bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A computationally efficient Bayesian approach to full‐waveform inversion
Authors: Berti Sean , Aleardi Mattia , Stucchi Eusebio 
Published: November 2023

AbstractConventional methods solve the full‐waveform inversion making use of gradient‐based algorithms to minimize an error function, which commonly measure the Euclidean distance between observed and predicted waveforms. This deterministic approach only provides a ‘best‐fitting’ model and cannot account for the uncertainties affecting the predicted solution. Local methods are also usually prone to get trapped into local minima of the error function. On the other hand, casting this inverse problem into a probabilistic framework has to deal with the formidable computational effort of the Bayesian approach when applied to non‐linear problems with expensive forward evaluations and large model spaces. We present a gradient‐based Markov Chain Monte Carlo full‐waveform inversion in which the posterior sampling is accelerated by compressing the data and model spaces through the discrete cosine transform, and by also defining a proposal that is a local, Gaussian approximation of the target posterior probability density. This proposal is constructed using the local Hessian and gradient informations of the log posterior, which are made computationally manageable thanks to the compression of the data and model spaces. We demonstrate the applicability of the approach by performing two synthetic inversion tests on portions of the Marmousi and BP acoustic model. In these examples, the forward modelling is performed using Devito, a finite difference domain‐specific language that solves the discretized wave equation on a Cartesian grid. For both examples, the results obtained by the implemented method are also validated against those obtained using a classic deterministic approach. Our tests illustrate the efficiency of the proposed probabilistic method, which seems quite robust against cycle‐skipping issues and also characterized by a computational cost comparable to that of the local inversion. The outcomes of the proposed probabilistic inversion can also play the role of starting models for a subsequent local inversion step aimed at improving the spatial resolution of the probabilistic result, which was limited by the model compression.
IL‐4/STAT6 axis observed to reverse proliferative defect in SCA3 patient‐derived neural progenitor cells
Authors: Chen Francis M. , Li Huixian , Chung Dittman Lai‐Shun , Mak Angel T. L. , Leung Fung Ping , Chan Ho Yin Edwin , Wong Wing Tak 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSpinocerebellar ataxia 3 (SCA3) is an incurable, neurodegenerative genetic disorder that leads to progressive cerebellar ataxia and other parkinsonian‐like pathologies because of loss of cerebellar neurons. The role of an expanded polyglutamine aggregate on neural progenitor cells is unknown. Here, we show that SCA3 patient‐specific induced neural progenitor cells (iNPCs) exhibit proliferative defects. Moreover, SCA3 iNPCs have reduced autophagic expression compared to control. Furthermore, although SCA3 iNPCs continue to proliferate, they do not survive subsequent passages compared to control iNPCs, indicating the likelihood that SCA3 iNPCs undergo rapid senescence. Exposure to interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), a type 2 cytokine produced by immune cells, resulted in an observed increase in expression of autophagic programs and a reduction in the proliferation defect observed in SCA3 iNPCs. Our results indicate a previously unobserved role of SCA3 disease ontology on the neural stem cell pool and a potential therapeutic strategy using IL‐4 to ameliorate or delay disease pathology in the SCA3 neural progenitor cell population.
Technologies de l'Information et de la Communication et exportation des entreprises manufacturières en Afrique Centrale
Authors: Fambeu Ariel Herbert , Yomi Patricia Tchawa 
Published: November 2023

RésuméCette étude examine l'effet des technologies de l'information et de la communication (TIC) sur les exportations des entreprises en Afrique Centrale. Nous utilisons les données d'enquêtes de la Banque Mondiale sur les entreprises manufacturières dans 42 pays d'Afrique, afin de faire des comparaisons entre l'Afrique Centrale et d'autres régions d'Afrique. Les estimations proviennent des modèles probit et probit fractionnaire. Les résultats montrent qu'en Afrique Centrale tout comme dans toutes les autres régions d'Afrique, les TIC favorisent la décision d'exporter des entreprises. Toutefois, cet effet positif des TIC est de plus faible ampleur en Afrique Centrale. Par ailleurs, les résultats montrent que les TIC n'ont pas d'effet sur l'intensité d'exportation en Afrique Centrale et en Afrique de l'Est. Ces résultats ont des implications significatives pour les gouvernements qui doivent faciliter l'accès et l'usage optimal des TIC afin de favoriser les exportations des entreprises.
National routine data for low birthweight and preterm births: Systematic data quality assessment for United Nations member states (2000–2020)
Authors: Okwaraji Yemisrach B. , Bradley Ellen , Ohuma Eric O. , Yargawa Judith , Suarez‐Idueta Lorena , Requejo Jennifer , Blencowe Hannah , Lawn Joy E. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveLow birthweight (<2500 g) and preterm birth (<37 weeks) are markers of newborn vulnerability. To facilitate informed decisions about investments in prevention and care, it is imperative to enhance data quality and use. Hence, the objective of this study is to systematically assess the quality of data concerning low birthweight and preterm births within routine administrative data sources.DesignSystematic data quality assessment by adopting the WHO Data Quality Framework.SettingNational routine data system from UN member states.PopulationLivebirths.MethodsNational routine administrative data on low birthweight and preterm births for 195 countries from 2000 to 2020 were systematically collated, totalling >700 million live births. The WHO data quality framework was adapted to undertake standardised data quality assessments.Main outcome measuresAvailability, reporting quality, internal and external consistency of low birthweight and preterm data.ResultsMost United States Member States (64%: 124/195) had national data on low birthweight and (40%: 82/195) had data on preterm birth. Routine data system reporting was highest in North America, Australasia and Europe, where more than 95% live births had data on low birthweight and over 75% had data preterm births. In contrast, data reporting was lowest in sub‐Saharan Africa (13% for low birthweight, 8% for preterm births) and Southern Asia (16% for low birthweight, 5% for preterm births). Most countries collect individual‐level data; but, aggregate data reporting from hospital‐based systems remain common in sub‐Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. While data quality was generally high in North America, Australasia and Europe, gaps remain in the availability of gestational age metadata. Consistency between low birthweight and preterm rates were poor in Southern Asia and sub‐Saharan Africa regions across time. There was high external consistency between low birthweight rates obtained from routine administrative data compared with low birthweight rates obtained from survey data for countries with high data quality.ConclusionsSub‐Saharan Africa and South Asia countries have data gaps but also opportunities for rapid progress. Most births occure in facilities, electronic health information systems already include low birthweight, and adding accurate gestational age including with ultrasound assessment is becoming increasingly attainable. Moving toward the collection of individual level data would enable monitoring of quality of care and longer‐term outcomes. This is crucial for every child and family and essential for measuring progress towards relevant sustainable development goals. The assessment will inform countries’ actions for data quality improvement at national level and use of data for impact.
Diagnostic yield of prenatal exome sequencing in the genetic screening of fetuses with brain anomalies detected by MRI and ultrasonography: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Moradi Behnaz , Ariaei Armin , Heidari‐Foroozan Mahsa , Banihashemian Masoumeh , Ghorani Hamed , Rashidi‐Nezhad Ali , Kazemi Mohammad Ali , Taheri Morteza Sanei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundBrain anomalies (BAs) have been the focus of research, as they have a high impact on fetal health but therapeutic and diagnostic approaches are limited.ObjectivesIn this study, the application and efficiency of exome sequencing (ES) in detecting different cases of BAs in fetuses were evaluated and compared with chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA).Search strategyTo conduct this study, three databases including PubMed, Web of Science and Embase were utilised with the keywords ‘prenatal’, ‘diagnoses’, ‘brain anomalies’ and ‘exome sequencing’.Selection criteriaStudies were included based on the STARD checklist, for which the ES and CMA diagnostic yields were calculated.Data collection and analysisMeta‐analysis was performed on the included studies using a random‐effects model and subgroup analysis to define the risk difference between them.Main resultsWe included 11 studies representing 779 fetuses that implemented ES along with imaging techniques. The pooled ES diagnostic yield in fetuses with BAs detected through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography was 26.53%, compared with 3.46% for CMA. The risk difference between ES and CMA for complex BAs was 0.36 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24–0.47], which was higher than for single BAs (0.22; 95% CI 0.18–0.25].ConclusionsES is a useful method with a significantly higher diagnostic yield than CMA for genetic assessment of fetuses with complex BAs detected by imaging techniques. Moreover, ES could be applied to suspected fetuses with related family histories to predict congenital diseases with high efficiency.
Genetic and molecular biomarkers for geographic atrophy
Authors: Riley‐Gillis Bridget , Huh Hannah , Shen Jie , den Hollander Anneke I. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractGeographic atrophy (GA) is characterized by atrophy of the retina, retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris, causing a gradual loss of vision over time. Treatment options to prevent initiation or progression of GA are limited; two recently FDA‐approved inhibitors of the complement system (pegcetacoplan, avacincaptad pegol) showed a modest decrease in GA lesion growth in phase 3 clinical trials. Exploration of genetic and molecular biomarkers in GA plays a critical role in our battle against this blinding disease to improve early disease detection, to find more effective therapies, and to provide personalized care to patients. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current literature investigating genetic and molecular biomarkers for GA. Genetic studies identified multiple genes and variants that play a role in progression to GA and GA lesion growth, involving pathways such as complement activation, extracellular matrix interaction and lipid metabolism. The number of published studies assessing molecular biomarkers for GA initiation and progression in ocular matrices is limited. Several studies evaluated molecular biomarkers in the systemic circulation, showing higher levels of complement activation and a causal role of lipid subfractions in GA. Larger, well‐powered studies are needed to identify novel and validate existing biomarkers, and to investigate the potential of combining genetic and molecular markers with imaging techniques for more accurate diagnosis and monitoring of GA. The development of personalized medicine approaches based on individual genetic and molecular profiles could hold promise for more effective and targeted treatments for this devastating disease.
Establishing an esketamine clinic in Australia: Practical recommendations and clinical guidance from an expert panel
Authors: Thornton Nicollette L. R. , Black Warwick , Bognar Adrian , Dagge Daniel , Gitau Teresia , Hua Bruce , Joks Gero , King Jarrad , Lord Andrew , Scott Elizabeth M. , Callander Jelena Smit , Ting Serena , Liu Dennis 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) can have severe impacts on function and quality of life. Up to one third of patients will have an inadequate response to their first line of treatment, with subsequent lines of therapy associated with lower remission rates and higher relapse rates. Recently esketamine has become available for Australian patients, and this agent provides an additional treatment option for those with MDD who have had an inadequate response to two or more antidepressant therapies during the current moderate to severe depressive episode. This paper provides an expert panel's practical recommendations and clinical guidance for establishing esketamine clinics in Australia.MethodsAn expert panel (n = 11) comprising psychiatrists, mental health care nurses, pharmacists, and individuals with experience establishing esketamine clinics was convened in Sydney. The panel developed practical recommendations and clinical guidance, which were then further refined.ResultsFive key areas were identified: practical considerations for esketamine clinic set‐up, including multidisciplinary care considerations; patient selection; administering esketamine; adverse event management and long‐term follow‐up.ConclusionsGuidance presented in this paper should assist Australian clinicians to set up an esketamine clinic, and provide practical advice on the infrastructure and clinical requirements for treatment of patients with this agent.
A pilot study of orelabrutinib treatment in three cases of refractory/relapsed autoimmune haemolytic anaemia/Evans syndrome
Authors: Liu Hui , Ding Kai , Zhang Wei , Xing Limin , Wang Yihao , Wang Huaquan , Song Jia , Li Lijuan , Fu Rong 
Published: November 2023

SummaryCurrently, there is no effective treatment for refractory/relapsed (R/R) autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA), associated with poor quality of life. Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors have begun to be used in some autoimmune diseases. We initiated the clinical trial of orelabrutinib treatment on R/R AIHA/Evans Syndrome, which is in progress. The preliminary results showed that nine of the 12 enrolled patients responded to orelabrutinib treatment. Here, we reported three cases who have completed the treatment and were followed up for 6 months, achieving complete or partial remission. Orelabrutinib is expected to become a new second‐line treatment for R/R AIHA/Evans syndrome.
A comment on Dincecco et al. (2022): Pre‐colonial warfare and long‐run development in India
Authors: Forshaw Rachel , Ölkers Tim , Sethi Ritika , Sovani Manali 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe test the reproducibility and replicability of M. Dincecco, J. Fenske, A. Menon and S. Mukherjee (2022), which reports a positive relationship between pre‐colonial interstate warfare and long‐run development patterns across India. Overall, we confirm that all of the study's estimates are computationally reproducible using the provided replication package in Stata, but note that the ease of replication could be improved by the provision of code and intermediate data sets for the conflict exposure measure. We test for and find no evidence of data manipulation in the final data sets. Concerning direct replicability, we consider different ways of measuring distance to conflicts and also alternative proxies for both the dependent variable and variables that capture channels by which the main effects operate. We find that some estimates are sensitive to the type of conflict considered. Other estimates are sensitive to the time period considered, most likely due to time heterogeneity in the number of conflicts recorded. Nevertheless, most estimates are substantially in line with the original study.
Accuracy of digital implant impressions using a novel structured light scanning system assisted by a planar mirror in the edentulous maxilla: An in vitro study
Authors: Ke Yifang , Zhang Yaopeng , Tian Sukun , Chen Hu , Sun Yuchun 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to develop a structured light scanning system with a planar mirror to enhance the digital full‐arch implant impression accuracy and to compare it with photogrammetry and intraoral scanner methods.Materials and MethodsAn edentulous maxillary stone cast with six scan bodies was scanned as the reference model using a laboratory scanner. Three scanning modalities were compared (n = 10): (1) self‐developed structured light scanning with a mirror (SSLS); (2) intraoral scanner (IOS); and (3) photogrammetry system (PG). The scanners were stopped for 1 min after each scan. Six scan bodies were analysed within each scan model. Linear deviations between the scan bodies (1–2, 1–3, 1–4, 1–5, and 1–6) and 3D mucosal deviations were established. The overall deviation was calculated as the mean of all linear deviations. “Trueness” represented the discrepancy between the test and reference files, while “precision” denoted the consistency among the test files. Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for statistical analyses.ResultsSignificant overall linear discrepancies were noted among the SSLS, PG, and IOS groups (p < .001). SSLS showed the best overall trueness and precision (6.6, 5.7 μm), followed by PG (58.4, 6.8 μm) and IOS (214.6, 329.1 μm). For the 3D mucosal deviation, the trueness (p < .001) and precision (p < .001) of the SSLS group were significantly better than those of the IOS group.ConclusionsThe SSLS exhibited higher accuracy in determining the implant positions than the PG and IOS. Additionally, it demonstrated better accuracy in capturing the mucosa than IOS.
TOX, TWIST1, STAT4, and SATB1 protein expressions in early‐stage mycosis fungoides
Authors: Örnek Sinem , Ozekinci Selver , Ipin Tugba , Kocaturk Emek 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundDiagnosis of early mycosis fungoides (eMF) is challenging and often delayed as many of its clinical and histopathologic features may mimic various benign inflammatory dermatoses (BIDs). The products of the thymocyte selection‐associated high mobility group box (TOX), twist family BHLH transcription factor 1 (TWIST1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4), and special AT‐rich sequence‐binding protein 1 (SATB1) genes function as transcription factors and are involved in the pathogenesis of MF.ObjectivesWe aim to determine the diagnostic value of TOX, TWIST1, STAT4, and SATB1 protein expressions in eMF.MethodsThis non‐randomized, controlled, prospective analytic study was conducted by performing immunohistochemistry staining with TOX, TWIST1, STAT4, and SATB1 polyclonal antibodies in lesional skin biopsies of eMF and BID patients. Nuclear staining of lymphocytes was compared between eMF and BIDs, and the capacity of these antibodies to predict eMF was determined.ResultsImmunostainings with anti‐TWIST1 showed an increase in protein expression (p = 0.003) and showed a decrease with anti‐SATB1 antibodies in eMF compared to BIDs (p = 0.005) while anti‐TOX and anti‐STAT4 antibodies did not exhibit significant differences (p = 0.384; p = 0.150). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that immunohistochemical evaluations of TWIST1 and SATB1 protein expressions can differentiate eMF (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.728, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.605–0.851, p = 0.002; AUC: 0.686, 95% CI: 0.565–0.807, p = 0.013).ConclusionsTWIST1 and SATB1 are potential diagnostic markers for the histologic diagnosis of eMF.
Three atypical/malignant onychopapillomas in a 52‐case series with immunohistochemical study
Authors: André Josette , Ewbank Alexandre , Moulonguet Isabelle , Richert Bertrand 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundOnychopapilloma (OP) is a benign tumor of the nail. Haneke reported one case of malignant OP in 2021. No systematic immunohistochemistry study has been conducted on OP. The aim of our study was to identify possible malignant OP in our series of OP and to describe the immunohistochemical expression of p16, p53, and Ki67 in typical and atypical/malignant ones.MethodsNinety‐one cases were available for pathological review. Immunohistochemical analysis could be performed on 52 cases.ResultsIn 88 of 91 cases, the diagnosis of OP was confirmed. Three atypical/malignant cases were observed. No OP expressed p16. A normal p53 expression was observed in two thirds of the cases, an abnormal increased p53 expression in one third, including the three atypical cases. A normal Ki67 expression was observed in 84% of the cases, an abnormal Ki67 expression with focal heterogeneous expression in the suprabasal layers in 6% and in all suprabasal cell layers in 10%, including the three atypical cases.ConclusionsThe diagnosis of atypical/malignant OP may be underestimated. The expression of Ki67 and p53 in these tumors differs from the expression observed in conventional OP. The absence of p16 expression confirms that human papillomavirus does not play a role in the etiopathogenesis of OP.
Microstructural changes of peripheral nerves in early multiple sclerosis: A prospective magnetic resonance neurography study
Authors: Foesleitner Olivia , Sturm Volker , Hayes Jennifer , Weiler Markus , Sam Georges , Wildemann Brigitte , Wick Wolfgang , Bendszus Martin , Heiland Sabine , Jäger Laura Bettina 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). However, there is increasing evidence of peripheral nerve involvement. This study aims to characterize the pattern of peripheral nerve changes in patients with newly diagnosed MS using quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) neurography.MethodsIn this prospective study, 25 patients first diagnosed with MS according to the revised McDonald criteria (16 female, mean age = 32.8 ± 10.6 years) and 14 healthy controls were examined with high‐resolution 3‐T MR neurography of the sciatic nerve using diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI; 20 diffusional directions, b = 0, 700, 1200 s/mm2) and magnetization transfer imaging (MTI). In total, 15 quantitative MR biomarkers were analyzed and correlated with clinical symptoms, intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis, electrophysiology, and lesion load on brain and spine MR imaging.ResultsPatients showed decreased fractional anisotropy (mean = 0.51 ± 0.04 vs. 0.56 ± 0.03, p < 0.001), extra‐axonal tortuosity (mean = 2.32 ± 0.17 vs. 2.49 ± 0.17, p = 0.008), and radial kurtosis (mean = 1.40 ± 0.23 vs. 1.62 ± 0.23, p = 0.014) and higher radial diffusivity (mean = 1.09 ∙ 10−3 mm2/s ± 0.16 vs. 0.98 ± 0.11 ∙ 10−3 mm2/s, p = 0.036) than controls. Groups did not differ in MTI. No significant association was found between MR neurography markers and clinical/laboratory parameters or CNS lesion load.ConclusionsThis study provides further evidence of peripheral nerve involvement in MS already at initial diagnosis. The characteristic pattern of DKI parameters indicates predominant demyelination and suggests a primary coaffection of the peripheral nervous system in MS. This first human study using DKI for peripheral nerves shows its potential and clinical feasibility in providing novel biomarkers.