bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of health trajectories of patients with persistent spinal pain syndrome type 2 using latent class trajectory methods
Authors: Ounajim Amine , Billot Maxime , Babin Etienne , Goudman Lisa , Moens Maarten , Roulaud Manuel , Lorgeoux Bertille , Baron Sandrine , Nivole Kevin , Many Mathilde , Lampert Lucie , Borel Sarah , David Romain , Rigoard Philippe 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundPersistent spinal pain syndrome Type 2 (PSPS‐T2) is a long‐lasting condition that consists of persistent pain following spinal surgery. Although this condition has long‐term effects, it is currently studied at a given time point or over a limited period of time, which does not reflect the true impact of pain patients. To bridge this gap, we used latent class trajectory models to extract clusters with different trajectories of patients with PSPS‐T2.Materials and MethodsData from the PREDIBACK study, an observational, multicentric, and longitudinal investigation carried out prospectively, were used. This study focuses on patients with PSPS‐T2, tracking their outcomes at 3‐month intervals over a one‐year period. Health status was evaluated using a novel multidimensional clinical response index (MCRI). The trajectories of patients' health status were extracted using mixture of mixed effect models.ResultsTwo hundred (200) PSPS‐T2 patients were included. Two clusters were identified, including ‘persistent low health’ trajectories (63.1%) and ‘improving health’ trajectories (36.9%). Regarding the factors associated with these trajectories, our results showed that lower age, lower body mass index, lower pain intensity, lower functional disability, lower anxiety and less extended pain surface were associated with improving health status.ConclusionClustering methods provide an opportunity to identify two distinct clusters of pain‐related health trajectories of PSPS‐T2 patients. Persistence of the symptoms was not observed in one third of the PSPS‐T2 study patients, who belong to the improving pain‐related health cluster, while the other two thirds did not achieve improved health over a 1‐year follow‐up.Significance StatementOur study findings suggest that the use of trajectory‐based methods could improve patient evaluation and pain management as it allows for obtaining a global view of patients during their care pathway compared to conventional methods, which only focus on specific visits. Our study also advocates for multidimensional assessment and management of pain by targeting not only pain intensity but also the psychological distress, functional capacity and pain surface at an early stage of pain onset after spine surgery.
ILAE genetic literacy series: Focal cortical dysplasia
Authors: Macdonald‐Laurs Emma , Leventer Richard J. ,   the ILAE Genetics Commission* and the ILAE Genetics Literacy Taskforce**
Published: December 2024

AbstractFocal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a common cause of drug‐resistant focal epilepsy in children and young adults and is often surgically remediable. The genetics of FCD are increasingly understood due to the ability to perform genomic testing including deep sequencing of resected FCD tissue specimens. There is clear evidence that FCD type II occurs secondary to both germline and somatic mTOR pathway variants, while emerging literature supports the role of SLC35A2, a glycosylation gene, in mild malformation of cortical development with oligodendroglial hyperplasia and epilepsy (MOGHE). Herein, we provide a review of FCDs focusing on their clinical phenotypes, genetic basis, and management considerations when performing genetic testing in this patient group.
Study on the Influence of Scaling‐Up in the Transesterification Process for the Synthesis of Biodegradable Monoglycerides of Fatty Acids
Authors: Nagy Roland , Bejczi Rebeka 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTFatty acids and monoglycerides from vegetable oils or animal fats are crucial in various industries. Monoglycerides, with their hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, act as effective non‐ionic surfactants for oil‐in‐water emulsions. Scaling‐up the synthesis of biodegradable non‐ionic surfactants from natural sources presents challenges in maintaining physicochemical properties. This study investigates the scale‐up synthesis of biodegradable non‐ionic surfactants using sunflower oil and glycerol, focusing on properties like kinematic viscosity, acid number, and active matter content. Comparative experiments were conducted using different reactor sizes and configurations, evaluating the effects of reactor size, length‐to‐diameter (L/D) ratio, and mixer type. The results indicate that larger reactors generally reduce kinematic viscosity and active matter content. The geometric characteristics of the reactor significantly impact surfactant properties with variations in the RD/RH ratio affecting the active matter content and changes in the MPD/RD ratio influencing the water number. Based on our findings, the highest active matter content was achieved with an RD/RH ratio of 0.49 and an MPD/RD ratio of 0.95. A strong correlation was found between the active matter content and water solubility. The study underscores the importance of reactor design in optimizing surfactant properties when scaling‐up.
Yogurt Supplementation Can Ameliorate Fatty Liver Diseases and Metabolic Syndrome in High Fat‐Induced Conditions in Mice
Authors: Hasan Sohel , Amin Md Aminul Islam , Mia Masum , Khatun Sumaiya , Arafat Yesir , Gofur Md Royhan , Islam Md Mahmudul , Hosen Md Eram , Almaary Khalid S. , Fentahun Wondmie Gezahign , Islam Amirul , Rahman Matiar , Bourhia Mohammed 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTHepatic steatosis/non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is a major public health delinquent caused by the excess deposition of lipid into lipid droplets (LDs) as well as metabolic dysregulation. Hepatic cells buildup with more fat molecules when a person takes high fat diet that is excessive than the body can handle. At present, millions of people in the world are affected by this problem. So, it is very important to know the effects of factors responsible for the disease. Here, the role of lipid droplet (LD) biogenesis and metabolism was analyzed and intended to investigate if defects in biogenesis/metabolic enzymes are responsible for the accumulation of lipids other than LDs in fatty liver disease in high‐fat‐induced conditions in mice model. To explore it, high‐fat diet (HFD), fast food (FF), and soft drinks (SD) were administered to wild‐type Swiss albino mice for 14 weeks following yogurt supplementation. After experimental period, glucose tolerance, enzyme function, lipid profile, plasma biochemistry, and other analytical tests were analyzed by auto‐analyzer including different oxidative stress markers. Lipids from hepatic tissues were extracted, and purified by Floatation Assay and subsequently analyzed by different biochemical and chromatographic techniques. Histological architecture of hepatocytes was performed using Zeiss microscope. Finally, increased amount of lipids biogenesis/accumulation was found in liver tissues that causes Fatty liver disease. Significantly, HFD, FF, and SD were identified as factors for the increased LD biogenesis and or lipid metabolic disorder. Nevertheless, yogurt supplementation can homeostasis those LD formation and metabolic syndrome as it increases the down regulation of lipid biogenesis as well as lipid metabolic rate. So, yogurt supplementation was considered as a novel agent for decreasing LD biogenesis as well as excessive accumulation of fat in hepatocytes which can be used as therapeutics for the treatment of NAFLD.
Techno‐Economic Analysis of Glycerol Steam Reforming with Amine‐Based Carbon Capture for Blue Hydrogen Production: A Rate‐Based Kinetic Model Approach
Authors: Rosha Pali , Sajjadi Mohammad , Ibrahim Hussameldin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study outlines a comprehensive process design utilising glycerol‐steam reforming for an H2‐enriched gas stream, coupled with carbon dioxide removal via a chemical absorption system, followed by a techno‐economic analysis. The Aspen Plus economic analyser assesses the developed model, incorporating simulation results and literature data. Initially, the CO2 capture unit was planned with a standalone absorber and stripper, later integrated for solvent makeup calculation. Findings reveal that as catalyst loading increased from 5 to 50 kg, glycerol conversion and product molar fraction improved. For a targeted H2 production of 10 t/day, optimal reactor dimensions are 3.2 m diameter and 30 m length, corresponding to a reactant flow of 105 t/day and a 2.52 MW heat duty at stoichiometry conditions. To capture 95% CO2 from the reformed product stream, absorber and stripper packing heights of 12 and 7 m, respectively, with column diameters of 1.25 and 2.71 m are necessary. The production cost of H2 is determined to be $3.8 per kg, as revealed by the techno‐economic analysis. Calculated values for net present value, discounted payback period, and internal rate of return stand at $30 million, 5 years, and 25.0%, respectively. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clotted Apheresis Hematopoietic Stem Cell Product
Authors: Zhuang Lefan , Woo Jennifer , Francisco Franchesca , Bertram Rickey , Wang Shirong , Jackson Ryan , Yuan Shan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe majority of the time hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) are collected through leukapheresis, where anticoagulants are necessary to prevent clotting of the apheresis circuit and HPC product. Although clotting of the product is a possible rare complication surrounding the HPC cryopreservation process, there have been no reports of clotting of fresh HPC product after collection. We report a case of progressive clotting of a fresh matched unrelated donor HPC product. Upon initial receipt, thin thread‐like white clots were seen in the bag. In an attempt to isolate the clot, the product was aseptically aliquoted into 50 mL syringes. Within the next 60 minutes the small clots coalesced into a pink cylindrical jelly‐like blood clot surrounded by serum. In the future, an anticoagulant can be added into the product prior to isolation of the clot.
Tumor‐Derived GDF15 Induces Tumor Associated Fibroblast Transformation From BMSCs and Fibroblasts in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Li Yahui , Huang Yingying , Su Peng , Nie Fujiao , Yang Pishan , Yang Chengzhe 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTCancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the predominant stromal cell‐type in the solid tumor microenvironment, originating from various cell types and playing a crucial role in promoting tumor progression and metastasis The generation of CAFs is influenced by complex factors secreted by tumor cells, with particular emphasis on transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β). However, it remains largely unknown whether growth/differentiation factor‐15 (GDF15), as a member of the TGF‐β superfamily, exerts similar effects to TGF‐β in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In this study, we investigated the impact of GDF15 derived from tumor cells on CAF transformation and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. Exogenous GDF15 and OSCC cells induced the transformation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) into CAFs, as evidenced by α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) as a phenotypic marker and TGF‐β, interleukin 6 (IL‐6), and vascular endothelial‐derived growth factor (VEGF) as functional markers. Conversely, knockdown of GDF15 in OSCC cells reversed CAF transformation. Mechanistically, extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2(ERK1/2) pathway was associated with GDF15‐mediated promotion of CAF transformation. Furthermore, OSCC‐induced CAFs enhanced migration and invasion abilities of OSCC cells; but this pro‐cancer effect was abolished upon knockdown of GDF15 in OSCC cells. Subcutaneous coinjection of OSCC cells with BMSCs or HGFs into mice revealed the promoted tumor growth along with increased expression levels of α‐SMA and Ki67 compared with alone OSCC cells injection; these effects were attenuated when GDF15 was knocked down in OSCC cells. Collectively, our findings suggest that tumor‐derived GDF15 contributes to the progression of OSCC by promoting CAF transformation through activation of the ERK1/2 pathway.
Feature Engineering for the Prediction of Scoliosis in 5q‐Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Vu‐Han Tu‐Lan , Sunkara Vikram , Bermudez‐Schettino Rodrigo , Schwechten Jakob , Runge Robin , Perka Carsten , Winkler Tobias , Pokutta Sebastian , Weiß Claudia , Pumberger Matthias 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground5q‐Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is now one of the 5% treatable rare diseases worldwide. As disease‐modifying therapies alter disease progression and patient phenotypes, paediatricians and consulting disciplines face new unknowns in their treatment decisions. Conclusions made from historical patient data sets are now mostly limited, and new approaches are needed to ensure our continued best standard‐of‐care practices for this exceptional patient group. Here, we present a data‐driven machine learning approach to a rare disease data set to predict spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)‐associated scoliosis.MethodsWe collected data from 84 genetically confirmed 5q‐SMA patients who have received novel SMA therapies. We performed expert domain knowledge‐directed feature engineering, correlation and predictive power score (PPS) analyses for feature selection. To test the predictive performance of the selected features, we trained a Random Forest Classifier and evaluated model performance using standard metrics.ResultsThe SMA data set consisted of 1304 visits and over 360 variables. We performed feature engineering for variables related to ‘interventions’, ‘devices’, ‘orthosis’, ‘ventilation’, ‘muscle contractures’ and ‘motor milestones’. Through correlation and PPS analysis paired with expert domain knowledge feature selection, we identified relevant features for scoliosis prediction in SMA that included disease progression markers: Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded ‘HFMSE’ (PPS = 0.27) and 6‐Minute Walk Test ‘6MWT’ scores (PPS = 0.44), ‘age’ (PPS = 0.41) and ‘weight’ (PPS = 0.49), ‘contractures’ (PPS = 0.17), the use of ‘assistive devices’ (PPS = 0.39, ‘ventilation’ (PPS = 0.16) and the presence of ‘gastric tubes’ (PPS = 0.35) in SMA patients. These features were validated using expert domain knowledge and used to train a Random Forest Classifier with an observed accuracy of 0.82 and an average receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area of 0.87.ConclusionThe introduction of disease‐modifying SMA therapies, followed by the implementation of SMA in newborn screenings, has presented physicians with never‐seen patients. We used feature engineering tools to overcome one of the main challenges when using data‐driven approaches in rare disease data sets. Through predictive modelling of this data, we defined disease progression markers, which are easily assessed during patient visits and can help anticipate scoliosis onset. This highlights the importance of progressive features in the drug‐induced revolution of this rare disease and further supports the ongoing efforts to update the SMA classification. We advocate for the consistent documentation of relevant progression markers, which will serve as a basis for data‐driven models that physicians can use to update their best standard‐of‐care practices.
Usefulness of simplified comprehensive geriatric assessment as a pre‐ERCP screening for the elderly
Authors: Nomura Shuzo , Saito Kei , Fujisawa Mariko , Kitahara Mai , Kuniyoshi Noriyuki , Imazu Hiroo , Kogure Hirofumi 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is often performed in elderly patients for stone removal and biliary drainage following common bile duct stones or malignant biliary obstruction. Safety in ERCP should be considered in elderly patients due to complications and decreased activities of daily living (ADL), but there are no adequate pretest evaluation criteria. In recent years, the usefulness of the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) for planning treatment and predicting prognosis has been reported.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who underwent ERCP at our institution between October 2021 and June 2023. The relationship between CGA and ERCP outcomes was examined by dividing CGA scores into three groups (Group A; score 0, Group B; score 1–4, Group C; score 5–7) among patients 65 years of age and older. Risk factors for prolonged hospitalization were identified using univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsOf the 388 patients, 290 were 65 or older with a CGA score. The median length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the higher CGA7 scores group (5 vs. 8 vs. 15 days, p < .01). There was no significant difference in the rate of adverse events (p = .54) and median total procedure time (p = .35). In univariate and multivariate analysis, higher CGA score groups were significant risk factors for a prolonged hospital stay.ConclusionsCGA appears to be a valuable tool for preadmission screening in elderly patients undergoing ERCP.
Retention on antiretroviral therapy and drivers of lost‐to‐follow up in the Central African Republic: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Tekpa Gaspard , Inikoutiyo Jules , Yonli Christian , Noguera Celia , Lujwiro Pierre Prince , Gigout Laure , Hachimou Aboubacar , Romaric Sydney , Mabaïlao Raphaël , Banthas Marie Charlotte , Mbia Larissa Bertille , Mbay Paulette Rose , Romuald Kevin , Sana Alain , Roberte Florida , Moretó‐Planas Laura , Goemaere Eric , Mekiedje Calorine , Ouanekpone Stella , Núñez‐Andrés Maria Amparo , Hoibak Sarah , Vallès Xavier 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe retention in care of patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a cornerstone for preventing AIDS‐associated morbidity and mortality, as well as further transmission of HIV. Adherence to ART poses particular challenges in conflict‐affected settings like the Central African Republic (CAR). The study objective was to estimate the rate of lost‐to‐follow‐up (LTFU) and determine factors associated with LTFU among patients living with HIV under ART in CAR.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using data from patients being managed at 42 representative ART dispensing sites (i.e. management of ≥200 patients) in the seven health regions of CAR which started ART between January 2019 to September 2021 and followed up to December 2021. The outcome of LTFU was defined as a failure of a patient to attend a scheduled ART refill appointment for at least 90 days from the last appointment. Patients were censored at the first LTFU event.ResultsA total of 6844 patients enrolled in ART care were included in the analysis, of whom 67.5% were females. The mean age (standard deviation) was 35.3 years (10.5). Forty‐two per cent (n = 2874/6844) had an LTFU event during the follow‐up period. However, 23.2% (n = 666/2874) returned to care after LTFU. Overall retention in antiretroviral care at 12 months was 64.2% (CI 63.0−65.5), which ranged from 76.1% in the capital to 48.2% in the inner country region. Risk factors related to LTFU were being male (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.33; CI 1.1−1.5), age < 25 (aHR 1.46; CI 1.1−1.9), living in regions outside the capital (aHR 1.83; CI 1.6−2.3) and undernutrition (aHR 1.13; CI 1.0−1.3).ConclusionsRetention to care in CAR is suboptimal, especially in the inner country. Our results underline the difficulties involved in retaining patients in ART in complex settings, the interplay between poor retention, social unrest, stigma, food insecurity and HIV epidemic control, and the need for tailored programming and interventions like differentiated treatment strategies and complementary food provision.
Declining Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Co‐Infections Among Young Japanese Women With Cervical Cancer and Its Precursors
Authors: Yoshiizumi Eri , Onuki Mamiko , Kukimoto Iwao , Takahashi Fumiaki , Matsui Tomoya , Hamasaki Kyoko , Kanao Hiroyuki , Nio Ai , Yahata Hideaki , Goda Mayuko , Yokoyama Takanori , Hisa Tsuyoshi , Tasaki Kazuto , Tenjimbayashi Yuri , Saji Haruya , Kudaka Wataru , Takei Yuji , Shigeta Shogo , Motohara Takeshi , Matsumiya Hiroko , Nakamura Keiichiro , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Ishikawa Mitsuya , Hamanishi Junzo , Nakai Hidekatsu , Mori‐Uchino Mayuyo , Hirashima Yasuyuki , Sekizawa Akihiko , Yoshikawa Hiroyuki , Yaegashi Nobuo , Matsumoto Koji ,   the MINT Study Group
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTCo‐infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) of multiple genotypes mainly occur due to increased sexual activity. To address the prevalence and trend of HPV co‐infections in Japan, HPV‐type‐specific data from Japanese women (n = 8128) aged < 40 years and newly diagnosed with cervical abnormalities at 24 hospitals between 2012 and 2023 were analyzed. These included cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1/2 (CIN1/2, n = 2745), CIN3/adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) (n = 3953), and invasive cervical cancer (ICC, n = 1430). For women enrolled in this study since 2019, information on sexual behaviors was collected via a self‐administered questionnaire. Time‐trend analyses by disease category showed significant declines in the prevalence of multiple HPV infections in CIN1/2 (49.1%−38.3%, ptrend = 0.0004), CIN3/AIS (44.7%–31.5%, ptrend = 0.0002), and ICC (26.7%–10.5%, ptrend < 0.0001) during the last decade. When these data were analyzed separately for women aged 20–29 and 30–39 years, similar declining trends were observed in each disease category. Using data from 2111 women for whom information on sexual history was available, the number of sexual partners was strongly associated with increased multiple HPV infections (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the declining prevalence of HPV co‐infections in cervical cancer and its precursors may reflect a decrease in sexual activity among Japanese women of reproductive age.
Systems Immunology Approaches to Understanding Immune Responses in Acute Infection of Yellow Fever Patients
Authors: Gonçalves André N. A. , Costa Priscilla R. , Thomazella Mateus V. , Correia Carolina A. , Marmorato Mariana P. , Dias Juliana Z. C. , Silveira Cassia G. T. , Maestri Alvino , Cerqueira Natalia B. , Moreira Carlos H. V. , Buccheri Renata , Félix Alvina C. , Martins Felipe M. , Maso Vanessa E. , Ferreira Frederico M. , Araújo José D. A. , Vasconcelos Amanda P. , Gonzalez‐Dias Patrícia , Pelletier Adam‐Nicolas , Sékaly Rafick‐Pierre , Cabral‐Marques Otavio , Coelho‐dos‐Reis Jordana G. A. , Ferreira Daniela M. , Kallas Esper G. , Nakaya Helder I. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn the 2018 yellow fever (YF) outbreak in Brazil, we generated new transcriptomic data and combined it with clinical and immunological data to decode the pathogenesis of YF. Analyzing 79 patients, we found distinct gene expression patterns between acute YF, other viral infections, and the milder YF‐17D vaccine infection. We identified a critical role for low‐density, immature neutrophils in severe outcomes, marked by the downregulation of genes essential for neutrophil migration and maturation, such as PADI4, CSF3R, and ICAM1, in deceased patients. Our study also revealed complex interactions among inflammation‐related genes, including increased CXCL10 and IL1R2 expression and decreased IL‐1b expression in the acute phase. The diminished expression of HLA class II genes indicates impaired antigen presentation. These findings highlight the delicate balance of immune responses in YF pathogenesis and lay the groundwork for future therapeutic and diagnostic advancements.