bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of new predictors of mortality and BODE index variants in patients with COPD at moderate altitude
Authors: Robles-Hernández Robinson , Centeno-Saenz Gustavo I. , Ramírez-Venegas Alejandra , Thirion-Romero Ireri , Hernández-Zenteno Rafael , Guinto-Ramírez Sandra P. , Maya-García María C. , Villegas-Trejo Diana , Montiel-López Francisco , Cordero-Silis Lila M. , Pérez-Padilla Rogelio 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundCOPD ranks as the third leading global cause of mortality. Despite the widespread use of the BODE index and its variants for mortality prediction, their accuracy may be affected by factors like ethnicity, altitude and regional disparities. This study aimed to assess a new altitude-adapted prognostic index in COPD patients at moderate altitudes compared with the BODE and other mortality predictors.MethodsWe evaluated the performance of BODE and other standard prognostic indexes in an exploratory cohort of COPD patients using Cox proportional hazards models. Additionally, we developed a new risk-weighted prognostics model. We assessed its performance utilising receiver operating characteristic curves and compared it with BODE index variants. The indices were validated in a second cohort. The mean follow-up period in both cohorts was 7 years.ResultsIn the exploratory cohort (n=416), COPD patients had a 77% 5-year survival rate. eBODE exhibited superior predictive capacity (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.11–1.34, p<0.05). Prognostic models included oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry <90%, body mass index, 6-min walk test (6MWT) and current smoking as primary relevant risks (BOSEA-90), with the second model excluding 6MWT (BOSA-90). BOSEA-90 predicted a major risk per point (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.31–1.51, p<0.001) and superior discrimination (area under the curve (AUC) >0.75) compared to other indices (AUC <0.70, p<0.001). The validation cohort (n=436) confirmed effectiveness in differentiating mild and very severe cases.ConclusionsThe BODE prognostic index and its variants effectively predicted mortality, and the newly proposed BOSEA-90 and BOSA-90 indices demonstrated appropriate performance for a group of COPD patients at moderate altitude.
Dry-powder inhaler use in primary school-aged children with asthma: a systematic review
Authors: Kuek Stephanie L. , Wong Nicole X. , Dalziel Stuart , Hatter Lee , Fleming Louise , Bush Andrew , Beasley Richard , Shanthikumar Shivanthan 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveAsthma is the most common chronic disease among children. Dry-powder inhalers (DPIs) are effective for medication delivery in adults and adolescents, and provide a lower environmental footprint and more portability than a metered dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer. They require a specific technique, and it is necessary to ascertain whether they can be used in younger age groups. We aimed to assess evidence regarding whether primary school-aged (5–11 years) children can use DPIs with adequate technique during both stable and acute asthma.DesignOvid MEDLINE, Embase and PubMed were searched for studies assessing DPI use among children aged 5–11 years with asthma or wheeze. Results of studies were synthesised by study design and outcome measure.Results38 studies were identified for analysis. These were analysed in three groups: 1) 25 studies assessing children's ability to use DPIs by peak inspiratory flow measurement, 2) 10 studies assessing children's ability to use DPIs by physician assessment, and 3) three studies measuring the efficacy of DPIs compared with the gold standard (MDI with spacer). Five studies included children during acute exacerbations.ConclusionThe majority of primary school-aged children have the ability to use a DPI with adequate training, support and practice. Some younger children may have difficulties, and clinician assessment and ongoing review is crucial in determining which children are likely to benefit from a DPI. Consistent correct use and adherence remain as challenges, but these are also issues with an MDI plus spacer and do not appear to be significantly worse with DPIs. Evidence of the use of DPIs during acute illness is limited; more studies are required in this setting.
Impact of ultrasound settings on lung vertical artefacts: an observational study in mechanically ventilated patients
Authors: Leote João , Gonçalves Andreia , Fonseca Júlia , Loução Ricardo , Dias Hermínia , Inês Ribeiro Maria , Meireles Ricardo , Varudo Rita , Bacariza Jacobo , Gonzalez Filipe ,   on behalf of the EchoCrit group
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe number of vertical artefacts (VAs) in lung ultrasound (LUS) impacts patients’ clinical management. This study aimed to demonstrate the influence of ultrasound settings on the number of VAs in patients under invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).MethodsPatients under IMV were recruited for LUS, including three breathing cycles with a motionless curvilinear probe on the thoracic region with the most VAs. Three experts in LUS were asked about the number of VAs at random, and blinded after altering the settings for a total of 20 test recordings per patient. The correlation between expert classifications was tested after grading the classifications. The number of VAs across clinicians was compared between baseline recordings and test condition recordings to determine statistical differences.Results29 patients were enrolled with a median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score of 6 (interquartile range (IQR) 3). IMV was mainly due to stroke (n=10) and pneumonia (n=6). LUS was made between days 1 and 6 (IQR). Baseline recordings showed a median of 2±2 VAs in inspiration and a median of 1±2 in expiration from a total of 3636 expert classifications, with a strong agreement within patients. A probe frequency of 8 MHz, artefact filtering, speckle reduction and frame average reduced the median VA number by one. A power of −20 dB and dynamic range of 32 dB abolished the VAs. A gain above 90% increased the median number of VAs by one.ConclusionIn thisin vivostudy, the LUS settings influenced the VA number in IMV patients, after controlling for physiological and operator confounders.
Occlusion enhanced pan-cancer classification via deep learning
Authors: Zhao Xing , Chen Zigui , Wang Huating , Sun Hao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractQuantitative measurement of RNA expression levels through RNA-Seq is an ideal replacement for conventional cancer diagnosis via microscope examination. Currently, cancer-related RNA-Seq studies focus on two aspects: classifying the status and tissue of origin of a sample and discovering marker genes. Existing studies typically identify marker genes by statistically comparing healthy and cancer samples. However, this approach overlooks marker genes with low expression level differences and may be influenced by experimental results. This paper introduces “GENESO,” a novel framework for pan-cancer classification and marker gene discovery using the occlusion method in conjunction with deep learning. we first trained a baseline deep LSTM neural network capable of distinguishing the origins and statuses of samples utilizing RNA-Seq data. Then, we propose a novel marker gene discovery method called “Symmetrical Occlusion (SO)”. It collaborates with the baseline LSTM network, mimicking the “gain of function” and “loss of function” of genes to evaluate their importance in pan-cancer classification quantitatively. By identifying the genes of utmost importance, we then isolate them to train new neural networks, resulting in higher-performance LSTM models that utilize only a reduced set of highly relevant genes. The baseline neural network achieves an impressive validation accuracy of 96.59% in pan-cancer classification. With the help of SO, the accuracy of the second network reaches 98.30%, while using 67% fewer genes. Notably, our method excels in identifying marker genes that are not differentially expressed. Moreover, we assessed the feasibility of our method using single-cell RNA-Seq data, employing known marker genes as a validation test.
Total life expectancy and disability-free life expectancy and differences attributable to cigarettes’ smoking among Chinese middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Huang Guogui , Pan Yao , Luo Yanan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Middle-aged and older adults smoking for years are afflicted by smoking-related diseases and functional limitations; however, little is known about the effect of smoking on nonfatal conditions in middle and later life. This study aims to investigate the impact of smoking on both total life expectancy (TLE) and disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) and the variations in such effects by educational level in China.

Methods
Data were drawn from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), 2011–2018, with a total sample of 16,859 individuals aged 45 years or older involved in the final analysis. The Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale was used to measure disability, and the population-based multistate life table method was used to estimate the differences in TLE and DFLE by smoking status and educational attainment.

Results
At baseline, 28.9% of participants were current smokers, 8.5% were former smokers, and 62.6% never smoked. Approximately 5.6% were identified with ADL disability. Both current smokers and former smokers experienced lower TLE and DFLE than never smokers, and such differences were particularly prominent among men. Intriguingly, former smokers manifested a lower DFLE for both sexes and a lower TLE among women, though a longer TLE among men, compared with current smokers. Similar differences in TLE and DFLE by smoking status were observed for groups with different levels of education.

Conclusion
Never smokers live longer and healthier than current smokers and persons who quit smoking. Smoking was associated with greater reductions in TLE and DFLE among men. However, educational attainment might not moderate the adverse effect of smoking on both fatal and nonfatal conditions in the context of China. These findings have implications for disability prevention, aged care provision and informing policies of healthy aging for China and elsewhere.
Exploring the potential of IL-10 for risk assessment and early intervention in pediatric ALL
Authors: Radwan Roqaia E. , Darwish Ahmad , Elsaid Afaf M. , El-kholy Wafaa M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a leading cause of childhood cancer, targets immune system B and T cells. While understanding its causes is crucial, predicting susceptibility holds immense power for early diagnosis and intervention. This study explored the potential of interleukin 10 (IL-10), a key immune regulator, as a predictive tool in Egyptian children. Investigating 100 ALL patients and 100 healthy controls, we analyzed the IL10 gene polymorphism (-1082 A/G) and serum levels. Strikingly, both the G allele and higher serum IL-10 levels were significantly associated with increased ALL risk (p < 0.05, OR > 1). Moreover, IL-10 emerged as a remarkably accurate predictor, boasting an AUC of 0.995, with a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 96%. These findings unveil the potential of IL-10 as a powerful predictive tool for pediatric ALL in the studied Egyptian population. Identifying individuals with the GG/AG haplotype and elevated IL-10 levels could enable early intervention and potentially improve outcomes. While further validation in larger and more diverse populations is needed, this study paves the way for personalized risk assessment and potentially revolutionizes how we combat this childhood killer.
Hyoid displacement during swallowing function for completely edentulous subjects rehabilitated with mandibular implant retained overdenture
Authors: Ibrahim Abdallah Mohammed , Elgamal Mohamed , Abdel-Khalek Elsayed Abdallah 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Hyoid bone is attached to the mandible, tongue, larynx, temporal bone, and cervical spine via different types of muscles or ligaments. The tongue, mandible, and hyoid system play a crucial role in swallowing function. This within subject study aimed to evaluate the impact of mandibular implant overdentures on the displacement of the hyoid bones during the swallowing process.

Methods
Twenty five healthy edentulous subjects were selected for participating in the study. New complete dentures were constructed for all the participants. Subsequently two dental implants were inserted in the canine regions of the participant’s mandibular arch. In order to retain the mandibular prosthesis in place, ball attachments were incorporated into the mandibular dentures to convert them into implant overdentures. Using 10 ml of thin liquid bolus, videofluoroscopy swallowing examination was performed in three different oral conditions: without complete dentures (WCD), with complete denture (CDs), and with a mandibular implant overdenture (IODs). ANOVA with Bonferroni test was used to analyze the data in order to determine how the hyoid displacement varied throughout different oral conditions.

Results
Compared to complete dentures, mandibular implant overdentures showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in both anterior hyoid displacement and duration of hyoid maximum anterior excursion (DOHMAE). However, there was a non-significant difference (P > 0.05) between the two oral circumstances in terms of superior hyoid displacement or duration for hyoid maximum elevation (DOHME). There is no penetration or aspiration for both complete denture and implant overdenture oral conditions.

Conclusion
Implant retained overdentures have a positive effect on hyoid displacement during swallowing of thin liquid bolus consistency relative to conventional complete dentures.

Trial registration
Retrospectively registered (NCT06187181) 02/1/2024.
Impact of chlorogenic acid on submandibular salivary gland and liver of albino rats exposed to sodium nitrite
Authors: Ahmed Elham H. , Abdeen Mohammed Abdelrahim , Soliman Samar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Aim
The aim of the present study is to show how sodium nitrite alters the histology of submandibular salivary glands and livers of Albino rats, as well as how chlorogenic acid may have therapeutic benefits.

Methods
A sample size of thirty male Sprague Dawley Albino rats weighing between 100 and 150 g (5-6 weeks old) was randomly allocated into 3 equal groups. Group I: rats were used as controls and were given phosphate buffer solution, whereas Group II: rats were given an 80 mg/kg sodium nitrites (SN) daily dissolved in distilled water. The rats in Group III were given a daily dose of 80 mg/kg SN dissolved in distilled water and after 6 hours each rat received 50 mg/mL freshly prepared chlorogenic acid (CGA) every other day. For 12 weeks, all treatment modalities will be administered orally, every day. After the experiment, all rats were euthanized. Samples from salivary glands and livers were processed and stained with H&E and interleukin 6 (IL 6). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes were detected using an ELISA assay.

Results
Groups III had nearly comparable findings to Group I regarding histological pattern with normal submandibular glands and livers features. Group III salivary gland treated with CGA exhibited higher SOD levels (20.60±4.81 U/g) in comparison to the SN group, and lower MDA levels (111.58±28.28 nmol/mg) in comparison to the SN treated samples. In comparison to the SN group, CGA treatment significantly reduced MDA levels in liver samples (167.56±21.17 nmol/mg) and raised SOD (30.85±6.77 U/g).

Conclusions
Chlorogenic acid has a protective effect against salivary gland and liver toxicity induced by SN in rats. This was mediated via the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of CGA and the restoration of oxidant/antioxidant balance in rat salivary gland and liver.
Oral health status of Dutch Armed Forces recruits in the years 2000, 2010 and 2020, a retrospective repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: de la Court A. J. , Opdam N. J. M. , Bronkhorst E. M. , Laske M. , Huysmans M. C. D. N. J. M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Studies on oral health status of adults are sparse and rarely include data on endodontic treatment and trauma. In the military, those data are available because recruits are routinely assessed with a clinical and radiological examination at the start of their career. This study aimed to identify differences in oral health status of Dutch Armed Forces recruits between cohorts, departments, sex, age and rank, with DMF-T, endodontic treatment and dental trauma as outcome measures.

Methods
Data from Electronic Patient Files from all recruits enlisted in 2000, 2010 and 2020 were used for analysis in a hurdle model resulting in the estimated cohort effect, controlled for the demographic variables. The total number of recruits was 5,764. Due to the retrospective character of the study a proxy was used to compose D-T and dental trauma.

Results
The mean DMF-T number in recruits decreases from 5.3 in cohort 2000 to 4.13 in cohort 2010 and 3.41 in cohort 2020. The percentage of endodontically treated teeth increases from 6% in cohort 2000 to respectively 9% in 2010 and 8% in 2020. The percentage of recruits showing signs of dental trauma did not change significantly between cohort 2000 (3.1%) and cohort 2010 and 2020 (both 2.7%).

Conclusions
Oral health in Armed Forces recruits is improving over the years, following a similar trend as the general population in the Netherlands. Lower SES represented by enlisted rank showed substantial lower oral health status.
Peri- and postoperative morbidity and mortality in older patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a matched-pair study
Authors: Safi Seyer , Gysan Maximilian Robert , Weber Dorothea , Behnisch Rouven , Muley Thomas , Allgäuer Michael , Winter Hauke , Hoffmann Hans , Eichhorn Martin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Reports from case series suggest that operative outcomes are comparable amongst different age groups following surgery with curative intent for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this study was to compare morbidity and mortality after NSCLC surgery in older patients (≥ 75 years) versus younger patients (< 75 years) and identify independent predictive risk factors.

Methods
We identified 2015 patients with postoperative stages IA to IIIA according to AJCC/UICC 7th edition who had undergone NSCLC surgery with curative intent at a single specialized lung cancer center from January 2010 to December 2015. A matched-pair analysis was performed on 227 older patients and corresponding 227 younger patients. Short-term surgical outcomes were postoperative morbidity, length of hospital stay, 30-day and 90-day mortality. Long-term operative outcomes were disease-free and overall survival.

Results
454 patients were included in the matched-pair analysis. 36% of younger patients developed postoperative complications versus 42% in older patients (p = 0.163). Age was not significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative complications. Median length of hospital stay was 14 days in older patients and 13 days in younger patients (p = 0.185). 90-day mortality was 2.2% in younger patients compared to 4% in older patients (p = 0.424). In patients aged 75 and older impaired performance status (ECOG ≥ 1) was associated with decreased overall survival (HR = 2.15, CI 1.34–3.46), as were preoperative serum C-reactive protein / albumin ratio ≥ 0.3 (HR = 1.95, CI 1.23–3.11) and elevated preoperative serum creatinine levels ≥ 1.1 mg/dl (HR = 1.84, CI 1.15–2.95). In the younger cohort male sex (HR = 2.26, CI 1.17–4.36), postoperative stage III disease (HR 4.61, CI 2.23–9.54) and preoperative anemia (hemoglobin < 12 g/dl) (HR 2.09, CI 1.10–3.96) were associated with decreased overall survival.

Conclusions
Lung resection for NSCLC in older patients is associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality comparable to those of younger patients. In older patients, physical activity, comorbidities and nutritional status are related to survival and should influence the indication for surgery rather than age alone.
mTOR activation induces endolysosomal remodeling and nonclassical secretion of IL-32 via exosomes in inflammatory reactive astrocytes
Authors: Leng Kun , Rooney Brendan , McCarthy Frank , Xia Wenlong , Rose Indigo V. L. , Bax Sophie , Chin Marcus , Fathi Saeed , Herrington Kari A. , Leonetti Manuel , Kao Aimee , Fancy Stephen P. J. , Elias Joshua E. , Kampmann Martin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAstrocytes respond and contribute to neuroinflammation by adopting inflammatory reactive states. Although recent efforts have characterized the gene expression signatures associated with these reactive states, the cell biology underlying inflammatory reactive astrocyte phenotypes remains under-explored. Here, we used CRISPR-based screening in human iPSC-derived astrocytes to identify mTOR activation a driver of cytokine-induced endolysosomal system remodeling, manifesting as alkalinization of endolysosomal compartments, decreased autophagic flux, and increased exocytosis of certain endolysosomal cargos. Through endolysosomal proteomics, we identified and focused on one such cargo–IL-32, a disease-associated pro-inflammatory cytokine not present in rodents, whose secretion mechanism is not well understood. We found that IL-32 was partially secreted in extracellular vesicles likely to be exosomes. Furthermore, we found that IL-32 was involved in the polarization of inflammatory reactive astrocyte states and was upregulated in astrocytes in multiple sclerosis lesions. We believe that our results advance our understanding of cell biological pathways underlying inflammatory reactive astrocyte phenotypes and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Wandering about allostery
Authors: Brunori Maurizio 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIt was a Lucky Strike to be working with Eraldo Antonini on hemoglobin and myoglobin when Jeffries Wyman arrived in Rome in 1961. I found myself connected with a number of creative scientists when the concept of allosteric control was conceived and gifted to the life science community. In retrospect, this was a demonstration of the skill and imagination of a few intelligent scientists that I happened to be close to. Those talents demonstrated the power of creativity as pictured by the motto “Mens agitat molem”; a celebration of humanism and intellect that paved the way to novel discoveries in the field of structure function relationships in proteins. I have presented hereby some of the events and the people as emerged from my memory over three decades of exciting scientific life.