–2020). Pearson's χ2 test was used to compare the differences in clinical characteristics. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to balance the bias of the variables between patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors. KM analysis was used to calculate survival.
Results
A total of 493 patients with IV CSCLC, 35503 patients with SCLC, 122807 patients with IV NSCLC were included in this study. The demographic characteristics and tumor characteristics of three groups were different. Before PSM, there were significant difference in OS and CSS among IV CSCLC, IV SCLC and IV NSCLC, After PSM, there was significant difference in OS and CSS between the IV CSCLC and IV NSCLC. Risk/protective factors for OS and CSS were different in three groups. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery all can improve survival time of IV CSCLC. Chemotherapy combine surgery can significantly improve OS and CSS in patients with IV CSCLC (10.0 months and 16.0 months), chemotherapy alone was also a good choice for some IV CSCLC patients who have already lost the opportunity for surgery at the time of first diagnosis.
Conclusions
These results indicated that the prognosis and clinical characteristics IV CSCLC, IV SCLC and IV NSCLC were significant difference. Surgery combined chemotherapy was the best treatment in patients with IV CSCLC and chemotherapy alone was a good choice for patients who have lost the indication of surgery.
Cognitive assessment during inpatient rehabilitation after spinal cord injury, a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Leeuwen Christel van , Post Marcel , Stolwijk-Swüste Janneke , Welkamp Anneke
Published: February 2024

Cognitive assessment during inpatient rehabilitation after spinal cord injury
Anneke A.W. Welkamp1 MSc, Christel C. M v. Leeuwen1 PhD, Marcel W.M. Post1,2 PhD and Janneke M. Stolwijk-Swüste1 MD, PhD.
1 Centre of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
2 University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Groningen, the Netherlands
Study design
Cross-sectional study
Objectives
1) to evaluate cognitive functioning of rehabilitation inpatients with recently acquired spinal cord injury (SCI) with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); 2) to compare the MoCA with the cognitive domain of the Utrecht scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation (USER)
Setting
First inpatient rehabilitation in a specialized rehabilitation centre in the Netherlands.
Methods
MOCA and USER data of inpatients between November 2020 and December 2021 were used. The correlation coefficient between MoCA and USER scores and regression analysis determined the associations between MoCA and demographic and injury-related variables.
Results
Included were 99 adults aged (median) 59.1 years (range 19.5-84.4), 67% male, 26% traumatic SCI, 64% paraplegic. MoCA and USER scores were available for 83 and 92 individuals, respectively. In 44.6 % of the participants, the MoCA score was below the cut-off. Age (r = 0.31, p = 0.005) and educational level (r = 0.54 P < 0.00) were significantly correlated to the MoCA score. The MoCA and the cognitive domain of the USER were moderately correlated (r = 0.25, p = 0.03).
Conclusions
Almost half of the inpatients scored below the cut-off score on the MoCA. Since the MoCA is a validated cognitive screening tool, the moderate correlation of the MoCA and the cognitive domain of the USER suggests that the USER alone is not sufficient in detecting cognitive deficits. We recommend to screen for cognitive deficits in all people with new SCI.
Sponsorship
None
Revisiting the dry-to-wet shift of summer precipitation over the Three-River Headwaters region, hinterland of the Tibetan Plateau: A perspective of moisture sources changes
Authors: Zhao Ruiyu , Chen Bin , Zhang Wei , Ren Honeli , Zhao Yang , Xu Xiangde
Published: February 2024

The Three-Rivers Headwater (TRH) region has experienced notable dry-to-wet shift in summer precipitation in recent decades. Despite the widespread efforts of scientific community, the causes of such climate shift remain not well-understood. Building upon an ensemble of high-resolution Lagrangian simulations and moisture source diagnostic, this study investigated the long-term changes in moisture sources with the ERA-Interim reanalysis from 1980 to 2017, particularly aiming to pose a complimentary understanding on this shift from a perspective of moisture source changes. The results show that the variability of moisture sources for the water vapor reaching the TRH region is closely and quantitatively linked to its regional summer precipitation. The dry-to-wet shift in summer precipitation in TRH is regulated by the changes in moisture sources across multiple transport time scales (from 1 to 10 days), and could be attributed to the enhanced contribution by the moisture sources originated from the Tibetan Plateau (TP), the Central Eastern Asian region (CEA), and the Arabian Peninsula (ARP), of which regional accumulative moisture contribution increase by 11.3 (0.41%), 8.61 (0.52%) and 8.63 (0.33%) mm per year, respectively. This result implies that the terrestrial source ranks the leading role in regulating the decadal shift of TRH summer precipitation, rather than that directly from the oceanic regions. Although the moisture sources are across multiple transport timescales, the relatively shorter transport distance and steady contribution (lasting 1 to 10 days) from the TP highlight the significance of strengthened local precipitation recycling process in this dry-to-wet shift. Further analysis indicates the variations in mid-latitudinal meridional winds and the low-latitudinal SST, which are represented by Silk Road Index (SRI) and Indo-Pacific Warm Pool Index (WPI), respectively, play a role of ‘bridge’ connecting the changes in moisture sources to enhanced precipitation during the summer season.
Analysis of voice features of people with cervical spinal cord injuries with voice user interfaces
Authors: Hayashi Tetsuo , Terashi Yoshiteru , Fujiwara Yuichi , Kobayashi Hiromitsu , Ehara Yoshito , Katamoto Ryuji , Maeda Takeshi
Published: February 2024

Study design: A comparative study
Objectives: To evaluate respiratory function, voice intensity, self-assessment of voice problems, and recordings in individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries (CSCIs), compare these parameters with a control group, and identify factors influencing speech intelligibility.
Setting: Clinical setting at the Spinal Injuries Center
Methods: Twenty individuals with CSCIs and 20 healthy participants were recruited for this study. Their respiratory function was assessed using an electric diagnostic spirometer, and voice intensity and recordings were measured using a smartphone sound analysis application. Self-assessed voice problems were evaluated using the Voice Handicap Index. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the measurement data between the two groups. A simple regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between speech intelligibility and various vocal parameters.
Results: Vital capacity was 60% lower in the CSCI group. Maximum voice intensity in the CSCI group (mean 78.8 dB) was significantly lower than that in the control group (mean 96.2 dB) (P<0.001). In the CSCI group, significant correlations between speech intelligibility and maximum phonation time (R2=0.298, P=0.013), maximum vocalization voice intensity (R2=0.673, P<0.001), reading voice intensity (R2=0.664, P<0.001), and the smoothed cepstral peak prominence value (R2=0.437, P=0.002) were observed. A weak correlation between vital capacity and speech intelligibility was also noted.
Conclusions: Clinically, individuals with CSCIs were not consciously aware of their voice problems, despite exhibiting low speech intelligibility in voice user interfaces. Voice recognition performance could be improved through voice conversion techniques that increase voice intensity and speech rate.
Sponsorship: not applicable
Post Sterilization of Intraoral Scan Body and the Effect it has on the Axes and Distances between Three Adjacent Implants: In-Vitro Study
Authors: Ben-Izhack Gil , Lugassy Diva , Rosner Ophir , Nissan Joseph , Rachmiel Shir , Khoury Yara , Shely Asaf
Published: February 2024

Background: The purpose of this pilot in-vitro study was to assess the effect of sterilization on the intra-implant axis, intra-implant distance, inter-implant distance and inter-implant axis of three implants in a straight line by using laboratory scanner (LBS) versus intra-oral scanner (IOS) with intra-oral scan bodies (ISB).
Methods: A printed 3D model with three internal hex analogs in the positions 15#,16#,17# was used. Zirkonzhan (ZZ) intra-oral scan body (ISB), two-piece titanium was used. The ZZ ISBs were scanned by 7 Series dental wings (LBS) and 30 times by Primescan (IOS) pre sterilization and 30 times post sterilization. For each scan (pre and post) stereolithography (STL) file was created and a comparison between all the scans pre sterilization and post sterilization were superimposed on the laboratory scan by using a 3D analyzing software. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test performed followed by Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests. (p <0.05)
Results: Poststerilization of the ZZ ISB, the mean errors were significantly increased for the inter-implant distances (p <0.0005), intra-implant distances 1,2,3 (p <0.0005), intra-implant axis 1,3 (p <0.0005) and inter-implant axes 13,23 (p <0.05). In contrast, the mean errors for intra-implant axis 2 (p <0.0005) and inter-implant axis 12 (p <0.0005) were significantly reduced.
Conclusions: ZZ ISB showed changes in all four parameters after sterilization. The middle ISB had the largest changes in mean error regarding all four parameters. Sterilization process may affect the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the ZZ ISB after three cycles. There is a lack in the literature in this field and there is a need for further studies to explore the effect of sterilization (multiple cycles) on ISB and for creating an approved guidelines regarding the amount of sterilization for each ISB in the industry.
Circulating Tumor Reactive KIR+CD8+ T cells Suppress Anti-Tumor Immunity in Patients with Melanoma
Authors: Hafler David , Lu Benjamin , Lucca Liliana , Lewis Wesley , Wang Jiping , Nogeuira Catarina , Heer Sebastian , Axisa Pierre-Paul , Buitrago-Pocasangre Nicholas , Pham Giang , Kojima Mina , Wei Wei , Aizenbud Lilach , Bacchiocchi Antonietta , Zhang Lin , Walewski Joseph , Chiang Veronica , Olino Kelly , Clune James , Halaban Ruth , Kluger Yuval , Coyle Anthony , Kisielow Jan , Obermair Franz-Josef , Kluger Harriet
Published: February 2024

Effective anti-tumor immunity is largely driven by cytotoxic CD8+ T cells that can specifically recognize tumor antigens. However, the factors which ultimately dictate successful tumor rejection remain poorly understood. Here we identify a subpopulation of CD8+ T cells which are tumor antigen-specific in patients with melanoma but resemble KIR+CD8+ T cells with a regulatory function (Tregs). These tumor antigen-specific KIR+CD8+ T cells are detectable in both the tumor and the blood, and higher levels of this population are associated with worse overall survival. Our findings therefore suggest that KIR+CD8+ Tregs are tumor antigen-specific but uniquely suppress anti-tumor immunity in patients with melanoma.
Psychometric validation of an Arabic translation of the Impact of Event Scale-6 (IES-6)
Authors: Hemade Ali , Hallit Rabih , Malaeb Diana , Dine Abir Sarray El , Moawad Mira , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil , Fekih-Romdhane Feten
Published: February 2024

Background
The Impact of Event Scale-6 (IES-6) is a reduced version of the Impact of Event Scale – Revised, and has been developed to rapidly screen for PTSD. This study aimed to psychometrically evaluate and validate a new Arabic translation of the Impact of Event Scale − 6 on a sample of adults from the general population of Lebanon.
Methods
Participants (n = 601) were Arabic-speaking adults from the general population of Lebanon who completed our Arabic translation of the IES–6, along with measures of psychological distress and death anxiety.
Results
Confirmatory Factor Analysis was performed and showed that the fit of a one-factor model of the Arabic translation of the IES–6 was acceptable. Total scores were found to have adequate reliability (ω = .94; α = .94). Adequate patterns of concurrent validity were also demonstrated, with IES-6 scores significantly and positively correlating with psychological distress (r = .41; p < .001) and death anxiety (r = .53; p < .001). Finally, sex invariance was established at the configural, metric, and scalar levels, with females scoring significantly higher than males.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that the Arabic translation of the IES–6 is valid and reliable for assessment of PTSD symptoms. The availability of this scale should help improve research on PTSD and also evaluate the effectiveness of PTSD treatments.
Association between augmented levels of the gut pro-hormone Proneurotensin and subclinical vascular damage
Authors: Vito Francesca , Fiorentino Teresa Vanessa , Facciolo Antonio , Cassano Velia , Natale Maria Resilde , Mannino Gaia Chiara , Succurro Elena , Arturi Franco , Sciacqua Angela , Sesti Giorgio , Andreozzi Francesco
Published: February 2024

Elevated levels of the gut pro-hormone Proneurotensin (proNT) have been found to predict development of cardiovascular disease. However, it is still unknown whether higher proNT levels are associated with subclinical vascular damage. Herein, we investigated the relationship between higher proNT concentrations and augmented pulse pressure (PP) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), indicators of increased arterial stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis, respectively. Clinical characteristics, PP and cIMT were evaluated in 154 non-diabetic individuals stratified into tertiles according to fasting serum proNT concentrations. We found that, subjects with higher proNT levels exhibited a worse lipid profile and insulin sensitivity, increased C-reactive protein levels, along with higher values of PP and cIMT as compared to the lowest proNT tertile. Prevalence of elevated PP (≥ 60 mmHg) and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis (IMT > 0.9 mm) was increased in the highest tertile of proNT. In a logistic regression analysis adjusted for several confounders, subjects with higher proNT levels displayed a 5-fold raised risk of having elevated PP values (OR:5.36; 95%CI 1.04–27.28; P = 0.05) and early carotid atherosclerosis (OR:4.81; 95%CI 1.39–16.57; P = 0.01) as compared to the lowest proNT tertile. In conclusion, higher circulating levels of proNT are a biomarker of subclinical vascular damage independent of other atherosclerotic risk factors.
Barycentric rational collocation method for solving viscoelastic equation
Authors: Li Jin , Ren Ruibo
Published: February 2024

Barycentric rational interpolation collocation method (BRICM) is presented to solve viscoelastic equation. The matrix form of the collocation method is derived based on the barycentric rational interpolation technique, enabling easy implementation in programming. By leveraging the convergence rate of linear barycentric rational interpolation , we establish the convergence rate of the linear barycentric rational collocation method for solving viscoelastic equation. Finally, several numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the convergence rate and validate the theoretical analysis.
Signature Inflammatory Cytokine panel: IL-10, IL-6, VEGF and IL-8 in Covid-19
Authors: Iqra Iqra Farooq , Eachkoti Rafiqa Eachkoti , Inaam Inaamul Haq , Saleem Saleem Hussain , Tanvir Masood Tanvir , Sanah Sanah Farooq , Sadaf Sadaf Saleem , Sabhiya Sabhiya Majid
Published: February 2024

Objective
We aimed to assess a battery of inflammatory cytokines in SARS-CoV-2 patients to determine the cytokines of prognostic and/ predictive relevance in Covid-19.
Methods
In a cohort of total 100 SARS-CoV-2 patients (RT-PCR confirmed) hospitalized in associated SMHS hospital of GMC Srinagar, Kashmir (North India), the level of a battery of cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1α and VEGF, TNF-α and ferritin, were estimated by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ( ELISA) on Multimode Microplate reader.
Result
The deranged levels of these cytokines were mostly found in patients > 60 years of age with cough and pneumonia as the most common symptoms. Correlation analysis revealed significant association between interleukin's IL-6, IL-8 and disease severity (p = 0.002) (p = 0.007) and poor disease outcome (p = 0.04), (p = 0.009) respectively. Similar association was also found between decreased levels of VEGF and poor disease outcome (p = 0.02). Further ROC analysis, univariant and multivariant (after adjusting for age, gender and other inflammatory markers), revealed increased IL-10 (AUC = 0.72) and IL-6 (AUC = 0.70) as independent markers of both disease severity(p = 0.02) (p = 0.01) and disease outcome (P = 0.03) (p = 0.02) and decreased VEGF (AUC = 0.69) as independent marker of disease outcome only (p = 0.03). Significant association of cough with IL-8 levels (p = 0.01) and of diabetes with raised ferritin levels (p = 0.01) with very high ferritin levels (> 1500ng/ml) as indicator of those that are likely to develop hyperinflammatory phenotype was found in SARS-CoV-2 patients.
Conclusion
We conclude ‘IL-6, IL10, VEGF and IL-8’ as the signature inflammatory cytokine panel in Covid-19. An increased IL-10, IL-6 levels proved to be equally significant independent prognosticators of Covid − 19 severity and predictors of poor disease outcome and decreased VEGF level as predictors of poor disease outcome in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Testing of the signature inflammatory cytokine panel is, therefore, recommended for optimal clinical decision making in Covid-19.
Intraesophageal pressure is involved in patients’ quality of life after total gastrectomy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Saeki Yoshihiro , Tanabe Kazuaki , Ota Hiroshi , Chikuie Emi , Takemoto Yuki , Karakuchi Nozomi , Kohata Akihiro , Miura Osamu , Toyama Eiichiro , Kugimiya Naruji , Ohdan Hideki
Published: February 2024

Background
The usefulness of high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) in patients who underwent total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y (R-Y) anastomosis has never been well validated. This study aimed to investigate whether intraesophageal pressure affects quality of life in patients who underwent total gastrectomy with R-Y anastomosis.
Methods
The subjects comprised 12 patients who underwent total gastrectomy for gastric cancer between October 2014 and July 2022 and underwent a postsurgical HRIM examination. The association between the HRIM data and Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-37 (PGSAS-37) questionnaires was analyzed.
Results
Esophageal corpus movement was normal in almost all patients. The anastomosis shape (circular stapler and overlap method with linear stapler) did not influence intraesophageal pressure. The integrated relaxation pressure and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) residual pressure during swallowing-induced relaxation were involved in “Diarrhea subscale” scores (p = 0.0244 and p = 0.0244, respectively). The higher the amplitude of the distal esophageal peristaltic waves, the better the “constipation subscale” scores (p = 0.0091). The contractile front velocity correlated with the “indigestion subscale”, “diarrhea subscale”, and “constipation subscale” (p = 0.0408, p = 0.0143, and p = 0.0060, respectively). The distal latency, i.e., the time from upper esophageal sphincter relaxation to contractile deceleration, was also associated with the “abdominal pain subscale” (p = 0.0399). LES pressure and esophageal corpus movement affected patients’ quality of life after total gastrectomy.
Conclusions
HRIM for the evaluation of intraesophageal pressure is useful for the functional assessment of esophagojejunostomy with the R-Y reconstruction after total gastrectomy.
Case report: a case of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria with ischemic stroke as the first symptom
Authors: Feng Danyu , Dai Yijie , Tang Bo , Zhu Jiahui
Published: February 2024

Background Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare and acquired hemolytic disease caused by mutations in hematopoietic stem cell genes. The illness encompasses a cascade of clinical presentations marked by intravascular hemolysis, potential hematopoietic failure and thrombophilia. Here, we introduce a case of PNH in which ischemic stroke was the initial and noticeable complaint. Case presentation A 78-year-old female presented to our hospital with sudden headache, right visual field defect, and right upper limb weakness. The blood routine suggested pancytopenia. The coagulation function test showed elevated D-dimer. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested hemorrhagic cerebral infarction in her left temporal parietal occipital lobe. Brain magnetic resonance venography (MRV) suggested right transverse sinus and superior sagittal sinus occlusion. Lumbar puncture showed intracranial pressure 200 mmH2O, while the cerebrospinal fluid presented normal cell counts, negative next-generation sequencing and relevant antibodies of autoimmune encephalitis. The patient relieved after receiving therapy for reducing intracranial pressure and stabilizing plaques. Incredibly, during the next 2 years, the patient suffered repeatedly fever, multi-site thrombosis, intestinal mucosal lesions and pancytopenia and she had 2 episodes of obscure dark tea urine. Peripheral blood high sensitivity detection of PNH clones showed positive results. Intravenous methylprednisolone and subcutaneous injection of low molecular weight heparin followed by rivaroxaban and methylprednisolone tablets were administered to the patient. Her physical condition reached basic stability without having a relapse during the 1-year follow-up. Conclusions PNH is a rare cause of ischemic stroke. The case is characterized by atypical initial symptoms, diverse clinical features and a prolonged course, which emphasizes the challenges of providing the detailed medical history and integrating the overall situation to make differential diagnosis.
Benefits of the Bus Rapid Transit System on the Reduction of Road TravelCrashes
Authors: Calvo Jorge Andrés Perdomo , Ospina Carol Dahiana Torres
Published: February 2024

In various cities worldwide, numerous studies have extensively documented the factors contributing to road accidents as a negative externality resulting from transportation activities. These factors have led to a rise in road fatalities and injuries in urban areas. However, existing literature has indicated a decline in road accidents attributed to the maintenance, construction, or expansion of innovative transportation infrastructure, effective regulation (surveillance and control), public policies, educational programmes, or advancements in vehicle safety technology. Despite this, the literature is limited in its analysis of the economic benefits arising from the reduction in urban road fatalities and injuries, and the quantitative methods used to estimate corresponding monetary values are also constrained. In accordance, the contribution of this study is to propose a quantitative approach to demonstrating economic value by means of the integration between the results of a time series model (Two-Stage ARIMAX—Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with Exogenous and Endogenous Variables), the value of statistical life (fatalities and injuries) and avoided costs. Considering the social benefits derived from the reduction of road fatalities and injuries occasioned by the operation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), TransMilenio (2000–2019), in Bogotá (Colombia), the positive impact has been in the short and long run (over a period of three years for the road fatalities and over a period of six years for the traffic injuries).
JEL Classification Codes: R4; R41; D62.
Brain tumor Radiogenomic Classification and Prediction of Glioblastoma Status using MRI Scans with Deep Learning Algorithms
Authors: AbdelAziz Nabil M. , Dawood Emad Abdelaziz , Hassan Mohamed Monir , Tantawy Alshaimaa A.
Published: February 2024

Accurate Radiogenomic classification of brain tumors play an essential role in improving prognosis, diagnosis, and therapy strategy in glioblastoma patients. In this paper, we provide a novel MGMT Promoter Methylation Prediction (MGMT-PMP) approach that extracts latent features fused with radiomic data to predict the genetic subtype of glioblastoma. The novice rejection method has been shown to be highly effective at picking and isolating negative training cases from the original dataset. In this study, the fused feature vectors are used to train and test CNN classifiers. We examined classification performance for the first time in published form, using metrics such as accuracy, F1-score, and Matthews’s correlation coefficient. Jackknife tenfold cross-validation was used to train and evaluate the BraTS-2021 dataset validation. The maximum classification accuracy for detecting MGMT methylation status in glioblastoma patients is 99.13 percent. Deep learning feature extraction with Radiogenomic characteristics, merging imaging phenotypes and molecular structure, and using a rejection method were found to outperform in diagnosing the MGMT methylation status of glioblastoma patients. The approach connects genetic variance to radiomic characteristics, bridging two areas of research that may be valuable for clinical treatment planning and leading to better outcomes.
Seizure Characteristics and EEG Features in Intoxication Type and Energy Deficiency Neurometabolic Disorders in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit– Single Center Experience over 10 Years
Authors: Sen Kuntal , Harrar Dana , Pariseau Nicole , Tucker Karis , Keenan Julia , Zhang Anqing , Gropman Andrea
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Acute metabolic crises in inborn errors of metabolism (such as Urea Cycle Disorders, Organic Acidemia, Maple Syrup Urine Disease and Mitochondrial disorders) are neurological emergencies requiring management in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). There is paucity of data pertaining to EEG characteristics in this cohort. We hypothesized that the incidence of background abnormalities and seizures in this cohort would be high. Neuromonitoring data from our center’s PICU over 10 years is presented in this paper.Methods Data was collected by retrospective chart review for patients with the afore-mentioned disorders who were admitted to the PICU at our institution due to metabolic/ neurologic symptoms from 2008–2018. Descriptive statistics (Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test) were used to study the association between EEG parameters and outcomes.Results Our cohort included 40 unique patients (8 UCD, 7 OA, 3 MSUD and 22 MD) with 153 admissions. Presenting symptoms included altered mentation (36%), seizures (41%), focal weakness (5%), and emesis (28%). Continuous EEG was ordered in 34% (n = 52) of admissions. Twenty-three admissions were complicated by seizures, including 8 manifesting status epilepticus (7 nonconvulsive, 1 convulsive). Asymmetry and focal slowing on EEG were associated with seizures. Moderate background slowing or worse was noted in 75% of EEGs. Among those patients monitored on EEG with a known outcome at discharge, 4 (8%) died, 3 (6%) experienced a worsening of their Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category (PCPC) score as compared to admission, and 44 (86%) had no change (or improvement) in their PCPC score during admission.Conclusion This study shows a high incidence of clinical and subclinical seizures during metabolic crisis in patients with IEMs. EEG background features were associated with risk of seizures as well as discharge outcomes. This is the largest study to date which investigates EEG features and risk of seizures in patients with neurometabolic disorders admitted to PICUs. This data can be used to form neuromonitoring protocols to improve mortality and morbidity in IEMs.
The Prevalence of Somatic Diseases in Swedish Adolescents with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lundqvist Sara , Röjås Sara , Bador Kourosh , Kerekes Nóra
Published: February 2024

Background
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often exists alongside psychiatric comorbidities, but the prevalence of somatic diseases in adolescents with ADHD remains understudied.
Method
This study aimed to examine the prevalence rates of specific somatic diseases in adolescents with ADHD and compare them to those in adolescents without any psychiatric conditions. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Swedish upper secondary high school students aged 15–19 years. Data were collected using an electronic version of the “Mental and Somatic Health without borders” survey. In 2020, 1608 Swedish adolescents completed the survey, thereby providing information on their psychiatric and somatic diagnoses.
Results
Among the sample of Swedish adolescents, 5.5% reported ADHD diagnoses. The most common somatic diseases in the group with ADHD were allergy (43.4%), asthma (24.7%), and skin diseases (16.7%). Statistically significant differences in the prevalence of these diseases were found between the ADHD group and the comparison group, but the effect sizes of these differences were negligible (allergy [p = 0.002, Cramer’s V = 0.08]; asthma [p = 0.041, Cramer’s V = 0.06]; skin diseases [p = 0.007, Cramer’s V = 0.08]). Compared to adolescents without any diagnosed psychiatric conditions, those with ADHD reported significantly higher rates of uncertainty regarding the existence of asthma, diabetes, and rheumatoid and thyroid diseases.
Conclusions
Adolescents with ADHD reportedly experienced more somatic diseases and more uncertainty about whether they had such diseases than those without ADHD. Further research is needed to explore the underlying physiological mechanisms of ADHD and somatic comorbidities. The growing body of evidence regarding somatic difficulties in children and adolescents with ADHD prompts us to contemplate the design of treatment guidelines for somatic conditions that are tailored to the unique needs of adolescents with ADHD.
Feasibility of safe outpatient treatment in pediatric patients following intraventricular radioimmunotherapy with 131I-omburtamab for leptomeningeal disease
Authors: Prasad Kavya , Serencsits Brian E. , Chu Bae P. , Dauer Lawrence T. , Donzelli Maria , Basu Ellen , Kramer Kim , Pandit-Taskar Neeta
Published: February 2024

Background
Radiolabeled antibody 131I-omburtamab was administered intraventricularly in patients with leptomeningeal disease under an institutionally approved study (#NCT03275402). Radiation safety precautions were tailored for individual patients, enabling outpatient treatment based on in-depth, evidence-based recommendations for such precautions. The imperative advancement of streamlined therapeutic administration procedures, eliminating the necessity for inpatient isolation and resource-intensive measures, holds pivotal significance. This development bears broader implications for analogous therapies within the pediatric patient demographic.
Methods
Intraventricular radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with 925–1850 MBq (25–50 mCi) of 131I-omburtamab was administered via the Ommaya reservoir, in designated rooms within the pediatric ambulatory care center. Dosimeters were provided to staff involved in patient care to evaluate exposure during injection and post-administration. Post-administration exposure rate readings from the patient on contact, at 0.3 m, and at 1 m were taken within the first 30 minutes, and the room was surveyed after patient discharge. Duration of radiation exposure was calculated using standard U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US NRC) regulatory guidance recommendations combined with mean exposure rates and whole-body clearance estimates. Exposure rate measurements and clearance data provided patient-specific precautions for four cohorts by age: < 3 y/o, 3–10 y/o, 10–18 y/o, and 18+.
Results
Post-administration exposure rates for patients ranged from 0.16–0.46 µSv/hr/MBq at 1 ft and 0.03–0.08 µSv/hr/MBq at 1 m. Radiation exposure duration ranged from 1–10 days after release for the four evaluated cohorts. Based on the highest measured exposure rates and slowest whole-body clearance, the longest precautions were approximately 78% lower than the regulatory guidance recommendations. Radiation exposure to staff associated with 131I-omburtamab per administration was substantially below the annual regulatory threshold for individual exposure monitoring.
Conclusion
131I-omburtamab can be administered on an outpatient basis, using appropriate patient-based radiation safety precautions that employ patient-specific exposure rate and biological clearance parameters. This trial is registered with the National Library of Medicine’s ClinicalTrials.gov. The registration number is NCT03275402, and it was registered on 7 September 2017. The web link is included here. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03275402.
Prostacyclin synthase deficiency exacerbates inflammatory reactions in lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis in vivo
Authors: Ochiai Tsubasa , Honsawa Toshiya , Yamaguchi Keishi , Sasaki Yuka , Yokoyama Chieko , Kuwata Hiroshi , Hara Shuntaro
Published: February 2024

Objectives
Sepsis is an inflammatory disorder characterized by life-threatening organ dysfunction resulting from a dysregulated host response to infection. In contrast, prostacyclin (PGI2) is a bioactive lipid produced by PGI synthase (PGIS) and is known to play important roles in inflammatory reactions as well as cardiovascular regulation. However, little is known about the roles of PGIS and PGI2 in sepsis.
Methodology
Sepsis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in wild type (WT) or PGIS knockout (KO) mice. Selexipag, a selective PGI2 receptor (IP) agonist, was administered 2 h before LPS injection and again given every 12 h for 3 days.
Results
Intraperitoneal injection of LPS induced diarrhea, shivering and hypothermia. These symptoms were more severe in PGIS KO mice than in WT mice. The expression of Tnf and Il6 genes was notably increased in PGIS KO mice. In contrast, over 95% of WT mice survived 72 h after the administration of LPS, whereas all of the PGIS KO mice had succumbed by that time. The mortality rate of LPS-administrated PGIS KO mice was improved by selexipag administration.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that PGIS-derived PGI2 negatively regulates LPS-induced symptoms via the IP receptor. Selexipag shows promise for the clinical treatment of human sepsis.
Data-driven solutions of the nonlinear Boussinesq and Schrödinger equations of second order in time with physics-informed neural networks
Authors: Hu Wei , Dong Chao , Zheng Shaolong , Gao Ruozhou , Wu Hongyu , Zhang Hongbo , Ye Yangjie
Published: February 2024

Deep learning combining the physics information is employed to solve the Boussinesq and Schrödinger equations with second-order time derivative. High prediction accuracies are achieved by adding a new initial loss term in the physics-informed neural networks along with the adaptive activation function and loss-balanced coefficients. The numerical simulations are carried out with different initial and boundary conditions, in which the relative L2-norm errors are all around 10-4. The prediction accuracies have been improved by two orders of magnitude compared to the former results in certain simulations. The dynamic behavior of solitons and their interaction are studied in the colliding and chasing process for the Boussinesq equation. More training time is needed for the solver of the Boussinesq equation when the width of the two-soliton solutions is narrower with other parameters fixed. Simulations in large domains are conducted to explore soliton and rogue wave solutions of the Schrödinger equation and the high precisions are achieved.
Graph-CNN Hybrid Advance Model for Accurate Anomaly Detection in Multivariate Time Series IoT Streams
Authors: Farooq Mansoor , Khan Mubashir , Khan Rafi A
Published: February 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized various industries by enabling the collection of vast amounts of data from interconnected devices. However, the sheer volume and complexity of IoT data pose significant challenges for anomaly detection, especially in multivariate time series data. Traditional methods struggle to effectively capture the intricate relationships and temporal dependencies within such data. In response to these challenges, this paper introduces a pioneering approach that harnesses the combined power of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for anomaly detection in multivariate time series IoT data. The novelty of our approach lies in its holistic integration of GNNs and CNNs, enabling the comprehensive analysis of both global dependencies and local temporal features within the IoT data. Through rigorous experimentation on real-world datasets, showcases the efficacy and superiority of our method over existing state-of-the-art techniques. Our approach consistently achieves superior performance metrics, compared to state-of-the-art methods. Underscoring its effectiveness in accurately detecting anomalies amidst the complexities of IoT data.
An unusual depiction of a woolly rhino from the Late Magdalenian hunting camp of Bad Kösen-Lengefeld in Central Germany
Authors: Richter Jürgen , Sauer Florian , Orrin Joel , Hageneuer Sebastian
Published: February 2024

In Central Germany, rhino images had been engraved on stone objects during the Magdalenian period, before the global extinction of the woolly rhino around 14,000 cal BP. Our recent excavations, at the Magdalenian open-air settlement site of Bad Kösen-Lengefeld, added to this record, yielding a limestone slab with a rhino portrait from an exactly stratified, thoroughly documented, and well-dated cultural context. Here we present the unique limestone slab with an engraved rhino image, unusual because of the head omitted, but aspects of the rear expressed in detail. During excavation, the limestone slab was found related to a dwelling structure marked by postholes grouped around a central fireplace. Reindeer and horses were hunted close to, and killed at the site, and ice foxes were exploited for their furs. 14 C-samples collected from all parts of the settlement attest for a short period of occupation around 15,350 ± 50 cal BP making the rhino portrait one of the latest of its kind, eventually documenting the last sighting of a woolly rhino in general, by humans. Moreover, its found context would make this rhino portrait a fixture in Magdalenian style chronology.
Human exposure to heavy metals over the last 100 years
Authors: Brudecki Kamil , Pasieka Agnieszka , Franczak Renata , Pankowska Anna , Kołodziej Małgorzata , Lorenc-Brudecka Jadwiga , Łokas Edyta
Published: February 2024

The primary objective of the presented research was to assess the impact of intense global economic development, over the last 100 years, on the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the human body. This evaluation was conducted based on the measurement of heavy metals in human hair samples collected 100 years ago in present-day southern Poland. In this study, concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se) were measured in 61 hair samples, 28 of which were obtained from individuals who lived 100 years ago, while the remaining 33 constituted the contemporary control group. The concentrations were determined using a triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (Agilent 8900). To assess the significance of differences in heavy metal content between the individual groups, the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was used. In the case of As, Pb, Cd, and Fe, the concentrations were significantly higher in individuals who lived 100 years ago compared to those living today. Over this period, the median concentrations were shown to have decreased by 95%, 94%, 85%, and 69% for As, Pb, Cd, and Fe, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed for Cu, Zn, and Se. The results obtained for Pb, Cd, As, and Fe unequivocally indicate that the population studied from 100 years ago was more exposed to internal contamination with these metals than people currently living.
Thulium Laser energy versus Bipolar current in transurethral enucleation of large prostates; a multicenter prospective randomized study
Authors: Yehia Ahmed , Eladawy Mahmoud , abdelhamid Mahmoud
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) was introduced to treat patients with large prostate.
The study compared Bipolar current and Thulium laser in endoscopic enucleation of large prostates above 80 gm.
Methods: This is a prospective conducted study of 120 male patients. The patients were randomized equally into two groups (Thulium vapo-enucleation and bipolar enucleation). All patients were preoperatively evaluated; we monitored Operative time hemoglobin drop, intraoperative and early postoperative complications, hospital stay, and time of catheter removal. All patients followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months to detect urinary and sexual functional outcome and any postoperative complications.
Results: The preoperative characteristics of both groups were comparable. The mean prostate volume in ThuVEP group was 122.33 ± 24.34 and in bipolar group was 120.88 ± 25.66, (P value: 0.751). We found significant comparable improvement in IPSS score, urinary Q max, and PVR postoperatively in both groups at all follow up points. After one month, urgency urinary incontinence was reported in 34 (56.7%) cases in ThuVEP and 14 (23.3%) cases in bipolar enucleation group respectively (P value 0.001), and stress urinary insentience was in 44 (73.3%) cases in ThuVEP and 26 (43.3%) cases in bipolar enucleation group respectively (P value 0.001). Both types of incontinence improved after 3 months in both groups , three cases in ThuVEP group had persistent stress incontinence after one year.
Conclusion: ThuVEP and bipolar enucleation are comparable treatment modalities for large prostate (>80 ml).
Identification of promising sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) families and clones based on cane and sugar productivity traits in early selection stages
Authors: K. Mallikarjun P. , Patil Sanjay B. , G. Hanamaratti N. , Patil C. R. , Patil P. V.
Published: February 2024

Sugarcane is a major source of sugar, facing constant pressure to enhance productivity due to the increased cost of cultivation and fluctuating global market prices. Identification of productive hybrid progenies for varietal development plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity, which is a cost-effective approach. Selecting the right parent combinations in breeding is essential for creating high-yielding progenies. In this context, 33 families were evaluated for germination, seedling survival percentage and productivity traits in the segregating seedling generation. Overall across diverse crosses, out of 3,020 seedlings, 2,284 survived, with certain crosses showing better performance. A total of 482 clones were selected based on their productivity and visual traits of commercial importance compared to the popular check, Co 86032. These selected clones were further evaluated for cane and sugar productivity traits in the first clonal generation. High heritability was observed for most traits, indicating the effectiveness of selection. Among the clones studied, SNK 191675, SNK 190690 and SNK 191748 exhibited significantly higher cane and sugar productivity traits compared to the popular check, Co 86032. Furthermore, this study identified promising families such as CoVC 14062 × CoT 8201, Thirumadhuram × CoPant 97222, Co 86032 × CoSe 92423, CoVC 14062 × Co 775, MS 68/47, Co 86011 and Co 99004, showing superior performance in both the seedling and first clonal generations in terms of germination, seedling establishment and the percentage of selectable segregants, along with productivity traits. These results hold significant importance for identifying promising families and productive clones to enhance cane and sugar productivity.
Gestural sequences in wild spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi)
Authors: Corral Eva , Rodriguez Sara Cardoso , Liebal Katja , Llorente Miquel , Amici Federica
Published: February 2024

To date, research on gestural communication in species other than great apes has been quite limited, especially in their natural habitat. In this study, we aimed to explore the use of gestural sequences in an understudied neotropical primate species, Geoffroy’s spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi). To this aim, we conducted behavioural observations via focal sampling on a wild group consisting of 54 individuals and collected 709 gestures, including 125 sequences and 182 gestures that were not part of a sequence. Most sequences included 2-4 gestures and were produced in the play context. Sequences often continued even after triggering the recipient’s response and were mostly produced by males and younger individuals, toward younger recipients. Only three sequences (i.e., embrace-pectoral sniff, push-present climb, grab-grab pull) occurred more than twice and were not mere repetitions of the same gesture type. Our results suggest that sequences are common in the gestural communication of spider monkeys and that they are likely the result of increased emotional arousal, rather than an attempt to convey novel meaning.
Psychological impacts of thermal ablation and conventional thyroidectomy in BTN patients: a prospective observation study
Authors: Zhang Pan , Li Genpeng , Wei Tao , Zhu Jingqiang , Li Zhihui , Lei Jianyong
Published: February 2024

Background Thermal ablation and conventional thyroidectomy are effective therapeutic methods for treating benign thyroid nodules (BTNs), but the psychological impacts of these methods in BTN patients are largely unknown.Materials and methods This survey study prospectively enrolled patients who were admitted to our hospital from July 2021 to July 2022. The four validated scales were applied to quantify the psychological distress and sleep quality at five points (the day admitted to the hospital, the day discharged from the hospital, and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment). Participants who were diagnosed with BTNs and completed the questionnaires were ultimately enrolled and divided into thermal ablation and conventional thyroidectomy groups. A propensity score matching (PSM) cohort was subsequently developed to evaluate longitudinal and cross-sectional changes in psychological-related indicators.Results Among 548 eligible BTN patients, 460 patients completed all the questionnaires throughout the follow-up (response rate: 83.94%), including 368 (80.00%) patients underwent thermal ablation, and 92 (20.00%) patients underwent conventional thyroidectomy. After PSM, a total of 342 patients were enrolled (256 patients underwent thermal ablation and 86 patients underwent conventional thyroidectomy). The psychological-related indicators of patients in the thermal ablation group remained relatively stable during the 6-month follow-up, but patients in the conventional thyroidectomy group may face greater anxiety and sleep quality concerns in the longitudinal assessment. Additionally, in the cross-sectional evaluation, the sleep quality of the thermal ablation group was also found better than that of the conventional thyroidectomy group postoperatively.Conclusions Thermal ablation is superior to conventional thyroidectomy for BTN patients in terms of psychological-related indicators.