bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The feasibility of ultrasound assisted location in ultrasound-guided nusinersen administration for spinal muscular atrophy patients with scoliosis
Authors: Zhang Ruo , Li Xiaoguang , Ru Qi , Zhao Guanghui , Gao Xiaoqian , Geng Chenchen , Zhu Shuzhen , Zhang Ping 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Ultrasound-guided intrathecal administration of nusinersen has been demonstrated to be a valuable method for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients with scoliosis. However, limited data analysis on the ultrasound (US) assisted location process is reported. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using US assisted location in SMA patients with scoliosis. From October 2022 to June 2023, we retrospectively reviewed data from 15 SMA patients with scoliosis. The first locating success rate, locating time, puncturing time, the number of puncture attempts and pain scores were recorded. Furthermore, the correlations between body mass index (BMI) and Cobb angle with the outcomes were investigated. 15 SMA patients with scoliosis were included in this study. The rate of first locating success is 73.3% (11/15). The success of US-guided lumbar puncture was achieved in 61 out of 62 procedures (98.4%), in 14/15 patients (93.3%). The average positioning time was 9.9 ± 7.9 min. Mild complications were reported in two patients. No serious adverse events were observed. In conclusion, US assisted location exhibits a high success rate, deserving further clinical promotion and application.
Testing the validity of the nuclear medicine colonic transit study: is slow transit constipation familial?
Authors: McCulloch Caitlin Grace , Croaker Geoffrey David Hain 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose Nuclear scintigraphy is a tool for the investigation of chronic constipation. We aim to assess the predictive value of diagnostic categories used in this test. As nuclear scintigraphy is expensive, this study aims to assess the rationale for its use.Methods A retrospective review identified 203 paediatric patients who had undergone nuclear scintigraphy for constipation in 2006–2021. Patients were grouped by radiological diagnosis, and their clinical features, medical history, family history and long-term outcomes were compared.Results 18.7% of patients were diagnosed normal transit, 19.7% functional faecal retention (FFR), 48.8% slow transit constipation (STC) and 12.8% mixed. There were no significant differences in presentation of these groups. Whilst no variation in family history of bowel conditions was found, there was a significant association between abnormal transit constipation and family history of neurodevelopmental disorders. Patients with abnormal transit had a worse prognosis than those with a normal report.Conclusion While there is a significant family history of constipation in all types of constipation, STC and FFR are not more heritable than other subtypes of constipation, however they are linked to a family history of neurodevelopmental disorders. Nuclear scintigraphy has real diagnostic and prognostic value, justifying its continued use in practice.
The Mediating Role of Resilience in the Relationship Between Empowerment and Benefit Finding of Colorectal Cancer Patients in China
Authors: YU Rong , HAN Xingping , MA Wenqiong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aims This study aimed to assess the resilience, empowerment, and benefit finding of colorectal cancer patients in China, and to examine the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between empowerment and benefit finding.
Method Three hundred and eleven colorectal cancer patients were recruited from January to July 2023.The questionnaire contained general information questionnaire, resilience scale (CD-RISC-10), Chinese cancer empowerment questionnaire (CEQ), and patients' benefit finding scale (BFS).Structural equation models were used to evaluate whether resilience as mediator between empowerment and benefit finding.
Results Colorectal cancer patients' resilience score was(19.408 ± 9.011), empowerment score was (117.453 ± 32.995), and benefit finding score was (65.752 ± 18.756). Empowerment was positively correlated with resilience(r = 0.116, p < 0.05), resilience was positively correlated with benefit finding (r = 0.187, p < 0.01), and empowerment was positively correlated with benefit finding (r = 0.22, p < 0.01).The fitness indices of structural models were satisfactory.The indirect effect (a*b) of this pathway(empowerment > resilience > benefit finding)was 0.011(95%CI 0.003 ~ 0.054). The total effect (c) of empowerment on benefit finding was 0.125(0.063–0.187), and resilience plays a partial mediating role between empowerment and benefit finding, with the mediating effect (a*b/c) constituting 8.8%.
Conclusions Most patients with colorectal cancer exhibit a moderate levels of resilience.Resilience plays a partial mediating role in the empowerment and benefit finding. Enhancing patients' resilience is one of the ways to enhance benefit finding.
Evaluating Senegal's COVID-19 Surveillance System for Early Detection and Response: Lessons from the Keur Massar District, March 03, 2020 to May 31, 2022
Authors: Ba Amady , Roka Jerlie Loko , Ndiaye Mbouna , Ba Sarifou , Diop Boly , Pasi Omer 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of strong surveillance systems in detecting and responding to public health threats. We sought to evaluate attributes of Keur Massar district's existing COVID-19 surveillance system.
Method
A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2022; desk review covered data collected from March 03, 2020 to May 31, 2022 in 18 health posts. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire completed during a face-to-face interview and a desk review of surveillance data gathered from different notification platforms (Excel, ODK, DHIS2 aggregated, and tracker). Study was conducted in Keur Massar department, in the Dakar region. We conducted face-to-face interviews with 18 nurses in June 2022. We utilized a standardized, semi-structured questionnaire adapted from CDC guidelines for surveillance evaluation.
Results
Most responders were well-trained and equipped for COVID-19 surveillance. However, a lack of available guidance manuals during the pandemic impacted data quality. While no cases were reported through the DHIS2 aggregated platform, 1327 PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 cases were reported through the national Excel sheet and 278 PCR-positive cases were reported through the COVID-19 DHIS2 tracker during the same period. Detection timeliness varied over time. Use of multiple databases for case notification affected data quality. Thirty-nine percent of responders were engaged in COVID-19 data analysis, indicating a need for improved ownership and involvement at the operational level. Timeliness of case detection varied depending on notification platform. To enhance effectiveness, promoting a comprehensive data collection platform, with adequate means for its full utilization would have been preferable.
Conclusion
Implementing these measures will fortify the system’s capabilities in mitigating disease spread by improving detection processes and decision-making during future outbreaks. This evaluation provides valuable insights for strengthening the COVID-19 surveillance system in Senegal and in other similar settings.
Effect of Electrospun Hexanal Nano-fibre Matrix on Quality Parameters of Tomato Fruits during Storage
Authors: Gbabe Kwaghgba Elijah , Eke Mike Ojotu , Ahure Dinnah , Adarabierin Imoleayo Gabriel , Jubu Peverga Rex , Omodara Michael Ayodele , Subramanian Kizhaeral Sevathapandian , Prasanthrajan M. , Mohanraj Jagatheesan , Gbabe Kwaghgba Elijah 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The present work developed a novel hexanal nano-fiber matrix by electrospinning for the noncontact packaging of tomato fruits to extend shelf-life during storage. It solves the problem of colourspots and easy evaporation of the compound on the surface of fruits. Scanning electron microscope revealed nanowires of diameter ranging from 195.5–345.8 nm. Transmission electron microscope images showed a clear view of the hexanal molecules with individual fiber diameter ranging from 244.4 ­ 151.2 nm. FT-IR spectrum also confirmed the successful loading of hexanal into the nanofiber matrices with characteristic peak at wave number of 1692 cm− 1. Application of the hexanal nano-fiber matrix onto green tomato fruits of 85% maturity under ambient conditions demonstrated an extension of shelf-life up to 32 days as compared to 18 days for control/untreated fruits. The treated fruits demonstrated better/higher quality attributes compared to control fruits, including lower physiological loss in weight, higher firmness, lower percentage decay, higher pH, and better colour. Thus, it can be the go-to product for many African countries where assurance of electricity supply for running cold rooms especially in the rural areas is lacking. This can contribute towards ensuring food and nutrition security in the tropic countries.
Comparison of techniques for root coverage of localized recessions: A 12-month follow-up randomized controlled trial
Authors: Borges Samuel Batista , Araújo Lidya Nara Marques , Gomes Gabriela Ellen , Silva Rebeca Confessor , Gurgel Bruno César Vasconcelos 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To compare two techniques for the root coverage of unilateral, single type-1 gingival recessions.
Materials and methods
This randomized controlled trial evaluated thin-gingival phenotype individuals with unilateral and single RT1 undergoing root coverage procedures. The study compared the combinations of subepithelial connective tissue graft (SeCTG) with a coronally-advanced flap (CAF; control group) and with the tunnel technique (TT; test group). The main parameters assessed were probing depth (PD), gingival recession height (GH), keratinized tissue (KTW), gingival thickness (GT), and percentage of root coverage (RC). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), such as postoperative pain, cervical dentin hypersensitivity (CDH), esthetics, satisfaction level, and quality of life were also assessed, over 12 months of follow-up. Data were statistically analyzed using paired Student’s t-test, Chi-square, McNemar, and Split-Plot Analysis of Variance with post hoc t-test (α = 5%).
Results
Forty-six subjects completed the study (CAF + SeCTG: 23; TT + SeCTG: 23). Significant reductions for GH and gains in CAL, KTW, and GT were observed in the intragroup analysis for both groups. No differences were found between techniques. RC increased significantly, but no intergroup differences were observed (CAF + SeCTG: 89.4%; TT + SeCTG: 87.1%; p = 0.071). Intragroup analysis indicated a modification in gingival phenotype (GP) from thin to thick (p < 0.001). Both treatment protocols improved PROMs (p < 0.001), with no differences between the techniques.
Conclusions
The two surgical approaches resulted in significant improvements with similar clinical efficacy regarding RC, including GH, CAL, KTW, gingival thickness, and PROMs.
Clinical relevance
CAF + SeCTG versus TT + SeCTG showed similar clinical, esthetic and patient-related outcomes; however, CAF + SeCTG had a shorter surgical time.
Association of Prenatal Serum Heavy Metals Exposure with Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Prospective Study
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhou Ye , Wu Wanxin , Wang Jiamei , Bao Shuangshuang , Qiu Huan , Han Maozhen , Huang Binbin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Exposure to metals during pregnancy has been found to be associated with adverse birth outcomes in the fetus. However, evidence for combined exposure is inconclusive. Therefore, it is important to explore the correlation between the combined effects of mixed metallic elements and adverse birth outcomes.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal serum heavy metals concentrations in the second trimester of pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcomes, including PTB, birth defects, LBW, macrosomia, SGA and LGA.
Methods
Specifically, we examined the serum levels of various elements in pregnant women during mid-pregnancy, using the highly sensitive inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). This study utilized advanced multiple exposure models, including Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and weighted quantile sum regression (WQS), to analyze the mixed exposure to elements.
Results
Both BKMR and WQS models showed that mixed metal exposure was positively associated with PTB, but negatively associated with birth defects and LGA. Tl and Fe were negatively associated with PTB, Se, Sb, and I were positively associated with PTB, and Se and Rb were negatively associated with birth defects. WQS regression analysis showed that metal mixed exposure was positively associated with preterm birth (p = 0.043) and negatively associated with LGA (p = 0.015).
Conclusions
The findings from this study contribute valuable insights into the potential health risks associated with mixed metals exposure during pregnancy. By elucidating the multifaceted impacts of metal mixtures on birth outcomes, this research offers a foundation for developing targeted interventions and preventive measures to safeguard maternal and child health.
Temporo-occipital lobe Ewing Sarcoma - Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wu Chenchen , Li Siyao , Hai Bohan , Yang Jun , Xu Xuelian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Ewing's sarcoma (EWS) is a malignant tumor arising from bone and soft tissue, most commonly in children and young adults. Although EWS without bone involvement most commonly involves the paravertebral region of the spine, it rarely presents as a primary intracranial tumor. Therefore, primary intracranial Ewing sarcoma is usually misdiagnosed as other types of brain tumors.
Case presentation
Herein, we present a 27-year-old man who presented with headache and imaging evidence of a right temporo-occipital mass, initially considering a high possibility of ependymoma. Complete resection was performed and the pathological diagnosis was Ewing sarcoma in the temporo-occipital region.
Conclusion
Primary intracranial EWS requires accurate evaluation and diagnosis using means such as image irradiation, pathology, and molecular detection. Surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy were required for multimodal treatment.
Immunogenic cell death signatures derived from on-treatment tumor specimens for predicting immune checkpoint blockade therapy response and prognosis in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Zeng Huancheng , Jiang Qiongzhi , Zhang Rendong , Zhuang Zhemin , Wu Jundong , Li Yaochen , Fang Yutong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Melanoma is a highly malignant form of skin cancer that typically originates from abnormal melanocytes. Despite significant advances in treating metastatic melanoma with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, a substantial number of patients do not respond to this treatment and face risks of recurrence and metastasis. This study collected data from multiple datasets, including cohorts from Riaz et al., Gide et al., MGH, and Abril-Rodriguez et al., focusing on on-treatment samples during ICB therapy. We used the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) method to calculate immunogenic cell death scores (ICDS) and employed an elastic network algorithm to construct a model predicting ICB efficacy. By analyzing 18 ICD gene signatures, we identified 9 key ICD gene signatures that effectively predict ICB treatment response for on-treatment metastatic melanoma specimens. Results showed that patients with high ICD scores had significantly higher response rates to ICB therapy compared to those with low ICD scores. ROC analysis demonstrated that the AUC values for both the training and validation sets were around 0.8, indicating good predictive performance. Additionally, survival analysis revealed that patients with high ICD scores had longer progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). This study used an elastic network algorithm to identify 9 ICD gene signatures related to the immune response in metastatic melanoma. These gene features can not only predict the efficacy of ICB therapy but also provide references for clinical decision-making. The results indicate that ICD plays an important role in metastatic melanoma immunotherapy and that expressing ICD signatures can more accurately predict ICB treatment response and prognosis for on-treatment metastatic melanoma specimens, thus providing a basis for personalized treatment.
AI-based mining of biomedical literature: Applications for drug repurposing for the treatment of dementia
Authors: Sikirzhytskaya Aliaksandra , Tyagin Ilya , Sutton S. Scott , Wyatt Michael D. , Safro Ilya , Shtutman Michael 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Multiple sclerosis, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder, and others significantly affect individuals, their families, caregivers, and healthcare systems. While there are no cures yet, researchers worldwide are actively working on the development of novel treatments that have the potential to slow disease progression, alleviate symptoms, and ultimately improve the overall health of patients. Huge volumes of new scientific information necessitate new analytical approaches for meaningful hypothesis generation. To enable the automatic analysis of biomedical data we introduced AGATHA, an effective AI-based literature mining tool that can navigate massive scientific literature databases, such as PubMed. The overarching goal of this effort is to adapt AGATHA for drug repurposing by revealing hidden connections between FDA-approved medications and a health condition of interest. Our tool converts the abstracts of peer-reviewed papers from PubMed into multidimensional space where each gene and health condition are represented by specific metrics. We implemented advanced statistical analysis to reveal distinct clusters of scientific terms within the virtual space created using AGATHA-calculated parameters for selected health conditions and genes. Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis was employed for categorizing and predicting samples (122 diseases and 20889 genes) fitted to specific classes. Advanced statistics were employed to build a discrimination model and extract lists of genes specific to each disease class. Here we focus on drugs that can be repurposed for dementia treatment as an outcome of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we determined dementia-associated genes statistically highly ranked in other disease classes. Additionally, we report a mechanism for detecting genes common to multiple health conditions. These sets of genes were classified based on their presence in biological pathways, aiding in selecting candidates and biological processes that are exploitable with drug repurposing.
Epidemiology and clinical features of psoriasis in hard-to-treat body locations: A Chinese nationwide population-based study
Authors: Lu Lingyi , Cao Lu , Jiang Fan , Wang Sihan , Yu Yingzhe , Huang Hua , Lin Bingjiang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Having psoriasis in hard-to-treat areas, such as the scalp, face, palms, soles, nails, and genitals, can suffer from a reduced quality of life. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of hard-to-treat body locations of psoriasis, and to describe patients’ clinical and demographic characteristics, and quality of life impacts.
Methods
We conducted a multicenter observational epidemiological study involving over 1000 hospitals in China, enrolling a total of 7032 psoriasis patients. Groups were compared to patients without involvement of hard-to-treat areas.
Results
The most frequently affected hard-to-treat area was the scalp (60.01%), followed by the face (22.47%), nails (18.87%), palms or soles (18.23%), genitals or vulvas (12.00%), respectively. Among all patients, 70.71%, 36.65%, 16.30%, 6.48% and 1.45% of patients had involvement of ≥ 1, ≥2, ≥ 3, ≥4 or ≥ 5 hard-to-treat areas. There was a male predominance among patients with involvement of at least one difficult-to-treat area(P < 0.001). The smoking rate, BMI (body mass index) and psoriasis family history in patients with at least one hard-to-treat area involvement were significantly higher than those in patients without hard-to-treat area involvement (P < 0.001), especially among patients with nail involvement. With regards to current DLQI (dermatology life quality index), satisfactory rate, and current BSA (body surface area), these findings were all significantly different (P < 0.001) when compared to patients without involvement of a hard-to-treat area. Even in mild to moderate patients (BSA < 10), the quality of life and satisfaction rate were significantly affected(P < 0.001) when hard-to-treat areas were involved.
Conclusion
Psoriasis commonly affects hard-to-treat locations, even in patients with mild to moderate disease (BSA < 10). For some of these areas, DLQI, satisfaction rate is impaired. Smoking, overweight and obesity, and a family history of psoriasis could be risk factors for the occurrence of hard-to-treat area involvement in psoriasis patients.
Two Cases of Paraneoplastic Cochleovestibulopathy with Detection of Breast Cancer and Literature Review
Authors: Yang Liqin , Liu Xueqing , Li Wenxia , Tang Songming , Hu Yanan , Zhang Ting , Li Xun , Yue Wei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Paraneoplastic cochleovestibulopathy (PCVP) is an atypical neurological paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by rapidly progressive hearing loss with or without vestibular dysfunction, usually detectable malignancy, and paraneoplastic antibodies. PCVP is rare and easy to be misdiagnosed and mistreated. Previous studies have suggested that KLHL11-IgG and seminomas are associated with male patients. However, the tumors associated with female patients are not known.
Case presentation:
We report two cases of middle-aged women with binaural sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) as the first symptom. Pure tone audiograms showed binaural hearing impairment, brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) and cochlear electrograms were normal, and otoacoustic emissions showed binaural cochlear dysfunction. Intracranial organic lesions and vascular lesions were excluded by cranial imaging. After steroid treatment is invalid, the positron emission tomography/computedtomography (PET/CT) and pathologic examination, and breast cancer was screened. After treatment with endocrine therapy (patient #1) and surgical excision (patient #2) for breast cancer, no significant improvement in pure tone average (PTA) was seen at the 1 year of follow-up.
Conclusion
PCVP should be considered in middle-aged patients presenting with progressive hearing loss in both ears without organic pathology, mostly with vestibular dysfunction and signs of cerebellar and brainstem pathology. Regular review of PET/CT is warranted. Female patients need to be concerned about breast cancer.