bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of inhibitory-to-stimulatory immune checkpoint ratio in breast cancer
Authors: Tang Chuangang , Hu Xiang , Hao Dawei , Chen Tao , Wang Pei , Li Changwen , Chen Chengling , Li Yongcheng , Hao Xiaowen , Yuan Zeng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Accumulating evidences suggested that immune checkpoints (ICPs) played an important role in malignancies including breast cancer (BRCA). We aimed to investigated whether inhibitory-to-stimulatory immune checkpoint ratio (ISICPR) could be used as a prognostic marker for BRCA. BRCA patients were enrolled from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). X-tile was used to calculate the optimal cut-off values of ISICPRs. In total, 586 BRCA patients were collected, including 104 cases of stage I, 330 of stage II, 139 of stage III, and 13 of stage IV. Univariate analysis showed that four ISICPRs (PDCD1/CD27 ratio, PDCD1/TNFSF4 ratio, IDO1/TMIGD2 ratio, and IDO1/TNFSF4 ratio) were significantly associated with the survival of BRCA patients. Following adjustment for confounders, multivariate analysis showed that only IDO1/TMIGD2 ratio was an independent prognostic factor. The optimal cut-off values of IDO1/TMIGD2 ratio were set at 4.4 and 6.3. Survival analysis indicated that the high-ratio group (ratio >6.3) had a worse prognosis than both the low-ratio (ratio <4.4) and medium-ratio group (4.4< ratio <6.3) (P<0.001). IDO1/TMIGD2 ratio was identified as a novel biomarker in the present study, which not only contributed to better management of BRCA patients but also worthy of further promotion in other cancers.
Comparative Analysis of Anthropometric Indices for Predicting Obstructive Sleep Apnea among U.S. Adults
Authors: Liu Wenjia , Song Shangyi , Zhang Hongguo , An Chunping 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is a significant public health issue with adverse outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. Obesity is a primary risk factor for OSA, and traditional obesity indicators like BMI may not accurately reflect fat distribution, which is crucial in OSA development. Other anthropometric indicators like waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI),body roundness index(BRI), visceral adiposity index (VAI),lipid accumulation product(LAP),a body shape index(ABSI) and weight-to-waist index (WWI) have been proposed for better assessment of obesity-related health risks.
Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2005-2008 and 2015-2018 NHANES, which included a total of 8,966 participants. We used restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, logistic regression analysis, and subgroup analysis to assess the associations of anthropometric indices with OSA. We assessed the ability of the anthropometric indices to identify OSA using receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis and area under the curve (AUC)and compared them using the Delong test.
Results:Based on NHANES data, this study revealed that waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) were the strongest predictors of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk, with their associations remaining significant after adjusting for all covariates. Subgroup analysis revealed that this positive correlation was particularly strong in the 40-60 years age group, non-Hispanic whites, inactive individuals, and those with higher education. ROC analysis confirmed that WC and BMI had the highest AUC values of 0.637 and 0.633, respectively, making them the most effective in distinguishing OSA cases. Although the predictive power of the BRI, LAP, VAI, and WWI was weaker, the BRI still showed some predictive ability. Bonferroni correction and DeLong tests further validated WC and BMI as the most reliable indicators for predicting OSA.
Conclusions: WC, BMI, BRI, LAP, VAI and WWI were significantly correlated with OSA. It is worth noting that WC and BMI, two traditional anthropometric indicators, show the best predictive ability compared with other new measurement indicators. Among them, WC has the characteristics of high efficiency and simple measurement in predicting OSA in clinical application, and is the best choice for early detection and treatment strategies.
Enhancing Object Classification for Autonomous Vehicles via Rgbd Fusion From Monocular Cameras: a Depth-aware Approach
Authors: Alper Mehmet Akif 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Object classification is crucial for autonomous vehicle navigation, enabling robust perception of the surrounding environment. This paper proposes an innovative method to enhance object classification accuracy for autonomous vehicles by fusing depth estimates from monocular cameras with conventional color image features. We demonstrate that estimating depth using a deep neural network and integrating this information with RGB features consistently improves classification performance, particularly for autonomous vehicle applications. Our approach outperforms baseline methods, achieving a classification accuracy of 94.46% on the KITTI dataset, an improvement from 93.5%. This work highlights the potential of low-cost monocular cameras for advanced 3D perception, crucial for developing safer and more reliable autonomous vehicles. Our depth-aware RGBD object classification not only improves perception capabilities but also presents an alternative to expensive lidar-based systems.
Qualitative Study of Fourth-Year Medical Students Experiences in Assessing Program Fit Through Virtual Interviews
Authors: Wang Annmarie , Pascarella Luigi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Limited literature exists on the perception of virtual interviewing by medical students in a post-pandemic environment. The current study was conducted to observe the subjective experiences of medical students participating in virtual interviewing and how the ability to assess cultural fit is impacted.
Methods
Recently matched fourth-year medical students were interviewed utilizing a phenomenological approach. Participants were asked to rate ability to assess three common metrics of culture fit of a program on a Likert scale and elaborate on their score. Culture fitness metrics included: How much the program cares about trainees, how satisfied trainees are with their program, and how well trainees get along with each other.
Results
Fourteen fourth-year medical students participated in the study, including specialty fields of Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, General Surgery, Med-Peds, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, and Family Medicine. Gender identity of the participants included 57.1% (n = 8) female and 42.9% (n = 6) male. Applicants were asked if they preferred virtual or in-person interviewing, with 92.9% (n = 13) preferring virtual interviewing prior to the application cycle and 46.2% (n = 6) of those participants changing their preference to in-person interviews following the application cycle. Average participant scores for the ability to assess how much the program seemed to care about trainees, how satisfied the current trainees were with their program, and how well the trainees got along were 3.4 (Range 2-4.5), 3.0 (Range 1-4.5), 3.1 (Range 1–5) respectively. Most participants reported their scores for ability to assess culture and fit would have increased for in-person interviews.
Conclusion
Applicants in this small qualitative study reported difficulty assessing program culture through virtual interviewing, with some participants preferring in-person interviewing following the interview season. Programs should consider adding an in-person component to interview day, especially for specialties with extended training timelines.
Weekly dynamic tumor regression in a nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient receiving MR-guided radiation therapy
Authors: Ji Nannan , Xue Ming , Xiao Shaoqing , Zhao Na , Su Wenli , Xu Junnv , Huang Renfeng , Wang Wufeng , Luo Mengyanan , Zeng Yue , Gao Lijun , Yao Pingping , Luo Yixuan , Shao Ling , Li Shuning , Lu Cheng , Li Qing , Wang Yi , Zeng Yue-Can 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Although radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is quite effective, the dynamic changes of tumors during radiation therapy have rarely been reported. Initial case studies have shown promising effects of MR-guided radiation therapy in some solid tumors.
Case presentation:
Our Center might be the first to report the weekly dynamic tumor regression during MR-guided radiation therapy in one patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Conclusions
The authors observed a tolerable safety profile without clinical signs of intolerable toxicity and promising tumor responses on nasopharyngeal carcinoma with MR-guided radiation therapy.
Clonal Hematopoiesis Impacts Frailty of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients: A Retrospective Multicentric Analysis
Authors: Gelli Elisa , Martinuzzi Claudia , Soncini Debora , Conticello Concetta , Ladisa Francesco , Giorgetti Giulia , Truffelli Dario , Traverso Isabella , Lai Francesco , Guolo Fabio , Miglino Maurizio , Cagnetta Antonia , Laudisi Antonella , Aquino Sara , Derudas Daniele , Raimondo Francesco , Coviello Domenico A. , Lemoli Roberto M. , Cea Michele 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Somatic mutations of hematopoietic cells in peripheral blood of normal individuals refers to clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) and is associated with a 0.5–1% risk of progression to hematological malignancies and cardiovascular diseases. CHIP has been reported also in Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients but its biological relevance remains still to be elucidated. Here, high-depth targeted sequencing on peripheral blood derived from 76 NDMM patients revealed CHIP in 46% of them with a variant allele frequency (VAF) between ~1% and 34%: the most frequently mutated gene was DNMT3A followed by TET2. A more aggressive disease features were observed among CHIP carriers, which also exhibited more high-risk (ISS and R-ISS 3) stages than controls. Longitudinal analyses at diagnosis and during follow-up showed slight increase of VAFs (p=0.058) for epigenetic (DNMT3A, TET2, and ASXL1) and DNA repair (TP53) genes (p=0.0123); a more stable frequency was observed among other genes, thus suggesting different temporal dynamics of CH clones. Adverse clinical outcomes, in term of overall and progression-free survivals, were observed among CHIP carriers, who also exhibited immune T-cells weakening and enhanced frailty status that predicted the greater risk of toxicity and consequent shorter event-free survival of this group. Finally, a correlogram analysis identified platelets count as biomarker for higher VAF among CHIP carriers, regardless of specific variant. Overall, our study, by highlighting specific biological and clinical features, paves the way for designing tailored strategies among MM patients carrying CHIP.
Regulation of angiogenic genes and endothelial progenitor cells following resistance training in elderly men
Authors: Gharaat Mohammadali , Karami Sajjad , Sheykhlouvand Mohsen , Rajabi Hamid 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Physical activity is recognized as an effective method for promoting angiogenesis and mitigating its age-related decline. Our study aims to investigate the acute and chronic effects of resistance training on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and angiogenic gene expression in the elderly.
Methods
Twenty-four untrained elderly males (aged 65–75 years) volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned to either a resistance training (RT) group or a control group, with 12 participants in each. Before and after the training period, participants underwent physical tests to evaluate mobility, balance, ability to transfer from sitting to standing, walking stability, gait speed, and fall risk. Additionally, blood samples were collected before and after the first training session (i.e., initial pre-test and initial post-test) and before and after the final training session (i.e., final pre-test and final post-test) to assess CD34+, VEGFR2+, Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Inhibitor (VEGI).
Results
The angiogenic gene HIF-1 increased from the first pre-test to the second pre-test (p = 0.03) and from the second pre-test to the second post-test (p = 0.02). The VEGF gene increased from the first pre-test to the second pre-test (p < 0.01) and from the first pre-test to the second post-test (p = 0.04). The SDF-1 gene increased in the second post-test compared to the first pre-test in the RT group (p = 0.02), but it decreased from the first pre-test to the second pre-test (p = 0.04). For EPCs, CD34 + levels increased from the first pre-test to the first post-test (p < 0.01) and from the first pre-test to the second post-test (p < 0.01). VEGFR2 + levels significantly increased in the second pre-test compared to the first post-test (p = 0.04), first pre-test (p < 0.01), and the second post-test (p < 0.01).
Conclusion
Resistance training performed with adequate intensity and volume can enhance angiogenesis in the elderly.
Comparison and validation of several scoring systems for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a retrospective study
Authors: In Kyung Ryun , Oh YoungEun , Moon HeeSeok , Jeong SuKyoung , Kang SunHyung , Sung JaeKyu , Jeong HyungYong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is a serious medical condition that requires effective risk stratification to guide treatment decisions.
Aims
This study aimed to compare and validate the predictive performance of several established scoring systems in patients with NVUGIB: Glasgow–Blatchford score (GBS) and the age, blood tests, and comorbidities (ABC), mental status–anesthesiologist score–pulse–albumin–systolic blood pressure–hemoglobin (MAP(ASH)), Japanese, and Charlson comorbidity index-in-hospital onset–albumin-mental status–Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status–steroids (CHAMPS) scores.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1241 patients with NVUGIB at Chungnam National University Hospital. Each scoring system was evaluated for its ability to predict in-hospital mortality, rebleeding, and the need for radiological or surgical intervention. We also assessed the efficacy of each score in identifying low-risk patients.
Results
The ABC score showed the highest accuracy in predicting in-hospital mortality (C-statistic, 0.890). The MAP(ASH) score was the most effective predictor of rebleeding and the need for interventions (C-statistic, 0.673 and 0.711, respectively). In low-risk patients, the ABC and Japanese scores were the most effective, with very low associated mortality rates.
Conclusions
Different scoring systems have been optimized for various clinical outcomes. The ABC score was the best for predicting mortality, whereas the MAP(ASH) score excelled in identifying rebleeding risks and intervention needs. The selection of an appropriate scoring tool based on specific clinical scenarios can improve patient management and resource allocation in NVUGIB.
The Role of Ladder-Branch HCR in the Development of Precision Biosensors for MMP-2 Quantification
Authors: Gong Yuanxun , Zhang Jiayi , Xie Yunzhan , Jian Dingxi , Zhuo Chenyi , Tang Qianli , Zhang Kai , Liao Xianjiu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study successfully developed an advanced Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor that integrates T7 RNA polymerase amplification, ladder-branch hybridization chain reaction (HCR), and the precise targeting capabilities of CRISPR/Cas13a technology. This innovative biosensor addresses the critical need for sensitive and specific detection of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), a key biomarker in cancer diagnostics. Through meticulous optimization of amplification and reaction conditions, the biosensor demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and specificity, achieving a detection limit as low as 6.34 aM, surpassing existing methodologies. The biosensor also exhibited excellent stability and reproducibility across multiple scans and maintained consistent functionality over an extended period, highlighting its reliability for practical applications. The effectiveness of the biosensor was validated using real samples, demonstrating its capability to accurately quantify MMP-2 in complex biological matrices with high recovery rates and minimal interference. The integration of isothermal amplification and CRISPR/Cas13a within the ECL biosensor platform represents a significant advancement in molecular diagnostics, offering a powerful tool for real-time monitoring of MMP-2. This biosensor holds substantial promise for revolutionizing cancer diagnostics and facilitating personalized treatment strategies, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes in cancer care. Future research may explore further enhancements and applications of this biosensor in various clinical and environmental settings.
Mesorectal fat area-based nomogram for predicting the difficulty of minimal invasive surgery in mid to low rectal cancer
Authors: Zeng Haifeng , Tan Jianbin , Wu Hui 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to develop a mesorectal fat area-based nomogram, covering preoperative baseline characteristics and other pelvic MRI data, to predict the difficulty of robotic or laparoscopic-assisted total mesorectal excision (TME)in patients with mid to low rectal cancer.
Method: 378 patients were retrieved in our hospital and divided into non-difficult and difficult groups based on five criteria. Factors independently associated with the difficulty were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and then were used to develop a nomogram model to visualize the risk of surgical difficulty.
Result: Tumor distance from anal verge, intertuberous distance, pelvic depth, anorectal angle and mesorectal fat area independently predicted difficulty level. A nomogram model which combines these predictors including mesorectal fat area was developed and constructed. An area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.8668 was obtained for the training data set and 0.9134 for the internal validation one. Discrepancy in surgical approach (laparoscopic or robotic) was not the independent predictive factor of the surgical difficulty (P＞0.05).
Conclusions: The mesorectal fat area-based nomogram model is feasible for predicting the difficulty level of rectal surgery, combined other MRI-based pelvimetry parameters and clinical factors in mid-low RC cases.
Case Ascertainment in Pediatric Heart Failure Using International Classification of Disease Clinical Modification (ICD-CM) Codes
Authors: May Lindsay J. , Stehlik Josef , Wilkes Jacob , Ou Zhining , Pinto Nelangi M. , Cabrera Antonio G. , Tristani-Firouzi Martin , Keenan Heather T. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background Most epidemiological studies in pediatric heart failure (HF) use administrative database sources, defining patient cohorts by presence of a single HF ICD code. However, the ability of ICD codes to identify true HF patients is unknown in pediatrics. Here we describe the accuracy of HF ICD-10-CM code search algorithms, in identifying pediatric patients with HF from electronic data sources.Methods Based on the adult HF literature, search algorithms were designed to incorporate HF ICD codes, imaging, and medications. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and accuracy of the algorithms were tested among children in an advanced HF clinic (“Clinic cohort”). Top-performing algorithms were then tested in a large-scale regional electronic data warehouse (EDW), 01/2017 to 01/2020, generating the “EDW Cohort”. False positive cases were identified and characterized by chart review.Results Within the Clinic Cohort, 78/378 patients (21%) had gold standard HF diagnoses. A search algorithm with one HF ICD coded visit was more sensitive but less specific than >1 HF ICD coded visit, (sensitivity 94% and specificity 89% versus 69% and 97%, respectively). Correspondingly, >1 ICD coded visit had a higher PPV than one ICD coded visit; 84% vs. 69%. Accuracy was similar (90% vs 91%). Presence of 1 HF ICD code combined with HF medication had high sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy, all higher than the single ICD code algorithm. The “1 HF coded visit + any medication” algorithm resulted in highest accuracy (93%). Top-performing algorithms were tested in the EDW: the algorithm with > 1 HF ICD coded visit, and the algorithm with one HF ICD coded visit combined with HF medication. In the EDW Cohort, 133/248 (53.6%) patients had gold standard HF diagnoses though 115/248 (46.3%) were false positive cases; 41% of those had pulmonary over-circulation from congenital heart disease. Excluding children < 30 days old and those with a history of an isolated VSD repair, complete AVSD repair, or PDA closure further reduced the proportion of false positives to 50/248 (20%).Conclusions A search algorithm using a single HF ICD code can have acceptable sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy in identifying children with HF from within electronic medical records. Similar to adult HF literature, specificity improves by including HF medication. When applied to large data sources, however, the search algorithms result in a high proportion of patients with pulmonary overcirculation related to congenital heart disease. To narrow the population to those with myocardial dysfunction, case identification may require use of ICD codes with linked of administrative, surgical, and/or imaging databases.
Association between aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio and reversion to normoglycemia in people with impaired fasting glucose: a 5-year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Kebao , Chen Lidan , Deng Zhe , Rong Rong , Xu Lifen , Xu Liting , Zeng Shuting , Hu Haofei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Studies showed that AST/ALT ratio was related to pre-diabetes, diabetes and diabetes complications. However, there is poor evidence proved that the AST/ALT ratio was correlated with blood glucose reversion in impaired fasting glucose patients. In our study, we analyzed the relationship between AST/ALT ratio and blood glucose reversal in a large group of Chinese people with impaired fasting blood glucose.
Methods
Participants were recruited from Rich Healthcare Group physical examinations in 2010 to 2016. Among all the participants, 11121 Chinese adults were enrolled in our study. Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to identify the association between the AST/ALT ratio and blood glucose reversal to normoglycemia in individuals with impaired fasting glucose. Generalized additive model (GAM) and smooth curve fitting were used to identified nonlinear relationship between AST/ALT ratio and blood glucose reversion. In addition, sensitive analyses and subgroup analysis were used to test the reliability of our study.
Result
AST/ALT ratio was independently related to the blood glucose reversal in prediabetic populations of Chinese adults (HR = 1.187, 95% CI 1.073–1.313, P = 0.00087). Nonlinear relationship has been discovered between AST/ALT ratio and reversion to normoglycemia. On the left side of the inflection point, AST/ALT ratio was negatively related to the blood glucose reversal in populations with impaired fasting glucose(HR:0.563, 95%CI: 0.404–0.784, P = 0.0007), while on the right side of the inflection point, the relationship was positive (HR:1.281 95%CI: 1.153–1.424, P < 0.0001 ). Sensitivity analysis, competing risks multivariate Cox regression and subgroup analysis also confirmed our study results.
Conclusion
Our study revealed that AST/ALT ratio was independently related with reversion to normoglycemia in prediabetic Chinese people. The relationship between AST/ALT ratio and reversion to normoglycemia from IFG was non-linear. When AST/ALT ratio > 1.05, a significant positive relationship between AST/ALT ratio and reversion to normoglycemia was identified.