bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health policy competencies in regional organizations: a retrospective analysis for 76 regional organizations from 1945 to 2015
Authors: Wang Zongbin , Liang Zhisheng , Dong Xuejie , Gao Liqun , Zhou Shuduo , Yin Hui , Jin Yinzi , Zheng Zhi-Jie
Published: February 2024

Background

Health policy competencies of regional organizations include mandates to create regional health laws and policies, as well as authorities that allow member states to undertake collective actions in the health field. The examination of the health policy competencies of regional organizations is essential, as it constitutes an important prerequisite for regional organizations to govern regional health. This study aims to map the development trajectory of health policy competencies in regional organizations worldwide and investigate their potential correlates. This will contribute to the enhanced promotion of both existing and new regional health cooperation.

Methods

This retrospective analysis utilized the health policy competencies of the 76 regional organizations worldwide from 1945 to 2015, as investigated in the Regional Organizations Competencies Database. By aggregating member state data from various sources such as the IHME Global Burden of Disease 2019, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization, we extracted the mean values and coefficients of variation for the covariates in regional organization characteristics, socioeconomic and demographic factors, health status and health-system capacity. The correlation between changes in the health policy scope of regional organizations and independent variables was analyzed using Poisson pseudo-likelihood regression with multiple levels of fixed effects.

Results

From 1945 to 2015, the number of regional organizations with health policy competencies experienced a slow growth stage before 1991 and an explosive growth stage post-1991. By 2015, 48 out of the 71 existing regional organizations had developed their health policy competencies, yet 26 (54.2%) of these organizations possessed only 1–2 health policy competencies. An enhancement in the health policy scope of a regional organization correlated with its founding year, a greater number of policy fields, higher under-five mortality, and larger disparities in trade and healthcare access and quality indexes among member states. In contrast, larger disparities in population, under-five mortality and health worker density among member states, along with more hospital beds per capita, were negatively correlated with the expansion of a regional organization’s health policy scope.

Conclusion

Since 1991, there has been a surge of interest in health among regional organizations, although health remains a secondary priority for them. The health policy competencies of regional organizations are pivotal for promoting social equity within regional communities. Its establishment is also closely linked to the level and disparities among member states in aspects such as trade, population, child mortality rates, and health system capacity.
Implementation strategies in suicide prevention: a scoping review
Authors: Chen Jason I. , Roth Brandon , Dobscha Steven K. , Lowery Julie C.
Published: February 2024

Background

Implementation strategies can be a vital leveraging point for enhancing the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based suicide prevention interventions and programming. However, much remains unknown about which implementation strategies are commonly used and effective for supporting suicide prevention efforts.

Methods

In light of the limited available literature, a scoping review was conducted to evaluate implementation strategies present in current suicide prevention studies. We identified studies that were published between 2013 and 2022 that focused on suicide prevention and incorporated at least one implementation strategy. Studies were coded by two independent coders who showed strong inter-rater reliability. Data were synthesized using descriptive statistics and a narrative synthesis of findings.

Results

Overall, we found that studies most commonly utilized strategies related to iterative evaluation, training, and education. The majority of studies did not include direct measurement of suicide behavior outcomes, and there were few studies that directly tested implementation strategy effectiveness.

Conclusion

Implementation science strategies remain an important component for improving suicide prevention and intervention implementation. Future research should consider the incorporation of more type 3 hybrid designs as well as increased systematic documentation of implementation strategies.

Trial registration

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Can ChatGPT transform cardiac surgery and heart transplantation?
Authors: Clark S C
Published: February 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology with many benefits, but also risks when applied to healthcare and cardiac surgery in particular. Surgeons must be aware of AI and its application through generative pre-trained transformers (GPT/ChatGPT) to fully understand what this offers to clinical care, decision making, training, research and education. Clinicians must appreciate that the advantages and potential for transformative change in practice is balanced by risks typified by validation, ethical challenges and medicolegal concerns. ChatGPT should be seen as a tool to support and enhance the skills of surgeons, rather than a replacement for their experience and judgment. Human oversight and intervention will always be necessary to ensure patient safety and to make complex decisions that may require a refined understanding of individual patient circumstances.
Updates on the role of epigenetics in familial mediterranean fever (FMF)
Authors: Chaaban Ahlam , Salman Zeina , Karam Louna , Kobeissy Philippe Hussein , Ibrahim José-Noel
Published: February 2024

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disease caused by mutations in the MEFV (MEditerranean FeVer) gene that affects people originating from the Mediterranean Sea. The high variability in severity and clinical manifestations observed not only between ethnic groups but also between and within families is mainly related to MEFV allelic heterogeneity and to some modifying genes. In addition to the genetic factors underlying FMF, the environment plays a significant role in the development and manifestation of this disease through various epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNAs. Indeed, epigenetic events have been identified as an important pathophysiological determinant of FMF and co-factors shaping the clinical picture and outcome of the disease. Therefore, it is essential to better understand the contribution of epigenetic factors to autoinflammatory diseases, namely, FMF, to improve disease prognosis and potentially develop effective targeted therapies. In this review, we highlight the latest updates on the role of epigenetics in FMF.
HiHo-AID2: boosting homozygous knock-in efficiency enables robust generation of human auxin-inducible degron cells
Authors: Li Shiqian , Wang Yafei , van der Stoel Miesje , Zhou Xin , Madhusudan Shrinidhi , Kanerva Kristiina , Nguyen Van Dien , Eskici Nazli , Olkkonen Vesa M. , Zhou You , Raivio Taneli , Ikonen Elina
Published: February 2024

Recent developments in auxin-inducible degron (AID) technology have increased its popularity for chemogenetic control of proteolysis. However, generation of human AID cell lines is challenging, especially in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Here, we develop HiHo-AID2, a streamlined procedure for rapid, one-step generation of human cancer and hESC lines with high homozygous degron-tagging efficiency based on an optimized AID2 system and homology-directed repair enhancers. We demonstrate its application for rapid and inducible functional inactivation of twelve endogenous target proteins in five cell lines, including targets with diverse expression levels and functions in hESCs and cells differentiated from hESCs.
Precise fine-turning of GhTFL1 by base editing tools defines ideal cotton plant architecture
Authors: Wang Guanying , Wang Fuqiu , Xu Zhongping , Wang Ying , Zhang Can , Zhou Yi , Hui Fengjiao , Yang Xiyan , Nie Xinhui , Zhang Xianlong , Jin Shuangxia
Published: February 2024

Background

CRISPR/Cas-derived base editor enables precise editing of target sites and has been widely used for basic research and crop genetic improvement. However, the editing efficiency of base editors at different targets varies greatly.

Results

Here, we develop a set of highly efficient base editors in cotton plants. GhABE8e, which is fused to conventional nCas9, exhibits 99.9% editing efficiency, compared to GhABE7.10 with 64.9%, and no off-target editing is detected. We further replace nCas9 with dCpf1, which recognizes TTTV PAM sequences, to broaden the range of the target site. To explore the functional divergence of TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1), we edit the non-coding and coding regions of GhTFL1 with 26 targets to generate a comprehensive allelic population including 300 independent lines in cotton. This allows hidden pleiotropic roles for GhTFL1 to be revealed and allows us to rapidly achieve directed domestication of cotton and create ideotype germplasm with moderate height, shortened fruiting branches, compact plant, and early-flowering. Further, by exploring the molecular mechanism of the GhTFL1L86P and GhTFL1K53G+S78G mutations, we find that the GhTFL1L86P mutation weakens the binding strength of the GhTFL1 to other proteins but does not lead to a complete loss of GhTFL1 function.

Conclusions

This strategy provides an important technical platform and genetic information for the study and creation of ideal plant architecture.
Rapid and sensitive detection of genome contamination at scale with FCS-GX
Authors: Astashyn Alexander , Tvedte Eric S. , Sweeney Deacon , Sapojnikov Victor , Bouk Nathan , Joukov Victor , Mozes Eyal , Strope Pooja K. , Sylla Pape M. , Wagner Lukas , Bidwell Shelby L. , Brown Larissa C. , Clark Karen , Davis Emily W. , Smith-White Brian , Hlavina Wratko , Pruitt Kim D. , Schneider Valerie A. , Murphy Terence D.
Published: February 2024

Assembled genome sequences are being generated at an exponential rate. Here we present FCS-GX, part of NCBI’s Foreign Contamination Screen (FCS) tool suite, optimized to identify and remove contaminant sequences in new genomes. FCS-GX screens most genomes in 0.1–10 min. Testing FCS-GX on artificially fragmented genomes demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for diverse contaminant species. We used FCS-GX to screen 1.6 million GenBank assemblies and identified 36.8 Gbp of contamination, comprising 0.16% of total bases, with half from 161 assemblies. We updated assemblies in NCBI RefSeq to reduce detected contamination to 0.01% of bases. FCS-GX is available at https://github.com/ncbi/fcs/ or https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10651084.
Comprehensive analysis of mitochondria-related genes indicates that PPP2R2B is a novel biomarker and promotes the progression of bladder cancer via Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Shen Du , Kang Shaosan
Published: February 2024

Bladder cancer (BC) is the fourth and tenth most common malignancy in men and women worldwide, respectively. The complexity of the molecular biological mechanism behind BC is a major contributor to the lack of effective treatment management of the disease. The development and genesis of BC are influenced by mitochondrial retrograde control and mitochondria-nuclear cross-talk. However, the role of mitochondrial-related genes in BC remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed TCGA datasets and identified 752 DE-MRGs in BC samples, including 313 down-regulated MRGs and 439 up-regulated MRGs. Then, the results of machine-learning screened four critical diagnostic genes, including GLRX2, NMT1, PPP2R2B and TRAF3IP3. Moreover, we analyzed their prognostic value and confirmed that only PPP2R2B was associated with clinical prognosis of BC patients and Cox regression assays validated that PPP2R2B expression was a distinct predictor of overall survival in BC patients. Them, we performed RT-PCR and found that PPP2R2B expression was distinctly decreased in BC specimens and cell lines. Functional experiments revealed that overexpression of PPP2R2B distinctly suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of BC cells via Wnt signaling pathway. In summary, these research findings offer potential molecular markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of BC, with the discovery of PPP2R2B particularly holding significant biological and clinical significance. This study provides valuable clues for future in-depth investigations into the molecular mechanisms of BC, as well as the development of new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Impact of SumiLarv® 2MR on Aedes aegypti larvae: a multicenter study in Brazil
Authors: Müller Josiane Nogueira , Galardo Allan Kardec Ribeiro , Corrêa Ana Paula Sales de Andrade , Macoris Maria de Lourdes da Graça , de Melo-Santos Maria Alice Varjal , Nakazawa Mitsue Maia , Martins Ademir Jesus , Lima José Bento Pereira
Published: February 2024

Background

Aedes aegypti is associated with dengue, Zika, and chikungunya transmission. These arboviruses are responsible for national outbreaks with severe public health implications. Vector control is one of the tools used to prevent mosquito proliferation, and SumiLarv® 2MR is an alternative commercial product based on pyriproxyfen for larval/pupal control. In this study, the residual effectiveness of SumiLarv® 2MR in different regions of Brazil was evaluated in simulated field conditions.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter study across four Brazilian states—Amapá, Pernambuco, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo—given the importance to the country’s climatic variances in the north, northeast, and southeast regions and their influence on product efficiency. The populations of Ae. aegypti from each location were held in an insectary. Third-instar larvae (L3) were added every 2 weeks to water containers with SumiLarv® 2MR discs in 250-, 500- and 1000-l containers in Amapá and Rio de Janeiro, and 100-l containers in Pernambuco and São Paulo, using concentrations of 0.04, 0.08, and 0.16 mg/l.

Results

Adult emergence inhibition over 420 days was observed in all tests conducted at a concentration of 0.16 mg/l; inhibition for 308–420 days was observed for 0.08 mg/l, and 224–420 days for 0.04 mg/l.

Conclusions

Sumilarv® 2MR residual activity demonstrated in this study suggests that this new pyriproxyfen formulation is a promising alternative for Aedes control, regardless of climatic variations and ideal concentration, since the SumiLarv® 2MR showed adult emergence inhibition of over 80% and residual activity greater than 6 months, a period longer than that recommended by the Ministry of Health of Brazil between product re-application in larval breeding sites.

Graphical abstract
Elbow calcific tendinosis initially detected by ultrasonography: a case report
Authors: Rikhtehgar Masih , Sharifi Yasaman , Mazaher Farid Najd , Azarpey Neda
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Calcific tendinosis is a common condition caused by the deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals within the tendons that can impact any tendinous insertion. In this situation, ultrasound (US) may be a viable imaging modality in addition to radiography.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old Iranian male presented with left elbow pain. US evaluation at the lump site revealed a subcutaneous lipoma. Ultrasonography showed a thickened and diffusely heterogeneously hypoechoic pronator teres tendon. These characteristics were consistent with the diagnosis of calcific tendinosis.

Discussion and conclusion

Radiography is the most common and practical imaging modality for calcific tendinosis diagnosis. Despite this, the real-time nature of ultrasonography makes it both diagnostic and therapeutic in this condition. Other conditions, such as lipoma, may interfere with the proper diagnosis of calcific tendinosis.
Therapeutics effects of bovine colostrum applications on gastrointestinal diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Hajihashemi Parisa , Haghighatdoost Fahimeh , Kassaian Nazila , Rahim Khorasani Marzieh , Hoveida Laleh , Nili Hassan , Tamizifar Babak , Adibi Peyman
Published: February 2024

Background

Evidence on the effects of bovine colostrum (BC) supplementation on gastrointestinal (GI) diseases is conflicting.

Objectives

This systematic review summarized the findings of clinical trials (CTs) on the effects of BC supplementation on GI diseases.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in online databases, including PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus, until March 2021 and updated until December 2023. CTs investigated BC’s effect on any measurable symptomatic change in terms of GI health as the primary outcome variable or as one of the outcomes in any population eligible for this systematic review.

Results

Out of 6881 records, 22 CTs (uncontrolled = 4, cross-over = 1, and parallel = 17) with 1427 patients were enrolled in the systematic review. Diarrhea, the most frequently evaluated symptom (20 interventional arms), was decreased in frequency with BC supplementation in 15 of these arms. However, most studies reported no change in its duration. BC supplementation consistently reduced stool frequency across all seven studies. Abdominal pain relief was noted in four interventional arms but showed no improvement in five others. Assessment of other GI symptoms was limited, yielding inconclusive results.

Conclusions

There is limited evidence on the effects of BC on GI diseases, with mixed findings. More well-designed controlled clinical trials are required to explore its effects.
Strain-dependent modifiers exacerbate familial leukemia caused by GATA1-deficiency
Authors: Hirano Ikuo , Abe Kanako , Engel James Douglas , Yamamoto Masayuki , Shimizu Ritsuko
Published: February 2024

GATA1 plays a critical role in differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis during erythropoiesis. We developed a Gata1 knock-down allele (Gata1.05) that results in GATA1 expression at 5% of endogenous level. In female mice heterozygous for both the Gata1.05 and wild-type alleles, we observed a predisposition to erythroblastic leukemia three to six months after birth. Since no male Gata1.05 progeny survive gestation, we originally maintained heterozygous females in a mixed genetic background of C57BL/6J and DBA/2 strains. Around 30% of these mice reproducibly develop leukemia, but the other subset did not develop leukemia, even though they harbor a high number of preleukemic erythroblasts. These observations prompted us to hypothesize that there may be potential influence of genetic determinants on the progression of Gata1.05-driven hematopoietic precursors to full-blown leukemia. In an initial examination of Gata1.05/X mice backcrossed into C3H/He, BALB/c, DBA/2, C57BL/6J and 129X1/SvJ strains, we discerned that the backgrounds of C57BL/6J and 129X1/SvJ significantly expedited leukemia onset in Gata1.05/X mice. Conversely, backgrounds of C3H/He, BALB/c and DBA/2 did not substantially modify the effect of the Gata1 mutation. This indicates the existence of genetic modifiers that accentuate Gata1.05 leukemogenesis. Subsequent cohort studies evaluated Gata1.05/X mice within mix backgrounds of BALB/c:129X1/SvJ and BALB/c:C57BL/6J. In these settings, Gata1.05-driven leukemia manifested in autosomal dominant patterns within the 129X1/SvJ background and in autosomal recessive patterns within C57BL/6J background. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the inaugural evidence of genetic modifiers that can reshape the outcome based on leukemia-associated gene signatures.
Intergenerational transmission of parental child-rearing gender-role attitudes and its influence on gender roles in single-parent families
Authors: Chen I-Jun , Wang Xiaoxiao , Sun Zhiyin , Tang Panlin , Chen Peiyi
Published: February 2024

Background

The development of children’s gender roles in single-parent families is worthy of attention. It may be affected by family members’ gender roles and parental child-rearing gender-role attitudes (PCGA). PCGA will form a consistent or inconsistent intergenerational relationship between parents and children.

Objective

This study examined the intergenerational similarities in gender roles and PCGA. Also, the intergenerational transmission of parental child-rearing gender-role attitudes (ITPCGA) in single-parent families, and the impact of various family factors on children’s gender roles were comprehensively considered.

Method

Participants were 550 single-parent parent-adolescent dyads. The Gender-role Scale and the Parental Child-rearing Gender-role Attitude Scale were used to evaluate participants’ gender-role and PCGA. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the intergenerational similarities in gender roles and PCGA, and the influencing family factors of ITPCGA and children’s gender roles.

Results

The intergenerational similarities of gender role types and PCGA types existed. Both parents’ gender roles and family gender pairs affected ITPCGA, father-daughter families and parents’ undifferentiated and sex-typed gender roles significantly predicted undesirable ITPCGA. Family gender pair, parent’s gender roles and ITPCGA types affected children’s gender roles. Undesirable ITPCGA significantly predicted children’s undifferentiated gender roles; father-daughter families and mother-son families, parents’ undifferentiated and sex-typed gender roles significantly predicted children’s sex-typed gender roles, and mother-son families and parents’ reversed gender roles significantly predicted children’s reversed gender role.

Conclusions

This study highlights the effects of single-parent family gender pairs and parents’ gender roles on ITPCGA, which influences the development of children’s gender roles.
Mt. Ebal curse tablet? A refutation of the claims regarding the so called Mt. Ebal curse tablet
Authors: Haughwout Mark S.
Published: February 2024

A refutation of the claims by Scott Stripling et al. regarding the epigraphic analysis and paleographic contents of the folded lead object discovered on Mt. Ebal in 2019 during the wet-sifting of dump piles from a previous archaeological excavation by Adam Zertal. This piece of lead is often referred to as the “Mt. Ebal Curse Tablet”. An article regarding this find, by Stripling et al., titled “You are Cursed by the God YHW:” an early Hebrew inscription from Mt. Ebal”, was published on May 23, 2023, in the Heritage Science journal.
Multi-year assessment of the impact of ship-borne radiosonde observations on polar WRF forecasts in the Arctic
Authors: Choi Yonghan , Kim Joo-Hong , Jun Sang-Yoon , Choi Taejin , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: February 2024

To compensate for the lack of conventional observations over the Arctic Ocean, ship-borne radiosonde observations have been regularly carried out during summer Arctic expeditions and the observed data have been broadcast via the global telecommunication system since 2017. With these data obtained over the data-sparse Arctic Ocean, observing system experiments were carried out using a polar-optimized version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and the WRF Data Assimilation (WRFDA) system to investigate their effects on analyses and forecasts over the Arctic. The results of verification against reanalysis data reveal: (1) DA effects on analyses and forecasts; (2) the reason for the year-to-year variability of DA effects; and (3) the possible role of upper-level potential vorticity in delayed DA effects. The overall assimilation effects of the extra data on the analyses and forecasts over the Arctic are positive. Initially, the DA effects are the most apparent in the temperature variables in the middle/lower troposphere, which spread to the wind variables in the upper troposphere. The effects decrease with time but reappear after approximately 120 h, even in the 240-h forecasts. The effects on forecasts vary depending on the proximity of the radiosonde observation locations to the high synoptic variability. The upper-level potential vorticity is known to play an important role in the development of Arctic cyclones, and it is suggested as a possible explanation for the delayed DA effects after about 120 h.
High-resolution regional gravity field modeling in data-challenging regions for the realization of geopotential-based height systems
Authors: Liu Qing , Schmidt Michael , Sánchez Laura , Moisés Leidy , Cortez Diego
Published: February 2024

Modern height systems are based on the combination of satellite positioning and gravity field models of high resolution. However, in many regions, especially developing or newly industrializing countries, there is no (reliable) regional gravity model at all, due to challenges such as limited data availability, unknown/low data quality, and missing metadata. This paper addresses this issue in a case study of Colombia, where eight decades of historical terrestrial and airborne gravity measurements are available but widely contain systematic errors, outliers, and biases. Correspondingly, processing strategies and structures are proposed and applied to validate and improve the quality of old gravity datasets. A novel method is developed based on spherical radial basis functions (SRBFs) for estimating biases, which are found in different airborne surveys with values exceeding 40 mGal. The validity of this bias estimation method is demonstrated both by a simulation test and by the evaluation of the airborne data in comparison to the SATOP (SAtellite-TOPography) model, which merges the satellite-only global gravity model GOCO06s with the Earth2014 topography model. The terrestrial and airborne data are then combined with a global gravity model (GGM), ultra-high-resolution topography models, as well as altimetry-derived gravity anomalies from DTU21GRA for the offshore areas. The results are presented in terms of height anomalies (QGeoidCOL2023), and they are thoroughly validated using GPS/leveling data both in the absolute and relative manner. The standard deviation in comparison to the GPS/leveling data after applying a correction surface to account for the datum inconsistencies amounts to 15.76 cm, which is 27% smaller compared to the mean standard deviation value given by five recent high-resolution GGMs, and 36% smaller than the one delivered by the latest South American quasi-geoid model QGEOID2021. The relative validation results show that QGeoidCOL2023 performs better, i.e., delivers lower RMS errors than the GGMs and QGEOID2021 in all the baseline length groups. These results indicate the validity and benefits of the developed methods and procedures, which can be used for other data-challenging areas to facilitate the realization of geopotential-based height systems.

Graphical Abstract
Value of diffusion kurtosis MR imaging and conventional diffusion weighed imaging for evaluating response to first-line chemotherapy in unresectable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhang Zehua , Zhang Yuqin , Hu Feixiang , Xie Tiansong , Liu Wei , Xiang Huijing , Li Xiangxiang , Chen Lei , Zhou Zhengrong
Published: February 2024

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic value of diffusion kurtosis magnetic resonance imaging (DKI) and conventional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for evaluating the response to first-line chemotherapy in unresectable pancreatic cancer.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 21 patients with clinically and pathologically confirmed unresected pancreatic cancer who received palliative chemotherapy. Three-tesla MRI examinations containing DWI sequences with b values of 0, 100, 700, 1400, and 2100 s/mm2 were performed before and after chemotherapy. Parameters included the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), mean diffusion coefficient (MD), and mean diffusional kurtosis (MK). The performances of the DWI and DKI parameters in distinguishing the response to chemotherapy were evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from the date of first treatment to the date of death or the latest follow-up date.

Results

The ADCchange and MDchange were significantly higher in the responding group (PR group) than in the nonresponding group (non-PR group) (ADCchange: 0.21 ± 0.05 vs. 0.11 ± 0.09, P = 0.02; MDchange: 0.37 ± 0.24 vs. 0.10 ± 0.12, P = 0.002). No statistical significance was shown when comparing ADCpre, ADCpost, MKpre, MKpost, MKchange, MDpre, and MDpost between the PR and non-PR groups. The ROC curve analysis indicated that MDchange (AUC = 0.898, cutoff value = 0.7143) performed better than ADCchange (AUC = 0.806, cutoff value = 0.1369) in predicting the response to chemotherapy.

Conclusion

The ADCchange and MDchange demonstrated strong potential for evaluating the response to chemotherapy in unresectable pancreatic cancer. The MDchange showed higher specificity in the classification of PR and non-PR than the ADCchange. Other parameters, including ADCpre, ADCpost, MKpre, MKpost, MKchange, MDpre, and MDpost, are not suitable for response evaluation. The combined model SUMchange demonstrated superior performance compared to the individual DWI and DKI models. Further experiments are needed to evaluate the potential of DWI and DKI parameters in predicting the prognosis of patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer.
Quantitative risk assessment for static and mobile road users: methodology and application at A82 Glen Coe, Scotland
Authors: Winter M. G. , Waaser T. , Fiddes G.
Published: February 2024

Background

In August 2004 a series of debris flows caused significant disruption to the Scottish (strategic) Trunk Road Network. The subsequent Scottish Road Network Landslides Study identified a number of sites considered to be at highest risk. Some of these sites have been the subject of formal quantitative assessment of the risk from debris flow to mobile road users in vehicles. The A82 in Glen Coe has the added complication that two car parks have developed on debris fans exposing significant numbers of people to the risk while, they are essentially static and largely outside their vehicles.

Methodology

The risk to road users is determined using a previously developed probabilistic methodology for mobile road users (mobile elements at risk) and a new and related methodology developed for static road users (static elements at risk) is described and applied. Within the latter, an entirely new metric of Annual Average Daily Visits is used to allow the temporal component of the probability of a landslide impacting a person to be determined given the occurrence of an event.

Results

While Personal Individual Risk is at an acceptable level, including for frequent users, the risk presented to society as a whole presents a rather different picture; this is largely due to the number of visitors. The results assess the overall, societal risk for mobile elements at risk as As Low As reasonably Practicable, being at a similar level to other sites, albeit with a higher risk associated with higher numbers of fatalities. The results for the static elements at risk on the other hand suggest that the risks are classified as Unacceptable for higher numbers of fatalities. The assessment of the total societal risk, for mobile and static elements at risk, at the A82 Glen Coe suggests As Low As Reasonably Practicable for low numbers of fatalities but classify as Unacceptable for higher numbers of fatalities (around 20 to 250).
Morphometric analysis of posterior cranial fossa and foramen magnum and it’s clinical implications in craniovertebral junction malformations: a computed tomography based institutional study in a tertiary care hospital of northern part of India
Authors: Yadav Vikrant , Prasad Ravi Shankar , Sahu Anurag , Mishra Manish Kumar , Pradhan Ravi Shekhar
Published: February 2024

Background

The posterior cranial fossa (PCF) and the foramen magnum (FM) are the critical anatomical components of the craniovertebral junction region, which comprise and transmit numerous vital neurovascular structures. So, a fundamental knowledge of the basic radiological anatomy of PCF and FM is of paramount importance in the evaluation of associated pathologies and approaching these areas surgically. The aim of this study is to describe different linear and angular craniometric parameters of PCF, FM and surrounding territory based on reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images.

Material and methods

This study was conducted in our tertiary care hospital in northern India from the period of January 2023 to June 2023 on 120 patients, and CT screening was done for the head and spine region following a history of head injury.

Results

In this study, 120 patients were included, of whom 50.83% (n = 61) were females and 49.17% (n = 59) were males. Age ranged from 18 to 70 years with mean age of 43.5 ± 14.08 years. The mean values for linear craniometric parameters of PCF were statistically nonsignificant for different age groups. Statistically significant differences were found for twinning line (TL) (p < 0.0001), McRae’s line (< 0.0001), clivus length (< p < 0.0001), internal occipital protuberence -opisthion line (p = 0.01), Klaus’ index (p < 0.0001), height of posterior fossa (h) (p < 0.0001), h/TL (p = 0.028), when these values were compared for the genders. The measurements of FM transverse diameter, anteroposterior diameter and area were 27.12 ± 1.42 mm (range 23.6–30.1 mm), 30.99 ± 2.23 mm (range 27.6–35.8 mm) and 691.32 ± 30.35 mm2 (range 632.7–777.7 mm2). The values of clivus canal angle (p = 0.038) and clivoodontoid angle (p = 0.012) were statistically significant when compared for different age groups. The values of Boogard’s angle (p = 0.021) and tentorial slope (p = 0.031) were statistically significant when these were compared for the genders.

Conclusions

This study described almost all the linear and angular craniometric parameters used in the morphometric analysis of PCF and FM. The findings of this study provide valuable data regarding linear and angular craniometric parameters of PCF and FM which can redefine reference values.
Enhanced fault detection in polymer electrolyte fuel cells via integral analysis and machine learning
Authors: Melo Ester , Barzola-Monteses Julio , Noriega Holguer H. , Espinoza-Andaluz Mayken
Published: February 2024

The growing energy demand and population raising require alternative, clean, and sustainable energy systems. During the last few years, hydrogen energy has proven to be a crucial factor under the current conditions. Although the energy conversion process in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is clean and noiseless since the only by-products are heat and water, the inside phenomena are not simple. As a result, correct monitoring of the health situation of the device is required to perform efficiently. This paper aims to explore and evaluate the machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models for predicting classification fault detection in PEFCs. It represents a support for decision-making by the fuel cell operator or user. Seven ML and DL model classifiers are considered. A database comprising 182,156 records and 20 variables arising from the fuel cell's energy conversion process and operating conditions is considered. This dataset is unbalanced; therefore, techniques to balance are applied and analyzed in the training and testing of several models. The results showed that the logistic regression (LR), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), and Naive Bayes (NB) models present similar and optimal trends in terms of performance indicators and computational cost; unlike support vector machine (SMV) and multi-layer perceptron (MLP) whose performance is affected when the data is balanced and even presents a higher computational cost. Therefore, it is a novel approach for fault detection analysis in PEFC that combines the interpretability of different ML and DL algorithms while addressing data imbalance, so common in the real world, using resampling techniques. This methodology provides clear information for the model decision-making process, improving confidence and facilitating further optimization; in contrast to traditional physics-based models, paving the way for data-driven control strategies.
Intra-pericardial thrombin injection in iatrogenic cardiac tamponade: a case report
Authors: Morales Juana Perez , Spaccavento Ana , Ordoñez Santiago , Baro Rocío , Conde Diego , Costabel Juan Pablo
Published: February 2024

Background

Nowadays, percutaneous procedures are expanding in use, and this comes with complications associated with the procedure itself. Cardiac tamponade is rare but may be life threatening since it can involve hemodynamic instability. It is known that after pleural effusion during a percutaneous procedure, pericardiocentesis should be used as drainage of the cavity. However, that does not achieve hemostasis in some cases, and in those patients who are hemodynamically unstable, a sealing agent to promote hemostasis might be useful, like thrombin.

Case presentation

We present a case report of 89-year-old patient with history of melanoma undergoing treatment with pembrolizumab, who attended the emergency department referring chest pain (intensity 5/10) and palpitations that have lasted hours. He had TnTUs 554/566 ng/L and an echocardiogram that showed dilated right chambers, hypertrophy and global hypokinesia of the left ventricle, increased filling pressures of the left ventricle and pulmonary hypertension. Myocarditis associated with pembrolizumab was suspected, so high dose steroids were initiated and endomyocardial biopsy was conducted, resulting in iatrogenic cardiac tamponade. To determine the etiology of the suspected myocarditis, an endomyocardial biopsy was performed. Unfortunately, an intraprocedural complication arose: pleural effusion resulting in iatrogenic cardiac tamponade, leading to hemodynamic instability. It required immediate pericardial drainage via subxiphoid puncture, obtaining a 550 mL hematic debit. Clinical manifestations raised suspicion of tamponade, prompting a bedside echocardiogram for a definitive diagnosis. Despite these efforts, the patient remained hemodynamically unstable, and due to the elevated surgical risk, intrapericardial thrombin was employed to achieve successful hemostasis.

Conclusions

Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition that can sometimes be induced iatrogenically, resulting from percutaneous interventions. Despite limited evidence regarding this therapeutic strategy, in patients experiencing iatrogenic cardiac tamponade with hemodynamic instability and high surgical risk, the administration of intra-pericardial thrombin could be contemplated.
Poorly differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma in a 5-year-old girl: a case report
Authors: Mohsen Mohanned , Hamdy Omar , Ramadan Ahmad , Awny Shadi , Zalata Khaled , Ezat Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Background

The incidence of thyroid cancer has been increasing among the population less than 20 years of age, especially during the second decade of life. Differentiated papillary thyroid cancer is the most common pathology in children. It usually presents with thyroid nodules with or without cervical lymphadenopathy. Thyroid nodules carry a considerable risk of malignancy in children.

Case presentation

We herein report a 5-year-old girl with poorly differentiated papillary thyroid cancer which is an extremely rare finding at this age. The patient underwent right thyroid lobectomy followed by left hemi thyroidectomy and right central and lateral neck dissection. Pathologic examination revealed a poorly differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma with nodal deposits.

Conclusion

It is essential to raise awareness of proper evaluation and management of thyroid nodules at such an age.
Impact of financial distress on the dividend policy of banks in India: evidence using panel data
Authors: Rawal Aashi , Gopalkrishnan Santosh
Published: February 2024

The study primarily aims to examine the impact of financial distress on the dividend distribution policy of banks operating in India. Panel data analysis was performed using a static model to investigate the impact of distress on the bank’s dividend policy. The Z-score developed by Altman measures a bank’s financial distress (a high Z-score indicates the absence of financial distress). Data from 31 out of 34 banks operating in India between 2016 and 2020 has been used. The debt/equity ratio is used as the moderator. The sales log is used as the control variable. A linear connection exists between financial distress and dividends. Furthermore, debt/equity ratio significantly moderates the association of financial distress with dividend policy. The findings contribute to formulating a long-term dividend policy by drawing attention to the distressing situation in the banking sector, focusing on ensuring the banks’ financial viability. Thereby, the findings are novel and hold significant worth in improving the current understanding of the subject.
Assessment of the nitrogen fertilizer split-application on maize grain yield and profitability on Nitisols of South-Kivu, Eastern D.R. Congo
Authors: Zamukulu Patient M. , Bagula Espoir M. , Mondo Jean M. , Chuma Géant B. , Bulonza Gisèle M. , Mwaluke Sarah , Mugumaarhahama Yannick , Mwimangire Céphas B. , Cinyabuguma Eloïs L. , Lubobo Antoine K. , Mushagalusa Gustave N.
Published: February 2024

Soil depletion constitutes a major challenge for agriculture and food security in highlands of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the split-application of nitrogen fertilizer on grain yield and profitability of maize on Nitisols in eastern DRC. The urea fertilizer (100 kg ha
−1
) was applied in single, two, and three split-applications on three maize varieties for two cropping seasons. Results showed that maize growth and yield parameters varied significantly with N splitting strategy, varieties, and cropping season (
p
 < 0.01). The single N application at the 45th day after sowing presented the highest grain yield (5.5 t ha
−1
) compared to split-applications for both cropping seasons. The variety 'ZM 627' had the highest grain yield in both seasons (5.4 and 5.8 t ha
−1
for 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons, respectively). The benefit–cost ratio analysis showed that single application was more profitable,
i.e.
1.63 USD kg
−1
of fertilizer compared to two (0.6 USD kg
−1
) and three splits (0.22 USD kg
−1
of fertilizer), though dependent on used varieties. The trend was the same for agronomic efficiency (AE); the single application yielded 11 kg kg
−1
of maize grains. In addition, the split applications resulted in additional labor costs. Results from this study do not, therefore, recommend the N splitting strategy for maize on South-Kivu Nitisols.
The Bell Jar: Sylvia Plath's first-person narrative of core elements for diagnosing and treating clinical depression
Authors: Carona Carlos , Atanázio Paula
Published: February 2024

The Bell Jar (1963) is a semi-autobiographical novel written by the confessional poet, novelist and short-story writer Sylvia Plath (1932–1963). It has been often cited as a recommended reading within the medical humanities, because of its powerful description of depression and the understanding-by-experience of the related psychiatric treatments. This brief article, primarily directed at the clinically oriented reader, presents a selection of excerpts from The Bell Jar to illustrate the main diagnostic features of clinical depression and the vital role of therapeutic relationship quality in hindering or facilitating treatment outcomes and recovery.
KIT ATP-Binding Pocket/Activation Loop Mutations in GI Stromal Tumor: Emerging Mechanisms of Kinase Inhibitor Escape
Authors: Mühlenberg Thomas , Falkenhorst Johanna , Schulz Tom , Fletcher Benjamin S. , Teuber Alina , Krzeciesa Dawid , Klooster Isabella , Lundberg Meijun , Wilson Lydia , Lategahn Jonas , von Mehren Margaret , Grunewald Susanne , Tüns Alicia Isabell , Wardelmann Eva , Sicklick Jason K. , Brahmi Mehdi , Serrano César , Schildhaus Hans-Ulrich , Sievers Sonja , Treckmann Jürgen , Heinrich Michael C. , Raut Chandrajit P. , Ou Wen-Bin , Marino-Enriquez Adrian , George Suzanne , Rauh Daniel , Fletcher Jonathan A. , Bauer Sebastian
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE

Imatinib resistance in GI stromal tumors (GISTs) is primarily caused by secondary KIT mutations, and clonal heterogeneity of these secondary mutations represents a major treatment obstacle. KIT inhibitors used after imatinib have clinical activity, albeit with limited benefit. Ripretinib is a potent inhibitor of secondary KIT mutations in the activation loop (AL). However, clinical benefit in fourth line remains limited and the molecular mechanisms of ripretinib resistance are largely unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Progressing lesions of 25 patients with GISTs refractory to ripretinib were sequenced for KIT resistance mutations. Resistant genotypes were validated and characterized using novel cell line models and in silico modeling.

RESULTS

GISTs progressing on ripretinib were enriched for secondary mutations in the ATP-binding pocket (AP), which frequently occur in cis with preexisting AL mutations, resulting in highly resistant AP/AL genotypes. AP/AL mutations were rarely observed in a cohort of progressing GIST samples from the preripretinib era but represented 50% of secondary KIT mutations in patients with tumors resistant to ripretinib. In GIST cell lines harboring secondary KIT AL mutations, the sole genomic escape mechanisms during ripretinib drug selection were AP/AL mutations. Ripretinib and sunitinib synergize against mixed clones with secondary AP or AL mutants but do not suppress clones with AP/AL genotypes.

CONCLUSION

Our findings underscore that KIT remains the central oncogenic driver even in late lines of GIST therapy. KIT-inhibitor combinations may suppress resistance because of secondary KIT mutations. However, the emergence of KIT AP/AL mutations after ripretinib treatment calls for new strategies in the development of next-generation KIT inhibitors.
Interfacial instabilities in confined displacements involving non-Newtonian fluids
Authors: Parmar Vaibhav Raj Singh , Bandyopadhyay Ranjini
Published: February 2024

The growth of interfacial instabilities during fluid displacements can be driven by gradients in pressure, viscosity and surface tension, and by applying external fields. Since displacements of non-Newtonian fluids such as polymer solutions, colloidal and granular slurries are ubiquitous in natural and industrial processes, understanding the growth mechanisms and fully developed morphologies of interfacial patterns involving non-Newtonian fluids is extremely important. In this perspective, we focus on displacement experiments, wherein competitions between capillary, viscous, elastic and frictional forces drive the onset and growth of primarily viscous fingering instabilities in confined geometries. We conclude by highlighting several exciting open problems in this research area.