bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of incontinentia pigmenti: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Herlin Laura Krogh , Schmidt Sigrun Alba Johannesdottir , Mogensen Trine H. , Sommerlund Mette
Published: December 2024

Background

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is an X-linked dominant multisystemic disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the IKBKG gene. Population-based research into the epidemiology of IP is lacking.

Methods

This nationwide cross-sectional study from Jan 1st, 1995 to August 25th, 2021, searched the Danish National Patient Registry (DNPR), the Danish National Database of Rare Genetic Diseases (RareDis) and the Danish Genodermatosis Database to identify patients recorded with a diagnosis of IP. This search was followed by diagnosis validation and collection of clinical data from patient medical records. We investigated the clinical characteristics and genetics of the final cohort of validated IP cases. We estimated the point prevalence in the Danish population, based on non-deceased IP patients currently living in Denmark. Furthermore, we estimated the birth prevalence from 1995 to 2020, assuming a diagnostic delay of up to six months.

Results

We identified a validated cohort of 75 IP patients, including 71 (94.7%) females and 4 (5.3%) males. We estimated a birth prevalence of 2.37 (95% CI: 1.74–3.25) per 100,000 or 1 in 42,194. A total of 54 (72%) patients had a genetic diagnosis, including 39 (72.2%) with the recurrent exon 4–10 deletion and 10 (18.5%) with point mutations in IKBKG. A positive family history was reported in 53.3%. Besides the recognizable blaschkolinear skin lesions reported in 70 (93.3%) of the patients, commonly reported manifestations included the involvement of the teeth (58.7%), the central nervous system (30.7%), hair (26.7%), and eyes (22.6%), as well as nail dystrophy (16.0%).

Conclusions

We identified and characterized a nationwide population-based cohort of IP patients and report a birth prevalence of 2.37 per 100,000 live births, which is twice as high as previous estimates.
Nocardia farcinica pneumonia complicated by pneumocystis jiroveci infection in children with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: a case report and literature review
Authors: Liu LingLing , Huang Yuan , Shu SaiNan , Zhou Hua , Fang Feng , Liu Xinglou
Published: December 2024

Background

Nocardiosis is an opportunistic infection that has a low prevalence rate, its clinical manifestations are atypical and can be easily misdiagnosed as other diseases. The correct diagnosis and treatment are frequently delayed by various factors. In this case report, we present a pediatric patient with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders who developed Nocardia farcinica pneumonia complicated by pneumocystis jiroveci infection.

Case presentation

An 8-year-old girl with chest pain and cough was admitted to the hospital. She suffered from Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders and had been taking methylprednisolone and tacrolimus orally for 3 years. She was admitted to the hospital for tests and was diagnosed with acute pneumonia. Despite empiric antibiotic treatment, her condition gradually worsened. Respiratory distress developed, and she needed to use a ventilator for breathing. The symptoms she exhibited led us to suspect the presence of a tumor. Etiological tests later confirmed the co-infection of Nocardia farcinica and Pneumocystis jiroveci. After treatment, the child’s lung infection eventually resolved.

Conclusion

The Nocardia bacteria and Pneumocystis jiroveci are widely distributed in the environment, possess the capability of systemic dissemination, and exhibit significant resistance to specific treatments. Invasive sampling is frequently necessary for confirming their presence. Timely and accurate diagnosis as well as treatment play a crucial role in patient survival.
NF-κB associated markers of prognosis in early and metastatic triple negative breast cancer
Authors: De La Cruz Payton , McAdams Julia , Morales Aquino Melanie , Fernandez Aileen I. , Elliott Andrew , Lustberg Maryam , Schorl Christoph , Ribeiro Jennifer R. , James Nicole E.
Published: December 2024

Background

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer. While PD-1 based immunotherapies overall have led to improved treatment outcomes for this disease, a diverse response to frontline chemotherapy and immunotherapy still exist in TNBC, highlighting the need for more robust prognostic markers.

Methods

Tumor-intrinsic immunotranscriptomics, serum cytokine profiling, and tumor burden studies were conducted in two syngeneic mouse models to assess differential effects in both the early-stage and metastatic setting. Bioinformatic analyses of both early and metastatic TNBC patient data were performed to assess if identified NF-κB-associated factors are associated with improved patient clinical outcomes.

Results

NF-κB signaling driven by lymphotoxin beta expression is associated with tumor regression in TNBC mouse models. Furthermore, lymphotoxin beta expression in patient TNBC cohorts is prognostic of improved survival outcomes.

Conclusions

This study highlights the potential role for NF-κB-associated factors, specifically lymphotoxin beta to be used as prognostic markers in TNBC, which could ultimately provide insight for improved targeted treatment approaches in the clinic.
Variants of LSTM cells for single-channel speaker-conditioned target speaker extraction
Authors: Sinha Ragini , Rollwage Christian , Doclo Simon
Published: December 2024

Speaker-conditioned target speaker extraction aims at estimating the target speaker from a mixture of speakers utilizing auxiliary information about the target speaker. In this paper, we consider a single-channel target speaker extraction system consisting of a speaker embedder network and a speaker separator network. Instead of using standard long short-term memory (LSTM) cells in the separator network, we propose two variants of LSTM cells that are customized for speaker-conditioned target speaker extraction. The first variant customizes both the forget gate and input gate of the LSTM cell, aiming at retaining only relevant features related to target speaker and disregarding the interfering speakers by simultaneously resetting and updating the cell state using the speaker embedding. For the second variant, we introduce a new gate within the LSTM cell, referred to as auxiliary-modulation gate. This gate modulates the information processing during cell state reset, aiming at learning the long-term and short-term discriminative features of the target speaker. Both in unidirectional and bidirectional mode, experimental results on 2-speaker mixtures, 3-speaker mixtures, and noisy mixtures (containing 1, 2, or 3 speakers) show that both proposed variants of LSTM cells outperform the standard LSTM cells for target speaker extraction, where the best performance is obtained using the auxiliary-gated LSTM cells.
A provenance study on the ceramics excavated at the Varzaneh Plain, central Iran
Authors: Holakooei Parviz , Rafiei-Alavi Babak , Shojaee-Esfahani Ali , Jebreili Yaser , Bahadori Sepehr , Piovesan Rebecca , Maritan Lara
Published: December 2024

Forty-six ceramic shards from the Early Bronze Age (EBA) archaeological site of Tappeh Gabri (the archaeological site 013), dated back to the latter half of the third millennium BCE and located at the Varzaneh Plain, central Iran, were studied using micro energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (µ-EDXRF) and petrographic analysis. The precision and accuracy of quantitative data obtained by µ-EDXRF were tested using a series of geological certified reference materials (CRM). The expanded uncertainty and the Mantel test on data obtained by µ-EDXRF showed accurate and precise quantitative µ-EDXRF estimation of elements present in the CRMs above their quantification limit. We show that the majority of the ceramics at the Varzaneh Plain is most probably local product. Discussions prompted collecting further compositional data and performing petrographic investigation from the ceramic shards from southern and south-western Iran in order to shed light on the origin of the ceramic shards excavated at the Varzaneh Plain.
The effect of maxillary premolar distalization with different designed clear aligners: a 4D finite element study with staging simulation
Authors: Mao Bochun , Tian Yajing , Liu Dawei , Zhou Yanheng , Wang Shuo
Published: December 2024

Background

Molar distalization with clear aligners (CAs) is a common treatment. However, when the molars reach their target position and the distal movement of premolars begins, the mesial movement of molars might reduce the overall efficiency of molar distalization. This study aimed to investigate tooth movement patterns under different CA designs in the premolar distalization stage using a four-dimensional mechanical simulation method.

Methods

A finite element method (FEM) model encompassing the maxillary dentition, periodontal ligaments, attachments, and associated CAs was constructed. The simulation aimed to replicate a premolar distalization of 2 mm within 10 sequential steps. Buccal interradicular mini-implants were used. Three groups of CAs were designed: the conventional CA design group (Con group), the second molar half-wrap group (SMHW group) and the all-molar half-wrap group (MHW group). An iterative computational approach was employed to simulate prolonged tooth movement resulting from orthodontic forces. Additionally, morphological alterations in the CA throughout the staging process were simulated utilizing the thermal expansion method.

Results

Compared with the Con and SMHW groups, the MHW group presented significantly reduced mesial movement of the first and second molars. However, the MHW group presented the greatest displacement of canines and incisors. The distalization efficiency of premolars in the MHW group reached 95.5–96.5%, which was substantially greater than that in the Con group (84.5–85%) and the SMHW group (75–75.5%).

Conclusions

The four-dimensional mechanical simulation results indicate that during the process of premolar distalization with CA, removing the distal portion of the aligner covering the first and second molars (MHW group) can effectively reduce the mesial movement of molars. Consequently, this approach can increase the overall efficiency of molar distalization.
Electrochemical nucleation and growth model of MoS2 for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Reddy Venumbaka Maneesh , Chandra Marepally Bhanu , Gengan Saravanan , Duraisamy Selvakumar
Published: December 2024

The electrochemical nucleation of MoS2 from a mixture of sodium molybdate dihydrate (Na2MoO4·2H2O) and sodium sulphide (Na2S·xH2O) aqueous solution on Cu substrate has been investigated. The nucleation and formation of molybdenum sulphide were investigated employing cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry studies. The experimental i–t curves observed at various overpotentials were compared to theoretical curves derived for the two limiting situations of the 3D instantaneous/progressive nucleation and growth model, as reported by Scharifker and Hills. The outcome of electrodeposition potential on nucleation rate (A) and nucleation density (N) was calculated from the current–time transients and SEM morphology obtained at − 1.1 V (5.75 × 1014 and 1.86 × 1015) was compared with − 0.9 V, − 1.0 V, and − 1.2 V, respectively. The investigation of the initial stages of the transient current–time relationships developed for MoS2 electrodeposition specified that film formation occurred progressively initially and instantaneous nucleation during the course of time. A HPMoS2 with an average size of 5–65 nm was obtained at -1.1 V and exhibited superior performance towards the hydrogen evolution reaction compared to samples obtained at − 0.9 V, − 1.0 V, and − 1.2 V.
Investigating the use of chatGPT as a tool for enhancing critical thinking and argumentation skills in international relations debates among undergraduate students
Authors: de la Puente Mario , Torres Jose , Troncoso Ana Laura Blanco , Meza Yuraima Yuliza Hernández , Carrascal Jenny Xiomara Marquez
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the effectiveness of using ChatGPT, a large language model (LLM), to enhance critical thinking and argumentation skills among undergraduate students studying international relations in a developing nation context. A total of 95 participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 48) and a control group (n = 47). The experimental group engaged in debate sessions using ChatGPT, while the control group participated in traditional debate sessions. Pre-test and post-test assessments were conducted to measure the participants’ critical thinking and argumentation skills. The results revealed that the use of ChatGPT significantly improved students' understanding of complex concepts, critical thinking, and argumentation skills compared to traditional debate methods. The findings suggest that integrating LLMs into existing educational curricula may be an effective strategy for enhancing students’ critical thinking and argumentation skills in resource-constrained settings. However, the challenges and limitations associated with the use of LLMs in developing nations should be carefully considered. The study contributes to the growing body of research on the application of AI-powered tools in education and informs the development of evidence-based practices and policies for integrating LLMs into educational curricula.
Topological surface states of semimetal TaSb2
Authors: Lee Ji-Eun , Liu Yu , Hwang Jinwoong , Hwang Choongyu , Petrovic Cedomir , Park Se Young , Ryu Hyejin , Mo Sung-Kwan
Published: December 2024

Topological surface states, protected by the global symmetry of the materials, are the keys to understanding various novel electrical, magnetic, and optical properties. TaSb2 is a newly discovered topological material with unique transport phenomena, including negative magnetoresistance and resistivity plateau, whose microscopic understanding is yet to be reached. In this study, we investigate the electronic band structure of TaSb2 using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and density functional theory. Our analyses reveal distinct bulk and surface states in TaSb2, providing direct evidence of its topological nature. Notably, surface states predominate the electronic contribution near the Fermi level, while bulk bands are mostly located at higher binding energies. Our study underlines the importance of systematic investigations into the electronic structures of topological materials, offering insights into their fundamental properties and potential applications in future technologies.

Graphical Abstract
On the ability to study regional hydrometeorological changes using GPS and GRACE measurements
Authors: Lenczuk Artur , Olivera-Guerra Luis , Klos Anna , Bogusz Janusz
Published: December 2024

Recently, an ongoing rise in temperature for both land and ocean areas is recorded resulting from the Earth’s warming climate. As a result, droughts we observe are getting more frequent, longer and more severe, exerting sustained impacts on humans, ecosystems leading to famine, poverty, mass migration, or agricultural and economic losses. The changes in climate are successfully monitored by analyzing Total Water Storage (TWS). For years, TWS has been successfully determined using geodetic techniques, such as gravity field variations observed by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) missions or station position changes monitored by the Global Positioning System (GPS). As well, geodetic-derived data can be applied successfully to study of hydrometeorological events. To quantify droughts characteristics at different temporal and spatial scales, we recalculate the vertical displacements to Drought Severity Indices (DSI). We find that DSI based on GPS and GRACE are positively correlated at over 80% of stations around the world, highlighting both Americas and Europe as the most correlated areas. To validate results, we compare DSI based on GPS/GRACE with the Global Land Water Storage (GLWS) hydrological model, the traditional climate indices, and temperature anomalies. We show that GPS-DSIs are strongly temporally consistent with both the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Soil Moisture Index (SMI) climate indices at 85% of stations, indicating weakly correlated areas at mid-latitudes. We further show a high potential of geodetic data to assess drought characteristics within climate zones as well as global studies. We note that moderate conditions dominate for all climate zones, for which dry moderate conditions are observed for 40% of the months analyzed. As a result, we note warning conditions at least 52% of global stations with extreme drying DSI trends above a value of 2–3 per year. We note that the global water changes are dominated by 9 month droughts at over 72% of stations, indicating the average drought duration around 12, 14, and 15 months for GPS-, GRACE-, and GLWS-DSI, respectively. The obtained results from geodetic measurements more reliably characterize the type and phase of drought, as well as how these droughts cascade into freshwater, enabling appropriate mitigation strategies.
Establishing an objective decision criterion for intraocular lens exchange due to homogeneous calcification: a prospective clinical analysis
Authors: Yildirim Timur M. , Łabuz Grzegorz , Henningsen Nikola , Son Hyeck-Soo , Augustin Victor A. , Britz Leoni , Chychko Lizaveta , Khoramnia Ramin , Auffarth Gerd U.
Published: December 2024

Background

Homogeneous intraocular lens (IOL) calcification deteriorates patient’s visual quality. There is a lack of functional and patient-reported data on patients with this material change undergoing IOL exchange surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate subjective and objective outcomes following IOL exchange due to homogeneous IOL calcification to improve evidence-based patient counseling.

Methods

In this prospective, non-interventional, clinical study, 53 eyes of 42 patients with homogeneous IOL calcification were included. IOL exchange was performed in 30 out of 53 eyes. Subjective symptoms using a quality-of-life questionnaire (Catquest-9SF), photic phenomena, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), straylight (C-Quant, Oculus, Wezlar, Germany) and contrast sensitivity with and without glare (CSV-1000, VectorVision, Houston, USA) were assessed before (T0) and at 3 to 12 months after IOL exchange (T1).

Results

Preoperative CDVA and straylight did not correlate. Average halo and glare size and intensity decreased and Catquest-9SF items improved. The CDVA rose significantly from 0.16 ± 0.13 to 0.05 ± 0.10 logMAR, and contrast sensitivity increased with and without glare. The straylight value decreased statistically and clinically significant from 2.32 ± 0.34 to 1.23 ± 0.33 log(s).

Conclusion

Homogeneous IOL calcification is not always associated with a pronounced reduction in visual acuity. In most cases, IOL exchange still reduces subjective complaints and improves quality of vision of affected patients. Visual acuity should not be the sole functional parameter in assessing patients with homogeneous IOL calcification as intraocular straylight and contrast sensitivity can better objectify patients’ visual impairment. We recommend a straylight value above 1.56 log(s) as a cut-off when deciding on an IOL exchange surgery.
Intra-abdominal pressure, renal resistive index, sublingual microcirculation and total body water for guidance of volume resuscitation to avoid acute kidney injury during shock therapy
Authors: Roffler Sereina , Büchler-Fehlberg Hannah , Dietz Anna , Achermann Rita , Aschwanden Markus , Staub Daniel , Kiss Caroline , Dickenmann Michael , Gebhard Caroline Eva , Hollinger Alexa , Siegemund Martin
Published: December 2024

Background/objectives

Shock and accompanying acute kidney injury (AKI) as a frequent complication is a well-known cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The current standard parameters to guide fluid resuscitation therapy (i.e., cardiac output, heart rate, blood pressure, central venous pressure) to avoid AKI and renal replacement therapy remain imprecise, and fluid overload with consequent organ oedema and high intestinal pressures result in further complications. The VoluKid study investigated additional non-invasive fluid volume parameters including assessment of total body water (TBW), renal vascular resistance [renal resistive index (RRI)], intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and microcirculatory blood flow (MBF) to predict AKI during the first 72 h of intensive care therapy.

Methods, design and analysis

This mono-centre observational cohort study included patients with shock who presented to the intensive care unit (ICU). Routine volume resuscitation parameters (i.e., cardiac output, heart rate, blood pressure, central venous pressure) were used to guide fluid therapy. In addition, four parameters, including MBF using sublingual incident dark-field microscopy, IAP, RRI assessed by duplex-sonography, and TBW using bioimpedance analysis (BIA), were measured daily and evaluated for predicting the primary outcome of acute kidney injury (AKI) and need for renal replacement therapy within the first 72 h of admission. Baseline and post-ICU admission values of these parameters were compared between patients with and without AKI.

Results

A total of 45 patients were enrolled in this study. Of those 45 patients, 37 could be followed for the entire study period of 72 h and 14 patients developed AKI (31.1%). Twelve patients (26.7%) had pre-existing renal impairment, one of whom died during the observation period. Nineteen patients (42.2%) had no renal impairment. RRI and IAP did not differ between patients with AKI and without AKI and did not predict AKI. TBW measured by BIA predicted AKI (p = 0.029). After adjustment for covariates (age, body mass index,and gender) this prediction was not significant [adjusted odds rato (OR) 0.99, p = 0.258, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.97,1.01]]. MBF could not be estimated due a high number of missing values.

Conclusions

Based on our limited data, none of the non-invasive parameters (TBA, IAP, RRI,) serve as predictors for AKI when assessed during the first 72 h after ICU admission, either when analysed separately or in combination.

Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02666404, registered 28/01/2016; URL: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02666404.
Metallic nanoparticles in malaria treatment: advances in therapeutics, diagnostics, and future prospects
Authors: Sinha Shweta , Sehgal Rakesh , Medhi Bikash
Published: December 2024

Malaria remains one of the causes of extreme mortality in southern Africa and Southeast Asia. Despite extreme efforts to control and eliminate malaria, the appearance of drug-resistant parasites and their spread is a major concern. In this context various therapeutic, diagnostics, and technological advancements need to be studied and implemented in the near future. Nanoparticles have a crucial role in enhancing intracellular retention, subcellular target specificity, and even drug escape from intracellular enzymatic inactivation. Additionally, the selectivity and specificity of anti-malarial against the target were increased by the functionalization of nanoparticles, which led to improved safety and efficacy. Recent studies show the efficacy of metallic nanoparticles against the vector Anopheles mosquito and the malaria parasite Plasmodium species. So, here in the present review, we will discuss the various metal-based nanoparticles that have been studied for malaria treatment or used for the development of detection and diagnosis between the year 2013 and till date. This review also covers the future prospects of these nanoparticles in this field.
Development and validation of a face database for the recognition of facial expressions of basic emotions in the Brazilian population
Authors: de Morais Daiene , Maximiano-Barreto Madson Alan , Luchesi Bruna Moretti , Muniz Monalisa , Chagas Marcos Hortes Nisihara
Published: December 2024

Background

The recognition of facial expressions of emotions is an essential skill for social functioning, as it enables recognizing the possible intentions of others.

Main body.

Cultural context is an important aspect to consider in this skill, as it tends to modulate the recognition of facial expressions.

Objective

To develop and validate a set of facial expressions of basic emotions of Brazilian individuals considering the population distribution of the country according to age group, sex, and race.

Methods

A procedure with three phases was created to generate basic emotions and photograph facial expressions. A total of 459 Brazilians were then asked to identify the emotions of these facial expressions. Content validity was investigated based on the analysis of specialists and the recognition of emotions by Brazilian individuals.

Results

The final database consists of 56 high-quality color images. A good level of agreement was found for the expressions perceived by the assessors (81.6%).

Conclusion

The percentage of correct recognition of each emotion and the characteristics of the models are presented so that future studies can choose the most adequate images to meet their specific needs.
Semiautomatic volume measure of kidney vascular territories on CT angiography to plan aortic aneurysm repair in patients with horseshoe kidney
Authors: Bartoli Axel , Colombo Alberto , Pisu Francesco , Galliena Tommaso , Gnasso Chiara , Rinaldi Enrico , Melissano Germano , Palmisano Anna , Esposito Antonio
Published: December 2024

Surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurism (AAA) with horseshoe kidney (HK) is challenging because of several accessory renal arteries (RAs), variable in number, branches, and vascular territories, with subsequent variable renal damage. The identification of RAs and vascular territories could contribute to surgical planning. We developed a semiautomatic presurgical computed tomography angiography (CTA)-based model to measure the renal volume of each RA, validated on postsurgical CTA in patients with HK treated for AAA. Renal parenchyma volume was extracted on both CTAs (Vol_Totpre and Vol_Totpost) after labeling RAs ostia and vascular endpoints by two observers using a semiautomatic model by assigning each renal voxel to the closest vascular ending, obtaining volumes for each vascular territory. Number of RAs number was 4.0 ± 1.4 (mean ± standard deviation (SD)), Vol_Totpre 360 ± 76.5 cm3; kidney volume loss at surgery (KVLS) (Vol_Totpreminus Vol_Totpost) 51.9 ± 35.4 cm3; percentage of kidney loss 15.2 ± 11.6%. KVLS and predicted kidney volume loss on preoperative CTA (PKVL) were strongly correlated (r = 0.93; p = 0.023). Interobserver agreement was good (mean bias = 0.000001 ± 1.96 SD of 19.1 cm3). Presurgical semiautomatic segmentation of vascular territories in patients with HK and AAA is feasible.

Relevance statement

This software allowed the preoperative calculation of renal volume perfused by each renal artery in the challenging association of the horseshoe kidney and abdominal aortic aneurism. It helps to determine the feasibility of surgical resection of arteries, thereby improving surgical planning and reducing the risk of postoperative renal function deterioration.

Key Points

The association between horseshoe kidney and abdominal aortic aneurism is a challenging condition that may require renal vascular resection.

A semiautomatic model measures renal volume perfused by each artery on preoperative computed tomography angiography with high accuracy.

Customized use of this tool could improve surgical management by determining which arteries can be safely resected during surgery.

Graphical Abstract
Assessment of hypoxia and its dynamic evolution in glioblastoma via qBOLD MRI: a comparative study with metformin treatment
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Chen Jie , Ying Yinwei , Zhao Xinxin , Mei Nan , Li Xuanxuan , Zhu Yuqi , Cui Jin , Wu Pu-Yeh , Lu Yiping , Yin Bo
Published: December 2024

Background

To investigate the accuracy of quantitative blood oxygen level-dependent (qBOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying hypoxia within glioblastoma and explore dynamic changes in oxygenation status of glioblastoma with and without metformin administration.

Methods

Three healthy and seven C6-bearing rats underwent 7-T qBOLD MRI. Oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral metabolism rate of O2 (CMRO2) were calculated from qBOLD data. Tumor tissues were stained using hypoxia-inducible factor-1$$\alpha$$
α
(HIF-1$$\alpha$$
α
) and pimonidazole. The correlation between the hypoxia markers and corresponding qBOLD-based parameters was analyzed. Six C6-bearing rats were divided into metformin-treated and control groups for a longitudinal study of qBOLD imaging changes, with scans conducted on the 12th, 15th, and 18th day post-tumor implantation.

Results

In healthy rats, gray matter showed higher values than white matter in T2, T2*, cerebral blood volume (CBV), and cerebral blood flow (CBF), whereas OEF was lower. Glioblastoma tissues exhibited elevated T2, T2*, CBV, and CBF but decreased OEF and CMRO2 relative to normal-appearing white matter. No significant correlation was found between staining scores from HIF-1$$\alpha$$
α
and pimonidazole. T2* and T2 values were negatively correlated with pimonidazole scores in tumor regions. As the tumor progressed, OEF values increased with intra-tissue variations, whereas CMRO2 decreased. Metformin delayed the reduction of T2 and T2* values, with significant differences in OEF and CMRO2 values compared to controls on day 18.

Conclusion

T2* and T2 values were significantly associated with the hypoxia status in glioma. Metformin could potentially mitigate the progression of hypoxia in glioblastoma, which can be tracked by qBOLD parameters.

Relevance statement

This study demonstrates the potential of qBOLD parameters in assessing glioma dynamic oxygen metabolism and the efficacy of metformin as an anti-hypoxic agent, providing insights into improving glioblastoma treatment strategies.

Key Points

The study investigated qBOLD imaging’s accuracy in identifying hypoxia status within glioblastoma.

qBOLD effectively assesses hypoxia and its dynamic evolution in glioblastoma.

qBOLD parameters assist in identifying a suitable patient demographic for metformin treatment.

Graphical Abstract
Possible presentation of Kernohan–Woltman notch phenomenon in a young female with heavy drinking: a case report
Authors: Chauhan Kapil , Brooks Jabari-Ture , Oyawusi Mosunmola , Weir Roger
Published: December 2024

Background

A subdural hematoma is a type of traumatic brain injury that results from the rupture of the bridging veins. It often presents with various neurological deficits. The Kernohan–Woltman notch phenomenon (KWNP) is a rare complication associated with subdural hematomas, characterized by ipsilateral hemiparesis due to compression of the contralateral cerebral peduncle.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 30-year-old female with a left subdural hematoma who exhibited paradoxical ipsilateral hemiparesis and discuss the appearance of KWNP in the context of alcohol withdrawal. We also report on the appearance of delirium tremens 6 days after evacuation.

Conclusion

In our report, we effectively rule out other causes of ipsilateral hemiparesis such as cerebrovascular accident or mass effect, and demonstrate a rare presentation of KWNP in an uncommon demographic. Our report also demonstrates an incidental finding of delirium tremens that may have been delayed in presentation due to intubation. The findings contribute to further research on these uncommon neurological and psychiatric manifestations.
Combining ability studies in desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.) genotypes
Authors: Alagarsamy Manivannan
Published: December 2024

Background

Studies on genetic variation and combining ability are essential tools to employ the suitable breeding programme, particularly for hybrid production, to exploit the heterosis in cross-pollinated crops like cotton. Thus, combining ability studies in desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.) was carried out using 13 diverse parents through diallel mating design, evaluating 78 F1 hybrids along with their parents, without reciprocals using Griffing’s and Hayman’s approaches.

Results

Genotypes H 509, AC 3265, AKH 496, and PBN 565 exhibited superior per se performance, indicating their potential use as parents in future breeding programs to develop superior hybrids. The general combining ability (GCA) effect of the genotypes revealed that AC 3097 and AKA 13-SP1 were good general combiners for most traits in this study. Genotypes PBS 1127-SP1, AKH 496, H 509, N11-54–31-32, and AKA 13-SP1 exhibited strong combining ability, contributing to a significant specific combining ability (SCA) effect in seven selected crosses (AC 3265 × PBS 1127-SP1, AKH 496 × H 509, AKH 496 × AC 3097, PBS 1127-SP1 × N11-54–31-32, AC 3216 × AKA 13-SP1, H 503 × N11-54–31-32, and H 509 × AKA 13-SP1) for yield improvement. These crosses showed positive heterosis in a positive direction.

Conclusion

From the present study, five genotypes (AC 3097, AKA 13-SP1, N11-54–31-32, AC 3265, and H 509) were identified as good general combiners for producing hybrids, and seven combinations showed a promising hybrid for future breeding programs.
Physicochemical quality of dry noodles from maize flour and fish protein hydrolyzate (Mizepi) as a potential emergency food
Authors: Resti Nina , Ayustaningwarno Fitriyono , Nuryanto Nuryanto , Chasanah Ekowati , Purwani Endang Yuli , Zhu Fan , Sudarmawan Iwa , Afifah Diana Nur
Published: December 2024

Mizepi is a product that can be consumed during emergencies and certain conditions for vulnerable groups such as children. Mizepi provides benefits in supporting children’s growth and development process because of its high protein content to prevent stunting and noodle snacks that children like especially in formula F4. Mizepi is a ready-to-eat noodle product from maize flour and FPH to be used as food during natural disasters. Currently, many emergency food products still have low nutritional content, so Mizepi is here with the innovation of maize flour and FPH which are rich in protein and have good physicochemical quality and are liked by consumers. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the nutritional value, protein digestibility, color, and texture of Mizepi. The methods are water content using gravimetry, ash with dry ashing, fat by Soxhlet, protein by Kjeldahl, protein digestibility was carried out in vitro. A total of seven formulations of Mizepi with maize flour and FPH ratio were compared in grams, 1:1 (F1), 4:7 (F2), 4:11 (F3), 7:4. (F4), 7:11 (F5), 11:4 (F6), 11:7 (F7). FPH has the effect of a higher level of product protein content. Mizepi has a protein digestibility content of 43.6–75.3%, which is a very good value. The color of Mizepi products based on 0hue is yellow red and has a good crunchy texture because it is made from maize flour. In conclusion, F4 was the best formulation that has nutrient content appropriate to the quality requirements of emergency food products.

Graphical Abstract
Equatorial plasma bubble model and integrity risk evaluation for ground based augmentation system in Hong Kong
Authors: Li Wang , Jiang Yiping
Published: December 2024

The spatial gradient induced by the Equatorial Plasma Bubble (EPB) in low latitude regions is a major challenge for the Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS). To facilitate the implementation and operation of GBAS Approach Service Type (GAST)-D at Hong Kong International Airport, the impact of EPB induced spatial gradients needs to be analyzed. Previous simulations using a two-dimensional trapezoid model neglected the three-dimensional structure of the EPB, assuming ionospheric delay on a thin shell at a specific altitude. To address this limitation, this paper adopts a cube above the magnetic equator to characterize the EPB threat model. The ionospheric delay difference between satellite signals passing through the EPB model is limited by the upper bound spatial gradient derived with the data collected from Hong Kong Satellite Positioning Reference Station Network. The simulation results reveal that ionospheric monitors in GAST D can satisfy the Category II/III approach requirement, i.e., the probability of missed detection $${P}_{\text{MD}}$$

P
MD

for the differential range error Er larger than 2.75 m is lower than $${1\times 10}^{-9}$$

1
×
10

-
9

. The potentially hazardous event with the largest Er of 2.47 m and $${P}_{\text{MD}}$$

P
MD

of $${1.86\times 10}^{-9}$$

1.86
×
10

-
9

occurs when the satellite signal moves parallel to the equator near the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) region, and its significant portion traverses in the EPB depletion region.
Contrast-induced encephalopathy with visual and auditory hallucinations triggered by coronary angiography with iodixanol: a case report
Authors: Kuzemczak Michał , Gołębiewski Sławomir
Published: December 2024

Background

Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) is a rare complication of coronary angiography posing a significant diagnostic challenge. Its incidence has substantially declined with the introduction of nonionic low-osmolar contrast media and, in most cases, it manifests with transient cortical blindness. Concomitant visual and auditory hallucinations in the course of CIE have never been reported.

Case report

We present the first reported case of CIE with concomitant visual and auditory hallucinations following coronary angiography in an 80-year-old female patient. The procedure was elective and performed via right radial approach. During the procedure, significant difficulties in crossing a tortuous and calcified brachiocephalic trunk were encountered. The patient lost awareness of time and place, became agitated and started having aphasia. Periprocedural stroke was suspected as a consequence of atherosclerotic plaque mobilization and dislodging atheromatous material to the cerebral vasculature. The patient became fully oriented without aphasia within 24 h, but started having auditory and visual hallucinations. Stroke was excluded by an urgent MRI, and ultimately CIE was diagnosed. A supportive therapy with sedation and intravenous hydration was used with subsequent commencement of quetiapine treatment for hallucinations. The symptoms resolved after 5 days, and quetiapine was successfully discontinued.

Conclusions

Based on the unique case report, CIE may manifest with concomitant visual and auditory hallucinations. In some instances, the clinical entity may mimic stroke; therefore, it is crucial to rule out this acute neurological condition and prevent patients from receiving a potentially harmful treatment.
Efficacy of palifermin in the treatment of oral mucositis in non-hematopoietic stem cell transplant pediatric patients: experience of a single tertiary hospital
Authors: Hamzi Hasna , Binhassan Amal , Najmeldin Amal , Alhariri Ebtsam , Elhussein Bodour , Althibani Nour , Alenazi Ahmad , Alsharif Shahad , Alshahrani Mohammad , Alsharif Omar , Alkhayat Nawaf , Elborai Yasser
Published: December 2024

Background

Severe oral mucositis (OM) is one of the adverse events post-chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplantation with major clinical and economic impact. The management of severe OM remains challenging. This study aimed to look for the benefit and clinical impact of palifermin for mucositis among the non-transplanted pediatric cancer population.

Methods

This is a descriptive retrospective study extended from 2016 to 2020 at Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC), in Saudi Arabia. During this period all pediatric patients (< 14 years of age) on chemotherapy and complicated by severe OM that required palifermin (35 courses), as off-labeled medication, were analyzed looking for the clinical demographics, primary diagnosis, chemotherapy agents used, effectiveness, and tolerability of palifermin.

Results

A total of 29 patients with severe OM received 35 palifermin courses. All of them received 60 mcg/kg/day IV for 3 consecutive days. 20% of them have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We noticed that 60% of severe OM required palifermin post anthracycline while high-dose methotrexate aggravates the risk in 40% of them. Only 25.7% of the patients required TPN for a median duration of 5 days and 54.3% of them received opioids for a median duration of 4 days. Twenty patients (57.1%) had used antibiotics, 4 patients were on antifungal medication and 1 patient was on anti-viral medication concomitant with antibiotics.

Conclusion

Palifermin is safe and well tolerated and shows some effect in non-hematopoietic stem cell transplant pediatric patients with severe oral mucositis post-intensified chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Correlation of abdominal adiposity indicators (VAT and SAT) with Quetelet index and severity grades of hepatic steatosis by ultrasound and utility of these indicators as noninvasive parameters to detect steatotic liver disease
Authors: Maravi Poornima , Verma Vijay Kumar , Bairwa Rambharat , Vullakulla Lavanya , Chouhan Nitin
Published: December 2024

Background

Fatty liver disease (FLD) is the common metabolic disease of liver with high worldwide prevalence. Nonalcoholic FLD may progress to acute hepatitis, chronic liver disease and even into hepatocellular carcinoma. Noninvasive parameters based on diagnostic imaging should be sought as the only diagnostic test available for this condition is liver biopsy.

Objectives

The objectives of this study are to correlate abdominal adiposity indicators, specifically visceral adipose tissue (VAT) thickness and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) thickness, with body mass index (BMI) and fatty liver disease (FLD) grades using ultrasound, and to evaluate the diagnostic ability of the parameter "VAT thickness of 3 cm or above" in detecting hepatic steatosis.

Method

Total 100 patients were examined by ultrasound to evaluate VAT, SAT and FLD grades. All patients showing findings of steatotic liver were considered as cases and those showing normal liver findings were considered as controls. Correlation coefficient for VAT, SAT, BMI and FLD grades were calculated and p-value was derived. Sensitivity, Specificity, ROC curve and AUC value for parameter “VAT thickness 3 cm or above” was calculated.

Results

A total of 100 patients were examined including 33 males and 67 females. The mean age of patients was 42.34 ± 12.87 years. Mean VAT thicknesses was 3.69 ± 1.61 cm. The mean SAT thickness was 2.00 ± 0.86 cm. Mean BMI was 25.28 ± 5.13 kg/m2 (Overweight). Positive correlation of VAT and SAT measurements seen with BMI and FLD grades.” VAT thickness 3 cm or above”, to detect FLD has a good diagnostic ability with Sensitivity (95%), Specificity (96%), PPV (95%), NPV (96%) and area of curve value 0.8 to detect FLD.

Conclusion

The abdominal fat indicators were positively correlated with BMI and FLD grades. The parameter “VAT thickness 3 cm or above” has a good diagnostic efficacy to detect FLD and may be utilized as an alternative to liver biopsy.
Spinal embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma with multiple distant metastasis: a case report
Authors: Autkar Gayatri , Shetty Harshitha , Moharkar Swapnil
Published: December 2024

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in children and is usually found in the head, neck, orbit, genitourinary tracts and extremities. An unusual pattern is diffuse bone marrow involvement by rhabdomyosarcoma. In such cases, the initial presentation of patients is similar to haematological malignancy like leukaemia, especially when the primary tumour is not evident. This pattern is rare; however, awareness of this pattern is important for radiologists for appropriate early diagnosis and treatment. Rhabdomyosarcoma involving the spine is extremely rare with very few case reports available in the literature.

Case presentation

We present a case of a seven-year-old boy presenting with subacute paraplegia associated with high-grade fever following a genitourinary surgery. The differential diagnosis of post-surgical complications like infective spondylodiscitis, epidural abscess and transverse myelitis were considered clinically. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine revealed heterogenous enhancement of the bone marrow of the vertebrae and the pelvic bones along with paravertebral and epidural enhancing soft tissues and the most likely differential diagnosis was leukaemia/lymphoma. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of the soft tissue revealed an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. [1⁸F] Fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT revealed extensive marrow lesions in the axial and appendicular skeleton. In view of extensive metastatic disease, the patient was given palliative therapy. The unusual primary site and presentation with multiple metastasis makes this case worth reporting.

Conclusion

Spinal or bone marrow involvement in rhabdomyosarcoma is uncommon, and it provides a diagnostic challenge in view of the non-specific signs and symptoms. Haematological malignancy is often the primary diagnosis made clinically and on imaging. Spinal or bone marrow involvement in rhabdomyosarcoma implies an overall poor prognosis of the patient. Multimodality therapy is the mainstay of management in spinal rhabdomyosarcoma, which includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and palliative treatment in cases of extensive metastasis.
Prevalence of metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease among patients with diabetic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rahmanian Mohammad , Deravi Niloofar , Poudineh Mohadeseh , Poopak Amirhossein , Mirmohammadali Seyed Nooshan , Fekrvand Saba , Tadbir Kiana , Ebrahimian Sara , Zargarzadeh Nikan , Pirzadeh Marzieh , Abdi Amir , Firouzabadi Fatemeh Dehghani , Mechanick Jeffrey I.
Published: December 2024

Background

Mechanistic relationships between metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and chronic kidney disease are well characterized. Specifically, in type 2 diabetes (T2D), insulin resistance leads to MAFLD, and hyperglycemia leads to microvascular complications such as diabetic kidney disease (DKD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to describe the specific association between MAFLD and DKD for the first time.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases were searched up to February 2023 to identify relevant published articles. After screening the titles, abstracts, and full texts of the retrieved articles, cross-sectional studies and cohorts reporting on MAFLD in patients with DKD were identified and then analyzed.

Results

A total of 2615 articles were identified, of which 5 had sufficient data and fulfilled the eligibility criteria for meta-analysis. A total of 2345 patients with DKD were in the included studies. The prevalence rates of radiologically diagnosed MAFLD among patients with DKD ranged from 25 to 96%. The pooled prevalence rate of radiologically diagnosed MAFLD among patients with DKD was 0.55 (95% CI = 0.21–0.89, I2 = 99.79%, P-value < 0.01).

Conclusion

MAFLD is prevalent in patients with DKD. This finding emphasizes the need for aggressive case finding and then guideline-directed medical therapy of MAFLD, especially in patients with T2D and DKD to prevent further complications. Future studies should investigate mechanisms underpinning MAFLD and DKD in patients with T2D, especially in the context of cardiometabolic risk.