bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methylene blue therapy versus standard treatment for acute-phase septic shock: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Luis-Silva Fabio , Menegueti Mayra Gonçalves , Peres Leandro Moreira , Sepeda Corina , Jordani Maria Cecília , Mestriner Fabiola , Petroski-Moraes Bruno Cesar , Brito-de-Sousa Joaquim Pedro , Costa-Rocha Ismael Artur , Cruz Bruna Lemos , Donadel Mariana Dermínio , de Souza Felipe Barizza , Reis Gustavo Henrique Martins , Basile-Filho Anibal , Becari Christiane , Evora Paulo Roberto Barbosa , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , Auxiliadora-Martins Maria
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Methylene blue (MB) has been used to increase blood pressure in patients with septic shock by acting on guanylate cyclase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS).
Objective
To determine whether the administration of MB to patients in the initial phase of septic shock leads to a reduction in the use of vasopressors compared to that in the control group.
Methods
This was a 1:1 randomized clinical trial of two groups (methylene blue and control). We used MB after fluid replacement, vasopressors and antibiotic therapy. Patients received a loading dose of MB (3 mg/kg) and maintenance (0.5 mg/kg/h) for 48 hours. Vasopressor doses, laboratory test results, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, and hemodynamic monitoring were recorded before the infusion of MB (T1) and after 20 minutes (T2), 2 hours (T3), 24 hours (T4), 48 hours after the infusion started (T5) and 24 hours after weaning (T6).
Results
Methylene blue therapy started within 72 hours of septic shock. The methylene blue group showed an immediate reduction in NOR dosage, earlier reduction in VAS dosage, and higher IL-10 levels compared to the control group. Integrative network analysis highlighted NO and IL-10's roles in coordinating correlations with "Hemodynamic Monitoring" in the control and methylene blue groups, respectively.
Conclusion
Early methylene blue (MB) administration alongside standard septic shock treatment reduces vasopressor doses, possibly involving nitric oxide (NO) mechanisms. A possible mechanism of action may involve modulation of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators, enhancing immune response. However, larger and longer studies are needed for validation.
Trial registration:
Clinical registration: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-96584w4.
A Novel Weight Suppression Score Associates with Distinct Eating Disorder and Ultra- Processed Food Symptoms Compared to the Traditional Weight Suppression Measure Among Adults Seeking Outpatient Nutrition Counseling
Authors: Wiss David A. , LaFata Erica M. , Tomiyama A. Janet
Published: February 2024

Background
Weight suppression has been defined as diet-induced weight loss, traditionally operationalized as the difference between one’s highest and current weight. This concept has been studied in the context of eating disorders, but its value in predicting treatment outcomes has been inconsistent, which may be partially attributed to its calculation.
Method
The current study operationalizes a novel weight suppression score, reflecting the midpoint between the lowest and highest adult weights among adults (N = 272, ages 21–75, 75% women) seeking outpatient treatment for disordered eating. This report compared the traditional weight suppression calculation to the novel weight suppression score in a simulated dataset to model their differential distributions. Next, we analyzed shared and distinct clinical correlates of traditional weight suppression versus the novel weight suppression score using clinical intake data.
Results
The novel weight suppression score was significantly associated with meeting criteria for both eating disorders and ultra-processed food addiction and was more sensitive to detecting clinically relevant eating disorder symptomatology. However, the novel weight suppression score (vs. traditional weight suppression) was associated with fewer ultra-processed food addiction symptoms.
Conclusion
The novel weight suppression score may be particularly relevant for those with eating disorders and ultra-processed food addiction, with more relevance to individual eating disorder compared to ultra-processed food addiction symptoms. Consideration of the novel weight suppression score in future research on eating behaviors should extend beyond just those with diagnosed eating disorders.
Evaluation of Clinical, Laboratory Characteristics of Hemoglobin H Disease Patients from 2002 to 2022 Referred to Thalassemia Center, Bu-Ali Sina Hospital in Sari North of Iran
Authors: Naderisorki Mohammad , Ghorbani Parastoo , Karami Hossein , Darvishi-khezri Hadi
Published: February 2024

Background
Alpha Thalassemia is a common hereditary anemia which results from decreased alpha-globin production. The clinical manifestations of these genetic abnormalities range from a silent carrier state, to fatal hydrops fetalis. Hemoglobin H disease (HbH disease) is type of α-thalassemia which is affect three of the four α-globin genes.
Methods
This study was conducted on all patients with hemoglobinopathy H (according to electrophoresis) registered in the thalassemia center of Bo-Ali Sina Hospital in Sari. 46 patients were identified during 20 years. After considering the inclusion criteria, demographic information, clinical information, and laboratory information were collected. The data were entered into SPSS version 21 software to perform statistical analysis.
Results
The results of the study showed that most of the patients were female and in the younger age group. Laboratory findings of patients, average hemoglobin and blood parameters were reported. The results showed that the most common symptoms among the patients were pallor and fatigue. Jaundice was the most common complication, followed by pneumonia and gallstones. It also showed that 32% of patients dependent on blood transfusion.
Conclusion
The average hemoglobin H level was significantly higher in individuals with fatigue and pallor compared to those without these signs. The most reported complications were jaundice. Patients with higher HbH levels significantly experienced more occurrences of cholelithiasis.
Landslide Susceptibility Prediction System
Authors: Vayadande Kuldeep , Sadake Siddharth , Sangwai Siddhi , Patil Manasvi , Kadam Sandesh , Daga Shashank
Published: February 2024

The research presents an innovative landslide susceptibility prediction system that harnesses the power of machine learning and a data-driven approach. This system relies on a robust dataset encompassing five crucial parameters: slope, elevation, precipitation, soil type, and rainfall. To optimize predictive accuracy, four diverse machine learning algorithms—Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Random Forest, Logistic Regression, and Support Vector Machine (SVM)—are employed. Notably, the system stands out by focusing on real-time predictions without the need for a mapping interface. Users input specific location parameters, and the system leverages selected features to provide instantaneous landslide susceptibility predictions, thus enhancing efficiency while ensuring accuracy. The research outcomes contribute a comprehensive solution, integrating advanced machine learning techniques, a streamlined user experience, and a commitment to swift and precise predictions crucial for decision-making in landslide-prone regions. The iterative and data-driven methodology laid out in the research establishes a solid foundation for continuous refinement and adaptation to evolving environmental conditions, thereby ensuring the system's exceptional performance attributes in terms of predictive accuracy, real-time functionality, user efficiency, and long-term adaptability. This approach holds promise for addressing challenges in landslide management by providing a cutting-edge tool that combines accuracy with user-friendly features and adaptability to changing conditions. The impact of these varying accuracies is significant in shaping the practical implications of the system. The high accuracy of the CNN (with accuracy of 97%) makes it particularly suitable for applications where intricate spatial patterns are crucial for landslide susceptibility assessment. The versatility of the Random Forest model(with accuracy of 93%) makes it adept at handling diverse environmental parameters. Logistic Regression(with accuracy of 97%) might make it suitable for quick assessments, while SVM(with accuracy of 90%) is able to handle non-linear relationships adds a valuable dimension to the overall predictive capability.
Using in silico analysis to investigate the false positive potential of qPCR systems for potato disease diagnosis
Authors: Jiang junye , Feindel Will , Harding Michael , Feindel David , Bajema Stacey , Feng Jie
Published: February 2024

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one of the most important global crops facing threats from different diseases. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential to control disease development and spread. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) has been widely used in potato disease diagnosis. In this study, we evaluated the specificity of 19 probe-based and four SYBR Green-based qPCR protocols for 17 potato diseases using in silico analysis. Primers and probes of those protocols were subjected to BLASTn analysis against the nucleotide collection (nr/nt) database and the whole-genome shotgun contigs (wgs) database of NCBI for the presence of primer/probe sequences in non-target species. Results showed that 12 of 23 qPCR protocols were not specific to the target pathogens. A qPCR experiment indicated that even nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are present on the sequences of the primer/probe binding sites between the potato silver scurf pathogen Helminthosporium solani and its close-related species H. velutinum, the primers/probe specific to the former could amplify signals from the latter. These findings highlight the need for additional methods to enhance the diagnostic accuracy and new sequencing technologies such as next generation sequencing could provide useful information to develop specific diagnostic protocols for these pathogens.
Scanning strategies for the 316L part with lattice structures fabricated by selective laser melting
Authors: Huang Renkai , Wu Yunshu , Huang linqin , Pan Chunrong , Sun Yuchun , Tian Sukun , Wang Dongsheng , yang youwen
Published: February 2024

The part with lattice structures generally consists of a framework and lattice structures. Since its slices contain the large-area contours of the framework and some small and discrete contours of the lattice structures, the use of the scanning strategy recommended by the SLM machine supplier may result in material and shape defects, especially in the case of lattice structures. Therefore, this article proposes a rectangular ring area-partition (RRAP) combined with 67o-interval rotating scanning strategy for the framework and a parallel line (PL) combined with 67o-interval rotating scanning strategy for the lattice structures. In order to study the influence of scanning strategy on the produced samples from the aspects of tensile strength and deformation, the self-developed scanning strategies and existing scanning strategies are used to fabricate 316L samples. The results showed that the 316L solid samples using the RRAP scanning strategy could improve the tensile strength and reduce the deformation. The 316L lattice sandwich panels that adopted the PL scanning strategy can obtain the smallest deviation value of the top surface. Moreover, the experiment of SLM forming two parts with lattice structures verify the effectiveness of the proposed scanning strategies.
Genome-wide association study and polygenic risk prediction of hypothyroidism
Authors: Rand Søren , Ahlberg Gustav , Tragante Vinicius , Monfort Laia , Zheng Chaoqun , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla , Klose Marianne , Teder-Laving Maris , Metspalu Andres , Poulsen Henrik , Ellervik Christina , Nygaard Birte , Erikstrup Christian , Bruun Mie Topholm , Jensen Bitten , Ullum Henrik , Brunak Søren , Consortium DBDS Genomic , - Estonian Biobank research team ,   23andMe Research Team -, Schwinn Michael , Ostrowski Sisse , Pedersen Ole , Sørensen Erik , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Gudbjartsson Daniel , Thorleifsson Gudmar , Holm Hilma , Saevarsdottir Saedis , Stefansson Kari , Olesen Morten , Bundgaard Henning , Ghouse Jonas
Published: February 2024

We performed a genome-wide meta-analysis of hypothyroidism (114,813 cases and 1,043,713 controls), free thyroxine (186,409 individuals) and thyroid stimulating hormone (459,999 individuals). We have identified 326 loci associated with hypothyroidism, including 156 that have not been previously reported, with 25 loci linked through thyroid hormones. We found that many of the hypothyroidism risk loci regulate levels of blood cell counts and the circulating inflammasome. Using evidence from orthogonal gene-mapping strategies, we prioritized 250 putative genes and observed gene enrichment in functions of the immune system. We also developed a hypothyroidism polygenic risk score (PRS) from over 111,000 cases to address diagnostic challenges in patients with or at risk of thyroid hormone deficiency. We found that the PRS markedly improved risk prediction beyond that of prevalent autoimmune diseases. Further, when we combined the PRS with thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies, we observed the highest predictive accuracy. Among individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism, the PRS identified individuals at higher risk of progressing to overt disease. Our findings demonstrate the clinical potential of using a PRS to predict disease progression and onset, offering a promising tool for early intervention strategies that could prevent long-term morbidity associated with thyroid hormone deficiency.
Analysis of expression pattern and prognostic value of the HPSE in breast cancer through CD274/CTLA-4 immune checkpoint proteins
Authors: Kong Weijia , Zhang Ganlin , Wang Yue , Zhang Jiahui , Ding Tongjing , Chen Dong , Pan Yuancan , Yi Runxi , Yin Xiaohui , Wang Xiaomin
Published: February 2024

Heparanase (HPSE), an endoglycosidase that cleaves heparan sulfate, regulates various biological processes related to tumor progression. In the study, we further explored the prognostic value of HPSE through the TCGA database. Our model demonstrated that the integrating of HPSE with the clinical stage effectively predicts patients' survival time, highlighting high HPSE expression as a prognostic risk factor for breast cancer. Then the ROC curve (AUC of 1 year = 0.747, AUC of 3 years = 0.731) and DCA curve illustrated the satisfactory discriminative capacity of our model, emphasizing its valuable clinical applicability. Immune-related results showed that HPSE correlates strongly with immune infiltrating cells, immune-related genes, and the anti-cancer immunity cycle. In vivo studies have demonstrated that HPSE in breast cancer is associated with increased expression of immune checkpoint proteins CD274 and CTLA-4 and is positively correlated with the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Meanwhile, we analyzed the 11 types of drugs that are sensitive to the HPSE gene. Our results show that HPSE can serve as an effective biomarker to predict the prognosis of breast cancer patients and reflect the impact of immunotherapy.
Vitamin D and Low Back Pain - An Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: gao zengjie , zhengqin You , Pu xiang
Published: February 2024

Backgrounds:Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading cause of health function loss worldwide.There has been ongoing controversy regarding whether vitamin D deficiency can cause lower back pain.This study assessed the impact of 25-OH-D on LBP using Mendelian Randomization.
Methods:Using GWAS databases, the exposure variable was set as 25-OH-D, and the outcome as low back pain. IVW, MR-Egger Regression, Simple Median, Weighted Median, and Weighted Mode methods were applied to assess the impact of 25-OH-D on low back pain.
Results: IVW analysis revealed no causal relationship between 25-OH-D and low back pain (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.95-1.38, P = 0.165). The MR-Egger intercept test (P >0.05) did not detect pleiotropic effects, indicating robust causal inference using Mendelian Randomization.
Conclusion: No causal relationship between serum levels of 25-OH-D and low back pain was identified by MR analysis.
Coherent spin transport in a copper protein
Authors: Matsuura Yukihito
Published: February 2024

Fast electron transport and spin selectivity/polarization in azurin, a species of copper protein, have been reported in relation to the chiral-induced spin selectivity of the peptide structure. To examine the structure-property relationship of these copper proteins, the coherent electron/spin transport was calculated using the Landauer model based on nonequilibrium Green’s functions and density functional theory. The calculated spin polarization of copper proteins was large. This phenomenon was strongly influenced by the spin density of the atoms in the ligand group, whereas the contribution of copper was negligible. The results suggest that spin polarization in copper proteins is enhanced by that of the ligand groups.
State development of precision agriculture focused on special coffee production in Southeastern of Colombia
Authors: Medina David Coral , Rosero-García Doris , Burbano Diana , Martinez Ricardo Pereira , Pereira Gilberto Vinicius Melo , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: February 2024

Colombia is one of the most important agricultural producers in the world. Coffee stands as one of the pivotal products within Colombian agriculture. However, the coffee agro chain is not as developed as in countries like Brazil. In Colombia, there exists a higher prevalence of artisanal procedures. Currently, the state of adoption and implementation of precision agriculture focused on coffee in Colombia is incipient. Therefore, this paper aims to present a bibliometric and statistical study of the current state of precision agriculture (PA) in Colombia, specifically in the southeastern. From the bibliometric research, 37 representative scientific showed the state of progress in PA. The academic sector makes the main contributions to PA. The theoretical study was complemented with the implementation of a survey for 431 farmers. This survey asks about the socioeconomic and production conditions of the smallholders. The most relevant results showed that the fermentation process is unstandardized, varying from 10 to 20; 71% of the farmers have less than 2 ha of land available to develop the crop and present high levels of food insecurity. Castilla is the majority coffee variety harvested, followed by Colombia and Caturra. The most representative results showed that the average age of farmers without study is 49 years old, while the average age for farmers with a kinder garden level is 45 years old. Women are focused on crop management and domestic labor in the region under investigation.
In vitro cell surface marker expression on mesenchymal stem cell cultures does not reflect their in vivo marker expression
Authors: Cao Ye , Boss Anna L. , Bolam Scott M. , Munro Jacob T , Crawford Haemish , Dalbeth Nicola , Poulsen Raewyn C. , Matthews Brya G
Published: February 2024

Cell surface marker expression is one of the criteria for defining human mesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSC) in vitro. However, it is unclear if expression of markers including CD73 and CD90 reflects the in vivo origin of cultured cells. We evaluated expression of a large panel of putative MSC markers in primary cultured cells from periosteum and cartilage to determine whether expression of these markers reflects either the differentiation state of cultured cells or the self-renewal of in vivo populations. Cultured cells had universal and consistent expression of various putative stem cell markers including >95% expression CD73, CD90 and PDPN in both periosteal and cartilage cultures. Altering the culture surface with extracellular matrix coatings had minimal effect on cell surface marker expression. Osteogenic differentiation led to loss of CD106 and CD146 expression, however CD73 and CD90 were retained in >90% of cells. We sorted periosteal populations capable of CFU-F formation on the basis of CD90 expression in combination with CD34, CD73 and CD26. All primary cultures universally expressed CD73 and CD90 and lacked CD34, irrespective of the expression of these markers in vivo. We conclude that markers including CD73 and CD90 are acquired in vitro in most ‘mesenchymal’ cells capable of expansion. This near-universal expression makes the utility of evaluating these markers routinely in cultures questionable as an approach to demonstrate consistent cell phenotype. Overall, we demonstrate that in vitro expression of many cell surface markers in plastic-adherent cultures is unrelated to their in vivo expression.
Impact of frailty on outcomes after cardiac surgery
Authors: Ahuja Abhilasha , Baker Thomas , Ramanan Mahesh
Published: February 2024

Purpose:
To evaluate whether increasing frailty, as measured by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), was associated with increased risk of hospital mortality for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Methods:
A retrospective binational cohort study of 46,928 patients who underwent cardiac surgery in Australia and New Zealand was conducted. The primary exposure, frailty, was measured using the CFS. Associations between frailty and the primary outcome, hospital mortality, were evaluated using multivariable, mixed effects logistic regression models. Secondary outcomes including hospital and ICU length of stay, invasive ventilation hours, need for renal replacement therapy and tracheostomy, and non-home discharge were also evaluated.
Results:
6.7% (3122/46928) patients were classified as frail (CFS 5-8) and 93.3% (43,806/46,928) were non-frail (CFS 1-4). Raw mortality was 4.2% (132/3122) in the frail group and 1.05% (461/43,806) in the non-frail group. After multivariable adjustment for illness severity, age, elective status, type of surgery, hospital type and country, frailty was significantly associated with increased hospital mortality (OR=2.879, 95% CI 2.284-3.629, p<0.001). Increasing frailty was also significantly associated with higher risk of secondary outcomes including length of stay in hospital and ICU, receipt of renal replacement, tracheostomy and duration of mechanical ventilation.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrated that increasing frailty was strongly associated with increased hospital mortality, hospital and ICU length of stay, invasive ventilation, need for renal replacement therapy and tracheostomy insertion among patients undergoing cardiac surgery in Australia and New Zealand.
Assessing the Climate Adaptive Potential of Imported Chili in Comparison with Local Cultivars through Germination Performance Analysis
Authors: Ahmad Farhan , Kusumiyati Kusumiyati , Soleh Mochamad Arief , Khan Muhammad Rabnawaz , Sundari Ristina Siti
Published: February 2024

Background
The study offers insightful information about the adaptability of local and imported Chili cultivars. This experiment examines how three different chili cultivars Tanjung, Unpad, and Osaka perform in the germination and early growth phases while considering a wide range of environmental conditions. Research conducted in Jatinangor, Sumedang Regency, Indonesia, highlights the differences between cultivars and the varied possibilities for adaptability each variation possesses.
Results
Among them, Tanjung stands out as the most promising cultivar; its robust performance is demonstrated by its high germination index 91.7. Notable features of Osaka include the highest biomass output (1.429 g), the best water usage efficiency (WUE) at 0.015 g/liter, and the best distribution uniformity (91.2%) and application efficiency (73.6%) under different irrigation conditions. Tanjung's competitiveness is further evidenced by the fact that it trails Osaka closely on several metrics. Lower performance across criteria for Unpad suggests possible issues with flexibility.
Conclusion
The value of this information becomes apparent when it comes to well-informed breeding programs and cultivation techniques, especially considering uncertain climate patterns and global climate change. This research contributes significantly to the body of knowledge, enabling well-informed choices for environmentally dynamic, sustainable chili farming.
The Role of Long Non-coding RNA (NKILA and LINC00993) as Tumour Biomarkers in Breast Cancer
Authors: Mohamed Randa , Alkilany Mohamed , El-feky Hoda , Abd-Elmageed Amal
Published: February 2024

Background
Breast cancer) BC) is the most frequent cancer among women and the second most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (NKILA and LINC00993) are downregulated in BC and can have potential use as a novel tumor biomarker.
Aim of the work:
To investigate the Long non-coding RNA (NKILA and LINC00993) and cytokines (NF-KB and CXCL-1) as potential biomarkers in breast cancer.
Subjects and methods:
This case-control study included sixty-four pairs of surgically resected human breast cancer tissues and adjacent breast tissues. Expressions of LncRNAs (NKILA, LINC00993) and (NFκB, CXCL1) cytokines were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis,
Results
There was a significant decrease in LncRNAs (NKILA, LINC00993) levels in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue (P < 0.001). Also, there was a significant increase in NF-KP and CXCL1 levels in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue (P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis indicated that the LncRNAs (NKILA, LINC00993) expression levels could be considered a promising marker for the diagnosis of breast cancer patients with a sensitivity (90.6%, 92.2% respectively). Also, cytokines (NF-KB and CXCL-1) expression levels could be considered a promising marker for the diagnosis of breast cancer patients with a sensitivity and specificity of 87.5%, 89.1% respectively).
Conclusion
These findings suggest that LncRNAs (NKILA, LINC00993) and cytokines (NF-KB and CXCL-1) can be used as novel biomarkers for breast cancer.
Diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng , Yang Lingfei , Li Zhiming , Wang Xiaorong , Song Tao
Published: February 2024

Background: To evaluate the accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.
Methods: This study included 148 consecutive patients with suspected HAE who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between January 2013 and February 2023. They underwent both routine ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound examinations, and the contrast-enhanced ultrasound results of all cases were compared with those of the gold standard, postoperative pathology. We evaluated date such as sensitivity, specificity of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn and the area under curve of the subjects calculated. The area under curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of contrast-enhanced ultrasound.
Results: Of the148 patients with suspected hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, 83 were female and 65 males, with an average age of 38 ± 13 years (range, 18–74 years). Pathological diagnoses showed that 139 patients had hepatic alveolar echinococcosis; 137 cases were diagnosed correctly with contrast-enhanced ultrasound, with a diagnostic accuracy of 92.56% (137/148), sensitivity of 94.24% (131/139), specificity of 66.66% (6/9), positive predictive value of 97.76% (131/134), negative predictive value of 42.85% (6/14), positive likelihood ratio of 2.82, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.09 (6/14). The area under curve under the receiver operating characteristic curve for contrast-enhanced ultrasound was 0.805.
Conclusions: The diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis is 92.56%.
The determination of the comparative effect of Ertugliflozin, Pioglitazone, and Metformin on patients of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Authors: Khaliq Adil , Badshah Haroon , Shah Yasar , Rehman Inayat Ur
Published: February 2024

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver diseases and malignancies. With the increased prevalence rate of NAFLD worldwide, an effective therapeutic solution for such a condition is essential. Among the previous studies pioglitazone, metformin, and sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors were established as role models for the improvement of NAFLD.
Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effect and safety of pioglitazone, ertugliflozin, and metformin in NAFLD with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and their effect on the function of liver enzymes.
Materials and methods: This study was prospectively randomized. A total of 180 patients having NAFLD with T2DM were divided into three groups administered with ertugliflozin 15mg (n = 60), pioglitazone 30 mg (n = 60), and metformin 500 mg (n = 60) for 24 weeks. Liver stiffness (LS) and controlled attenuation parameters were measured using fibroscan. The grades of fatty liver were identified ultrasonically.
Results: The result suggested that the ratio of fatty liver in grade 1 (mild fat content) was increased significantly in the ertugliflozin group (0.0 to 11.6%) while in the pioglitazone group (10.0 to 8.3%), a minor decrease was observed in grade 3 (severe far content). A significant decrease was observed in LSM (7.94±3.23 to 6.5±3.0) among the ertugliflozin group. The CAP score was significantly decreased from (360.38±39.34 to 300.60±37.0). The level of biochemical parameters including ALT, AST, and GGT significantly decreased in the ertugliflozin group. There was also a significant decrease in blood sugar, lipid profile, and body mass index between the groups. Previous studies analysis declare BMI is the risk factor for fatty liver which was also decreased in this study.
Conclusion: ertugliflozin has significantly improved fatty liver, liver stiffness, and liver enzymes of patients having NAFLD with T2DM. The therapy was safe and effective and it may be used in future recommendations for physician facilitation in the case of NAFLD patients.
Assessing the State of Training in Congenital Interventional Cardiology: A Global Survey of Program Directors
Authors: Aggarwal Varun , Butera Gianfranco , Boe Brian , Celebi Ahmet , Downing Tacy , Filho Raul Rossi , Kenny Damien , Pan Xiangbin , Sivakumar Kothandam , Whiteside Wendy , Hijazi Ziyad M. , Armstrong Aimee K. , Linsky Norm
Published: February 2024

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the current state of congenital interventional cardiology training worldwide, with a focus on case volumes, competency assessment, and the need for ongoing mentorship during early career stages.
Methods
A survey was conducted among program directors (PDs) of congenital interventional training programs across the globe. The survey gathered data on training pathways, case volumes, types of procedures performed, trainee competency assessment, and the role of ongoing mentorship.
Results
Of the 79 PDs who completed the survey, it was observed that training pathways and case volumes varied significantly, particularly between the United States and other countries. Most PDs reported an annual laboratory case volume of > 500 congenital cardiac cases, with most cases being interventional. While trainees demonstrated competency in simple procedures (diagnostic cases, simple ASD closure), complex interventions (such as patent ductus arteriosus closure in premature infants) require ongoing mentorship for graduates. PDs recommended a minimum case volume of 400 total cases for trainees, including 250 interventional cases. In addition to case volumes, assessing trainee competency was deemed important, with clinical reasoning, judgment, skillset, teamwork, and complication management being key areas of evaluation.
Conclusion
The study highlights the variability in congenital interventional cardiology training and the need for ongoing mentorship during the early career years. External mentorship programs, facilitated by national and international societies, are proposed to provide critical support for early career interventionalists thusenhancing patient care for congenital heart disease. Ultimately, the findings of this survey may serve as a framework for future training standards and guidelines in this specialized field.
Finding near optimal solutions to the Thesis Defense Timetabling problem by exploiting symmetries
Authors: Dimitsas Angelos , Gogos Christos
Published: February 2024

Thesis Defense Timetabling is the problem of arranging meetings of graduation candidates and faculty members for evaluating the theses of the first ones. Several rules apply that guarantee that the evaluation process will be assigned to appropriate opponents based on their expertise, while work will be balanced among all faculty members. The problem is combinatorial in nature, and optimal solutions are hard to find and even harder to verify that they are indeed optimal. In this work we present an exact model of the problem that is solved using Constraint Programming. We augment this model by adding constraints that capture three types of symmetries that we identified. These additions make the models capable of finding near optimal solutions, in reasonable time, and this is demonstrated by running experiments on public datasets of Thesis Defense Timetabling problem instances. Several new best solutions and lower bounds are obtained. Our approach shows that exploiting intricate details of a problem can drive contemporary constraint programming solvers to optimal or near optimal solutions faster.
Infliximab serum concentrations and disease activity in perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Miranda Eron Fabio , Nones Rodrigo Bremer , Baraúna Fernanda Barbosa , Marçal Gustavo Nardi , Olandoski Marcia , Moraes Thyago Proença , Kotze Paulo Gustavo
Published: February 2024

Introduction: there are several studies in the literature that associate the presence of higher serum concentrations of infliximab (IFX) with fistula healing in perianal Crohn's disease (CD). This study aimed to evaluate serum IFX concentrations in patients with perianal fistulizing CD (PFCD) in the presence or absence of general, clinical, and radiological activities and deep remission.
Methods: a cross-sectional study in patients with PFCD during maintenance treatment with IFX from two centers. Serum IFX concentrations were measured before its next infusion and anal fistulas were evaluated by clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed 90 days before or after serum collection. According to clinical scores and endoscopic, radiological, laboratory, and MRI markers, patients were classified as in remission or active disease.
Results: 38 patients with PFCD were included. Demographic characteristics were similar in patients with remission or active disease. The overall mean serum IFX concentration of the entire sample (n=38) was 5.21 ± 4.75 ug/mL (Median 3.63; IQR 1.44 - 8.82). In the 23 (60.5%) patients in remission, serum IFX levels were 6.25 ± 5.34 ug/mL (Median 3.62; IQR 1.95 - 11.03), and in the 15 (39 .5%) who presented active disease of 3.63 ± 3.24 ug/mL (Median 3.63; IQR 1.32 - 6.43; p=0.026). When evaluating general, clinical, and radiological activity of PFCD, and deep remission in isolation, no statistical difference between the groups was observed (p=0.226, p=0.418, p=0.126 and p=0.232 respectively). The 13 (34.2%) patients with an optimized dose of IFX had significantly higher serum concentrations than the remaining 25 (65.8%) with a standard dose: 8.33 ± 4.41 ug/mL (Median 8.36; IQR 3.82 – 11.20) vs. 3.59 ± 4.13 ug/mL (Median 1.97; IQR 1.18 - 3.85); p=0.002). Patients in remission and with an optimized IFX dose had significantly higher serum concentrations of IFX than those with a standard dose (p=0.006), whereas, among those with active disease, no significant difference was observed (p=0.083).
Conclusion: there were no differences in IFX serum concentrations in patients with general, clinical, or radiological active disease as compared with those in remission. Patients with an optimized IFX dose had significantly higher serum concentrations than those with a standard dose. Patients in remission and with an optimized IFX dose had significantly higher serum concentrations than those with a standard dose.
The Influence of Air Masses on Human Mortality in the United States
Authors: Lee Cameron C. , Silva Alindomar , Ibebuchi Chibuike C , Sheridan Scott C
Published: February 2024

Temperature-related mortality is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. Herein, we explore the effect of air masses (AMs) – a relatively novel and holistic metric of human thermal comfort – on mortality across 61 different cities in the United States. Results show that AMs are significantly related to anomalous mortality in most US cities, and in most seasons. Of note, Humid-Warm (HW) air masses are associated with immediate increases in deaths in all seasons, however, mortality displacement only occurs outside of summer. The Warm and Dry-Warm AMs show slightly longer periods of increased mortality, albeit slightly less intensely as HW but with a similar lag structure by season. Two of the three cool AMs (Cool and Dry-Cool) each show a strong, but delayed mortality response in all seasons, with peak mortality 2 to 4 days after they occur, with the Dry-Cool AM having nearly a 15% risk of excess mortality. Meanwhile, the most seasonally consistent results are with transitional weather, whereby passing cold fronts are associated with a significant decrease in mortality 1 day after they occur, while warm fronts are associated with significant increases in mortality at that same lag time. Finally, artificial neural network modeling reveals that AM-mortality relationships gleaned from a combined meta-analysis can actually lead to more skillful modeling of these relationships than models trained on some individual cities, especially in the cities where such relationships might be masked due to low average daily mortality.
Optimizing Shared Decision-Making for Risk-Reducing Mastectomy in Women with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures
Authors: Polidorio Natalia , Sandoval Renata L. , Bioni Pâmela , Pisani Janina , Achatz Maria Isabel
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Decisions regarding risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) in women with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS) are challenged by unclear survival benefits and potential quality of life (QOL) impacts. We evaluated QOL in LFS women and identified factors associated with QOL outcomes in those who received RRM.
Methods
LFS women from a single institution cohort between 2012 and 2022 were identified and BREAST-Q surveys were administered. Scores were compared according to the choice of RRM or surveillance and factors associated with differences in QOL outcomes in patients submitted to RRM were identified.
Results
Among 90 women, 37 (41%) chose surveillance and 53 (59%) underwent RRM. Compared to surveillance, RRM women had worse satisfaction with breasts (p = 0.05) and physical well-being (p < 0.01) scores. RRM ≤ 30 years was associated with worse psychosocial well-being (p = 0.05). Women with no cancer and breast cancer only had worse sexual health than those with other malignancies (p = 0.02). Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) at RRM was associated with lower psychosocial (p = 0.05) and satisfaction (p = 0.01) scores. Implant-based was superior to autologous reconstruction in sexual well-being (p = 0.05). Surgical complications resulted in worse sexual (p = 0.05) and physical (p = 0.04) outcomes, while additional reconstructive surgery resulted in worse psychosocial (p = 0.01), sexual (p < 0.01), and physical (p < 0.01) well-being.
Conclusion
RRM resulted in worse satisfaction with breasts and physical well-being than surveillance. Age at RRM, oncological history, financial status, SLNB, surgical complications, and additional breast reconstructive surgery were associated with differences in QOL in women with RRM. These findings add valuable insights for breast cancer risk management in LFS women.
Ratiometric fluorescence determination of trace nitrite in kimchi based on BSA- templated Cu-Au alloyed nanoclusters (BSA-CuAuNCs)
Authors: Cheng Baoxin , Xia Xiuhua , Huang Jiachen , Yu Hang , Xie Yunfei , Guo Yahui , Yao Weirong , Qian He , Cheng Yuliang L.
Published: February 2024

A ratiometric fluorescence quenching sensor was designed for trace nitrite detection in kimchi. BSA-templated Cu-Au alloyed nanoclusters (BSA-CuAuNCs) with promoted acid resistance were synthesized by using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and ascorbic acid (AA) as the ligand and the reductant respectively, which showed bimodal emission at 395 nm and 655 nm (excitation of 310 nm). Interestingly, the emission at 655 nm of BSA-CuAuNCs could be quenched significantly under acidic conditions by nitrite, while the peak at 395 nm remained constant. The ratiometric fluorescence sensor showed good linearity in the range of 1–60 µM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.12 µM and was further applied to nitrite detection in kimchi with recoveries of 95.03%-107.20% (relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 1.82%-4.26%), which demonstrated the potential of as-constructed sensor for trace nitrite detection in real food samples.
Combined Use of Niraparib Enhanced the Inhibitory Effect of Anti-GD2 Antibody on Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Wenyao Chen , Shuai Ma , Yifeng Fan , Xinzhi Li , Xiangyong Que
Published: February 2024

Purpose
To study the inhibitory effect of Niraparib in combination with Anti-GD2 Antibody on Osteosarcoma.
Methods
The migration ability of OS cells was detected by scratch test. Transwell experiment and CCK8 assay were used to detect the invasion and proliferation. WB was used to detect BALP and CICP protein expression. The mRNA expression of BALP and CICP was detected by QRT-PCR.
Results
Scratch test showed that the distance between cells in Niraparib + GD2 group was 1.07 ± 0.04 and 1.06 ± 0.04 at 48h, both p < 0.05, and the differences were statistically significant. Transwell experiment showed that the number of invasive cells was 21 ± 1.5 in Niraparib + GD2 group, p < 0.05, and the differences were statistically significant. CCK8 assay showed that the absorbance of Niraparib + GD2 group was 0.16 ± 0.10 on day 5, p < 0.05, and the differences were statistically significant. WB showed that compared with the Control group, the semi-quantitative results of BALP expression in Niraparib + GD2 group were 0.751 ± 0.135 and CICP expression were 1.086 ± 0.115, both p < 0.05, and the differences were statistically significant. QRT-PCR showed that the absorbance of Niraparib + GD2 group was 0.173 ± 0.065 and 0.170 ± 0.078 on day 14, both p < 0.01, and the differences were statistically significant.
Conclusion
Niraparib combined with Anti-GD2 Antibody has a more prominent inhibitory effect on OS.
Towards an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) care agent for social interaction
Authors: Gupta Prashant K. , Mazumdar Bireshwar Dass , Komaragiri Rama S , Bhurani Kashish , Chadha Rubina
Published: February 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that impacts a subject's ability to be involved in a social interaction. A large body of work exists on the detection of ASD using machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms. Further the use of eXplainable artificial intelligence (XAI) algorithms is being advocated in the healthcare domain (on account of the 'black-box' nature of DL algorithms), to the best of our knowledge, no social interaction model based eXplainable Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) care agent exists for social interaction training of an ASD subject. Therefore, we make a beginning in this direction through this work. We present a novel architecture of an eXplainable ASD care agent for social interaction training of ASD subjects, with an underlying intelligent AI algorithm. We elucidate its working through six representative social interaction scenarios and put forward some practical considerations when the agent is put in practice with the ASD subject. We hope that the interested researchers can develop further on the work in future.
How to Tell a Story about Gender Inequality in 360°-Volumetric-Video to Virtual Reality Users?
Authors: Vosmeer Mirjam , Hartmann Tilo , Barreda-Ángeles Miguel , Roth Christian
Published: February 2024

360°-video stories represent a popular new story format, particularly in the community striving to use “VR for Good”. Yet, due to the novelty of the format, many questions about the right “grammar” to tell effective 360°-video stories exist, including questions about how to engage users in interactive and immersive stories via VR without overwhelming them. In the present approach, with the help of a professional VR design agency, we developed Amelia’s Dream, a novel volumetric-video experience that addresses current issues of gender inequality. In a pre-registered quantitative between-subjects experiment with N = 103 participants, we experimentally varied two versions of Amelia’s Dream to illuminate how a basic form of story interactivity influences users’ memorization of the story (message recognition) and the overall perceived persuasive appeal of the story. We explore user engagement (i.e., presence and transportation) as potentially underlying mechanisms. In addition, we tap into the question to what extent users should be recognized in a volumetric video, and examine if users memorize story fragments better depending on whether or not the VR storyteller acknowledges their presence by establishing eye-contact with them. Contrary to expectations, our findings suggest that the basic form of story interactivity that we introduce might undermine users’ learning from 360°-stories. However, in line with expectations, a storytellers’ eye-contact might promote the stories’ effectiveness.
Unveiling the Landscape of Human Pose Estimation
Authors: Yang Jianjun , Dasgupta San , Liu Wenjiao , Shen Ju , Payne Bryson , Luo Ying , Liu Ruixu , Nguyen Tam
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive survey and methodology for deep learning-based solutions in articulated human pose estimation (HPE). Recent advances in deep learning have revolutionized the HPE field, with the capturing system transitioning from multi-modal to a regular color camera and from multi-views to a monocular view, opening up numerous applications. However, the increasing variety of deep network architectures has resulted in a vast literature on the topic, making it challenging to identify commonalities and differences among 1 diverse HPE approaches. Therefore, this paper serves two objectives: firstly, it provides a thorough survey of over 100 research papers published since 2015, focusing on deep learning-based solutions for monocular HPE; secondly, it develops a comprehensive methodology that systematically combines existing works and summarizes a unified framework for the HPE problem and its modular components. Unlike previous surveys, this study places emphasis on methodology development in order to provide betters insights and learning opportunities for researchers in the field of computer vision. The paper also summarizes and discusses the quantitative performance of the reviewed methods on popular datasets, while highlighting the challenges involved, such as occlusion and viewpoint variation. Finally, future research directions, such as incorporating temporal information and 3D pose estimation, along with potential solutions to address the remaining challenges in HPE, are presented.