bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing evaluation of endometrial receptivity in recurrent pregnancy loss: a preliminary investigation integrating radiomics from multimodal ultrasound via machine learning
Authors: Yan Shanling , Xiong Fei , Xin Yanfen , Zhou Zhuyu , Liu Wanqing 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundRecurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) frequently links to a prolonged endometrial receptivity (ER) window, leading to the implantation of non-viable embryos. Existing ER assessment methods face challenges in reliability and invasiveness. Radiomics in medical imaging offers a non-invasive solution for ER analysis, but complex, non-linear radiomic-ER relationships in RPL require advanced analysis. Machine learning (ML) provides precision for interpreting these datasets, although research in integrating radiomics with ML for ER evaluation in RPL is limited.ObjectiveTo develop and validate an ML model that employs radiomic features derived from multimodal transvaginal ultrasound images, focusing on improving ER evaluation in RPL.MethodsThis retrospective, controlled study analyzed data from 346 unexplained RPL patients and 369 controls. The participants were divided into training and testing cohorts for model development and accuracy validation, respectively. Radiomic features derived from grayscale (GS) and shear wave elastography (SWE) images, obtained during the window of implantation, underwent a comprehensive five-step selection process. Five ML classifiers, each trained on either radiomic, clinical, or combined datasets, were trained for RPL risk stratification. The model demonstrating the highest performance in identifying RPL patients was selected for further validation using the testing cohort. The interpretability of this optimal model was augmented by applying Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis.ResultsAnalysis of the training cohort (242 RPL, 258 controls) identified nine key radiomic features associated with RPL risk. The extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model, combining radiomic and clinical data, demonstrated superior discriminatory ability. This was evidenced by its area under the curve (AUC) score of 0.871, outperforming other ML classifiers. Validation in the testing cohort of 215 subjects (104 RPL, 111 controls) confirmed its accuracy (AUC: 0.844) and consistency. SHAP analysis identified four endometrial SWE features and two GS features, along with clinical variables like age, SAPI, and VI, as key determinants in RPL risk stratification.ConclusionIntegrating ML with radiomics from multimodal endometrial ultrasound during the WOI effectively identifies RPL patients. The XGBoost model, merging radiomic and clinical data, offers a non-invasive, accurate method for RPL management, significantly enhancing diagnosis and treatment.
Forest structural heterogeneity positively affects bird richness and acoustic diversity in a temperate, central European forest
Authors: Shaw Taylor , Scherer-Lorenzen Michael , Müller Sandra 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionForests managed for timber production can also be managed for biodiversity conservation by retaining structures typical of old-growth forests, which provide heterogenous structures for forest-dwelling species, including birds. Ecoacoustic monitoring of forest birds is now a well-studied field, however the extent to which acoustic indices can reflect bird assemblage responses to stands of lower or higher structural heterogeneity is disputed. MethodIn this study, we acoustically surveyed 75 plots over two years in mature, previously managed forests and computed acoustic indices from the recordings. We first identified an acoustic index that significantly correlated with bird richness over more than one spring season. Next, we tested the response of bird richness to individual forest structural elements using linear regressions. We then repeated this analysis but combined the individual structural elements into one structural composition variable using an NMDS and gam smooth overlay, to compare the effect of individual forest structures versus overall forest heterogeneity on bird richness. We then repeated this analysis using our selected acoustic index, the Normalized Difference Soundscape Index (NDSI), to see if it followed the same patterns as bird richness in response to individual and collective forest structural elements.ResultsOur results showed that plots with high bird richness were also associated with high NDSI values, and high values of both variables occurred in plots with high structural heterogeneity (tree species richness, tree size variability, and snag height variability) and low amounts of standing and lying deadwood. DiscussionOur findings suggest that once an acoustic index can be identified as a robust correlate of bird richness, it can serve as a proxy for the response of birds to differences in forest structural heterogeneity within a managed forest context. It is therefore possible for forest managers interested in conserving or increasing bird richness in their production forests to identify a robust acoustic index to track the response of bird richness to management decisions over time.
Aspergillus fumigatus antigen-reactive Th17 cells are enriched in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in severe equine asthma
Authors: Wjst Valentin F. , Lübke Sabrina , Wagner Bettina , Rhyner Claudio , Jentsch Maria-Christin , Arnold Corinna , Lohmann Katharina L. , Schnabel Christiane L. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionEquine asthma (EA) is a common disease of adult horses with chronic respiratory pathology and common neutrophilic airway inflammation. It presents with hyperreactivity to hay dust components such as molds, and underlying dysregulated T cell responses have been suggested. Thus far, T cells have been analysed in EA with conflicting results and the antigen reactivity of T cells has not been demonstrated. Serological and epidemiological data point to the relevance of Aspergillus fumigatus as an antigen source in EA. Here, we aimed to identify and characterise Aspergillus antigen-reactive T cells in EA.MethodsCryopreserved bronchoalveolar lavage cells (BALC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy horses (HE, n=9) and those with mild-moderate (MEA, n=3) or severe asthma (SEA, n=8) were stimulated in vitro with the recombinant A. fumigatus antigens Asp f 1, or Asp f 7 combined with Asp f 8, to assess antigen reactivity, and with phorbol-12-myristat-13-acetate and ionomycin (P/i) to assess overall T cell reactivity. Stimulated cells were analysed by flow cytometry for CD4, CD8, IL-17, IL-4, and IFN-γ. Cytokine expression in all lymphocytes, and in CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, was quantified and compared between the groups. In BAL fluid (BALF), soluble cytokines and chemokines were quantified by bead-based assays.ResultsAntigen restimulation of BALC with Asp f 1 or Asp f 7/8 provoked higher frequencies of IL-17+ lymphocytes, CD4+IL-17+ Th17 cells, and CD4+IL-4+ Th2 cells in SEA than in HE, whereas MEA and HE were similar. Antigen stimulation of PBMC did not result in group differences. P/i stimulation of BALC resulted in increased IL-17+ lymphocyte and CD4+IL-17+ Th17 cell frequencies in MEA compared with HE but the limited number of horses with MEA must be considered. P/i-stimulated PBMC from MEA or SEA contained more IL-17+ lymphocytes compared with HE. Cytokines were hardly detected in BALF and similar between the groups but CCL2 and CCL5 concentrations were increased in BALF from SEA or MEA, respectively, compared with HE.ConclusionHorses with SEA have increased Aspergillus antigen-reactive Th17 cells in their airways, emphasising local T cell responses to this mold, which were quantified in EA for the first time here.
Lymphocyte subsets for predicting inflammatory bowel disease progression and treatment response: a systematic review
Authors: Chen Rirong , Li Chao , Zheng Jieqi , Fan Zinan , Li Li , Chen Minhu , Chen Baili , Zhang Shenghong 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundLymphocytes play a key role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and are widely explored as promising prognostic indicators. We aimed to outline the existing evidences on the capability of lymphocyte subpopulations to predict disease progression and treatment response in patients with IBD.MethodsThe protocol for this review was registered in PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD 42022364126). Systematic retrieval was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Original articles on the prognostic value of lymphocyte subsets in IBD published up to April 8, 2023 were eligible for inclusion. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the risk of bias.ResultsTwenty studies were ultimately included: eight evaluated the prediction of disease progression and 12 focused on the prediction of treatment response. According to the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, three studies were of high quality, 16 were of moderate quality, and only one was of low quality. T-cell subpopulations, including CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and γδ T cells, are revealed to have prognostic capacity. Transmembrane tumor necrosis factor α-bearing lymphocytes, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and Plasma cells are found to have the potential to predict the response to anti-TNFα agents. In contrast memory T cells, CD4+ T cells, and naïve B cells may predict the response to vedolizumab.ConclusionsThis systematic review identified several potential lymphocyte subset-related predictors. If verified in large cohort prospective studies, these findings could aid clinical decision-making.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022364126.
Regulation of Bacteroides acidifaciens by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in IL-22-producing immune cells has sex-dependent consequential impact on colitis
Authors: Mitchell Chandani , Staley Shanieka , Williams Michal Claire , Saxena Archana , Bogdon Raymond , Roark Kasie , Hailey Michele , Miranda Kathryn , Becker William , Dopkins Nicholas , Pena Maria Marjorette , Hogan Kristen M. , Baird Maredith , Wilson Kiesha , Nagarkatti Prakash , Nagarkatti Mitzi , Busbee Philip Brandon 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionColitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by immune cell dysregulation and alterations in the gut microbiome. In our previous report, we showed a natural product in cruciferous vegetables and ligand of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), indole-3-carbinol (I3C), was able to reduce colitis-induced disease severity and microbial dysbiosis in an interleukin-22 (IL-22) dependent manner.MethodsIn the current study, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) from colonocytes during colitis induction and supplementation with I3C and show how this treatment alters expression of genes involved in IL-22 signaling. To further define the role of IL-22 signaling in I3C-mediated protection during colitis and disease-associated microbial dysbiosis, we generated mice with AhR deficiency in RAR-related orphan receptor c (Rorc)-expressing cells (AhRΔRorc) which depletes this receptor in immune cells involved in production of IL-22. Colitis was induced in wildtype (WT), AhRΔRorc, and littermate (LM) mice with or without I3C treatment. ResultsResults showed AhRΔRorc mice lost the efficacy effects of I3C treatment which correlated with a loss of ability to increase IL-22 by innate lymphoid type 3 (ILC3s), not T helper 22 (Th22) cells. 16S rRNA microbiome profiling studies showed AhRΔRorc mice were unable to regulate disease-associated increases in Bacteroides, which differed between males and females. Lastly, inoculation with a specific disease-associated Bacteroides species, Bacteroides acidifaciens (B. acidifaciens), was shown to exacerbate colitis in females, but not males. DiscussionCollectively, this report highlights the cell and sex-specific role of AhR in regulating microbes that can impact colitis disease.
Assessing the prevalence of schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis in a tuberculosis clinic: the TB-TROPIcare study
Authors: Genovese Camilla , Colaneri Marta , Pagano Simone , Schiuma Marco , Galli Lucia , Fama Federico , Antinori Spinello , Gori Andrea , Torre Alessandro 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionIn recent years, Europe has experienced a significant flux of migrants, often hailing from regions endemic for schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis, diseases frequently overshadowed by tuberculosis (TB) in healthcare priorities. While TB remains a prevalent concern among this population, chronic schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis are frequently neglected. Motivated by this observation, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis in patients attending our TB outpatient clinic.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, observational study spanning from June 2020 to January 2024, focusing on patients attending the TB outpatient clinic of Luigi Sacco Hospital of Milan, Italy. Serology tests were performed in patients with a history suggestive of exposure to either Schistosoma spp. or Strongyloides stercoralis.ResultsAmong the 228 patients included in the study, 84 (36.8%) individuals were born in Italy, one came from Spain, 80 (35.1%) from strongyloidiasis moderate or high endemic countries and 63 (27.6%) from areas endemic for schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis. Of these patients, 160 (70.2%) were diagnosed with tuberculosis disease, while 68 (29.8%) had tuberculosis infection. The prevalence of schistosomiasis was 26.7%, while that of strongyloidiasis was 7.8%. Notably, 3 patients tested positive for both infections.ConclusionOur study highlights the often-underestimated prevalence of schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis among migrants accessing healthcare for TB, underscoring the importance of increased awareness and targeted screening within this population.
Sex and age-related patterns in pediatric primary headaches: observations from an outpatient headache clinic
Authors: Faria Vanda , Höfer Berit , Klimova Anna , von der Hagen Maja , Berner Reinhard , Sabatowski Rainer , Koch Thea , Hübler Anke , Richter Matthias , Moulton Eric A. , Holmes Scott A. , Gossrau Gudrun 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundAge reportedly affects headache prevalence differently in boys and girls. However, little empirical data exists regarding pediatric headache prevalence and headache-related burden in children and adolescents according to age and sex. In the present study, we considered age and sex while evaluating the distribution, characteristics, and impairment of primary headache disorders at a pediatric headache center in Germany.MethodsMedical records of children and adolescents attending the headache clinic of the Interdisciplinary Pain Center of the Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital in Dresden during the period 2015–2022 were retrospectively grouped and analyzed depending on age (&lt; or ≥14 years) and sex.ResultsThe study population consisted of 652 children and adolescents, aged between 3 and 18 years. Almost two-thirds of the patients (≈60%) were females, and almost two-thirds of these females (58%) were ≥14 years of age. Generally, the most prevalent headache diagnoses as defined by the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition were episodic migraine without aura and the combination of tension-type headache and episodic migraine with or without aura i.e., mixed-type headache (each ≈27%). In the younger group (&lt;14 years), the mixed-type headache was the most prevalent in girls (28.6%), whereas, for boys, episodic migraine without aura was the most prevalent headache diagnosis (47.4%). In the older group (≥14 years), the mixed-type headache continued to be the most prevalent for girls (30%), and it became the most prevalent for boys (26.3%). Before the age of 14, about 16% of children were severely affected by their headaches. After the age of 14, this proportion increased to roughly one-third (33%) of adolescents, driven mainly by teenage girls (26%) who were severely affected by their headaches. Furthermore, the prevalence of comorbidities was significantly higher among girls (67%), particularly in the adolescent group (74%).ConclusionsOur data shows that headache disorders in a specialized pediatric clinic impose a significant burden, especially among teenage girls indicating high therapy needs. Enhancing awareness of early diagnosis and preventive care is crucial to mitigate the development of chronic headaches, and mitigate their adverse effects on life quality and educational capability.
Effect of 5:2 intermittent fasting diet versus daily calorie restriction eating on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease—a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Yuan-yuan , Tian Fang , Qian Xiao-lu , Ying Hui-min , Zhou Zhen-feng 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveBoth 5:2 IF diet (intermittent fasting) and daily caloric restriction eating had been suggested for management of MAFLD (Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease), this study aimed to evaluate the effects of 5:2 IF diet on body weight and metabolic parameters in adults with MAFLD, in comparison to daily caloric restriction eating.MethodsThis single-center, double-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial included 60 patients with MAFLD, who were administered either a 5:2 IF diet limited calories consumed for 2 days each week with no restrictions on the remaining 5 (Group 5:2 IF diet) or a daily calorie restriction eating (Group daily calorie restriction). Fibrotouch-B instrument assessment, ultrasound assessment of hepatic steatosis, anthropometric indices and body composition analysis, blood sample measurements were conducted during two distinct visits: initially on the day of study commencement (T1), and subsequently at the conclusion of the 12-week intervention period (T2).ResultsIn comparison to daily calorie restriction eating, the 5:2 IF diet significantly decreased the proportion of hepatic steatosis ≥moderate (29.6% vs. 59.3%, p = 0.028) and the degree of hepatic fibrosis F ≥ 2 (3.7% vs. 25.9%, p = 0.05), and fewer percentage of patients were diagnosed with fatty liver via upper abdominal ultrasound in the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet group (33.3% vs. 63.0%, p = 0.029). Additionally, the CAP (controlled attenuation parameter) and LSM (liver stiffness measurements) value were significantly lower in the 5:2 IF diet group (p &lt; 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of weight, BMI (body mass index), WC (waist circumference), HC (hip circumference), and WHR (waist to hip ratio). Similarly, there were no significant differences in lipid profile, glycemic indices and adverse events (p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionIn summary, although both 5:2 IF diet and daily caloric restriction eating achieved similar effect on body weight, liver enzymes, lipid profile and glycemic indices after 12 weeks treatment, 5:2 IF diet demonstrates better improvement in fibrosis and steatosis scores independently from weight regulation. Consequently, it is anticipated to emerge as a viable dietary modality for lifestyle intervention among patients diagnosed with MAFLD.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier ChiCTR2400080292.
Assessing skeletal muscle mass and lean body mass: an analysis of the agreement among dual X-ray absorptiometry, anthropometry, and bioelectrical impedance
Authors: Baglietto Nicolás , Vaquero-Cristóbal Raquel , Albaladejo-Saura Mario , Mecherques-Carini Malek , Esparza-Ros Francisco 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionMethods of body composition estimation such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), anthropometry, and bioimpedance (BIA) are used for the estimation of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and lean body mass (LBM). No previous studies have examined whether these methods generate comparable results, or whether they are valid by using DXA as the reference. The aims of the present investigation were: (a) to assess the differences between DXA, anthropometry, and BIA in the estimation of SMM and LBM, taking into consideration the impact of sex and hydration status; and (b) to examine the agreement of anthropometry and BIA as compared to DXA for the estimation of SMM and LBM.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional design was followed with 262 healthy young adults (159 males and 103 females). LBM and SMM were assessed by anthropometry with the formulas from Lee et al. and Kulkarni et al. for LBM; and Kerr (opt a), Kerr (opt b), Lee et al., Poortmans, Matiegka, Martin et al., Drinkwater and Ross, and Heymsfield et al. for SMM; by BIA with the formula reported by the TANITA MC-780-MA software for LBM and SMM; and DXA with the formula reported by the Hologic Horizon software for LBM, and the conversion by Kim et al. for SMM.ResultsSignificant differences were found for both SMM and LBM in kg, and percentages between most methods and formulas for the overall sample (p &lt; 0.001–0.003) and divided by sex (p &lt; 0.001–0.035). Hydration status did not have a significant effect on the differences between methods and formulas (p = 0.058–0.870). Lin’s coefficient revealed limited agreement among the majority of formulas and methods (CCC = 0.007–0.880). The Bland–Altman analysis showed significant differences in most methods and formulas, both in the overall sample and divided by sex, when using SMM and LBM with DXA as the reference (p &lt; 0.001–0.030).ConclusionThere is a lack of agreement between methods and formulas for assessing SMM and LBM. Sex was found to be a significant factor in this analysis. Furthermore, significant differences were observed between most formulas and methods as compared to DXA, except for the equations to estimate SMM with anthropometry by Poortmans.
Nomograms to predict lung metastasis in malignant primary osseous spinal neoplasms and cancer-specific survival in lung metastasis subgroup
Authors: Jiang Yong , Zhu Yapeng , Ding Yongli , Lu Xinchang 
Published: August 2024

PurposeTo construct and validate nomograms for predicting lung metastasis probability in patients with malignant primary osseous spinal neoplasms (MPOSN) at initial diagnosis and predicting cancer-specific survival (CSS) in the lung metastasis subgroup.MethodsA total of 1,298 patients with spinal primary osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chordoma were retrospectively collected. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate logistic analysis were used to identify the predictors for lung metastasis. LASSO and multivariate Cox analysis were used to identify the prognostic factors for 3- and 5-year CSS in the lung metastasis subgroup. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analyses (DCA) were used to estimate the accuracy and net benefits of nomograms.ResultsHistologic type, grade, lymph node involvement, tumor size, tumor extension, and other site metastasis were identified as predictors for lung metastasis. The area under the curve (AUC) for the training and validating cohorts were 0.825 and 0.827, respectively. Age, histologic type, surgery at primary site, and grade were identified as the prognostic factors for the CSS. The AUC for the 3- and 5-year CSS were 0.790 and 0.740, respectively. Calibration curves revealed good agreements, and the Hosmer and Lemeshow test identified the models to be well fitted. DCA curves demonstrated that nomograms were clinically useful.ConclusionThe nomograms constructed and validated by us could provide clinicians with a rapid and user-friendly tool to predict lung metastasis probability in patients with MPOSN at initial diagnosis and make a personalized CSS evaluation for the lung metastasis subgroup.