bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the influence of polymers on soil ecosystems: prospective from agricultural contexts
Authors: Sethi Debadatta , Mohanty Shraddha , Mohapatra Kiran Kumar , Dash Prava Kiran , Sahoo Sanjib Kumar , Padhan Kshitipati , Kusumavathi Konathala , Majhi Rajanikanta , Panda Narayan , Pattanayak Sushanata Kumar
Published: October 2024

The utilization of advanced polymeric materials has indeed emerged as a significant trend in sustainable agriculture, offering a range of innovative applications aimed at enhancing productivity, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting resource efficiency. Smart polymeric materials enable the controlled release of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, thereby enhancing their efficacy while reducing the quantities needed. Superabsorbent polymeric materials act as soil conditioners, assisting in alleviating the negative impacts of drought by retaining moisture and enhancing soil structure. This fosters improved plant growth and resilience in water-scarce environments. Polycationic polymers play a role in plant bioengineering, facilitating genetic transformation processes aimed at enhancing crop productivity and disease resistance. Advanced polymeric systems contribute to the arsenal of precision agriculture tools by enabling precise delivery and targeted application of agricultural inputs. This approach enhances resource efficiency, reduces waste, and minimizes environmental impact while optimizing crop yields. In reviewing recent developments in the design and application of advanced polymeric systems for precision agriculture, several key considerations emerge.
Propensity score-based comparison of high-risk coronary artery bypass grafting vs. left ventricular assist device implantation in patients with coronary artery disease and advanced heart failure
Authors: Nersesian Gaik , Abd El Al Alaa , Schoenrath Felix , Zittermann Armin , Hell Laurenz , Falk Volkmar , de By Theo M. M. H. , Fox Henrik , Schramm Rene , Morshuis Michiel , Gummert Jan , Potapov Evgenij , Rojas Sebastian V.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Revascularization in patients with severely reduced left ventricular function and coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with a high perioperative risk. In this setting, implantation of a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) might be an alternative.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the outcomes of adult patients with CAD and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 25% who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) vs. LVAD implantation. Propensity score (PS) matching was performed for statistical analysis, resulting in 168 pairs.

Results

In the PS-matched cohorts, the mean age was 62 years; one third had a history of myocardial infarction, 11% were resuscitated, half of the patients were on inotropic support, and 20% received preoperative mechanical circulatory support. LVAD patients required significantly longer ventilation (58 h [21, 256] vs. 16 h [9, 73], p < 0.001) and had a longer ICU stay (11d [7, 24] vs. 4d [2, 10], p ≤ 0.001) compared to CABG patients The incidence of postoperative renal replacement therapy (2 [1.2%] vs.15 [8.9%], p = 0.002) and temporary mechanical circulatory support was lower in the LVAD group (1 [0.6%] vs. 51 [30.4%], p ≤ 0.001). The in-hospital stroke rate was similar (LVAD 7 [5.4%] vs. CABG 8 [6.2%], p = 0.9). In-hospital survival, 1-year survival, and 3-year survival were 90.5% vs. 85.5% (p = 0.18), 77.4% vs. 68.9% (p = 0.10) and 69.6% vs. 45.9% (p < 0.001), for CABG and LVAD patients respectively.

Conclusion

Patients with CAD and advanced HF demonstrate better mid-term survival if they undergo CABG rather than LVAD implantation.
Long-term outcomes of mitral valve repair in children
Authors: Tuncer Osman Nuri , Ertugay Serkan , Akhundova Mahsati , Levent Ertürk , Atay Yüksel
Published: October 2024

Background

Mitral Valve Disease in children presents unique challenges due to the wide range of associated pathologies and the complexities of pediatric cardiac anatomy. Mitral valve repair in this demographic is preferred over replacement due to the drawbacks associated with prosthetic valves in young patients, such as the need for long-term anticoagulation and issues with prosthetic size and growth.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed pediatric patients under 18 years who underwent mitral valve repair between January 2002 and December 2023. Exclusion criteria included patients with atrioventricular septal defects or single-ventricle physiology. Surgical outcomes were assessed using preoperative and postoperative transthoracic echocardiography, with follow-up data analyzed via Kaplan-Meier survival estimates.

Results

The study included 47 patients with a median age of 4 years. Surgical techniques varied based on the specific mitral valve pathology. The overall early mortality was 6.3%, and the one and ten-year survival rates were 93.6 ± 3.6% and 91.4 ± 4.1%, respectively. Most patients showed improved or stable postoperative cardiac function during a median follow-up of 105 months. Notably, the rate of freedom from re-operation at ten years was 85.1 ± 6.9%, highlighting the durability of the surgical interventions.

Conclusions

Mitral valve repair in children demonstrates favorable long-term outcomes with low mortality and reoperation rates, particularly when performed at an older age to accommodate growth and avoid the complexities of smaller, more delicate cardiac structures. These findings suggest that mitral valve repair should be considered a viable and effective option for managing pediatric MVD, with a personalized approach essential for optimizing outcomes.
Artificial intelligence in education: implications for academic integrity and the shift toward holistic assessment
Authors: Ateeq Ali , Alzoraiki Mohammed , Milhem Marwan , Ateeq Ranyia Ali
Published: October 2024

This study examines the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the field of education, with particular focus on its implications for academic integrity and the adoption of comprehensive assessment approaches. This research fits within the specific setting of university students and faculty members in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was designed to examine the impact Artificial Intelligence (AI) in field of education, with particular focus on its implications for academic integrity and the adoption of comprehensive assessment approaches. A total of 218 participants were randomly selected from 250 employed in this survey study.

Results

Out of 250 invited participants, 203 responded to the survey. This study evaluated the influence of Educational Impact (EI), Policy and Ethics (PE), and Pedagogical Implications (PI) on Academic Outcomes (AO). Results revealed a significant association between EI → AO with a beta of 0.490, t-value of 4.504, and p < 0.001. PI also showed a significant relationship (β = 0.454, t = 2.330, p = 0.010) with more variability. PE’s impact on AO was modest (β = 0.243, t = 1.977, p = 0.024). Overall, EI was the strongest AO predictor. The R2 value was approximately 39%, indicating a good fit.

Conclusion

The research reveals a strong link between the Educational Impact (EI) of AI and academic success in Bahrain’s universities, with EI being the primary predictor. Both Policy and Ethics (PE) and Pedagogical Implications (PI) play crucial roles in this relationship.
Analysis of China’s carbon financial Development’s impact on reducing emissions using the BCC and Malmquist models
Authors: Chunzhe Li , Xueyuan Ding , Tao Meng , Libo Xu , Haibo Fu , Gang Liu , Sihang Pan , Jiarong Liu , Zeqi Ge
Published: October 2024

This study evaluates the impact of China’s carbon finance development on carbon emission reduction and its role in promoting low-carbon economic growth. We construct an evaluation index system and employ Systematic Cluster Analysis (SCA) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methods to analyze the carbon finance markets in five representative Chinese provinces (autonomous regions). Utilizing the DEA-BCC model and DEA-Malmquist index, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the carbon emission reduction effects between 2022 and 2023. Our findings reveal that while China’s carbon finance development significantly contributes to carbon emission reduction, there are considerable regional disparities in effectiveness. Beijing and Guangdong achieved DEA efficiency, whereas Jilin, Ningxia, and Xinjiang experienced efficiency losses, suggesting a need for structural optimization. The study provides insights into challenges and potential improvements in China’s carbon finance sector and offers policy recommendations for enhancing market mechanisms, technological innovation, and social engagement to support China’s carbon peak and neutrality goals.
Challenging boundaries: is cross-protection evaluation necessary for African swine fever vaccine development? A case of oral vaccination in wild boar
Authors: Cadenas-Fernández Estefanía , Barroso-Arévalo Sandra , Kosowska Aleksandra , Díaz-Frutos Marta , Gallardo Carmina , Rodríguez-Bertos Antonio , Bosch Jaime , Sánchez-Vizcaíno Jose M. , Barasona Jose A.
Published: October 2024

African swine fever (ASF) poses a significant threat to domestic pigs and wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations, with the current epidemiological situation more critical than ever. The disease has spread across five continents, causing devastating losses in the swine industry. Although extensive research efforts are ongoing to develop an effective and safe vaccine, this goal remains difficult to achieve. Among the potential vaccine candidates, live attenuated viruses (LAVs) have emerged as the most promising option due to their ability to provide strong protection against experimental challenges. However, ASF virus (ASFV) is highly diverse, with genetic and phenotypic variations across different isolates, which differ in virulence. This study highlights the limitations of a natural LAV strain (Lv17/WB/Rie1), which showed partial efficacy against a highly virulent and partially heterologous isolate (Arm07; genotype II). However, the LAV's effectiveness was incomplete when tested against a more phylogenetically distant virus (Ken06.Bus; genotype IX). These findings raise concerns about the feasibility of developing a universal vaccine for ASFV in the near future, emphasizing the urgent need to assess the protective scope of LAV candidates across different ASFV isolates to better define their limitations.
Future applications of host direct therapies for infectious disease treatment
Authors: Thom Ruth E. , D’Elia R V.
Published: October 2024

New and emerging pathogens, such as SARS-CoV2 have highlighted the requirement for threat agnostic therapies. Some antibiotics or antivirals can demonstrate broad-spectrum activity against pathogens in the same family or genus but efficacy can quickly reduce due to their specific mechanism of action and for the ability of the disease causing agent to evolve. This has led to the generation of antimicrobial resistant strains, making infectious diseases more difficult to treat. Alternative approaches therefore need to be considered, which include exploring the utility of Host-Directed Therapies (HDTs). This is a growing area with huge potential but difficulties arise due to the complexity of disease profiles. For example, a HDT given early during infection may not be appropriate or as effective when the disease has become chronic or when a patient is in intensive care. With the growing understanding of immune function, a new generation of HDT for the treatment of disease could allow targeting specific pathways to augment or diminish the host response, dependent upon disease profile, and allow for bespoke therapeutic management plans. This review highlights promising and approved HDTs that can manipulate the immune system throughout the spectrum of disease, in particular to viral and bacterial pathogens, and demonstrates how the advantages of HDT will soon outweigh the potential side effects.
Transarterial chemoembolization combined with lenvatinib plus tislelizumab for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Zhao Yushan , Wen Shuwei , Xue YaoQing , Dang Zhijun , Nan ZhiYu , Wang Dong , Li Xiao , Feng Duiping , Chen Yi
Published: October 2024

Objective

Comparing the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with lenvatinib plus tislelizumab (TLT) with TACE combined with lenvatinib (TL) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly in determining which patients can benefit more from the TLT treatment.

Methods

From March 2021 to September 2023, a total of 169 patients from three centers were included in this study, with 103 patients receiving TLT and 66 patients receiving TL. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to evaluate the cumulative overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) between the two groups and were assessed using the log-rank test. Subgroup analysis on tumor number, maximum tumor diameter, presence of portal vein thrombosis, AFP level, and Child-Pugh class were conducted.

Results

The median OS was 26 months in the TLT group, and 20 months in the TL group. The median PFS was 14 months in the TLT group and 9 months in the TL group. The Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated a significantly superior OS and PFS in the TLT group compared to the TL group. Subgroup analysis showed that for patients with a maximum tumor diameter greater than 7 cm, AFP > 400 ng/ml and accompanied by portal vein tumor thrombus, and Child-Pugh class A, there was a statistically significant difference in OS between TLT and TL groups.

Conclusions

OS and PFS were significantly improved in patients who received TLT compared to those who received TL, patients with a largest tumor diameter greater than 7 cm, AFP > 400 ng/ml, Child-Pugh class A and PVTT appeared to derive more benefit.
Global research trends in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma: insights based on bibliometric analysis
Authors: Han Hongmin , Zhao Ziyin , He Mingyang , Guan Ge , Cao Junning , Li Tianxiang , Han Bing , Zhang Bin
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aimed to use visual mapping and bibliometric analysis to summarize valuable information on the tumor microenvironment (TME)-related research on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the past 20 years and to identify the research hotspots and trends in this field.

Methods

We screened all of the relevant literature on the TME of HCC in the Web of Science database from 2003 to 2023 and analysed the research hotspots and trends in this field via VOSviewer and CiteSpace.

Results

A total of 2,157 English studies were collected. According to the prediction, the number of papers that were published in the past three years will be approximately 1,394, accounting for 64.63%. China published the most papers (n=1,525) and had the highest total number of citations (n=32,253). Frontiers In Immunology published the most articles on the TME of HCC (n=75), whereas, Hepatology was the journal with the highest total number of citations (n=4,104) and average number of citations (n=91). The four clusters containing keywords such as “cancer-associated fibroblasts”, “hepatic stellate cells”, “immune cells”, “immunotherapy”, “combination therapy”, “landscape”, “immune infiltration”, and “heterogeneity” are currently hot research topics in this field. The keywords “cell death”, “ferroptosis”, “biomarkers”, and “prognostic features” have emerged relatively recently, and these research directions are becoming increasingly popular.

Conclusions

We identified four key areas of focus in the study of the TME in HCC: the main components and roles in the TME, immunotherapy, combination therapy, and the microenvironmental landscape. Moreover, the result of our study indicate that effect of ferroptosis on the TME in HCC may become a future research trend.
Effects of urban eutrophication on pelagic habitat capacity in the Southern California Bight
Authors: Frieder Christina A. , Kessouri Fayçal , Ho Minna , Sutula Martha , Bianchi Daniele , McWilliams James C. , Deutsch Curtis , Howard Evan
Published: October 2024

Land-based nutrient inputs to the ocean have been linked to increased coastal productivity, subsurface acidification and O2 loss, even in upwelling systems like the Southern California Bight. However, whether eutrophication alters the [environment’s] capacity to support key taxa has yet to be evaluated for this region. Here, we assess the impact of land-based nutrient inputs on the availability of aerobic and calcifying habitat for key pelagic taxa using ocean model simulations. We find that acute, lethal conditions are not commonly induced in epipelagic surface waters, but that sublethal, ecologically relevant changes are pervasive. Land-based nutrient inputs reduce the potential aerobic and calcifier habitat during late summer, when viable habitat is at its seasonal minimum. A region of annually recurring habitat compression is predicted 30 – 90 km from the mainland, southeast of Santa Catalina Island. Here, both aerobic and calcifier habitat is vertically compressed by, on average, 25%, but can be as much as 60%. This effect can be traced to enhanced remineralization of organic matter that originates from the coast. These findings suggest that effects of land-based nutrients are not restricted to chemistry but extend to habitat capacity for multiple taxa of ecological and economic importance. Considerable uncertainty exists, however, in how this habitat compression translates to population-level effects.
Traditional Chinese medicine to improve immune imbalance of asthma: focus on the adjustment of gut microbiota
Authors: Lu Ke , Li Chen , Men Jingwen , Xu Bin , Chen Yang , Yan Peizheng , Gai Zhibo , Zhang Qingxiang , Zhang Lu
Published: October 2024

Asthma, being the prevailing respiratory ailment globally, remains enigmatic in terms of its pathogenesis. In recent times, the advancement of traditional Chinese medicine pertaining to the intestinal microbiota has yielded a plethora of investigations, which have substantiated the potential of traditional Chinese medicine in disease prevention and treatment through modulation of the intestinal microbiota. Both animal models and clinical trials have unequivocally demonstrated the indispensable role of the intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of asthma. This article presents a summary of the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine in the context of regulating gut microbiota and its metabolites, thereby achieving immune regulation and inhibiting airway inflammation associated with asthma. It elucidates the mechanism by which traditional Chinese medicine modulates the gut microbiota to enhance asthma management, offering a scientific foundation for the utilization of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of asthma.
Response of earthworm enzyme activity and gut microbial functional diversity to carbendazim in the manured soil
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Zhang Liping , Yao Zhoulin , Jin Longfei , Zhang Weiqing , Feng Xianju , Ma Weibin , Lin Mei
Published: October 2024

The effect of pesticide pollution on environmental microorganisms in soil has become the focus of widespread concern in society today. The response of earthworm gut and surrounding soil microbial functional diversity and enzyme activity to carbendazim (CBD) was studied in a soil-earthworm ecosystem amended with manure. In the experiment, CBD was added to the manured soil (MS). Meanwhile, the pesticide treatment without manure and the control treatment without pesticides were also set up. The activities of catalase (CAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were measured to evaluate the toxicity of CBD. The Biolog method was used to assess the functional diversity of the microbial community. In the 2 mg/kg CBD treatment, earthworm AChE activity decreased significantly in the MS after 14 d, which occurred earlier than in the un-manured soil (NS). The changes of earthworm CAT activity in the pesticide treatments showed a trend of initially increasing and then maintaining at a high activity level. However, the CAT activities at 28 d in the manured soils were clearly lower than that at 7 d for both the CBD treatments, while they remained stable in the control treatments. The carbon source utilization, Simpson index, Shannon index, and McIntosh index of soil microorganisms in the MS treatments were significantly higher than those in the NS treatments. The overall activity of earthworm gut microorganisms in the MS treated with 2 mg/kg CBD was higher than that in the control. Also, CBD treatment (2 mg/kg) increased significantly the Simpson index and McIntosh index of earthworm gut microorganisms. The results indicated that the enzyme activities in the manured soils increased before 7 d for the pesticide treatments. Furthermore, exposure to CBD at a high concentration in the MS not only led to the earlier inhibition of earthworm enzyme activity but also significantly improved the overall activity of earthworm gut microorganisms and microbial functional diversity. This study revealed the ecotoxicological effects of earthworms in response to pesticide stress following the use of organic fertilizers under facility environmental conditions, which can provide a theoretical basis for the remediation of pesticide pollution in soil in the future.
Ammonium chloride reduces excitatory synaptic transmission onto CA1 pyramidal neurons of mouse organotypic slice cultures
Authors: Kleidonas Dimitrios , Hilfiger Louis , Lenz Maximilian , Häussinger Dieter , Vlachos Andreas
Published: October 2024

Acute liver dysfunction commonly leads to rapid increases in ammonia concentrations in both the serum and the cerebrospinal fluid. These elevations primarily affect brain astrocytes, causing modifications in their structure and function. However, its impact on neurons is not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of elevated ammonium chloride levels (NH4Cl, 5 mM) on synaptic transmission onto CA1 pyramidal neurons in mouse organotypic entorhino-hippocampal tissue cultures. We found that acute exposure to NH4Cl reversibly reduced excitatory synaptic transmission and affected CA3-CA1 synapses. Notably, NH4Cl modified astrocytic, but not CA1 pyramidal neuron, passive intrinsic properties. To further explore the role of astrocytes in NH4Cl-induced attenuation of synaptic transmission, we used methionine sulfoximine to target glutamine synthetase, a key astrocytic enzyme for ammonia clearance in the central nervous system. Inhibition of glutamine synthetase effectively prevented the downregulation of excitatory synaptic activity, underscoring the significant role of astrocytes in adjusting excitatory synapses during acute ammonia elevation.
Speech motor impairment in ALS is associated with multiregional cortical thinning beyond primary motor cortex
Authors: Zaninotto Ana Luiza , Makary Meena M. , Rowe Hannah P. , Eshghi Marziye , Tseng Chieh-En (Jane) , Chan James , Zürcher Nicole R. , Hooker Jacob , Lewis Austin , Keegan Mackenzie , Gifford Ryan F. , Green Jordan R. , Babu Suma
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Cortical thinning is well-documented in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), yet its association with speech deterioration remains understudied. This study characterizes anatomical changes in the brain within the context of speech impairment patterns in individuals with ALS, providing insight into the disease's multiregional spread and biology.

Methods

To evaluate patterns of cortical thickness in speakers with ALS with and without functional speech changes compared to healthy controls (HCs) using whole-brain and region of interest (ROI) analyses. Forty individuals with ALS and 22 HCs underwent a T1-weighted 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Individuals with ALS were divided into two groups based on the preserved speech [ps-ALS] (n = 18) or deteriorated speech [ds-ALS] (n = 22) as measured by the ALSFRSF-R speech subscore (=4 or <4 points, respectively). Sixteen a priori-defined and automatically segmented cortical and subcortical brain ROIs were selected based on their previously documented roles in speech production. Two cortical thickness analyses were performed: (1) group-level whole-brain surface-based analyses and (2) group-level ROI analyses. A case study of 6 ALS individuals examined the cortical thickness, and their speech was characterized using quantitative and qualitative measures.

Results

Based on the group-level whole-brain surface-based analyses, the ds-ALS group demonstrated significant cortical thinning compared to HCs in the left primary motor and somatosensory cortices and the right inferior parietal lobe with its adjacent lateral occipital cortical regions. The ps-ALS group demonstrated no significant cortical thinning compared to HCs. Based on the group-level ROI analyses, the ds-ALS group demonstrated significant cortical thinning compared to HCs in bilateral middle motor cortices, right posterior dorsal premotor cortex, and left anterior cingulate cortex. The case study analysis revealed that ALS speakers with speech features characteristic of spastic dysarthria exhibited cortical thinning, while those with speech features characteristic of flaccid dysarthria did not.

Discussion

Individuals with ALS have anatomical changes involving multiregional neocortical areas beyond the primary motor cortex that may manifest as subjective (i.e., clinical judgment) and objective (i.e., speaking rate) changes in speech production. Further longitudinal work in ALS is needed to better understand the link between MRI cortical thickness changes and bulbar dysfunction.
The neural substrates of bruxism: current knowledge and clinical implications
Authors: Uchima Koecklin Karin Harumi , Aliaga-Del Castillo Aron , Li Peng
Published: October 2024

Bruxism is a complex orofacial behavior that can occur during sleep or wakefulness, characterized by the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, involving repetitive activity of the jaw muscles. Its etiology is multifactorial, influenced by genetic, psychological, physiological, and lifestyle factors. While the mild bruxism may not necessitate treatment, severe bruxism can lead to significant consequences, including tooth damage, jaw pain, fatigue, and headaches. The bruxism has been associated with medical conditions, such as stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and various neurological disorders; however, the exact pathophysiology remains elusive. Although the central nervous system is strongly implicated in the development of bruxism, specific neural substrates have not yet been conclusively established. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that individuals with bruxism may exhibit neural plasticity, resulting in the establishment of distinct neural circuitry that control the jaw movements. The application of various neurophysiological techniques in both clinical and pre-clinical studies provides valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying bruxism. This review aims to comprehensively examine the current literature on the neural pathways involved in bruxism, with the goal of improving the clinical approach and therapeutics for this condition. A deeper understanding of the neural circuitry controlling bruxism holds the potential to advance future treatment approaches and improve the management of patients with bruxism.
Identification biomarkers in disease progression of obstructive sleep apnea from children serum based on WGCNA and Mfuzz
Authors: Gao Simin , Shan Dan , Tang Yuedi
Published: October 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is a prevalent form of respiratory sleep disorder, with an increasing prevalence among children. The consequences of OSA include obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neuropsychological diseases. Despite its pervasive impact, a significant proportion of individuals especially children remain unaware that they suffer from OSA. Consequently, there is an urgent need for an accessible diagnostic approach. In this study, we conducted a bioinformatic analysis to identify potential biomarkers from a proteomics dataset comprising serum samples from children with OSA in the progression stage. In the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), we observed that the complement and immune response pathways persisted throughout the development of OSA and could be detected in the early stages. Subsequent to soft clustering and WGCNA analysis, it was revealed that the Hippo pathway, including ITGAL and FERMT3, plays a role in mild OSA. The analysis revealed a significant alteration of the complement and coagulation pathways, including TFPI and MLB2, in moderate OSA. In severe OSA, there was an association between hypoxia and the extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor interaction and collagen binding. In summary, it can be posited that the systemic inflammation may persist throughout the progression of OSA. Furthermore, severe OSA is characterized by abnormal vascular endothelial function, which may be attributed to chronic hypoxia. Finally, four potential biomarkers (ITGAL, TFPI, TTR, ANTXR1) were identified based on LASSO regression, and a prediction model for OSA progression was constructed based on the biomarkers.
Association between the serum glucose-to-potassium ratio and clinical outcomes in ischemic stroke patients after endovascular thrombectomy
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Huang Zhihang , Chen Shuaiyu , Yan E. , Zhang Xiaohao , Su Mouxiao , Zhou Junshan , Wang Wei
Published: October 2024

Background and purpose

The baseline glucose-to-potassium ratio (GPR) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute brain injury and intracranial hemorrhage. However, the impact of serum GPR on clinical outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the GPR at admission and functional outcomes at 90 days after EVT.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our database for patients with acute ischemic stroke involving an anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion who received EVT between October 2019 and December 2021. The baseline serum GPR was measured after admission. The primary outcome was a 90-day poor outcome, which was defined as a modified Rankin scale score of 3–6.

Results

A total of 273 patients (mean age, 70.9 ± 11.9 years; 161 men) were finally included for analyses. During the 90-day follow-up, 151 patients (55.3%) experienced an unfavorable outcome. After adjusting for demographic characteristics and other potential confounders, the increased GPR was significantly associated with a higher risk of a 90-day poor outcome (odds ratio, 1.852; 95% confidence interval, 1.276–2.688, p = 0.001). Similar results were observed when the GPR was analyzed as a categorical variable. In addition, the restricted cubic spline observed a positive and linear association between the GPR and poor outcomes at 90 days (p = 0.329 for linearity; p = 0.001 for linearity).

Conclusion

Our study found that ischemic stroke patients with the higher GPR at admission were more likely to have an unfavorable prognosis at 3 months, suggesting that GPR may be a potential prognostic biomarker for ischemic stroke after EVT.
Insular operculum disconnection and herniation into the parapharyngeal space due to a fetal Galassi Type III arachnoid cyst: a case report
Authors: Li Ping , Zhang Qin , Yang Yuantao , Ji Xinting , Zhao Rui , Gu Shuo
Published: October 2024

Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are frequently encountered as incidental findings in the brain, with most cases being asymptomatic and not requiring intervention. However, severe brain malformations caused by ACs are rare. In this study, we describe the case of an 8-day-old female infant with a left mandibular mass that was diagnosed as an insular operculum, which has become disconnected and herniated into the parapharyngeal space through an incompletely ossified greater wing of the sphenoid, caused by a fetal Galassi Type III AC. The newborn also exhibited left hearing impairment, which did not improve at the 6-month follow-up after the cyst peritoneal shunt. This report highlights that ACs that manifest during the early fetal period may protrude from the cranial cavity through an unossified skull, potentially affecting the development of brain tissues.
Prognostic value of three clinical nutrition scoring system (NRI, PNI, and CONUT) in elderly patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Li Shu-ying , Wan Li-lin , Liu Yi-fan , Li Yu-Wei , Huang Xiang , Liu Rui-ji
Published: October 2024

Background

Most of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) are elderly and have a long course of disease. Preoperative assessment of the patient's clinical nutritional status facilitates early intervention and improves patient prognosis.

Methods

We assessed the nutritional status of PCa patients utilizing the Nutritional Risk Index (NRI), Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), and Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) scoring systems. Survival comparisons between groups were conducted using Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and log-rank tests, while Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was employed to identify independent prognostic factors. Furthermore, we implemented bootstrap-based optimism correction methods to validate the scoring systems and applied decision curve analysis to evaluate the non-inferiority of these three clinical nutrition scoring systems relative to the conventional American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging.

Results

In this study, malnutrition was diagnosed in 31.51% of the patients using the NRI, 13.02% using the PNI, and 88.28% using the CONUT score. After adjusting for confounders, normal nutritional status as defined by NRI and PNI emerged as an independent prognostic factor for prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival (PSA-PFS). However, nutritional status assessed by CONUT inaccurately predicted PSA-PFS. Normal nutritional status, as determined by all three scoring systems, was found to be an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival (PFS). Following adjustments for optimistic estimates, the C-index for NRI in predicting both PSA-PFS and PFS remained the highest among the three scoring systems. The results of the DCA indicated that the C-index of all three scoring systems was higher than that of AJCC stage.

Conclusions

NRI, PNI, and CONUT are convenient and clinically applicable scoring systems. A clinical malnutrition intervention may improve the prognosis of prostate cancer patients.
Dose–response relationship of serum ferritin and dietary iron intake with metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease incidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Lu , Que Ting , Zhou Yifeng , Liu Zhengtao
Published: October 2024

Aim

This study aims to assess the dose–response impact of iron load on systemic and hepatic metabolic disorders including metabolic syndrome (MetS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

Serum ferritin (SF) and dietary iron intake were selected to represent the indicators of iron load in the general population. PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched for epidemiological studies assessing the impact of SF/dietary iron intake on MetS/NAFLD occurrence. All literature was published before September 1st, 2023 with no language restrictions.

Results

Fifteen and 11 papers were collected with a focus on connections between SF and MetS/NAFLD, respectively. Eight papers focusing on dietary iron and MetS were included in the following meta-analysis. For the impact of SF on MetS, the pooled odds ratio (OR) of MetS was 1.88 (95% CI: 1.58–2.24) for the highest versus lowest SF categories. In males, the OR was 1.15 (95% CI: 1.10–1.21) per incremental increase in SF of 50 μg/L, while for females, each 50 μg/L increase in SF was associated with a 1.50-fold higher risk of MetS (95% CI: 1.15–1.94). For connections between SF and NAFLD, we found higher SF levels were observed in NAFLD patients compared to the control group [standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.71; 95% CI: 0.27–1.15], NASH patients against control group (SMD1.05; 95% CI:0.44–1.66), NASH patients against the NAFLD group (SMD 0.6; 95% CI: 0.31–1.00), each 50 μg/L increase in SF was associated with a 1.08-fold higher risk of NAFLD (95% CI: 1.07–1.10). For the impact of dietary iron on MetS, Pooled OR of MetS was 1.34 (95% CI: 1.10–1.63) for the highest versus lowest dietary iron categories.

Conclusion

Elevated SF levels is a linear relation between the incidence of MetS/NAFLD. In addition, there is a positive association between dietary iron intake and metabolic syndrome. The association between serum ferritin and metabolic syndrome may be confounded by body mass index and C-reactive protein levels.
Case report: A case of intercostal intramuscular hemangioma with sternal invasion
Authors: Liu Dongdong , Bao Yuchen , Wang Yanzhe , Lu Xiangjun , Shen Jian , Huang Siyuan , Zhao Ming , Wang Haitao
Published: October 2024

Background

Intramuscular hemangioma is a vascular malformation occurring in muscle tissues. It is most common in skeletal muscles of limbs, especially lower limbs in childhood. The intercostal intramuscular hemangioma with sternal invasion is very rare.

Case presentation

The 47-year-old female patient was hospitalized due to “suddenly chest pain for 4 days”. Chest contrast-enhanced CT indicated bony changes in the sternum, accompanied by soft tissue shadows in the posterior sternum and diaphragmatic angle. After admission, physical examination showed: peristernal tenderness, percussion pain, other no obvious positive signs. PET-CT examination indicated that there was a high possibility of benign sternal changes. No cancer cells were found by sternal puncture. Surgical biopsy was performed and pathological findings were consistent with intramuscular hemangioma.

Conclusion

Intramuscular hemangioma with bone invasion is very rare, imaging examination is difficult to indicate obvious evidence, preoperative diagnosis is difficult, complete surgical resection is very important, more personalized treatment should be provided according to the overall situation of the patient.
High-dose chemotherapy as initial salvage chemotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory testicular cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Briones Juan , Diaz Pamela , Nicholson Brian D.
Published: October 2024

Background

The role of high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in the management of patients with relapsed/refractory germ-cell tumors has not been established in prospective studies. Our aim was to estimate the benefits and harm of this treatment in men with relapsed/refractory germ-cell tumors.

Methods

Electronic databases, conference proceedings, and trial registers until April 30, 2023, were searched. Randomized and non-randomized prospective controlled trials were included. Risk of bias assessments were performed using either RoB2 or ROBINS-I tools. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. Time-to-event data were analyzed using the hazard ratio. The primary outcome was overall survival, and a meta-analysis was not conducted to assess it because non-randomized trials were judged to have a critical risk of bias. Categorical data were analyzed using a risk ratio. All results are presented with the corresponding 95% confidence interval.

Results

Four out of 3,824 records met the inclusion criteria, and three out of four were used to assess primary and secondary outcomes. Based on the IT94 study (N = 263 participants), single high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation may have little to no effect on overall survival [hazard ratio (HR) 0.98, 95%CI 0.68 to 1.42; p = 0.916]. Non-randomized trials (N = 43 participants) showed contrasting results, which may be explained by the number of cycles of high-dose chemotherapy administered in each study. Regarding secondary outcomes, information was only provided for event-free survival, response rate, and acute toxicities.

Conclusions

Based on prospective data, there is insufficient evidence to support or refute the proposal that high-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation improves survival in men with relapsed/refractory germ-cell tumors. If this treatment is considered essential, the choice should be made by experienced clinicians at high-volume cancer centers.
A novel arginine methylation-associated lncRNA signature effectively predicts prognosis in breast cancer patients
Authors: Wang Changli , Wu Shuaishuai , Hu Yanran , Wang Jingjing , Ru Kun , Zhao Miaoqing
Published: October 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is a disease highly associated with epigenetic modification, and arginine methylation is particularly important in its genetic regulation. However, the role of arginine methylation related lncRNAs in breast cancer has not been studied. First, we identified the related lncRNAs (from TCGA database) according to the differentially expressed genes related to arginine methylation in breast cancer. Then the lncRNAs related to protein arginine methylation were obtained by regression analysis, and the risk score model was constructed. Finally, the cell experiment and subcutaneous tumor model verified that the arginine methylation related lncRNA z68871.1 in the model had a significant effect on the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells. In conclusion, we successfully constructed an arginine methylation related lncRNA model, which has strong predictive ability. At the same time, this study provides an experimental basis for exploring the mechanism of arginine methylation in BC and helps to find new biomarkers of BC.
Structural development and brain asymmetry in the fronto-limbic regions in preschool-aged children
Authors: Lee Gang Yi , Youn Young-Ah , Jang Yong Hun , Kim Hyuna , Lee Joo Young , Lee Young Jun , Jung Minyoung , Lee Hyun Ju
Published: October 2024

Early-life experiences play a crucial role in the development of the fronto-limbic regions, influencing both macro- and microstructural changes in the brain. These alterations profoundly impact cognitive, social-emotional functions. Recently, early limbic structural alterations have been associated with numerous neurological and psychiatric morbidities. Although identifying normative developmental trajectories is essential for determining brain alterations, only a few studies have focused on examining the normative trajectories in the fronto-limbic regions during preschool-aged children. The aim of this study was to investigate the structural-developmental trajectory of the fronto-limbic regions using the cortical thickness, volume, and subcortical volume in 57 healthy and typical preschool-aged children between 1 and 5 years and examined the early lateralization patterns during the development of the fronto-limbic regions. Regarding brain lateralization, remarkable asymmetry was detected in the volume of thalamus and the cortical regions excluding the lateral orbitofrontal cortex in the fronto-limbic regions. This study of preschool-aged children may fill the knowledge gaps regarding the developmental patterns and hemispheric asymmetries of the fronto-limbic regions between newborns and adolescents.
Research progress of biomarkers in evaluating the severity and prognostic value of severe pneumonia in children
Authors: Gong Weihua , Gao Kaijie , Shan Zhiming , Yang Liu , Fang Panpan , Li Ci , Yang Junmei , Ni Jiajia
Published: October 2024

Pneumonia is a serious and common infectious disease in children. If not treated in time, it may develop into severe pneumonia. Severe pneumonia in children is mainly characterized by hypoxia and acidosis, often accompanied by various complications such as sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction. Severe pneumonia has a rapid onset and progression, and a high mortality rate. Biomarkers assist clinicians in the early diagnosis and treatment of patients by quickly and accurately identifying their conditions and prognostic risks. In this study, common clinical and novel biomarkers of severe pneumonia in children were reviewed, and the application value of biomarkers related to the severity and prognosis of severe pneumonia in children was evaluated to provide help for early identification and precise intervention by clinicians.
Neonatal encephalopathy multiorgan scoring systems: systematic review
Authors: Razif Noor Adeebah Mohamed , D’Arcy Aidan , Waicus Sarah , Agostinis Alyssa , Scheepers Rachelle , Buttle Yvonne , Pepper Aidan , Hughes Aisling , Fouda Basem , Matreja Panya , MacInnis Emily , O’Dea Mary , Isweisi Eman , Stewart Philip , Branagan Aoife , Roche Edna F. , Meehan Judith , Molloy Eleanor J.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is a condition with multifactorial etiology that causes multiorgan injury to neonates. The severity of multiorgan dysfunction (MOD) in NE varies, with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) as the standard of care. The aim is to identify current approaches used to assess and determine an optimum scoring system for MOD in NE.

Methods

The systematic review conformed to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An electronic search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and CINAHL for studies of scoring systems for MOD in NE.

Results

The search yielded 628 articles of which 12 studies were included for data extraction and analysis. Five studies found a positive correlation between the severity of NE and MOD. There was significant heterogeneity across the scoring systems, including the eligibility criteria for participants, the methods assessing specific organ systems, the length of follow-up, and adverse outcomes. The neurological, hepatic, cardiovascular, respiratory, hematological, and renal systems were included in most studies while the gastrointestinal system was only in three studies. The definitions for hepatic, renal, and respiratory systems dysfunction were most consistent while the cardiovascular system varied the most.

Discussion

A NE multiorgan scoring system should ideally include the renal, hepatic, respiratory, neurological, hematological, and cardiovascular systems. Despite the heterogeneity between the studies, these provide potential candidates for the standardization of MOD scoring systems in NE. Validation is needed for the parameters with adequate length of follow-up beyond the neonatal period. Additionally, the evaluation of MOD may be affected by TH considering its multiorgan effects.
Comparative analysis of different methods for protein quantification in donated human milk
Authors: Navarro-Tapia Elisabet , Herranz Barbero Ana , Marquina Maribel , Borràs-Novell Cristina , Pleguezuelos Vanessa , Vila-Candel Rafael , García-Algar Óscar , Andreu-Fernández Vicente
Published: October 2024

Background

Human milk is the best option for feeding newborns, especially premature infants. In the absence of breast milk, milk from a human milk bank can be a suitable alternative. However, the nutritional content of human milk may be insufficient to meet these high requirements and milk fortification is needed. To facilitate the implementation of simpler and faster analyzers in neonatal healthcare facilities, this study focuses on the concordance analysis of two different analyzers, one based on mid-infrared and the other on ultrasound, in comparison to the Bradford method for determining protein concentration in human milk.

Methods

Mature milk samples from donor mothers were collected and pasteurized at the Human Milk Bank of Barcelona and protein quantification was performed using mid-infrared (MIRIS-HMA), ultrasound (MilkoScope Julie27), and the classical Bradford reference methods. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence interval and Bland–Altman plots were used to assess the agreement between methods.

Results

The mean protein concentration of 142 milk samples calculated using MIRIS-HMA, MilkoScope, and the Bradford assay were 1.38, 1.15, and 1.19 g/100 ml, respectively. The ICC was 0.70 for MIRIS-HMA vs. Bradford and 0.37 for MilkoScope vs. Bradford.

Conclusion

MIRIS-HMA obtained a better agreement with the Bradford technique and is a promising method for developing new devices based on MIR transmission spectroscopy principles. This study confirms how MIRIS-HMA can be used to accurately calculate the protein concentration of human milk.