bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic yield and safety of diagnostic techniques for pulmonary lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and network meta-analysis
Authors: Balasubramanian Prasanth , Abia-Trujillo David , Barrios-Ruiz Alana , Garza-Salas Ana , Koratala Anoop , Chandra Nikitha C. , Yu Lee-Mateus Alejandra , Labarca Gonzalo , Fernandez-Bussy Sebastian
Published: September 2024

Background

With recent advancements in bronchoscopic procedures, data on the best modality to sample peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) is lacking, especially comparing bronchoscopy with computed tomography-guided transthoracic biopsy or needle aspiration (CT-TBNA).

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis, pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis on studies reporting diagnostic yield and complications with the use of CT-TBNA, radial endobronchial ultrasound (rEBUS), virtual bronchoscopy (VB), electromagnetic navigation (EMN) or robot-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) to sample PPLs. The primary outcome was diagnostic yield and the secondary outcome was complications. We estimated the relative risk ratios using a random-effects model and used the frequentist approach for the network meta-analysis. We performed extensive analysis to assess the heterogeneity including reporting bias, publication bias, subgroup and meta-regressional analysis. We assessed the quality of the studies using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) and QUADAS-Comparative (QUADAS-C).

Results

We included 363 studies. The overall pooled diagnostic yield was 78.1%, the highest with CT-TBNA (88.9%), followed by RAB (84.8%) and the least with rEBUS (72%). In the pairwise meta-analysis, only rEBUS showed inferiority to CT-TBNA. The network meta-analysis ranked CT-TBNA as likely the most effective approach followed by VB, EMN and RAB, while rEBUS was the least effective, with a low-GRADE certainty. CT-TBNA had the highest rate of complications.

Conclusion

Although CT-TBNA is the most effective approach to sample PPLs, RAB has a comparable diagnostic yield with a lesser complication rate. Further prospective studies are needed comparing CT-TBNA and RAB.
Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate induces enhancement of OPG expression and inhibition of RANKL expression via inhibition of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase to inhibit the osteogenic differentiation and calcification in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Xu Wei , Gong Lifeng , Tang Weigang , Lu Guoyuan
Published: September 2024

Background

Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate(N-BP)had been found to inhibit the osteogenic differentiation and calcification in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), but the mechanism is not clear. We intend to verify that N-BP induces enhancement of OPG expression and inhibition of RANKL expression via inhibition of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase(FPPS) to inhibit the osteogenic differentiation and calcification in VSMCs.

Methods

β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) was used to induce the osteogenic differentiation and calcification in VSMCs. VSMCs were treated with N-BP or pretreated with downstream products of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase(FPPS) in mevalonate pathway, such as farnesol (FOH) or geranylgeraniol (GGOH). Alizarin red S staining and determination of calcium content were used to detect calcium deposition.Western Blotting were used to detect expressions of proteins(OPG and RANKL ) and osteogenic marker proteins (Runx2 and OPN).

Results

β-GP induced the osteogenic differentiation and calcification in VSMCs, increased RANKL protein expression and had no significant effect on OPG protein expression. With the treatment of N-BP, the expression of OPG protein was increased and expression of RANKL protein was decreased in VSMCs undergoing osteogenic differentiation and calcification. In addition, N-BP reduced the osteogenic marker proteins (Runx2 and OPN) expression and calcium deposition in VSMCs undergoing osteogenic differentiation and calcification. These effects of N-BP on the osteogenic differentiation and calcification in VSMCs were concentration-dependent, which could be reversed by the downstream products of FPPS, such as FOH or GGOH.

Conclusion

N-BP increases OPG expression and decreases RANKL expression via inhibition of FPPS to inhibit the osteogenic differentiation and calcification in VSMCs.
Prognostic performance of Hong Kong Liver Cancer with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging systems in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kohla Mohamed , Ashour Reham , Taha Hossam , El-Abd Osama , Osman Maher , Abozeid Mai , ELKhadry Sally Waheed
Published: September 2024

Background

Accurate staging is necessary for predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis and guiding patient management. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system has limitations due to heterogeneity observed among patients in BCLC stages B and C. In contrast, the Hong Kong Liver Cancer (HKLC) staging system offers more aggressive treatment strategies.

Aim

To compare the prognostic performance of HKLC and BCLC staging systems in Egyptian patients with HCC.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study at the National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Egypt, on 1015 HCC patients. Data was collected from patients’ medical records over 10 years (from 2008 to 2018). The BCLC and HKLC stages were identified, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare patients’ overall survival rates within each staging system. Additionally, we evaluated the comparative prognostic performance of the two staging systems.

Results

Hepatitis C was identified as the underlying etiology in 799 patients (78.7%), hepatitis B in 12 patients (1.2%), and non-viral causes in 204 patients (20.1%). The survival analysis demonstrated significant differences across the various stages within both the BCLC and HKLC systems. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated a marginally superior performance of the HKLC system in predicting survival at 1, 2, and 3 years compared to the BCLC system. Furthermore, the HKLC staging provided a slightly enhanced prognostic capability, particularly for patients classified under BCLC stages B and C, suggesting a potential survival benefit.

Conclusion

HKLC classification had a slightly better prognostic performance than BCLC staging system and may offer a survival advantage for certain patients with HCC in BCLC stage B and C HCC cases.
Early-onset phenotype in a patient with an intermediate allele and a large SCA1 expansion: a case report
Authors: Baille Guillaume , Geoffre Nicolas , Wissocq Anna , Planté-Bordeneuve Pauline , Mutez Eugénie , Huin Vincent
Published: September 2024

Background

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, is a rare neurodegenerative disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance belonging to the polyglutamine diseases. The diagnosis of this disease requires genetic testing that may also include the search for CAT interruption of the CAG repeat tract.

Case presentation

One 23-years-old patient suffers from a severe ataxia, with early-onset and rapid progression of the disease. His father might have been affected, but no molecular confirmation has been performed. The genetic results were negative for the Friedreich’s ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, 3, 6, 7 and 17. The numbers of CAG repeats in the ATXN1 gene was assessed by fluorescent PCR, tripled-primed PCR and enzymatic digestion for the search of sequence interruption in the CAG repeats. The patient carried one pathogenic allele of 61 CAG and one intermediate allele of 37 CAG in the ATXN1 gene. Both alleles were uninterrupted.

Conclusions

We report a rare case of spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 with an intermediate allele and a large SCA1 expansion. The determination of the absence of CAT interruption brought crucial information concerning this molecular diagnosis, the prediction of the disease and had practical consequences for genetic counseling.
Determinants of the implementation of eHealth-based long-term follow-up care for young cancer survivors: a qualitative study
Authors: Stamer Tjorven , Traulsen Pia , Rieken Johannes , Schmahl Teresa , Menrath Ingo , Steinhäuser Jost
Published: September 2024

Background

eHealth may help closing gaps in the long-term follow-up care of former young age cancer patients. While its introduction to medical aftercare appears promising, it also faces obstacles in the course of its implementation. This study explored what prospective eHealth applications have to achieve and what facilitating and hindering factors are associated with the implementation of them.

Methods

A qualitative, explorative-descriptive design involving semi-structured interviews was used in this study. General practitioners (GPs) from urban and rural areas as well as former cancer patients were recruited and interviewed. The interview guide focused on expectations of telemedical care services for the patient group of children and adolescents as well as potential facilitating and hindering factors of the implementation of telemedical care services for former cancer patients. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed on the basis of qualitative content analysis as described by Kuckartz.

Results

Empiric saturation was reached after 25 interviews, respectively. The age of the physicians surveyed at the time of the interviews ranged from 27 to 71 years, with an average of 42 years. The former patients ranged in age from 21 to 43 at the time of participation, with an average age of 34. The age at diagnosis ranged from 3 to 31 years. eHealth services were considered an effective way to maintain continuity of care and improve the health literacy of cancer survivors. Cooperation with health insurance companies and gamification-elements were regarded as beneficial for the introduction of eHealth structures. Poor interface compatibility, insufficient network coverage and lack of digital literacy were valued as potential barriers.

Conclusions

If properly introduced, eHealth shows the potential to provide stakeholders with tools that increase their self-efficacy and ability to act. As the technology continues to advance, our data provides application-oriented factors for tailored implementation strategies to bring eHealth into the field.
Genetically predicted dietary intake and risks of colorectal cancer: a Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Hoang Tung , Cho Sooyoung , Choi Ji-Yeob , Kang Daehee , Shin Aesun
Published: September 2024

Background

Effects of confounders on associations between diet and colorectal cancer (CRC) in observational studies can be minimized in Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. This study aimed to investigate observational and genetically predicted associations between dietary intake and CRC using one-sample MR.

Methods

Using genetic data of over 93 million variants, we performed a genome-wide association study to find genomic risk loci associated with dietary intake in participants from the UK Biobank. Then we calculated genetic risk scores of diet-related variants and used them as instrumental variables in the two-stage least square MR framework to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations. We also performed observational analyses using age as a time-scale in Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Allele scores were calculated from 399 genetic variants associated with the consumption of of red meat, processed meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, and alcohol in participants from the UK Biobank. In MR analysis, genetically predicted fruit intake was significantly associated with a 21% decreased risk of CRC (HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.66–0.95), and there was a marginally inverse association between vegetable intake and CRC (HR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.71–1.02). However, null findings were observed in multivariable analysis, with HRs (95% CIs) of 0.99 (0.98–1.01) and 0.99 (0.98–1.00) per increment of daily servings of fruits and vegetables, respectively.

Conclusion

Dietary habits were attributable to genetic variations, which can be used as instrumental variables in the MR framework. Our study supported a causal relationship between fruit intake and a decreased risk of CRC and suggested an effective strategy of consuming fruits in the primary prevention of CRC.
Feasibility and usefulness of video-based markerless two-dimensional automated gait analysis, in providing objective quantification of gait and complementing the evaluation of gait in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Pantzar-Castilla Evelina , Balta Diletta , Croce Ugo Della , Cereatti Andrea , Riad Jacques
Published: September 2024

Background

Gait analysis aids in evaluation, classification, and follow-up of gait pattern over time in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The analysis of sagittal plane joint kinematics is of special interest to assess flexed knee gait and ankle joint deviations that commonly progress with age and indicate deterioration of gait. Although most children with CP are ambulatory, no objective quantification of gait is currently included in any of the known international follow-up programs. Is video-based 2-dimensional markerless (2D ML) gait analysis with automated processing a feasible and useful tool to quantify deviations, evaluate and classify gait, in children with CP?

Methods

Twenty children with bilateral CP with Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) levels I–III, from five regions in Sweden, were included from the national CP registry. A single RGB-Depth video camera, sensitive to depth and contrast, was positioned laterally to a green walkway and background, with four light sources. A previously validated markerless method was employed to estimate sagittal plane hip, knee, ankle kinematics, foot orientation and spatio-temporal parameters including gait speed and step length.

Results

Mean age was 10.4 (range 6.8–16.1) years. Eight children were classified as GMFCS level I, eight as II and four as III. Setup of the measurement system took 15 min, acquisition 5–15 min and processing 50 min per child. Using the 2D ML method kinematic deviations from normal could be determined and used to implement the classification of gait pattern, proposed by Rodda et al. 2001.

Conclusion

2D ML assessment is feasible, since it is accessible, easy to perform and well tolerated by the children. The 2D ML adds consistency and quantifies objectively important gait variables. It is both relevant and reasonable to include 2D ML gait assessment in the evaluation of children with CP.
Local ketorolac infiltration for postoperative pain in open trigger finger surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Auwattanamongkol Thanat , Laohaprasitiporn Panai , Monteerarat Yuwarat , Limthongthang Roongsak , Vathana Torpon
Published: September 2024

Background

Multimodal analgesia is crucial for effective postoperative pain management in minor hand surgeries, enhancing patient satisfaction. The use of local wound infiltration with Ketorolac as an adjuvant pain management strategy is proposed for open trigger finger release surgery. This study aims to compare pain scores and functional outcomes between local wound infiltration with Ketorolac and oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Methods

This study is a double-blind, parallel design, randomized controlled trials. Sixty-nine patients underwent trigger finger surgery between December 2021 and October 2022 were randomized into one of three groups: oral Ibuprofen alone group, local Ketorolac alone group and local Ketorolac with oral Ibuprofen group. The assessment included postoperative numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, grip strength, mobility of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. and complications.

Results

NRS pain scores during movement of the operated fingers were significantly lower at 6 h in local Ketorolac alone group and local Ketorolac with oral Ibuprofen group compared to oral Ibuprofen alone group. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in postoperative DASH scores, grip strength, mobility of PIP joints, and complications.

Conclusions

Local infiltration of Ketorolac as an adjunct in postoperative pain management has been shown to provide superior analgesia during finger movement within the initial 6 h following trigger finger surgery, in comparison to oral NSAIDs.

Clinical trial registration

Thaiclinicaltrials.org identifier: TCTR20210825002. Registered 25/08/2021. https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20210825002
Anti-inflammatory potential of aspergillus unguis SP51-EGY: TLR4-dependent effects & chemical diversity via Q-TOF LC-HRMS
Authors: Nasr Soad , Dawood Abdelhameed S. , Ibrahim Amal Mosad , Abdel-Aziz Mohamed S. , Fayad Walid , Abdelnaser Anwar , EL-Hady Faten K. Abd
Published: September 2024

Inflammation serves as an intricate defense mechanism for tissue repair. However, overactivation of TLR4-mediated inflammation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can lead to detrimental outcomes such as sepsis, acute lung injury, and chronic inflammation, often associated with cancer and autoimmune diseases. This study delves into the anti-inflammatory properties of “Aspergillus unguis isolate SP51-EGY” on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Through real-time qPCR, we assessed the expression levels of pivotal inflammatory genes, including iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6. Remarkably, our fungal extracts significantly diminished NO production and showed noteworthy reductions in the mRNA expression levels of the aforementioned genes. Furthermore, while Nrf2 is typically associated with modulating inflammatory responses, our findings indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of our extracts are not Nrf2-dependent. Moreover, the chemical diversity of the potent extract (B Sh F) was elucidated using Q-TOF LC-HRMS, identifying 54 compounds, some of which played vital roles in suppressing inflammation. Most notably, compounds like granisetron, fenofibrate, and umbelliprenin were found to downregulate TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 through the NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, “Aspergillus unguis isolate SP51-EGY”, isolated from the Red Sea, Egypt, has been unveiled as a promising TLR4 inhibitor with significant anti-inflammatory potentials, presenting novel insights for their potential therapeutic use in inflammation.
Development of message passing-based graph convolutional networks for classifying cancer pathology reports
Authors: Yoon Hong-Jun , Klasky Hilda B. , Blanchard Andrew E. , Christian J. Blair , Durbin Eric B. , Wu Xiao-Cheng , Stroup Antoinette , Doherty Jennifer , Coyle Linda , Penberthy Lynne , Tourassi Georgia D.
Published: September 2024

Background

Applying graph convolutional networks (GCN) to the classification of free-form natural language texts leveraged by graph-of-words features (TextGCN) was studied and confirmed to be an effective means of describing complex natural language texts. However, the text classification models based on the TextGCN possess weaknesses in terms of memory consumption and model dissemination and distribution. In this paper, we present a fast message passing network (FastMPN), implementing a GCN with message passing architecture that provides versatility and flexibility by allowing trainable node embedding and edge weights, helping the GCN model find the better solution. We applied the FastMPN model to the task of clinical information extraction from cancer pathology reports, extracting the following six properties: main site, subsite, laterality, histology, behavior, and grade.

Results

We evaluated the clinical task performance of the FastMPN models in terms of micro- and macro-averaged F1 scores. A comparison was performed with the multi-task convolutional neural network (MT-CNN) model. Results show that the FastMPN model is equivalent to or better than the MT-CNN.

Conclusions

Our implementation revealed that our FastMPN model, which is based on the PyTorch platform, can train a large corpus (667,290 training samples) with 202,373 unique words in less than 3 minutes per epoch using one NVIDIA V100 hardware accelerator. Our experiments demonstrated that using this implementation, the clinical task performance scores of information extraction related to tumors from cancer pathology reports were highly competitive.
Social cure model: testing the link between identity centrality and body appreciation in diverse sexual orientation and gender identity groups
Authors: Komlenac Nikola , Stockburger Kristina , Birke Jennifer , Hochleitner Margarethe
Published: September 2024

Background

The level of experienced sociocultural pressure to have an idealized body can vary depending on a person’s gender identity and sexual orientation. The current study explored whether differences in levels of body appreciation among people with different sexual orientations and gender identities vary because of differing levels of experienced pressure by in-group members and varying levels of experienced hostile behaviors because of their looks or body. Thereby, the study tests the social cure model, according to which high levels of identity centrality are associated with better mental health.

Methods

An online cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted with 1,587 people (51.3% cisgender women, 39.3% cisgender men, 9.5% non-binary; 52.9% identified as heterosexual, 27.7% identified as bisexual/pansexual, 11.2% identified as gay/lesbian, 8.2% identified as asexual/demi/queer; Mage = 32.9, SD = 12.6) from German-speaking countries. Variables were assessed with German-language versions of the Multidimensional and Multicomponent Measure of Social Identification, Body Appreciation Scale-2, the Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire, and the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4, revised. A manifest-path model was calculated.

Results

Non-binary persons reported lower levels of body appreciation than did cisgender men and sexual minority persons reported lower levels of body appreciation than did heterosexual persons. Furthermore, sexual minority persons experienced more hostile behaviors directed towards them because of their looks or body than did heterosexual persons. Similarly, non-binary persons experienced more hostile behaviors than did men. Non-binary persons were subjected to lower levels of in-group pressure than were men. Gay/lesbian persons and asexual persons were subjected to lower levels of in-group pressure than were heterosexual persons. More hostile behaviors and stronger in-group pressure were related to lower body appreciation. In cisgender women and men indirect links revealed associations between strong identity centrality and low levels of body appreciation through the mediator of high in-group pressure.

Conclusions

Data in sexual minority individuals or non-binary persons supported the social cure model, according to which persons can find support and validation for their looks and body from in-group members. In cisgender women and men, strong identification as a woman or man can be related to stronger in-group pressure and in turn to lower body appreciation.
Characterization of the angiomodulatory effects of Interleukin 11 cis- and trans-signaling in the retina
Authors: Liang Paula , Ness Jan , Rapp Julian , Boneva Stefaniya , Schwämmle Melanie , Jung Malte , Schlunck Günther , Agostini Hansjürgen , Bucher Felicitas
Published: September 2024

Background

The IL-6 cytokine family, with its crucial and pleiotropic intracellular signaling pathway STAT3, is a promising target for treating vasoproliferative retinal diseases. Previous research has shown that IL-6 cis-signaling (via membrane-bound receptors) and trans-signaling (via soluble receptors) can have distinct effects on target cells, leading to their application in various disease treatments. While IL-6 has been extensively studied, less is known about the angiogenic effects of IL-11, another member of the IL-6 family, in the retina. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the effects of IL-11 on retinal angiogenesis.

Main text

In vitreous samples from proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients, elevated levels of IL-11Rα, but not IL-11, were detected. In vitro studies using vascular endothelial cells revealed distinct effects of cis- and trans-signaling: cis-signaling (IL-11 alone) had antiangiogenic effects, while trans-signaling (IL-11 + sIL-11Rα) had proangiogenic and pro-migratory effects. These differences can be attributed to their individual signaling responses and associated transcriptomic changes. Notably, no differences in cis- and trans-signaling were detected in primary mouse Müller cell cultures. STAT3 and STAT1 siRNA knockdown experiments revealed opposing effects on IL-11 signaling, with STAT3 functioning as an antiproliferative and proapoptotic player while STAT1 acts in opposition to STAT3. In vivo, both IL-11 and IL-11 + sIL-11Rα led to a reduction in retinal neovascularization. Immunohistochemical staining revealed Müller cell activation in response to treatment, suggesting that IL-11 affects multiple retinal cell types in vivo beyond vascular endothelial cells.

Conclusions

Cis- and trans-signaling by IL-11 have contrasting angiomodulatory effects on endothelial cells in vitro. In vivo, cis- and trans-signaling also influence Müller cells, ultimately determining the overall angiomodulatory impact on the retina, highlighting the intricate interplay between vascular and glial cells in the retina.
Secondary solid malignancies in long-term survivors after total body irradiation
Authors: Gruber Isabella , Wolff Daniel , Koelbl Oliver
Published: September 2024

Background

Total body irradiation (TBI)-based allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a curative treatment for selected patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Yet, secondary malignancies contribute to long-term morbidity and mortality with TBI potentially influencing these risks.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed the cumulative incidences of secondary solid malignancies and precancerous lesions of 89 consecutive AML patients after TBI-based conditioning before 1st allo-HSCT between 2000 and 2016. TBI was performed with an average dose rate of 4 cGy/min and a twice-daily fractionation. Cause-specific hazard models analyzed risk factors for secondary malignancies/precancerous lesions and the competing risks of dying before developing secondary malignancies/precancerous lesions.

Results

The median patient age at TBI was 42.5 years (interquartile range, 32.5–51.2), while the median follow-up was 15.2 years (interquartile range, 13.0-18.2). Most patients received a myeloablative conditioning (MAC) containing 8 Gy (n = 47) and 12 Gy TBI (n = 11). Reduced-intensity regimens (RIC, 4 Gy TBI) were applied in 31 patients. Of note, patients receiving RIC were older than patients receiving MAC. The most common cancer types were non-squamous cell carcinomas (n = 14) after exclusion of a patient diagnosed with sarcoma within less than a year after TBI. The cumulative incidences of secondary malignancies and precancerous lesions were 8% (95%CI, 4–16), 14% (95%CI, 7–23), and 17% (95%CI, 9–27) at 10, 15 and 20 years, while the cumulative incidences of premature deaths were 59% (95%CI, 48–69), 59% (95%CI, 48–69), and 64% (95%CI, 49–76). In multivariate analyses, higher patient age at TBI was associated with lower rates of secondary malignancies/precancerous lesions, while higher patient age translated into a trend towards premature deaths (before patients could develop malignancies). Higher TBI doses, mainly applied in younger patients, translated into lower rates of secondary malignancies/precancerous lesions while lacking associations with mortality. Chronic GVHD requiring systemic immunosuppression was associated with premature deaths.

Conclusions

Although this study indicates an inverse relationship between TBI doses applied and treatment-related malignancies, confounding by competing risks is present. The age dependency may be explained by the fact that older patients had a lower life expectancy independent of malignancies, illustrating the pitfalls of competing risks.

Trial registration

The study was retrospectively registered.
Assessing the predictive efficacy of noninvasive liver fibrosis indices and portal vein diameter in predicting esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Lin Xiaoxiao , Lan Qiaoli , Liu Ya , Dong Xiuli , Wu Lecan
Published: September 2024

Background

The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive serum liver fibrosis markers and portal vein diameter (PVD) in predicting the occurrence of esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

A cohort comprising 102 individuals diagnosed with cirrhosis was divided into two groups: the P group (without EVB) and the PE group (with EVB). We conducted a comprehensive analysis comparing various noninvasive serum liver fibrosis indices, the Child-Pugh classification, ratios of aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index, fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB-4), PVD, and spleen thickness (SPT) between these groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for variables showing significant differences between the two groups, with subsequent calculation of the area under the ROC curve (AUROC) for each variable.

Results

Significant distinctions were noted in the serum liver fibrosis markers between the P and PE groups, encompassing hyaluronic acid (HA), type III procollagen (PC-III), type IV collagen (IV-C), PVD, SPT, and FIB-4 (p < 0.05), as evidenced by univariate analysis findings. The respective AUROC values for these markers were 0.653, 0.706, 0.710, 0.730, 0.660, and 0.633. Additionally, upon integration with PVD, SPT, and FIB4, the AUROC values for liver fibrosis markers surged to 0.793, 0.763, and 0.706 correspondingly, highlighting the enhanced diagnostic potential.

Conclusion

The integration of noninvasive liver fibrosis indices and PVD showcased remarkable diagnostic potential in EVB, underscoring its clinical relevance in predicting hemorrhagic events.
Whole genome sequence analysis of population structure and insecticide resistance markers in Anopheles melas from the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Moss Sophie , Pretorius Elizabeth , Ceesay Sainey , da Silva Eunice Teixeira , Hutchins Harry , Ndiath Mamadou Ousmane , Acford-Palmer Holly , Collins Emma L. , Higgins Matthew , Phelan Jody , Jones Robert T. , Vasileva Hristina , Rodrigues Amabelia , Krishna Sanjeev , Clark Taane G. , Last Anna , Campino Susana
Published: September 2024

Background

Anopheles melas is an understudied malaria vector with a potential role in malaria transmission on the Bijagós Archipelago of Guinea-Bissau. This study presents the first whole-genome sequencing and population genetic analysis for this species from the Bijagós. To our knowledge, this also represents the largest population genetic analysis using WGS data from non-pooled An. melas mosquitoes.

Methods

WGS was conducted for 30 individual An. melas collected during the peak malaria transmission season in 2019 from six different islands on the Bijagós Archipelago. Bioinformatics tools were used to investigate the population structure and prevalence of insecticide resistance markers in this mosquito population.

Results

Insecticide resistance mutations associated with pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.s. from the Bijagós were absent in the An. melas population, and no signatures of selective sweeps were identified in insecticide resistance-associated genes. Analysis of structural variants identified a large duplication encompassing the cytochrome-P450 gene cyp9k1. Phylogenetic analysis using publicly available mitochondrial genomes indicated that An. melas from the Bijagós split into two phylogenetic groups because of differentiation on the mitochondrial genome attributed to the cytochrome C oxidase subunits COX I and COX II and the NADH dehydrogenase subunits 1, 4, 4L and 5.

Conclusions

This study identified an absence of insecticide-resistant SNPs common to An. gambiae in the An. melas population, but did identify structural variation over insecticide resistance-associated genes. Furthermore, this study presents novel insights into the population structure of this malaria vector using WGS analysis. Additional studies are required to further understand the role of this vector in malaria transmission.

Graphical abstract
Effect of swimming initiation period and continuation frequency on motor competence development in children aged up to 3 years: the Japan environment and children’s study
Authors: Kano Hirohisa , Ebara Takeshi , Matsuki Taro , Tamada Hazuki , Yamada Yasuyuki , Kato Sayaka , Kaneko Kayo , Matsuzaki Kazuki , Sato Hirotaka , Minato Kyoko , Sugiura-Ogasawara Mayumi , Saitoh Shinji , Kamijima Michihiro
Published: September 2024

Background

Although involvement of toddlers in swimming activities has increased recently, information regarding the impact of swimming during toddlerhood on subsequent child motor competence development is scarce. This study aimed to determine how swimming experience, particularly the timing of initiation and the continuity of swimming activities up to the age of 3 years, affects motor competence development.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included data on children aged 1.5 and 3 years (100,286 mother–child pairs) from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study. The outcomes measured were gross and fine motor function, using the Japanese version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (Third edition). We assessed how these functions correlated with the continuous pattern of swimming pool use frequency from age 1 up to 3 years.

Results

The group that used a swimming pool once a month or more from age 1–1.5 years but stopped from age 2–3 years showed consistently significant negative associations with gross motor development delay (minimum adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60–0.73) and fine motor development delay (minimum aOR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.58–0.76). The group that continued swimming once a month or more from age 1–3 years showed consistently significant negative associations with gross motor development delay (minimum aOR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.54–0.75) and fine motor development delay (minimum aOR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.31–0.55).

Conclusions

These results suggest that swimming experience starting around age 1 year is positively associated with gross and fine motor function development. The beneficial impact on gross motor function persisted from age 1–3 years. In contrast, the effects on fine motor function were not evident until age ≥ 2.5 years after starting swimming at approximately age 1 year. These findings underscore the potential benefits of early swimming experiences in enhancing overall motor skills development during early childhood.
Non-linear response of plant caloric value to N addition and mowing treatments in a meadow steppe
Authors: Ye Jiaqi , Wu Shuai , Mo Yu , Yang Siqi , Zhao Yu , Zhang Jing , Lü Xiaotao , Yang Guojiao , Han Xingguo , Liang Cunzhu , Li Zhenghai , Bao Yajing
Published: September 2024

Background

Caloric value is an important indicator of grassland ecosystem function, but the response of caloric value to nitrogen (N) addition and mowing is still unclear. We explored the adaptive changes of plant caloric value and energy standing crop along a N addition gradient after six-year NH4NO3 addition and mowing treatments in an Inner Mongolian temperate meadow steppe in northern China.

Results

We found that the response of plant caloric value to N addition at different organizational levels was diverse. The caloric value of legumes increased linearly with N addition rates. The caloric value of grasses exhibited a non-linear response trend, initially increasing followed by saturation or decrease, with a N response threshold present. Due to the dominance of grass species, the caloric value at the community level followed a similar pattern to that of the grasses along the N addition gradient. Under mowing, the caloric value of plants at each organizational level increased and usually mowing enhanced the N response threshold. Amongst these, the N response threshold of Leymus chinensis increased from 3.302 to 5.443 g N m−2 yr−1, grasses increased from 4.414 to 5.746 g N m−2 yr−1, and community increased from 5.373 to 9.216 g N m−2 yr−1. Under non-mowing treatment, the N response thresholds of the most dominant species, Leymus chinensis, and community energy standing crop were 10.001 and 15.119 g N m−2 yr−1, respectively. Under mowing, the energy standing crops showed a linear increasing trend.

Conclusions

N response thresholds of plant caloric value and energy standing crop vary at different organizational levels (community > functional group > species). The results reveal varying regulatory capabilities of plants on the ecological environment at different organizational levels. These findings enhance our understanding of plant-environment interactions in grassland ecosystems under N deposition from an energy perspective, which is of great significance to clarify the response mechanism of grassland ecosystem structure and function to N deposition.
The Roman villa at the Castle of Baia (Naples, Italy): investigations on the polychromy of frescoed surfaces by using non-destructive spectroscopic techniques
Authors: Cappelletti Piergiulio , De Bonis Alberto , Di Martire Diego , Esposito Renata , Germinario Chiara , Graziano Sossio Fabio , Grifa Celestino , Izzo Francesco , Montesano Giovanna , Morra Vincenzo , Rispoli Concetta , Verde Maria
Published: September 2024

During the Roman age, the southern promontory of the gulf of Baia was the perfect location for the construction of villae maritimae for the Roman élite that decided to spend their summer residences by the sea.

One of these residences is now located in the military fortress of the Castello Aragonese di Baia, built in 1495 CE during the Aragonese period (15th century). Here, during restoration works, the ruins of the residential sector of the villa, which historical sources ascribe to Caesar, were unearthed. The most representative evidence of this is the outstanding in situ remain of mosaics, decorated plasters and finely frescoed surfaces decorated according to the repertoire of the II style. This research aims to investigate the polychromy of a wall decoration representing a perspective depiction of architectural scenes en trompe l'oeil analysed by means of a multi-analytical, non-destructive approach performed in situ. The combined use of spectroscopic techniques (portable X-ray fluorescence, Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) points out the use of a characteristic Roman palette, quantitatively assessed by colorimetric measurements. It consists of red and yellow ochre, calcite, hematite, organic black pigments, precious materials such as cinnabar and Egyptian blue, green copper compounds. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy also revealed the presence of synthetic resins, likely used for the conservation of mural paintings. These are, however, damaged by atmospheric humidity, as detected by Infrared Thermography. Gypsum has been identified as the main weathering product.
Optimizing poultry audio signal classification with deep learning and burn layer fusion
Authors: Hassan Esraa , Elbedwehy Samar , Shams Mahmoud Y. , Abd El-Hafeez Tarek , El-Rashidy Nora
Published: September 2024

This study introduces a novel deep learning-based approach for classifying poultry audio signals, incorporating a custom Burn Layer to enhance model robustness. The methodology integrates digital audio signal processing, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and the innovative Burn Layer, which injects controlled random noise during training to reinforce the model's resilience to input signal variations. The proposed architecture is streamlined, with convolutional blocks, densely connected layers, dropout, and an additional Burn Layer to fortify robustness. The model demonstrates efficiency by reducing trainable parameters to 191,235, compared to traditional architectures with over 1.7 million parameters. The proposed model utilizes a Burn Layer with burn intensity as a parameter and an Adamax optimizer to optimize and address the overfitting problem. Thorough evaluation using six standard classification metrics showcases the model's superior performance, achieving exceptional sensitivity (96.77%), specificity (100.00%), precision (100.00%), negative predictive value (NPV) (95.00%), accuracy (98.55%), F1 score (98.36%), and Matthew’s correlation coefficient (MCC) (95.88%). This research contributes valuable insights into the fields of audio signal processing, animal health monitoring, and robust deep-learning classification systems. The proposed model presents a systematic approach for developing and evaluating a deep learning-based poultry audio classification system. It processes raw audio data and labels to generate digital representations, utilizes a Burn Layer for training variability, and constructs a CNN model with convolutional blocks, pooling, and dense layers. The model is optimized using the Adamax algorithm and trained with data augmentation and early-stopping techniques. Rigorous assessment on a test dataset using standard metrics demonstrates the model's robustness and efficiency, with the potential to significantly advance animal health monitoring and disease detection through audio signal analysis.
Ethnic foods: impact of probiotics on human health and disease treatment
Authors: Tingirikari Jagan Mohan Rao , Sharma Anshul , Lee Hae-Jeung
Published: September 2024

The human gut is inhabited by approximately 100 trillion of microflora, and there exists a reciprocal relationship between human health and the gut microbiota. The major reasons for the dysbiosis in the population of gut microbiota are attributed to changes in lifestyle, medication, and the intake of junk foods. In addition, the proportion of beneficial bacteria in the intestine decreases gradually with age and causes physiological disturbances, malfunctions of the immune system, and several metabolic disorders. Thus, finding safe solutions to improve the diversity of microflora is a big challenge. With an increase in health consciousness among the population, the demand for healthy and nutraceutical food products is growing gradually. Recent research has proved that consumption of probiotics promotes gut health and prevents from several metabolic and other diseases. Hence, in this present review, we will discuss the various probiotic bacteria present in ethnic foods. The importance of these probiotics in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal, respiratory, cancer, and metabolic disorders will be elucidated. In addition, we will highlight the importance of the development of new-generation probiotics to cater the needs of the current market.
Investigation of the expression of long non-coding RNA in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Mazdeh Mehrdokht , Farsani Mohsen Khosravi , Komaki Alireza , Eftkharin Mohammad Mehadi
Published: September 2024

Background

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. Pathogenic factors in Parkinson’s include inflammation and oxidative stress, which lead to dopaminergic cell apoptosis. The case–control study aims to determine the expression level of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) of the apoptosis pathway in Parkinson’s patients compared to healthy individuals. In the case–control study, 50 patients with Parkinson’s disease were examined, along with 50 healthy individuals matched in age and sex. In both groups, the expression of long non-coding RNAs, including taurine upregulated 1 (TUG1), metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1), and growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5), was compared using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

The ratio of MALAT1, NEAT1, and TUG1 gene expression in the case group was statistically significantly higher than in healthy individuals. The ratio of GAS5 gene expression in people with Parkinson’s disease was lower, with a statistically significant difference. The ratio of HULC gene expression was higher in the case group, but it did not show a statistically significant difference with the control group.

Conclusion

The involvement of long lncRNAs that increase apoptosis may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease, which may be used for identification and therapeutic purposes.
Opportunities and barriers for telemedicine in pain management: insights from a SIAARTI survey among Italian pain physicians
Authors: Cascella Marco , Innamorato Massimo Antonio , Natoli Silvia , Bellini Valentina , Piazza Ornella , Pedone Roberto , Giarratano Antonino , Marinangeli Franco , Miceli Luca , Bignami Elena Giovanna , Vittori Alessandro
Published: September 2024

Background

The integration of telemedicine in pain management represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, offering opportunities to enhance patient access to specialized care, improve satisfaction, and streamline chronic pain management. Despite its growing adoption, there remains a lack of comprehensive data on its utilization in pain therapy, necessitating a deeper understanding of physicians’ perspectives, experiences, and challenges.

Methods

A survey was conducted in Italy between January 2024 and May 2024. Specialist center members of the SIAARTI were sent an online questionnaire testing the state of the art of telemedicine for pain medicine.

Results

One-hundred thirty-one centers across Italy reveal varied adoption rates, with 40% routinely using telemedicine. Regional disparities exist, with Northern Italy showing higher adoption rates. Barriers include the absence of protocols, resource constraints, and bureaucratic obstacles. Despite challenges, telemedicine has shown positive impacts on service delivery, with increased service volume reported. Technological capabilities, including image sharing and teleconsultation with specialists, indicate promising interdisciplinary potential.

Conclusions

The integration of advanced telemedicine software utilizing artificial intelligence holds promise for enhancing telemonitoring and alert systems, potentially leading to more proactive and personalized pain management strategies.
Hydraulic fracturing in the overpressured, isotropically stressed Cane Creek Unit, Paradox Basin
Authors: McCormack Kevin L. , Vega-Ortiz Carlos , Edelman Eric C. , McPherson Brian J.
Published: September 2024

The Cane Creek reservoir within the Paradox Basin in southeast Utah is an unconventional oil play that poses substantial geomechanical and hydrological challenges. With hundreds of millions of oil barrels in place, this resource is a viable target, but a greater understanding of the subsurface geomechanics is required for more reliable and consistent production. We analyze a previous hydraulic stimulation of the State 16-2 LN-CC well, located in the northern part of the basin, to produce recommendations for how future stimulations might be improved. Specifically, we look at three components of the completed stimulation: spatial correlations of various well logs to identify regions favorable for retaining hydrocarbons within natural fractures, analysis of pressure-time data from the hydraulic fracturing stages during well stimulation to assess the complexity of the fracture networks, and evaluation of poroelastic effects from reservoir depletion to assess the potential for future restimulation. Results of our analysis provide quantitative insight about the State 16-2 LN-CC stimulation and yield specific recommendations. The most important recommendation is to stimulate regions with geomechanically stable fractures due to their ability to retain hydrocarbons. Restimulation, if needed, may be more effective if completed after significant depletion due to poroelastic stress changes. Although the direction of maximum horizontal stress is a critical factor, it might be less crucial if restimulation is conducted after considerable reservoir depletion.