bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
2028 Incidence of cavum septum pellucidum on CT brain in patients referred from memory clinic, an observational pilot study
Authors: Cardle C , Jampana R 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Septum pellucidum is a double-membrane separating the frontal horns of the lateral ventricles of the brain. [1] Cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) refers to a potential space between these membranes. CSP is associated with some psychiatric disorders. [2] Radiological CSP has been evaluated as a possible in-vivo biomarker for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative condition affecting, particularly, retired athletes who experienced repetitive, low impact head trauma. [3]

Method
Our study evaluated the incidence of radiological CSP among a cohort undergoing investigation for cognitive impairment in memory clinic. A list of patient Community Health Index (CHI) numbers corresponding to patients referred to CT brain from a community memory clinic in North West Glasgow between October 2019 and March 2020 was generated. Approval for use of imaging for research purposes was granted by local imaging department. Images were viewed by first author following a session from second author on basic relevant anatomy. Positive cases were defined as those with a visible CSP.

Results
There were twenty-eight (n=28) cases in total. CSP was observed in one (n=1) case. Radiological CSP has been suggested as a potential biomarker for CTE. While this study does not involve review of the clinical or personal history of the subjects, it does include a cohort with clinically-relevant symptoms. We included CT only, while current evidence makes observations on MRI [3]. Locally CT is more available and the initial assessment of such patients uses CT in the first instance.

Conclusion
Further evidence is required to establish CSP as a reliable in vivo biomarker of CTE. [1] Das et al, in StatPearls [Internet], 2022 [2] Wang et al, J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2020; 32(2):175-184 [3] Alosco et al Neurotherapeutics. 2021; 18(2):772-791
scCorrector: a robust method for integrating multi-study single-cell data
Authors: Guo Zhen-Hao , Wang Yan-Bin , Wang Siguo , Zhang Qinhu , Huang De-Shuang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The advent of single-cell sequencing technologies has revolutionized cell biology studies. However, integrative analyses of diverse single-cell data face serious challenges, including technological noise, sample heterogeneity, and different modalities and species. To address these problems, we propose scCorrector, a variational autoencoder-based model that can integrate single-cell data from different studies and map them into a common space. Specifically, we designed a Study Specific Adaptive Normalization for each study in decoder to implement these features. scCorrector substantially achieves competitive and robust performance compared with state-of-the-art methods and brings novel insights under various circumstances (e.g. various batches, multi-omics, cross-species, and development stages). In addition, the integration of single-cell data and spatial data makes it possible to transfer information between different studies, which greatly expand the narrow range of genes covered by MERFISH technology. In summary, scCorrector can efficiently integrate multi-study single-cell datasets, thereby providing broad opportunities to tackle challenges emerging from noisy resources.
An objective measure of response on whole-body MRI in metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy, external beam radiotherapy, and radium-223
Authors: Giacometti Valentina , Grey Arthur C , McCann Aaron J , Prise Kevin M , Hounsell Alan R , McGarry Conor K , Turner Philip G , O’Sullivan Joe M 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to generate an objective method to describe MRI data to assess response in the vertebrae of patients with metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), treated with external beam radiation therapy and systemic therapy with Radium-223 and to correlate changes with clinical outcomes.

Methods
Three sets of whole-body MRI (WBMRI) images were utilized from 25 patients from the neo-adjuvant Androgen Deprivation Therapy pelvic Radiotherapy and RADium-223 (ADRRAD) clinical trial: MRI1 (up to 28 days before Radium-223), MRI2, and MRI3 (2 and 6 months post completion of Radium-223). Radiological response was assessed based on post baseline MRI images. Vertebrae were semi-automatically contoured in the sagittal T1-weighted (T1w) acquisitions, MRI intensity was measured, and spinal cord was used to normalize the measurements. The relationship between MRI intensity vs time to biochemical progression and radiology response was investigated. Survival curves were generated and splitting measures for survival and biochemical progression investigated.

Results
Using a splitting measure of 1.8, MRI1 was found to be a reliable quantitative indicator correlating with overall survival (P = 0.023) and biochemical progression (P = 0.014). MRI (3-1) and MRI (3-2) were found to be significant indicators for patients characterized by progressive/non-progressive disease (P = 0.021, P = 0.004) and biochemical progression within/after 12 months (P = 0.007, P = 0.001).

Conclusions
We have identified a potentially useful objective measure of response on WBMRI of vertebrae containing bone metastases in mHSPC which correlates with survival/progression (prognostic) and radiology response (predictive).

Advances in knowledge
Measurements of T1w WBMRI normalized intensity may allow identifying potentially useful response biomarkers correlating with survival, radiological response and biochemical progression.
Patient-led teledermatology for skin lesion triage: a service evaluation of the DyplensTM dermoscope
Authors: Abdul Gafoor Shafiah Muna , Nelson Toby , Woodcock Emma , Adityani Btari 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Despite the huge improvement in smartphone cameras, there has not been any real interest in the UK in pursuing patient-facing teledermatology within the sphere of skin lesion triage. High-specification dermoscopic images can be generated with smartphone attachments, but, to date, no formal clinical trial has been performed to establish the efficacy and feasibility of these consumer-level dermoscopes in skin lesion triage. The objectives of this study were to assess the ability of patients to capture dermoscopic images using a smartphone attachment, and to identify the safety and diagnostic accuracy of consumer-level dermoscopy in triaging out benign skin lesions from the 2-week-wait (2WW) cancer pathway. We recruited 78 patients already attending a face-to-face clinic at two locations. They were provided with instruction leaflets and asked to obtain dermoscopic and macroscopic images of their lesion(s) using their own smartphones. The images (and a brief history) were distributed to five experienced blinded assessors (consultants), who were asked to state their working diagnosis and outcome (reassurance, routine review or 2WW pathway), as they would in teledermatology. We compared their outcomes to the gold-standard in-person diagnosis and/or histological diagnosis, where available. The device achieved 100% sensitivity in diagnosing melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The specificity for the diagnoses of melanoma (89%) and SCC (83%) was high. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 77% for both benign and malignant lesions, The diagnostic accuracy was high for seborrhoeic keratosis (91%) and simple naevi (81%). Patient-captured dermoscopic images using bespoke smartphone attachments could be the future in safely triaging out benign lesions.
Regional GABA levels modulate abnormal resting-state network functional connectivity and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zhang Kaihua , Hu Xin , Cai Xianyun , Chen Yufan , Gao Fei , Wang Guangbin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
More evidence shows that changes in functional connectivity with regard to brain networks and neurometabolite levels correlated to cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis. However, the neurological basis underlying the relationship among neurometabolite levels, functional connectivity, and cognitive impairment remains unclear. For this purpose, we used a combination of magnetic resonance spectroscopy and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to study gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate concentrations in the posterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex and left hippocampus, and inter-network functional connectivity in 29 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients and 34 matched healthy controls. Neuropsychological tests were used to evaluate the cognitive function. We found that relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients demonstrated significantly reduced gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate concentrations and aberrant functional connectivity involving cognitive-related networks compared to healthy controls, and both alterations were associated with specific cognition decline. Moreover, mediation analyses indicated that decremented hippocampus gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients mediated the association between inter-network functional connectivity in various components of default mode network and verbal memory deficits. In summary, our findings shed new lights on the essential function of GABAergic system abnormalities in regulating network dysconnectivity and functional connectivity in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients, suggesting potential novel approach to treatment.
Is the long-term poor prognosis of acute myocardial infarction in patients with mental illness mediated through their poor adherence with recommended healthcare?
Authors: Corrao Giovanni , Monzio Compagnoni Matteo , Conflitti Claudia , Lora Antonio 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Compared with patients without evidence of psychiatric symptoms, those with mental disorders experience reduced adherence with recommended healthcare and poorer clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate whether the worse prognosis of patients with mental disorders after experiencing acute myocardial infarction could be fully or partially mediated by their reduced adherence to recommended healthcare.

Methods
In this retrospective cohort population-based study, 103 389 residents in the Italian Lombardy Region who experienced acute myocardial infarction in 2007–19 were identified. Among them, 1549 patients with severe mental illness (SMI) were matched with five cohort members without evidence of mental disorders (references). Recommended healthcare (cardiac medicaments and selected outpatient services) was evaluated in the year after the date of index hospital discharge. The first occurrences of cardiovascular (CV) hospital admissions and any-cause-death were considered as endpoints. Mediation analysis was performed to investigate whether post-discharge use of recommended healthcare may be considered a mediator of the relationship between healthcare exposure and endpoints occurrence.

Results
Compared with references, patients with SMI had lower adherence with recommended healthcare and adjusted risk excesses of 39% and 73% for CV hospitalizations and all-cause mortality. Mediation analysis showed that 4.1% and 11.3% of, respectively, CV hospitalizations and deaths occurred among psychiatric patients was mediated by their worse adherence to specific healthcare.

Conclusion
The reduced use of recommended outpatient healthcare by patients with SMI had only a marginal effect on their worse prognosis. Other key factors mediating the prognostic gap between patients with and without mental disorders should be investigated.
Reconciling the Dual-Faceted Mandates of Quasi-Judicial Human Rights Bodies: The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s Prima Facie Approach to Evidence
Authors: Gillett Matthew , Karukaya Yutaka , Marzotto Mia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Focusing on evidentiary approaches, this article examines the burdens and standards of proof applied at United Nations quasi-judicial international human rights bodies. These bodies have dual-faceted mandates, combining legal and human rights traditions and imperatives. However, they diverge in their approach to evidence. This article argues that the prima facie approach developed over the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention's 30 years of jurisprudence provides an appropriately flexible and conceptually coherent means of accommodating combined human rights and the judicial mandates. Nonetheless, this approach requires lexiconic and taxonomical tightening, and clarification of its standard of proof. Comparing the approaches taken by other quasi-judicial bodies, this article builds the impetus towards inter-institutional consistency. It reviews proposals such as wholesale reversal of the burden of proof onto Governments. It highlights the drawbacks of that unilateral type of burden and the risks that it would introduce further uncertainty for parties to proceedings, may cause onerous difficulties for claimants, and would potentially flood the human rights institutions with unsubstantiated claims.
Pregnancy Outcomes in the Ozanimod Clinical Development Program in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, and Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Dubinsky Marla C , Charles Lorna , Selmaj Krzysztof W , Comi Giancarlo , Krakovich Anthony , Rosen Melissa , van der Woude C Janneke , Mahadevan Uma 
Published: January 2024

Lay Summary
This study evaluated pregnancy outcomes in patients with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or multiple sclerosis and in healthy volunteers treated with ozanimod. There was no increased incidence of fetal abnormalities or adverse pregnancy outcomes with ozanimod exposure during early pregnancy.
MITOCHONDRIAL TURNOVER IS ELEVATED IN RESPONSE TO INTESTINAL INFLAMMATION AND IS AMENABLE TO THERAPUTIC TARGETING VIA UROLITHIN A
Authors: Mentrup Heather , Ramos Anna , Novak Elizabeth , Ballesteros Steven , Crawford Erin , Flanagan Meredith , Mollen Kevin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex, multifactorial set of diseases defined by chronic and relapsing inflammation of the gut. Changes in oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolism are central to the disease process, linking mitochondrial health to IBD pathogenesis. Mitophagy is a quality-control mechanism that selectively removes dysfunctional mitochondria. Multiple mitophagy pathways co-exist in the intestine, including the canonical PINK1/PARKIN pathway and NIX. We have previously shown that NIX is increased in IBD, removing damaged mitochondria in the epithelium. Whether this translates to a physiologic increase in mitochondrial turnover remains unanswered. We hypothesized that mitophagy within the intestinal epithelium represents a key homeostatic response to inflammation. To study this hypothesis, we employed the use of a novel transgenic mouse expressing the pH-dependent fluorescent protein, mt-Keima, tethered to the mitochondria. Adult mt-Keima mice were subjected to chemically induced colitis (3% DSS) for 7 days to induce intestinal inflammation. In vivo mitophagic flux, measured via live-cell confocal microscopy, was increased nearly 4-fold (n=3, p&lt;0.05) in DSS-treated animals compared to controls. Despite this consistent elevation, NIX expression varied in both human and mouse tissue, suggesting that other mitophagy pathways, like PARKIN, may be involved. Interestingly, activated PARKIN (pSer65-PARKIN) was higher in inflamed tissues of humans and mice as compared to controls, though variation was present. To determine the functional importance of PARKIN, Parkin-/- mice were subjected to a 7-day treatment of 2% DSS. These mice developed a more severe colitis, suggesting that Parkin-mediated mitophagy contributes to the mitochondrial damage response in IBD. These data collectively indicate that mitophagy is elevated in IBD, and both NIX and PARKIN likely work in parallel to respond to the elevated mitophagic demand. Interestingly, both NIX and pSer65-PARKIN expression are co-expressed in human control tissues, while both were generally expressed in inflamed biopsies, and at higher levels. We speculate that the mechanism of mitophagy may not necessarily be important, but that it is elevated in response to intestinal inflammation. To address this aim, we administered a known mitophagy inducer, urolithin A, to mice on a 7-day course of DSS. Urolithin A + DSS-treated mice had elevated NIX and pSer65-PARKIN expression compared to vehicle + DSS controls. This elevation correlated with decreased disease activity and improved O2 mitochondria respiration. We conclude that mitophagy is an imperative homeostatic response to remove superfluously damaged mitochondria in IBD and is amenable to therapeutic intervention. Elevating mitophagic flux might be a potential therapeutic option to help improve disease outcomes in IBD.
DIETARY INTERVENTION AS A NOVEL TOOL TO IMPROVE DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF PATENCY CAPSULE IN CROHN'S DISEASE PATIENTS
Authors: Asher Adi Talan , Ukashi Offir , Lahat Adi , Kopylov Uri , Eliakim Rami , Ben-Horin Shomron 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND AIM
Patency capsule (PC) is a recommended procedure to confirm that the gastrointestinal tract is patent before ingestion of video capsule endoscopy (VCE). However, in some patients non-expelled PC may be due to slow transit time and not due to small bowel stricture. We examined if a nutritional intervention during the PC test which we introduced into routine clinical practice could improve passed PC rate and reduce false positive results.

METHODS
A retrospective study of patients who were subjected to standard protocol of PC procedure or to a nutrition-modified protocol of PC. Nutritional-modification comprised individualized dietary advice on the consumption of personally-convicted laxative foods after PC ingestion. Imaging study at 30 hours post-ingestion was performed to ascertain passage of PC in patients who did not visually see a passed PC in stool.

RESULTS
A total of 49 Crohn's patients who ingested PC were included (median age 33.7, 28.6% with previous intestinal resection). 26 patients followed the nutrition-modified personalized protocol and 23 did not (15 for technical reasons, eight for non-compliance). In total, 38 PC passed and 11 failed. Patients on dietary modification had significantly reduced rate of a failed PC compared to patients receiving standard protocol (7.7% versus 39.13%, respectively, odds ratio 0.13, 95% [CI] 0.0244-0.687, P value = 0.016). All patients with a passed PC subsequently ingested a VCE without complications.

CONCLUSION
Personalized nutritional intervention to promote colonic transit time may serve as a novel practical easy-to-follow dietary tool, in order to improve the diagnostic accuracy of patency capsule. Prospective controlled trials are warranted to corroborate these findings.

Study flowchart. CD, Crohn’s disease; CT: Computed tomography; PC: Patency capsule.

Percentage (%) of patients with failed PC with nutrition protocol or with standard protocol.
REAL WORLD EFFECTIVENESS OF JAK INHIBITOR UPADACITINIB IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS VERSUS CROHN’S DISEASE IN AN IBD TERTIARY CARE CENTER
Authors: Bhatia Karan , Mahadevan Uma 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Upadacitinib is a selective Janus kinase inhibitor approved for the management of Crohn’s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC).

AIMS
To compare response to upadacitinib between patients with UC and CD in a real world tertiary care center.

METHODS
Retrospective cohort study of adult patients with CD vs UC seen at UCSF Colitis and Crohn’s Disease Center from 2019-2023. The primary outcome was endoscopic remission as noted in post-induction staging scope. Endoscopic remission was assessed using SES-CD and Mayo scores for CD and UC, respectively. Outcomes were assessed at 3 or 6 months after starting upadacitinib for UC and CD, respectively. Failure was considered failure to meet remission criteria, change in medications shortly after induction, or surgery.

RESULTS
A total of 60 patients were reviewed, 26 with Crohn’s Disease and 34 with Ulcerative Colitis, who had taken Upadacitinib and had post-induction follow up data in EHR review. 10 patients with CD achieved remission (38.5%) compared to 17 patients with UC (50%). This difference was found to be nonsignificant (P=0.38).

CONCLUSION
In this real-world cohort of IBD patients seen at a tertiary care center, there was no significant difference in response between patients with CD or UC.
PROTECTIVE ROLE OF SAFFRON TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION AND IMPROVE CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS PATIENTS
Authors: Ashktorab Hassan , Roghani Roham Salman , Rohgani Hassan , Chirumamilla Lakshmi , Farjana Nasrin , Rashid Mudasir , Aduli Farshad , Kibreab Angesom , Laiyemo Adeyinka , Challa Suryanarayana Reddy , Oppong-Twene Philip , Brim Hassan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
We studied saffron as an additional intervention to improve clinical manifestations of Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.

METHODS
This is a study at Yazd university where 30 UC patients were randomly assigned to placebo (n=9), low (n=9, 25 mg), or high dose saffron (n=12, 50mg), two times a day for 8 weeks. Hemoglobin, platelet levels, CRP, ESR, and fecal calprotectin along with clinical data Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI), Partial Mayo Score, and Hamilton Depression Anxiety Score (HDRS) were recorded at baseline and completion of treatment. For validation, we recruited 3 UC patients at Howard University who received 50mg of Saffron twice daily for 8 weeks, two underwent a wash-out period and received saffron for a second cycle. Inflammatory markers, CRP, stool calprotectin, and the cytokines from PMA/ionomycin stimulated PBMCs, at baseline and 8 weeks Saffron treatment were compared. 16S rDNA analysis was performed on stool DNA for gut microbiome.

RESULTS
In Yazd study of 30 patients, all participants completed the study successfully. The high dose group showed significant improvement in HDRS score (p=0.001), SCCAI (p=0.04), Partial Mayo score (p=0.01), fecal calprotectin (p=0.009), and CRP (p=0.001) compared to baseline. The low dose group also improved in HDRS score (p=0.01; Table 1, Fig 1). No adverse events were reported. In HU data, saffron improved Partial Mayo Score, health related quality of life and HDRS. Pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα, INFγ, IL-6, IL-2, IL-17a decreased while anti-inflammatory IL-10, TGF-β increased. Fecal calprotectin levels of 228 μg/g and 169 μg/g decreased to 63 μg/g and 16 μg/g in two individual patients, respectively. After the wash-out period, fecal calprotectin increased. A second saffron treatment cycle reduced it again further validating the causal relationship. Saffron led to a decrease in gamma Proteobacteria, and enrichment in Ruminococcaceae.

CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates that saffron led to improvements in clinical response including reduction in partial Mayo scores, HDRS scores, and inflammatory markers such as fecal calprotectin and CRP. These findings suggest that the use of saffron supplements alongside standard treatment protocols may yield beneficial effects for individuals with UC.

Table 1. Basic characteristics, clinical variables, and laboratory variables among the study participants in three arms of the clinical trial.

Figure 1 Effect of Saffron on quality of life and Inflammatory markers.