bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health facility-based prevalence of typhoid fever, typhus and malaria among individuals suspected of acute febrile illnesses in Southwest Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Abayneh Mengistu , Aberad Mitiku , Habtemariam Yosef , Alemu Yared 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundAcute febrile illnesses such as typhoid fever, typhus, and malaria are still major causes of hospital admission in many parts of Ethiopia. However, there are substantial gaps in the monitoring systems, which result in a lack of knowledge about the geographic distribution and role of common pathogens, particularly in rural areas. Thus, this study was aimed at assessing the seroprevalence of typhoid fever, typhus, and malaria among suspected acute febrile patients at the MTU Teaching Hospital and Mizan-Aman Health Center, Southwest region of Ethiopia.MethodA health facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out from July to October 2022. Blood samples were collected from a total of 384 individuals. Widal and Weilfelix direct card agglutination and tube agglutination test methods were used for the Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. typhi) and Rickettsia infections. The diagnosis of malaria was made using thick and thin blood smears. Questionnaires given by interviewers were used to gather information on risk factors and other sociodemographic factors. The data was analyzed using STATA/SE 14.0.ResultA total of 371 patients were tested for S. Typhi and Rickettsia infections using direct card agglutination and tube agglutination methods. Using the screening test, 20.5% (76/371) patients were reactive either for O or H antigens or both, of which 55.3% (42/76) were reactive by the titration test at the cutoff value ≥ 1:80. About 17.5% (65/371) were reactive to OX19 antigen by card agglutination test, and of which 58.5% (38/65) were reactive by the titration test at the cutoff value ≥ 1:80. The overall seroprevalence of S. Typhi and Rickettsia infections using combined direct card and tube agglutination techniques was 11.3% (42/371) and 10.2% (38/371), respectively. Out of 384 suspected malaria patients, 43 (11.2%) were found positive either for P. falciparum, 27 (7.03%), or P. vivax, 16 (4.2%).ConclusionIn this study, typhoid fever, typhus, and malaria were found among symptomatic acute febrile patients. To increase disease awareness, it is necessary to provide sustainable health education about risk factor behaviors, disease transmission, and prevention strategies. In addition, improving laboratory diagnosis services and early treatment may also lower the likelihood of potentially fatal consequences.
3D imaging shows nano- and microparticles are internalized by salmon skin and corneal epithelial cells
Authors: Thiyagarajan Dhivya B. , Stette Marie H. S. , Afzal Bilal M. , Ahluwalia Balpreet S. , Agarwal Krishna , Dalmo Roy A. , Wolfson Deanna L. 
Published: July 2024

The rising problem of plastic pollution is becoming one of the major environmental issues for the world. In the ocean, plastics undergo degradation into smaller microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). Wild fish and farmed salmon would likely be exposed to these NPs and MPs both through skin and through skin wounds. Keratocyte cells, located in the skin epithelial layer, are scavenger cells which may remove foreign materials and maintain the salmon’s health. They are therefore first in line to handle and to suffer from MP and NP exposure. While the impacts of MPs have been well studied in many different organisms, much less is known about the effects of NP exposure, particularly at the subcellular level. Here, we have used holotomographic and fluorescence microscopy to show that both skin and corneal salmon keratocyte cells fully internalize 500–1000 nm polystyrene particles, as well as inorganic 500 nm silica particles. The fact that corneal epithelial cells also take up particles is novel. Furthermore, some of these particles likely end up in lysosomal compartments within 2 hours of exposure. Here, we show that both conventional and new modalities of microscopy have a role to play to understand how micro- and nano particles affect epithelial cells.
Causal relationship between type 2 diabetes and common respiratory system diseases: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhang Xiaofeng , Sun Gengyun 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundType 2 diabetes (T2D) frequently co-occurs with respiratory system diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma, lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary tuberculosis. Although a potential association is noted between these conditions, the available research is limited.ObjectiveTo investigate the causal relationship between patients with T2D and respiratory system diseases using two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.MethodsCausal relationships were inferred using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis based on publicly available genome-wide association studies. We employed the variance inverse-weighted method as the primary analytical approach based on three key assumptions underlying MR analysis. To bolster the robustness and reliability of our results, we utilized MR Egger’s intercept test to detect potential pleiotropy, Cochran’s Q test to assess heterogeneity, funnel plots to visualize potential bias, and “leave-one-out” sensitivity analysis to ensure that our findings were not unduly influenced by any single genetic variant.ResultThe inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis indicated a causal relationship between T2D and COPD [Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.87; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.82–0.96; p &lt; 0.05]. No significant heterogeneity or pleiotropy were observed through their respective tests (p &gt; 0.05), and the statistical power calculations indicated that the results were reliable. The IVW analysis showed a negative causal relationship between T2D and bronchial asthma [OR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.81–0.89; p &lt; 0.05]. However, the IVW under the random-effects model indicated heterogeneity (p &lt; 0.05), suggesting instability in the results and requiring cautious interpretation. The study found a positive causal relationship between T2D and pulmonary tuberculosis (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.05–1.45, p &lt; 0.05). However, they exhibited pleiotropy (p &lt; 0.05), indicating their instability. No correlation between T2D and interstitial lung disease or lung cancer was observed.ConclusionT2D is negatively associated with COPD, suggesting that T2D may reduce the risk of developing COPD. A negative causal relationship between T2D and bronchial asthma has been observed, but the results exhibit heterogeneity. There is a positive causal relationship between T2D and pulmonary tuberculosis, yet the findings suggest the presence of pleiotropy. No significant causal relationship between T2D and lung cancer or interstitial lung disease was observed.
Detection of freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease from foot-pressure sensing insoles using a temporal convolutional neural network
Authors: Park Jae-Min , Moon Chang-Won , Lee Byung Chan , Oh Eungseok , Lee Juhyun , Jang Won-Jun , Cho Kang Hee , Lee Si-Hyeon 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundsFreezing of gait (FoG) is a common and debilitating symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD) that can lead to falls and reduced quality of life. Wearable sensors have been used to detect FoG, but current methods have limitations in accuracy and practicality. In this paper, we aimed to develop a deep learning model using pressure sensor data from wearable insoles to accurately detect FoG in PD patients.MethodsWe recruited 14 PD patients and collected data from multiple trials of a standardized walking test using the Pedar insole system. We proposed temporal convolutional neural network (TCNN) and applied rigorous data filtering and selective participant inclusion criteria to ensure the integrity of the dataset. We mapped the sensor data to a structured matrix and normalized it for input into our TCNN. We used a train-test split to evaluate the performance of the model.ResultsWe found that TCNN model achieved the highest accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score for FoG detection compared to other models. The TCNN model also showed good performance in detecting FoG episodes, even in various types of sensor noise situations.ConclusionsWe demonstrated the potential of using wearable pressure sensors and machine learning models for FoG detection in PD patients. The TCNN model showed promising results and could be used in future studies to develop a real-time FoG detection system to improve PD patients' safety and quality of life. Additionally, our noise impact analysis identifies critical sensor locations, suggesting potential for reducing sensor numbers.
Osmotic gradient ektacytometry – a novel diagnostic approach for neuroacanthocytosis syndromes
Authors: Hernández Carolina A. , Peikert Kevin , Qiao Min , Darras Alexis , de Wilde Jonathan R. A. , Bos Jennifer , Leibowitz Maya , Galea Ian , Wagner Christian , Rab Minke A. E. , Walker Ruth H. , Hermann Andreas , van Beers Eduard J. , van Wijk Richard , Kaestner Lars 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThe unique red blood cell (RBC) properties that characterize the rare neuroacanthocytosis syndromes (NAS) have prompted the exploration of osmotic gradient ektacytometry (Osmoscan) as a diagnostic tool for these disorders. In this exploratory study, we assessed if Osmoscans can discriminate NAS from other neurodegenerative diseases.MethodsA comprehensive assessment was conducted using Osmoscan on a diverse group of patients, including healthy controls (n = 9), neuroacanthocytosis syndrome patients (n = 6, 2 VPS13A and 4 XK disease), Parkinson’s disease patients (n = 6), Huntington’s disease patients (n = 5), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients (n = 4). Concurrently, we collected and analyzed RBC indices and patients’ characteristics.ResultsStatistically significant changes were observed in NAS patients compared to healthy controls and other conditions, specifically in osmolality at minimal elongation index (Omin), maximal elongation index (EImax), the osmolality at half maximal elongation index in the hyperosmotic part of the curve (Ohyper), and the width of the curve close to the osmolality at maximal elongation index (Omax-width).DiscussionThis study represents an initial exploration of RBC properties from NAS patients using osmotic gradient ektacytometry. While specific parameters exhibited differences, only Ohyper and Omax-width yielded 100% specificity for other neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, unique correlations between Osmoscan parameters and RBC indices in NAS versus controls were identified, such as osmolality at maximal elongation index (Omax) vs. mean cellular hemoglobin content (MCH) and minimal elongation index (EImin) vs. red blood cell distribution width (RDW). Given the limited sample size, further studies are essential to establish diagnostic guidelines based on these findings.
Familial 46, XY Disorder of Sexual Development identified in a Ph+BCR::ABL1P210+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia septuagenarian female with RCBTB2::LPAR6 fusion gene: a case report
Authors: Wang Lingling , Xi Conglin , Zheng Xinyu , Huang Yongfen , Xu Hao , Miao Yuqing , Cheng Yuexin 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundFamilial 46, XY Disorder of Sexual Development (DSD) was discovered in a Ph+, BCR::ABL1P210+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) female with RCBTB2::LPAR6 fusion gene. Siblings developing 46, XY DSD are extremely rare. Patients with 46, XY DSD have much higher rates of gonadal cancers. Nevertheless, the incidence of hematologic malignancies in patients with DSDs has received little attention. RCBTB2::LPAR6 is a rarely reported fusion gene in ALL.Case presentationHerein, we report a rare case of a newly diagnosed Ph+, BCR::ABL1P210+ ALL patient who was 77 years old and female by social sex. Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and RNA sequencing revealed TET2 and NF1 mutations in addition to a rarely reported RCBTB2::LPAR6 fusion gene and 17 other genes with uncertain clinical significance. The patient was surprisingly found to have a male karyotype. On ultrasound, neither the uterus nor the ovaries were discernible. A detailed family and marital history revealed that the patient had undergone surgery at an early age for an unexplained inguinal mass. She had slow pubertal development, scanty menstruation, and few overtly feminine characteristics. She had three marriages, but none succeeded in getting pregnant. The patient had never sought therapy for infertility due to the inaccessibility of medical treatment and a lack of medical knowledge. Her sister, 73 years old and female by social sex, who had amenorrhea in adolescence and was unable to conceive, had the same experience. To our surprise, she also had a male karyotype.ConclusionsDue to the absence of long-term social attention and follow-up, studies on the incidence of hematologic malignancies in patients with 46, XY DSD are incredibly uncommon. Siblings developing 46, XY DSD is extremely rare. We report the oldest patient diagnosed with 46, XY DSD. There have not yet been any reports of familial 46, XY DSD with a concurrent diagnosis of Ph+BCR::ABL1P210+ALL with a rarely reported RCBTB2::LPAR6 fusion gene.
A systematic review and meta-analysis on utilizing anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy as a second-line treatment for relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Asghar Kanwal , Zafar Maryam , Holland Eva , Abduljabbar Ali Bin , Albagoush Sara A. , Asghar Noureen , Sood Akshat , Dufani Jalal M. , Thirumalaredy Joseph , DeVrieze Bradley , Tauseef Abubakar , Husnain Muhammad 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionInconsistent results observed in recent phase III trials assessing chimeric antigenic receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy as a second-line treatment compared to standard of care (SOC) in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) prompted a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy in this setting.MethodsRandom-effects meta-analysis was conducted to pool effect estimates for comparison between CAR-T cell therapy and SOC. Mixed treatment comparisons were made using a frequentist network meta-analysis approach.ResultsMeta-analysis of three trials with 865 patients showed significant improvement in event-free survival (EFS: HR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.27-0.97; I2: 92%), progression-free survival (PFS: HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.37-0.60; I2: 0%) with CAR-T cell therapy compared to SOC. Although there was a signal of potential overall survival (OS) improvement with CAR-T cell therapy, the difference was not statistically significant between the two groups (HR 0.76; 95% CI: 0.56 to 1.03; I2: 29%). Mixed treatment comparisons showed significant EFS benefit with liso-cel (HR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.22-0.61) and axi-cel (HR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.29-0.61) compared to tisa-cel.DiscussionCAR-T cell therapy, as a second-line treatment, appears to be effective in achieving higher response rates and delaying the disease progression compared to SOC in R/R DLBCL.
Mendelian randomization analysis reveals a causal relationship between preterm birth and myopia risk
Authors: Lin Bin , Chen Long-long , Li Dong-kan 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundPreterm birth has been associated with an increased risk of myopia, but the causal relationship between these two factors remains unclear. Traditional epidemiological studies are limited by confounding factors and reverse causality. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, utilizing genetic variants as instrumental variables, provides a robust approach to investigate causal relationships. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential causal link between preterm birth and myopia risk using a two-sample MR analysis strategy.MethodsWe conducted a Mendelian randomization study to investigate the causal relationship between preterm birth and myopia risk. Genetic variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) were used as instrumental variables, and summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were utilized. Four regression models, including MR-Egger regression, weighted median regression, inverse variance weighted regression, and Weighted mode regression, were employed to validate the causal relationship. Sensitivity analysis was performed using the leave-one-out method. At the same time, the funnel diagram and MR-Egger test were used to judge the stability of the research results.ResultsThe MR analysis revealed a significant causal effect of preterm birth on myopia risk. Both the inverse variance weighted regression and weighted median regression models showed a p-value less than 0.05, indicating a robust association. The risk of myopia increased by approximately 30% for everyone standard deviation increase in preterm birth. Sensitivity analysis, funnel plot and MR-Egger test all confirm the stability of the research results.ConclusionOur findings provide evidence supporting a causal relationship between preterm birth and myopia risk. Preterm infants are at a higher risk of developing myopia, and this association is not likely to be influenced by confounding factors or reverse causality. The SNP loci rs6699397, rs10871582, and rs2570497 should be closely monitored as they may lead to abnormal concentrations of intraocular cytokines, particularly vascular endothelial growth factor, potentially elucidating one of the pathogenic mechanisms contributing to the higher incidence of myopia in preterm infants. However the complex interconnections involved extend beyond these factors alone.
Mistakes are not an option: aggression from peers and other correlates of anxiety and depression in pediatricians in training
Authors: Yoldi-Negrete María , Guízar-Sánchez Diana , Robles-García Rebeca , Tovilla-Zárate Carlos-Alfonso , Saracco-Álvarez Ricardo-Arturo , Navarro-Castellanos Iñaki , Hill-de-Titto Ana-Carolina , Fresán Ana 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionPediatricians in training are a population at risk for anxiety and depression: they face long working hours, they are confronted with the suffering and death of a vulnerable population and may have personal characteristics that put them in danger. Nonetheless, few studies have looked at their prevalence and associated factors. We aimed to compare demographic, professional activities, adversities and perfectionism personality features between a group of pediatricians in training with depression and/or anxiety and a group of pediatricians in training without depression nor anxiety and, to identify the variables that increase the probabilities of depression and/or anxiety in pediatricians in training.MethodsPediatric residents who voluntarily answered an online survey distributed via personal and institutional social media channels from October 2019 to April 2021, as part of a cross-sectional study with medical specialists and residents from Mexico were included. Demographic information, professional activities and adversities, perfectionism personality features (Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale), depression and anxiety (ICD-11 PHC) were evaluated. For comparison purposes Chi-square tests (χ2) and independent sample t-tests were used. A logistic regression analysis was used to identify those variables that increase the probabilities of depression and/or anxiety.Results934 pediatric residents answered the survey. 11.6% reported having depression and 20% anxiety. Being single, a history of anxious or depressive episodes, being the resident in charge of a patient who died, aggressions from colleagues and a high concern for errors were associated with current depression and/or anxiety.DiscussionScreening for depressive and anxious symptoms should be routinely performed from entry to the residency to favor early intervention. A shift from promoting perfectionism to a more compassionate training could serve a population facing so many adversities.
Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the resilience scale for parents of children with cancer
Authors: Zhong Gaoxiang , Ding Zhangyi , Li Xichen , Qiao Yan , Zhang Xinmiao , Cui Huixia 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundPediatric cancer ranks among the leading causes of mortality in children globally. While serving as primary caregivers, certain parents may experience anxiety, depression, and other related challenges. However, not all parents succumb to such psychological distress. Resilience emerges as a potential protective factor. Assessing parental resilience holds paramount importance for healthcare professionals in identifying issues and offering tailored interventions. Yet, mainland China lacks adequate tools for this assessment. Hence, this study endeavors to translate the Resilience Scale for Parents of Children with Cancer (RSP-CC) into Chinese and scrutinize its psychometric properties.MethodsFrom April 2023 to January 2024, a methodological study was conducted in Chengdu, Chongqing, and Jinzhou, China, recruiting 377 eligible parents via convenience sampling for a multicenter cross-sectional survey. The translation process of the RSP-CC adhered rigorously to the Brislin model, involving forward and back-translation, followed by necessary modifications. Item analysis was assessed using the critical ratio and the item-total correlation coefficient. Validity evaluation encompassed content and internal validity assessments. Scale reliability was determined through Cronbach’s α coefficient, retest reliability, and split-half reliability coefficients.ResultsThe Chinese version of the RSP-CC comprises 4 dimensions and 24 items, explaining a cumulative variance contribution of 63.58%. In this investigation, the content validity index attained a score of 0.97. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) yielded four factors consistent with the original scale, while confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated satisfactory fit indices. Both Cronbach’s α coefficient and retest reliability stood at 0.95, with a split-half reliability coefficient of 0.82.ConclusionAfter rigorous translation and verification, the RSP-CC was adapted in China, demonstrating favorable psychometric characteristics. It stands as an effective instrument for parents of children diagnosed with cancer in China. Additionally, this scale could serve as a crucial tool for clinical staff in formulating specific interventions.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of the tislelizumab versus docetaxel for advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer in China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Fan Xiongxiong , Zhang Jin , Jiang Fengli , Wu Yiping , Yang Beibei , Li Xinghuan , Liu Dong 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundTislelizumab is the first PD-1 inhibitor in China to demonstrate superior efficacy in second-line or third-line treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of tislelizumab compared to docetaxel from a Chinese healthcare system perspective.MethodsA dynamic Markov model was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of tislelizumab in comparison to docetaxel in second or third-line treatment. The efficacy data utilized in the model were derived from the RATIONALE-303 clinical trial, while cost and utility values were obtained from the drug data service platform and published studies. The primary outcomes of the model encompassed quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were conducted to validate the robustness of the base case analysis results.ResultsThe tislelizumab group demonstrated a cost increase of CNY 117,473 and a gain of 0.58 QALYs compared to the docetaxel group, resulting in an ICER value of CNY 202,927 per QALY gained.ConclusionThe administration of tislelizumab in patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC not only extends the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Moreover, this treatment demonstrates a favorable cost-effectiveness profile across the Chinese population.