bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging Role of Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 as Biomarker for Acute Exacerbations in COPD Patients
Authors: Hu Qiurong , Xue Mingshan , Qu Huiqi , Zeng Yifeng , Lin Runpei , Su Lijun , Wang Xiaowen , Liu Jie , Mo Yi , Xiang Zhi , Sun Baoqing , Hakonarson Hakon , Song Yuanlin
Published: August 2024

Early and precise assessment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is crucial for the clinical management of COPD patients. Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) has been observed to increase in inflammatory lung diseases. This study aimed to investigate whether sST2 could serve as a biomarker for AECOPD and predict disease severity. We investigated 55 AECOPD patients, 30 stable COPD patients, and 33 healthy controls. COPD patients had higher sST2 levels than healthy controls. Additionally, sST2 levels showed significant differences among AECOPD patients with different GOLD classes and levels of deterioration, and were significantly correlated with inflammatory markers and pulmonary function tests in these patients. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that sST2 was an independent risk factor for AECOPD patients. AECOPD patients with bacterial infection also had significantly higher sST2 levels than those with non-bacterial infection. The performance of sST2 in differentiating AECOPD patients from those with a 4-week stable condition, as well as AECOPD patients with bacterial infection, surpasses that of CRP and PCT. In conclusion, our result suggests that sST2 may serve as a biomarker to predict AECOPD and disease severity, and assist in differentiating bacterial exacerbations in COPD patients.
Analysis of human papillomavirus infection and its correlation with cervical lesions in Huizhou women
Authors: Wang Xiaoting , Ju Zengrui , Lai Qifei , Liu Qiaomei , Zhong Jisheng , Gao Lijie
Published: August 2024

To analyze the genotype distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women in the Huizhou region of China and determine its correlation with age and degree of cervical lesions, with the aim to understand the characteristics of HPV infection in women in the region. A total of 65,127 patients who underwent HPV testing at the Second Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Huizhou City from January 2018 to December 2022 were selected as the research subjects. The polymerase chain reaction-reverse dot hybridization technique was used to detect HPV genotypes. The total detection rate of HPV infection was 7.25%, with single infection accounting for 70.94%. The detection rate of high-risk HPV was 6.73%. The top four high-risk types of HPV detected were 16, 52, 18, and 58. The distribution of HPV infection varied greatly among different age groups. The positive rates of HPV were the highest in the < 30-year-old group, followed by the ≥ 60-year-old group, showing a clear bimodal phenomenon. HPV infection in the population of Huizhou is mainly single infection and high-risk type, with higher infection rates in people < 30 and ≥ 60 years old. The local area should pay attention to the prevention and control of HPV.
PointNet++ Based Concealed Object Classification Utilizing an FMCW Millimeter-Wave Radar
Authors: Wang Yaheng , Su Jie , Murakami Hironaru , Tonouchi Masayoshi
Published: August 2024

In the field of millimeter-wave (MMW) imaging, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a crucial solution for addressing automation challenges. In this study, concealed object classification was successfully achieved on point cloud data from MMW radar high-precision imaging using the PointNet + + deep learning method. The utilized dataset comprises point cloud data generated through the transformation of 3D models and reconstruction of physical objects with an accuracy of less than 1mm via MMW radar scanning. Classification accuracy was significantly improved by introducing data enhancement techniques, including the generation of homologous data and optimization of sampling points. After several evaluations, 300 epochs of training were conducted using 8192 sampling points, the results showed an accuracy of 0.998 for the training dataset and 0.996 for the test dataset. Moreover, evaluations of samples not included in the original dataset as well as multi-surface scans of concealed objects within the cardboard both resulted in correct predictions, which further validates the effectiveness and reliability of the study and demonstrates the potential of AI applied to MMW imaging.
Perceived Usefulness of New Technologies in Palliative Care Volunteering. Mix Methodology study with stakeholders.
Authors: Barnestein-Fonseca Pilar , Víbora-Martín Eva , Ruiz-Torreras Inmaculada , Gómez-García Rafael , Martín-Roselló María Luisa
Published: August 2024

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic it was not possible to offer face-to-face accompaniment to patients and families, so alternatives had to be sought to alleviate the stressful situations that patients and families were experiencing and for that reason starting to use the New technologies.
Objective: explore the perceived usefulness of New Technologies for volunteering of all the stakeholders. Also we analyse the relationship between the perceived usefulness and technological profile of the participants.
Design: Acceptability study with mixed methodology to analyse and identify the opinion. Transverse descriptive design for quantitative variables and a phenomenological approach for qualitative data describing and explaining the perceived usefulness of New Technologies.
Methods: Patients, relatives, professionals and volunteers from different settings were selected. We evaluated the degree of agreement with the use of New Technologies for volunteering, benefits, disadvantages and satisfaction with volunteering. For qualitative study, we use an open question format to further explore the perceived usefulness of use of New Technologies during Palliative Care volunteering and the technological profile was measured by TechPH.
Results: 402 people participated in this study. Sample was divided into 4 different profiles: patients, relatives, professionals and volunteers. About usefulness, 50% (25/50) of patients, 63.6% (28/45) of relatives, 77.8% (88/136) of professionals and 78.2% (129/171) of volunteers considered New Technologies to be beneficial for volunteering. Three themes about the perceived usefulness of New Technologies for volunteering in Palliative Care were addressed form the qualitative analysis: Difficulties in the use of New Technologies, Benefits and Training for volunteers.
Conclusions: All groups perceived the new technologies to be a useful tool for volunteers’ accompaniment. This perceived usefulness is higher for professionals however they are the group less implicate in this accompaniment. The perceived usefulness is lower in the patient group. They prefer a mix model using New Technologies as a complement of in-person accompaniment.
Characterization of the Interference Distribution for Large-scale Wireless Communication Network
Authors: Mensah Emmanuel Kwame , Alagirisamy Mukil , Kwame Eyram , Midhunchakkaravarthy Divya
Published: August 2024

The research paper discusses the characterization of aggregate interference distribution for large-scale wireless communication networks. The paper proposes an innovative approach to estimate the probability density function of the aggregate interference in the wireless network by using statistical modeling techniques. The methodology involves using a DS-CDMA communication system that captures aggregate interference in large-scale wireless networks, considering factors like path loss, shadowing, fading, and spatial distribution of interfering nodes. It was unearthed that the interference of the large-scale wireless network was alpha-stable probability density function (pdf) of Weibull distribution, which belongs to the class of heavy-tailed probability distributions. Experimental results from simulations on large-scale wireless communication networks using Matlab 20021a were used to validate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed approach, demonstrating the reliability of the statistical modeling technique. The alpha-stable pdf model assist network designers and engineers in gaining valuable insights into aggregate interference characterization and to make informed decisions to optimize network performance.
Nutritional status of underfive children in the Northeastern States of India: Evidence from NFHS data
Authors: Khairkar Vijaya , Srivast Ankita , Bora Jayanta Kumar
Published: August 2024

Despite significant strides in economic development, India continues to face challenges in ensuring improved nutritional outcomes for its children. This situation underscores the urgent need to address a pervasive issue that threatens the health and future potential of the country's younger generation. The nutritional status of underfive children in the northeastern states of India was examined in this study using data from the latest rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted between 2019 and 2021. This study investigated the trends in the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children, highlighting disparities across states and socioeconomic groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified significant determinants of childhood malnutrition, including demographic and socioeconomic factors. Additionally, the study evaluated inequality in undernutrition using concentration indices based on wealth and maternal education. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address childhood malnutrition in the region, emphasizing the importance of socioeconomic factors in shaping nutritional outcomes. Policy implications include targeted efforts to improve maternal education, enhance access to healthcare facilities, and address socioeconomic inequalities to mitigate the prevalence of undernutrition in the northeastern states of India. Overall, this research emphasizes evidence-based policies and interventions aimed at reducing undernutrition and improving child health outcomes in the northeastern states of India.
Incidence and Predictors of Mortality Among Preterm Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals in Northeast Ethiopia: A Multi-Center Prospective Follow-Up Study
Authors: Birhanu Tarikua Afework , Tarekegn Setegn Mihret , Endeshaw Yaregal Semanew , Wondifraw Endalik Birrie , Getaneh Fekadeselassie Belege , Yitayew Yibeltal Asmamaw , Belete Melaku Ashagrie , Wudu Muluken Amare
Published: August 2024

Background
Despite numerous efforts, preterm mortality remains a significant public health burden in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of preterm mortality among preterm neonates admitted to Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals in Northeast Ethiopia in 2024.
Methods
A multi-center prospective follow-up study conducted at the institutional level involved 356 preterm neonates, selected through consecutive sampling. A Weibull proportional hazards model was fitted to identify predictors of preterm neonatal mortality.
Result
The preterm neonatal mortality rate was 72 per 1,000 person-days of observation. The median time to death was 10 days (IQR = 7–20 days). Predictors of preterm neonatal mortality included young maternal age (15–19 years) [AHR 2.73 (95% CI: 1.3–5.9)], extremely low birth weight [AHR 2.4 (95% CI: 1.24–4.6)], respiratory distress syndrome [AHR 2.3 (95% CI: 1.34–3.8)], early preterm birth [AHR 1.8 (95% CI: 1.1–3)], lack of kangaroo mother care [AHR 2.2 (95% CI: 1.54–3.21)], multiple pregnancy [AHR 2.1 (95% CI: 1.1–4.3)], necrotizing enterocolitis [AHR 1.53 (95% CI: 1.1–2.22)], suboptimal continuous positive airway pressure therapy [AHR 1.43 (95% CI: 1.02–2.02)], and congenital anomalies [AHR 2.3 (95% CI: 1.32–3.9)].
Conclusion
The current study revealed that preterm neonatal mortality significantly exceeds the national average and is unacceptably high, necessitating immediate intervention. This underscores the urgency to improve optimal childbearing age, optimize continuous positive airway pressure therapy, improve kangaroo mother care practices, and enhance the management of necrotizing enterocolitis and respiratory distress syndrome.
Region-based analysis with functional annotation identifies genes associated with cognitive function in South Asians from India
Authors: Abu-Amara Hasan , Zhao Wei , Li Zheng , Leung Yuk Yee , Schellenberg Gerard D. , Wang Li-San , Moorjani Priya , Dey A. B. , Dey Sharmistha , Zhou Xiang , Gross Alden L. , Lee Jinkook , Kardia Sharon L.R. , Smith Jennifer A.
Published: August 2024

The prevalence of dementia among South Asians across India is approximately 7.4% in those 60 years and older, yet little is known about genetic risk factors for dementia in this population. Most known risk loci for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been identified from studies conducted in European Ancestry (EA) but are unknown in South Asians. Using whole-genome sequence data from 2680 participants from the Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia for the Longitudinal Aging Study of India (LASI-DAD), we performed a gene-based analysis of 84 genes previously associated with AD in EA. We investigated associations with the Hindi Mental State Examination (HMSE) score and factor scores for general cognitive function and five cognitive domains. For each gene, we examined missense/loss-of-function (LoF) variants and brain-specific promoter/enhancer variants, separately, both with and without incorporating additional annotation weights (e.g., deleteriousness, conservation scores) using the variant-Set Test for Association using Annotation infoRmation (STAAR). In the missense/LoF analysis without annotation weights and controlling for age, sex, state/territory, and genetic ancestry, three genes had an association with at least one measure of cognitive function (FDR q<0.1). APOE was associated with four measures of cognitive function, PICALM was associated with HMSE score, and TSPOAP1 was associated with executive function. The most strongly associated variants in each gene were rs429358 (APOE ε4), rs779406084 (PICALM), and rs9913145 (TSPOAP1). rs779406084 is a rare missense mutation that is more prevalent in LASI-DAD than in EA (minor allele frequency=0.075% vs. 0.0015%); the other two are common variants. No genes in the brain-specific promoter/enhancer analysis met criteria for significance. Results with and without annotation weights were similar. Missense/LoF variants in some genes previously associated with AD in EA are associated with measures of cognitive function in South Asians from India. Analyzing genome sequence data allows identification of potential novel causal variants enriched in South Asians.
3D Ultrasound Volume Quantification for Pediatric Urinary Tract Dilation: A Semi-Automated Segmentation Software Inter-Rater Analysis
Authors: Morales-Tisnés Tatiana , Sultan Laith , Rouet Laurence , Jago James , Morgan Trudy A , Lerebo Wondwossen , Elsingergy Mohamed M , Sriniva Arun , Sridha Anush , Otero Hansel J , Darge Kassa , Back Susan J
Published: August 2024

Objective
We determined the reliability of a three-dimensional (3D) US segmentation software for evaluating hydronephrosis index (HI) and renal parenchymal and pelvicalyceal volume in children with UTD.
Material and methods
From 1/2019 to 9/2023, children clinically scheduled for a renal imaging exam to assess UTD at a single center were prospectively enrolled. They underwent a dedicated 2D and 3D US renal exam. A UTD score was assigned per kidney from the 2D images based on the 2014 consensus classification by an experienced pediatric radiologist. From the 3D dataset, the renal parenchyma and collecting system were independently segmented by three trained raters using a semi-automated software (Philips Health Technology Innovation, Paris, France). From this segmentation, the kidney parenchymal and pelvicalyceal volume, dimensions, and HI values, were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficient, grading inter-rater reliability.
Results
Forty-eight studies from 47 patients were included (65% male; median age: 24 months; IQR: 61 months). From these, 46 right and 40 left kidneys were chosen based on image quality. Twenty-nine (33.7%) kidneys had no dilation, 10 (11.6%) had UTD P1, 23 (26.7%) UTD P2, and 24 (27.9%) UTD P3. Inter-rater reliability was almost perfect across all parameters, with estimates ranging from 0.85 to 0.95. In kidneys with UTD P2 and UTD P3, HI had the lowest inter-rater agreement (0.75 and 0.66, respectively).
Conclusions
We demonstrated that semi-automated 3D US segmentation for kidneys with UTD can reliably assess renal dimensions, parenchymal and collecting system volumes, and HI among raters.
A Cost-Utility Analysis of Screening and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy compared to usual care for Perinatal Depression
Authors: Wang Bohan , Shen Shuyuan , Smith Robert David
Published: August 2024

Background: Perinatal depression is common and the most prevalent cause of maternal mortality, implementing effective depression screening and therapy is a priority for public health internationally.
Objective: The aim of this study is to estimate the cost-effectiveness of implementing a strategy of perinatal depression screening with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) compared with the current Treatment as Usual alone (TAU) for individuals with perinatal depression.
Methods: A decision tree model was constructed to estimate the potential cost and utility benefits for screening using the Whooley Questionnaire followed by referral to CBT compared to TAU alone in Hong Kong. The model used healthcare costs, in Hong Kong Dollars (HKD), and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) to estimate economic and health utility outcomes. We used two states (remission, and depression) modeled over a single perinatal period, such as transfer probabilities, depression-specific quality of life, and cost data were retrieved from published studies. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to estimate the stability of the model.
Results: The baseline analysis suggested Whooley combined with CBT or TAU yielded an additional 0.02 QALY compared to TAU alone but added 900.26 HKD to the cost of treatment per patient. Our deterministic sensitivity analysis indicates several variables that have the greatest impact on the model. Our probabilistic sensitivity analysis shows that Whooley combined with CBT or TAU is approximately 84% more cost-effective than TAU alone at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of 194,780 HKD.
Conclusions: Whooley combined with CBT is estimated to be cost-effective in identifying and treating individuals with perinatal depression at an early stage compared to TAU alone. More research is required to assess the feasibility, cost-benefit, and clinical effectiveness of this strategy.
Scalable information extraction from free text electronic health records using large language models
Authors: Gu Bowen , Shao Vivian , Liao Ziqian , Carducci Valentina , Romero-Brufau Santiago , Yang Jie , Desai Rishi J
Published: August 2024

Background
A vast amount of potentially useful information such as description of patient symptoms, family, and social history is recorded as free-text notes in electronic health records (EHRs) but is difficult to reliably extract at scale, limiting their utility in research. This study aims to assess whether an “out of the box” implementation of open-source large language models (LLMs) without any fine-tuning can accurately extract social determinants of health (SDoH) data from free-text clinical notes.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study using EHR data from the Mass General Brigham (MGB) system, analyzing free-text notes for SDoH information. We selected a random sample of 200 patients and manually labeled nine SDoH aspects. Eight advanced open-source LLMs were evaluated against a baseline pattern-matching model. Two human reviewers provided the manual labels, achieving 93% inter-annotator agreement. LLM performance was assessed using accuracy metrics for overall, mentioned, and non-mentioned SDoH, and macro F1 scores.
Results
LLMs outperformed the baseline pattern-matching approach, particularly for explicitly mentioned SDoH, achieving up to 40% higher Accuracymentioned. openchat_3.5 was the best-performing model, surpassing the baseline in overall accuracy across all nine SDoH aspects. The refined pipeline with prompt engineering reduced hallucinations and improved accuracy.
Conclusions
Open-source LLMs are effective and scalable tools for extracting SDoH from unstructured EHRs, surpassing traditional pattern-matching methods. Further refinement and domain-specific training could enhance their utility in clinical research and predictive analytics, improving healthcare outcomes and addressing health disparities.
Optimisation of low and ultra-low dose scanning protocols for ultra-extended field of view PET in a real-world clinical setting
Authors: Ingbritsen Johanna , Callahan Jason , Morgan Hugh , Munro Melissa , Ware Robert E. , Hicks Rodney J.
Published: August 2024

True total-body and extended axial field-of-view (AFOV) PET/CT with 1m or more of body coverage are now commercially available and dramatically increase system sensitivity over conventional AFOV PET/CT. The Siemens Biograph Vision Quadra (Quadra), with an AFOV of 106cm, potentially allows use of significantly lower administered radiopharmaceuticals as well as reduced scan times. The aim of this study was to optimise acquisition protocols for routine clinical imaging with FDG on the Quadra the prioritisation of reduced activity given physical infrastructure constraints in our facility. Low-dose (1 MBq/kg) and ultra-low dose (0.5 MBq/g) cohorts, each of 20 patients were scanned in a single bed position for 10 and 15 minutes respectively with list-mode data acquisition. These data were then reconstructed simulating progressively shorter acquisition times down to 30 seconds and 1 minute, respectively and then reviewed by 2 experienced PET readers who selected the shortest optimal and minimal acquisition durations based on personal preferences. Quantitative analysis was also performed of image noise to assess how this correlated with qualitative preferences. At the consensus minimum acquisition durations at both dosing levels, the coefficient of variance in the liver as a measure of image noise was 10% or less and there was minimal reduction in this measure between the optimal and longest acquisition durations. These data support the reduction in both administered activity and scan acquisition times for routine clinical FDG PET/CT on the Quadra providing efficient workflows and low radiation doses to staff and patients, while achieving high quality images.
Double-negative T cells with a distinct transcriptomic profile are abundant in the peripheral blood of patients with breast cancer
Authors: Zhu Huiru , Wei Yunbo , Guo Jiaqi , Liu Xiaofei
Published: August 2024

Background
Double-negative T (DNT) cells comprise a distinctive subset of T lymphocytes that play a significant role in the immune system. This study characterized peripheral DNT cells in individuals diagnosed with breast cancer (BC).
Methods
Peripheral blood DNT cells were collected from patients with BC and healthy controls by flow cytometry. The sorted DNT cells were analyzed by Smart-seq2 for single-cell full-length transcriptome profiling. Conducting bioinformatics analysis to pinpoint pivotal genes and investigate potential underlying mechanisms. RT -PCR was used to measure the relative expression of TMEM176B, EGR1, C1QB and C1QC.
Result
The percentage of DNT cells was higher in patients with BC than in healthy controls. In total, 289 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (|log2FC| > 2, P < 0.05). Gene enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs were significantly associated with complement activation, and B cell receptor signaling. We identified 2 module-related and 10 hub genes, including IFIT1, IFI27, RSAD2, IFIT3, EGR1, IFI44L, C1QB, C1QC, TMEM176A, TMEM176B, NGFR, and VCAM1. The results of RT-qPCR showed significant differential expression of TMEM176B, EGR1, C1QB and C1QC between the DNT cells of BC patients and healthy controls (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
DNT cells are abundant in patients with BC, and they might exert anti-tumor immune responses by regulating genes such as TMEM176B and EGR1.
The impact of different surgical methods on the survival rate of patients with uterine sarcoma
Authors: Yang Qianni , Han Xiaodong
Published: August 2024

Objective: This article plans to retrospectively analyze patients with uterine sarcoma in our hospital to determine whether expanding the surgical resection range can improve patient prognosis, increase survival rate, and prolong survival.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 153 patients with uterine sarcoma who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital, and factors affecting their prognosis were determined through survival analysis.
Results: The Kaplan Meier survival analysis revealed that pathological grading, staging, and surgical approach were the main factors significantly affecting the 5-year survival rate of patients (p<0.05), and postoperative radiotherapy can improve the overall 5-year survival rate. Multivariate COX regression survival analysis: postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy: HR=1.277, p=0.485，95%CI= 0.643- 2.536 . Staging: HR=0.647, p=0.176，95%CI= 0.344-1.216.Surgical methods: HR=2.249, p=0.007，95%CI=1.252- 4.038.Pathological grading: HR=0.503, p=0.026 95%CI= 0.275-0.923.
Conclusion: The use of extensive hysterectomy with double adnexectomy compared to simple hysterectomy with double adnexectomy can significantly improve the overall 5-year survival rate of patients, and is an independent prognostic factor for this type of patient. Postoperative radiotherapy may prolong patient survival and improve 5-year survival rate.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Carrier Screening Program: Awareness and Attitude of Healthcare Professionals in Turkey
Authors: CELIK Kubra Muge , KOSE Canan CEYLAN , KAYA Derya , TEKIN Koray , SILAN Fatma
Published: August 2024

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene, leading to progressive muscle weakness. The global incidence of SMA is approximately 1–3 per 10,000 live births, and the carrier frequency of SMN1 gene mutations is estimated to be about 1 in 50 individuals. In response to increasing carrier rates, especially due to consanguineous marriages, Turkey launched the SMA Carrier Screening Program in 2021. Considering that recent SMA cases have emerged among healthcare workers, we aimed to evaluate their awareness of this program. After receiving ethics approval, 1,322 healthcare professionals completed a 15-item survey based on the SMA Carrier Screening Guidelines. Of these, 5.8% were unaware of SMA, and 26% lacked information about the national screening program. Awareness of the screening program was significantly lower among secondary and tertiary healthcare professionals compared to primary healthcare professionals (p < 0.0001), and among non-physician healthcare professionals compared to physician (p < 0.0001). Additionally, a serious lack of information was observed concerning the parts of the screening covering the pregnancy period. Although there is generally high awareness of the SMA Carrier Screening Program among healthcare professionals, significant knowledge gaps exist. These findings highlight the need for increased efforts to more effectively deliver screening programs and continue the education of healthcare professionals. Education and awareness campaigns can enhance program awareness and effectiveness, reach wider audiences, and contribute to preventive measures for the health of future generations.
Co-altered vaginal Lactobacillus, metabolome and host gene expression associate with the grade of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in Chinese women
Authors: Dai Wenkui , Guo Chunlei , Jiang Xin , Liu Yu , Wang Yinan , Zhou Qian , Xu Ruinan , Hou Jun , Wu Di , Yang Qing , Yang Qin , Li Changzhong , Li Shuai Cheng , Du Hui , Wu Ruifang
Published: August 2024

Background
Vaginal Lactobacillus has been implicated in modulating the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) progression. However, there remains a gap in population-based studies elucidating the underlying mechanisms that link Lactobacillus with CIN progression and carcinogenesis.
Methods
To address this knowledge gap, we conducted an in-depth analysis of vaginal microbiota (VM), metabolome, and host transcriptome profiles in a cohort of 75 Chinese women, stratified into two groups based on their CIN status: low-grade CIN1 (n = 38) and high-grade CIN2+ (n = 37).
Results
Our findings revealed that samples dominated by Lactobacillus were more prevalent in the CIN1 cohort. Furthermore, the vaginal metabolome displayed a significant interplay with the microbiota, with Lactobacillus emerging as a key influencer. Among the 100 metabolites that distinguished the CIN1 and CIN2 + cohorts, 26 were inversely correlated with Lactobacillus levels, including L-Carnitine and UDP-D-glucose. Conversely, five metabolites, such as Succinic anhydride, exhibited a positive correlation with Lactobacillus abundance. Differential gene expression analysis revealed 176 genes upregulated in the CIN1 cohort compared to the CIN2 + cohort, primarily related to immune responses and negative regulation of cell migration. Notably, COL4A2 and CCBE1, both negatively correlated with L-Carnitine, were among the upregulated genes. Conversely, 82 genes were downregulated in the CIN1 cohort, including TP63 and FOXD1, which positively correlated with UDP-D-glucose. Further mediation analysis suggested that L-Carnitine plays a crucial role in mediating the positive association between Lactobacillus and COL4A2 expression, both of which are enriched in the CIN1 cohort. Similarly, UDP-D-glucose emerged as a mediator in the negative association between Lactobacillus and FOXD1, a gene depleted in the CIN1 cohort.
Conclusions
These findings provide insights into the complex interplay between vaginal Lactobacillus, the metabolome, and host gene expression patterns associated with CIN progression. The identified Lactobacillus:L-Carnitine:COL4A2 and Lactobacillus:UDP-D-glucose:FOXD1 regulatory axes underscore the potential significance of these pathways in modulating CIN risk. These population-based discoveries hold promise for future research aimed at developing targeted interventions to prevent or delay CIN progression.
The crossroads of the hypercoagulability and patient outcomes in osteoarthritis: interactions and connections
Authors: zhou Qiao , liu jian , Zhu Yan , Wang Guizhen , Guo Jinchen
Published: August 2024

Background
Our study aimed to probe whether coagulation indices are linked to patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in OA.
Methods
A thorough review of the literature on OA and coagulation indices was conducted using bibliometric approaches. Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed in OA patients (7,068) and healthy controls (HC, 795). Coagulation indices—prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen (FIB), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), D-dimer, and platelet count (PLT)—as well as immune-inflammatory indices, PROs (visual analogue scale and Short Form 36), were analyzed for correlations.
Results
Co-cited literature revealed that research related to OA and coagulation indices focused on inflammation, pain, and clinical utility. The levels of PLT, TT, FIB, and D-dimer were elevated in the OA group compared to the HC group. Hypercoagulable states are present in the OA. The results of the ROC demonstrate that they can differentiate between OA and healthy individuals. Coagulation indices were strongly linked to immune-inflammatory indicators and PROs. Logistic regression analysis indicated that PLT, D-dimer, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were all predictive of disease activity. However, PLT and D-dimer combined with CRP had a superior predictive effect than CRP alone.
Conclusion
PLT and D-dimer may serve as appropriate biomarkers to correlate with OA disease activity.
Neurobiological insights into Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD): A resting-state functional MRI analysis
Authors: Dalkeranidis Eleni , Sinke Christopher , Krüger Tillmann H.C. , Kümpers Franziska M. L. M.
Published: August 2024

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is a rare disease causing high emotional distress eminently impacting the individual’s quality of life. Experts in this field assume that the disease is caused by a multifaceted interplay of different etiologies which may share a common neurobiological basis. However, only few functional neuroimaging investigations exists, and a more in-depth comprehension of the neurobiological foundation is required. Therefore, this study aims to provide new insights into how the functional integration of brain regions may relate to PGAD. By using the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique, functional connectivity at rest (rs-FC) was compared between patients suffering PGAD (n = 26) and healthy controls (n = 26) within the sensorimotor, salience, emotional-arousal and brain-bladder control networks. As hypothesized, patients with PGAD showed altered rs-FC within these four networks when compared to healthy controls. The brain regions exhibiting significant group differences in resting-state activity showed no correlation with clinical and behavioral measures. The study offers valuable insights into the anatomical, psychological and somatic dimensions of PGAD shedding light on its characteristics and underlying neural mechanisms. While the study examines exploratory hypotheses, future research is encouraged to validate these ideas, aiming to enhance the understanding of the central mechanisms of PGAD further.
Differences in pathological diagnoses between bronchoscopic tissue and resected specimens of non-small cell lung cancer: A retrospective single center study
Authors: Nabe Yusuke , Honda Yohei , Mizuuchi Hiroshi , Inoue Masaaki , Yoshida Junichi
Published: August 2024

Background
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combination chemotherapy has been used as preoperative and postoperative treatment for resectable non-small cell lung cancer. Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-L1) is a biomarker that predicts the therapeutic effect of ICIs. In lung cancer, it is evaluated using the Tumor Proportion Score. Tumors are heterogeneous, and if the amount of collected tissue is small, the location of the tissue may affect the diagnosis. We evaluated the revision rate of the resected specimens and considered its impact on PD-L1 measurement.
Methods
Over 5 years, 237 cases of non-small cell lung cancer underwent surgery. Of these, 126 cases underwent preoperative bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy included forceps biopsy, brushing, and bronchoalveolar lavage. Endoscopic ultrasound was used for peripheral lesions. Cases in which cancer was diagnosed from bronchoscopic specimens were considered to have a definitive diagnosis. Simultaneous multiple small cell and non-small cell lung cancer were identified. Cases of small cell lung cancer were excluded from analyses.
Results
Bronchoscopy diagnosed cancer in 45.2% of cases. The revision rate of pathological diagnosis in resected specimens was 10.5%. Cases diagnosed as adenosquamous carcinoma, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, spindle cell carcinoma, or pleomorphic carcinoma in resected specimens may have been revised from the diagnosis based on preoperative bronchoscopic specimens. In this study, 19.8% of cases were pathological stage 0-IA2 with T factors 2 cm or less, and the diagnostic rate by bronchoscopic examination was low at 16%. PD-L1 testing was measured in 11 cases using bronchoscopic specimens, one of which could not be measured because there was no evaluable tumor.
Conclusions
In this study, the pathological revision rate was 10.5% when comparing preoperative bronchoscopic specimens with resected specimens, which may have had an impact on PD-L1 evaluation.
Prebiotics Ingestion in Relevance to Lactose Intolerance Alleviation
Authors: AbdElSalam Rana , Kiele Viktorija
Published: August 2024

Lactose intolerance is a medical condition in which distress is experienced after lactose ingestion due to maldigestion or malabsorption, due to lack of persistent lactase or fermentation rates by gut microbiome that outweigh the colonic capacity to dispose residual fermentation products (He et. al., 2006). Multiple management approaches are applied according to case severity. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines (Page et. al., 2022), to outline the novel growing interest in fortifying dairy products with prebiotics to enhance the naturally occurring microbiota suggested to aid alleviating gastric distress symptoms. Results showed that prebiotics had a positive effect on symptoms profile, where daily administration of lactose caused significant gut microbiota adaptation, which is the same objective as the previously suggested intervention using probiotics (Deng et. al., 2015). Daily lactulose implementation significantly increased fecal β-galactosidase during lactulose feeding period. Galacto-oligosaccharides were effective for alleviating symptoms while maintaining safety.
Association of the number of days with severe anaemia in the first week with 28-Day mortality in patients with sepsis
Authors: Zeng Qinjing , Zhang Lei , Wu Yongxing , Tang Yonggan , Ma Hongye , Liu Yu
Published: August 2024

Anemia is a common occurrence during sepsis, however the relationship between the duration of anemia and short-term effect on mortality in septic patients remains unclear. In this retrospective cohort study, the patients with sepsis were included from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care -IV database.Outcome was 28-day mortality.The main analytical methods utilized in this study were multivariable logistic regression.Sensitivity analysis was used to balance the variables and reduce bias by using propensity score matching (PSM) and excluding special populations.A total of 1335 patients septic patients were included. After adjusting for confounders,the 28-day mortality of septic patients increased with each additional day of severe anemia (hemoglobin < 8g/dl) in the first week of ICU(intensive care unit) admission with an odds ratio(OR) of 1.12 (95% CI [1.05; 1.2],P < 0.001).Furthermore,patients who experienced severe anemia for at least three days had higher 28-day mortality compared to those who experienced severe anemia with less than three days in the first week(OR: 1.59, 95% CI [1.19; 2.11],P=0.002) based on multivariable logistic regression analysis.The results were also robust in sensitivity analyses.A longer duration of severe anemia in the first week may be linked to increased 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis.
Percolative Sulfide Core Formation in Oxidized Planetary Bodies
Authors: Crossley Samuel , Setera Jacob , Anzures Brendan , Iacovino Kayla , Buckley Wayne , Eckley Scott , O'Neal Evan , Maisano Jessica , Simon Justin , Righter Kevin
Published: August 2024

Models of planetary core formation traditionally involve the fractionation of Fe,Ni-metal melts from silicate mantles after extensive silicate melting. However, in planetary bodies that form farther from their central star, where moderately volatile elements are more abundant, high concentrations of oxygen and sulfur stabilize Fe,Ni-sulfides over metals. Meteorite partial melting experiments show that percolative sulfide melt migration can occur in primitive, oxidized mineral assemblages prior to silicate melting. Complementary partial melting experiments with synthetic sulfides show that fractionation of liquid sulfide from solid residues yields distinct noble metal (Os, Ru, Ir, Pd, and Pt) trace element proportions that match those manifested in the most oxidized meteoritic residues, the brachinites, as well as their complementary basaltic melts. These experiments provide the first reported evidence for percolative sulfide melt fractionation in meteorites and indicate that sulfide-dominated cores would be expected in oxidized planetary bodies as percolative sulfide segregation began at lower temperatures and earlier stages of melting compared to metallic core formation.
Radiomics prediction of operation indication in ulcerative colitis refractory to medical treatment
Authors: Sakamoto Kyoko , Okabayashi Koji , Seishima Ryo , Shigeta Kohei , Kiyohara Hiroki , Mikami Yohei , Kanai Takanori , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: August 2024

Background
The indications for operation in drug-resistant ulcerative colitis are determined by complex factors. In this study, we test whether radiomics analysis can be used to predict operation indications in hospitalized ulcerative colitis patients.
Methods
This is a single-center retrospective cohort study using CT at admission of UC patients admitted from 2015 to 2022. The target of prediction was whether the patient would undergo surgery by the time of discharge. Radiomics features were extracted using the rectal wall at the level of the tailbone tip of the CT as the ROI. CT data were randomly classified into a training cohort and a validation cohort, and LASSO regression was performed using the training cohort to create a formula for calculating the Radiomics score.
Results
Five features were used for the Radiomics score. Univariate logistic regression analysis of clinical information detected a significant influence of severity (p < 0.001), number of drugs used until surgery (p < 0.001), Lichtiger score (p = 0.024) and hemoglobin (p = 0.010). Using a nomogram combining these items, we found that the discriminatory power in the surgery and conservative treatment groups was AUC 0.822 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.841–0.951) for the training cohort and AUC 0.868 (95% CI 0.729-1.000) for the validation cohort, indicating a good ability to discriminate the outcomes.
Conclusions
Radiomics analysis of CT images of UC patients at the time of admission, combined with clinical data, showed high predictive ability regarding a treatment strategy of surgery or conservative treatment.
Aesthetic Appeal Over Intrasexual Competition: Key Predictors of Cosmetic Surgery Openness
Authors: Őry Fanni , Meskó Norbert
Published: August 2024

Cosmetic surgery can be viewed as a means of self-improvement to enhance success in intrasexual competition. However, an excessive emphasis on physical attractiveness often leads to negative emotions and dissatisfaction with one's own body. Nonetheless, having a positive attitude towards one's body can serve as a protective factor against these negative emotions. This study aims to explore the relationship between openness to cosmetic surgery and intrasexual competitiveness, level of body appreciation, and the subjective importance of attractiveness. A total of 512 heterosexual cisgender Hungarian women (M = 23.4, SD = 6.0, 18-60 years) completed an online questionnaire: Intrasexual Competition Scale (ICS), Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2), Beliefs About Attractiveness Scale-Revised (BAA-R), and Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS). We found that the subjective importance of attractiveness positively influenced the consideration of cosmetic surgery, whereas body appreciation had a negative impact. The Inferiority Frustration subscale of the Intrasexual Competition Scale exhibited a marginally significant positive effect on attitudes towards cosmetic surgery, while the Superiority Enjoyment subscale had no effect. These results suggest that individuals' subjective perception of their own body and the personal significance they attach to a socially desirable ideal are stronger predictors of acceptance of cosmetic surgery than intrasexual competitiveness.
Coupling between landward and seaward fringes of sandy beaches: algal deposits on the upper beach influence biogeochemistry and faunal assemblages in the swash zone.
Authors: Valdor Mariano Lastra , De Pablo L , López J , Soliño F , Schlacher TA
Published: August 2024

Energy subsidies from the sea typically underpin ocean-exposed sandy beach ecosystems. Strandings of detached macro-algae – ‘wrack’ – can be a spectacular form of such cross-ecosystem transfers of organic matter that sustain consumers in the recipient shore system; this has given rise to a model of wrack promoting the diversity and abundance of invertebrates, with scaling effect on upper trophic levels. However, most wrack is often wave-cast to the upper beach, whereas a distinct part of the shore fauna is limited to the ocean fringe of beaches – the ‘swash zone’. This creates a spatial asymmetry between the location of subsidies (landwards fringe) and the location of the putative recipients (ocean fringe). Here, we tested whether the fauna of the swash zone can benefit from wrack subsidies, sampling fauna and algal deposits on a range of beaches in NW Spain. We also measured the potential functional link between algal wrack and nutrients released from wrack during decay. Wrack decay increased nutrient concentrations, and it is the combination of wrack cover, nutrient levels, and sediment coarseness that jointly drove variation in the assemblage structure of the swash fauna among beaches. Similarly, the density of the swash fauna and species richness increased markedly at higher nutrient levels and wrack cover. These findings expand the ‘wrack enhancement’ model to include the promotion of consumers at the ocean edge of sandy shores; it also contains a cross-shore linkage via decomposition processes that favourable change the nutrient regime across all the beach face and thereby couple the swash zone with the upper strandline.
FAIR Sensor Health Monitoring of Flight Test Data
Authors: Klein Colin , Pätzold Christina , Bodenbenner Matthias , Montavon Benjamin , Haufe Sebastian , Bäßler Michael , Gestwa Martin , Schmitt Robert H.
Published: August 2024

The German Aerospace Center (DLR)’s In-flight Systems & Technology Airborne Research (ISTAR) research aircraft is equipped with extensive permanent sensor instrumentation for the scientific investigation of aerophysical phenomena. The measurement data as well as a large part of the parameters on the aircraft’s data bus are continuously recorded by an additional Data Acquisition System (DAQ). To evaluate measurement data to gain knowledge, the form of data storage and the linkage of Fault Detections is vital to avoid erroneous conclusions. By honoring the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable (FAIR) guiding principles, the detected faults, and anomalies shall aptly be linked to the measurement data. In this work, an application is developed to solve this problem by detecting faults, sensibly linking them to the measurement data and then visualizing the results to the user. To solve this task, methods from the SensOr Interfacing Language (SOIL) are employed. In addition, data is checked for completeness, plausibility and correctness by using statistical methods as well as approaches from the field of Fault Detection and Diagnosis (FDD). Finally, the performance and trueness of the application-toolchain is tested against known errors and validated on a dataset of ISTAR flight test data.