bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative analysis of core needle biopsy and repeat fine needle aspiration in patients with inconclusive initial cytology of thyroid nodules
Authors: Su Xuejiao , Yue Can , Yang Wanting , Ma Buyun 
Published: January 2024

PurposeTo assess and compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) in comparison to repeat fine-needle aspiration(rFNA) for thyroid nodules that yield inconclusive results following the initial fine-needle aspiration (FNA).MethodsA cohort of 471 patients who received an inconclusive cytological diagnosis following the initial FNA were included in this study. These patients subsequently underwent either CNB (n=242) or rFNA (n=229). The inconclusive FNA results encompassed categories I, III, and IV of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology(TBSRTC), as well as the ultrasound images indicating malignancy despite FNA results falling under TBSRTC category II. This study assessed the sampling satisfaction rate, diagnostic efficacy, and complications associated with CNB compared to rFNA. Additionally, the impact of repeat puncture time and nodule size on diagnostic efficacy was analyzed.ResultsFollowing repeat punctures, the satisfaction rate of the CNB sampling was found to be significantly higher than that of rFNA (83.9% vs 66.8%). The diagnostic rate in the CNB group was significantly greater compared to that of the rFNA group (70.7% vs 35.8%). In patients with nodule maximum diameters ranging from 5 mm to 20 mm, the diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher in the CNB group compared to that in the rFNA group. In patients with intervals less than 90 days, between 90 days and one year, the diagnostic rate in the CNB group was found to be higher compared to that in the rFNA group. In CNB, not immediately adjacent to the capsule was a risk factor for nodular puncture bleeding (37.0% vs 22.7%.)ConclusionCNB demonstrated higher rates of satisfaction and diagnosis compared to the rFNA. The diagnostic effectiveness of CNB was not influenced by the time interval or the size of the thyroid nodule. Therefore, in cases where the initial FNA diagnosis of thyroid nodules is inconclusive, CNB should be considered as a viable option for re-puncture.
Design of a targeted blood transcriptional panel for monitoring immunological changes accompanying pregnancy
Authors: Brummaier Tobias , Rinchai Darawan , Toufiq Mohammed , Karim Mohammed Y. , Habib Tanwir , Utzinger Jürg , Paris Daniel H. , McGready Rose , Marr Alexandra K. , Kino Tomoshige , Terranegra Annalisa , Al Khodor Souhaila , Chaussabel Damien , Syed Ahamed Kabeer Basirudeen 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundImmunomodulatory processes exert steering functions throughout pregnancy. Detecting diversions from this physiologic immune clock may help identify pregnant women at risk for pregnancy-associated complications. We present results from a data-driven selection process to develop a targeted panel of mRNAs that may prove effective in detecting pregnancies diverting from the norm.MethodsBased on a de novo dataset from a resource-constrained setting and a dataset from a resource-rich area readily available in the public domain, whole blood gene expression profiles of uneventful pregnancies were captured at multiple time points during pregnancy. BloodGen3, a fixed blood transcriptional module repertoire, was employed to analyze and visualize gene expression patterns in the two datasets. Differentially expressed genes were identified by comparing their abundance to non-pregnant postpartum controls. The selection process for a targeted gene panel considered (i) transcript abundance in whole blood; (ii) degree of correlation with the BloodGen3 module; and (iii) pregnancy biology.ResultsWe identified 176 transcripts that were complemented with eight housekeeping genes. Changes in transcript abundance were seen in the early stages of pregnancy and similar patterns were observed in both datasets. Functional gene annotation suggested significant changes in the lymphoid, prostaglandin and inflammation-associated compartments, when compared to the postpartum controls.ConclusionThe gene panel presented here holds promise for the development of predictive, targeted, transcriptional profiling assays. Such assays might become useful for monitoring of pregnant women, specifically to detect potential adverse events early. Prospective validation of this targeted assay, in-depth investigation of functional annotations of differentially expressed genes, and assessment of common pregnancy-associated complications with the aim to identify these early in pregnancy to improve pregnancy outcomes are the next steps.
Hematological and inflammatory markers in Han Chinese patients with drug-free schizophrenia: relationship with symptom severity
Authors: Yang Cheng , Tian Yinghan , Yang Xiaoxue , Liu Lewei , Ling Chen , Xia Lei , Liu Huanzhong 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThere is a growing amount of evidence suggesting that immunity and inflammation play an important role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between hematological and inflammatory markers with symptom severity in Han Chinese patients with drug-free schizophrenia.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University and data were extracted from the electronic medical record system over a 5-year period (May 2017 to April 2022), including participants’ general and clinical information as well as Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores and hematological parameters.ResultsA total of 2,899 patients with schizophrenia were identified through the initial search. After screening, 91 patients and 141 healthy controls (HCs) were included. The patients had a higher value of neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio (NLR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) than HCs (all P &lt; 0.001). MLR was positively correlated with BPRS total score (r = 0.337, P = 0.001) and resistance subscale score (r = 0.350, P = 0.001). Binary logistic regression analyses revealed that severely ill was significantly associated with being male and a higher value of MLR (Natural Logaruthm, Ln) (all P &lt; 0.05), and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed good performance of a regression model with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.787.ConclusionPatients with drug-free schizophrenia have an unbalanced distribution of peripheral blood granulocytes, and elevated NLR, MLR and PLR. Patients with higher value of MLR tend to have more psychotic symptoms, especially those symptoms of hostility, uncooperativeness, and suspiciousness. Our study gives a preliminary indication that MLR is a potential predictor of disease severity in patients with drug-free schizophrenia.
Plasticity and crosstalk of mesenchymal stem cells and macrophages in immunomodulation in sepsis
Authors: Tao Xingyu , Wang Jialian , Liu Bin , Cheng Peifeng , Mu Dan , Du Huimin , Niu Bailin 
Published: January 2024

Sepsis is a multisystem disease characterized by dysregulation of the host immune response to infection. Immune response kinetics play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of sepsis. Macrophages, which are known for their heterogeneity and plasticity, actively participate in the immune response during sepsis. These cells are influenced by the ever-changing immune microenvironment and exhibit two-sided immune regulation. Recently, the immunomodulatory function of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in sepsis has garnered significant attention. The immune microenvironment can profoundly impact MSCs, prompting them to exhibit dual immunomodulatory functions akin to a double-edged sword. This discovery holds great importance for understanding sepsis progression and devising effective treatment strategies. Importantly, there is a close interrelationship between macrophages and MSCs, characterized by the fact that during sepsis, these two cell types interact and cooperate to regulate inflammatory processes. This review summarizes the plasticity of macrophages and MSCs within the immune microenvironment during sepsis, as well as the intricate crosstalk between them. This remains an important concern for the future use of these cells for immunomodulatory treatments in the clinic.
A machine learning approach using 18F-FDG PET and enhanced CT scan-based radiomics combined with clinical model to predict pathological complete response in ESCC patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and anti-PD-1 inhibitors
Authors: Qi Wei-Xiang , Li Shuyan , Xiao Jifeng , Li Huan , Chen Jiayi , Zhao Shengguang 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundWe aim to evaluate the value of an integrated multimodal radiomics with machine learning model to predict the pathological complete response (pCR) of primary tumor in a prospective cohort of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and anti-PD-1 inhibitors.Materials and methodsClinical information of 126 ESCC patients were included for analysis. Radiomics features were extracted from 18F-FDG PET and enhanced plan CT images. Four machine learning algorithms, including SVM (Support Vector Machine), Random Forest (RF), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) and logistic regression (LR), were applied using k-fold cross-validation to predict pCR after nCRT. The predictive ability of the models was assessed using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsA total of 842 features were extracted. Among the four machine learning algorithms, SVM achieved the most promising performance on the test set for PET(AUC:0.775), CT (AUC:0.710) and clinical model (AUC:0.722). For all combinations of various modalities-based models, the combination model of 18 F-FDG PET, CT and clinical features with SVM machine learning had the highest AUC of 0.852 in the test set when compared to single-modality models in various algorithms. The other combined models had AUC ranged 0.716 to 0.775.ConclusionMachine learning models utilizing radiomics features from 18F-FDG PET and enhanced plan CT exhibit promising performance in predicting pCR in ESCC after nCRT and anti-PD-1 inhibitors. The fusion of features from multiple modalities radiomics and clinical features enhances the better predictive performance compared to using a single modality alone.
Transcriptional consequences of trisomy 21 on neural induction
Authors: Martinez José L. , Piciw Jennifer G. , Crockett Madeline , Sorci Isabella A. , Makwana Nikunj , Sirois Carissa L. , Giffin-Rao Yathindar , Bhattacharyya Anita 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionDown syndrome, caused by trisomy 21, is a complex developmental disorder associated with intellectual disability and reduced growth of multiple organs. Structural pathologies are present at birth, reflecting embryonic origins. A fundamental unanswered question is how an extra copy of human chromosome 21 contributes to organ-specific pathologies that characterize individuals with Down syndrome, and, relevant to the hallmark intellectual disability in Down syndrome, how trisomy 21 affects neural development. We tested the hypothesis that trisomy 21 exerts effects on human neural development as early as neural induction.MethodsBulk RNA sequencing was performed on isogenic trisomy 21 and euploid human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) at successive stages of neural induction: embryoid bodies at Day 6, early neuroectoderm at Day 10, and differentiated neuroectoderm at Day 17.ResultsGene expression analysis revealed over 1,300 differentially expressed genes in trisomy 21 cells along the differentiation pathway compared to euploid controls. Less than 5% of the gene expression changes included upregulated chromosome 21 encoded genes at every timepoint. Genes involved in specific growth factor signaling pathways (WNT and Notch), metabolism (including oxidative stress), and extracellular matrix were altered in trisomy 21 cells. Further analysis uncovered heterochronic expression of genes.ConclusionTrisomy 21 impacts discrete developmental pathways at the earliest stages of neural development. The results suggest that metabolic dysfunction arises early in embryogenesis in trisomy 21 and may affect development and function more broadly.
Ideological differences in COVID-19 vaccine intention: the effects of trust in the healthcare system, in complementary and alternative medicine, and perceived threat from the disease
Authors: Lamot Monika , Kerman Katja , Kirbiš Andrej 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionPolitically left-leaning individuals are more likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19, although little is known about the mechanisms underlying the ideological differences in vaccination intentions. Understanding the extent to which trust in the healthcare system, in complementary and alternative medicine, and the perceived threat from the disease contribute to these disparities is crucial, as it could inform targeted interventions to address vaccine hesitancy across the political spectrum.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study conducted among adults living in Slovenia (n = 858) examined the mediating role of trust in the healthcare system, trust in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and the perceived threat from the virus on COVID-19 vaccination intention.ResultsWe found that leftist ideology and trust in the healthcare system positively predicted vaccination intention, whereas CAM negatively predicted this intention. In addition, left-leaning individuals expressed greater trust in the healthcare system and lower trust in CAM, resulting in higher levels of COVID-19 vaccination intention. The serial mediation model confirmed that trust in CAM was a negative predictor, while trust in the healthcare system positively predicted perceived threat.DiscussionWhen dealing with vaccine hesitancy among right-oriented individuals, strategies should focus on enhancing trust in the healthcare system and critically evaluating the reliance on CAM.
Psychological, cognitive, and physiological impact of hazards casualties' trainings on first responders: the example of a chemical and radiological training. An exploratory study
Authors: Giaume Louise , Le Roy Barbara , Daniel Yann , Lauga Cami Heloise , Jost Daniel , Travers Stéphane , Trousselard Marion 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundFirst responders are among the first to respond to hazards casualties. They might operate in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments. While they have underlined the need to improve their knowledge and training to face these environments, there are few data regarding the stress induced by these trainings. Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) hazards casualties' trainings seem to be a good model of “in vivo” stress. First responders must operate in a hostile and encountered environment with a CBRN protective equipment that places demand on their psychological, cognitive, and physiological capacities. Current research recognizes that the activity of the parasympathetic system (PSS) can be used as an objective marker of stress adaptation, measured as heart rate variability (HRV).ObjectivesTo compare between baseline and simulation the evolution of the parasympathetic activity (primary outcome), anxiety, emotions, cognitive load, and body posture awareness (secondary outcomes).MethodsA total of 28 first responders attended to three simulated scenarios requiring CBRN management of casualties. One day before simulation, we collected HRV data (baseline). The simulations' day (pre-, post-simulation) we collected anxiety score (STAI-Y B), emotions (SPANE), cognitive load (NASA TLX), body posture awareness (PAS) and HRV. The morning after we collected the PAS score (recovery). We compare data' evolution between different times of the simulation.Results(i) A high level of anxiety at baseline [Median 51 (46; 56)] which decreased between pre- and post-simulation (p = 0.04; F = 2.93); (ii) a post-simulation decrease in negative feelings (p = 0.03); (iii) a decrease in body awareness after simulation which returned to the initial level at recovery (p = 0.03; F = 3.48); (iv) a decrease in mean RR between baseline, pre- and post-simulation (p = 0.009; F = 5.11). There were no significant difference between times on others analysis of HRV.ConclusionPrior to simulation, participants experienced anticipatory anxiety. Simulations training practiced regularly could be one way to combat anticipatory anxiety.
Correlation between Polymorphisms of Vitamin D Metabolism Genes and Perianal Disease in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Cusato Jessica , Cafasso Carla , Antonucci Miriam , Palermiti Alice , Manca Alessandra , Caviglia Gian Paolo , Vernero Marta , Armandi Angelo , Saracco Giorgio Maria , D’Avolio Antonio , Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe 
Published: January 2024

Although the role of vitamin D (VD) in the pathogenesis and progression of Crohn’s disease (CD) is known, the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes linked to vitamin D pathway and CD risk is still under study. Furthermore, no significant association has been previously found between these SNPs and perianal CD (pCD), a severe phenotypic manifestation of CD that may present as perianal fistula, abscess, and recto-vaginal fistula. Among the mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis, local inflammation and intestinal microbiota alteration are recognized. VD seems to act on these elements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of an association between SNPs of genes coding for enzymes, transporters, and receptors involved in the VD pathway and the occurrence of pCD. Blood samples of 206 patients with CD, including 34 with pCD, were analyzed for VDR, CYP27B1, CYP24A1, and GC genetic variants. VDR Apal Aa genotype and VDR BsmI Bb genotype resulted in an association with pCD (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Our study demonstrates for the first time the impact of the polymorphisms of genes associated with the VD pathway on the onset of pCD. Future multicenter studies are needed to confirm these data.
Le développement des missions
Authors: Roussel Rodolphe 
Published: January 2024

El desarrollo de las misiones
En la Región de Provence-Alpes-Costa Azul, se utilizan numerosas formas de misiones : la misión regional y la OREAM pueden ser consideradas como substitutos de servicios regionales que no han sido previstos por la ley. Otros organismos constituyen ya sea las misiones puramente consultativas cuya función puede compararse al de las comisiones administrativas, o bien una adaptación de los servicios de la administración tradicional según las circunstancias. Aunque frecuentemente, las misiones son vistas con desconfianza, parece que en esta región los principales peligros han sido evitados. A parte de la misión regional, las misiones no han sido utilizadas más que para resolver problemas globales en circunstancias excepcionales, quedando enteramente salvaguardados los principios de la reforma de 1964.
Les dirigeants des entreprises publiques
Authors: Jarnevic Jean-Pierre 
Published: January 2024

Leaders of public enterprise
This study underlines a twin feature characterizing them. By their social and university background, as well as by their function, they belong to an elite. But they do not make up concomitantly a specific elite. Though their former career and the process of appointment assimilates them with high-rank civil servants, the idea they have of their role and their responsibilities are very close to those of private managers. The inexistence of any specifie feature common to all of them confirms the non-specificity of the group.
L’Université : problèmes manifestes, problèmes latents
Authors: Lesage Michel 
Published: January 2024

La universidad - problemas evidentes y latentes.
La universidad establecida desde 1.968 ha aumentado la participación de los diferentes interesados en la toma de decisión. Al mismo tiempo, la nueva organización ha multiplicado los conflictos y debe confrontarse con toda una serie de probemas no previstos. Recientes reformas (tales como el estatuto del personal de enseñanza, la organización de la investigación) contribuyeron sin duda a arreglar un poco la situación, mas los más complejos problemas fundamentales se han quedado.
La gestion des universités vue par la Cour des comptes
Authors: Ducher Gérard 
Published: January 2024

La gestion universitaria vista por la Auditoria del Estado.
La Ley de Orientación de la educación superior del 12 de noviembre de 1968 tenía por objeto de facilitar a las universidades creadas asimismo una extensa autonomía no sólo en el campo pedagógico sino también en el de la gestión administrativa y financiera. Parece sin embargo a primera vista que esta autonomía está muy limitada por una serie de factores que el autor analiza por medio de las relaciones de la Auditoría estatal relativas a la gestión universitaria desde 1.971.
L’administration de la recherche au Japon
Authors: Dupuis Marc 
Published: January 2024

Research administration in Japan.
A detailed description of the various Japanese policy-making bodies is followed by a discussion of how scientific policies are arrived at. Although the general scientific policy and targets are pre-eminently defined by the Council of Science and Techniques, there is no controlling body having its say over the allocation of crédits, the coordination of programmes, and the evaluation of results. Taking the French System as a yardstick, the author concludes that in Japan there is no institution with powers over how research funds are spent.
Les moyens d’évaluation de l’efficacité des entreprises publiques
Authors: Delion André Georges 
Published: January 2024

Efficiency yardsticks for public enterprise.
Efficiency measurement of public enterprise is based upon a series of yardsticks which combine private sector and public administration criteria. After analysing both, the author underlines their prerequisites of usage, viz. Steadiness of application, common sense, objectivity, and institutions and procedures for the collection of data, their weighting, and link-up with the overall action of the people in charge.
Équilibres et mutations au sein du fédéralisme américain : l’exemple du système scolaire dans l’État de New York
Authors: Mény Yves 
Published: January 2024

Equilibrios y mutaciones dentro del federalismo americano : ejemplo del sistema educativo en el estado de Nueva York.
El sistema educativo de un Estado americano permite poner de relieve algunas características fundamentales de equilibrio y mutaciones del sistema federativo. La mayor resulta de la diversidad organizacional de los Estados Unidos marcados por el progreso en la centralización económica, jurídica y política ; la secunda resulta de la estructura vertical del poder, la tendencia hacia la accentuación del poder federal cambiándose en una tendencia hacia el contrario ; enfin, hay que poner de relieve la importancia de la Corte suprema, único órgano del gobierno federal podiendo decidir de la competencia local por un asunto determinado.
Le temps et l’administration : vers une chrono-administration
Authors: Debbasch Charles 
Published: January 2024

The time of administration, towards a chrono-administration ?
The author presents a series of reflexions which might be preliminary to what could and or should be a new chapter of administrative science : chrono-administration, dedicated to the study of relations between administration and time. The current image of administration is that it is always behind time. By showing how administration is also linked up with its present time, if it does not anticipate on its time, the author stresses the fact that this current image has to admit of shades of meaning. Striking an analogy with human beings, the author shows that administration is rooted in the past, while acting in the present and looking forward to the future. Like human beings, administrative Systems are multifold and variant. Each System has its own clock and its own pace.