bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges for numeracy awareness in the 21st century: making visible the invisible
Authors: Díez-Palomar Javier , Ramis-Salas Mimar , Močnik Ivan , Simonič Marijana , Hoogland Kees
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The contemporary scientific literature indicates that numeracy is a multifaceted concept. The ongoing societal and technological transformations underscore the imperative to re-evaluate the attributes characterizing a numerate individual and the strategic initiatives that policymakers should devise and implement to ensure that individuals are not marginalized from participation in public and private domains due to their lack of numeracy proficiency. Numerous empirical investigations on numeracy consistently affirm its pivotal role in enabling individuals to engage autonomously across diverse contexts within their daily lives. However, numeracy’s fundamental role has often been neglected in our societies. The present study scrutinizes the overarching challenges associated with numeracy, particularly emphasizing the challenges regarding healthcare, finance, and the critical utilization and interpretation of data awareness.

Methods

A two-phase research framework was adopted to address this inquiry. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to discern the prevalent challenges regarding numeracy awareness. Subsequently, two illustrative case studies were undertaken in Slovenia and Spain to contrast and deliberate upon the insights derived from the literature review. Qualitative research methods were employed to engage in a nuanced exploration of the gathered data.

Results

This empirical analysis deduced guidelines aimed at enhancing awareness and ameliorating some of these challenges.

Discussion and Conclusion

We conclude that making visible the awareness that adults already have about numeracy in aspects of their lives, such as finance, health, or the use and critical interpretation of data, can give policymakers and curriculum developers clues to design effective numeracy programs to address the multifaceted challenges confronting contemporary society, both in the immediate and foreseeable future.
Clinical characteristics of male prolactinoma patients mainly presenting with severe obesity and the metabolic response to dopamine agonist therapy
Authors: Wang Linjie , Wang Xiaojing , Gong Fengying , Pan Hui , Zhu Huijuan
Published: November 2023

Objective

To summarize the clinical characteristics of 4 male prolactinoma patients with severe obesity.

Methods

The clinical data of all the patients were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

All the patients visited our hospital for severe obesity at the age of 16-30 years old with their body mass index (BMI) of 37.9-55.9 kg/m2. All the patients were obese since childhood, even at birth. Hyperprolactinemia (72.3-273.0 ng/ml) was found during the etiological screening of obesity and MRI revealed pituitary adenomas. Additionally, all of them had multiple obesity related complications, such as hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia. Treatment of dopamine agonists (DAs) effectively normalized their prolactin level and the pituitary MRI reexamination after 6 months of DAs treatment showed the shrinkage of the pituitary adenomas in 3 patients. Their weight also decreased in different degrees (2.70~19.03% lower than the baseline) with improved metabolic profiles.

Conclusion

Serum prolactin level should be screened in obese patients, especially those with severe obesity.
The association between fibrinogen levels and severity of coronary artery disease and long-term prognosis following percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Su Hong , Cao Yi , Chen Qiang , Ye Tao , Cui Caiyan , Chen Xu , Yang Siqi , Qi Lingyao , Long Yu , Xiong Shiqiang , Cai Lin
Published: November 2023

Background

Fibrinogen is a potential risk factor for the prognosis of CAD and is associated with the complexity of CAD. There is limited research specifically investigating the predictive role of fibrinogen in determining the severity of CAD among patients with T2DM, as well as its impact on the prognosis following PCI.

Methods

The study included 675 T2DM patients who underwent PCI at the Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu between April 27, 2018, and February 5, 2021, with 540 of them remaining after exclusions. The complexity of CAD was assessed using the SYNTAX score. The primary endpoint of the study was the incidence of MACCEs.

Results

After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, fibrinogen remained a significant independent risk factor for mid/high SYNTAX scores (SYNTAX score > 22, OR 1.184, 95% CI 1.022-1.373, P = 0.025). Additionally, a dose-response relationship between fibrinogen and the risk of complicated CAD was observed (SYNTAX score > 22; nonlinear P = 0.0043). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUROC) of fibrinogen for predicting mid/high SYNTAX score was 0.610 (95% CI 0.567–0.651, P = 0.0002). The high fibrinogen group (fibrinogen > 3.79 g/L) had a higher incidence of calcified lesions and an elevated trend of more multivessel disease and chronic total occlusion. A total of 116 patients (21.5%) experienced MACCEs during the median follow-up time of 18.5 months. After adjustment, multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that fibrinogen (HR, 1.138; 95% CI 1.010-1.284, P = 0.034) remained a significant independent risk factor for MACCEs. The AUROC of fibrinogen for predicting MACCEs was 0.609 (95% CI 0.566-0.650, P = 0.0002). Individuals with high fibrinogen levels (fibrinogen > 4.28 g/L) had a higher incidence of acute myocardial infarction (P < 0.001), MACCEs (P < 0.001), all-cause death (P < 0.001), stroke (P = 0.030), and cardiac death (P = 0.002). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a higher incidence of MACCEs in the high fibrinogen group (Log-Rank test: P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Elevated fibrinogen levels were associated with increased coronary anatomical complexity (as quantified by the SYNTAX score) and a higher incidence of MACCEs after PCI in patients with T2DM.
Imaging for assessment of cancer treatment response to immune checkpoint inhibitors can be complementary in identifying hypophysitis
Authors: Galligan Anna , Iravani Amir , Lasocki Arian , Wallace Roslyn , Weppler Alison M. , Sachithanandan Nirupa , Chiang Cherie , Colman Peter G. , Wentworth John , Spain Lavinia , Au-Yeung George , Lee Belinda , Kay Thomas W. H. , Hicks Rodney J. , Sandhu Shahneen , Krishnamurthy Balasubramanian
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Hypophysitis is reported in 8.5%–14% of patients receiving combination immune checkpoint inhibition (cICI) but can be a diagnostic challenge. This study aimed to assess the role of routine diagnostic imaging performed during therapeutic monitoring of combination anti-CTLA-4/anti-PD-1 treatment in the identification of hypophysitis and the relationship of imaging findings to clinical diagnostic criteria.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study identified patients treated with cICI between January 2016 and January 2019 at a quaternary melanoma service. Medical records were reviewed to identify patients with a documented diagnosis of hypophysitis based on clinical criteria. Available structural brain imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) of the brain and 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) were assessed retrospectively. The main radiological outcome measures were a relative change in pituitary size or FDG uptake temporally attributed to cICI.

Results

There were 162 patients (median age 60 years, 30% female) included. A total of 100 and 134 had serial CT/MRI of the brain and FDG-PET/CT, respectively. There were 31 patients who had a documented diagnosis of hypophysitis and an additional 20 who had isolated pituitary imaging findings. The pituitary gland enlargement was mild, and the largest absolute gland size was 13 mm, with a relative increase of 7 mm from baseline. There were no cases of optic chiasm compression. Pituitary enlargement and increased FDG uptake were universally transient. High-dose glucocorticoid treatment for concurrent irAEs prevented assessment of the pituitary–adrenal axis in 90% of patients with isolated imaging findings.

Conclusion

Careful review of changes in pituitary characteristics on imaging performed for assessment of therapeutic response to iICI may lead to increased identification and more prompt management of cICI-induced hypophysitis.
Using feature optimization and LightGBM algorithm to predict the clinical pregnancy outcomes after in vitro fertilization
Authors: Li Lu , Cui Xiangrong , Yang Jian , Wu Xueqing , Zhao Gang
Published: November 2023

Background

According to a recent report by the WHO, approximately 17.5\% (about one-sixth) of the global adult population is affected by infertility. Consequently, researchers worldwide have proposed various machine learning models to improve the prediction of clinical pregnancy outcomes during IVF cycles. The objective of this study is to develop a machine learning(ML) model that predicts the outcomes of pregnancies following in vitro fertilization (IVF) and assists in clinical treatment.

Methods

This study conducted a retrospective analysis on provincial reproductive centers in China from March 2020 to March 2021, utilizing 13 selected features. The algorithms used included XGBoost, LightGBM, KNN, Naïve Bayes, Random Forest, and Decision Tree. The results were evaluated using performance metrics such as precision, recall, F1-score, accuracy and AUC, employing five-fold cross-validation repeated five times.

Results

Among the models, LightGBM achieved the best performance, with an accuracy of 92.31%, recall of 87.80%, F1-score of 90.00\%, and an AUC of 90.41%. The model identified the estrogen concentration at the HCG injection(etwo), endometrium thickness (mm) on HCG day(EM TNK), years of infertility(Years), and body mass index(BMI) as the most important features.

Conclusion

This study successfully demonstrates the LightGBM model has the best predictive effect on pregnancy outcomes during IVF cycles. Additionally, etwo was found to be the most significant predictor for successful IVF compared to other variables. This machine learning approach has the potential to assist fertility specialists in providing counseling and adjusting treatment strategies for patients.
An enhanced consensus-based distributed secondary control for voltage regulation and proper current sharing in a DC islanded microgrid
Authors: Mosaad Nada , Abdel-Rahim Omar , Megahed Tamer F. , Rohouma Wesam , Asano Tanemasa , Abdelkader Sobhy M.
Published: November 2023

A centralized secondary control is utilized in a DC islanded microgrid to fine-tune voltage levels following the implementation of droop control. This is done to avoid conflicts between current allocation and voltage adjustments. However, because it introduces a single point of failure, a distributed secondary control is preferred. This paper introduces a consensus-based secondary distributed control approach to restore critical bus voltages to their nominal values and properly distribute current among converters. The critical bus takes the lead in voltage adjustments, with only connected energy resources contributing to regulation. The microgrid is represented as an undirected graph to facilitate consensus building. Two adjustment terms, δv and δi, are generated to assist in returning voltage to its nominal level and correctly allocating current among energy resources. To enhance consistency and improve controller performance compared to those reported in existing literature, all buses are connected to a leader node. In the event of the failure of all converters except one, voltage can still be effectively restored. MATLAB-Simulink simulations are conducted on two medium-voltage DC (MVDC) microgrids to validate the efficiency of the proposed control method. The results confirmed that the proposed control method can effectively maintain voltage stability and enhance the precise distribution of current among agents by 8%.
Optimal site and size of FACTS devices with the integration of uncertain wind generation on a solution of stochastic multi-objective optimal power flow problem
Authors: Hafeez Abdul , Ali Aamir , Keerio M. U. , Mugheri Noor Hussain , Abbas Ghulam , Khan Aamir , Mirsaeidi Sohrab , Yousef Amr , Touti Ezzeddine , Bouzguenda Mounir
Published: November 2023

To reduce the Carbon footprint and reduce emissions from the globe, the world has kicked-off to leave reliance of fossil fuels and generate electrical energy from renewable energy sources. The MOOPF problem is becoming more complex, and the number of decision variables is increasing, with the introduction of power electronics-based Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices. These power system components can all be used to increase controllability, effectiveness, stability, and sustainability. The added uncertainty and variability that FACTS devices and wind generation provide to the power system makes it challenging to find the right solution to MOOPF issues. In order to determine the best combination of control and state variables for the MOOPF problem, this paper develops three cases of competing objective functions. These cases include minimizing the total cost of power produced as well as over- and underestimating the cost of wind generation, emission rate, and the cost of power loss caused by transmission lines. In the case studies, power system optimization is done while dealing with both fixed and variable load scenarios. The proposed algorithm was tested on three different cases with different objective functions. The algorithm achieved an expected cost of $833.014/h and an emission rate of conventional thermal generators of 0.665 t/h in the case 1. In Case 2, the algorithm obtained a minimum cost of $731.419/h for active power generation and a cost of power loss is 124.498 $/h for energy loss. In Case 3, three objective functions were minimized simultaneously, leading to costs of $806.6/h for emissions, 0.647 t/h, and $214.9/h for power loss.
Factors driving changes in water conservation function from a geospatial perspective: case study of Jilin Province
Authors: Gao Teng , Li Yuchen , Zhao Chunzi , Chen Jingping , Jin Ri , Zhu Weihong
Published: November 2023

Jilin Province in China borders other countries in Northeast Asia and is a complex ecosystem of transboundary rivers, varying terrains, and climates, which provides vital freshwater resources to the neighboring countries. Water conservation is one of the ecosystem service functions and is of great significance to maintaining sustainable development of water resources and ecological security. In this study, we analyzed the water conservation function and its variations in Jilin Province from 2000 to 2020 using the InVEST model. Furthermore, we examined the dominant factors governing spatial distribution of the changes in water conservation function over the past two decades using geographical detectors. In addition, a multi-scale geographic weighted regression model was adopted to investigate spatial differences and characteristics of individual drivers across different spatial scales. The study revealed a number of findings. First, between 2000 and 2020, average water conservation in Jilin Province increased by 46.12% overall from 87.14 mm/m2 to 127.28 mm/m2. Second, compared with land use change, climate change had a greater influence on water conservation. However, in some areas, the opposite was true, and the combined impact of both factors was more substantial on water conservation than when each acted independently. Third, except for temperature, the correlation between each driving factor and the change in water conservation function exhibited spatial variations, and the characteristics of each factor also varied across different spatial scales. In the study site, variations in water conservation were positively correlated with forest and grass coverage and negatively correlated with cultivated land and urban-rural and industrial-mining land. This study provides new insights for exploring the driving factors of changes in water conservation function and imparts a more appropriate basis for government agencies to make decisions about ecological and environmental protection and optimization of ecosystem management.
Differential in vivo labeling with barcoded antibodies allows for simultaneous transcriptomic profiling of airway, lung tissue and intravascular immune cells
Authors: Mindt Barbara C. , Kim John , Warren Troy , Song Yang , DiGiandomenico Antonio
Published: November 2023

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is the state-of-the-art approach to study transcriptomic signatures in individual cells in respiratory health and disease. However, classical scRNA-seq approaches provide no spatial information and are performed using either bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) or lung single cell suspensions to assess transcript levels in airway and tissue immune cells, respectively. Herein we describe a simple method to simultaneously characterize transcriptomic features of airway, lung parenchymal and intravascular immune cells based on differential in vivo labeling with barcoded antibodies. In addition to gaining basic spatial information, this approach allows for direct comparison of cells within different anatomical compartments. Furthermore, this method provides a time- and cost-effective alternative to classical scRNA-seq where lung and BAL samples are processed individually, reducing animal and reagent use. We demonstrate the feasibility of this approach in a preclinical mouse model of bacterial lung infection comparing airway, parenchymal and vasculature neutrophils early after infection.
Detection of N-glycolyl-neuraminic acid-containing glycolipids in human skin
Authors: Manni Michela , Mantuano Natalia Rodrigues , Zingg Andreas , Kappos Elisabeth A. , Behrens Anna-Janina , Back Jonathan , Follador Rainer , Faridmoayer Amir , Läubli Heinz
Published: November 2023

Humans lack the enzyme that produces the sialic acid N-glycolyl neuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), but several lines of evidence have shown that Neu5Gc can be taken up by mammalian food sources and replace the common human sialic acid N-acetyl neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) in glycans. Cancer tissue has been shown to have increased the presence of Neu5Gc and Neu5Gc-containing glycolipids such as the ganglioside GM3, which have been proposed as tumor-specific antigens for antibody treatment. Here, we show that a previously described antibody against Neu5Gc-GM3 is binding to Neu5GC-containing gangliosides and is strongly staining different cancer tissues. However, we also found a strong intracellular staining of keratinocytes of healthy skin. We confirmed this staining on freshly isolated keratinocytes by flow cytometry and detected Neu5Gc by mass spectrometry. This finding implicates that non-human Neu5Gc can be incorporated into gangliosides in human skin, and this should be taken into consideration when targeting Neu5Gc-containing gangliosides for cancer immunotherapy.
Short-term risk and long-term incidence rate of infection and malignancy with IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors in adult patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Shuwei , Xu Yuanyuan , Yang Lihua , Guo Linghong , Jiang Xian
Published: November 2023

The risk of infection and malignancy may be a concern for patients with psoriasis receiving interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 inhibitors, particularly with long-term treatments. We aimed to estimate the short-term risks and long-term incidence rates of infection and malignancy with IL-17 or IL-23 antagonists in adult patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis through this comprehensive meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022363127). We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.gov until May 17, 2023 for randomized placebo-controlled trials and long-term (≥ 52 weeks) open-label extension studies. The estimates of short-term risk ratios (RRs) and long-term exposure-adjusted incidence rates (EAIRs) were pooled using R software 4.1.1 and STATA 16.0. This review included 45 randomized placebo-controlled studies and 27 open-label extension studies. Short-term RRs of serious infection, overall infection and malignancy were 1.45 (95% confidence intervals, 95% CI: 0.81-2.59), 1.20 (95% CI: 1.06-1.35), 0.83 (95% CI: 0.41-1.71) with IL-17 inhibitors; and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.38-1.22), 1.13 (95% CI: 1.00-1.28), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.37-2.04) with IL-23 inhibitors. Increased short-term risks of nasopharyngitis and Candida infection with IL-17 inhibitors were found. Long-term EAIRs of serious infection, overall infection, nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), malignancies excluding NMSC, nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infection were 1.11/100 patient-years (PYs), 57.78/100PYs, 0.47/100PYs, 0.24/100PYs, 15.07/100PYs, 8.52/100PYs, 3.41/100PYs with IL-17 inhibitors; and 1.09/100PYs, 48.50/100PYs, 0.40/100PYs, 0.43/100PYs, 10.75/100PYs, 5.84/100PYs with IL-23 inhibitors. Long-term EAIR of Candida infection was 3.41/100PYs with IL-17 inhibitors. No active or reactivated tuberculosis was ever reported in all the trials, and only a few cases of latent tuberculosis, hepatitis, and herpes zoster were reported during the long-term extension periods. No evidence of increased EAIRs of infection and malignancy with longer durations was found. Our study suggested that short-term risk and long-term incidence of infections and malignancies in psoriasis patients receiving IL-17 inhibitors and IL-23 inhibitors are generally low. However, close monitoring is required for nasopharyngitis and Candida infection with IL-17 inhibitors.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022363127.
Interleukin-10 disrupts liver repair in acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure
Authors: Roth Katherine , Strickland Jenna , Pant Asmita , Freeborn Robert , Kennedy Rebekah , Rockwell Cheryl E. , Luyendyk James P. , Copple Bryan L.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Systemic levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10) are highest in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver failure (ALF) patients with the poorest prognosis. The mechanistic basis for this counterintuitive finding is not known, as induction of IL-10 is hypothesized to temper the pathological effects of immune cell activation. Aberrant production of IL-10 after severe liver injury could conceivably interfere with the beneficial, pro-reparative actions of immune cells, such as monocytes.

Methods

To test this possibility, we determined whether IL-10 levels are dysregulated in mice with APAP-induced ALF and further evaluated whether aberrant production of IL-10 prevents monocyte recruitment and/or the resolution of necrotic lesions by these cells.

Results

Our studies demonstrate that in mice challenged with 300 mg/kg acetaminophen (APAP), a hepatotoxic dose of APAP that fails to produce ALF (i.e., APAP-induced acute liver injury; AALI), Ly6Chi monocytes were recruited to the liver and infiltrated the necrotic lesions by 48 hours coincident with the clearance of dead cell debris. At 72 hours, IL-10 was upregulated, culminating in the resolution of hepatic inflammation. By contrast, in mice treated with 600 mg/kg APAP, a dose that produces clinical features of ALF (i.e., APAP-induced ALF; AALF), IL-10 levels were markedly elevated by 24 hours. Early induction of IL-10 was associated with a reduction in the hepatic numbers of Ly6Chi monocytes resulting in the persistence of dead cell debris. Inhibition of IL-10 in AALF mice, beginning at 24 hours after APAP treatment, increased the hepatic numbers of monocytes which coincided with a reduction in the necrotic area. Moreover, pharmacologic elevation of systemic IL-10 levels in AALI mice reduced hepatic myeloid cell numbers and increased the area of necrosis.

Discussion

Collectively, these results indicate that during ALF, aberrant production of IL-10 disrupts the hepatic recruitment of monocytes, which prevents the clearance of dead cell debris. These are the first studies to document a mechanistic basis for the link between high IL-10 levels and poor outcome in patients with ALF.
Observing the full ocean volume using Deep Argo floats
Authors: Zilberman Nathalie V. , Thierry Virginie , King Brian , Alford Matthew , André Xavier , Balem Kevin , Briggs Nathan , Chen Zhaohui , Cabanes Cécile , Coppola Laurent , Dall’Olmo Giorgio , Desbruyères Damien , Fernandez Denise , Foppert Annie , Gardner Wilford , Gasparin Florent , Hally Bryan , Hosoda Shigeki , Johnson Gregory C. , Kobayashi Taiyo , Le Boyer Arnaud , Llovel William , Oke Peter , Purkey Sarah , Remy Elisabeth , Roemmich Dean , Scanderbeg Megan , Sutton Philip , Walicka Kamila , Wallace Luke , van Wijk Esmee M.
Published: November 2023

The ocean is the main heat reservoir in Earth’s climate system, absorbing most of the top-of-the-atmosphere excess radiation. As the climate warms, anomalously warm and fresh ocean waters in the densest layers formed near Antarctica spread northward through the abyssal ocean, while successions of warming and cooling events are seen in the deep-ocean layers formed near Greenland. The abyssal warming and freshening expands the ocean volume and raises sea level. While temperature and salinity characteristics and large-scale circulation of upper 2000 m ocean waters are well monitored, the present ocean observing network is limited by sparse sampling of the deep ocean below 2000 m. Recently developed autonomous robotic platforms, Deep Argo floats, collect profiles from the surface to the seafloor. These instruments supplement satellite, Core Argo float, and ship-based observations to measure heat and freshwater content in the full ocean volume and close the sea level budget. Here, the value of Deep Argo and planned strategy to implement the global array are described. Additional objectives of Deep Argo may include dissolved oxygen measurements, and testing of ocean mixing and optical scattering sensors. The development of an emerging ocean bathymetry dataset using Deep Argo measurements is also described.
Understanding the compound marine heatwave and low-chlorophyll extremes in the western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Chen Qiaojun , Li Delei , Feng Jianlong , Zhao Liang , Qi Jifeng , Yin Baoshu
Published: November 2023

The western Pacific Ocean is the global center for marine biodiversity, with high vulnerability to climate change. A better understanding of the spatiotemporal characteristics and potential drivers of compound marine heatwaves (MHWs) and low-chlorophyll (LChl) extreme events is essential for the conservation and management of local marine organisms and ecosystems. Here, using daily satellite sea surface temperature and model-based chlorophyll concentration, we find that the climatological spatial distribution of MHW-LChl events in total days, duration, and intensity exhibits heterogeneous distributions. The southwest sections of the South China Sea (WSCS) and Indonesian Seas are the hotspots for compound events, with total MHW-LChl days that are more than 2.5 times higher than in the other sub-regions. Notably, there is a trend toward more frequent (> 4.2 d/decade), stronger (> 0.5), and longer-lasting (> 1.4 d/decade) MHW-LChl occurrences in the WSCS. The occurrence of compound MHW-LChl extremes exhibits remarkable seasonal differences, with the majority of these events transpiring during winter. Moreover, there are generally statistically significant increasing trends in MHW-LChl events for all properties on both seasonal and inter-annual timescales. Furthermore, we reveal that the total days of compound MHW-LChl extremes are strongly modulated by large-scale climate modes such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and Dipole Mode Index. Overall, pinpointing MHW-LChl hotspots and understanding their changes and drivers help vulnerable communities in better preparing for heightened and compounded risks to marine organism and ecosystems under climate change.
The peritonsillar abscess and its management – is incision and drainage only a makeshift to the tonsillectomy or a permanent solution?
Authors: Ketterer Manuel Christoph , Maier Maren , Burkhardt Valentin , Mansour Naglaa , Knopf Andreas , Becker Christoph
Published: November 2023

Introduction

This study aims to examine the long-term management of peritonsillar abscess and compare needle aspiration, incision with drainage, and tonsillectomy in terms of comorbidities, complication rates, and recurrences in the largest study cohort published to date.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients, both adults and children, who were treated for peritonsillar abscess between 2007 and 2019. Patient charts were analyzed to assess surgical treatment, infection and inflammation rates, risk of bleeding, recurrence rates, duration of illness, and sick certificates. Additionally, patient imaging and blood levels were compared. Postal questionnaires were sent to all patients to evaluate subjective success rates, complications, and long-term benefits of the different treatment regimens. General practitioners and ENT doctors in private practices were contacted to gather missing data on the long-term course of the disease.

Results

A total of 821 patients with peritonsillar abscess were included in this study. Two patients had to be excluded due to incidental pathological findings. Of the remaining 819 patients, 180 were successfully treated with needle aspiration or incision. Among these patients, 37.7% required tonsillectomy during the same inpatient stay. Laboratory parameters such as leukocyte count or C-reactive protein levels were not indicative of the need for tonsillectomy. Furthermore, computed tomography was only necessary in cases of suspected parapharyngeal abscess, not in clear cases of peritonsillar abscess. Among the 641 patients who underwent tonsillectomy, 11.4% experienced postoperative bleeding requiring treatment. Only patients who underwent bilateral tonsillectomy reported recurrent episodes of sore throat and pharyngitis resulting in absence from work. The ipsilateral recurrence rate for peritonsillar abscess after needle aspiration or incision was 2.8%. There were no contralateral recurrences during the observation period.

Conclusion

Due to the lower risk of postoperative bleeding, shorter absence from work, and shorter inpatient stay, incision and drainage are the preferable treatment for peritonsillar abscess. Additionally, patients who underwent bilateral tonsillectomy reported higher rates of work incapacity due to sore throat caused by pharyngitis. No patient met the clear indication for bilateral tonsillectomy due to recurrent acute tonsillitis. The recurrence rate after drainage without tonsillectomy was very low (2.8% ipsilaterally, no recurrence contralaterally).
Characterizations of novel broad-spectrum lytic bacteriophages Sfin-2 and Sfin-6 infecting MDR Shigella spp. with their application on raw chicken to reduce the Shigella load
Authors: Ahamed S. K. Tousif , Rai Srijana , Guin Chiranjib , Jameela Rameez Moidu , Dam Somasri , Muthuirulandi Sethuvel Dhiviya Prabaa , Balaji V. , Giri Nabanita
Published: November 2023

The evidence and prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Shigella spp. poses a serious global threat to public health and the economy. Food- or water-borne MDR Shigella spp. demands an alternate strategy to counteract this threat. In this regard, phage therapy has garnered great interest from medical practitioners and researchers as a potential way to combat MDR pathogens. In this observation, we isolated Shigella phages from environmental water samples and tested against various clinically isolated MDR Shigella spp. In this study, we have defined the isolation and detailed physical and genomic characterizations of two phages Sfin-2 and Sfin-6 from environmental water samples. The phages exhibited potent lytic activity against Shigella flexneri, Shigella dysenteriae, and Shigella sonnei. They showed absorption within 5–10 min, a burst size ranging from ~74 to 265 PFU/cell, and a latent period of 5–20 min. The phages were stable at a broad pH range and survived an hour at 50°C. The purified phages Sfin-2 and Sfin-6 belong to the Siphoviridae family with an isometric head (64.90 ± 2.04 nm and 62.42 ± 4.04 nm, respectively) and a non-contractile tail (145 ± 8.5 nm and 148.47 ± 14.5 nm, respectively). The in silico analysis concluded that the size of the genomic DNA of the Sfin-2 phage is 50,390 bp with a GC content of 44.90%, while the genome size of the Sfin-6 phage is 50,523 bp with a GC content of 48.30%. A total of 85 and 83 putative open reading frames (ORFs) were predicted in the Sfin-2 and Sfin-6 phages, respectively. Furthermore, a comparative genomic and phylogenetic analysis revealed that both phages represented different isolates and novel members of the T1-like phages. Sfin-2 and Sfin-6 phages, either individually or in a cocktail form, showed a significant reduction in the viable Shigella count on raw chicken samples after 72 h of incubation. Therefore, these results indicate that these phages might have a potential role in therapeutic approaches designed for shigellosis patients as well as in the biological control of MDR Shigella spp. in the poultry or food industry during the course of meat storage.
Peripheral inflammation and neurocognitive impairment: correlations, underlying mechanisms, and therapeutic implications
Authors: Tan Siyou , Chen Wenyan , Kong Gaoyin , Wei Lai , Xie Yubo
Published: November 2023

Cognitive impairments, such as learning and memory deficits, may occur in susceptible populations including the elderly and patients who are chronically ill or have experienced stressful events, including surgery, infection, and trauma. Accumulating lines of evidence suggested that peripheral inflammation featured by the recruitment of peripheral immune cells and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines may be activated during aging and these conditions, participating in peripheral immune system-brain communication. Lots of progress has been achieved in deciphering the core bridging mechanism connecting peripheral inflammation and cognitive impairments, which may be helpful in developing early diagnosis, prognosis evaluation, and prevention methods based on peripheral blood circulation system sampling and intervention. In this review, we summarized the evolving evidence on the prevalence of peripheral inflammation-associated neurocognitive impairments and discussed the research advances in the underlying mechanisms. We also highlighted the prevention and treatment strategies against peripheral inflammation-associated cognitive dysfunction.
Etiologies and hearing status in bilateral vestibulopathy: a retrospective study of 315 patients
Authors: Moyaert Julie , Dobbels Bieke , Peetermans Olivier , Boon Bram , Lucieer Florence , Guinand Nils , Mertens Griet , Gilles Annick , van de Heyning Paul , Fornos Angelica Pérez , van de Berg Raymond , Van Rompaey Vincent
Published: November 2023

Importance

The development of a vestibular implant has reached milestones and seems to be a promising therapeutic tool for bilateral vestibulopathy (BV). Given the former lack of therapeutic options for BV, the disease has received scant attention in the previous research literature. It is therefore of major importance to gain more insight into the underlying pathology of BV. Furthermore, as some research groups specifically use a combined vestibulo-cochlear implant, the size of the group of BV patients with associated hearing loss is of special interest.

Objectives

The study aimed to determine the definite and probable etiology in bilateral vestibulopathy (BV) patients and to report on their hearing status.

Design

This study involves multicenter retrospective study design.

Setting

The research setting is at tertiary referral centers.

Participants

Consecutive BV patients diagnosed at the Antwerp University Hospital between 2004 and 2018 at the Maastricht University Medical Center between 2002 and 2015 and at the Geneva University Hospital between 2013 and 2018, who met the BV diagnostic criteria of the Bárány Society.

Main outcome measures

Primary interests were the etiology and hearing status of BV patients. Moreover, the data of vestibular tests were examined (caloric irrigation, rotatory chair tests, and video-head impulse test).

Results

The authors identified 315 BV patients, of whom 56% were male patients. Mean age at diagnosis was 58.6 ± 15.1 (range 7–91) years. The definite cause was determined in 37% of the patients and the probable cause in 26% of the patients. No cause was identified in 37% of BV patients. The largest subgroup included patients with genetic etiology (31%), most frequently COCH mutation. Only 21% of patients (n = 61) had bilateral normal hearing. Almost half of the patients (45%, n = 134) had profound hearing loss in at least one ear.

Conclusion

BV is a heterogeneous condition, with over a third of cases remaining idiopathic, and nearly three-quarters affected by hearing loss. COCH mutation is the most common non-idiopathic cause of BV in our population. Only 21% of our BV patients presented with bilateral normal hearing.
Colorectal cancer survival among Malaysia population: data from the Malaysian National Cancer Registry
Authors: Muhamad Nor Asiah , Ma’amor Nur Hasnah , Rosli Izzah Athirah , Leman Fatin Norhasny , Abdul Mutalip Mohd Hatta , Chan Huan-Keat , Yusof Siti Norbayah , Tamin Nor Saleha Ibrahim , Aris Tahir , Lai Nai Ming , Abu Hassan Muhammad Radzi
Published: November 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in Malaysia and poses a major burden on society.

Aims

To determine the overall survival rate of patients diagnosed with CRC and factors contributing to survival.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Malaysia National Cancer Registry. All patients with CRC were identified, and a total of 15,515 patients were screened. A total of 5,675 CRC patients were included from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016. Sex, age groups, ethnic groups, stage at diagnosis, cancer sites, and status of treatment received were analysed. The Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to estimate the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival of CRC. The log-rank test was conducted to compare the survival between sex, age groups, ethnic groups, stage at diagnosis, cancer sites, and status of treatment received. Multiple Cox regression was conducted to determine the risk of CRC death.

Results

Of 5,675, a total of 2,055 had died, 3,534 were censored, and another 86 were still alive within 5 years of CRC diagnosis. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 68.5%, 34.7%, and 18.4%, respectively with a median survival time of 24 months. Significant differences in survival rates of CRC were observed between age groups (p < 0.001), ethnic groups (p < 0.001), stages at diagnosis (p < 0.001), treatment status (p = 0.003), and treatment modalities (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in survival rates of CRC between sex (p = 0.235) and cancer sites (p = 0.410). Those who were 80 years old and above were found to be at higher risk of CRC death compared to those below 80 years old (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.24, 95% CI 1.14–1.36). The risk of CRC death was also found four times higher among those with stage IV compared to those with stage 0 (adjusted HR: 4.28, 95% CI 3.26–5.62).

Conclusion

In general, Malaysian patients with CRC had low survival rates. National health policies should focus on enhancing awareness of CRC, encouraging early screening, and developing strategies for early detection and management to reduce CRC-associated mortality.
New research progress on 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics for EGFR mutation prediction in lung adenocarcinoma: a review
Authors: Ge Xinyu , Gao Jianxiong , Niu Rong , Shi Yunmei , Shao Xiaoliang , Wang Yuetao , Shao Xiaonan
Published: November 2023

Lung cancer, the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, is the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths. In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in basic and clinical research concerning the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma has also entered a new era of individualized, targeted therapies. However, the detection of lung adenocarcinoma is usually invasive. 18F-FDG PET/CT can be used as a noninvasive molecular imaging approach, and radiomics can acquire high-throughput data from standard images. These methods play an increasingly prominent role in diagnosing and treating cancers. Herein, we reviewed the progress in applying 18F-FDG PET/CT and radiomics in lung adenocarcinoma clinical research and how these data are analyzed via traditional statistics, machine learning, and deep learning to predict EGFR mutation status, all of which achieved satisfactory results. Traditional statistics extract features effectively, machine learning achieves higher accuracy with complex algorithms, and deep learning obtains significant results through end-to-end methods. Future research should combine these methods to achieve more accurate predictions, providing reliable evidence for the precision treatment of lung adenocarcinoma. At the same time, facing challenges such as data insufficiency and high algorithm complexity, future researchers must continuously explore and optimize to better apply to clinical practice.
Factors influencing the success and complications of intraosseous access in pediatric patients—a prospective nationwide surveillance study in Germany
Authors: Pfeiffer Daniel , Olivieri Martin , Brenner Sebastian , Gomes Delphina , Lieftüchter Victoria , Hoffmann Florian
Published: November 2023

Background

Vascular access is essential for the efficient treatment of critically ill children, but it can be difficult to obtain. Our study was conducted to analyze the feasibility and short-term safety of intraosseous access (IO) use as well as factors influencing its success and the incidence of complications in pediatric emergencies and resuscitation. This dataset of systematically documented intraosseous access attempts constitutes one of the largest published in the literature.

Methods

Two-year nationwide prospective surveillance study in Germany from July 2017 to June 2019. Pediatric hospitals anonymously reported the case data of all children aged 28 days to 18 years who arrived with or were treated with an intraosseous access to the German Pediatric Surveillance Unit (GPSU). The main outcomes were the occurrence of complications, overall success and success at the first attempt. The influence of individual factors on outcomes was evaluated using multivariate regression models.

Results

A total of 417 patients underwent 549 intraosseous access attempts. The overall rates of success and success at the first attempt were 98.3% and 81.9%, respectively. Approximately 63.6% of patients were successfully punctured within 3 min from the time of indication. Approximately 47.7% of IO access attempts required patient resuscitation. Dislocation [OR 17.74 (5.32, 59.15)] and other complications [OR 9.29 (2.65, 32.55)] occurred more frequently in the prehospital environment. A total of 22.7% of patients experienced minor complications, while 2.5% of patients experienced potentially severe complications.

Conclusion

We conclude that intraosseous access is a commonly used method for establishing emergency vascular access in children, being associated with a low (age-dependent) rate of severe complications and providing mostly reliable vascular access despite a relatively high rate of dislocation.
Harmful algal blooms in agricultural irrigation: risks, benefits, and management
Authors: Newton Amanda Rose , Melaram Rajesh
Published: November 2023

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have garnered increasing attention due to their adverse effects on water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and animal and human health. Prior research suggests that HAB-contaminated water containing toxins can significantly affect the development of plant structures and inhibit essential physiological processes. However, the potential benefits and risks of using HAB-contaminated water sourced from local water bodies for agricultural irrigation is not completely understood. This perspective paper delves into the origins and impacts of HABs, the environmental and agricultural repercussions of their use in irrigation, and management strategies to mitigate associated risks of HAB-contaminated water in sustainable agriculture. Future studies are needed to validate the practical benefits of HABs in agricultural irrigation for the enhancement of soil health and overall crop growth and productivity.
The “Soil Skills” Pedagogical Approach Conjugated With Soil Judging Contests
Authors: Al-Ismaily Said , Kacimov Anvar , Al-Mayhai Ahmed , Al-Busaidi Hamed , Blackburn Daniel , Al-Shukaili Afrah , Al-Maktoumi Ali
Published: November 2023

The inherent complexity of soil and its interactions with Earth’s diverse spheres, including the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere within the ecosphere, and anthroposphere, requires that soil science specialists and students develop not only a profound understanding of soil science, but also the ability to collaborate across various disciplines to address these complex challenges. Equipping students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to tackle the intricate and dynamic issues of the 21st century, spanning soil science, water sciences, hydropedology, geology, agronomy, geotechnical engineering, sedimentation, waste management, recycling, and environmental management, is of paramount importance. In response, innovative pedagogical approaches that integrate classroom learning from diverse soil science courses with practical skills and field-based competencies are needed. This paper suggests merging our own “Soil Skills” (SSK) pedagogical method with the “Soil Judging Contest” (SJC), a teaching approach supported by the American Society of Agronomy and the Soil Science Society of America since 1961. This integration aims to enhance the holistic, harmonized, interdisciplinary, and enthusiastic nature of soil science education. Both the SSK and SJC approaches received positive feedback from students and demonstrated significant improvements in academic performance. Our study begins with an in-depth exploration of the SSK contest, followed by an overview of the pertinent aspects of the SJC. Subsequently, we offer a comparative analysis of the complementarity of these two approaches. Finally, in the concluding remarks, we summarize the strengths of the implemented SSK and outline prospective applications. Our findings underscore the unique advantages of combining SSK and SJC approaches in delivering comprehensive, problem-based, and practical field-learning experiences. This combination approach closely aligns with applied scenarios that demand multidisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity perspectives, preparing students for their future professional careers, and enabling the practical application of their soil science knowledge in real-world contexts.