bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Auxiliary Effects of Low-Molecular-Weight Fucoidan in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy Before Surgery: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Tsai Hsiang-Lin , Yeh Yung-Sung , Chen Po-Jung , Chang Yu-Tang , Chen Yen-Cheng , Su Wei-Chih , Chang Tsung-Kun , Huang Ching-Wen , Wang Jaw-Yuan
Published: October 2023

Patients with cancer use low-molecular-weight fucoidan (LMF) as a supplement to therapy. However, most studies of LMF are in vitro or conducted using animals. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the gold standard for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). This study investigated the quality of life (QoL) and clinical outcomes of patients with LARC taking LMF as a supplement to neoadjuvant CCRT. This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. The sample comprised 87 patients, of whom 44 were included in a fucoidan group and 43 were included in a placebo group. We compared their QoL scores and clinical outcomes before treatment, and at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months posttreatment. Pretreatment and posttreatment gut microbiota differences were also compared. Although enhanced physical well-being (PWB) at 2 months and 3 months posttreatment in the fucoidan group were observed (both P < .0125), the improvements of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for Patients with Colorectal Cancer (FACT-C) were nonsignificant (all P > .0125). Skin rash and itching and fatigue were less common in the fucoidan group (both P < .05). Posttreatment, the genus Parabacteroides was significantly more common in the gut microbiota of the fucoidan group. LMF administration improved the QoL, skin rash and itching, fatigue, and gut microbiota composition of the patients with LARC receiving CCRT.

Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04342949
Axillary Artery Injuries Associated With Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Literature Review and a Proposal of a Novel Multidisciplinary Surgical Approach
Authors: Ripoll Thomas , Fairag Rayan , Bonomo Iris , Gastaud Olivier , Psacharopulo Daniele
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Proximal humerus fractures (PHF) are common injuries that can lead to axillary artery injury, which carries the risk of not being identified during initial assessment. The aim of this study was to describe the management of suspected axillary artery injury associated with PHF according to our experience and to describe a new multidisciplinary surgical approach.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective study. A database was created for patients admitted for PHF to the emergency department of the Hospital of Cannes between October 2017 and October 2019. Patients admitted with PHF associated with suspected ipsilateral upper limb ischemia, and/or massive diaphysis displacement, and/or upper limb ipsilateral neurological deficits were included in this study.

Results

In total, 301 patients diagnosed with PHF were admitted within these periods. Among these patients, 12 presented with suspected axillary artery lesions, of whom, 6 were included in the present study and treated according to our new approach. A description of these 6 cases, along with an extensive literature review is presented.

Conclusion

Based on our experience, the endovascular approach proposed for the management of axillary artery injury associated with proximal humerus fractures is effective, feasible and reproducible.
Euler–Lagrange numerical simulation of a kerosene droplet mist ignition in air using analytically reduced chemistry
Authors: Pestre Antoine , Lesaffre Thomas , Cazères Quentin , Riber Eleonore , Cuenot Bénédicte
Published: October 2023

High altitude relight is a critical aspect of the aeronautical engine certification and may be addressed with the numerical simulation of two-phase ignition. However, such configurations are stiff and combined with local evaporation may lead to numerical issues. This paper provides several methods to perform two-phase ignition simulations using analytically reduced chemistry in the context of unstructured large Eddy simulation and Euler–Lagrange formalism. Firstly, an exponential formulation combined with a local and dynamic sub-cycling of the stiff chemistry is demonstrated to allow stable integration at the flow time step. Secondly, a particle-bursting method is applied to limit the impact of stiffness induced by the Lagrangian point-source approach in fine meshes. These methods are then applied in the simulation of ignition of a mono-disperse, multi-component kerosene spray in air. The use of the analytically reduced chemistry model enables us to describe in detail the chemical structure of the flame kernel during its formation. Moreover, local increase of fuel concentration is observed as the ignition proceeds which has a large influence on the combustion processes and the flame kernel development.
Eribulin combined with antiangiogenic agents in women with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer: a retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Jiang Mingxia , Shao Bin , Wan Donggui , Liu Jiaxuan , He Maiyue , Chai Yue , Sang Die , Wang Jiayu , Ma Fei , Fan Ying , Yuan Peng , Xu Binghe , Li Qiao
Published: October 2023

Background:

The relative lack of specifically targeted agents for HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) makes the need for new agents or combination therapies to maximize clinical benefit while reducing toxicity critical.

Objectives:

To retrospectively analyze the efficacy and safety of eribulin combined with antiangiogenic drugs in the treatment of Chinese women with HER2-negative MBC.

Methods:

A total of 85 consecutive MBC patients with HER2-negative who were treated with eribulin + antiangiogenic agents between October 2020 and April 2023 in four institutions were retrospectively included in this study. Patients received eribulin 1.4 mg/m2 (day 1 and 8) plus bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg (day 1, 64 patients) or anlotinib 10 mg daily (day 1–14, 16 patients) or apatinib 250 mg daily (5 patients) on a 21-day cycle until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end-point was progression-free survival (PFS), according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid tumors (RECIST) 1.1. Secondary end-points included toxicities, objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and overall survival (OS). Adverse events (AEs) were graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0.

Results:

The study included 85 HER2-negative MBC patients, with 41 patients (48.2%) in the first to second line group and 44 patients (51.8%) in the greater than or equal to third line group. The median age was 54.0 years. Thirty patients in the first to second line group and 14 patients in the greater than or equal to third line group had triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The ORR and DCR were 34.1% (29/85) and 75.3% (64/85). The median PFS (mPFS) of total population was 6.0 months (95% CI: 4.3–7.7), and median OS (mOS) was immature. The mPFS was 7.7 and 4.3 months in the first to second and greater than or equal to third line treatment ( p = 0.003), respectively. TNBC patients in first to second line therapy showed a significantly longer PFS (6.5 months versus 2.0 months, p = 0.021) compared to greater than or equal to third line. The incidences of cardiovascular toxicity were 29.4% in grades 1–2 and no grades 3–4. Hematologic toxicity (leukopenia and neutropenia) was the most common grade ⩾3 AEs, and AEs were more common in patients in greater than or equal to third line.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that eribulin combined with antiangiogenic therapy has a meaningful clinical activity and an acceptable safety profile in HER2-negative MBC.
Return to work following brachial plexus injury: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Brown Hazel , Kennard Kate , Tyreman Rosalyn , Alim-Marvasti Ali , Wilcox Matthew , Quick Tom
Published: October 2023

Background

Qualitative studies following Brachial Plexus Injury (BPI) suggest that return to employment has a major influence on life satisfaction and psychological well-being. However, few studies have focused on return to work following BPI. The physical strain and intensity of an occupation may influence the ability of an individual to return to employment. This study aimed to provide information about the impact of workload intensity on employment status following BPI.

Methods

This is an observational, retrospective study of 74 participants who responded to a postal questionnaire, sharing information regarding their employment status pre- and post-BPI. The reported occupations were assessed for workload intensity and assigned a Reichsausschuss für Arbeitszeitermittlung (REFA) classification by two assessors.

Results

Forty-one out of 74 participants (57%) had to change their employment following their BPI. Changes in occupation were more likely if the pre-injury REFA score was 3 or 4 ( n = 22). In the Complete plexus injury group ( n = 8), 100% changed occupation. In the Partial plexus injury group ( n = 66) 50% changed occupation. Hand dominance had no significant influence on change of employment ( p = 0.37).

Conclusion

This study is the first to focus on the impact of BPI on employment status and workload intensity. Just over half the participants did not maintain the same employment following their BPI and one in five became unemployed. Future research should review the factors that contribute to the inability to return to work. This may direct enhancements in rehabilitation provision and enable healthcare services to focus on facilitating individuals back to the workplace.
Recurrent Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma Presenting With Diffuse Leptomeningeal Spread
Authors: Grigsby-Rocca Giovanna , Bermudez Camilo , White Jessica D. , Neth Bryan J. , Uhm Joon H. , Mustafa Rafid
Published: October 2023

We report a case highlighting key clinical, CSF, and imaging findings of recurrent pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma with leptomeningeal spread.
Assessing the Psychometric Validity of the Epistaxis Severity Score: Internal Consistency and Test–Retest Reliability
Authors: Gong Anna J. , Bolsegui Marisabel Linares , Lee Emerson E. , Mathai Stephen C. , Weiss Clifford R.
Published: October 2023

Background

The Epistaxis Severity Score (ESS) is the gold-standard patient-reported outcome measure for evaluating nosebleed severity in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). To date, the ESS has been assessed only for content validity and concurrent validity.

Objective

We evaluate the internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the ESS.

Materials and Methods

After receiving institutional review board approval, we sent an online survey battery, including the ESS survey, to 305 (39% male) English-speaking HHT patients ≥18 years old at a single center. Of those, 140 (46%) patients completed the battery, and 110/140 (79%) reported epistaxis. Cronbach's alpha and correlation analyses were used to evaluate internal consistency. For the test–retest reliability evaluation, we recruited 69 HHT patients during HHT clinic to complete 2 self-administered ESS surveys 2 weeks apart. Participants also completed a modified Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale with readministration of the ESS survey. We calculated the intraclass correlation coefficient in a 2-way mixed model with absolute agreement.

Results

The ESS survey demonstrated low internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.495), suggesting that it measured multiple unrelated concepts. Factor analysis revealed 3 latent factors with moderate intercorrelation, suggesting the presence of 3 related but distinct constructs underlying the ESS. However, the ESS demonstrated excellent test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.955; 95% CI, 0.91-0.98).

Conclusion

Although the ESS demonstrates high test–retest reliability, it may not adequately assess different dimensions of nosebleed severity. Additional correlated survey questions and sub-scores may be needed to increase internal consistency to accurately measure each component of epistaxis severity. It is necessary to acknowledge epistaxis severity from different dimensions and to consider evaluating individual ESS items separately for a comprehensive understanding.
What is the role of the clinical microbiology laboratory in the care of diagnostically challenging OPAT patients? Illustrative cases and literature review
Authors: Nori Priya , Thwe Phyu , Mogollon Jaime , Bartash Rachel , Szymczak Wendy , Orner Erika , Bolkent Musa , Patel Robin
Published: October 2023

Optimal care of patients requiring long-term outpatient parenteral or oral antimicrobial therapy by infectious diseases (ID) specialists is facilitated by an accurate microbiologic diagnosis. Close collaboration between ID specialists and the clinical microbiology laboratory for routine or specialized molecular testing can result in more accurate diagnoses, streamlined antimicrobial regimens, and improved patient outcomes.
Legitimate questions: Public perceptions of the legitimacy of US presidential election outcomes
Authors: Sances Michael W.
Published: October 2023

Numerous polls show most Republicans view the 2020 election as illegitimate, but we know relatively little about legitimacy perceptions among losing candidates’ supporters in past elections. I analyze 76 polls asking about the legitimacy of the 2000, 2016, and 2020 presidential elections. Even before 2020, the losing candidate’s supporters are much less likely to view the outcome as legitimate. Losers are about 60 percentage points less likely to accept the election in 2000, about 40 points less likely in 2016, and about 70 points less likely in 2020. Perceptions of legitimacy are typically higher than confidence in election results, and many voters express doubts about the vote count while still accepting the legitimacy of the result.
Online health community—An empirical analysis based on grounded theory and entropy weight TOPSIS method to evaluate the service quality
Authors: Hua Yang , Shujuan Wang , Fucheng Wang
Published: October 2023

Introduction

With the enhancement of people's health awareness and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in recent years, people's demand for online health information continues to expand, and online health communities (OHCs) have developed rapidly. However, the service quality of OHCs is uneven, and problems such as content quality, privacy disclosure are increasingly prominent. It's of great significance to establish normalized OHC service quality evaluation standards and develop effective evaluation tools and methods for the improvement of OHC service quality.

Material and Methods

Based on the grounded theory, the raw materials obtained from semi-structured interviews were coded in three stages to construct a service quality evaluation system for OHC. Through empirical analysis, the rationality and effectiveness of the evaluation system were verified. Then six representative Chinese OHCs were selected and their service quality was evaluated by the entropy weight TOPSIS method.

Results

The service quality evaluation system of OHC was constructed which includes 4 first-level indicators and 16 second-level indicators. The weights of the first-level indicators from large to small are content quality, emotional experience quality, interaction quality and function quality. Among the second-level indicator weights, the top three are perceived cost reasonableness, content professionalism and effectiveness of interactive content.

Conclusions

The indicator system is reasonable and effective and the evaluation method has strong applicability and operability. This study will provide theoretical guidance for community platform operators and relevant departments to design effective evaluation mechanism of OHC service quality, offering a reference for decisions and policymakers.
Contested Approaches to the Past and Its Significance in Twenty-First-Century India
Authors: Dey Amit
Published: October 2023

The recent attempt to exclude large portions of India’s past, including figures like Akbar and Abul Kalam Azad from the History syllabus without following any due process of wide academic consultation is unacceptable. The historians they invoke, such as R.C. Majumdar, show by their own writing that they would have never countenanced such misrepresentation of Indian history. The omission of Akbar and his policy of tolerance (ṣulḥ-i kul) from the syllabus, deprives Indian students of learning about the position that India occupied in the world at the time.
Mapping inpatient care pathways for patients with COPD: an observational study using routinely collected electronic hospital record data
Authors: Evison Felicity , Cooper Rachel , Gallier Suzy , Missier Paolo , Sayer Avan A. , Sapey Elizabeth , Witham Miles D.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Respiratory specialist ward care is associated with better outcomes for patients with COPD exacerbations. We assessed patient pathways and associated factors for people admitted to hospital with COPD exacerbations.

Methods

We analysed routinely collected electronic health data for patients admitted with COPD exacerbation in 2018 to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK. We extracted data on demographics, deprivation index, Elixhauser comorbidities, ward moves, length of stay, and in-hospital and 1-year mortality. We compared care pathways with recommended care pathways (transition from initial assessment area to respiratory wards or discharge). We used Markov state transition models to derive probabilities of following recommended pathways for patient subgroups.

Results

Of 42 555 patients with unplanned admissions during 2018, 571 patients were admitted at least once with an exacerbation of COPD. The mean±sdage was 51±11 years; 313 (55%) were women, 337 (59%) lived in the most deprived neighbourhoods and 45 (9%) were from non-white ethnic backgrounds. 428 (75.0%) had ≥4 comorbidities. Age >70 years was associated with higher in-hospital and 1-year mortality, more places of care (wards) and longer length of stay; having ≥4 comorbidities was associated with higher mortality and longer length of stay. Older age was associated with a significantly lower probability of following a recommended pathway (>70 years: 0.514, 95% CI 0.458–0.571; ≤70 years: 0.636, 95% CI 0.572–0.696; p=0.004).

Conclusions

Only older age was associated with a lower chance of following recommended hospital pathways of care. Such analyses could help refine appropriate care pathways for patients with COPD exacerbations.
Research progress on multiple cell death pathways of podocytes in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Yang Can , Zhang Zhen , Liu Jieting , Chen Peijian , Li Jialing , Shu Haiying , Chu Yanhui , Li Luxin
Published: October 2023

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the main cause of end-stage renal disease, and its clinical manifestations are progressive proteinuria, decreased glomerular filtration rate, and renal failure. The injury and death of glomerular podocytes are the keys to DKD. Currently, a variety of cell death modes have been identified in podocytes, including apoptosis, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, mitotic catastrophe, etc. The signaling pathways leading to these cell death processes are interconnected and can be activated simultaneously or in parallel. They are essential for cell survival and death that determine the fate of cells. With the deepening of the research on the mechanism of cell death, more and more researchers have devoted their attention to the underlying pathologic research and the drug therapy research of DKD. In this paper, we discussed the podocyte physiologic role and DKD processes. We also provide an overview of the types and specific mechanisms involved in each type of cell death in DKD, as well as related targeted therapy methods and drugs are reviewed. In the last part we discuss the complexity and potential crosstalk between various modes of cell death, which will help improve the understanding of podocyte death and lay a foundation for new and ideal targeted therapy strategies for DKD treatment in the future.
On Energy Assessment of Titanium Alloys Belt Grinding Involving Abrasive Wear Effects
Authors: Li Mingcong , Zhao Shudong , Li Heng , Huang Yun , Zou Lai , Wang Wenxi
Published: October 2023

Improved energy utilisation, precision, and quality are critical in the current trend of low-carbon green manufacturing. In this study, three abrasive belts were prepared at various wear stages and characterised quantitatively. The effects of abrasive belt wear on the specific grinding energy partition were investigated by evaluating robotic belt grinding of titanium plates. A specific grinding energy model based on subdivided tangential forces of cutting and sliding was developed for investigating specific energy and energy utilisation coefficient EUC. The surface morphology and Abbott–Firestone curves of the belts were introduced to analyse the experimental findings from the perspective of the micro cutting behaviour. The specific grinding energy increased with abrasive belt wear, especially when the belt was near the end of its life. Moreover, the belt wear could lead to a predominance change of sliding and chip formation energy. The highest EUC was observed in the middle of the belt life because of its retained sharp cutting edge and uniform distribution of the grit protrusion height. This study provides guidance for balancing the energy consumption and energy utilization efficiency of belt grinding.
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated with prehospital double sequential external defibrillation during eCPR in refractory VF — a case report
Authors: Katzenschlager Stephan , Heck Raphael , Popp Erik , Weilbacher Frank , Weigand Markus A. , Eisner Christoph , Neuhaus Christopher
Published: October 2023

Background

Double sequential external defibrillation (DSED) has demonstrated increased survival with good neurological outcome in a recent randomized controlled trial. DSED has not been studied in patients with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR).

Case

We present the first case of prehospital eCPR with ongoing refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF), terminated by DSED. After six shocks, return of spontaneous circulation was initially achieved; however, the patient went into recurrent VF. ECPR was performed prehospital, with VF still refractory after three more shocks. DSED successfully terminated VF and showed a further increase in etCO2 and near-infrared spectroscopy cerebral oximetry values.

Conclusion

DSED can be a sufficient strategy for patients in refractory VF while on eCPR and should be evaluated in further studies.
Comparison of the efficacy of BCG intravesical immunotherapy using the conventional Rotisserie method with the non-Rotisserie method
Authors: Hariri Mohammad Kazem , Rajabalian Mohammad-Bagher , Narouie Behzad , rohollahpour Saeed , Rostami Ghasem , Ahmadzade Mohadese
Published: October 2023

Background

Intravesical BCG injections are administered following transurethral resection of the superficial bladder tumor in order to increase the success rate and decrease the risk of tumor recurrence. BCG therapy has been examined extensively in terms of dosage and injection time intervals to determine its effectiveness. However, no study has yet been conducted to compare the two qualitatively different methods of administering BCG (Rotisserie and non-Rotisserie).

Methods

This study included 30 patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder TCC, whose tumor stage was Ta or T1. Two groups of 15 patients were randomly selected. The first intravesical injection of BCG was administered 2 weeks following transurethral resection of the bladder tumor and then continued as the maintenance treatment. But, in one group, the injection was done by Rotisserie method, and in the other group, non-Rotisserie method was performed. Then, the patients underwent periodic follow-up by cystoscopy to determine if recurrences had occurred.

Results

A total of 23 participants (76.66%) were males, while seven patients (23.34%) were females. There were 20 participants (66.66%) with tumors in the Ta stage and ten participants (33.34%) with tumors in the T1 stage. There were 22 patients (73.3%) with low-grade tumors and eight (26.7%) with high-grade tumors. Five participants (16.66%) experienced tumor recurrence during the study, three of whom were in the Rotisserie group and two in the Non-Rotisserie group. In terms of preventing tumor recurrence, there were no significant differences between Rotisserie and non-Rotisserie methods (P value = 0.6).

Conclusion

Due to the lack of significant difference in the rate of tumor recurrence between the two methods of intravesical BCG injection (Rotisserie and non-Rotisserie), it is not necessary to rotate the patients after BCG injection. This will also allow patients to be discharged from the hospital earlier and reduce the likelihood of complications.
Oxygen extraction fraction is not uniform in human brain: a positron emission tomography study
Authors: Ito Hiroshi , Ibaraki Masanobu , Yamakuni Ryo , Hakozaki Motoharu , Ukon Naoyuki , Ishii Shiro , Fukushima Kenji , Kubo Hitoshi , Takahashi Kazuhiro
Published: October 2023

The regional differences in cerebral oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) in brain were investigated using positron emission tomography (PET) in detail with consideration of systemic errors in PET measurement estimated by simulation studies. The cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), OEF, and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) were measured on healthy men by PET with 15O-labeled gases. The OEF values in the pons and the parahippocampal gyrus were significantly smaller than in the other brain regions. The OEF value in the lateral side of the occipital cortex was largest among the cerebral cortical regions. Simulation studies have revealed that errors in OEF caused by regional differences in the distribution volume of 15O-labeled water, as well as errors in OEF caused by a mixture of gray and white matter, must be negligible. The regional differences in OEF in brain must exist which might be related to physiological meanings.Article title: Kindly check and confirm the edit made in the article title.I have checked the article title and it is OK as is.

Trial registration: The UMIN clinical trial number: UMIN000033382, https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm
Sequence-based GWAS meta-analyses for beef production traits
Authors: Sanchez Marie-Pierre , Tribout Thierry , Kadri Naveen K. , Chitneedi Praveen K. , Maak Steffen , Hozé Chris , Boussaha Mekki , Croiseau Pascal , Philippe Romain , Spengeler Mirjam , Kühn Christa , Wang Yining , Li Changxi , Plastow Graham , Pausch Hubert , Boichard Didier
Published: October 2023

Background

Combining the results of within-population genome-wide association studies (GWAS) based on whole-genome sequences into a single meta-analysis (MA) is an accurate and powerful method for identifying variants associated with complex traits. As part of the H2020 BovReg project, we performed sequence-level MA for beef production traits. Five partners from France, Switzerland, Germany, and Canada contributed summary statistics from sequence-based GWAS conducted with 54,782 animals from 15 purebred or crossbred populations. We combined the summary statistics for four growth, nine morphology, and 15 carcass traits into 16 MA, using both fixed effects and z-score methods.

Results

The fixed-effects method was generally more informative to provide indication on potentially causal variants, although we combined substantially different traits in each MA. In comparison with within-population GWAS, this approach highlighted (i) a larger number of quantitative trait loci (QTL), (ii) QTL more frequently located in genomic regions known for their effects on growth and meat/carcass traits, (iii) a smaller number of genomic variants within the QTL, and (iv) candidate variants that were more frequently located in genes. MA pinpointed variants in genes, including MSTN, LCORL, and PLAG1 that have been previously associated with morphology and carcass traits. We also identified dozens of other variants located in genes associated with growth and carcass traits, or with a function that may be related to meat production (e.g., HS6ST1, HERC2, WDR75, COL3A1, SLIT2, MED28, and ANKAR). Some of these variants overlapped with expression or splicing QTL reported in the cattle Genotype-Tissue Expression atlas (CattleGTEx) and could therefore regulate gene expression.

Conclusions

By identifying candidate genes and potential causal variants associated with beef production traits in cattle, MA demonstrates great potential for investigating the biological mechanisms underlying these traits. As a complement to within-population GWAS, this approach can provide deeper insights into the genetic architecture of complex traits in beef cattle.
Starvation induces hepatopancreas atrophy in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) by inhibiting angiogenesis
Authors: Liu Hongli , Feng Yang , Yang Ma , Huang Ya , Li Minghao , Geng Yi , Ouyang Ping , Chen Defang , Yang Shiyong , Yin Lizi , Li Liangyu , Huang Xiaoli
Published: October 2023

Background

The hepatopancreas of crustaceans serves as a significant organ for both the synthesis and secretion of digestive enzymes, as well as energy storage. In the event of food shortage, the hepatopancreas can provide energy for survival. To investigate the potential regulatory mechanisms of the hepatopancreas in response to starvation in Eriocheir Sinensis, transcriptome analysis, histological study and qRT-PCR were performed.

Results

The results showed that starvation caused a decrease in the hepatopancreas index of E. sinensis, which had certain effects on the tissue structure, metabolism and angiogenesis in the hepatopancreas. In addition, WGCNA and linear regression analysis showed that the genes significantly related to the hepatopancreas index were mainly enriched in the angiogenesis pathway, in which AKT signaling played an important role. Starvation may inhibit AKT signaling pathway by reducing the expression of TGFBI, HSP27, HHEX, and EsPVF1, thereby hindering angiogenesis, promoting apoptosis, and leading to hepatopancreas atrophy.

Conclusion

These results indicate that AKT plays an important role in the angiogenesis pathway and apoptosis of the starvation induced hepatopancreas index reduction, which is beneficial to further understand the effect of starvation stress on hepatopancreas of Chinese mitten crab.
Risk prediction of second primary malignancies in patients after rectal cancer: analysis based on SEER Program
Authors: Sun Yong-Chao , Zhao Zi-Dan , Yao Na , Jiao Yu-Wen , Zhang Jia-Wen , Fu Yue , Shi Wei-Hai
Published: October 2023

Background

This study will focus on exploring the clinical characteristics of rectal cancer (RC) patients with Second Primary Malignancies (SPMs) and constructing a prognostic nomogram to provide clinical treatment decisions.

Methods

We determined the association between risk factors and overall survival (OS) while establishing a nomogram to forecast the further OS status of these patients via Cox regression analysis. Finally, we evaluated the performance of the prognostic nomogram to predict further OS status.

Results

Nine parameters were identified to establish the prognostic nomogram in this study, and, the C-index of the training set and validation set was 0.691 (95%CI, 0.662–0.720) and 0.731 (95%CI, 0.676–0.786), respectively. The calibration curve showed a high agreement between the predicted and actual results, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves verified the superiority of our model for clinical usefulness. In addition, the nomogram classification could more precisely differentiate risk subgroups and improved the discrimination of SPMs’ prognosis.

Conclusions

We systematically explored the clinical characteristics of SPMs after RC and constructed a satisfactory nomogram.
Comparison of six machine learning methods for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules using ultrasonographic characteristics
Authors: Liang Jianguang , Pang Tiantian , Liu Weixiang , Li Xiaogang , Huang Leidan , Gong Xuehao , Diao Xianfen
Published: October 2023

Background

Several machine learning (ML) classifiers for thyroid nodule diagnosis have been compared in terms of their accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). A total of 525 patients with thyroid nodules (malignant, n = 228; benign, n = 297) underwent conventional ultrasonography, strain elastography, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Six algorithms were compared: support vector machine (SVM), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), random forest (RF), logistic regression (LG), GlmNet, and K-nearest neighbors (K-NN). The diagnostic performances of the 13 suspicious sonographic features for discriminating benign and malignant thyroid nodules were assessed using different ML algorithms. To compare these algorithms, a 10-fold cross-validation paired t-test was applied to the algorithm performance differences.

Results

The logistic regression algorithm had better diagnostic performance than the other ML algorithms. However, it was only slightly higher than those of GlmNet, LDA, and RF. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV, and AUC obtained by running logistic regression were 86.48%, 83.33%, 88.89%, 87.42%, 85.20%, and 92.84%, respectively.

Conclusions

The experimental results indicate that GlmNet, SVM, LDA, LG, K-NN, and RF exhibit slight differences in classification performance.
Efficacy of CalliSpheres® microspheres versus conventional transarterial chemoembolization in the treatment of refractory colorectal cancer liver metastasis
Authors: Li Haitao , Zhang Xiaolin , Zhao Wenjiang , Cai Fei , Qin Jia , Tian Jie
Published: October 2023

Objective

CalliSpheres® is a microsphere that is already widely used for primary liver cancer treatment; however, its application in colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) is limited. The current study aimed to investigate the efficacy of CalliSpheres® drug-eluting bead (DEB) transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) therapy versus (vs.) conventional cTACE therapy in treating refractory CRLM (RCRLM) patients.

Methods

Twenty-two RCRLM patients who underwent CalliSpheres® DEB-TACE therapy (n = 11) or cTACE therapy (n = 11) were retrospectively analyzed. Data on clinical response, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were retrieved.

Results

The objective response rate (36.4% vs. 18.2%, P = 0.338) and disease control rate (81.8% vs. 54.4%, P = 0.170) were both numerically (but not statistically) higher in the DEB-TACE group than in the cTACE group. Meanwhile, PFS was prolonged in the DEB-TACE group compared with the cTACE group [median: 12.0 (95% CI: 5.6–18.4) vs. 4.0 (95% CI: 0.9–7.1) months, P = 0.018]; OS was also longer in the DEB-TACE group compared with the cTACE group [median: 24.0 (95% CI: 18.3–29.7) vs. 14.0 (95% CI: 7.1–20.9) months, P = 0.040]. In addition, after adjustment by multivariate Cox analyses, DEB-TACE was superior to cTACE independently regarding PFS (HR: 0.110, 95% CI: 0.026–0.463, P = 0.003) and OS (HR: 0.126, 95% CI: 0.028–0.559, P = 0.006).

Conclusion

CalliSpheres® DEB-TACE therapy may prolong survival profile than cTACE therapy in RCRLM patients, while further validation is still needed.
Value of P300 amplitude in the diagnosis of untreated first-episode schizophrenia and psychosis risk syndrome in children and adolescents
Authors: Zhang Yaru , Yang Tingyu , He Yuqiong , Meng Fanchao , Zhang Kun , Jin Xingyue , Cui Xilong , Luo Xuerong
Published: October 2023

Background

Identifying the characteristic neurobiological changes of early psychosis is helpful for early clinical diagnosis. However, previous studies on the brain electrophysiology of children and adolescents with psychosis are rare.

Methods

This study compared P300 amplitude at multiple electrodes between children and adolescents with first-episode schizophrenia (FES, n = 48), children and adolescents with psychosis risk syndrome (PRS, n = 24), and healthy controls (HC, n = 30). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to test the ability of P300 amplitude to distinguish FES, PRS and HC individuals.

Results

The P300 amplitude in the FES group were significantly lower than those in the HC at the Cz, Pz, and Oz electrodes. The P300 amplitude was also significantly lower in the prodromal group than in the HC at the Pz and Oz electrodes. ROC curve analysis showed that at the Pz electrode, the P300 amplitude evoked by the target and standard stimulus showed high sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the curve value for distinguishing FES from HC individuals.

Conclusions

This study found early visual P300 deficits in children and adolescents with FES and PRS, with the exclusion of possible influence of medication and chronic medical conditions, suggesting the value of P300 amplitude for the identification of early psychosis.
Childhood TB sequel: evaluating respiratory function after treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis in a prospective cohort of Gambian children – a study protocol
Authors: Nkereuwem Esin , Agbla Schadrac , Jatta Muhammed Lamin , Masterton Uma , Owolabi Olumuyiwa , Edem Victory Fabian , Kampmann Beate , Togun Toyin
Published: October 2023

Background

1.2 million children under 15 years are estimated to have developed tuberculosis (TB) in 2021. 85% of paediatric patients achieve successful treatment outcomes if treated for the first episode of TB. However, despite so-called successful treatment, TB leaves many survivors with permanently destroyed or damaged lungs. Data from prospective paediatric cohorts to establish the burden and evolution of post-TB lung disease (PTLD) are still absent. The Childhood TB Sequel study aims to describe respiratory consequences associated with pulmonary TB in Gambian children, describe the evolution of these sequelae, and determine associated epidemiological risk factors.

Methods

We aim to recruit up to 80 subjects aged 19 years and below who have recently completed treatment for pulmonary TB. Recruitment started in April 2022 and is expected to continue until June 2024. Clinical assessment, chest X-ray, and comprehensive lung function assessment are carried out at treatment completion and again six and 12 months later.

Discussion

The Childhood TB Sequel study will address existing research gaps to enhance our knowledge and understanding of the burden of PTLD in Gambian children. The study will also contribute to formulating a plan for post-TB evaluation and long-term follow-up strategies.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05325125, April 13, 2022.
Astragaloside IV restrains pyroptosis and fibrotic development of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells to ameliorate pulmonary artery hypertension through the PHD2/HIF1α signaling pathway
Authors: Xi Jie , Ma Yan , Liu Dongmei , Li Rong
Published: October 2023

Background

Astragaloside (AS)-IV, extracted from traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus mongholicus, has been widely used in the anti-inflammatory treatment for cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanism by which AS-IV affects pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) development remains largely unknown.

Methods

Monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH model rats were administered with AS-IV, and hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining were performed to evaluate the histological change in pulmonary tissues of rats. Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were treated by hypoxia and AS-IV. Pyroptosis and fibrosis were assessed by immunofluorescence, western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

AS-IV treatment alleviated pulmonary artery structural remodeling and pulmonary hypertension progression induced by MCT in rats. AS-IV suppressed the expression of pyroptosis-related markers, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 and fibrosis development in pulmonary tissues of PAH rats and in hypoxic PAMSCs. Interestingly, the expression of prolyl-4-hydroxylase 2 (PHD2) was restored by AS-IV administration in PAH model in vivo and in vitro, while hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) was restrained by AS-IV. Mechanistically, silencing PHD2 reversed the inhibitory effect of AS-IV on pyroptosis, fibrosis trend and pyroptotic necrosis in hypoxia-cultured PASMCs, while the HIF1α inhibitor could prevent these PAH-like phenomena.

Conclusion

Collectively, AS-IV elevates PHD2 expression to alleviate pyroptosis and fibrosis development during PAH through downregulating HIF1α. These findings may provide a better understanding of AS-IV preventing PAH, and the PHD2/HIF1α axis may be a potential anti-pyroptosis target during PAH.
MRI-based volume measurement methods for staging primary lower extremity lymphedema: a single-center study of asymmetric volume difference-a diagnostic study
Authors: Liu Mengke , Zhang Yan , Li Xingpeng , Hao Qi , Li Bin , Wang Rengui
Published: October 2023

Background

Lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) staging is mainly assessed by systems that solely depend on physical examinations and lack quantitative assessment based on modern imaging.

Objective

To explore the value of MRI-based asymmetric volume measurements in the clinical staging of primary LEL.

Methods

92 patients with unilateral primary LEL underwent MRI examinations to determine the volume of the mid-calf (Vcl) calculated using the clinical dermatome method as well as the total volume (Vmri), musculoskeletal volume (VM), and subcutaneous volume (VS) volume of the middle calves. The difference between Vmri (DVmri) and VS (DVS) of the affected and unaffected calves was obtained and defined as the asymmetric volume difference. Meanwhile, the volume of the mid-calf (Vcl) and the difference in volume (DVcl) were calculated using the clinical circumferential method. The relationship between the asymmetric volume difference and clinical staging was then evaluated. Interobserver consistency was assessed through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Volume comparisons between the three groups were performed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or the Kruskal-Wallis test. Spearman’s correlation was used to assess volume and clinical stage correlation. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the value of asymmetric volume difference for clinical staging.

Results

The asymmetric volume difference was statistically significant in stage I compared to stages II and III (p < 0.05). The asymmetric volume difference (DVmri: r = 0.753; DVS: r = 0.759) correlated more with the clinical stage than the affected Vcl (r = 0.581), Vmri (r = 0.628), VS (r = 0.743), and DVcl (r = 0.718). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for identifying the clinical stage by the asymmetric volume difference was greater than that for the affected Vcl, Vmri, VS, and DVcl, with DVS (AUC = 0.951) having the largest area under the curve to distinguish between stages I and II.

Conclusion

MRI-based asymmetric volume difference is an adjunctive measure for LEL clinical staging with good reproducibility. DVS could be the best indicator for differentiating between stages I and II of primary LEL.
Summarizing the effects of different exercise types in chronic neck pain – a systematic review and meta-analysis of systematic reviews
Authors: Rasmussen-Barr Eva , Halvorsen Marie , Bohman Tony , Boström Carina , Dedering Åsa , Kuster Roman P. , Olsson Christina B. , Rovner Graciela , Tseli Elena , Nilsson-Wikmar Lena , Grooten Wilhelmus Johannes Andreas
Published: October 2023

Background

To date, no consensus exists as to whether one exercise type is more effective than another in chronic neck pain. This systematic review and meta-analysis of systematic reviews aimed to summarize the literature on the effect of various exercise types used in chronic neck pain and to assess the certainty of the evidence.

Methods

We searched the databases Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, SportDiscus, and Web of Science (Core Collection) for systematic reviews and meta-analyses on adults between 18 and 70 years with chronic neck pain lasting ≥ 12 weeks which investigated the effects of exercises on pain and disability. The included reviews were grouped into motor control exercise (MCE), Pilates exercises, resistance training, traditional Chinese exercise (TCE), and yoga. Study quality was assessed with AMSTAR-2 and the level of certainty for the effects of the exercise through GRADE. A narrative analysis of the results was performed and in addition, meta-analyses when feasible.

Results

Our database search resulted in 1,794 systematic reviews. We included 25 systematic reviews and meta-analyses including 17,321 participants (overlap not accounted for). The quality of the included reviews ranged from critically low to low (n = 13) to moderate to high (n = 12). We found low to high certainty of evidence that MCE, Pilates exercises, resistance training, TCE, and yoga have short-term positive effects on pain and that all exercise types except resistance training, show positive effects on disability compared to non-exercise controls. We found low to moderate certainty of evidence for conflicting results on pain and disability when the exercise types were compared to other exercise interventions in the short-term as well as in intermediate/long-term apart for yoga, as no long-term results were available.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings show low to high certainty of evidence for positive effects on pain and disability of the various exercise types used in chronic neck pain compared to non-exercise interventions, at least in the short-term. Based on our results, no optimal exercise intervention for patients with chronic neck pain can be recommended, since no large differences between the exercise types were shown here. Because the quality of the included systematic reviews varied greatly, future systematic reviews need to increase their methodological quality.

Trial registration

Prospero CRD42022336014.