bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical effect of vein of Marshall ethanol infusion on mitral isthmus ablation
Authors: Ge Wei-Li , Lu Yi-Fei , Li Tao , Wang Ye , Yin Jie , Li Xin-Ran , Jiang Jian-Jun , Mi Ya-Fei , Tung Tao-Hsin , Yan Su-Hua
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Marshall ethanol infusion (VOM-Et) in the vein on mitral isthmus (MI) ablation.

Methods

Patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) were grouped into vein of VOM-Et combined with radiofrequency (RF) ablation (VOM-Et-RF) and RF groups. The primary outcome was MI block immediate block rate after surgery. Stratified analysis was also performed for factors affecting the outcome measures.

Results

A total of 118 consecutive patients underwent AF ablation at Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province from January 2018 to December 2021. Successful bidirectional perimitral block was achieved in 96% of patients in VOM-Et-RF (69 of 72) and in 76% of patients in the RF group (35 of 46) (P < 0.01). In the subgroup analysis, male sex, elder than 60 years, Left atrial diameter <55 mm, and AF duration <3 years were associated with the benefits of VOM-Et in AF Patients.

Conclusion

The vein of Marshall ethanol infusion for catheter ablation can improve the MI block rate. Male sex, elder age, smaller Left atrial diameter and shorter AF duration may have significant benefits for VOM-Et.
Case Report: Temporary pacing using active fixation lead and invasive electrophysiology studies for immune checkpoint inhibitor associated reversible advanced atrioventricular block
Authors: Wang Yifan , Qian Min , Jin Xiaofeng , Wang Jiaqi , Chen Taibo , Gao Peng , Cheng Zhongwei , Lai Jinzhi , Liu Yongtai , Fan Jingbo , Zhang Lihua , Cheng Kangan , Deng Hua , Fang Quan , Yang Deyan
Published: February 2024

A case of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-associated myocarditis with reversible advanced atrioventricular block (AVB) was reported. We innovatively used active fixation lead connected to an external device for prolonged temporary pacing until atrioventricular conduction recovered. Invasive electrophysiology studies were performed to evaluate atrioventricular conduction in detail. Long-term follow-up for nearly 120-days and repeated long-term electrocardiography was conducted to ensure the conduction system was truly recovered.
Rapid screening of chemicals for their potential to cause specific toxidromes
Authors: Liu Ruifeng , AbdulHameed Mohamed Diwan M. , Xu Zhen , Clancy Benjamin , Desai Valmik , Wallqvist Anders
Published: February 2024

Toxidromes constitute patterns of symptoms and signs caused by specific toxic effects that guide emergency treatments. Computational identification of chemicals that cause different toxidromes allows us to rapidly screen novel compounds and compound classes as to their potential toxicity. The aim of the current study was to create a computational toolset that can map chemicals to their potential toxidromes. Hence, we evaluated the performance of a state-of-the-art deep learning method—the recently developed communicative message passing neural network (CMPNN)—for its ability to overcome the use of small datasets for training deep learning models. Our results indicated that multi-task training—a technique known for its ability to use multiple small datasets to train conventional deep neural networks—works equally well with CMPNN. We also showed that CMPNN-based ensemble learning results in more reliable predictions than those obtained using a single CMPNN model. In addition, we showed that the standard deviations of individual model predictions from an ensemble of CMPNN models correlated with the errors of ensemble predictions and could be used to estimate the reliability of ensemble predictions. For toxidromes that do not have well-defined molecular mechanisms or sufficient data to train a deep learning model, we used the similarity ensemble approach to develop molecular structural similarity-based toxidrome models. We made the toolset developed in this study publicly accessible via a web user interface at https://toxidrome.bhsai.org/.
Experimental study on characteristics of flame propagation and pressure development evolution during methane-air explosion in different pipeline structures
Authors: Si Rongjun , Zhang Leilin , Niu Yihui , Wang Lei , Huang Zichao , Jia Quansheng , Li Ziran
Published: February 2024

A gas explosion experimental system based on a piece of 15 m-long and φ180 semi-closed wide open steel pipe was constructed. An explosion experimental study on straight pipelines and pipeline structures with different angles (45°, 90°, and 135°) was conducted. Research results demonstrated that before the turn, flame propagation speed and flame sustaining time in different pipeline structures were consistent. With the increase of the distance away from the ignition source, the flame propagation velocity increases and the flame sustaining time decreases; at the turning point, the flame velocity suddenly decreases and the flame duration increases obviously. Meanwhile, the peak value of overpressure on the lateral wall of the turning corner is greater than that on the inner wall. Among the three different angles, the peak value of overpressure on the lateral wall of 135° bend is the highest. Different pipeline structures have great influence on gas explosion overpressure and flame propagation speed. These research conclusions provide theoretical references for gas explosion resistance in coal mines.
Service-Learning as a niche innovation in higher education for sustainability
Authors: Álvarez-Vanegas Alejandro , Ramani Shyama V. , Volante Louis
Published: February 2024

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a framework proposed by UNESCO to develop knowledge, skills, values, and behaviors in youth for sustainable development. As part of the global development agenda, higher educational institutions are expected to integrate ESD into their curricula. Service-Learning is a type of experiential learning in which students combine academic coursework with community service which is aligned with the learning objectives of their academic program. In light of the global trend, our paper investigates how universities are responding to this call through the introduction of Service-Learning programs. First, a comprehensive review of UN documents presents the background and structure of ESD. Second, a systematic review of the academic literature analyses how Service-Learning is being introduced in higher educational institutes. Key findings are that Service-Learning programs align with most of the UNESCO framework components, but higher education institutions are finding it challenging to implement them. Educators play a pivotal role in implementation, and unless they are trained and incentivized and this is systematized, not only Service-Learning but also ESD may fail to transform learning environments. Furthermore, there is a need for impact evaluation, particularly in terms of key sustainability competences. The three major challenges are insufficient educator capacity, funding, and educator attitudes. These challenges can be addressed through university-based projects addressing local problems that have a visible impact, as well as collaboration with local communities, other institutions and, social enterprises.
Investigating the causal impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on gestational diabetes mellitus: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Guixue Guan , Yifu Pu , Xiaofeng Tang , Qian Sun , Yuan Gao , Wen Yang , Conghui Han , Zuobin Zhu
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Determining the causal relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) holds significant implications for GDM prevention and treatment. Despite numerous observational studies suggesting an association between PCOS and GDM, it remains unclear whether a definitive causal relationship exists between these two conditions and which specific features of PCOS contribute to increased incidence of GDM.

Methods

The causal relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), its characteristic indices, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was investigated using a two-sample Mendelian randomization study based on publicly available statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The inverse-variance weighted method was employed as the primary analytical approach to examine the association between PCOS, its characteristic indices, and GDM. MR Egger intercept was used to assess pleiotropy, while Q values and their corresponding P values were utilized to evaluate heterogeneity. It is important to note that this study adopts a two-sample MR design where PCOS and its characteristic indices are considered as exposures, while GDM is treated as an outcome.

Results

The study results indicate that there is no causal relationship between PCOS and GDM (all methods P > 0.05, 95% CI of OR values passed 1). The IVW OR value was 1.007 with a 95% CI of 0.906 to 1.119 and a P value of 0.904. Moreover, the MR Egger Q value was 8.141 with a P value of 0.701, while the IVW Q value was also 8.141 with a P value of 0.774, indicating no significant heterogeneity. Additionally, the MR Egger intercept was 0.0004, which was close to zero with a P value of 0.988, suggesting no pleiotropy. However, the study did find a causal relationship between several other factors such as testosterone, high-density lipoprotein, sex hormone-binding globulin, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, apolipoprotein A-I, number of children, diabetes illnesses of mother, father and siblings, hemoglobin A1c, fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, years of schooling, and GDM based on the IVW method.

Conclusion

We observed no association between genetically predicted PCOS and the risk of GDM, implying that PCOS itself does not confer an increased susceptibility to GDM. The presence of other PCOS-related factors such as testosterone, high-density lipoprotein, and sex hormone-binding globulin may elucidate the link between PCOS and GDM. Based on these findings, efforts aimed at preventing GDM in individuals with PCOS should prioritize those exhibiting high-risk features rather than encompassing all women with PCOS.
Prediction of the whole society electricity consumption in northeast China based on the BP neural network and Markov
Authors: Yan Yongbing , Shao Yan , Wang Dong , Yang Zhe , Ma Haibo , Li Qingjun , Li Peiyi
Published: February 2024

Northeast China has been facing a severe power shortage situation. Since September 2021, “power rationing” events occurring in many places in the three provinces of northeast China have been causing inconvenience to people’s production and life. Therefore, it is particularly important to accurately predict the power load combined with the influencing factors of local power consumption. At the same time, the northeast region is about to enter the heating season, and the pressure on coal and electricity will further increase. In Heilongjiang Province, due to coal capacity control, limited production led to the high price of thermal coal; wind power photovoltaic output fluctuations, the epidemic, and other reasons also resulted in a large gap in the power supply side. Improving the power demand forecasting ability is of great significance to strengthen the reliability of people’s daily electricity consumption, rational distribution of power generation plans, and deployment of power grid resources. In order to improve the accuracy of electricity consumption prediction in Heilongjiang Province, Markov error correction is carried out on the basis of the backpropagation (BP) neural network prediction model so that the final prediction results have the advantages of the BP neural network prediction model and Markov model. In addition, it is more suitable for the prediction of random series data with high volatility, the prediction accuracy can be improved significantly, and the overall trend of electricity consumption can be predicted more accurately.
Enhancing solar panel cooling efficiency: a study on the influence of nanofluid inclusion and pin fin shape during melting and freezing of phase change materials
Authors: Mustafa Jawed , Alqaed Saeed , Sajadi S. Mohammad , Aybar Hikmet Ş.
Published: February 2024

The present article presents a 3D simulation of a solar thermal panel containing phase change materials (PCMs). Two pipes are devised in the panel, and several pin fins (PFs) are applied to each pipe. Organic PCMs are encapsulated in a compartment around the PFs and pipes. The variable is PF shape, which includes four types, i.e., square, rectangular, triangular, and circular. Nanofluid (NFD) is used within the pipes. The study is carried out transiently and continued until the stabilization of outlets. Utilizing an FEM method based on a weak form, namely, Galerkin, to find a numerical solution for mathematical modeling. The artificial intelligent results indicate that using triangular, square, rectangular, and circular PFs provides the highest NFD temperature in the outlet, respectively. Circular PFs lead to a lower heat transfer coefficient (HC) compared to other PFs. The comparison between various PF shapes shows that the use of circular and triangular PFs results in the lowest and highest panel temperature, respectively. Moreover, the highest and lowest volume fraction of melting PCMs around the pipe is obtained through the use of triangular and circular PFs, respectively.
Study on multi-scenarios regulating strategy of land use conflict in urban agglomerations under the perspective of “three-zone space”: a case study of Harbin-Changchun urban agglomerations, China
Authors: Zheng Wei , Guo Bin , Su Hao , Liu Zijun
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Against the background of rapid global urbanization, the urban space expansion has led to increasingly acute land-use conflicts. Accurately understanding the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of land-use conflict patterns and measuring the level of spatial conflicts are crucial for intensifying sustainable use and management of land resources. Existing research focuses on analyzing the current status of land-use conflicts, while there is limited discussion on tracking spatial-temporal dynamic patterns and simulating future conflict trends.

Method: In this paper, the level of spatial conflict was measured by constructing a spatial comprehensive conflict index (SCCI) model, and the spatio-temporal evolution characteristics of land use conflict in Harbin-Changchun urban agglomeration from 2000 to 2020 are discussed. In addition, the PLUS model is used to simulate and predict the pattern of land use conflict in 2030, finally put forward the control strategy.

Results: Result shows that: (1) Over the past 20 years, urban space has expanded rapidly with two provincial capitals as growth poles. Land-use conflicts generally exhibit a distribution pattern of “high in the west and low in the east, high in the core and low in the periphery.” (2) During the past 20 years, conflicts have intensified initially and then eased. Severe uncontrolled conflicts are concentrated in the transition zone between urban and rural areas of urban agglomerations. (3) Agricultural space is the core resource and key area contested by different interest subjects in the process of land development and utilization.

Discussion: The agricultural space priority scenario proves to be the most effective in controlling spatial conflicts. However, a single space priority scenario cannot adequately address multiple spatial rights and interests. Therefore, different spatial management modes should be implemented in different areas. The purpose of this paper is to provide scientific strategies and suggestions for controlling land-use conflicts in urban agglomerations and achieving sustainable development of regional land use.
Microplastics influence the functional responses of a tropical estuarine calanoid Pseudodiaptomus annandalei
Authors: Sharma Jaigopal , Rai Malayaj , Guino-o Robert S.
Published: February 2024

Being chemically inert and morphologically similar (<5 mm in size) to the natural prey of copepods, microplastics (MPs) affect them through entanglement, ingestion, and interference with their natural prey selection. The effects of external factors, such as MP, can be observed in the form of alterations in the functional and numerical responses of copepods. Functional response is explained as the relationship between the intake rate of a consumer and the amount of food available in a particular ecotope. Considered three types of functional response: (i) with increasing food density, when intake rate increases linearly until asymptote, called Type-I functional response; (ii) when the proportion of prey ingested by the consumer decreases monotonically with prey density, considered as a Type-II functional response; and (iii) when ingestion rate and food density show a sigmoid relationship, is considered as Type-III functional response. In the present study, we attempted to elucidate the effects of MP on the functional responses of brackish water, demersal, calanoid copepod, Pseudodiaptomus annandalei, feeding on the rotifer Brachionus rotundiformis, and the ciliate Frontonia microstoma. The ability of P. annandalei to survive environmental fluctuations and its nutritional value make it an ecologically important organism in estuarine ecosystems. The experiment for estimation of functional response included four setups with adult and copepodite stages of P. annandalei, each with six replicates at six different prey densities, in the presence and absence of MP particles. Without MPs, P. annandalei showed a typical Type-II functional response, where the proportion of prey consumed significantly declined with increasing prey density. In the MP-applied medium, the proportion of prey consumed did not exhibit a significant relationship with the initial prey density. The number of ciliates and rotifers ingested by copepodites and adults was significantly lower in MP-contaminated medium than in prey either monospecific or in combination with microalgae. Because of the comparable size of MP to the prey species and unspecialized feeding of P. annandalei in natural waters, we hypothesized reduced predation rates as a result of pseudo-satiation resulting from MP ingestion leading to malnutrition and MP storage in copepod biomass.
Mendelian randomization analysis demonstrates the causal effects of IGF family members in diabetes
Authors: Li Xing , Tang Jie , Lin Sha , Liu Xuwei , Li Yifei
Published: February 2024

Background

Observational studies have consistently shown significant associations between the IGF family and metabolic diseases, including diabetes. However, these associations can be influenced by confounding factors and reverse causation. This study aimed to assess the causal relationship between the IGF family and diabetes using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

We conducted a two-sample MR analysis to investigate the causal effects of the IGF family on diabetes. Instrumental variables for the IGF family and diabetes were derived from summary-level statistics obtained from genome-wide association studies. Horizontal pleiotropy was assessed using MR-Egger regression and the weighted median method. We applied the inverse-variance weighted method as part of the conventional MR analysis to evaluate the causal impact of the IGF family on diabetes risk. To test the robustness of the results, we also employed MR-Egger regression, the weighted median method, and a leave-one-out analysis.

Results

Our study revealed that IGF-1 causally increases the risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), while IGFBP-6, adiponectin and INSR decreases the risk (IGF-1, OR 1.02 [95% CI 1–1.03], p = 0.01; IGFBP-6, OR 0.92 [95% CI 0.87–0.98], p = 0.01; Adiponectin, OR 0.837 [95% CI 0.721–0.970], p = 0.018; INSR, OR 0.910 [95% CI 0.872–0.950], p = 1.52 × 10–5). Additionally, genetically lower levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-5, along with higher levels of IGFBP-7, were associated with an increased risk of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) (IGF-1, OR 0.981 [95% CI 0.963–0.999], p = 0.037; IGFBP-5, OR 0.882 [95% CI 0.778–0.999], p = 0.049; IGFBP-7, OR 1.103 [95% CI 1.008–1.206], p = 0.033).

Conclusion

In summary, our investigation has unveiled causal relationships between specific IGF family members and T1D and T2D through MR analysis. Generally, the IGF family appears to reduce the risk of T1D, but it presents a more complex and controversial role in the context of T2D. These findings provide compelling evidence that T2D is intricately linked with developmental impairment. Our study results offer fresh insights into the pathogenesis and the significance of serum IGF family member concentrations in assessing diabetes risk.
Soil fungal community is more sensitive than bacterial community to modified materials application in saline–alkali land of Hetao Plain
Authors: Bai Xiaolong , Zhang En , Wu Jinmin , Ma Donghai , Zhang Chaohui , Zhang Bangyan , Liu Yunpeng , Zhang Zhi , Tian Feng , Zhao Hui , Wang Bin
Published: February 2024

Soil salinization has become a major challenge that severely threatens crop growth and influences the productivity of agriculture. It is urgent to develop effective management measures to improve saline–alkali soil. Thus, in this study, soil properties, microbial communities, and function under desulfurization gypsum (DE), soil amendment (SA), farm manure (FA), and co-application of desulfurization gypsum, soil amendment, and farm manure (TA) in a field experiment were examined by high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that the application of modified materials is an effective approach in improving saline–alkali soil, especially TA treatment significantly increased the content of available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), soil organic matter (SOM), and alkaline hydrolysis nitrogen (AHN) and decreased pH, bulk density (BD), and electrical conductivity (EC). The application of modified materials resulted in notable enhancement in fungal diversity and altered the composition and structure of the fungal community. Conversely, the effect on the bacterial community was comparatively minor, with changes limited to the structure of the community. Regarding the fungal community composition, Ascomycota, Mortierellomycota, and Basidiomycota emerged as the dominant phyla across all treatments. At each taxonomic level, the community composition exhibited significant variations in response to different modified materials, resulting in divergent soil quality. The TA treatment led to a decrease in Mortierellomycota and an increase in Ascomycota, potentially enhancing the ability to decompose organic matter and facilitate soil nutrient cycling. Additionally, the sensitivity of fungal biomarkers to modified materials surpassed that of the bacterial community. The impact of modified materials on soil microbial communities primarily stemmed from alterations in soil EC, AP, AK, and SOM. FUNGuild analysis indicated that the saprotroph trophic mode group was the dominant component, and the application of modified materials notably increased the symbiotroph group. PICRUSt analysis revealed that metabolism was the most prevalent functional module observed at pathway level 1. Overall, the application of modified materials led to a decrease in soil EC and an increase in nutrient levels, resulting in more significant alterations in the soil fungal community, but it did not dramatically change the soil bacterial community. Our study provides new insights into the application of modified materials in increasing soil nutrients and altering soil microbial communities and functions and provides a better approach for improving saline–alkali soil of Hetao Plain.
Preventive effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 2016SWU.05.0601 and its postbiotic elements on dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice
Authors: Bu Linli , Li Yang , Wang Chen , Jiang Yuhang , Suo Huayi
Published: February 2024

Microbial-based therapies are one of the hotspots in the field of ulcerative colitis research. The lactic acid bacteria and their postbiotics occupy a key position in microbial therapies, however, the mechanism by which they alleviate ulcerative colitis in mice is unknown. We investigated the effects of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 2016SWU.05.0601 (Lr-0601) and its postbiotics on male Kunming mice with dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). The results showed that Lr-0601 significantly alleviated the deterioration of UC and restored the expression of intestinal mechanical barrier proteins. In addition, Lr-0601 significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the body and regulated the expression of key regulatory genes of the NF-κB-iNOS/COX-2 signaling pathway in colon tissues to a large extent. Our results suggest that supplementation with Lr-0601 and its postbiotics can effectively prevent DSS-induced UC and have a beneficial effect on intestinal health, which also provides new insights and research bases for the prevention as well as the treatment of ulcerative colitis and other diseases related to intestinal barrier dysfunction and other diseases.
Providing an in vitro depiction of microglial cells challenged with immunostimulatory extracellular vesicles of Naegleria fowleri
Authors: Retana Moreira Lissette , Cornet-Gomez Alberto , Sepulveda M. Rosario , Molina-Castro Silvia , Alvarado-Ocampo Johan , Chaves Monge Frida , Jara Rojas Mariana , Osuna Antonio , Abrahams Sandí Elizabeth
Published: February 2024

Naegleria fowleri is the causative agent of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rapid and acute infection of the central nervous system with a fatal outcome in >97% of cases. Due to the infrequent report of cases and diagnostic gaps that hinder the possibility of recovering clinic isolates, studies related to pathogenesis of the disease are scarce. However, the secretion of cytolytic molecules has been proposed as a factor involved in the progression of the infection. Several of these molecules could be included in extracellular vesicles (EVs), making them potential virulence factors and even modulators of the immune response in this infection. In this work, we evaluated the immunomodulatory effect of EVs secreted by two clinic isolates of Naegleria fowleri using in vitro models. For this purpose, characterization analyses between EVs produced by both isolates were first performed, for subsequent gene transcription analyses post incubation of these vesicles with primary cultures from mouse cell microglia and BV-2 cells. Analyses of morphological changes induced in primary culture microglia cells by the vesicles were also included, as well as the determination of the presence of nucleic acids of N. fowleri in the EV fractions. Results revealed increased expression of NOS, proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-23, and the regulatory cytokine IL-10 in primary cultures of microglia, as well as increased expression of NOS and IL-13 in BV-2 cells. Morphologic changes from homeostatic microglia, with small cellular body and long processes to a more amoeboid morphology were also observed after the incubation of these cells with EVs. Regarding the presence of nucleic acids, specific Naegleria fowleri DNA that could be amplified using both conventional and qPCR was confirmed in the EV fractions. Altogether, these results confirm the immunomodulatory effects of EVs of Naegleria fowleri over microglial cells and suggest a potential role of these vesicles as biomarkers of primary acute meningoencephalitis.
Cognitive reserve and the risk of postoperative neurocognitive disorders in older age
Authors: Borchers Friedrich , Rumpel Miriam , Laubrock Jochen , Spies Claudia , Kozma Petra , Slooter Arjen , van Montfort Simone J. T. , Piper Sophie K. , Wiebach Janine , Winterer Georg , Pischon Tobias , Feinkohl Insa
Published: February 2024

Background

Postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) are postoperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs) that frequently occur in the aftermath of a surgical intervention. Cognitive reserve (CR) is a concept posited to explain why cognitive health varies between individuals. On this qualitative understanding of cognitive health, factors like IQ, education level, and occupational complexity can affect the impact of neuropathological processes on cognitive outcomes.

Methods

We investigated the association between CR and POD and CR and POCD on data from 713 patients aged≥65 years with elective surgery. Peak pre-morbid IQ was estimated from vocabulary. Occupational complexity was coded according to the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT). Education level was classed according to the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED). These three factors were used as proxies of CR. In a series of regression models, age, sex, depression, site of surgery, and several lifestyle and vascular factors were controlled for.

Results

Patients with a higher IQ had lower odds of developing POD. We found no significant association between the other two CR markers with POD. None of the CR markers was associated with POCD.

Conclusion

The significant association of a higher IQ with lower POD risk allows for the stratification of elderly surgical patients by risk. This knowledge can aid the prevention and/or early detection of POD. Further research should attempt to determine the lack of associations of CR markers with POCD in our study.
Cerebral venous sinus stenting and jugular bulb embolization for pulsatile tinnitus: A case report
Authors: Xu Mengjiao , Dong Xiaobo , Zheng Can , Zheng Tao , Wang Gesheng
Published: February 2024

Background

Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) is a rare form of tinnitus that aligns with the heartbeat. It is typically brought on by lesions with significant vascularity, which produce aberrant sound conduction and increase the risk of mental health issues and hearing loss. Venous PT is more prevalent than arterial PT. Open procedures or interventional procedures can be used to treat PT. We present here a case of PT caused by venous luminal stenosis combined with jugular bulb (JB) malformation, which was improved by stenting and JB embolization.

Case presentation

A 59-year-old woman presented with long-term tinnitus consistent with heart rhythm and hearing loss, accompanied by anxiety, insomnia, and depression. The results of brain MRV, CT, and DSA showed stenosis of the right sigmoid sinus and high jugular bulb (JB) with dehiscence of the JB wall. The patient saw a significant improvement in PT symptoms following sigmoid sinus stenting and spring coil embolization of the high JB, following the diagnosis of PT. The patient had no PT recurrence for the course of the 31-month follow-up period.

Conclusion

In the present PT case, there was a simultaneous onset of the right sigmoid sinus stenosis and the high JB with the JB wall abnormalities. Sigmoid sinus stenting and spring coil embolization of high JB may be a treatment for the PT, but the prevention of post-stenting complications is still an issue that requires great attention and needs further study.
A normative modeling approach to quantify white matter changes and predict functional outcomes in stroke patients
Authors: Su Houming , Yan Su , Zhu Hongquan , Liu Yufei , Zhang Guiling , Peng Xiaolong , Zhang Shun , Li Yuanhao , Zhu Wenzhen
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The diverse nature of stroke necessitates individualized assessment, presenting challenges to case-control neuroimaging studies. The normative model, measuring deviations from a normal distribution, provides a solution. We aim to evaluate stroke-induced white matter microstructural abnormalities at group and individual levels and identify potential prognostic biomarkers.

Methods

Forty-six basal ganglia stroke patients and 46 healthy controls were recruited. Diffusion-weighted imaging and clinical assessment were performed within 7 days after stroke. We used automated fiber quantification to characterize intergroup alterations of segmental diffusion properties along 20 fiber tracts. Then each patient was compared to normative reference (46 healthy participants) by Mahalanobis distance tractometry for 7 significant fiber tracts. Mahalanobis distance-based deviation loads (MaDDLs) and fused MaDDLmulti were extracted to quantify individual deviations. We also conducted correlation and logistic regression analyses to explore relationships between MaDDL metrics and functional outcomes.

Results

Disrupted microstructural integrity was observed across the left corticospinal tract, bilateral inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, left inferior longitudinal fasciculus, bilateral thalamic radiation, and right uncinate fasciculus. The correlation coefficients between MaDDL metrics and initial functional impairment ranged from 0.364 to 0.618 (p < 0.05), with the highest being MaDDLmulti. Furthermore, MaDDLmulti demonstrated a significant enhancement in predictive efficacy compared to MaDDL (integrated discrimination improvement [IDI] = 9.62%, p = 0.005) and FA (IDI = 34.04%, p < 0.001) of the left corticospinal tract.

Conclusion

MaDDLmulti allows for assessing behavioral disorders and predicting prognosis, offering significant implications for personalized clinical decision-making and stroke recovery. Importantly, our method demonstrates prospects for widespread application in heterogeneous neurological diseases.
Contextual memory engrams, and the neuromodulatory influence of the locus coeruleus
Authors: Grella Stephanie L. , Donaldson Tia N.
Published: February 2024

Here, we review the basis of contextual memory at a conceptual and cellular level. We begin with an overview of the philosophical foundations of traversing space, followed by theories covering the material bases of contextual representations in the hippocampus (engrams), exploring functional characteristics of the cells and subfields within. Next, we explore various methodological approaches for investigating contextual memory engrams, emphasizing plasticity mechanisms. This leads us to discuss the role of neuromodulatory inputs in governing these dynamic changes. We then outline a recent hypothesis involving noradrenergic and dopaminergic projections from the locus coeruleus (LC) to different subregions of the hippocampus, in sculpting contextual representations, giving a brief description of the neuroanatomical and physiological properties of the LC. Finally, we examine how activity in the LC influences contextual memory processes through synaptic plasticity mechanisms to alter hippocampal engrams. Overall, we find that phasic activation of the LC plays an important role in promoting new learning and altering mnemonic processes at the behavioral and cellular level through the neuromodulatory influence of NE/DA in the hippocampus. These findings may provide insight into mechanisms of hippocampal remapping and memory updating, memory processes that are potentially dysregulated in certain psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
Construction and validation of a RARRES3-based prognostic signature related to the specific immune microenvironment of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Sun Yimeng , Wang Xiaoyan , Yao Lin , He Rong , Man Changfeng , Fan Yu
Published: February 2024

Background

Tumor immune microenvironment (TiME) is prognostically instructive in Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). However, the potential value of TiME-related genes in the individualized immunotherapy of PAAD has not been clarified.

Methods

Correlation between Immune-Related Genes (IRGs) and immune-related transcription factors (TFs) was performed to prove the immune correlation of selected genes. Immune-related molecular subtypes were identified by consensus clustering. The TiME-score, an immune microenvironment-related prognostic signature for PAAD, was constructed using minimum absolute contraction and selection operator regression (Lasso-Cox). The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) dataset validated the reliability of TiME-score as external validation. Single-cell samples from GSE197177 confirmed microenvironment differences of TiME-score hub genes between tumor and its paracancer tissues. Then, RARRES3, a hub gene in TiME-score, was further analyzed about its upstream TP53 mutation and the specific immune landscape of itself in transcriptome and Single-cell level. Eventually, TiME-score were validated in different therapeutic cohorts of PAAD mice models.

Results

A 14-genes PAAD immune-related risk signature, TiME-score, was constructed based on IRGs. The differences of TiME-score hub genes in single-cell samples of PAAD cancer tissues and adjacent tissues were consistent with the transcriptome. Single-cell samples of cancer tissues showed more pronounced immune cell infiltration. The upstream mutation factor TP53 of RARRES3 was significantly enriched in immune-related biological processes. High RARRES3 expression was correlated with a worse prognosis and high macrophages M1 infiltration. Additionally, the immunohistochemistry of hub genes AGT, DEFB1, GH1, IL20RB, and TRAF3 in different treatment cohorts of mice PAAD models were consistent with the predicted results. The combination of immunotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy has shown significantly better therapeutic effects than single drug therapy in PAAD.

Conclusion

TiME-score, as a prognostic signature related to PAAD-specific immune microenvironment constructed based on RARRES3, has predictive value for prognosis and the potential to guide individualized immunotherapy for PAAD patients.
Oral microbiota and oral squamous cell carcinoma: a review of their relation and carcinogenic mechanisms
Authors: Sukmana Bayu Indra , Saleh Raed Obaid , Najim Maryam Abdulrahman , AL-Ghamdi Hasan S. , Achmad Harun , Al-Hamdani Mais Mazin , Taher Abbas AY. , Alsalamy Ali , Khaledi Mansoor , Javadi Kasra
Published: February 2024

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of head and neck cancer worldwide. Emerging research suggests a strong association between OSCC and the oral microbiota, a diverse community of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea. Pathogenic bacteria, in particular Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, have been closely linked to OSCC. Moreover, certain oral fungi, such as Candida albicans, and viruses, like the human papillomavirus, have also been implicated in OSCC. Despite these findings, the precise mechanisms through which the oral microbiota influences OSCC development remain unclear and necessitate further research. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the oral microbiota and its relationship with OSCC and discusses potential carcinogenic pathways that the oral microbiota may activate or modulate are also discussed.
Global research trends on cardiac troponin and physical activity among pediatric populations: a bibliometric analysis and science mapping study
Authors: Hernández-González Vicenç , Conesa-Milian Enric , Jové-Deltell Carme , Pano-Rodríguez Álvaro , Legaz-Arrese Alejandro , Reverter-Masia Joaquin
Published: February 2024

Background

Cardiac troponin (cTn) is a reliable marker for evaluating myocardial damage. cTn is a very specific protein involved in myocardial injury, and it is a key factor in the diagnosis of coronary syndromes. Bibliometric analysis was applied in the present work, with the main goal of evaluating global research on the topic of cardiac troponin in pediatric populations.

Methods

Publications about cardiac troponin and physical activity in pediatric populations were retrieved from the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) and the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) of the Web of Science Core Collection, and they were then analyzed. The study was able to identify the key bibliometric indicators, such as publications, keywords, authors, countries, institutions, and journals. For the analysis, VOSviewer, R-based Bibliometrix (4.2.2), and MapChart were used.

Results

Initially, 98 documents were identified; however, once inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, the number of documents decreased to 88. The search yielded 79 original research articles and 9 reviews, almost all of which were published in the past 2 decades. The total number of citations (Nc) of the retrieved publications was 1,468, and the average number of citations per article (Na) was 16.68. In general, 508 authors were found to have participated in research about troponin; they were associated with 256 institutions, and their work was published in 65 different journals from around the world. The authors hailed from 30 countries and/or regions. The year 2022 was the most productive year for the publication of the selected documents. The bibliometric analysis provided information regarding levels of cooperation among authors and institutions. In fact, China, the United States, and England were the most productive nations, and the journal with the greatest number of publications on the topic was Pediatric Cardiology.

The number of publications and the trend line show that research on this topic has not yet reached a stage of maturity. There are referent investigators, countries, and institutions that have laid the foundations for subsequent studies on the analyzed topic.
A meta-analysis of the efficacy of programmed cell death 1/its ligand inhibitors plus cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lin Li , Xiao Lu , Li Lei , Chen Chen , Zhang Haorong , Yu Changyan , Zhang Lanfang , Wei Anhua , Li Wei
Published: February 2024

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), either as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy, have improved the therapeutic outcome for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the efficacy of combination therapies, such as programmed cell death 1(PD-1)/its ligand (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors, in targeting different pathways remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether the addition of a CTLA-4 inhibitor to PD-1/PD-L1 therapy improves the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy in NSCLC.

Methods: We systematically searched various electronic databases for suitable trials. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 with and without CTLA-4 were included in the analyses. The meta-analysis software RevMan 5.3 was used for statistical analyses.

Results: A total of seven RCTs were retrieved. The results suggested that the combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1/PDL-1 inhibitors did not show enhanced efficacy over PD1/PDL-1 inhibitor monotherapy as determined by overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.84–1.14, p = 0.79), progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.81–1.06, p = 0.25), and objective response rate (ORR) (HR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.96–1.21, p = 0.19). Furthermore, the combination immunotherapy was associated increased toxicity as evidenced by increased incidence of any type adverse events (AEs) (RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.00–1.13, p = 0.03), grade ≥3 immune-mediated AEs (RR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.36–1.82, p < 0.05), and treatment discontinuation (RR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.46–2.28, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Combining anti-CTLA-4 with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy did not improve the therapeutic efficacy, and was associated with greater toxicity than anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC. Further investigation of the combination immunotherapy in specific subsets of patients is warranted to identify and define the patient-specific benefits of this combination.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023435399
Cost-effectiveness of tumor-treating fields plus standard therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer progressed after platinum-based therapy in the United States
Authors: Tian Wentao , Ning Jiaoyang , Chen Liu , Zeng Yu , Shi Yin , Xiao Gang , He Shuangshuang , Tanzhu Guilong , Zhou Rongrong
Published: February 2024

Background: Tumor treating fields (TTF) was first approved for treatment of glioblastoma. Recently, the LUNAR study demonstrated that TTF + standard therapy (ST) extended survival in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This primary objective of this study is to analyze the cost-effectiveness of this treatment from the United States healthcare payers’ perspective.

Methods: A 3-health-state Markov model was established to compare the cost-effectiveness of TTF + ST and that of ST alone. Clinical data were extracted from the LUNAR study, supplemented by additional cost and utility data obtained from publications or online sources. One-way sensitivity analysis, probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and scenario analysis were conducted. The willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold per quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained was set to $150,000. The main results include total costs, QALYs, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and incremental net monetary benefit (INMB). Subgroup analyses were conducted for two types of ST, including immune checkpoint inhibitor, and docetaxel.

Results: During a 10-year time horizon, the costs of TTF + ST and ST alone were $431,207.0 and $128,125.9, and the QALYs were 1.809 and 1.124, respectively. The ICER of TTF + ST compared to ST was $442,732.7 per QALY, and the INMB was -$200,395.7 at the WTP threshold. The cost of TTF per month was the most influential factor in cost-effectiveness, and TTF + ST had a 0% probability of being cost-effective at the WTP threshold compared with ST alone.

Conclusion: TTF + ST is not a cost-effective treatment for advanced NSCLC patients who progressed after platinum-based therapy from the perspective of the United States healthcare payers.
Single-photon counting detectors for diffraction-limited light sources
Authors: Fröjdh Erik , Bergamaschi Anna , Schmitt Bernd
Published: February 2024

When first introduced, single-photon counting detectors reshaped crystallography at synchrotrons. Their fast readout speed enabled, for example, shutter-less data collection and fine slicing of the rotation angle and boosted the development of new experimental techniques like ptychography. Under optimal conditions, single-photon counting detectors provide an unlimited dynamic range with image noise only limited by the Poisson statistics of the incoming photons. Counting the pulses from individual photons, essentially what made the detectors so successful, also causes the main drawback, which is the loss of efficiency at high photon fluxes due to pulse pileup in the analog front end. To fully take advantage of diffraction-limited light sources, the next-generation single-photon counters need to improve their count rate capabilities in the same order of magnitude as the increased flux. Moreover, fast frame rates (a few kHz) are required to cope with the shorter dwell time achievable, thanks to the higher flux. Detector architecture with multiple comparators and counters can open new possibilities for energy-resolved imaging, while interpixel communication can overcome the issues arising from charge sharing and reduce the loss of efficiency at the pixel corners. Coupling single-photon counting detectors to high-Z sensors for hard X-ray detection (>20 keV) and to low-gain avalanche diodes (LGADs) for soft X-rays is also necessary to make use of the increased coherence of the new light sources over the full radiation spectrum. In this paper, we present possible strategies to improve the performance of single-photon counting detectors at the fourth-generation synchrotron sources and compare them to charge integrating detectors.