bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of IL-8 on Survival after TARE in HCC: A Comprehensive Investigation and External Validation from the SORAMIC Trial
Authors: Schindler Aaron , Fischer Janett , Beeskow Anne-Bettina , Lincke Thomas , Ebel Sebastian , Seehofer Daniel , Denecke Timm , Veelken Rhea , Sabri Osama , Öcal Osman , Seidensticker Max , Berg Thomas , Bömmel Florian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
In the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with transarterial radioembolization (TARE), identifying reliable biomarkers for predicting survival outcomes remains a critical challenge. We aimed to address this gap by investigating the significance of serum cytokines associated with inflammation as potential biomarkers for the selection of patients for TARE.
Methods
Our retrospective study involved 161 patients diagnosed with HCC who underwent Y90 radioembolization at our medical center between 2010 and 2020. Serum samples from a subset of 78 patients were retrospectively analyzed to determine the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The results from the prospective SORAMIC trial were used for independent validation.
Results
With a median overall survival of 36 weeks (range 4-436), our study showed the strongest correlation between 12-week survival and IL-8 levels before treatment (p < 0.001), while other relevant interleukins, interferon-α2, INF-γ, TNF-α and MCP-1 were not associated with survival. IL-8 levels below the cut-off of 190 pg/mL were significantly associated with increased 12-week and 24-week survival, with hazard ratios of 19.01 (95% CI: 2.29-157.89) and 2.57 (95% CI: 1.05–6.31), respectively (p = 0.006 and p = 0.039, respectively). In the adjusted multivariate analysis, the 190 pg/mL cut-off for IL-8 remained independently associated with 12- (p = 0.011) and 24-week survival (p = 0.039). Similarly, the SORAMIC population showed a strong association between IL-8 levels and 36-week survival (p = 0.03).
Conclusion
Our study emphasizes the pivotal role of IL-8 as a valuable parameter, demonstrating its potential for predicting treatment outcomes and assessing liver function in patients with HCC undergoing TARE. The robustness of these findings warrants further validation.
Cohort Profile: The St. Göran Bipolar Project
Authors: Pålsson Erik , Jonsson Lina , Klahn Luisa , Kardell Mathias , Göteson Andreas , Abé Christoph , Aspholmer Andreas , Liberg Benny , Pelanis Aurimantas , Sparding Timea , Landén Mikael 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The St. Göran Bipolar Project (SBP) was launched as a longitudinal outpatient study investigation. The overarching objective was to identify predictive factors associated with long-term outcomes of individuals with bipolar disorder, encompassing cognitive function, relapse rate, treatment responses, and functional outcome. Furthermore, the aim was to incorporate brain imaging, biochemical analyses of cerebrospinal fluid and blood, and genetics in a multifaceted approach that target several levels of observation.
Methods
The SBP is a collaboration between academia and healthcare, enrolling individuals treated at the respective bipolar outpatient clinics in Stockholm (SBP-S) and Gothenburg (SBP-G), Sweden. Healthy controls were identified through Statistics Sweden and enrolled at both sites. Data and sample collection included structured interview instruments, self-rated questionnaires, blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples, magnetic resonance imaging, and neuropsychological tests. A subset of study participants has completed 7- and 14-year follow-up visits.
Discussion
The SBP has generated many original findings and recent studies have used the advantages of longitudinal follow-ups and the presence of a replication cohort. While data collection is approaching completion, collected data continue to be used to address new research questions. The two key strengths of the St. Göran study are the detailed and multimodal information collected at each study visit and the extended follow-up period. The naturalistic setting of the study means findings are often applicable to individuals with bipolar disorder in real-world scenarios. However, the variability in completeness of collected information is substantial for some modalities and drop-out rates between baseline and follow-up study visits can introduce selection bias. Further, though the control population in the study was randomly selected from the general population, it may not be fully representative as recruitment was limited to individuals who actively responded to contact.
Trial registration
SBP is an observational clinical study, and it was registered on Researchweb (https://www.researchweb.org/is/vgr/project/39411) January 1st 2009 (project ID: 39411).
Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders in Pediatric Intensive Care
Authors: Celmeli Fatih , Oz Ayse , Kihdir Hasan Serdar , Ongun Ebru Atike , Onal Aysel , Ceylaner Serdar , Aykut Ayca , Aydın Sultan , Baris Safa 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases characterized by impaired immune system function. This prospective study aimed to determine the frequency, characteristics, and clinical course of IEI patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and identify mortality-related factors. Over three years, 33 out of 753 PICU patients were diagnosed with IEIs, with an incidence of 4.39%. The most common disorders were immunodeficiencies with immune dysregulation (48.5%), followed by combined immunodeficiencies (24.2%). Severe viral infections (61%) and life-threatening infections (51.7%) were the most frequent warning signs. Only 31% of patients exhibited at least two Jeffrey Modell Foundation warning signs. The mortality rate was 58%, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment. Newborn screening and family segregation studies are crucial to improving outcomes for IEI patients in intensive care settings.
Association of Clustered Dietary Inorganic Salt Intake With Risk of Urinary Incontinence Among Middle-aged and Older US Women: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Utilizing NHANES 2009-2018 Data
Authors: Sun Wenyu , Kang Jibin , Liu Haoxuan , Wang Ruoyin , Chen Xiaoling , Zheng Wenzhong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The relationship between the integrated classification of dietary inorganic salts and urinary incontinence (UI) requires further investigation. This study aims to assess the relationship between dietary inorganic salt intake and UI in American women aged 45 years and older.
Methods
We used five cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with self-report UI data. A total of 8102 women, 40 years and older, were enrolled in this study. Cluster analysis was used to categorize different intakes of dietary inorganic salts. Weighted multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association between dietary inorganic salt intake and UI. Subgroup analyses and curve fitting further investigated this relationship.
Results
We observed a relationship between dietary inorganic salt intake and physical UI. As dietary inorganic salt intake increased, the risk of physical UI also rose, particularly among those in the higher intake categories (Class2 versus Class1: OR = 0.82, 95% CI (0.69,0.99); Class3 versus Class1: OR = 0.72, 95% CI (0.60,0.87)). Similar relationships were also observed when examining individual inorganic salt intakes. In subgroup analyses, we found a significant interaction between vaginal deliveries and dietary inorganic salt intake (p = 0.041).
Conclusions
An association was found between dietary inorganic salt intake and physical UI in US women aged 40 years and older. Excessive inorganic salt intake increased the risk of physical UI by 28% compared with normal intake. This association was evident for individual salt intakes and may be stronger in non-vaginally delivered women and whites.
Monogenic Common Variable Immunodeficiency (Mo-CVID) Score for optimizing the diagnostic metamorphosis in pediatric CVID cohort
Authors: Barbati Federica , Lodi Lorenzo , Boscia Silvia , Cortimiglia Martina , Calistri Elisa , Quaranta Francesca , Maggi Laura , Mazzoni Alessio , Palterer Boaz , Annunziato Francesco , Azzari Chiara , Ricci Silvia 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most frequent symptomatic primary immunodeficiency, representing an "umbrella" diagnosis due to its clinical and immunological heterogeneity. The primary objective of this study was to describe a cohort of pediatric subjects with CVID, characterizing them from clinical, immunological, and genetic viewpoints. Secondary, we propose a model for prioritizing genetic investigations in these patients.
Methods
Patients with a CVID diagnosis followed at Meyer Children’s Hospital, IRCSS, Florence, were enrolled. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed according to the latest update of the International Union of Immunological Societies 2022.
Results
Thirty-two patients were enrolled. Genetic variants were identified in 17 patients (53%), including known variants in SLC39A7, PRKCD, STAT3, NFKB1, PIK3R1, PLCG2, RFXANK, PRKDC, TNFRSF13B, and novel variants in SPI1 and NFKB1. Comparing the gene-positive and gene-negative patients cohorts, we demonstrated that a CVID monogenic cause is more likely to be found in case of early disease onset, positive family history, autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and specific immunological alterations. Using these criteria, we developed a pediatric Monogenic CVID (Mo-CVID) scoring system to hypothesize when a pediatric patient is more likely to have a genetic mutation causing CVID.
Conclusion
Genetic analysis in CVID patients can help stratifying patients into different disease entities to predict complications and prognosis, ensure appropriate genetic counseling and possibly personalize treatment. A scoring system such as Mo-CVID score could help physicians to prioritize genetic testing, and to perform further genetic testing in patients with high score but with negative first analysis.
Down-regulation of ESRP2 inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation via inhibiting cyclinD1
Authors: He Caiping , Chen Yuting , Zhang Ximin , Feng Huancun , Rao Yuzhen , Ji Tangyang , Xu Jiagui , Wang Wenya 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Epithelial splicing regulatory protein 2 (ESRP2),an important alternative splicing protein of mRNA, is reported to have a dual role in tumors, which can promote or inhibit the occurrence and development of tumors. However, the function and mechanism of ESRP2 in breast cancer (BC) remain unclear.
Methods
The distribution of ESRP2 expression in breast cancer and the correlation between ESRP2 expression and the overall survival rate were detected by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Gene Ontology(GO)analysis, containing biological process, cellular components, and molecular function,was utilized to evaluate the potential mechanism of ESRP2 in breast cancer. The ESRP2 expression in breast cancer cell lines was detected by real-time quantitative PCR analysis (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. Cell clone was performed to examine the proliferation of ESRP2 knockdown in MCF-7 cells. The cell cycle was measured by flow cytometry assays. The role of ESRP2 knockdown in synergistic effect with chemotherapeutic agents was also determined by MTT assay.
Results
Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that the ESRP2 gene was elevated in breast cancer cells and its overexpression was strongly correlated with shorter overall survival. GO analysis revealed that ESRP2 expression was related to cell proliferation. ESRP2 mRNA and protein expression were elevated in breast cancer cell lines, compared to the normal human breast cell line MCF-10A. Dwon-regulation of ESRP2 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted the sensitivity of chemotherapy drug, Cisplatin(DDP) and Paclitaxel (TAXOL), in MCF-7 cells.Additionally,ESRP2 knockdown obstructed the cell cycle at the G1 phase and caused a decrease in cyclinD1 protein expression.
Conclusions
These findings reveal that ESRP2 is highly expressed in breast cancer and is correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. ESRP2 knockdown can inhibit MCF-7 cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle at the G1 phase and promoting the sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs (DDP and TAXOL)in MCF-7 cells. ESRP2 may be required for the regulation of breast cancer progression, as well as a critical target for the clinical treatment of breast cancer.
Which neonates should have a pre-operative echocardiography? Findings from a national survey and a retrospective tertiary single-centre analysis in the United Kingdom
Authors: Chin Joel WE , Kelsall Anthony WR , Jenkins Danny , Khushu Abha , Stubbs Daniel , Lynch Johanne 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The detection of congenital heart disease (CHD) before neonatal surgery is crucial for anaesthetic and perioperative management. There are no established criteria for preoperative echocardiography in neonates. We aimed to survey current practice in the United Kingdom and evaluate the reliability of antenatal screening and postnatal clinical assessment in detecting CHD before surgery.
Method
A 9-point questionnaire was sent to all paediatric surgical centres in the United Kingdom to assess their practice. Subsequently, a single-centre retrospective review of all neonatal surgery over 5 years (2015–2020) was conducted in our tertiary paediatric/neonatal hospital. Data included preoperative clinical assessment, performance of chest radiograph and echocardiography. Indications for echocardiography were categorised and assessed using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value.
Results
All 26 paediatric surgical centres responded to our survey. 23/26 (88.5%) did not have established criteria or guidelines for preoperative echocardiography. There was a large variation in which surgical conditions required a preoperative scan and whether a normal clinical examination was considered sufficient to not require one. For the retrospective review, 454 patients were identified. There were 40 cases with CHDs (8.8%), 13 were classed as major. Indications for echocardiography were categorised into abnormal fetal cardiac screening, medical/surgical conditions associated with CHD and an abnormal cardiorespiratory examination. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for major CHD was 46%, 99%, 67%, 98% for abnormal fetal screening, 46%, 97%, 35%, 98% for associated medical conditions, 62%, 66%, 6%, 98% for associated surgical conditions, and 100%, 66%, 9%, 100% for abnormal clinical examination.
Conclusion
The use of preoperative echocardiography in neonates is not standardised across the UK.. The results from our cohort demonstrates that fetal echocardiography is not sufficient to capture all major CHDs, but the absence of abnormal clinical examination is highly reliable in ruling out major CHD. Specifying a list of medical/surgical of conditions associated with CHD warranting preoperative echocardiography may improve yield, but this depends on the availability of resources and expertise.
Rerouting UAVs in Dynamic Environment Based on Optimised Interfered Fluid Dynamical System
Authors: Tamanakijprasart Komsun , Mondal Sabyasachi , Tsourdos Antonios 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Navigating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) through areas full of obstacles is a complex task. Traditional path planning methods, which rely on pre-generated paths, fall short in real-world scenarios where dynamic obstacles are introduced. To ensure mission success, UAVs must reroute dynamically to avoid collisions. The need for real-time decision-making further complicates this dynamic path-planning problem. We have developed a novel dynamic path-planning algorithm to address these challenges based on the Interfered Fluid Dynamical System (IFDS) framework. Drawing inspiration from how water naturally flows around obstacles, the IFDS algorithm adapts to changing environments to generate paths. We have augmented IFDS with environmental data, such as weather and terrain, to enhance its path calculations and optimise it using numerical methods. Every aspect of the algorithm is expressed in a closed form, enabling efficient real-time execution even in a three-dimensional environment, making our solution particularly suited for real-world UAV navigation.
Effects of a PNF Stretching Protocol on Anterior Pelvic Tilt and Range of Motion in Hamstrings in Young Adult and Middle-Aged Individuals
Authors: Kumai Julia R. , Travis Caleb D. , Butte Katie Thralls , Cannavan Dale 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a quadriceps/hip flexor Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretch protocol on anterior pelvic tilt (APT), hamstring range of motion (ROM), and gluteal muscle activation. We also examined the relationship between hamstring ROM and gluteal activation. Eligible participants (N = 35; 24(± 4) years) completed an 8-minute stationary bike warm-up at a self-selected pace. Then participants completed measurements of standing sagittal assessment, Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR), and Cook’s Hook test (CH) to measure APT, hamstring ROM, and gluteal activation, respectively. After a 4-minute rest, the measures were repeated. A quadriceps/hip flexor PNF stretch intervention (~ 4 minutes) was completed (10-6-30-second hold-relax method). The measures were repeated a third time. The study found 86% (right side), and 88% (left side) with APT initially improved their APT to normal after the PNF intervention. There was a significant bilateral improvement in hamstring ROM after the PNF intervention (p < 0.001). For gluteal activation, 30% (right side) and 45% (left side) improved from hamstring dominance to gluteal dominance after the PNF intervention. Lastly, those that were gluteal dominant (favorable) had significantly more hamstring ROM than those that were hamstring dominant at all time points (p < 0.001). These data support a hip flexors/quadriceps PNF stretch protocol were effective to immediately reduce APT, increase hamstring ROM and gluteal activation, thereby improving lumbo-pelvic posture.
The incidence rate of hyperuricemia and association with food habits during a 10-year cohort study. Yazd Healthy Heart Cohort
Authors: Namayandeh Seyedeh Mahdieh , Askari Maryam , kouchakzadeh Parisa , Soltani Mohammadhosein , Bafghi Seyed Mahmood Sadr 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Hyperuricemia (HUA) has increased in adults in the past few years. This study investigates HUA incidence and its association with food habits during a 10-year cohort study in Yazd province. This retrospective cohort study (Yazd Healthy Heart Cohort (YHHC)) was conducted in 2005–2006. One thousand nine hundred eighty-five people aged 20–74 were followed for ten years. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software. A Binary logistic regression was used in modeling. Confidence intervals for incidence were also calculated using the Stata 13 software. The significance level was set as p < 0.05. The cumulative incidence rate of HUA in all individuals, males and females, was 17.3%, 16.4%, and 18.4%, respectively.OR and RR of HUA were (OR= 1.59 & RR=1.40) in abnormal waist circumference (WC) (P=0.02), (OR= 1.88 & RR= 1.55) in fast food consumers (P=0.009) and (OR= 0.48 & RR=0.68) in people with a high socioeconomic level (p=0.02). Abnormal WC and fast food consumption are risk factors for HUA. The high socioeconomic level is one of the protective factors of HUA.
WITHDRAWN: Rare metal mineralization and geochemical characterization of El Mansouri Ring Complex, Northern Arabian Nubian Shield: Implications for petrogenesis and tectonic setting
Authors: SALEH Gehad M. , EMAD Baaha M. , NASR T. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The geographic distribution of alkaline-carbonatitic complexes in the Egyptian Eastern Desert is restricted, leading to ongoing arguments on their geotectonic settings and petrogenesis. The petrogenesis of the El Mansouri Ring Complex has been investigated through the evaluation of the mineral chemistry and whole-rock geochemical data of alkaline and carbonatite rocks associated with this complex. The El Mansouri Ring Complex consists of trachyte, alkali feldspar syenite, and quartz syenites, along with carbonatites. Three types of carbonatites have been formed: a) calcite-carbonatite (søvites), b) dolomite-calcite carbonatite, and c) dolomite-carbonatite (beforsite). The alkaline rocks mostly include K-feldspar, plagioclase, sodic pyroxene (aegirine-augite), and alkali amphiboles (riebeckite and arfvedsonite), along with zircon, apatite, allanite, fluorite, and opaques. The El Mansouri intrusive rocks exhibit alkaline to peralkaline geochemical properties, characterized by low amounts of CaO, MgO, and Sr and significant concentrations of total alkalis (Na2O + K2O), Nb, Rb, Y, and REEs. These characteristics bear a resemblance to the properties seen in A-type granites that are formed from mantle-derived magma in an anorogenic setting. Their composition contains abundant rare earth elements (REEs) and incompatible elements, exhibiting negative anomalies in K, Sr, Ti, Ba, and P and positive anomalies in Zr and Rb. The carbonatites exhibit significant concentrations of high-field strength elements (HFSE), such as U, Th, Zr, Nb, and Y, as well as large ion lithophile elements (LILE), including Rb, Pb, and Sr. Additionally, they have negative anomalies of K, P, and Ti with regards to REEs. The El Mansouri alkaline rocks are plotted in the field of the within-plate granites and exhibit characteristics of the A1 subtype of the A-type granite. Additionally, the associated carbonatites are classified as calcio-carbonatites. The studied El Mansouri Ring Complex is proposed to have been formed by the fractional crystallization of a mafic magma comparable to oceanic island basalt (OIB). While the carbonatites originated from the crystal fractionation of a parental carbonated-syenitic magma. In the highly radioactive zone, the main minerals are kasolite, uranothorite, columbite, ishikawaite, xenotime, zircon, monazite, and fluorite. The carbonatites have the greatest U and Th. The radioactivity level in these carbonatites may reach up to 395 ppm eU, whereas the alkali feldspar syenite has 173 ppm eU and, and the quartz syenite contains 125 ppm eU.